Home. Sweet. Home.

Home. Sweet. Home.

 So the past few days have been a tortuous combination of anxiety and anticipation.  What you ask, could have me tossing and turning, tugging my hair, gnashing my teeth? The answer is housing.  In Santa Barbara finding the right place, for the right price, that doesn't look like a beach bum just stopped squatting in it yesterday can be quite a chore.  When you find these rare jewels you jump, you pounce, you bring cash and make promises.  Even then someone older than you and richer than you will probably take it.

So has been my thoughts the past few days as my cynicism rages freely and I await news on whether or not I snagged one of the few habitable places around in my price range.  Fireplace, check.  Wood floors, check two.  Victorian house converted to duplexes, stainless steel appliances, I could go on and on.  If you are reading this before Friday, send some good Karma my way. I need it!

  In the delusional anticipation of acquiring my dream home I decided to take inventory of a few choice pieces I own (That are here in Santa Barbara. Thanks Mom for storing all my furniture at home!) I've also been online window shopping and bargain hunting, which as any good bf or hubby can tell you is a dangerous, dangerous pass time. . .

Reason number one for a new place, I need a closet! How cliche, no? But seriously I'm using a clothing rack, which while cool in a kitschy way is not very practical for those of us who tend towards the messy side

What would look oh so inviting on hardwood floors? Why this lovely sheepskin rug I bought at Marshall's for $40.  (That secret has been haunting me for too long!) This could compensate for the fact that I can't get a dog at the new place. . .

If allowed I would fill my home with chachkies (spell check? lol) Right now this is only allowed to exist in a tiny corner.  Soon, soon it shall spread with a scary swiftness :)

The piece de resistance?  The little liquor table, which I will make much much larger when given the space.  Get excited!

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

 How do you get to Wonderland? Over the hill or underland, or just behind a tree. . .

Anyone within a ten mile radius of me during the first few months of 2009 will know how excited I was to be planning my best friend's baby shower.  My elation was doubled as it was a time for firsts; my first time planning an event and my first little baby nephew!  Well I'm happy to report (many months later) that it was a success! With everyone's hard work it was a truly special event full of unique details and personal touches.

I wanted everything to feel whimsical and magical.  I mean that's what pregnancy feels like right, RIGHT?!

Because we wanted to ensure that la petite pomme frite has plenty of clothes, we made some handcrafted onesies for little Michael to don. . .

We celebrated with a little tea for two, and two or three (or fifty) for tea. . . .

There were friends, gifts, happiness and love.  But nothing can compare to the happiness brought about this fall by a certain little pumpkin for a certain mama and friend. . .

Champagne and a Rosy Glow

Champagne and a Rosy Glow

While based on this blog it may seem like I spend my time either consumed by the computer or cooking in the kitchen, that is so not true.  Occasionally I actually venture out into the world to indulge in a little joie de vivre.

This weekend was one of those precious times.  I was lured out by my good friend in order to celebrate my recent promotion. Yay! No more "assistant" in my title. Now, time to drink.

Already in possession of a lovely bottle of champagne the task at hand became to find a fitting location.  After much debate we settled on the new, and extremely sexy Blush restaurant and lounge downtown.  Now while Blush is pricey, (and with some good reason like I said, veeery sexy.) we managed to settle our tab at a mere $21.00.  Amazing.  How did well pull of this little heist?  The oldest (and most bestest) trick in the book; corkage fee.

Upon arrival we were able to snag a table at the outdoor fireplace.  By snag I mean be pushy and help separate what was a four person arrangement in order to have more comfortable tete a tete. Totally worth it.  We then proceeded to order San Pellegrino, request a bucket to chill our champagne and commence the festivities.  What is the point of this little story? IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE FUN CHEAPLY IN SANTA BARBARA.

While it takes some craftiness and perseverance ( no Mr. Waiter I do NOT want to order anything, for the 20th time, thanks) the payoff is well worth it.

Now if money weren't an issue I would soon be buying this extravagant creation

Based off the saying that champagne should be sipped from a beautiful woman's slipper, this tongue-in-cheek vessel is made by none other than Louboutin in collaboration Piper-Heidsieck champagne.  It makes me feel like a drunken Cinderella which, me likey.  A more feminine counterpart to the Das Boot you can't go wrong either way because honestly, what's better than drinking out of a shoe?


Nothing my friend, the answer is nothing.

 

An Homage to the Great Pumpkin King

An Homage to the Great Pumpkin King

Again, I shall harp on the changing of the seasons.  I have come to realize that I really love fall.  It's chilly but still sunny (at least in California).  It smells nice like fresh air and wet leaves.  Basically, it's awesome.  So I have been celebrating the only way I know how, by eating and drinking!

I decided to try out this recipe courtesy of Yumsugar.com (and yes I am obsessed) for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.  The result: amazing!  One coworker even told me I should start a side-business making cookies.  Another called me Rachel la Galletera (roughly translated, Rachel the Cookie-teer).  So mission accomplished.   Please try making these, they are so good.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp clove
pinch of ground ginger
1/ 2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, room temperature
15 oz can of pure pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 cups chocolate chips ( I used dark chocolate chunks. What can I say, I'm indulgent)

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Sift together (or whisk in small bowl) flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger together and set aside.

         3.  Beat butter, brown sugar and sugar together in a large mixer bowl.

         4.  Add pumpkin and vanilla and mix until incorporated.

         5.  Add egg and beat well until fully incorporated.

         6.  Gradually (I do it in 3 batches) beat in flour mixture.

         7.  Stir in chocolate chips.

 

           8.  Drop rounded spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet

           9.  Bake for 13-15 minutes until edges start to brown.

 

                                                                                               Serve with Irish Cocoa and enjoy!

                                                                                                   

When Irish Eyes are Smiling. . .

When Irish Eyes are Smiling. . .

It's probably because they are drunk.  But according to the song. . .

Sure, tis' like the morning spring! In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing!

Sooo I'm not sure but I'm guessing that someone Irish wrote this song. Because as an Irishwoman myself, and not to be self deprecating, but my laughter is nothing like an angel's song. In the spirit of honesty I'll have to say; it. is. better. 

  Nothing induces Irish laughter (or Irish modesty) like a wee bit o' alchy.  Now I don't drink like I used to because I don't like vomiting or being arrested but I still love a good drink. As the temperatures have finally been dipping down to something bearable I decided to whip up a nice warm batch of Irish Cocoa.

The recipe to follow is a modification of the classic Irish Coffee.  It was modified mostly due to my inability to tolerate caffeine well and only partially due to the fact that I found some questionably old Nestle powdered cocoa in my cupboard.

Rachel's Irish Cocoa (or Cheapy McCheaperson's Irish Coffee)

plus a lot of:

 Add a dash of milk, the possibility of Jameson's Irish Whiskey, and you're all set!

Happiness, is a Warm Gun Mama. . .

Happiness, is a Warm Gun Mama. . .

So do you ever have one of those days, where whether it be baking, house-shopping, or simply dealing with the human race (can we say Sunday drivers!!!!) its all just too much to handle ? We'll I know I have those more often than I'd like.  This picture just tickles my fancy and speaks to those days where I'm more annoyed than I can even express.  I get so much joy out of the juxtaposition of the domesticity of a  cake and the violence of a gun. Is it scary if I say this is so me? This will be another addition to my upcoming move, even though after today's search I feel that everything in Santa Barbara is overpriced and overrated.  I blame the rich fascist regime that governs this town. . .