M I S S P I C K L E ♥

WF #8

2012-02-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

Amy's (awesome) Project on starting to love our body instead of hating it. You should check it out!! via A is for Ampersand

These shoes!! via Save Our Soles

Nikki's beautiful winter pics via Liefgeval

These Crochet Flowers via Deer Little Fawn

Toxicity by Alex Noriega (plus, a free iPhone wallpaper here!)

This little guy obviously!!

A new crochet project. Yes, I'm starting another blanket. The other one is not finished yet, well not as big as I wanted at first. But its size is pretty respectable for a kitty blanket!

What I'm reading right now. Sherlock Holmes is definitively my second fav detective (after Hercule Poirot). I'm reading the original version (in english) and it's way better than translated in french. Plus I like the little french proverbs Holmes is saying in almost every stories ;) Un sot trouve toujours un plus sot que lui qui l'admire.

At last but not least, my little Looping. Isn't he adorable?

I hope you're having a super nice week!
Love love
misspickle

Introducing... Little Tim!

2012-02-05T20:17:00.001-05:00

We welcomed a new member in our family yesterday. His name is Tim and he is an english springer spaniel puppy, the same breed as our beloved Molly. It's incredible how this guy has so much energy. His favourite activity while he is not running everywhere, is stealing our stuff, especially slippers. But he is so cute so we think it's quite funny... well for the moment! ;)

I hope you had a great week-end!
xoxox misspickle

Valentine Pretzels

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!
Today I'm sharing with you a super quick and delicious recipe with the fantastic combinaison of sweet chocolate and salty pretzels. Plus, with their kind-of heart shape, they are a perfect snack for Valentine day!

Chocolate-covered Pretzels
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (approx. 200 g)
Milk or cream
Homemade or store-bought Pretzels twists (I used Rold Gold Thin Pretzels)
Assorted sprinkles or small candies (like sugar hearts or rainbow vermicelli)

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax paper. Microwave the chocolate chips and approx. 2 tablespoons of milk or cream until the chocolate is melted (stir after every 30 seconds). Add cream or milk if needed to have a smooth and creamy consistance. Dip the half of a pretzel in the chocolate and shake to remove the excess, then place it on the wax paper. Sprinkle the small candies on and repeat with remaining chocolate and pretzels. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

My mom and little sister were particularly fans of these sweet and salty pretzels. We ate the first batch and we made another one the next morning. You know, it's addicting.

Do you have any special plans for Valentine day?
Love,
misspickle xoxo

Lovely Ninie

2012-01-31T09:33:00.000-05:00

Last November 2nd, my lovely Molly passed away. Today, she would have been 14 years old and I still can't believe she's gone for ever. During almost 14 years, she has been my best friend, she helped me to pass through stages of my life and well, she was always there. Even after nearly 3 months, I feel like a part of me has died with her.

I love you and I miss you Ninie. I always will ♥

WF #7

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Second Weekly Faves in the same week, I know I know... but this one is much like my secret wishlist of the moment!

1 > This dress is pure beauty. Isn't the cutest dress for Spring? I love everything (hu, except the price) > Blossom Day Soon Dress via ModCloth
2 > I always wanted the perfect pair of cowboy boots, aka this pair. > Bronx Long Suede Western Boots via Asos
3 > This super colored set of bracelets! > via Smart Set
4 > Love love this bag, sadly it's always out of stock. > Up, Up and Array Bag via ModCloth
5 > How sweet is this necklace? > Dessert Oasis Necklace via ModCloth (on sale!)
6 > I am such in love with this Pinocchio pencil sharpener. > Honest Boy via Fred Flare
7 > This dress is at the top of my wishlist actually > Polite and Day Dress via ModCloth
8 > How can we resist a pair of socks with cute french bulldogs all over? > French Bulldog Ankle Socks via Forever21 (0.90$ a pair!)
9 > Oh so pretty earrings > Beaded Crescent Earrings via Forever21

Ok I must admit : I am seriously thinking of buying this little red dress. Have you ever order something from ModCloth?
Love,
misspickle

Self-portrait Art Call

2012-01-25T15:26:00.000-05:00

At least you're not like this poor Barracuda! So you can hold a pencil... and you can draw/doodle/sketch whatever you want. Right? Fine!

I am hosting a new zine project, related to my STICK serie for an upcoming issue on portraits. Self-portraits to be exact. I want you to draw/sketch/doodle/whatever-how-you-want your portrait, in black and white. You don't need to be a Van Gogh disciple, let's just have fun!

I am not setting any deadline on this project, just see how many people will send their portrait (I'll need at least 7 portraits to print the minizine.) As seen on the previous ad, participants will receive a copy of the issue plus a few other minizines.

Will be published in the zine :
♥ Your self-portrait in black and white (and/or grey). For this I need a portrait-oriented image in .jpg, .png or even .pdf format
♥ Your name and/or nickname
♥ An answer to one of these questions : 1) Favorite meal or 2) Biggest fear or 3) A shame
♥ Your personal links (blog, website, etsy shop, flickr...) --> but it's optional

I'll also need to have your postal address (or where I have to send the zine once finished). Obviously your personal address/email won't be published.

If you have any questions/ideas or comments feel free to drop me a line! Visit the CONTACT page to get my email.

PS: Have you noticed a new button right next to CONTACT? I'm hosting a super cool minizine swap, take a look at the FILL IT project!

Much love,
misspickle xoxo

WF #6

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

This chevron blanket via Easy Makes me Happy

This watercolor from Troglopyte Mignon

This strange hippo (via thegoodmachinery)

These lovely bookends (via graphicspacewood)

This iPhone case... I want it!! (via society6)

This CrockPot Apple Butter recipe (I've tried it and it is SO good!)
I hope you will have a great week!
love,
misspickle ♥

Giveaway winner!

2012-01-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today I'm happy to announce the winner of my first giveaway...
Congratulations Lorraine!
Many thanks to every participants and stay tuned, I'm setting up an amazing giveaway with Shabby Apple!

Love,
misspickle

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T10:08:00.002-05:00

Recently I...

spent time with my lovely family,

ate A LOT of food...

was so lucky to receive lot of pretty gifts

enjoyed the cold and sunny days

and got a new furry friend!

I wish you a very safe and Happy New Year 2012!

Giveaway : Magnet set

2011-12-17T09:59:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! I'm still alive and forgive me for this lack of activity on my blog. The fact is, I'm in my final exams at the university and I-ABSOLUTELY-HAVE-NO-LIFE since I'm working and I'm studying all the time. I'm glad it will be over next Tuesday so I'll have more time during the vacations to work on special things and (finally) re-open my etsy shop with cute goodies and zines! Everything was supposed to be ready for the end of November but it is delayed to the beginning of January. It's kind of a great way to start a new year!

As a sneak peak of what will be added to the shop on January there will be some little magnets to pop up your home. I hand-sculpt each one using air-dry clay and then I paint them using acrylic colors. Each magnet is colorful and different, and has a super strong backing to keep all your things in place. And yes, because I'm super excited with this, I'm offering you a custom set of two magnets as my very first giveaway. The winner will have to send me good quality picture(s) of two people (you + someone else) or animals (I like to draw cats and dogs especially!!) and I'll turn them into magnets!

How to enter?
Leave a comment and tell me what are you doing for the Holidays/vacations this year :)

For extra entries...
Spread the word about this giveaway on your blog! Please leave a separate comment for each entry with the link.
Don't forget to add a way to contact you if you win. The winner will be announced on January 2nd!

Good luck and much love,
misspickle

WF #5

2011-11-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

These lovely fishy earrings! (via dobleele)

The most beautiful faux taxidermy I've ever seen (via horribleadorables @ etsy)

Carnivorous suspended plant (via string gardens)

Amy's easiest sweet rolls (miam!)

This drawer unit! (DIY project via Design Sponge)

This week has been so overwhelming! We got a lot of stuff to organize and display at the jewelry store so I am a bit tired. My Saturday evening will consist of : hot tea, a movie and crocheting. I'm working on new surprises that will be added to my etsy shop pretty soon!

Hope you're having a great week-end :)

xoxox misspickle

DIY Flower Planters

2011-11-06T22:40:00.001-05:00

I always had a lot of plants in my apartment and, as I like to multiply them, I get quickly surrounded by ugly and large containers. Buying new cute pots can be costly and planters made from tin cans are a great alternative to give a second life to these unwanted cans, for free. The small cans are perfect to start seedlings or to grow a new plant from a leaf (like African violets) and the large cans (think diced tomatoes) make great regular planters.

I've found this idea somewhere on the Internet (there are many versions of the tin can planters tutorial) and I tried an easy one which consists in spray paint a clean and dried tin can. As I supposed, the paint rapidly peel off. I gave another try by simply adding a coat of Mod Podge on the outside of the can before spray-painting it and it worked well. For extra protection, I also added another coat after the paint was completely dry.

Supplies :tin cans, a nail and a hammer, colored spray paint, Mod Podge, a paint brush, cardboard or newspapers or a surface which you can spray paint on, papers, ribbons, anything to embellish.

And to turn your creation into a lovely planter you'll need some small rocks or pebbles, potting soil, plant or seeds.

1/ Wash your tin can carefully, and remove labels and glue on the outside. Let it dry completely. Be careful on any rough edges (you should sand them off). Turn the can upside down and poke a few drainage holes in the bottom with the nail and the hammer.

2/ Using a paint brush, apply a generous coat of Mod Podge on the outside of the can (this step will prevent the paint to peel off). Let it dry.

3/ Spray paint the outside of the can with chosen colors (it's better to paint outdoors because of the smell). Allow to dry completely. Apply another coat of Mod Podge and let it dry.

Now you can add papers, ribbons, stickers, whatever you want to embellish your can. I like mine on solid color but I made one using paper and I like it! I simply cut a rectangle in the dimensions of the can and glued it with Mod Podge. Then I added another coat to seal everything.

4/ Fill the bottom of the planter with pebbles to make sure the soil drain well. Put the plant into the can and fill it in with potting soil. Lightly water and place on clear plastic stray (4 for 1$ at the dollar store). Another great option is to find little dinner plates at the thrift store in a variety of colors.

Enjoy a touch of green in your home!
Love,
misspickle xoxo

WF #4

2011-11-04T07:28:00.000-04:00

Here are the super cute things I found throughout the week.

1/ This shower squid (how cute!) 2/ Bubble Gum Glamour Shoes (I like that name) 3/ These fox mittens (worn by the lovely Kaylah) 4/ These super cool flats : Unleash the Fashion Flat 5/ These awesome cat and mouse baskets 6/ These cupcake ornaments 7/ This very sweet dress. Maybe it's because I crocheted a lot lately, but I'm in love with the neckline (Mount San Jacinto Dress in Blue) 8/ This coral and black clutch

On a different note, I quit one of my two part-time jobs (the one in the greenhouses) last Tuesday. The past few weeks were the most stressful work weeks I've ever had to deal with in my entire life. I realized that I hated this job so much and I think it was the reason why I started having insomnia. Anyway I am feeling way better right now. I'm keeping my other job at the jewelry store, which I love, and no matter if I'll earn less money, the main goal is to be happy and in a good mood for my upcoming exams.

Have you ever quit a job because you hated it so much?
Love,
misspickle xoxo

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween! Maybe you're looking for good music for this special day? Here is my Halloween themed playlist. Oh, and the creepy voice award goes to the singer of Demented Are Go - I love this band!

PS: Mandy from Miss Indie is hosting a Halloween Blog Party today!

WF #3

2011-10-30T10:24:00.000-04:00

If I had extra money to spend right now, I would definitively buy these pretty things at ModCloth...

1  I've been wanting a dress with an asymmetrical collar like this for so long! + Coach Tour Dress in Pink
2 This necklace is so cute + Sly, Sly Again Necklace
3  This large handbag in two shades of brown + Iced Coffee Couture Handbag
4 The coolest tea infuser I've ever seen + Armed with Technology
5  These pretty earrings! + Garden Artistry Earrings
6  Simply in love with this dress. + Mint for You Dress
7 How adorable is this embroidered pillow? + Folky Fresh Pillow in Olive
8  I REALLY like these multiple-buckled boots. REALLY. + Buckle Down, Cowgirl Up Wedge

Now I'm off to work! I hope you had a great weekend :)
misspickle xoxo

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

2011-10-29T23:46:00.000-04:00

Today I made a pumpkin pie for my mom because it's her favourite dessert and I'm going to see her tomorrow. I did not use the whole can of pumpkin puree and I wanted to cook something with it instead of putting it in the freezer. As I saw the Moist Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe from The Pioneer Woman, I knew I had to try it. And yes, these muffins are definitively extra moist.

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 whole egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°F. Generously grease 12 muffin tins. For these muffins, don't use paper baking cups... I ended with all my muffins stuck to the paper :(

In a bowl, sift flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Cut in butter with two knives until it is fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Add raisins if you want - I forgot!. Fold gently until mixture is just combined. Pour into muffin pan and sprinkle with remaining sugar-cinnamon-nutmeg mixture over the top of each unbaked muffin.

Bake for 25 minutes - 20 minutes was enough for me. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

The author suggest a cream cheese frosting made of : 1/4 cup softened butter, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 pound powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, simply mixed together until soft and whipped. I usually prefer my muffin plain but I'll try this icing next time. Cream cheese icing fit well with carrot cake in my mind, but maybe with pumpkin too!

Do you like pumpkin recipes?
Love,
misspickle ♥

The Crochet Project Part II : Yarn

2011-10-27T15:10:00.000-04:00

I finally added a shade of yellow to my blanket and I'm super happy with the result. The only bémol is my yarn, which will make my large blanket really heavy. Yes, I chose the yarn based on colors only and I didn't even notice the different thicknesses.... *sigh*.

But early this week I learned that the weights of yarn are numbering from 1 (finest) to 6 (heaviest). The one I'm using for this project is a 5, called bulky. For future projects including granny squares joined together, I think it will be better to use a number 3 or 4...

For now I'm practicing my crochet skills and I'm happy with it! And you see, someone REALLY like this blanket too ;)

misspickle xoxox

Tutorial : Chevron Nails

2011-10-22T00:27:00.000-04:00

My first how-to post is an easy nail tutorial inspired by this lovely one from Kaylah. This tutorial makes me think of the Chevron pattern, which I like so much, so why not putting it on my nails too!

Supplies : two colors of nailpolish (+ top coat), scotch tape, scissors and a drinking glass (or anything else to stick the tiny tape strips on)

1/ Cut tiny strips of tape (you'll need 6 strips per nails so 60 strips in total). Stick them on the rim of the glass.2/ Paint your nails with one color and let dry completely. Believe me, the longer you let them dry, the better the result will be!3/ Stick the tiny strips (equal spaced appart) on your nail to get the V pattern and press down firm.4/ Apply one generous coat of the second color and peel off strips after 5 seconds.Then, let everything dry and add a top coat. Enjoy :) I painted my nails quickly this morning so it is not the best result but you get the idea! Oh and guess who wanted colorful nails too?
I hope you'll like this tutorial and in my next how-to post I'll show you how to make a zine!
Love,misspickle xoxox

Roasted butternut squash and apple soup

2011-10-18T21:10:00.000-04:00

Today my teeth hurt so badly. I hate having braces (who don't...) and sometimes my teeth are very sensitive during two days apparently for no reason, but at least I know this little pain will worth it! So I was unable to eat anything crunchy today and basically my diet was a mashed avocado with bread for lunch and... butternut squash and apple soup for dinner. I made a batch of this soup a few weeks ago and I totally loved it. I found the recipe via Gojee (which is a pretty inspiring website!), and the recipe originally comes from here, I just added fresh ginger in my version.

Autumn in a bowl, isn't it?

1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced

3 apples, peeled, cored and diced

1 onion

3 cups vegetable stock

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

a pinch of salt

In a bowl, toss squash and apple with enough olive oil to coat, stir in salt and thyme. Roast at 375°F about 25 minutes, stir halfway through cooking time.

In a saucepan, cook onions and ginger in olive oil until very soft. Add vegetable stock to onions, bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Stir in roasted squash and apples. Mash with a potato masher until desire texture is reached. Simmer a few minutes more. Taste and add salt if needed.Garnish with roasted seeds for added crunch.

Love,
misspickle xoxo

The Crochet Project Part I : Learn

2011-10-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

I always admired those who know how to crochet. From cute amigurumi to colorful blankets, I was impressed by this particular style but did not really wanted to learn. I honestly thought it was like knitting and, in this case, I can't make something else than a rectangular unicolored scarf knitted too tightly. And nothing is more boring than a scarf like this, isn't it? So you know, the art of making these pretty things seemed impossible to me.

strumpet scrumpets

oliveoh

attic 24

Until two days ago. In french we say seuls les fous ne changent pas d'idée, and I decided to give a try.

First, I watched quick videos on the basic crochet stitches: slip stitch (ss), chain (ch), single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc). I watched these in particular, but you can find tons of other tutorials on youtube or google. I strongly suggest you to start crocheting while you're watching the video. This way you can experiment in real time and it's a practice to hold the crochet and yarn in your hands.

Once I was quite familiar with the terms and basic stitches, I decided to try granny squares as my first project. There are different patterns online but I thought it was better to stick on a really basic one at first.

moline

I chosed this pattern. At first, it may seem easy but it's a real challenge to hold your crochet and the yarn in one hand and the beginning of your "square" in the other (it's possible that your granny square looks like a big mess of yarn at the first try). To help, I watched again and again this video from Crochet Cabana. This woman is a crochet queen! Her website is like a Bible with a lot of pictures, tutorials and tips on how to crochet perfectly.

As a long-term perfectionist, this project will be a real challenge for me. I started to make some granny squares then I decided to make a giant one out of my yarn (which is too heavy to make granny squares joined together). So basically my first blanket will be a giant granny square! Here is the beginning :

I'm thinking of adding a shade of yellow or something. As you can see, this blanket will fit with my new duvet cover. I'm super excited about this project and I'll post some updates/tips soon!

I hope this post will be helpful if you decide to give a try!
Happy crocheting :)
misspickle

Outfit : Fall-ish dress

2011-10-12T21:38:00.000-04:00

What do I like most about autumn right now? The amazing landscape we have here in Québec, the blueberry pudding recipe from my grand'ma and wearing fall-ish dresses.

Cardigan : H&M

Dress : H&M (currently on sale at 7$!)

Belt : thrifted

Tights : Simons

Boots : Go Jane (12$!)

I bought this dress during the summer sale at H&M a few weeks ago. I think it looks really great for the fall season, although it is pretty much transparent (especially when wearing brown tights under it). I layered a simple white dress under and it's just perfect!

Oh I know, my room is a big mess! But the main plan for tomorrow after work is to clean up everything :)

xoxo misspickle

Pumpkin Pie

2011-10-03T17:08:00.000-04:00

I love the fall season. I love Halloween partys, cold and sunny days, the coloured foliage everywhere and, of course, pumpkins. Did I mention my favourite dessert is pumpkin pie? And a freezing weather like what we have today is perfect for cooking this sweet thing. Plus it's quite easy.

1 pie crust, unbaked

2 cups (500 ml) pumpkin puree

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup cream 35%

1 teaspoon each : ground cinnamon and ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon each : ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt

I always use a pre-made pie crust unbaked (quick!) but you can make your own. I dock the bottom with a fork before baking it in the oven for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C) while I'm preparing the mixture. This time, I cheated a little bit and used canned pumpkin puree instead of making my own because 1) I want to decorate my little pumpkin before using it and 2) I was in a hurry today and got no extra time to cook. But the pie turned out great with canned pumpkin!

Simply combine together all the ingredients in a bowl like this

and stir well. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust and bake in the middle of the oven for 45-50 minutes at 350°F. Once the pie is ready, let it cool for a few hours. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream :)

And Elsie from A Beautiful Mess shared a milkshake recipe with a slice of pumpkin pie. I tried it and it was really good. I mean, extra-yummy!!

Do you like autumn? Which drink/dessert is your favourite for this season?

Love,

misspickle ♥

Thrift finds

2011-09-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

These are my most recent thrift finds :

A vintage textile painting

A childish frame. Two elephants flying in a air balloon... how cute!

More books :)

The coolest mug EVER!

This polka dots dress

A cute ceramic container

I also scored my Halloween costume and, as always, a few earrings to add to my collection :)
Love,
miss pickle ♥

Outfit : coolest thrift find of the month

2011-09-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

I rarely hit the jackpot with clothes at my local thrift stores. Some are huge and don't fit me well or are in bad condition. But three weeks ago, I found THE polka dot dress and it is pretty much my favourite dress right now. With bright tights and I'm totally in love. Oh, and how much for this perfect addition to my closet? 4.99$!
Cardigan : H&MDress: ThriftedTights : SimonsShoes : SpringCat : Mister Barracuda ;)
I'll share my other thrift finds soon!Have a nice Friday,misspickle

Blueberry Muffins

2011-09-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

Last wednesday I spent the entire day with my little sister Lilie. We woke up early, went out to find her halloween costume (and mine!) and came back home for a little cooking session. She was such an amazing helper and I'm giving her credit for these super-yummy blueberry muffins... way too good with the blue sugar icing :)

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup frozen blueberries
Sugar frosting : 1/2 cup powder sugar - 1 tsp melted butter - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract - food coloring - milk

Preheat oven at 375°F. Prepare a muffin pan with paper baking cups.
In a bowl, combine dry ingredients and frozen blueberries. In another bowl, mix together milk, egg and melted butter. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
Fill the muffins cups and bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown. Set on a wire rack to cool.

For those with a sweet tooth : in a small bowl, combine powder sugar, melted butter and vanilla extract. Add milk if necessary to get a creamy icing. Add food coloring and it's done!

Hope you'll have an awesome week-end!
Love,
misspickle ♥

Weekly Faves #2 : Dresses

2011-09-10T10:47:00.000-04:00

I love autumn. It's definitively my favorite season. Recently we got cold but clear sunny days which is a perfect weather to wear pretty dresses and colorful tights. So this week I've been inspired to do a little web-shopping. Well I rather say eye-shopping... and I've found so many beautiful dresses I wish I can add to my closet.

(via Red Velvet)

(via ModCloth)

(via GoJane)

(via ModCloth)

(Via Forever21)

(Via All-Mighty)

Which dress is your favorite? Did I mention I love ModCloth? :)

Have a nice week-end!
misspickle ♥

Fermette

2011-09-06T21:09:00.000-04:00

Guess where I went this week-end? One of my parents' friends has a super cool fermette with a few animals and I went to see his installations (maybe I'm a weirdo but I always wanted to live on a farm... I know one day I will). So it was very interesting (you know, it's my field of study!). And I snapped some photos, obviously.

And then I saw one of them...

Highland cattle : aren't they beautiful?

I hope you had a great week-end!

misspickle ♥

Weekly Faves

2011-09-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to share some great things I saw here and there on the web this week!

Some art from The Scribble Project

This super cool tutorial to refresh some old ceramic things (via indie thrifter)

This awesome dress

This Mac-and-Cheese candle (via kokocandles)

This super cool potholder rug! --> tutorial here (via scrumdillydilly)

Have a nice weekend!

misspickle ♥

I'll paint the greenhouses in black

2011-08-31T10:15:00.000-04:00

Since a couple of weeks I am so overwhelmed. The end of summer means the end of my training course in the greenhouses and i'm still really busy. I have to work on my final report every day at the office, and even at home I'm working on that paper too. I am kind of sick and tired of the greenhouses, honestly.

I seriously think I wasn't in a proper vacation mood this year, and when I take a look at the past months, I realize I didn't fulfill any plans I made at the beginning of summer. Things rarely happen as we plan and sadly, I'm going back to school next Tuesday.

But I've been up to a few happy things recently :

I've started to paint again after months and months of total inactivity, I ate yummy chickpeas nuggets,I wrote some letters,I sewed, I made and printed zines and I gave attention to this little fella who always want to cuddle ♥

Oh, and this week is definitively fueled by the Offspring's Smash album. Back in the days when I was a teenager with pink hair and stuff. I love this band and listening to it always bring me back great memories.

Love,
misspickle ♥

Healthy Carrot Cake

2011-08-28T10:05:00.001-04:00

Carrot cake? Okay, not exactly the same as the one with cream cheese frosting... but similar. In fact, this cake is much more like a "bread" than a regular cake. I like mine with a lot of cinnamon and you can use the-fruit-compote trick for that one too (see the Banana Bread recipe). The original recipe suggests 1/2 cup of pineapple juice and chunks OR orange juice. Unless you REALLY like pineapple taste, I think the orange juice is better for this recipe.

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil (or apple compote)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup orange juice (or pineapple juice with or without chunks)
pecans or walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven at 350°F (180°C). Lightly butter a loaf pan.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, soda powder and seasonings. In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs with a fork and add sugar, oil (or compote), vanilla extract and orange juice. Add the flour mixture and stir just to moisten.

With a rubber spatula, fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts. Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted to the center comes out clean.

Now for the real cake with frosting... I have to steal the recipe from my grandma because she makes the best carrot cake ever :)

Love,
misspickle ♥

Cotton Candy

2011-08-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

Hey, just want to share with you how amazing the sky is right now. Cotton-candy style, absolutely beautiful.

Love,
misspickle ♥

Sunny Saturday

2011-08-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

I was working at the greenhouses today. I must admit I was really in a crappy mood this morning because, hey, Saturday is the best day of the week and no one should have to work that day. Even more on sunny Saturdays...

But, finally, I really enjoyed my time at work. I went to the garden next to the greenhouses and find the annual evaluation site with, as you can see, a lot of perfect flowers.

I like to take pictures of plants and flowers. The different colors, textures and shapes are... simply perfect.

Love and flowers,
misspickle ♥

Banana bread

2011-08-16T21:27:00.000-04:00

I stole this banana bread recipe from my mom. It is almost her favorite dessert/snack and she is right : it's an healthy collation. If you feel it, you can add 1/3 cup of apple compote instead of oil ; I tried and it was extra yummy!

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or apple compote)
1/3 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup All-bran cereals (or triple bran cereals)
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
± 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, semi-sweet... )
nuts like chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, sunflower kernels... (optional)

Prehead oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with butter.
In a large bowl, combine flours, cereals, sugar and baking powder. In a separate bowl, blend together eggs, mashed bananas, oil and milk. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture just to moisten. Add chocolate chips and nuts. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes before serving.
PS : A slice of banana bread + a coffee is a perfect match!

misspickle ♥

Thrift finds!

2011-08-15T09:50:00.001-04:00

I went on a thrifting trip in my town last week. Sometimes I find treasures and sometimes I don't, that's the most exciting thing with thrift shopping. Well I was lucky to find this pretty stuff recently :

Vintage earrings aka my craziness. I love vintage jewelry, especially earrings, and I like to find colorful and original pieces for my collection.

A little wood shelf to display my figurines. It was covered with dust but looked good after a big clean up. I just have to find a way to hang it on the wall...

Two beautiful skirts that will be perfect for the fall season (5$ each)!

This painting for 3$. I like the idea of having the original painting of a total stranger on my wall. By the way he is/was pretty talented and the frame is beautiful.
Love,misspickle ♥

How to escape not so far away from home.

2011-08-14T20:41:00.000-04:00

This weekend, my parents were staying at an hotel near Beauport for my sister's kayak competition. So they invited me to joint us for the last night. I ate some great food, spent the whole evening between the spa and the pool and slept very well in a super comfortable bed.

In the morning someone was not able to wake up... but at 10 we were finally ready for a walk in a garden surrounded by beautiful flowers.

And cute houses...

My weekend was pretty awesome. It was so nice to relax and spend time with my family. I felt like I was really far away, in fact it took me 20 minutes to get home.

See you tomorrow for a post about my recent thrift finds!
misspickle ♥

Super productive

2011-08-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

It started with a tiny cherry tomato plant I bought at the garden centre a few months ago. Each year, I try to set up a little corner of green stuff on my balcony. Well, I used to have TWO plants but I gave one to my ex-boyfriend *sigh. Anyway. Recently, I noticed that about ten green tomatoes were turning red. So when I came home today, I picked a few for dinner...

Delicious. And I ate a super quick saute of vegetables and shrimps with rice. I'm keeping the seeds of the orange bell pepper as I'll try to add this colorful veggie to my "container garden" next summer (close to many cherry tomato plants, of course!).

Tomorrow is Friday, yay! And I'm having a dinner with two lovely friends.

misspickle ♥

The kid cat

2011-08-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

This guy is IMPOSSIBLE today. When he is not jumping everywhere in the apartment searching for this imaginary bug, he makes noise all the time to get my attention, even at 4 o'clock in the morning. I'm not exactly saying the same thing at night, but I love my cats, both are funny and amazing in their own way.

I'm out for a peaceful night's sleep without any interruption (i hope so).
misspickle ♥

Chicken and mango curry

2011-08-07T16:20:00.000-04:00

This is what I cooked for my friend Frank who came to visit me one month ago. He really liked this curry and the great point is, it's really easy to make.

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
curry powder (or paste), to taste
1 tablespoon flour
salt to taste
3/4 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 mango, cut into slices
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
1/4 cup sweet baby peas, frozen (optional)

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook onion, chicken and ginger until lightly browned. Stir in curry powder (or paste), flour and salt. Continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, coconut milk and frozen baby peas. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Add mango and sliced almonds.

Serve with jasmine or basmati rice.

I have a few other easy-but-impressive recipes to share here soon!

Very first post

2011-08-07T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hello,

This is my very first post on this very new blog. I used to have a tumblr in english, but I do prefer blogspot finally... so here I am! I spent the weekend all alone at home, watching The OFFICE US, finishing my zine and cooking random food left in my fridge. Well, let's share some of my favourite pictures of what I've been up to lately.

PS: feel free to comment and/or follow this blog, maybe i'll post updates or pictures or recipes sometimes ;)

love,

misspickle ♥