W. A. Giveaway #2 - Photography Workshop in NYC

My second giveaway is dedicated to a joy that was unmasked through this blog... a love for photography ... capturing images the way I see them. When I started this blog, I started with an Olympus point and shoot that was very dear to me, until, one day, it died. I upgraded to a Canon point & shoot basic version, not much better in terms of sophistication. I was still toddlering about this form of expression. After about two years of blogging, and, countless hours of ogling gorgeous foodgasmic photos from some of my favorite food bloggers, I decided it was time to take the plunge and get the big girl camera. I got a Nikon D5000 and that has been my loyal companion since on all my photo journeys and escapades!

I have been asked many times, how I learned to shoot. I don't really know how to answer this because I had no method or class. I twiddled around with the buttons, setting, style, everything for a long time and took a giant leap of faith in myself, a deep breath and plunged right into it. All the while, knowing full well that this is going to be a long and continuous journey of learning and there was no point in thinking about where I was now. I looked to where I wanted to be and drew inspiration from all the photographers around the web! I have a style now but I get bored of it soon enough and yearn to change it. I come across a new style of photos and I try to emulate, tweek, change, get comfortable... move on!

It's the best hobby for the very restless, easily distracted, yet obstinate people... like ME! :) This blog is a journal of that growth and even as I cringe when I look at the photos of yester years, I am filled with a sense of pride on how far I have come from there.

So, here I am, putting myself out there once more through this giveaway - a Photography Workshop for you from me.

Giveaway #2: HALF DAY FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP FOR TWO

Details:

1. Through this hands-on workshop, you will learn food styling tips, how to work with natural light and how to handle post production. I will walk you through the techniques of using camera, setting up the subject (study of lighting and styling) and developing an unique style signature.
2. Two winners will be chosen. Non-residents of NYC can participate if you can travel to the city.
3. Date: A mutually (between the three of us) agreed upon day before December 31, 2013.
4. Location: New York City, Indoor or On-Location, weather permitting.

Region: New York

Giveaway Ends on: June 24, 11:59 PM, EST

General Rules:

To participate in the giveaway, you can do one or all of the below. Each one will be counted as a separate entry -

1. Leave a COMMENT on the giveaway post declaring intention to participate
2. If you haven't already, LIKE the fork spoon knife Facebook page that is brand spanking new
3. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on twitter (@ashafsk) and TWEET this giveaway with tag @ashafsk and hashtags #forkspoonknife and #madebyasha
4. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Instagram (ashafsk)
5. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Pinterest (@ashafsk)

For NEW Likes and Follows only. However, tweets from old and new followers count as an entry. For new followers, please leave me a comment here saying you did so. Thank you.

Specific Rules:
1. Please include #fskgiveaway2 in your tweets

Announcement: Winners will be picked and announced within a week after the closure of the giveaway.

Wooden Anniversary Giveaway #1 - Something Homemade, Something Local

I am probably the only one who didn't know that a five year milestone is scripted in Wood, until last week! So cool! So anyway, here I am, totally kicked for having completed five glorious years of a roller coaster ride. It is still sinking in, even as I celebrate; so, if I suddenly start sounding crazy and maverick in a week or so, then just... well.. laugh along, will ya?! :)

As I mentioned in my announcement post, I want to share the joy and celebrations with you all who have made this possible and I have a series of giveaways lined up for you guys in different regions of the world.

The

Basic Rules to Play

are as below.
{Additional specific rules will be listed with the giveaway, if applicable.}
1. Giveaways will be announced one a week, starting today.

2. Each giveaway will run for 14 days from the day of announcement until 11:59 PM, EST, of the last day. {I will use the time stamp}

3. To participate in the giveaway, you can do one or all of the below. Each one will be counted as a separate entry -

a. Leave a COMMENT on the giveaway post declaring intention to participate
b. If you haven't already, LIKE the fork spoon knife Facebook page that is brand spanking new
c. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on twitter (@ashafsk) and TWEET this giveaway with tag @ashafsk and hashtags #forkspoonknife and #madebyasha
d. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Instagram (ashafsk)
e. If you don't already, FOLLOW me on Pinterest (@ashafsk)

For NEW Likes and Follows only. However, tweets from old and new followers count as an entry. For new followers, please leave me a comment here saying you did so. Thank you.

4. Winners will be picked and announced within a week after the closure of the giveaway

5. All giveaways will be valid until Dec 31, 2013 and can be redeemed (as mutual schedule works) in that time frame

That's it. 5 simple rules. 5 different ways to win! :)

So, let's go with the details of the first in this series. This one is for my readers in the United States -

SOMETHING HOMEMADE, SOMETHING LOCAL

My first giveaway is a Foodie Gift Hamper of five food items including homemade goodies {#madebyasha :)} and taste of some local New York farmers' produce (such as honey).

I will work with you on any dietary restrictions and preferences (especially, for items made by me) to create a basket that will be distinctively personal and lovingly made and selected. If you have specific things that you like from the site and that can handle transport, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Region: Continental US

Giveaway Ends on: June 17, 11:59 PM, EST

General Rules: As above

Specific Rules:
1. To qualify, please let me know your favorite savory or sweet recipe from this blog in your comment.
2. Include #fskgiveaway1 in your tweets

Thank you for playing and looking forward to hearing from you. Your comments provide valuable feedback and I appreciate every single one of them!

Homemade Gnocchi and Thanksgiving Giveaway Winner ...

It's been a nice long weekend.... A friend came over for Thanksgiving and to celebrate her birthday in style in the Big Apple. So there was much indulgence in food and sweets, a lot of catching up on things and people in our lives and those that intersect both, more catch-ups with more friends and house dinners and some more eat outs...

And since it is NYC, how can a visit be complete without a long wait to get a good meal?! On the Friday after the Thanksgiving, we wanted to fortify ourselves before diving headlong into the Black Friday throngs. Since we were hosting the out-of-towner we thought we must introduce her to some of the finest that the NYC streets had to offer; the Vendies!!!

She is vegetarian. We thought, we must must give her the chance to taste the Vendie award winning biriyani at the cart on 46 and 6th. Truth be told, the chicken biriyani from that cart is totally worth the 20 minute wait we always seem to have to endure (It is freshly made right there!!!). So, it was definitely expected to be a treat!

So, we set off on this blisteringly windy and hence cold Friday to midtown west and waited patiently in line for our turn. It just seemed to be the day for large orders and short staffed carts. There was just one short order cook manning all those flying orders! We patiently waited, cracking jokes and entertaining ourselves and trying to ignore our freezing extremities. Those who know me will realise that alone is a testament to the food here!..

Anyway, we waited for 45 minutes. When, finally after what seemed like eternity and our hands, ears and lips were frozen over, our turn came, we asked for the vegetable biriyani. The guy looked at us blandly and responded "No vezzie stuff today" !!!! $%#@&* GAH!!

So, after recovering from our dumb amazement at the turn of events, we shuffled off to a rather popular south Indian vegetarian restaurant, where again, we had to wait before being seated.... And then guess what, the kitchen closed before we could finish filling ourselves up....Sighhh

Seemed like there was nothing left to do but shop to make up for the day and that we did! :)

Anyway, none of that had anything to do with making Gnocchi; just wanted to share my moments with you! :) I like gnocchi and that pillow-y fluffiness makes it so irresistible! I used Heidi's recipe to make the pasta and topped off with a simple fresh tomato sauce. They were fun and tasty but not yet perfect! I need to work on incorporating more airy lightness into the pasta and I plan to...

OK, it's time to announce the winner of my Thanksgiving book giveaway. The note out of the hat had Sala Kannan's name on it... Congratulations Sala!!! RCR Creative will be sending your copy of Notes on Cooking soon. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.


Also, another piece good news for me this Holiday season. My photo of Pomegranate Yogurt Ice Cream was chosen as one of the finalists of the POM Wonderful Photo Contest at Refrigerator soup. It is currently being featured on the website! Thanks very much for the honor. I am soo thrilled!!!