Monday, November 28, 2011

28Day Giveaway plus Cyber Monday deals!!!

**UPDATE 11/29 - The contest is now closed. Congrats to Cindy for winning! Come back in January for our next giveaway!**

It's 28Day!!!  Enter today to win a set of poison bottle tea towels from Branch Handmade! Today we're making it super easy to win.


To enter:

Browse the Apartment 528 store and find your favorite item.  Then choose one (or more) of the methods:

  1. Comment below stating your favorite item.  Each comment counts as ONE entry.
  2. Follow us on Facebook and leave a comment telling us your favorite item.  Each facebook comment counts as TWO entries
Make sure to give your email so we can contact you, otherwise your entry will not count.  You have until tonight (11/28/11) at 11:59PM central to enter and you can enter up to 2 times PER method (4 times total).  The winner will be chosen Tuesday morning.  Valid for US residents only.



But wait, that's not all! Shop Apt528 today and get even more awesome stuff. That's how much we love you! 


Monday, November 21, 2011

In the Kitchen: Parmesan Bread Knots

This past weekend we had a party with some of the folks from my husband's job. I've been collecting pins of appetizers and party food on Pinterest for months (follow me on Pinterest!) so I was positive we'd have the best spread around.  But of course I procrastinated and didn't plan out the menu or do the shopping until the day of the party. Oops!  Needless to say, I was freaking out that I wasn't going to have time to make all the food AND finish all the last minute projects we had going on around the house. Oops again.  Apparently I like to overbook myself whenever it's time for an event.  I work better in chaos.

Anyways, I was browsing my "Soiree" pin board when I found this awesomely fast, cheap, and YUMMY recipe for parmesan bread knots over on the Real Mom Kitchen blog. Laura adapted the recipe from one in an issue of Simple and Delicious. It was THE easiest appetizer I've ever made but it looked like I spent forever on it.  Of course I forgot to take a picture but for once, mine came out looking just like the ones in the original picture! On top of that, I didn't use exact measurements. I went all Julia Childs and just eyeballed all the seasonings...that shows you how easy this really is! You most likely have all the ingredients already in your kitchen and anything you don't have can be bought for like $3.

My one tip would to be add extra seasonings for even more flavor (I added extra parmesan to the second batch).  Though I liked the knots with the seasoning on top, one of the commentors on the original post mentioned that they brushed the seasonings on the dough before tying and baking it so that the flavor would be spread throughout. Definitely something to try next time.

So without further ado, I give you...

Parmesan Bread Knots


parmesan knots 1 450
Picture via Laura, Real Mom Kitchen

*Adapted from Real Mom Kitchen. Notes in red are my own comments/edits
    1. 1 tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits ( I used cheap ones from Aldi and they were delicious!)
    2. 1/4 cup canola oil (don't use vegetable oil. they'll turn out too greasy)
    3. 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (I added extra)
    4. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    6. 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
    1. Preheat oven to 400°
    2. Roll each biscuit into a 12in rope and tie into a knot, tucking the ends under. Place 2in apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. 
    3. Combine the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the knots while they're still warm. 

    By the way, if you're looking for a delicious artichoke and spinach dip, I made this one from Joyful Abode and it was delicious! She doesn't say how much garlic salt to use and I accidentally put too much but everyone said they liked it and the bowl was completely empty when the night was over so I guess it was good afterall!






    Happy cooking :)

    Wednesday, November 16, 2011

    New Handmade by TechnoMud

    So apparently I forgot to tell you all that we have new handmade in the shop from our newest designer, TechnoMud!

    Myles, the guy behind TM, creates super sleek and sexy phone and tablet docks.  Made of ceramic, each dock has a space in the back for holding mail, office supplies, small notebooks, and even flowers. The cork padding keeps your gear in place and has a hole for your cords to run underneath and behind the dock.  I have one in my office and I've got to tell you, I feel so organized!  The docks are also perfect for nightstands and kitchens.  We've got three different sizes so your phones, iPads, e-readers, and mp3 players always have a place to go. Grab yours today!  Oh, and while you're picking up a dock, make sure to get an iCord or headphones from Cordinated.  Now you'll REALLY be in style!


    This dock is perfect for holding flowers
    My dock holding my Sharpie collection!
    Tablet/e-reader dock
    This dock is perfect for the kitchen...it can
    display recipes from your tablet while holding
    your cooking utensils in the back!

    You'll definitely want new cords to go with your fancy stand!

    >>SHOP TechnoMud and Cordinated