2010 February — the Blah Blah Blahger

A Beautiful Handmade Clutch

February 25, 2010 By JJ

My little sister is so creative. She’s just an artist, in general. Everything she creates is beautiful, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being a little jealous!

For Christmas, she gave me a pile of fabric…turns out she had too many projects going on and at the last minute, she just said screw it. Naturally, being the understanding (skinny and very beautiful – ha!) sister that I am, I told her not to sweat it and just give me the project anytime.

Well last night, she made a special delivery and I was BLOWN AWAY! Her attention to detail is amazing, her finish work is precise, and her creativity is apparent.

If you’re interested in a pouch, makeup bag, or small purse that is similar to mine, she’s currently taking orders. Her Etsy site isn’t live, yet, but when I get through with her, she’ll be all over the web! ; ) In the meantime, please feel free to email me at jj@theblahblahblahger.com and I can get your information to her!

My sister is beautiful and she inspires me and I’m sharing her with the world (and Melissa’s site) today!

DIY Diva

Don’t Wait for Something Special

February 25, 2010 By JJ

This weekend, I cleaned out my garage and opened a box toward the back that housed something special…my great grandmother’s depression glass dishes.

I felt like a fool for forgetting they were there.

Aside from the fact that it just cemented my heinously messy garage, I was sad that I hadn’t used the beautiful pink dishes in some time. Because I live alone, I sometimes think that my dinners (alone or with friends) aren’t special, but then I changed my mind.

If I’ve got something as special as my great grandmother Edla’s depression glass dishes, why on earth shouldn’t I use them and celebrate her memory?!?! I decided then and there to get them out of the garage, give them a good cleaning and use them ASAP!

I used the gorgeous dishes on Sunday for my dinner party and last night for dinner with my friend Ashley. And dinner felt special. All because I used a part of my family heritage, rather than keeping it away for something special…USING the dishes made dinner great and if YOU’VE got something like this tucked away, I encourage you to break them out and celebrate them, too!

I also received a special piece of decor this week. My friend Lindsay has an Etsy shop that I highly encourage you to go check out. I saw what she was selling and bought an item right away, because I support her dreams and because, dang it, I loved this tassle!!!

Lastly, I freaking bought my first iMac this week. It’s special as can be, and I’m totally obsessed. I need to name it now. Have any ideas???

Do you have special heirlooms or items that you keep putting off for a special day, but should be using more often? If you do, I highly encourage you to go for it, and stop waiting for that perfect opportunity. Celebrate the special every day and I think you’ll be happier than you could ever imagine!

DIY Diva

Kitchen Confidential: Baked Chicken Provençal

February 22, 2010 By JJ

Sooooo, I finally cooked. It’s been ages. Why has it been so long since I’ve stepped foot inside my kitchen??? Your guess is as good as mine.

Do to the poopy weather this weekend, my shoots were cancelled, so I had plenty of time to organize/clean out my atrocious car and garage. I also had time to grocery shop and cook…and it felt good!

I invited some friends over for dinner and we had belly laughs and tons of fun AND I tried a new recipe that wasn’t disastrous!!!

Check out my latest dish, Chicken Provençal:

First, I began with a delicious cava (the Spanish version of champagne). It was AMAZING!

Hello yummy ingredients! 4 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, thyme, tarragon, EVOO, 3/4 tsp salt, 1 (3 1/2 lb) chicken, 1 lemon, quartered, 1 lb whole small red potatoes, 2 red onions, each cut into 6 wedges, 3 plum tomatoes, halved, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 zucchini, 1 yellow squash.

Using the fresh herbs, EVOO, and some salt, create a paste and mix it together, then rub it under the skin and onto the breast and legs.

Quarter a lemon and jam it up inside the chicken. Ya, I just said that.

The last step involves wrapping the legs together with kitchen twine, then placing the vegetables all around the chicken. Cook on 425 for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is done (at about 180 degrees internally). I ended up having to cook mine for longer as I’m not really a fan of raw chicken. : )

Sadly, I didn’t get an after picture because we tore into the delicious meal like vampires (sorry, Twilight was a topic of discussion at dinner). However, the bird was juicy and perfectly seasoned. We all agreed the recipe was a good one and that this would go into a regular rotation!

I’m sharing this recipe with my friends at Tasty Tuesday. Head over there for more yummy recipes STAT!