Monday, July 30, 2012

DIY: Make Easy Photo Transfers On Wood

As a photographer, I LOVE putting my photos on every kind of surface I can think of.  Wood is probably my favorite. The first time I attempted this was about a decade ago in a darkroom in college.  Well now there is an easier way, with no photo chemicals or darkrooms needed!
                         
                                          Heres' a few I've made using this method:


Here's what you'll need: 

  • Your photo (you can easily print this with your at home inkjet printer)
  • Gel Medium 
  • Mod Podge
  • Wood
  • Paint Brush (I prefer the sponge brush)

Directions:

 1.) Coat your piece of wood with a thin layer of the gel medium


2.) Line up your photo, place on top of wood and press firmly. Be sure to rub out all the bubbles. Let dry overnight. 


3.) Once you've let it sit overnight, run water over it and rub paper off with a wet sponge or rag. 


After you've rubbed off all the paper you should get something like this:

4.) Now to protect and seal in your image, once it's dry, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over your masterpiece.

5.) And finally..you're done!! (I like to add a little paint around the edges to make it pop.)



Saturday, July 28, 2012

Stuffed Zucchini Boats (vegan style)


Zucchini is probably one of my all time favorite vegetables. You make so many different recipes with it.  I've made stuffed zucchini recipes before, usually consisting of lots of cheese.  I thought I would try making a different version this time. Here is a vegan recipe I found from Eating Bird Food, a healthy recipe blog I love.

                                                   Ingredients 


  • 2 medium zucchini squash
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • 1 1/2 cup Quorn grounds or veggie crumbles
  • 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 t dried oregano
  • sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

                                                        Directions



  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°
  2. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and halve, lengthwise
  3. Scoop out the inside of the zucchini, leaving the outer shell (boat) intact and saving the flesh for later
  4. Spray the four shells with non-stick spray (I use canola oil spray), place cut-side-up on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes or until the zucchini has softened
  5. While the shells are baking, chop the zucchini flesh into small pieces and sauté over medium heat with non-stick spray, onion and garlic until soft and fragrant
  6. Add kale, veggie grounds, tomato sauce, basil and oregano and mix well. Simmer the mixture for 10-12 minutes, season with salt and pepper and keep warm until the shells are done baking
  7. Remove the zucchini shells from the oven when they are ready and fill each with a good portion of the mixture
  8. Serve warm and enjoy




Portobello Mushroom Pizza

This is one of my favorite, quick meals to make for lunch or dinner. It's so easy, low in carbs and you can even make it vegan by using vegan cheese. Feel free to add whatever topping you enjoy!

                                                     Ingredients 

  • Portobello Mushrooms
  • Pizza Sauce
  • Cheese
Only 3 ingredients!!! I usually get all of my ingredients at Trader Joes. They have the best fresh pizza sauce!! It's a must try.

                                                       Directions

  1. Wash and dry the mushroom caps and remove the gills and stems
  2. Add pizza sauce to inside of mushroom caps
  3. Add cheese and desired toppings
  4. Place on a baking sheet (make sure to spray with cooking spray or olive oil
  5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 for 10-15 mins