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*Movie Mondays*

This intense film from director Kenneth Lonergan almost didn't make it to theaters due to multiple lawsuits surrounding its original excessive runtime of over 3 1/2 hours, even with the praise of Scorcese, who deemed it "a masterpiece." However, even in its condensed version of 2 1/2 hours, we are given such a deep look into the minds of the characters. The character development is really something of importance for the structure of the film, especially the main character Lisa, played brilliantly by Anna Paquin.

The film centers on Lisa, a young girl who inadvertdently causes a bus accident which ends up killing an innocent woman. Lisa can not seperate herself from the sitauation and goes to great lengths to right the wrongs of the legal system. 

While it is a drama concerning this tragic event, it is more so a coming of age story. It shows the oftentimes relentless conviction of Lisa and the whirlwind of her teenage transition into adulthood. Lonergan does this in a way that intertwines what is wrong with the world with what is happening to Lisa and her crazed spiral into insanity over the tragedy. This well developed film is complete with a great cast including Matt Damon, Matthew Broderick, and Mark Ruffalo, to name a few. It definitely is a film worth checking out. It is one that will leave you thinking for days because it addresses so many important issues concerning politics, religion and moral responsibility.

Pretty Amazing Handmade iPhone Cases

Need some trompe l'oeil bling for your iPhone? ..yep.

How great are these iPhone cases..handmade on Etsy by Danaz Designs. 

Check 'em out, there are so many more and they are all customizable.

This might be my favorite one ;)

Strawberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Check out the deliciousness that is a Strawberry Scone with a Lemon Glaze...out of this world. They are so perfect as a light and semi-healthy homemade snack, and are easy to make! 

Take advantage of strawberry season while it lasts. :)

Strawberry Scones

Makes 8 scones

8-10 medium strawberries, quartered
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract (optional)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Arrange your cut strawberries in a single layer and press down on them with a paper towel to remove some of the moisture. 

Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Cut your cold butter into small pieces and then mix with a pastry blender or two forks until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in your pressed strawberries. 

Add in the cold cream and press out the dough on a cutting board with a little bit of flour, but do not overwork the dough. Mold into 8 scone-like shapes of your liking, 1 inch in thickness. Place them on a greased baking sheet. 


Brush them with an egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) or melted butter, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving. 


Drizzle the glaze over the scones when they are fully cooled, and it should harden slightly, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures. 


Garnish with some fresh strawberry slices or lemon zest.

Lemon Glaze
Yields 3/4 cup

1 cup confectioners sugar
3 to 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons melted butter
2 teaspoons milk

Combine the confectioners sugar, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and milk in a medium sized bowl. Stir until smooth, and let it sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before re-stirring and drizzling over scones.

Bam! Deliciousness. Serve with tea and impress your friends. ;)

Scone Recipe Adapted from She Makes & Bakes

Cookie-Oreo-Brownie Crazy Deliciousness

So, this is the current food porn cooking up in my kitchen. 

Peanut butter/Chocolate Chip Cookie-Oreo-Brownie goodness..pretty ridiculous. :) 

This is not my doing, this is my roommate Brent's, but here is a comparable recipe to follow:

Chocolate Chip Cookie & Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar

Yield: 32 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 45 to 55 minutes

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos
1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix (or Chewy Brownies homemade recipe)
1/4 cup hot fudge topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9×13-inch pan, line with parchment paper, and then butter the parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. Cream together the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of the prepared 9×13 baking dish.

3. Top the cookie dough with a layer of Oreos.

4. Mix together the brownie mix according to the package directions, adding ¼ cup of hot fudge topping to the mix. Pour the brownie batter over the cookie dough and Oreos. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing into bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

(Recipe adapted from Kevin and Amanda)

Recipe Source: BrownEyedBaker

*Movie Mondays*

This film is absolutely alluring in its ambiguous and engaging plot twists, and an ending that leaves everything up to the viewer to interpret for themselves. There are so many interesting perspectives and underlying symbolism in this film that stars Elizabeth Olsen (yes, the Olsen twin's little sis), as a confused girl who escapes an abusive and immoral cult. Elizabeth Olsen plays the role perfectly, and definitely holds her own name.

I recommend you watch this film with an open mind and a few hours to spare for thought and discussion of what is really going on beneath the eerie surface the film barely touches upon.

This hauntingly beautiful film by Sean Durkin will undoubtedly leave you questioning what is real and what is hidden within the illusion of our own memories.

Elizabeth Olsen alongside John Hawkes

Elizabeth Olsen and Sarah Paulson

Photo Source: 

IMDB

Homemade Bread!

This past weekend I made this AMAZING bread with an oh so simple recipe (only 4 ingredients! and hint hint: one of them is not Crisco) I got from my friend Becca's fabulous blog - The Dabblist: Bread in 5 Minutes A Day.

 Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside..yum

Check out the recipe for tips on how to create a batch of dough that can be saved for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to whip up some tasty bread in 5 minutes to spruce up dinner (or impress your guests). The recipe is quick and easy and is a super healthy alternative to store bought bread that is usually filled with preservatives and chemical additives.

I'm currently working on adding some more pizazz to try and beat out my dad's excellent bread making skills - bread making contest to come!

Next up: Rosemary Herb Bread. :)

Miss Atomic Jewelry

Miss Atomic - retro jewelry, is truly adorable and I have to say - I want everything in this shop. I adore it all, especially these vintage-inspired cameo pieces.

Love this locket!

Amazing Artwork from Maps

Matthew Cusick, a NY-based artist, creates these beautiful and detailed collages from recycled map fragments from old textbooks and encyclopedias. 

Featured on:

Source:

http://www.mattcusick.com/

http://thebeautifulist.com

Seven Foods For Flawless Skin

I stumbled upon this list of seven foods for flawless, radiant skin from:

	Sweet Potatoes The antioxidant that gives this powerful veggie its orange color, beta-carotene, converts to vitamin A and helps generate new skin cells. Fresh, young cells keep your skin’s surface smooth and resistant to damage.
	Avocado  This rich, creamy fruit packed with monosaturated fat helps plump skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Its vitamins E and C also shield skin from harmful sun rays. Slather on a DIY avocado and honey mask for extra benefits.
	Chocolate  Okay, this delicious treat often gets a bad rap, but there’s no proof it damages your dermis. In fact, flavanols found in cocoa and dark chocolate increase blood flow, helping eliminate toxins from skin. The plant compound also acts as a sunscreen and protects skin from UV damage. So indulge yourself … in moderation!
	Green Tea The antioxidants in green tea play a big role in fighting molecules that can cause premature skin aging and acne. Polyphenols help rebuild damaged skin by shielding it from free radicals. We recommend drinking two to three cups a day for the best results.
	Walnuts  This crunchy snack gives you nearly 95 percent of your daily omega-3 requirements. The powerful fatty acid is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, protecting skin cells from free radicals and other harmful irritants. Don’t like nuts? Fish have similar benefits!
	Berries Eating a handful of blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries daily can be the secret to stress-free skin. The antioxidants that protect our cells from the sun also help remove toxins from the blood, leaving you with a radiant glow. So snack away on this sweet treat!
	Water  Hydration is the key to healthy-looking skin. Not only does H2O help move nutrients and waste in and out of our body cells, it also helps plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Source:

Bliss.com

*Fresh Finds Friday*

25 Handmade Gifts Under $5 

Who says you can't craft on a budget? Look at this adorable collection of easy-to-make, affordable gift ideas!

Jersey Knit Bracelets made from recycled t-shirts

Bird Nest necklaces with beads and wire

Jazz up some plain candles with stamps

Make your own bow belt using fabric

Easy to make teacup candles

Beautiful bookmarks made from old earrings!

Check out more from this crafty blog, The 36th Avenue, stock full of decor ideas, DIY projects and delicious recipes. 

*Movie Mondays*

David Lynch's Mulholland Drive (2001) is quite the psychological adventure that leaves us wanting more with its surreal context and haunting imagery. Lynch's neo-noir style grabs our attention and throws us into an intoxicating dark twist of events. The flawless Naomi Watts plays the role perfectly alongside Laura Elena Harring. 

Lynch delivers another masterpiece, possibly topping the beloved Blue Velvet (1986), with its similar nightmare after effects. I recommend this dizzying, yet beautiful piece of film history, however be aware this is not for the faint of heart.