Sunday, December 20, 2009

Cooking Adventure with Julia Child

Sorry I haven't posted this sooner. I know its has been a couple weeks since I have had my big Cooking adventure. I am happy to report it was a success. I cooked a wonderful meal with my hubby. We love to cook especially when we can cook together. We decided that since the Movie really inspired me to cook that we should cook a Julia Child recipe. I was a little worried that it wouldn't turn out but happily, I was wrong. We cooked Poulet Saute' aux Herbes de Provence. This was the Best meal Joseph and i have ever eaten. The chicken had the best flavors and was so moist it melts in your mouth.

Poulet Sauté Aux Herbes de Provence
adapted from Julia Child’s recipe at Epicurious

Chicken:
1/2 c. butter (or goose fat, if you have it)
1 3 - 3 1/2 lb chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or an assortment of chicken pieces, all legs etc)
1 t. dried thyme
1 t. dried basil
1/4 t. fennel seeds, ground in a spice grinder
3 unpeeled garlic cloves
1/2 c. dry white vermouth ( or 2/3 c. dry white wine)

Sauce:
2 large egg yolks
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. vermouth or dry white wine
2 T. chopped fresh basil

Chicken:
Melt butter in a large wide pot over medium high heat. Working in batches, if necessary, add chicken pieces and cook until golden, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes per batch. Once all chicken has been sauteed, transfer chicken breast pieces to a plate, and return all other pieces to the pot. Sprinkle about 2/3 to 3/4 of the thyme, basil, and fennel over the chicken in the pot, and the remaining spices over the breast pieces. Season all pieces with salt and pepper. Add garlic to the pot. Cover pot, reduce heat to medium, and cook 8 to 9 minutes. Return breast pieces to pot, then baste chicken with butter in pot. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, turning and basting occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter, and cover.

Remove peel from garlic, then mash the cloves in the pot. Add vermouth or wine, then boil until reduced to about 3/4 c., occasionally scraping the bottom of the pan. Pour the pan juices into a measuring cup and reserve for sauce.

Sauce:
Off heat, whisk egg yolks in heavy small saucepan until beginning to thicken. Whisk in lemon juice and vermouth or wine. Gradually whisk reserved pan juices into eggs, a small bit at a time. Set sauce over a very low heat and whisk constantly until warm and slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in basil, and season with salt and pepper. Spoon chicken over sauce and serve. Enjoy!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pictures of our Cooking Adventure......




Hopefully Once a week we will be having a Cooking Adventure and I will blog and share it with you. Until then Keep watching for more Cooking adventures.
Bon Apetit !

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Was on the Front page

I was on the Front page of etsy and I didn't even know it. August 06, 2009 at 4:00 am my Halloween Pumpkin banner was Featured on the Front page of Etsy.

This really Made my Day :0)
Check out Craftcult.com It is a awesome website.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Day off

I know I told you all I would try and write a blog yesterday. Of course that didn't happen. Yesterday My Hubby and I had a day off together. It was a lazy and fun day running errands, seeing family and just being lazy at home. We watched Christmas movies, ate Christmas candy and just hung out around the house. We also rented the Movie Julie and Julia. I don't think I have ever watched a movie that made me want to cook and Blog. It was a fantastic movie Which I am planning to own. I Love the idea of blogging through a cook book . I wish i had thought of that first. This movie has inspired me that I can cook. So tonight I am cooking for my hubby. It will be an adventure but I think if Julia Childs can do it then I can too. I am hoping to get her cook book and try out some of her recipes. I am also hoping to be posting pictures and blog about the adventure I had cooking this dinner. We will see how it goes. Wish me luck.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

It has been a long time

Hello Blog readers,
It has been a long time since a wrote a blog. I am hoping to keep up with this blog from now on. I am sorry for no updates. It has been a little crazy around here. For a etsy Find Update i ahve made several purchases from the last post. More Essential oil lotions soap and much more. I have also bought my my dog a hoodie for winter.Here is a picture of her in it:

The hoodie was purchased from Pb&js world Please Check ou there shop they have a amazing shop:
www.PBJWorld.etsy.com
I have purchased alot of Christmas gifts
But of course have made many purchases for my self. I jsut cant help it.
I had a custom hat ,Scarf and Bella inspired Gloves made from Knittopotamus . Which are amazing.Check ou her shop here. www.Knittopotamus.etsy.com
In other news My etsy shop is still going strong. My goal is to hit 300 Sales by the end of the year. I probably wont hit it but there is the Dream that I might. Thanks to everyone for there support. You guys rock. Thanks for reading. Hopefully I will have a entry tomorrow :0)

Friday, September 18, 2009

Etsy Finds !!!

This blog is about some recent Etsy finds I have found. I have been on a hunt looking for all Natural Vegan products. I have had to switch all of my bath and beauty cleaning and much more over Because of my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have recently learned that switching over to all natural products ( no chemicals, Perfume, fragrance and anything plastic (PVC). Will help my symptoms in the long run. So the past couple of weeks have been crazy trying to find all what I need with out breaking the bank.

I have made some purchases from a couple shops on etsy. My first purchases where from Maylee's Garden. Maylee's Sales has wonderful variety of essential oil soaps and Landry soap. Her items are amazing. Plus I love that she is a local artist . I love supporting love supporting local artist. From now on all my soap and Landry soap need will be from Maylee's garden!!!
Here is what I purchased:

Tangerine and Clove soap


Spearmint and Citrus


Lemongrass


Tangerine and Lime Landry Soap

My Second purchase was from CopperOrchid. Her shop is also amazing I posted a custom for a few items. She made exactly what i was looking for. Plus when the items Smell amazing. Here is what I purchased from her shop.


Fiji Dream bath salts

Chocolate Pom grated


Australian Lotus


Fiji Dream Lip balm


Moulin Rouge

I cant say enough about these shops.They are Amazing and I will be back to both shops to make more purchases.Check out Both of there shops. I have provided links to there shops Below.Thanks for reading!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Maylee's Garden
Etsy shop: www.Mayleesgarden.etsy.com
also check out Libby's Artfire shop. Search Maylees Garden. (for some reason I get her link up for her artfire shop)
Copper Orchid
Etsy shop :www.CopperOrchid.etsy.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

150 is my lucky number

150 must be my lucky number. Last night I hit my 150 sales mark on my etsy shop.I also hit my 150 mark on my Blog Followers.

Thanks so much to My Blog readers and Etsy Supporters.You all are awesome.

Help me out with next goal and Become a fan of my Facebook Fan Page for Expressions By Devin:
Go to the Side bar and Look for the tab that Says facebook Click there and it will take you to my Fanpage.

Thanks Again to everyone who has supported me and my shop!!!!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Etsy Shopping Spree Review

A couple of weeks ago I decided to spend some of my pay pal money on myself. I posted a alchemy request up on etsy. I had several bids (47 to be exact) All wonderful items But one sellers shop caught my eye. I love hold made soap and beauty products. I decided that I had found what I was looking for at Kupcake naturals. I received my My 15 dollar gift basket in the mail yesterday. I got to use all the items today.Here is what I got in my basket.




The face soap is Awesome it is made out of Bentonite Clay. I have naturally oily skin. I have tried tons of face products, But Kupcake Natural has done the trick. My face hasn't been oily all day. I would recommend this product to everyone who has oily skin.


This soap is delightful and yummy.No other words to describe it. I love the smell of it and it leaves my skin silky smooth.


For some reason this picture and the picture of the lip balm are small sorry about that.

I LOVE the sugar scrub.After taking a shower this morning.4 hours later I can still smell the Pink daiquiri scent on my scent!!!


The best lip balm I have bought on etsy.I love how she puts in a melts small container that can fit in your pocket or in a small pouch in my purse and still can get it out easily.

As you have read in this blog I am very pleased with my purchase and Definitely will be back to buy from this seller again. I would recommend her shop to anyone who loves soap.



Check out her shop at www.kupcakenaturals.etsy.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

Weekly Blog feature : State Fair theme

This weeks Feature is Close to my heart.This weeks Kentucky state Fair starts this week. I have been entering something every year since I was eight years old.It's a Family tradition. So this weeks theme is all about the fair.

Every week On Expressions By Devin There will be a Blog featuring 4 Amazing Etsy Artist and there items. Each week Will have a Different theme.






1.) Ferris Wheel Necklace
www.pinktophat.etsy.com

2.)Yummy Corn Dog Necklace
www.nerdburger.etsy.com

3.) Cotton Candy soap
www.loveleesoaps.etsy.com

4.)White Cow
www.betsyscows.etsy.com

Bonus Photo:
Here is a photo of my state fair entry.If you live in Kentucky make sure you check my Card.



Check back for updates on the State Fair and about my card.Thanks for reading have a wonderful Monday!!!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Weekly Feature: Back to school Theme





1.)Backpack in pink and brown
www.mehran.etsy.com

2.)Turtle friend penical pouch
www.Itybitybags.etsy.com

3.)Alexander Henry Pink Apples and Pears
www.MushyBug.etsy.com


4.)2009-2010 VINTAGE OWL UNDATED TEACHER STUDENT BACK TO SCHOOL MONTHLY PLANNER
www.VintageKittyShop.etsy.com

Check back next week For a New theme.You never know One of your items may be featured :0)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Weekly Feature : Chicago theme





Every week On Expressions By Devin There will be a Blog featuring 4 Amazing Etsy Artist and there items. Each week Will have a Different theme.

This Week is CHicago theme items , Since i am going for a weeking get away to Chicago.

1.)Chicago hot dog Note cards
www.scarletbloom.etsy.com

2.)Chicago Print
www.printedcanvas1.etsy.com

3.)Chicago Love tote bag
www.girlfacedesign.etsy.com

4.)Chciago map neckalce charm
www.TheCorrespondenceCo.etsy.com
thanks for reading. Check back next week for another amazing feature!!!!

Monday, July 20, 2009

Monday Feature On Ice Cream





This Monday On Expressions By Devin There will be a Blog featuring 4 Amazing Etsy Artist and there items. Each week Will have a Different theme.

This Week it is a Ice Cream theme a Summer treat.
Sorry this theme is a little late, Last week I was crazy busy.

1.)8x10 Print On Matte Fine Art Paper. I Dream You Dream
www.studiopetite.etsy.com

2.)Dotty Banana Soapsicle - Soap on a Stick
www.bodybeautiful.etsy.com

3.)Oreo Cookies And Cream Milkshake Candle
www.simonesctrycandles.etsy.com

4.)Cute Summer Tote With An Ice Cream Cone Recycled Material Tote bag
www.rubbishtees.etsy.com

Bonus:
A new item in my shop!!!!



www.devinprather.etsy.com

Make sure you check out this Amazing shops and there items

Don't forget to Check back next Monday for another feature. Next Weeks Theme is Ice Cream!!!!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Monday Feature: Butterfly Theme







Every Monday On Expressions By Devin There will be a Blog featuring 4 Amazing Etsy Artist and there items. Each week Will have a Different theme.

This Week it is a Butterfly theme Since I love butterflies

1. Creativeeyestudios: Fly Away - Silver Butterly Earrings
www.Creativeeyestudio.etsy.com

2. RobinsEggBlue: Big Brass Butterfly and Freshwater Pearl Necklace
www.RobinsEggBlue.etsy.com

3. pammydawn: Mariposa - Monarch Butterfly OOAK Wool Felt Pin or Hair Clip
www.pammydawn.etsy.com

4.Thompsondesigns: Butterfly Collection
www.Thompsondesigns.etsy.com
Make sure you check out this Amazing shops and there items

Dont forget to Check back next Monday for another feature. Next Weeks Theme is Ice Cream!!!!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Most Awesome Birthday Ever!!!

Wednesday June 24th was my 23rd Birthday.My Husband I planned a little day trip to Indianapolis that day.We decided to visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art.This museum is the 5th Largest Art museum in the U.S. As soon as i walked in I was in a Daze. 3 huge floors Of paintings, sculptures, Fashion, and things I have never seen before and they had every artist you could think of. The coolest thing was you could take pictures of all the paintings etc. I got the most amazing pictures. As soon as we walked in to the first exhibit I saw for the fist time a Picasso , a Vincent Van Gogh ,Georgia O'Keeffe and a couple of Monet's. Never in my life I thought I would see some of the most Famous paintings by some of the most famous artists. After 3 hours of being mesmerized by all the beautiful works of art i did some shopping at the gift shop, got a really cool shirt, and a very cool book 1001 paintings you must see before you die by Stephen Farthing. One of the paintings i saw at the museum was in the book Georgia O'Keeffe Jimson weed painting. So i have 1000 paintings to go before i die. It looks like I'll have to take a couple of trips to Europe to get them all.
The museum set on several acres of Gardens which included a historical Lilly house. Everything in side was exactly the way it was when the original owner lived there. The Gardens around the house and museum had tons of sculptures and beautiful flowers.

Another plus for this museum for us was That everything was FREE!!! Yes I said FREE!!
Free parking, Free admission to the whole museum and Free admission to the ground and the Lilly house.SO If you ever take a trip to Indianapolis I give this place 5 stars!!!




Vincent Van Gogh


Vincent Van Gogh


Picasso


Monet





Norman Rockwell


Jimson Weed Georgia O'Keeffe






The Lilly House


Inside The Lilly House


Inside The Lilly House