Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Vegan Breakfast in a Jar
So last night I started with two clean jars and added uncooked rolled oats, plain soy yogurt, strawberry jam, blueberries, and walnuts. In the morning, I stirred everything up before I ate it, and it was delicious! I'll definitely have this again, it was easy to prepare the night before, and it's just really fun to eat straight out of a jar :)
-kala
Monday, May 30, 2011
Totally 80s!
It was a lot of fun shopping for pieces for my outfit, the dress was a great find at JCPenney, it was on clearance from $110 down to $14! The cardi was also on clearance, I think it was just over $5 at Target. The accessories are leftover from an 80s party I went to in the Fall, and the Ray-Bans are my everyday prescription sunglasses :) Oh, and I wore just a teeeeny bit of makeup:
Here's my husband's outfit:
So what would you wear to an 80s prom themed party?
-kala
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana bread is one of those odd foods that I love but can really only eat a few times a year. It's super yummy, but is so....banana-ish :) Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I'm like that with certain foods, watermelon for example, I like to eat once every five years or so. So yeah, I might be weird....
Anyway, last night my husband and I made 2 mini loaves of chocolate chip banana bread from a recipe in the book the Compassionate Cook: Or, "Please Don't Eat the Animals!"
It's an old favorite because it's really simple and we usually have all of the ingredients on hand. I like mine slathered in a bit of peanut butter and jelly:
How do you like to eat your banana bread?
-kala
Friday, May 27, 2011
It's Raining, It's Pouring...
So what's your favorite item?
-kala
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Homemade Chocolate Sauce!
Yum! The recipe I used was called The Best Chocolate Sauce from David Lebovitz. I cut the recipe in half because I was running low on cocoa powder and it made the perfect amount of sauce. I would say that unless you have kids or are living with more than one or two people, cutting the recipe in half is best.
So far I've used the sauce on vanilla vegan cream and in soy milk and it was delicious both ways, much more chocolaty than the stuff you buy in stores. It seems that I've been on a bit of a sauce/condiment making kick lately, I also made blueberry sauce and homemade mustard. As soon as I get my canning gear, jams and jellies are next!
-kala
Owl Pouch Winner!
Thanks everyone for entering my zippered pouch giveaway, it was a lot of fun to read everyone's comments about their favorite summer treats! There seems to be a lot of watermelon fans out there! Ok, on to the winner. By power of random number generator, the winner is......CMEH!
-kala
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sew Mama Sew Giveaway! - Closed
Giveaway is now closed, thanks everyone for entering!
Hi guys, it's Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! Welcome all new readers who are here from Sew Mama Sew! Ok, I'll keep it short and sweet and get right to the giveaway, I know a lot of you have a lot of blog posts to visit today :) If you guys are into crafting, knitting, sewing, cooking, and more, be sure to bookmark my blog or become a follower, I love to share my crafty adventures!
Today's prize is a cute Owl Zippered Pouch made by me, this has been one of my most popular items in my Etsy shop, Vegancraftastic:
To enter to win this pouch, simply leave a comment here on this post letting me know your favorite summer treat! Mine changes but right now it would be root beer floats :) One entry per person, giveaway is open worldwide, and please make sure I have a way to contact you if you win!
Giveaway is open until Wednesday, May 25th, good luck!
-kala
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Food Swapping
This past weekend, my husband and I tried something new and decided to check out the Minneapolis Swappers event. My friend Trinity let me know about the swap, and since she often blogs about yummy and interesting food, I thought I could at the very least swap something with her. Then I found out that A-K of Swell Vegan was co-hosting and that we would finally be able to meet face to face after years of mutual blog reading and twitter conversation snippets.
So now a little bit about the swap itself. Basically, if it's edible and you made it, baked it, canned it, or grew it, you could bring it along to swap for something that one of the other swappers has made. Everyone lays their goods out on a table with sheets of paper that describes the item. At the bottom of the sheet, swappers make offers such as "I'll trade a jar of strawberry jam for your loaf of banana bread." The actual swapping is where it got a little frantic. The space didn't have great traffic flow so it was kind of a mess with people trying to find each other to make the actual swaps.
I love the idea of the swap, I think it just needs some tweaks here and there to make things run a bit more smoothly. I think a huge improvement would be to make the item sheets available as online printables so swappers could fill those out at home. This would streamline the swap, especially for people who bring lots and lots of stuff to swap, and would hopefully encourage all swappers to include ingredients lists for their items.
I also would have liked a different setup for the tables, often there would be lines of people wanting to look at one can of jam or one loaf of bread because the tables were pushed against the wall and not accessible from all sides. I know it's tough to work things like that out with a small, not so open space though.
Overall, it was fun to try something new and we even came home with a couple of yummy goodies, a bottle of ginger syrup (we mixed it with some bubbly water for a delicious drink) and a jar of picked jalapenos that I haven't broken into yet. Unfortunately, all of the other food items we were offered weren't vegan so we had to turn down trades. But I'd go again and give it another shot for sure, it definitely inspired me to try new recipes! If you're local, I definitely encourage you to give it a shot and see if it's something you might enjoy.
Have any of you guys ever gone to a food swap like this?
-kala
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Spring Romance
What's your favorite item in this treasury?
-kala
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sewtropolis
When I saw today's Living Social deal for sewing classes, I knew I had to blog about it! Today's great deal is a choice of discounted sewing classes at Sewtropolis, a sewing studio and fabric store in Minneapolis. I visited this charming studio this past winter after a trip to the Museum of Russian Art and was impressed with the atmosphere of the shop and learning/open sewing space. The ladies working in the shop were also very nice which is a lovely bonus.
So if you're local and looking to learn to sew, take advantage of today's Living Social deal, you can get sewing classes for 50% off! That way, even if you find out you don't love sewing, you're not out a huge amount of money. And for those who haven't used Living Social before, I have used it and have had only good experiences with it :)
Sewtropolis also has an Etsy shop, blog, and Twitter account so you can keep up to date with classes and whatnot!
-kala
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Your Cheatin' Heart
I'm sure a fair amount of knitters know that this is a Clapotis! This is my very first Clapotis, I don't know why I've never knit one, it's a really fun pattern and a great use for crazy yarn. I'm using Blue Moon Fiber Art's Sock Candy in the Otterpop colorway, and boy is it bright! And as soon as this is done I'm going right back to Rock Island. I really do like the pattern, it's just....laceweight is so thin!
-kala
Knitcircus Winners!
Thanks everyone for entering, and extra thanks to Jaala from Knitcircus for proving such great prizes!
-kala
Monday, May 09, 2011
PuNk rAwK pUrL Winner!
Thanks everyone for entering the PuNk rAwK pUrL giveaway, and extra thanks to Tammy for providing such an awesome prize!
The winner, chosen by random number generator is....Captain Sharmie, yay congrats!
-kala
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Interweave Knits Summer 2011
Ok, onto the main post! Have you guys all seen the preview for the Summer 2011 issue of Interweave? This issue looks like a great one, there are actually quite a few patterns that I'm excited about! Here are some of my faves from the preview:
So what do you guys like from the preview of the new issue of Interweave?
-kala
Friday, May 06, 2011
A Whole Lot to Celebrate!
I made the Black Velvet Cupcakes from Hannah Kaminsky's new book Vegan Desserts: Sumptuous Sweets for Every Season
. And holy cow, these cupcakes are amazing! They're a yummy take on red velvet cupcakes, but they're much better than the bright red, bland red sweets they're improving on. The black velvet cupcakes are made with a generous amount of blackberry puree which gives the cakes a wonderful flavor. The cupcakes are frosted with a vegan cream cheese frosting that is also delicious. I couldn't resist the urge to add a little color to the frosting, so I added a teeny bit of blackberry puree for a suble pink hue :)
. And holy cow, these cupcakes are amazing! They're a yummy take on red velvet cupcakes, but they're much better than the bright red, bland red sweets they're improving on. The black velvet cupcakes are made with a generous amount of blackberry puree which gives the cakes a wonderful flavor. The cupcakes are frosted with a vegan cream cheese frosting that is also delicious. I couldn't resist the urge to add a little color to the frosting, so I added a teeny bit of blackberry puree for a suble pink hue :)
The cupcakes are also really moist which I love, I can't wait to try out more recipes from this great book!
-kala
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Knitcircus Giveaway!
Knitters and crocheters, have you all seen the new issue of Knitcircus? Knitcircus, in case you haven't heard, is a really lovely online knitting magazine that's always full of fun and unique patterns. The generous editor of the magazine is offering 2 lucky winners a pattern collection from the Summer 2011 issue! I'm very jealous of you guys, there are some really gorgeous patterns in this issue. Be sure to read on to the end of the post to see how you can win a pattern collection!
Here are just a few of my favorite patterns from the new issue:
Ok, ready to enter to win a pattern collection from the Summer 2011 issue? There are three possible entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure I have a way to contact you if you win!
1. Check out the new issue of Knitcircus and let me know your favorite pattern. Here's the Ravelry link to the patterns in this issue so you can easily see all the patterns at once.
2. Follow my blog.
3. Tweet, blog, or post on facebook about this giveaway. It's easy to tweet this giveaway, just click the tweet button at the bottom of this post.
Giveaway is open to US and International folks and ends on Wednesday May 11, 2011. Winner will be chosen by random number generator. Good luck!
-kala
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Almond Agave Mousse
As the weather starts to warm up, my mind turns to easy sweets that don't require the heat of an oven. This easy to make vegan Almond Agave Mousse is delicious served with fresh fruit and would also make a great filling for parfaits! I've made this withe peanut butter too and it was really delicious, so please feel free to use any nut butter you'd like. Here's the recipe, enjoy!
Almond Agave Mousse
makes about 2 cups of mousse
1 - 12.3 oz box of firm silken tofu
1 cup almond butter (unsalted)
1/4 cup plus 1 TB agave
1/4 tsp salt or to taste
In a food processor or high powered blender, blend all ingredients until smooth. Give the mousse a taste and add more agave if you want a sweeter mousse and more almond butter if you want a nuttier flavor. Let the mousse cool in the fridge, it tastes even better the next day. Enjoy!
-kala
Monday, May 02, 2011
Feature and Giveaway: PuNk rAwK pUrL! - Closed
Today's feature is with one of my favorite Etsy shop owners, Tammy of PuNk rAwK pUrL! I've had the pleasure of chatting with Tammy on twitter for quite some time now, and she's a real sweetheart and she's extrememly talented, gotta love that! Tammy is generously offering one lucky winner one pocket sized Sew and Sew Journal in the page style of the winners choice (grid /lined /plain). So be sure to read to the end of the post to see how you can win! Ok, let's get to know Tammy and her shop:
1. How long has your shop been open and what inspired you to start selling on Etsy?
I have always made things that people have responded very positively to. Each time that I have gifted something handmade by me, I have been requested to turn around and make one as a custom order for that friend to gift to another friend. It took me a lot of years and a lot of nudges (some less gentle than others, but all of them with love) to put 4 + 4 together and accept that I can build a life on making things with my hands.
I listed my Esty shop several years ago. If you look at the shop open date it is September 2006. However, I didn't put any items on the virtual shelves until October of 2010. I had a few sales in Oct/Nov then got wrapped up in holiday craft shows for all of December. I was laid off from my full time job (managing an upscale boutique) in February. It wasn't until March that I feel like I really got down to business on Etsy.
2. How do you fit creative time into your day?
Now that my craft business is my full time job, the bigger question is how do I discipline myself to be crafty for PuNk rAwK pUrL and not constantly wander off into the crafty world of Tammy George. I love all of it, but the time management has been the biggest challenge. I am proud to report that in the 2 months I have been doing it I have already seen massive transition in how approach my daily routine and work load.
3. Do you have any fun hobbies outside of your shop?
Most of my hobbies are pretty rooted in the artsy/crafty arena. I knit (see knuckle tattoos). In fact I designed a pattern (Snowmates for Her) for the the book Knitting it Old School, which released last Fall. Other things that I enjoy:: alphabetizing things, color coordinating the contents of my kitchen cupboards, laughing in the sunshine, driving down the coast with the top down, exploring the world of graphic design with a hands on approach, and as a treat to my hardworking sewing machine, I am planning to revisit the more traditional craft of sewing... i.e. things other than paper... like summery skirts and dresses!
4. Your designs are so vibrant and coloful, what inspires your color choices?
Growing up in the Seventies I was surrounded by the intensity of saturated color and bold graphic design. Bright colors and kooky color palettes weren't reserved for a trip to Disneyland... daily tasks, such as shopping the shelves at the grocery market were the next best thing to taking a lap through It's A Small World. Just opening the pages of a magazine or flipping through the channels on the television my eyes were treated to a big top circus of exciting colorful images. At least.... that is how I recall the Seventies.
Ok, ready to win one of Tammy's cute journals? One lucky winner will receive one pocket sized Sew and Sew Journal in the page style of the winners choice (grid /lined /plain). There are five possible entries, only the first is mandatory. Please leave a separate comment for each entry and make sure I have a way to contact you if you win :)
1. Visit PuNk rAwK pUrL on Etsy and comment here letting me know your favorite item.
2. Follow this blog and the PuNk rAwK pUrL blog.
5. Tweet, blog, or post on Facebook about this giveaway. It's easy to tweet this giveaway, just click the tweet button at the bottom of this post!
Giveaway is open to both US and International folks and ends on Monday, May 9, 2011. Winner will be
chosen by random number generator. Good luck!
-kala
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Craftstravaganza 2011!
Yesterday I had the pleasure of shopping at the first big craft show of the year here in the Twin Cities, Craftstravaganza, with my friend Tracy! We got there nice and early and made our way through all of the fantastic booths, we even got to try our hand at weaving with the help of La Crumpet. Here's Tracy on the Cricket Loom:
I had a try at the loom too, it was fun and tempts me to save up for a Cricket Loom of my own! Because I really need to take up another yarn craft, right?
There was just about any kind of vendor you could think of at the show, even a few yarn sellers. Luckily for my budget, there was no vegan yarn to be had :) Tracy and I both picked up some awesome greeting cards from Zeichen Press and Colette Paperie, both ladies behind the booths were also incredibly friendly, gotta love that! I picked up a gift and card for my husband who just got a new job that we're very excited about (don't worry, his gift won't be spoiled, he doesn't read my blog):
The card is from Zeichen Press and the little creature is from Trigo. He's made from recycled bike tires and clips onto your bike, perfect for my husband since he'll be able to bike commute to his new job!
The Minnesota Center for Book Arts also had a fun little make and take project, handmade buttons! It was fun, they used the exact same machine I use for my buttons :) The had a nice selection of magazines and vintage books out for people to choose their images from, Tracy made a cute lichen button and I made this little penguin:
I bought a few other goodies too, there's just too much to share :) Overall, I had a whole lotta fun with Tracy and I got to meet her new husband too, bonus! Last year I spent Craftstravaganza with Jen, Aubree, Flannery, and my husband, so it's becoming a lovely annual tradition to shop handmade with my favorite people!
-kala
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