Monday Morning Blues, I (Don't) Like You

Wow, that was far too short a weekend! Seeing as that I have the Monday Morning schlumps, I'm really looking for something to fill me with my usual energy.

Whats that, Amy Sedaris? You say you have a book for me? And it'll solve all of my entertaining quandries and fill me with lighthearted jokes and wit? Well, at least the second part might get me out of the Monday Morning Blues.


Jokes aside (or not) I flipped through some e-pages of this book to find some amazing tips, like the steps needed to prepare for a smooth party:

• hiding all exposed cords
• hiding the blank tv
• keeping the stereo in a subtle place
• making sure the phone is on silent
• letting her bunny hop around

So should you be looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, this could be it! And if not, just wait until next week--I'll be devoting the whole week to DIY baked goods and packaging ideas for budget-friendly, kitchen-approved gifting.

Happy Monday!

Design Porn

As if yesterday's H&M madness weren't enough, here's a little more design porn to round out the week. This isn't quite so budget friendly, but oh! the novelty! The asian-meets-modern-meets-ultra-chic of it! And I can't help thinking it looks like a chihuahua. Even still, I may be in love.



Plus, I've always wanted a nice glass teapot to show off my gorgeous tea flowers...

But perhaps $250 is a bit much to spend on a teapot, no? Alas, it goes in the dream pile.

Link of the Day

This site may not be in a language I speak, but the message is quite clear: H&M is scheduled to introduce a line of home goods early 2009! It looks like there will be four separate design themes in the collection, and some who have been able to translate the site claim that H&M home will hit e-stores this February! Hard to believe that February 2009 is only two months away...

Budget Finds: From the Kitchen Of...

Now that Thanksgiving has officially come and gone, it's impossible to avoid thinking about the holidays that are fast approaching. Budget Finds has always been about ways to make your life more economically sound (without compromising your chic sensibility, of course), and holiday gifts will be no exception! With an $15 investment in this little guy, you can turn home baked goods into something really special. The wonderful folks at sweetpaperie's etsy shop will customize each wooden stamp with your name and choice of icon, be it a whisk (my favorite), utensil set, pear, or holiday greeting. The potential for creative giftwrapping is endless--and with such a cute tool to last through many holiday seasons to come, I'm sure the $15 will quickly pay for themselves. And if you don't bake, imagine how cute it would be to stamp some round stickers to label jars of homemade jam or confiture...

Totally Chic or Totally Geek?

In this installment of Totally Chic of Totally Geek, we analyze the relative coolness of the latest geektastic gadget--a lemon-powered clock!

I'm loving the design on Anna Gram's citric timepiece, but the very practicality of it raises a bit of a question mark for me. And how long does a lemon battery last, anyway? Does it make the house smell at all? How well can you see the time from necessary perspectives? Sigh, if only I could let the thing just be pretty.


What do you think?

Free Food Alert! And Chipotle, Too!

I had a different post planned for this morning, but the budget-consciousness in me had to intervene! You see, a last minute deal came up--something you need to read about, especially if you (like me) happen to work in Midtown Manhattan.

But what could be more important than the post you were so eager to share, Red?

Ahhh, good question. Rarely does Red think about dinner before noon, but today is a special day. Chipotle, everyone's favorite fast-food indulgence, will be giving away burritos from 5-7 at their new location on west 45th between 5th and 6th!




And the best part? It's happening for three weeks! On Tuesdays only, of course, but still!

Happy Burrito!

Good Enough to Eat... Again! -- Thai Chicken Dumplings

It's always at this time of year that I begin craving foods that need to be blown on a whole lot before they're edible. I'm talking about temperature--when it's freezing outside I love the sensation of seeing steam burst out of what I'm about to eat, ensuring that my belly will become warm and happy within moments. And the smells emerging along with the steam... it's pure comfort. That's why on my last trip to Boston, I was insistent that TWB and I make these wonderful Thai Chicken Dumplings. The flavor comes largely from the red curry, but it's far sweeter and milder, with the tang of plum sauce giving it a complexity that's nothing if not addicting. It was only as we were making them that I realized how perfect they are for Good Enough to Eat... Again! Instead of tossing your leftovers in the fridge, simply freeze what you don't think you'll eat at they'll hold until the next blistery cold night you're craving them.


Thai Chicken Dumplings
makes at least 4 servings



What You Need:

1 lb. ground chicken.................................................. $ 4.00
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro....................... $ 0.50
2-3 tbsp chopped scallions (optional)....................... $ 0.50
1-2 tbsp honey............................................................ $ 3.00 (for a jar)
2 heaping tbsp. red curry paste................................. $ 2.50
1 package of wonton wrappers
(available at any asian market)................................ $ 1.50
plum sauce (for dipping)........................................... $ 2.50
oil for frying................................................................ $ 4.00

Total Cost.................................................... $ 18.50
Total Cost Per Serving................................. $ 4.62

(keep in mind many ingredients are priced by the whole jar and there will be leftovers!)


What You Do:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cilantro, scallions, honey, and red curry paste.

2. Wrap dumplings into the wonton wrappers by putting about 1 tbsp. of the mixture into each skin, moistening the edges with a bit of water, and sealing them shut in any shape or form you find attractive! Make sure they're well sealed so that they don't explode while frying.

3. Heat oil in a large saucepan and fry dumplings in batches, until puffy and golden, setting aside the finished ones to strain.

4. Serve with plum sauce and enjoy!