Friday, May 27, 2011

two quick things....

Google Friend Connect is down on a lot of blogs, including mine. As long as this problem persists, if you are not a follower currently, please feel free to follow instead on twitter for your mandatory entry at http://www.twitter.com/misaacmom or subscribe to my RSS feed.

A different note, I am reformatting my blog - the current format will serve as a place holder until I officially make changes to the design.

Have a great memorial day weekend all - Thanks!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

photos from Artsplosure 2011



I had planned to try and do two festivals this weekend but my husband pretty much refused. We didn't make it to the Got To Be NC Fest also, but here are some great photos from Artsplosure 2011. I had really wanted to make it this year - for the past few years my company has held the Family Day picnic on the same weekend as Artsplosure. Usually I would be too tired to try and do both in one weekend after a day at Family Day with my kids (imagine a carnival with unlimited food, games and rides/activities for free - fun but EXHAUSTING). My company no long does Family Day :( Of course we were sad but on the upside we got to attend Artsplosure this year!

I was so excited to see the Amococo, Architects of Air exhibit. Months ago I had been googling geodesic dome homes - I somehow came across this project through other links of other unusual homes and structures. When standing in line, I finally figured out that this was the same thing I had found online and I became SO excited. I never even thought that I would get an opportunity to see it in person but luck was on my side...

We had a little wait but the line went pretty quick. We did have to take off our shoes to enter which I understood but was not thrilled apart. Once inside I forgot all about my shoes. The colors were magnificent - the futuristic environment was very dreamy - inspiring and soothing. Unfortunately it was hot as blazes inside so we did not stay as long as we all would have liked but it was definitely worth it!

Miss N. was trying to be a good sport but had been at a sleep over the night before and the girls were up most of the night - needless to say by the end of the day she was cranky. Over all though we all enjoyed the art, music and most of all, food. (Nothing better than carnival or festival food!) The girls had ice cream and we all shared fried dough and a lemonade.


See some of the fun pictures below:









Friday, May 20, 2011

What to do in the Triangle this weekend....

So it is Friday.... besides celebrating the end of the world this weekend, what are your plans? Here are three ideas to keep you entertained.....

See a movie!



Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger TidesPirates, Pirate Ships, Ponce de Leon and Mermaids.

Tuesday I saw a special premiere of the 4th installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. I really was not sure if I would enjoy it or not - I loved both the first and the second Pirates movies, but the 3rd did not hold my interest at all and I have heard similar sentiments from other Pirates fans.

Disney has redeemed itself with Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides! Back are favorites Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and Gibbs, but be prepared for an entirely new cast of characters. People are already talking of wanting to see Sparrow's next adventure.

Synoposis:The main treasure in this version is the fountain of youth - with a map that has exchanged many hands, many are on the quest to get there first. The Spanish, the English and of course, the pirates! Not just any pirates mind you.... in addition to our favorite Captain Jack Sparrow, we also have the most well known pirate of all - the infamous Blackbeard. Some of the plot was quite predictable, but there were just as many unpredictable parts, keeping it interesting. Ther is one bit I am still not 100% clear on and will be interested to see other viewer's take on the incident.


Characters:
Depp gives us another solid performance portraying Captain Jack Sparrow. Sparrow is just as quirky, crazy and uncommitted as ever. A magnet for trouble, he is simply along for the ride, navigating himself out of one sticky situation after another. Although sneaky, conniving and unreliable, he can always be trusted when it truly counts to do the right thing..


In a seemingly endless line of love interests, Penelope Cruz plays another of Captain Jack Sparrows' ladies in waiting - a feisty Spaniard that Sparrow "ruined" when luring her away from the convent with professions of love, only to leave her broken hearted. She wants revenge - on Sparrow.

Barbossa is back, stealing the show with a quirky sense of humor. He is also broken hearted after having the Black Pearl cruelly stolen away - he is also seeking revenge against the one who wronged him.

Gibbs is also back, one of the few faithful to Sparrow who for the most part returns the favor, just not at quite the same level of commitment.

There are also a couple other newer characters introduced - primarily the missionary Phillip and betwitching mermaid Syrena amoungst others soldiers, pirates and mermaids.

Picture Quality:
The 3D special effects were incredible! I have only seen a few 3D movies but this was by far the best in terms of realism.

Review:
Overall I really did love the movie - much more so than I expected to. This film is definitely not for younger children - It is better suited for older kids and adults. There is quite a bit of adult humor, with more than one sexual innuendo thrown in. For the moviegoer that loves adventure, this will not disappoint.
(disclosure, I was provided with free admission to see the movie for review purposes; I was not required to write a positive review.)







Get Artsy

Triangle residents can experience art, good food and fun at the annual Art Festival, Artplosure. Details can be found HERE.

Art Market
Saturday, May 21: 11am - 7pm
Sunday, May 22: 10am - 5pm

Music in the Park
Saturday, May 21: 12pm - 10pm

Sunday, May 22: 11am - 6pm



Kidsplosure
Saturday, May 21: 11am - 6pm
Sunday, May 22: 11am - 6pm

Amococo on City Plaza
Thursday, May 19 & Friday May 20: 1pm - 7pm

Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22: 11am - 7pm


Celebrate where you live!




Got to Be NC Fest! Not just food and games - fiber arts, roller derby, and more


Carnival Hours

Friday: 12 noon - 12 mid.
Saturday: 10am - 12 mid.
Sunday: 10am - 10pm

Building and Exhibits Hours
Friday: 10am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

MUSIC
Saturday Schedule


11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition, Dorton Triangle Stage
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
9 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
Sunday Schedule
11 a.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
1 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
3 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog

Saturday, May 21st 2011 - North Carolina State Fairgrounds

9 a.m. Gates open
9 a.m - Noon Lineman's Rodeo
10 a.m. Graham and Expo Buildings Open
10 a.m. Carnival Midway Opens
10 a.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
10 a.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Smurfs wander the fairgrounds
11 a.m. Clogging-- Graham Building Community Stage
11 a.m. Antique Tractor Parade
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bluegrass Band Competition, Longbranch Triangle Stage
Noon Clogging -- Graham Building Community Stage
Noon - 9 p.m. Carolina Roller Girls Regional Tournament -- Dorton Arena $5
1 p.m. Ray Price Harley Davidson Ride-in arrives
2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Antique tractor Pull -- Grandstand
2 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
2 p.m. Flying Tiger Martial Arts -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
4 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
4 p.m. Flying Tiger Martial Arts -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
7 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
8 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
8 p.m. Buildings Close
9 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southbound 85
Midnight Carnival and Festival Gates Close


Sunday, May 22nd 2011 - North Carolina State Fairgrounds 9 a.m. Gates open
10 a.m. Graham and Expo Buildings Open
10 a.m. Carnival Midway Opens
10 a.m. Rocky The Trick Mule--near Holshouser Bldg.
10 a.m. Border Collie Sheepherding Demonstration -- Grandstand
11 a.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
11 a.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
Noon. Antique Tractor Parade
1 p.m. Border Collie Sheepherding -- Grandstand
1 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Southeast Express
2 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
2 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
3 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band -- Graham Bldg. Community Stage
3 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
3 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
3:10 p.m. Raleigh Concert Band
4 p.m. Border Collie Sheepherding -- Grandstand
5 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
6 p.m. Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show -- Grandstand pad
6 p.m. Buildings Close
7 p.m. Rocky The Trick Mule -- near Holshouser Bldg.
7 p.m. Longbranch Triangle Stage -- Chuck Champion & Big Head Dog
10 p.m. Carnival and Festival Gates Close


Indoors or out, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained. Whatever you decide to do, have fun!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Roasted Veggie Salsa and Chili sauce

I accidentally subscribed to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food, but it was a happy accident. I love the magazine - it is digest sized and chock full of simple gourmet recipes. Most of the recipes require a small list of ingredients. From this month's issue I immediately knew that I wanted to try and make the roasted salsa and chili sauce. I modified both a bit.

For the Salsa I did the following:
- roasted tomatoes, scallions, garlic, and jalapenos.
- once browned, put the items in a food processor with fresh cilantro and lime juice and coarsely chopped.

I added too much of both the lime and cilantro, so I added a can of petite diced tomatoes and a few dashes of salt to reduce the overpowering taste of both. It turned out beautifully! I love fresh salsa. When I tried the salsa later I determined that it was delicious but too mild. I simply added a dash of the chili sauce to a small bowl of salsa and it spiced it right up wonderfully.



For the chili sauce I varied the recipe quite a bit. I chose to roast the chilies instead of cooking over the stove - basically the ingredients were garlic and unseeded chili and jalapeno peppers but did not use as many as the recipe called for. I added ketchup and OJ for the base but I also substituted rice vinegar for the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar for the molasses and added a spoonful of hoisan sauce. Once the peppers, onions and garlic were roasted thoroughly I added to the food processor until liquefied.

Tomorrow I plan to make stir fry with rice noodles. I will cook in a regular Terriyaki base, but Ryan and I can add the chili sauce to our dishes to add a little spice.

The June 2011 edition Martha Stewart Everyday Food also had other great, easy recipes - several using cucumber, a lovely lime, shrimp and edamame rice bowl, white pizza, flank steak, broiled tofu, creamy salad dressing and more!


Search This Blog