Marco says that the international symbol for a peanut butter cookie is the grid fork mark pattern.  I only did it because the recipe said I should.  Then the FreshDirect guy delivered our groceries, saw the cookies, and asked, “Are those peanut butter cookies!?” (Of course I gave him some.)  But I was surprised that anyone beyond Marco actually knew that.

Would you recognize a cookie by its decorative pattern?

I have the urge to drive upstate and take photos of girls in gowns running through hayfields.   Go ahead, judge me.

Benton's Old Fashioned - The Cocktail That Tastes Like Brunch

A bacon-infused bourbon with maple syrup. This is the most complex oral barn-raising party that has ever passed my lips. I just wanted to share a dark corner with this drink. This drink has ruined all other drinks for all time.

I’m officially done with all those fruity vodka stomach-aching sugar bombs. I am a bourbon girl, tried and true.

Tumblr has Ruined Me

Spent some time browsing the SA forums and found myself looking for the “like” button.

I’m full of shame.

Inspirational wedding photography.

(Once Wed )

I love weddings.  This is my favorite site for getting my fix. (Once Wed)  It makes me want to be a wedding photographer so badly.  To capture such beauty, happiness, and love simply sets my ambition on fire.

I want to post every picture from this incredibly playful romantic photo set, but I’ll let you browse on your own.

For some reason I picture Jessica and her man Adam in a photo shoot like this.  So do guys want to play dress-up in the park and I’ll take some pictures? Seriously, Email me.

(via Stacie + Geoff | Sloan Photographers)

A New Place to Nap

Marco and I bought a new comfy chair for the office less than 24 hours ago and both of us have already fallen asleep in it.

This bird is so fat it barely has a face.  I’m in love.

Long Tailed Tit

(by *cycoze on deviantART)

Take a Ride in the Seven-Headed-Wonder...

topherchris took a shower while visiting our apartment last night.  I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Fat bird!

Red-Headed Tit

(via photoholic)

Every fall I re watch Six Feet Under.  It is my ultimate favorite show and as soon as the weather starts to cool down, I get the urge to pop it into the DVD player.  The cinematography keeps me coming back.  Each shot is a beautiful picture framed for intrigue and depth.  It inspires me.  Even just playing in the background while I’m busy doing something else, I know what when I look up, there is going to be a moment on screen that catches my interest, despite having watched it multiple time.  But those captivating moments couldn’t have been possible without the detailed and sculpted story arc brought to fruition by an astonishingly committed cast.  Best show ever.

Desaturate is the new saturate.

Summer India.Arie

( via fashionlife and dominiquesings2loud )

The best part of my summer was on a back porch in Mississippi with my girls.  This is Summer.

Ze Frank Tries to Understand Health Care Reform (link)

"In the new bill they are going to require senior citizens to manually operate their own hospital equipment […] and the machines are going to be coin operated and they are only going to accept those hard to find dollar coins, which, by the way, are going to have pictures of illegal immigrants on them and if you run out of coins, you die."

(via topherchris)

Looks like I need to plan a fancy dinner party so I can get these.

decor8: Timeless Paper {save 20%}

fashionlife:

Later that day me trying to uncork a bottle by the river using my girlie swiss army knife(gift from Tiffany’s mom that really comes in handy).

Just because it’s pink doesn’t mean it isn’t awesomely useful.

GPOYW

Marco took a photo of my angry face and it reminded me of this.

(note: I found the picture by searching for ‘cat with melon head’.  It was the first hit.  I love the internet.)

I made vegetarian chili tonight for dinner.  It has been Marco's new favorite meal all summer.  I add cayenne pepper for a little heat and I've recently been making green chili and cheese cornbread to go on the side.

Here is the Recipe:

Vegetable Chili

From “The New Basics Cookbook” by Julee Rosso and Sheila LukinsHave a pot of chili ready when everyone comes over to watch the Super Bowl. This vegetable chili is just as gutsy as any made with meat. Everyone will love it!

Makes 8 Portions

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 onions, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 large red bell peppers, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 can (35 ounces) Italian plum tomatoes, with their juice
• 1 1/2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut into 1-inch dice
• 2 tablespoons good-quality chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
• 1 cup canned dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup canned chick-peas (garbanzos), drained
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 scallions (green onions), white bulb and 3 inches green, sliced on the diagonal

Preparation

1.Heat 1/2 cup of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, and sauté until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a large flameproof casserole or dutch oven.

2.Heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil in the skillet over low heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until just wilted, about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the casserole, along with the oil remaining in the skillet.

3.Place the casserole over low heat. Add the canned tomatoes and their juice, the fresh tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, pepper, salt, fennel seeds, and parsley. Cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 30 minutes.

4.Stir in the kidney beans, chick-peas, dill and lemon juice; cook for another 15 minutes. Stir well, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Serve with bowls of sour cream, grated cheese, and sliced scallions alongside.