Have you heard about bento?

I’m fascinated by this! I’ve seen pictures, read blogs, and now I’m totally and entirely caught up by this phenomena. Have a look and tell me what you think….

(Source: Mimiwu on Flickr)

Umm, Yum! I am thrilled with this concept. Something that helps portion control, promotes healthy & colorful eating, and the money-saving convenience of making my own meals. All good things—all really good things. I’m totally confused when it comes to a few key components of these awesome lunches: rice, boxes, and time. Lets start at the beginning, I guess.

Rice: My mom is an amazing cook. She cooked professionally for a while, and still loves to entertain. I inherited some of her skill, but rice was not one of those. You see, I burn rice. Most always, my rice will turn out like this:

(Photo via Just.One.More.Bite.)

I honestly can’t do this. Yet. I want to be able to make rice. I love rice… so tasty! How on earth do I do this??? How can I manage to make rice without a HUGE rice cooker taking up valuable cupboard space?

Bento Boxes: They have every stinkin’ style of these possible!  I have found some I love, but I just don’t know if I can make that leap yet. I have seen some who just use Tupperware, or the locking food storage dishes. I’m not quite sure what to do, but I think I’m going to try using something I have for the time being, then if I get the hang of this I will find an actual bento box.

(Source: JList)

Time: So about that…. In the time it has taken me to write this blog post, I probably could have cooked enough meals for this week and complete a bento box for every lunch in this same amount of time. Where I lack time though, is in the morning, before leaving the house. Then I lack serious time. I’m more of a roll out of bed and put on whatever is comfortable, clean, and cute before leaving. Oh clock, you are not my friend.

(Even though you look SO tasty…. via ThisNext)

I am just dreaming right now, I suppose, but it all looks so tasty. I’m going to be hungry all through work now, but I suppose this all will have to wait until another day, and another lunch. But we’ll see I guess….

This Very Moment…

I am in a crafting/sewing/planning/papering/decorating/drawing CREATIVE mood.

There are so many things I want to do right now that are swirling through my head, and with my weekend plans on hold from potential weather problems, I guess I have the time to do them!

Here’s what I’ve been drooling over…

The Aprons in this Book are fantastic! I love the different variations and ideas. It’s super inspiring. The pattern situation on the other hand is not quite as thrilling because they’re all pretty mismatched and overlapping. Oh well. Pattern-making skills to the rescue!

(Source: Amazon)

Projects for my Pipsqueaks… No photos here, mostly because I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Jess passed on that Berti is still into drawing, and would like a carry-all for that. Lolo is still a mystery, but I have some ideas for him too. Be on the look out for those in the future.

I would love to have a french press so I can make this French Press insulating sleeve. There’s one that I’m hoping for someday, but for now I am just dreaming. *Le Sigh*

(Source: Moda Bake Shop)

This Quilt – Umm, if I could quilt, cut a straight line, or have that much stamina…. Can I do any of those things? No. So, for now, I dream.

(Source: JCaroline Creative & City Quilts by Cherri House)

Today has not been productive for any of these projects, but I’m bustling with ideas, so I guess we’ll see if tomorrow brings anything!

What’s going on today….

1) Registry.

I think this is going to suck the life out of me, but I’m amazed at all the different types of things that exist online, and how many choices there are for things as simple as salt and pepper grinders. It’s also lead me over to HelloKitchen, where I’ve been reading all of Cindy’s ideas and drooling over her tasty goodies.

She’s an architect, and features some really interesting remodels and projects on her site, so I’ve been searching out ideas that I can use in this little apartment, and get some idea for what I want/need on this registry, especially in the kitchen. This below the sink drawer is AMAZING, and I will definitely be keeping this in mind for when/if I get to design my own kitchen. Head over to her post @ HelloKitchen to see the rest of this inspiring kitchen.

(Source: HelloKitchen)

She’s also got a great checklist for reorganizing and decluttering your kitchen, in my case, it’s doing both, and helping me figure out what I need to register for. Leave her some love if you download and let her know just how awesome the site is!

2) Reading

It’s this darn Kindle…. I love it! I’m using it for class, which means lots of textbook readings, and pdf’s and note-taking. It’s been great for all of those things. But mostly I’ve been catching up on some of my own personal reading.  I’ve finished reading Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen (my favorite author), The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters by Barbara Silkstone, and The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise by Julia Stuart.

(Source: Amazon)

All were great, in their own quirky way, and I’m in the middle of Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen right now. This is a re-read, so it’s been a bit slower going because I know what happens, but all in all, still very good.

3) Menu Planning

I need to go grocery shopping. It’s true and terrible, but I do. I’m currently searching through my websites and cookbooks, making choices for the new recipes that I want to try this week. In the meantime, I’m also admiring an old link I have for a menu planner project. Over at Ollibird, they created an awesome planner that I can’t wait to actually put to good use.

They say to put it in a frame under glass and use a dry erase with it, but I’m thinking laminated magnet paper, and putting it right up on the fridge. Any other ideas?

For the time being, I’m dreaming of One-Pot Spaghetti and it’s tomato-y goodness.

4) Painting my Nails

I’ve been on a pretty good schedule of painting my nails since I got engaged. It’s not always a good look, depending on the color, but I have at least been trying to keep them trimmed, clean, and shiny.

(Source: All My Photos)

Clockwise from Top Left: Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #210 “Jelly,” Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #320 “Jaded,” Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure #410 “Lavender Cloud,” Essie Nail Lacquer #152 “Fiji,” Rimmel London 60 Second Nail Polish #805 “Grey Matter,” Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel #330 “Emerald”

I am in LOVE with these colors. Some of the brands are better than others, but I really like Revlon (can you tell?) because they have a really good consistency. I’ve been using Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition Green Tea & Bamboo Strengthener for base and top coats. It’s great because it keeps everything shiny, and is great for filling some of the ridges I have in my nail beds.

That’s all for today, I guess. Take care all!

It’s a day of good green things….

…and purple ones! First, I have a new project to show you, at the request of my dear future SIL.

While we were in Virginia last week, I picked up some fabric and buttons for a new kindle cover, and this is the result!

The Details: fully lined, front pocket, timepiece buttons, felt padded between layers, all finished edges, piping trim on the pocket, elastic button loops, and fold-over flap.

It’s was a really fun project when I got back, and it’s super snug, so I don’t feel like my kindle is in any danger. I might do a tutorial later, but I would need to make another case, so maybe not? I’m not sure.

I have a last quick promotion, and this one is actually green….

If you pop over to Carissa’s store (This Little Missy) at Stuff to Scrap, she has a surprise waiting for you.

I’m so excited to work with it! Expect to see LO’s in the near future, and I want to see yours as well. Link them back here, or up in the STS Gallery, so I can comment on your pretties!

 

Kelsey