Weekend Things

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the first monthly blogger "open mic" -- it was a lot of fun! If you haven't yet checked out the performances/etc., you can do so on this page. Your comments were much appreciated. I'm super critical of myself -- especially of my voice, for some odd reason -- so to know it wasn't absolutely heinous . . . well . . . is nice.

Friday afternoon, Stephen and I headed out to the country with my mom and dad to look at a house. We're not totally sure that we're moving (we'd have to sell our house to make it work -- yikes!), but we definitely fell in love with what we saw. Including the surrounding area.

Ooooooooh . . .

Ahhhhhhhhh . . .


Though we're trying to keep our cool about the whole thing, Stephen did say when we left the place: "I've never loved ANYTHING so much in my life." Excluding me, of course. Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

FRIDAY STYLE


Dress and shoes: Target
Jeans: Gap
Belt: Kohl's
Scarf: Borrowed from Stephen

So, that concludes my month with the 30 for 30. It was incredibly difficult for me, so I'll stick with my full wardrobe from now on. What it did force me to do, however, is think of my clothes in new and interesting ways. And get better at taking style photos of myself.

Too much better, if you ask me. Just look at that attitude!

Stay tuned for March detox information -- including two tasty recipes. I started today . . . and so far, so good! While you're at it, what did you do this weekend?

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Blogtastic "Open Mic" -- Here We Go!

Soooooooooooooo. As you'll see, I didn't end up singing a Radiohead song. I tried, but it wasn't pretty. In fact, I ended up recording this video at like 6:30 this morning. Ack! I'm not thrilled because I should have prepared better.

Next time. Next time.

The link list tool I usually use has gone to a charge system. Double ACK! So, if you'd like to share your "open mic" selection with the rest of us, please leave a comment with a link to your specific post. I'll hop on later today and list them in the post.

OPEN MIC -- FEBRUARY 2011

Steff @ Steff Says
Ashley @ (never home)maker
Jennifer @ Food for Todd
Chelsea @ zipped
Liz @ The Sixth Letter
Alex @ Piano Blog
Tamara @ love and be loved
Suki @ [super duper fantastic]
Hannah @ Running in Freedom
Melody @ Strut the Line

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Random Thursday Stuff

#1: CAT LADY . . . I fear I'm becoming that crazy cat lady. You know -- that woman down the street who stares longingly into the distance as she brags about what her fur-babies (gag!) did that day. Many most of my friends seem to have babies and children around. Lots of photos of cute stuff their kids do and adorable outfits their kids wear.

We just have our cats. At least for now.

Anyway, this is Scully's new pose. She lays this way for hours on end, usually on the wood floor. Like she's training for a Guinness Book record or something. We may just need to time her one of these days.

#2: FOOD RUT . . . I've toyed with the idea of doing another Day in the Life of my Stomach series. I enjoyed it last year -- even learned some stuff about my habits that helped me. Thing is, what I eat on a daily basis is pretty boring. (Yes, I've tried new things -- like soy-glazed salmon -- but still!)

Take breakfast, for example.


Every day for the past couple weeks, I've munched on a bowl of Kashi's Autumn Wheat cereal. With almond milk. Sometimes with a dab of peanut butter on top. Sometimes with half a grapefruit, too. I even poured my Roasted Quinoa "Tea" over it once. (Tasted OK, but not great.).

I guess I'm happy in my food rut at the moment. In fact, when I tried to break out of it and try something new. (Specifically, a wheat-free, gluten-free bread recipe.) Well, disaster struck. I almost set fire to our kitchen. I would have snapped a photo . . . but I was too busy waving smoke out our back door.

This isn't to say I'm not lusting over some incredible eats. Here are the top recipes I'm eying at the moment:

DESSERTS:

Emily's Black Quinoa Blueberry Pudding
Ashley's Coconut-Almond-Chocolate Butter
Angela's No-Bake PB-Chocolate Crispies w/ PB "Fudge"
Sarah's Cookie Dough Dip
Heidi's Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies

MEALS:

Helene's Salmon and Swiss Chard Quiche
Katie's Sunday Morning Baked Eggs
Deb's Baked Potato Soup
Joy's Ginger and Lentil Soup


#3: OPEN MIC . . . Just a reminder that the Blogtastic "Open Mic" is still set for next Friday, February 25th. Not sure how many people are going to take part -- but the more the merrier! We had a sign-up list that all of a sudden stopped working, so if you signed up . . . thank you. If not, it doesn't matter. On the 25th, we'll post a fresh list where you can link to your post.


#4: NO SHAMPOO . . . Last of random thoughts for today: The No-Shampoo Project. We wrote about Stephen's switch from shampoo to a more natural, eco- and scalp-friendly approach back in December. Next week, we're going to post how it's going. And I'm starting my own adventure with the process.

To be honest, I'm somewhat afraid. And if my hair turns into an absolute oil sponge, I'll have to switch back.

Nothing specific to ask today. How are you? Just leave a comment or email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

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Green Eggs, er, Banana Scramble . . .

It's been a while since we posted a banana scramble recipe. And it's also been a while, as some of you have pointed out, since we've posted a vegan recipe. It's not that we've forgotten about that part of the site. Far from it. We've just been eating a TON of plain fruits and veggies, and when we've made something recipe-worthy, it's had eggs, cheese, or yogurt in it.

It happens. But all you vegans (and vegan-lovers) out there should appreciate this breakfast.

SAVORY BANANA SCRAMBLE -- OPEN-FACED

What you'll need . . .

• 1 large banana, mashed
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 (or so) scoop Midori Greens (or other greens supplement)
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped green pepper
• Hot sauce
• Whole wheat English muffin, toasted

Method . . .

1. Mash your banana well -- until egg-y. Then mix in the cornmeal, paprika, Greens, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Spritz a bit of canola or olive oil into a frying pan over medium-high heat and toss in your green pepper. Cook for a few minutes -- until softened and lightly browned. Then toss these into the banana mixture.
3. Lower the heat a bit and spritz in a bit more oil. Pour in the banana mixture and cook -- lightly mixing with a pancake flipper (the technical name isn't with me right now). Toss around until lightly browned.
4. Lay out your English muffin on a plate and divide your banana mixture into two sections. Top each muffin with half the mixture. Top with hot sauce.
5. Enjoy.

If you don't have a greens supplement, I imagine if you pulsed the banana in a food processor with some spinach or kale, that'd do the trick as well. It's sort of like making a green smoothie.

BLOGTASTIC "OPEN MIC"

We're SUPER DUPER excited at all the interest in the Blogtastic "Open Mic" that's we're hosing on February 25th. For more information, see our previous post with all the details.

And if you'd like to sign up officially (don't be scared -- we're all in this together!), rather than emailing us -- please add your name and blog name to this list (feed readers may need to hop on to neverhomemaker.com). We're thinking we'll post a similar list the day of so you may link to your specific post.



THURSDAY STYLE

I have a feeling opinions will be split on this one. I tried pairing my loose-fitting top with a thicker belt than usual. I also tried not wearing jeans to work. I like it -- but there's probably something wrong with wearing a brown belt and black shoes.

I don't really have brown shoes (well, I have boots), and I'm not planning on buying any anytime soon.


Shirt: J. Crew (clearance)
Sweater vest and shoes: Target
Belt: Kohl's
Cords: Gap

My knitting project is coming right along. It's going to be at least double what you see in this photo. Another eternity scarf. Just really exaggerated for extra warmth.

If you'd like to catch up on my style transformation, just click these links:

• Post 1: Fleece and Luon -- No More!
• Post 2: Weekend Happenings -- Style Edition.
• Post 3: Yet Another Belted Shirt
• Post 4: Resisting the Belt. For Today.
• Post 5: Blogtastic "Open Mic" and Friday Style
• Post 6: New Wardrobe!
• Post 7: Fish, Cornbread, and Jean Skirts

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

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Blogtastic "Open Mic" and Friday Style

One of my goals this year is to be more creative. To develop my inner-artist -- which, for me, is mostly through music. I'm auditioning for our campus's community chorus next week. So, that's a start -- and I'm super excited about it. I've also been playing guitar/singing for at least 15 minutes per day.

I'm not great, but I'm slowly re-gaining my range. Re-learning chords. Re-discovering my voice. My brother is even going to teach me some fingerpicking (I never really learned). Which leads me to something scary: I really want to do an open mic night . . . like: A LOT. I've wanted to do one pretty much since . . . forever.

BUT I'm absolutely terrified to sing alone in public.

It's not that I can't do it (I was in musicals, had solos in chorus concerts, and performed in a variety of other events throughout the years, including some karaoke hits). It's just extremely, extremely difficult for me.

Lights shining in my eyes.
Mic in front of me.
Crowd hushed.
FROZEN. Forgetting words and chords.
Suck-y singing. Ahh!

SOLUTION: The Blogtastic "Open Mic" event!

S.e.r.i.o.u.s.l.y. I haven't hammered out all the details yet, but I'm completely dedicated to making this happen. Many of you expressed your own desires to grow your creative sides this year. And here's your chance to showcase your progress!

• Anyone can participate. Singers. Instrument players. Poets. Fiction and other writers. Painters. Photographers. Crafters. Style gurus. If it's creative and can be shown online -- you're in.
• It's a Date: Friday, February 25th. This give y'all an entire month to create your piece and figure out a way to share. (Video is best -- even if you're just holding up your painting, for example, and briefly explaining it -- because we're at our most vulnerable . . . In other words: I challenge you to go outside your comfort zone. However, video isn't required to participate. Photos will do the trick, too.).
• What I need from you is a promise that you'll participate. A virtual pinky swear. A promise that you'll post your submission on Thursday, February 24th by midnight. That way, everyone can have the weekend to check out all the "performances" -- how fun!
• I'll also need your first name, blog name, and link to your blog -- in advance (you can just email us), please -- so I may create a list of stops on the Open Mic circuit. As well, it'd be nice if you could include the title or type of "performance" you are going to give.
• First round of folks will need to let us know by February 15th if they plan to participate. If all goes well, we'll host another event in March!
• Am I forgetting anything? Probably. If you have questions -- just email us at neverhomemaker [at] gmail [dot] com.

I guess at this point I'm looking to see if there's any interest in this type of thing. (Comment if you are!) If no one else wants to -- I may just post a video of myself singing and playing guitar. (Yikes! You've been warned.) Mostly for me, I guess. I can already hear you all laughing and turning down your speaker volume. Hah!

FRIDAY STYLE


Less than a week after I challenge myself to dress up more -- to stop wearing my active wear to work -- I'm sporting Luon again. But I figure it's Friday. The day after a minor snow storm. I've been prettied up all week.

Go easy on me!



Hoodie: Lululemon -- I know. I know!
Shirt (underneath) and jeans: Gap
Boots: Keen
If you'd like to catch up on my style transformation, just click these links:

• Post 1: Fleece and Luon -- No More!
• Post 2: Weekend Happenings -- Style Edition.
• Post 3: Yet Another Belted Shirt
• Post 4: Resisting the Belt. For Today.

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...