Photoshop Actions

I just found out about Photoshop actions. Okay, Okay this just shows that Adobe software has a lot of complex details that allow you to edit photos, layouts, and ect and it can take years to learn your new software (even though they update this every 18 months). Photoshop actions can take awhile to set up and finesse, but after you have your settings the way you like them. Actions can be the easiest way to edit a large batch of photos.

How to do it:

Windows > Actions > Create a new folder > Create a new action > Press record

Photoshop will then record all the steps you take to edit your photo. When you are done hit stop ▀ You should be able to open an image with similar attributes, play ► and get similar results.

The part that takes finesse is deleting layers that don't matter, and making sure your layers remember the colors and effects how you want them. If you are using colored layers make sure to use the shape tool.

Kitchen Adventures

 Homemade Baozi: recipe can be found here. I have been searching for the perfect recipe since I visited a Dim Sum in China Town in San Francisco 6 years ago. I finally found it thanks to pinterest. The website has a great tutorial video on how to fold the buns as well. I did not have the Korean Red Pepper Paste, I used some sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and honey to replace it.

Homemade Marshmallows: recipe found here. Airy and delicious.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

• 1/4 c. butter
• 1 medium-sized shallot or small onion, minced 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz. pumpkin puree
• 3/4 c. chicken stock
• 3/4 c. milk
• 1/3 c. parmesan cheese
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1/8 t. nutmeg
• 1/4 c. diced parsley
• Dash of cinnamon

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes, until shallots are tender.

2. Reduce heat to low and stir in the pumpkin puree. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Slowly add parmesan and stir until melted. Then simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper, if needed. Stir in the parsley. Serve over pasta.

This is more of a fall flavor dish, but I love to enjoy fall any time of the year.

Sushi Inspired

Sushi Image Source

Source Stapler + Bamboo File + Letter Storage + Magazine Organizer + Cord Organizer + Recycle Bin + Type Pillow + Storage + Drawers + Paint 

Now that our home is livable and the big projects are mostly out of the way. I can focus on designing our home. Everything I have done so far is just to get us by. Colors are neutral and bland (yeah that palette is in style, but it is not me). I love color, so I am ready to embrace something colorful like this sushi color palette to bring my office to life.

Time for Peace & Quiet

We recently "completed" our current house project. (It is almost done.) We had an open house this past weekend. Enjoyed friends and family with Sangria, and apple crostini. The dogs and I were so tired afterward that we had to take a nap. Hopefully with a break from my house I will be able to devote more time to my blog and personal projects.

Apple Crostini

1/4 cup whipped Butter
1/3 cup Cream Cheese
1 package of Gorgonzola
1 Baguette
Honey

Mix this ingredients together until well combined. Cut baguette diagonally to slice 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Toast bread. Spread cheese mixture onto toast. Top with a thin slice of apple. Drizzle Honey on top. Serve immediately and enjoy

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Sangria

One bottle white wine
One cup orange curraco or triple sec
Two cups sliced strawberries
One lime sliced
One orange sliced
Two lemons sliced
One cup of sugar
12 oz lemon lime soda

Add fruit and liquor  8 to 24 hours before serving. Just before serving add soda. Stir and serve.