Friday, February 25, 2011

New Journals & 111 Sales!

Blackbird and Peacock has grown quite a bit since Joe and I listed our first items on Etsy in September.  In January and February, we focused our efforts on journals to offer different sizes, colors, and patterns.  Since then, our journal selection has grown and we still offer cards and postcards.



XL Blue Cassette Tape moleskine by Blackbird and Peacock










In March, we'll be busy creating postcards (it's been a while) and turn more of Joe's designs into stamps.  The progression is slow & steady, as we juggle other jobs, two pets, a teenager & new house, but the response has been positive.  Yesterday Blackbird and Peacock reached 111 sales in its' Etsy shop!  We've been waiting for that grand number to celebrate and Hope is currently dreaming up some sort of giveaway to mark the event.
Thanks to everyone for your support & love!

Winter Kale Salad

I made this the other day & loved it!  Perfect for winter, because few veggies are involved and kale & carrots are easy to come by in the winter.  The almond butter dressing is warming, as well.

salad
1/2 lb. firm tofu
small-med sized bunch of kale, chopped in thin ribbons
2 large carrots, grated
olive oil

almond butter dressing
3 T almond butter (I used raw)
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 T rice vinegar
water, as needed
1 T honey
1 T grated ginger
1 tsp. minced garlic, or more to taste
few drops sesame oil, optional

Drain tofu and wrap in dishtowel for 5 minutes to absorb some of the water.  Cut into small 1/2" cubes.  Add 1 tsp. olive oil to frying pan (I use cast iron) set on med-high heat and stir fry for 5-10 minutes, until lightly browned.  Remove from heat.
Mix together all of the ingredients for almond butter dressing.  Add more soy sauce if desiring a saltier dressing.  Add enough water so that the dressing is a little thinner than ranch dressing and stir well.
In a large bowl, mix together dressing, carrots and kale, and tofu.  If mixture is lacking flavor, add a little bit more almond butter and rice vinegar.  Considering how large your bunch of kale is (or isn't), it's better to play with it a bit.  Let sit for 2 hours and enjoy.  Keeps well in refrigerator for several days.







Sunday, February 13, 2011

Awesome V-Day Songs

Playing late night DJ is one of my fav things to do.  Here are some totally rad V-Day songs that make me swoon!


1. Trash by Suede
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2. Lust to Love by the Go-Gos's
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3. Stretch Out & Wait by the Smiths
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4. Jeepster by T-Rex
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5.Love Street by the Doors
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Friday, February 11, 2011

Book Review: Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World

Cupcakes are hot right now.  Remember when bagels were huge in the early 90's?  Bagel shops were everywhere.  Then, Krispy Kreme doughnuts (which I have never tried) were all the rage.  Cupcakes are currently it, but not just any cupcakes- vegan cupcakes.
Believe it or not, and I know that there are many disbelievers out there, vegan cupcakes rock.  At least, the ones I made from Terry Hope Romero & Isa Chandra Moskowitz's Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World do.   So far I can recommend the Rum Raisin Cupcakes w/ Rum Glaze & Rummy Buttercream Frosting + Chocolate Stout Cupcakes (with my own coconut cocoa cream frosting).  Delicious!
The recipes are pretty straightforward and easy to follow.  There are a couple of gluten-free recipes and the variety of recipes is solid- I never felt like I was reading the same recipe twice.  Oh, and the ingredients are easy to come by.
A great little cookbook.  I'm not much of a baker, but I found these cupcakes pretty fool-proof and can't wait to make more.  Next up- Chai Latte Cupcakes to accompany an Indian dinner I'm making this Thursday.  Yum!







Thursday, February 3, 2011

Fav Valentine's Day Picks

Let me say right away that Valentine's Day isn't a holiday I normally go out and celebrate with my honey.  You'll also never find me at the Rite Aid deliberating over which cheap candy and lame-butt card to pick out.
Instead, one year I made heart shaped tofu on rice for my family.  I'm not averse to giving and receiving chocolate on this day either (if it's really good chocolate).  However, my husband and I have a wedding anniversary around this time, so I'd rather just celebrate the love all month long.
Etsy most certainly isn't Rite Aid, however, and I think that even the biggest V-Day hater wouldn't snub their nose at any of these choices.
This little dish is really adorable.  Perfect for little love notes or a cupcake.

Big Love Dish w/ Two Birdies by Lean Dog Pottery











Now, my son would be so grossed out by this card because he thinks that quinoa looks like little worms.  I saw this card a few weeks ago and I LOVE it.  Super cute.

I Love You More than Quinoa Eco Friendly Mini Valentine Cards with Coin Envelopes by deepfried








I'm so inspired by all of the upcycled creations artists and crafters have been making.  I think we'll see more upcycling as time goes by.  I love cuffs!

Love Recycled Vinyl Cuff by Baking Vinyl