Creamy Edamame Dip

In November John and I were sitting in the doctor's office waiting to find out why I felt so cruddy. Shortly we found out that I had walking pneumonia...thanks kids! ;)

While waiting we came across an interesting recipe for an edamame dip in Country Living magazine. John took a picture of it with his smart phone and we soon forgot about it. When we were planning the holiday shindig with my bff, LL, I remembered it!

I whipped it up and put it out during the party. It was a hit! Within a week of the party, I had already had two of my friends request the recipe. So, here it is! Best part, it's vegetarian and kind of healthy (minus the delicious cheese spread).

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen, shelled Edamame
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup Garlic-Herb cheese spread (Boursin)
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 3 Tablespoons Tahini paste
• 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

1. Boil edamame according to package directions (stovetop or microwave); drain.
2. Combine all ingredients in food processor. Add more sour cream, olive oil, or water if too thick.
3. Transfer to bowl and chill in refrigerator.
4. Serve with sesame crackers and/or fresh vegetables!

New Kitchen Rug

I picked up a super fun woven rug at the thrifty today. It is brand new, never used, tags still attached. They actually had a bunch of them in different colors and sizes. I was tempted to pick up several, but I resisted the urge! If you live in the Birmingham area and want one of your own, go down to the Mission Possible thrift store in Irondale.

I am excited too because all of the rugs I had previously used in front of my kitchen sink weren't washer/dryer compatible. Therefore, they would just get nasty and end up in the trash. I have been without for a while because I hadn't found any I liked and Luna has been sad about it too. She usually goes straight to the kitchen rug for her morning stretches. As soon as I put this one down, she ran straight to it. It looks like they are getting along (rug and dog that is). I think they are both adorable!

OWL appetizer plates

My stepbrother and his wife (Brian and Beth) got me these super cute owl appetizer plates for Christmas. They are made by a company named "tag." I love them! Can't wait to put them to good use! Hoot!

Owl Cake

I saw this owl cake on pinterest. It was pinned from the "Leave Room for Dessert..." blog. It is so cute I had to share. All you do is bake two round cakes, use one for the body and cut the other one up using temple (pic below) and reassemble. Ice and eat! Great idea for a birthday cake for all of the owl lovers out there. Hint hint! ;)

New Abstract Jewelry

Over Thanksgiving break, I messed around with some tar paper. You know, that stuff you put on your roof (on top of wood, underneath shingles)...the black stuff.

Apparently you can paint on it. So, I slung around some paint, used a straw to blow around some ink, added some oil pastel shapes and lines, and finished it off with some copper leafing and metallic paints.

After it all dried, I cut it into various shapes. Then, I poked a hole in the top and covered them with two-part epoxy. When they all dried, I turned them into earrings and necklaces.

Here is an example of one of the necklaces! Shiny and colorful. I like it!