Monday, March 18, 2013

Artist Crush: Emily Gherard

It's no secret that I have a thing for abstract art, but it's not often that a piece really catches my eye like this first painting did.  While a lot of abstract art can be too loud/harsh for my taste,  I find this piece strangely calming....a good companion on a cold rainy day.  I couldn't help browsing through the rest of Emily Gherard's portfolio, it's really is lovely.  




Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Cement Floors

My cousin and her husband recently bought a home that has required a little TLC, and one area in particular was the flooring.  Upon pulling up the old carpet, they discovered cement floors.  My cousin was concerned that the cement would leave their home feeling cold and uninviting.....and since talking with her,  I have been on the lookout for cozy interiors with cement flooring.   So here is a short roundup if you find yourself in the same boat.
  

Monday, March 11, 2013

Healthy Living: Greek-Style Baked Shrimp


I would just like to say, if I don't discover any other healthy recipes this year I'm fine with it....because this recipe is that good.  Thanks to Jan over at poppytalk, this one wins recipe of the year award in my book.  It's delicious, healthy (the worst ingredient is feta cheese), AND it's pretty.  Enjoy.    


Greek-Style Baked Shrimp
(recipe adapted from Gourmet magazine)
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon freshly crushed fennel seeds
2 14 oz cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
pinch of sugar
1 1/4 lb of large peeled shrimp, tails left on
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
lemon wedges, to serve

Preheat oven 375F with rack in the middle.

In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add in onion, garlic and red pepper flakes. Let it heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, turning down heat if things start to brown. Add in tomatoes, cinnamon, allspice and sugar and cook until the sauce reduces and gets slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat. 

Season shrimp with a pinch of salt and then scatter over the sauce. Sprinkle feta over top along with half of the dill. Place saucepan into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Serve with the remaining fresh dill sprinkled over top. Serve with lemon wedges and lots of crusty bread to sop up all the goodness. Serves 4.

Monday, March 4, 2013

In Limbo

Hello!  Besides the fact that I've been gone for the past few weeks.....you may notice that RestlessOasis has received a nice face lift.  I have been putting off updating the blog for sometime, and could not ignore it any longer (especially since I made it a New Years resolution).  I felt that a new blog design was required for this new stage of life my family is embarking on......this non-army life.  You heard right- after fulfilling his military commitment, Red will be joining the civilian world in a couple weeks.  We are SO excited about opening this new chapter.....it feels strange and thrilling to not be told where to live.  Hopefully that explains my absence on here- we have been in limbo.  I did not want to start any projects with a pending move, and felt only inspired to pack a few boxes.  Now that we have some clear direction, I feel ready to come back.  I've missed this space!