March 18, 2011 In Art & Design, oh etsy, things i want

Art for my wall

I’m on the hunt for some art pieces for my house. While I was in Barcelona I bought the loveliest print from a great art store I found. It was just too big to fit in my suitcase so I carried it around for the rest of my trip. Its was large and unyielding, and a HUGE pain to try and fit on as carry on every time we got on a train or flight, but I loved it so much it was totally worth the effort. I would constantly take it out of its plastic bag and tell my mum how fantastic I thought it was.

Unfortunately, it was one of the things that got destroyed in the fire whilst in transit so its no longer with me. Regardless, the whole experience wetted my appetite and inspired me to finally start that art collection I’ve so often dreamed about.

A couple of months ago I bought this clever print by Dean Trippe that combines two of my favourite things: Batman and Dr Who :) heehee! He also has done a second ‘comic cover’ featuring Superman, which I think could make a nice pair….

More recently I’ve been looking a some more ‘artsy’ prints, like the Jacqui Oakley Barn Owls print I posted about not long ago.
I spotted this lovely owl on Society 6 and immediately needed it as well. I know, I know. I always tend to gravitate to Owl related things, but I absolutely adore the colours in this print.

Elsie over at A Beautiful Mess posted about Charmaine Olivia‘s ‘Aiyana‘ print not too long ago, which I almost bought myself… but I then I fell in love with ‘Obidian’ (below). That hair is just so amazing in profile, I just must to have her!

I’m sure everyone has seen Julia Potts gorgeous artworks by now (if not, check out her etsy shop or her blog!) I have been after these two prints for a while now, but haven’t been able to get them yet as I couldn’t possibly just buy one and not the other!
 I regularly read Laura Bell’s blog, so how could I not want one of her wonderful hand stitched pieces for my wall?
Last but not least, I’ll have to save my pennies for one of these custom couple portraits done by tuesdaymourning! They are oh so simple and stylish, and so, so sweet!
 I love that there we have access to so many amazing artists all over the world. The internet really is a wonderful thing :)
March 15, 2011 In Fashion, things i want

Decisions Decisions

About once every couple of months I make the mistake of perusing the Urban Outfitters website. I love that store too much. (yes. Yet another of my shopping vices) Usually I talk myself out of purchases as my cart always add up to a couple hundred dollars, but as its payday this friday I’m thinking of allowing myself a bit of a splurge :) But now I have a real problem… I cant choose what colour dress I want!

I love them both! But I cant choose which colour I like the most! The purple is a colour that I would normally wear, and its so lovely and feminine, but its the orange that I really love. I dont usually wear colours that bright. Ahhhhh! I cant choose! Naturally, I have a few other items in my cart too… heehee!

March 12, 2011 In Uncategorized

Paella Recipe

Last night I made Paella for the first time and although I cheated a little bit (used some ingredients that shouldn’t be in there) it turned out delicious so I thought I would share it with you! Meals like paella and risotto are so easy and only used one pot (yay for less washing up!) I don’t know why I haven’t cooked them more before now!

INGREDIENTS:
500g chicken thigh fillets, trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces
200g of cooked prawns (heads removed)
200g of bacon, cut into 2cm strips
1 large brown onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed (or if you are me about 4 cloves!)
1 capsicum, finely diced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 cups of white rice (I used jasmine, but long grain rice is the usual type used)
1 can chopped Italian tomatoes (400g)
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup frozen peas
A large handfull of Green/string beans
RECIPE:
1. Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and  cook bacon until just crispy. remove and set aside.
2. Add chicken to frying pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden. Add onion, garlic and capsicum. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until soft
3. Add rice, turmeric, cumin, beans, prawns and stock to frying pan. Stir until well combined. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice and vegetables is tender.
(note: For a richer flavour/sauce also add a tin of diced tomatoes! I forgot to get some but it was just as delicious without it!)
4. Remove lid. Stir through bacon and peas. Cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve and Enjoy!This is a pretty filling meal so you should be able to serve at least 4 people with this amount :)

March 2, 2011 In Art & Design, oh etsy, things i want

Jacqui Oakley

Oh my! How I love these prints from Jacqui Oakley’s Etsy store. I’m trying to decide which ones I want to buy, its a very tough choice. I’m definitely buying the Barns Owls (above) It will look awesome above my desk. I love it more than words can say. Jacqui’s style is lovely. Her mastery of form and colour is superb.