Sety Recommends:

For a cute little movie full of meaning, visit http://imheremovie.com it's only 24mins but it is incredibly worth it!

Vegan Doughnuts

After discovering that a vegan doughnut shop exists a couple of blocks away from my apartment, I've spent my spare time searching the internet for vegan doughnut recipes.

Now, my doughnuts are no where near as amazing as their doughnuts, and I've only attempted to make them once, but I'm relatively proud of the outcome. I originally wanted to make baked doughnuts because they're healthier...however, I couldn't find a doughnut pan anywhere! I checked my QFC, Target, and even Ikea...no doughnut pans! So, I decided to buy a little deep fryer and mold the doughnuts by hand.

This little guy and I were best friends by the end of the night...and yes, I said end of the night. I honestly started working on the doughnuts around 2pm yesterday, and I had them finished and glazed around 7pm! The bright side is that after a bunch of experimentation, I figured out an easy way to shape them.

Here's a picture of some of the "uglies"

Poor little guys...in the back you can see the incredibly fat/round ones...in the front you can see two incredibly skinny ones, and the one sitting on top is just deformed...

Here are the ones that actually look like doughnuts:

Yes, I know, they're beautiful (especially compared to their predecessors!) and yes, that is a "doughnut hole" in the front (actually, it was just the leftover dough rolled into a ball).

So, I guess I can finally give you my recipe. Please feel free to adjust and alter the recipe, like I said, they turned out really good, but definitely not AMAZING...but, for a first attempt, I'm definitely proud :)

For the dough, you will need:
2 cups of flour
1/2 cup of sugar
3 Tsp baking powder
a pinch of nutmeg
2 "eggs"
3/4 cup of soymilk
3 Tbs of oil

If you're frying them:
1. Preheat the deep fryer to 350 degrees F
2. Mix all the dry ingredients.
3. Add "eggs", soymilk, and oil...mix well.
4. You will need a lot of flour, for dough forming...as well as a surface that has been covered in flour. Make sure your hands are also coated in flour so you can easily maneuver the dough. You're definitely going to have to experiment with it personally, but let me tell you how I did it so you have a better idea. I poured extra flour into the bowl and mixed it into the dough, then I put all the dough on my floured cutting board and rolled it in some more flour. Then I took a handful of the dough and rolled it into a ball, then I took the ball and flattened it with the palm of my hand...now I didn't flatten it completely, but they were relatively flat and circular. Then I took my bigger funnel to help me cut out the center hole (trying to tear it by hand is a bad idea, I don't advise it, haha). Then I took these flattened versions of doughnuts and put them in the deep fryer...giving each side about 2-3 minutes (yes, I flipped them over in the deep fryer, they would float to the top, so in order for them to cook fully, I used a spoon and flipped them over).

If you're baking them:
1. Follow the frying steps 1-4...except instead of preheating your deep fryer, you'd preheat your oven.
2. Pour the dough into doughnut pan, or a cupcake pan supposedly also works (you'll just have to cut out holes afterwards...or not).
3. Put them in your oven for about 5-10 minutes, make sure to check up on them...you want them to look lightly golden brown.

For the glaze...I did a maple glaze in accompaniment to a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

For the Maple Glaze, you will need:
2 Tbs Plain Soymilk
2 Tbs Maple Syrup
1 Cup powdered sugar
1/8 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp vanilla extract

1. Combine soymilk, maple syrup, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer while whisking constantly.
3. Remove from heat, cool for 5-10mins or until thickened, stir in vanilla.

For the cinnamon-sugar, I just mixed 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of cinnamon, feel free to adjust this to your liking. :)

Now, basically, you want to wait until the glaze is nice and thick, then you grab a doughnut, dip one side, let the glaze drip (I liked to slowly spin the doughnut to give it an even layer) then either dip the glazed doughnut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, or using a spoon pour the mixture onto the glazed doughnut, then flip it over to get the excess off (I preferred the second method).

And Tah-Dah! You have Vegan Maple Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts!
You probably want to experiment with these on a day where you don't have anything else to do, it will take you a while, especially if it's your first attempt at making doughnuts! But, trust me, it's worth it :)
p.s. these are not healthy by any means! You have been warned, so indulge at your own risk! haha

For my 101th post...

I'll be boring and talk about stuff you probably don't care about...oh wait, isn't that what I do with every written entry? Haha

It's past 3am, so why am I still awake? Good Question. Kyle's been asleep since like 10pm, lol So he'll probably wake up in 3 hours...and I'll sleep for around 6 hours...being on different sleeping patterns kind of sucks :( All week he's been falling asleep before/at the time we watch our TV shows...last night I was making dinner (rice & enchiladas) while trying to watch Community...I didn't do too bad, but Kyle fell asleep before the Office came on, and before I finished dinner. So, I ate dinner alone and watched our shows alone...well, I guess not technically alone, he was asleep on the couch next to me, haha. Anyway, it's just kind of lame, because once he's asleep, I've got a few hours of just being alone, which I guess I could spend sleeping, and I'll probably go to sleep after I finish this, but it would just be nice to be back on the same sleeping pattern. To be honest, the reason we're so off is probably my fault. He got sick like a week after me, and so he's still getting over his cold, so he ends up sleeping from like 9pm-6am...and I sleep from like 3am-11am...sadly, neither of us are on normal sleeping patterns, lol. Or, at least what I consider normal...we normally sleep from like 12am-7am, so we're both really off, lol.

Sleeping pattern complaints aside...I am proud to say that I am no longer sick, I am no longer in school, and I am much happier in general, hehe! We went to Gas Works Park earlier this week, it was 70 degrees out, and so we had a nice little picnic, soaked up some Vitamin D, people watched, and I took some pictures. Today, we went to the mall so I could pick up a new wallflower from Bath & Bodys Works...don't tell them, but I bought 2 a long time ago, and I only used 1 of them until we moved up here (I bought the second one in preparation for having an apartment) and a couple of months ago, we noticed that one of them doesn't work. But it's been too long to return it :( So, the sneaky plan is to swap the new one for the old one. I don't feel too bad returning it because it is brand new! It was never used because it never worked! So, when I return it, I won't be lying to say it doesn't work...hopefully the plan works...even if it doesn't, the wallflowers were on sale today for only $6...also, I bought Lavender Vanilla refills, and I'm using the scent in the bedroom, and it is deliciously lovely and sleep inducing :)

While on our stroll through the mall (after we got some thai food and boba) we encountered one of those new digital vending machines! Super cool :) Look for them at Simon Malls near you!

(please excuse my dumb face, haha)

After the mall, we went to Target (right across the street) because I wanted to buy a doughnut pan (I want to bake vegan doughnuts) and I couldn't find one. So, instead we bought a deep fryer, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and some day quill. Upon seeing french presses, we decided to go to Ikea since we were already out and about...and because our french press broke, and doughnuts without coffee is so sad. On our way there, we nearly got in an accident on the freeway. We were exiting, when all of a sudden about 4 cars in front of us come to a complete stop and are swerving to avoid hitting each other, so we follow suit, and shortly after, everyone starts moving again. There was seriously almost a 4 car accident over NOTHING. Traffic had been flowing perfectly, no one was suddenly trying to get out of the exit lane, after being stopped for a minute or so, everyone started moving again. It was super weird and really dangerous! Anyway we wanted to buy replacements for all the glass products we've broken over the months (3 drinking glasses, our pitcher, and the french press) but we couldn't find our french press! :( The bright side is we picked up some cute throw blankets, a garlic press, a whisk, and some lingonberry concentrate! :)
So we were driving back home and we took the express route which doesn't lead to our exit, it only offers the exit above ours, and we're about to go home, when we stop at Target one more time for a french press. Yes, there is a little bit of irony there :P

We get home, eat leftovers, and Kyle falls asleep. No doughnuts tonight, but tomorrow, I'm all over doughnut making! I've done a lot of research, I've combined a few ideas, and I think I have the perfect recipe. I also have a couple of different types of toppings for the doughnuts, so I'll take pictures of my creations, and post a recipe if it all works out!

Since that is all I have to say, I bid thee goodnight. Sweet dreams Internet :)

Gas Works Park Pictures

Preview of Gas Works Park Pictures

Hello friends, I know, I haven't posted in a while, my apologies...but I've been sick and studying relentlessly...now that my illness has passed, and I'm done with the winter quarter, I would officially like to say "Hello!" to spring time! This is one of my favorite seasons :) today it got up to 70 degrees, so we went out to Gas Works Park! It was glorious, sunny, and lots of fun, I'll post all the pictures later, here's a sneak peek!

Cure for Insomnia! :)

I'm on the prowl...

For a job that is. This is job hunting at it's finest, I will be merciless, and I will become employed!
Yes, I am still sick, BUT I have applied to 8 different jobs today, productive? I think so!
Tomorrow if I'm feeling less disgusting, I'm going to personally drop off a few resumes. Hopefully one of these potential employers bites the bait. I am so ready to work! I mean, sure, my days are usually pretty productive, but there was a reason why in HS I tortured myself with the newspaper, ASB, and endless amounts of clubs. I like being productive! It's sick, really...lol Actually, it's not that bad, but it's just nice to be needed! haha...

All joking aside, I really do hope I get called back from at least one person. I was having a good spree of interviews, but since I've been sick and not actively looking for work, it makes me feel like I've fallen behind :(
Nonetheless, I have now sent out lots of applications, I'm turning some in tomorrow, SURELY someone has to contact me, even if it's just for an interview!

p.s. I saw an ad for this ADORABLE teacup Pomeranian and I don't think I've ever wanted a puppy so badly! Seriously, the little man is TOO CUTE! And, he'd be so easy to hide in our apartment, even as he "grows" no one would notice him! Here are some pictures from his ad:

Honestly, teacup Pomeranians (well, Pomeranians in general) were never on my dog-wish list...the smallest dog on my dog-wish list is a doxie or a corgie....but I WANT this little guy!

Puh-lease, bay-buh (if you're reading this), Puh-lease let me have him!!!

Begging aside...I think we're gonna call his humans tomorrow and see if we can get him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Kyle just told me this) eeeeeeeekkk I'm so excited!! :D x a MILLION

Birthday Wish List!

So, my birthday is 51 days away...which means I've obviously spent a lot of time already thinking about what I want! :) Yes, I realize that's kind of silly. No, I'm not self-absorbed...but this year I turn 21! (Finally, jeez)
[Though, this still means that I can't rent a car...did you know you have to be 24 to do that? Ridiculous!]

Anyway, I don't want much, just a few "essential" items I can't imagine my life without for much longer...yes, you can give me money...and if you HAVE to buy me a gift card, please make sure it's to something useful, lol. (Target, Ikea, Forever 21, Bath & Bodies Works, Victoria's Secret, and Charlotte Russe are acceptable stores)

So, let's start with the top of my list...I mentioned them in a previous post, the lovely Composer lens made by lensbaby which I absolutely NEED! :)

Composer Lens
Macro Kit
Wide Angle Kit
Soft Focus Optic
Summer Straw Hat
Winestein
Lomo Clear Action Sampler Camera
Recipe Binder
Moustache Ring
Cambridge Carry-all Bag
Cruiser!
Retro Bathing Suit -no image, but check it out, it's wwaaayyy cute and my dream suit!

Oh, my lovely better half...

There are days when I forget to breathe, yesterday was definitely one of them.

I am Happy most days, happy with a capital H!

But! I am human...so on certain days, perhaps when the planets and stars align (or when my uterus is at war with itself) where I forget how to breathe. Instead, all I can focus are on my worries.

But when I do worry, I worry a lot, and I worry about everything and anything possible. How we're suppose to do this or that. How things are going to work out, if things are going to work out at all! When things will happen, if they're ever going to happen.

I was worrying so much I cleaned the entire kitchen (I can't sit still while upset/worrying) then I moved on to the bathroom, did/put away the laundry.

Kyle was having a fine day, (aside from me getting him sick, lol) he was nerding out playing online with friends and despite knowing something was bothering me, didn't press the subject.
That is until he found me lying on our bed staring off into space. That's when I remembered I have a best friend who I tell everything to...so I told him everything, all of my worries. He listened patiently and then told me exactly what I wanted to hear: "Everything's going to be all right. We'll figure it all out, don't worry, I'm here."

So, what have we learned?

1. Breathing is essential.
2. Worrying is perfectly fine, but sharing worries is much better than hoarding them.
3. Kyle=the sane, level-headed one in this relationship, and should therefore be sought on days of uncertainty.
4. Being upset/worrying isn't a total waste, the apartment is now sparkling :)

I'm sure all this stress is mostly the fault of my uterus, my sickness, and my attempts to study for finals. But, I aced my psych exam, so I'm feeling pretty good right now (for now)!

Doodle-loo

 Like my photography, please do not steal these little doodles, if you want to use them, give me some credit, kay? :)

Simply Amazing!

Paris 26 Gigapixels - Visite virtuelle interactive des plus beaux monuments de Paris

Yosemite 17 gigapixels - Virtually explore Yosemite National Park

Lensbaby!

For my birthday...I would really like a Composer :

This little lens has the ability to make all of my dreams come true! With the purchase of a few optics, I can virtually have every type of lens I've ever dreamed of...and with the right accessories, I can get the dreamy vintage look of lomography using Daphne (my DSLR) which is honestly something I've been dreaming of being able to do! That way I don't have to worry about getting film developed/scanning the images then throwing them into photoshop...I can just take the picture and already have them in a raw high quality that I can throw into photoshop. There is nothing I want more than this! :)

Another thing I'd like would be a good quality film negative scanner...or just money, so I can buy stuff, lol.
I can't believe my birthday is in only 55 days, lol...yeah, it's not that close...but it's coming! :)

Sicko Dreaming of Summer

It's official, I feel horrible (i.e. I'm sick). Luckily, I happen to have the best boyfriend in the world, who at 1am goes to the store and buys medicine, my favorite flavor of Gatorade (I can't stand the stuff unless I'm sick, lol), peppermint tea, and some apples! Seriously, he's amazing :)

Also, this little sicko is currently dreaming of summer days...sun bathing, Brazilian bowls, frozen yogurt, pools, the beach, and of course, the excuse of wearing sandals everyday, as well as lots of white, lots of sheer, lots of lace, lots of eyelets, and lots of frills! Here's what I'm dreaming of for my summer attire:

Top Left: Kimchi Blue Lace Inset Cami
Top Right: Kimchi Blue Printed Chiffon Metallic Applique Tank
Bottom Left: Kimchi Blue Lace Cami
Bottom Right: Pins and Needles Lace Open Back Shift Dress

:[

My throat's been killing me all day! It's so sore :[  it hurts to swallow, and yet it feels dry, so I'm drinking a lot of liquids. I've moved from water to tea though, in hopes that it will help! I've also consumed a bunch of cough drops, though to be honest, they haven't done a thing to make me feel better! How lousy!

Tomorrow we're suppose to be going to Gas Works Park to explore/take pictures, so hopefully I feel up to it! I'll be real upset if I'm getting sick, it'd be incredibly inconvenient. I have finals coming up, so I need to be on top of my game! Not hiding under neath a rock because of illness! Boo woo!

My nose is a bit stuffy, and sneezing hurts...this is not a good sign. I'm incredibly tired and don't feel like doing anything but curling up in bed with a book and my tea (also not a good sign).

Maybe I am sick...but even if I am, I will take Dayquill and still go exploring tomorrow, because I'm a trooper! Prepare for awesome pictures in the next few days :)

Movies

I've circled the indentations that the dumb 3-D glasses made in RED.

I was waiting for Kyle while he got a drink from the water fountain, when I noticed these guys giving me a weird look...feeling uncomfortable I took out my phone to check my messages I had gotten while watching Alice in Wonderland in Imax & 3-D

As Kyle and I were walking to the car talking about the movie, all of a sudden he turns to me and says, "what happened to your face??" I reply: "what do you mean?"
He bursts out laughing saying that the 3-D glasses left really big marks on face
I look in the mirror, remember the guys, and start laughing. I took a picture when I got home, and though I circled the marks to make sure you could see them, keep in mind this is after driving home, so 10 minutes before this picture was taken, the marks looked really bad!
Kyle spent the entire way home mimicking my supposed thought process saying something similar to "maybe if I really push the 3-D glasses onto my face, I can see the 3-D even better! Yeah! I'll just press as hard as I can!"
hahaha...to be honest, this is probably just karma...

We arrived at the theaters with about 10 mins to spare, but there was only one booth open, so we spent 5 mins waiting in line to buy the tickets, and by the time we got to our theater, it was nearly completely full, aside from the very front seats (and that'd just be horrible watching a movie in Imax & 3-D!) So, we went up stairs and watched Shutter Island because it was starting 10 mins after Alice...

*spoiler alert!* Shutter Island was alright...but like other movies similar to it...you can't even spend the movie trying to piece the mystery together because come the end of the movie, you're told that everything was from the perspective of a character who's perspective isn't trustworthy because it wasn't real. So in all fairness, the ending was "ridiculous" but that's just because there was literally no way to guess it. Though Kyle did technically "call" it by saying "the twist better not be that he was actually the crazy one the entire time".

Anyway, I went into Alice with pretty high expectations, and while I thought it was good, it didn't blow me away...I enjoyed watching it, but I probably won't watch it ever again.The 3-D was fun, however, and the acting was good...it just seemed (to me at least) that the plot lacked a certain "umph". But, I still recommend it, even if just for the cinematography :) [and a certain dance sequence by a certain Johnny Depp, hehe]

Spicy Black Bean Burgers

{I have been wanting to make these burgers for quite some time, but I wanted to make them AWESOME! So I did a lot of research (honestly, I've read like 15 different recipes) and came up with my own recipe for what were THE most amazing black bean burgers I've ever had (Kyle whole-heartedly agrees!) This recipe is my baby...so use it well :) hehe}

You will need:

1 can of black beans (or 16 oz of homemade black beans) rinsed and drained/thoroughly dried

1 egg (or the equivalent in an egg replacement)

1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro

1/4 cup of finely chopped onions

1/4 cup of corn

1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

a sprinkle of parsley

2-3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)

1/4 cup of soy sauce

a pinch of black pepper

2 slices of toast (for the bread crumbs)

a handful of Hot & Spicy Cheez-its -optional but recommended

hamburger buns

chipotle sauce-optional but highly recommended

avocado-optional but highly recommended

cheese-optional but highly recommended (I used a soy pepper jack, but cheddar would also go well!)

1. Get your toast going if you haven't already done so, and using a grater, or whatever method you prefer, make bread crumbs.

2. Drain and dry the beans (excess water will make the patties fall apart!). Then mash them up with a fork in a bowl, but make sure that some of the beans are still fully intact.

3. Add the onions/cilantro/corn to the beans.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the egg/"egg" & the spices & soy sauce. Mix well!

5. Combine the beans and the second bowl of goodies, mix well.

6. Add about half the bread/cracker crumbs to the mixture, mix well. Depending on the level of consistency, add more. (The crumbs help keep the patties together, so the more, the merrier. However, obviously, not too much!)

7. Using your hands, form patties using about a spoonful or so of the mixture (depending on how big you want the burgers to be!)

8. Heat up a pan with some vegetable oil, place a pattie on the pan, flip over when slightly brown. You want both sides to look nice and brown (not black, that's burnt!)

9. Assemble your burger! Add avocados, chipotle sauce, cheese, lettuce, whatever your heart desires!