My Name is Ashley, and I'm an Addict

...Addicted to fun footwear! (There are much worse things to be addicted too. Of course I'm also hooked on Newflower Market's gummy bears, but that's another post...)

Last week I checked out my shoe store online and ordered these ladies, that arrived today!!!

(Remember, I am not a shoe model. Don't expect perfection or loveliness!)

Pair #1: Indigo's Dodie in purple:
First thought: Damn, am i really that white?!
Second thought: I have 2 dresses that these will look *perfect* with!
Heel: moderate. Shouldn't be a problem at all.
Tread: awesome for scooting
Comfort: pretty good. We'll see how they are after a full day at the office though.

Pair #2: Chelsea Crew's Bell in tan:
First thought: they're so vintage-y! Can't you just see Keira Knightley's character in Atonement wearing these?
Second thought: i like the color; should be great for spring and summer.
Heel: moderate.
Tread: okay. I've scooted in worse
Comfort: well, one toe (my second toes are a little longer than my first- go ahead, call me a freak) might pose a problem but as long as i keep my toe nails nicely trimmed, i'm sure it will be okay.

And Pair #3: Naturalizer's Beacon (I think): First thought: these might be returned. They're just not summery, yanno? But should I keep them for fall/winter? Can I make these summery? Hmm...
Second thought: again with the paleness. Sure I aim to be Dita von Teese pale, but i usually don't think i'm any where near that! I guess that's what flashes do... But about the shoes, yeah, I'm going to have to think about them...
Heel: again, moderate. I think everything I ordered is 3" though these might be 2.5.
Tread: decent.
Comfort: a little tight across the vamp but it feels nice a secure. And this is post-workout so my feet should be as swollen as they'll get, right?

SO, what do YOU think?

I'll Never Buy Sushi Again

Okay, that's a lie. I probably will, but really, there's almost no need! (Except the raw stuff; I'm unsure about trying that.)

Using the Pioneer Woman's sushi chef as a guide, it was actually edible. And not just edible, it was good!

Yes, I'm aware that California Rolls are meant to be inside out, but those weren't very pretty so I switched to this method. Much tidier!

This was my second attempt (ever) at any sort of sushi. The first time was in my first apartment in Austin was it was so bad. Really, just so bad. Still have that rolling mat tho! This time, I used my new rice cooker (also a steamer- i could multi-task if i wanted to!). It was only $14. Spouts some messy liquid out the vent hole, and was sticky on the bottom, but overall, I'm pleased. I'll just aim the spout at the sink and use some non-stick cooking spray on the bottom of the pan, and then clean up should be a breeze. I think I really like the idea that I could add the rice and water, go workout for 30 minutes or so, and when I come back, the time consuming part of dinner could be ready.

What's your sushi-making experience? Got any favorite rolls I should try?
Leave me a comment. : )

Yummy Yummy Indian Food

Indian food that is cheap. And easy. And comes in a convenient pouch. And has no preservatives? Yup. Love it.

These little guys ($2.99 and sometimes on sale for $1.99 at World Market- if you buy them out at my store I will find you and beat you. Don't test me.) are awesome. Sure some are a little high in fat or sodium (18% often) but the ingredients are like this: tomatoes, potatoes, spices, water, carrots, vegetable oil, spinach, salt. Everything you'd normally cook with; everything easy to identify and pronounce. How many packaged foods can you say that about? So yeah, half a cup of basmati rice (cooked with butter and tumeric) topped with half a pouch saucy veggies (the spinach and soy one is also super good, but i think the veg. korma is my favorite), nuked for 1 minute = yummy lunch.

I highly recommend these little guys. Just stay away from my nearby World Market. ; )

So Fresh and So Clean

Was at Target (The Happy Store) last night looking for more Boots body scrub (they didn't have the kind I liked so I'm trying another- I prefer the larger exfoliating granules) and came across this make up remover. It was only $5.49 and I had just finished the bottle at home so I gave it a shot.

I've had some removers that seem to get into your eyes- it doesn't burn but clouds. Not good. I've had others that can't get all the water-proof mascara off. Also not good- mascara left on overnight damages lashes. The latest one I used was Cover Girl (like the mascara) and I was so greasy after I immediately had to wash my face. This Boots one I could probably use after washing my face and just go. It quickly removed my mascara (no easy feat- I like a few coats), I wasn't left all greasy, and it didn't get into my eyes. Love it!

Considering the price, and how much larger the bottle is than the Cover Girl one, it's a bargain! Must go buy more in case they stop selling it. (Stay away from my Target! hee.)

Lazy Indian Food, Part Two

For dinner tonight...
Product tried: Tiger Tiger's Peshwari Chicken Tikka

Protein added: Chicken thighs
I marinated them all day in tumeric, a little salt and pepper.

Ew, gross

Sprayed pan with cooking spray and cooked for a few minutes over high heat.

Once it was starting to brown, and poured on the sauce and cooked until the chicken was done.
Yum! Liked this one better than the other one. Higher fat, sadly, but oh well! The chicken was nice and moist, the sauce not too tomato-y. Served over jasmine rice. The bottle says it serves 3 but the leftovers will easily serves us both tomorrow.
Next week i'll make mini-meat balls and find a sauce for that.

Lazy Indian Food

I would *love* to take a sauce-intensive indian cooking class.

But until then, to satisfy that craving it's either indian buffets or simmer sauces (from World Market). Last night was the first of 2. (The other 2 cans are curries but I might treat them as sauces and add some meat.)

Product tried: Greeta's Pudina Tikka

Protein added: Basa fish, cos it was cheap.

Greeta's sauce came with spices so I marinated the fish, sliced, in those for about 20 minutes, then cooked over medium high until about halfway done.

Poured on the sauce, stirred gently, and cooked covered for 10-15 more minutes. Also made some jasmine rice and I served that under the fish.

Overall? Pretty good. Fish was better than I expected. T said that if it were chicken it would be "awesome" but with fish it was "pretty good." Well, there are leftovers for dinner tonight, and he's okay with that.

Elderflower Sparkling Water

Was at World Market on Saturday, trying not to spend money (I was on a mission) but couldn't help wandering around. Saw this elderflower water and was interested. It was only $3 or 4, lacked "nasties" (HFCS), and came in a cute bottle (am totally going to reuse it). At Ikea they supposedly have an elderflower syrup that's good in cocktails, but whenever I go I cannot find it.

I thought this was alright. Maybe a little sweet, but I could totally see it at a bridal brunch or baby shower. Refreshing and simple.

(The company, british, also had a blood orange water, and a cranberry beverage.)

I *Love* My Mascara

It's Cover Girl's lashblast and it's fabulous. In the morning I curl my lashes, apply it, and seriously, at the end of the day it looks like I just put it on, unlike their Remarkable, which is horrible...

This could be the best $6.50 I've ever spent!