Seattle…Here we Come!

The Thought

I always picture a good rugged dock worker kinda guy with the tough exterior and the sensitive insides. What can I say, I’m an hopeless romantic. Actually what I see here is well put together with a touch of working guy who tries to look fashion forward. The grey screams the clouds and the distressed look, with the classic Dr. Martens…says he’s not afraid to rumble!

The Inspiration

The Gear

Forever 21: Slub Striped Pullover $21.90

Buckle: Antique Rivet Raymond Jean $85

Urban Outfitters: Vans Mirsy Web Belt $20

Target: Men's Merona® Knit Cuffed Hat – Black $9.99

Macy’s: Dr Martens Boots, Karsen 2 Strap $140.00

Better than Mashed Potatoes

Squash Casserole

1 stalk of celery, chopped

1/2 a medium onion, diced

1 carrot, chopped

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

~1/4 C Olive oil

1/2 Tbsp. Thyme

2 bay leaves

2 Tbsp minced garlic

Salt & Pepper to Taste

1 egg plus 1 egg white

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

In a large bowl toss together vegetables, oil and spices together to coat evenly. Roast on a greased cookie sheet (one with a lip helps) in a 400 degree oven for 30-40 minutes until the mixtures is fork tender. Mash these ingredients together with the cream and eggs. Pour into a 9x9 glass dish, top with parmesan cheese. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 30 more minutes.

This dish is just soooo perfectly wintery. I adore butternut squash and the mixture of a little cream and the sharp cheese brings out it’s sweet flavor. When I was mashing, I left a few of the chunks in for texture and depth and it just feels like someone made a heavenly bisque without all the cream and butter. I served this along side a roast beef, but I immediately stored it in my brain for Thanksgiving next year. It’s a great take along dish, I made everything in the morning up until I had to bake it and then just finished it off in the oven. Highly recommend this dish to anyone who needs something other than the boring mashed potato to take to a potluck, it’s a definite crowd pleaser!

What a Pear!

Sometimes you need a theme where everything…and I mean everything…can go with!

Sometimes it all starts with him asking.  The wedding theme was right there, in the blue box with the white bow all along…. Tiffany Bezet Pear $9,150.

Kick off the party with these fantastic designs from zazzle.com. If you’ve not discovered Zazzle, you need to! Type in anything – and then I find myself to inspire something new – and themes go so far that your own imagination sometimes has to stop before you, as in this case, pear yourself to death!

For the ladies, I kept it simple, I didn’t want to mix too many colors here, Davids Bridal has a ton of selection. Being a swing dancer has brought to light the need to make sure you can dance in your dress. So while I’ll be covering my reception dress ideas soon for a bride who “MUST” move on the dance floor, it’s harder for the bridesmaids to have two dresses for an event. Because this theme works well both spring (shown here) and fall, I suggest that you get paint chips for your color palette. Pears can get you from browns to yellows to greens to oranges and reds even. It’s how you keep the focus on a few colors and make sure the pear stays prominent. Dresses here will tie that in many fold.

   Pears - Mini Stone Fruit Earrings with Antiqued Leaves on Etsy Polishedtwo’s Shop $9 – whether for yourself or your bridesmaids, these cute little earrings are something they’ll wear again. You can also go traditionally more formal and just get pear shaped rhinestones as well.

Choices for the kids can be endless on how you incorporate this theme – I found these cute little pop art ties on Zazzle, but I also found these button covers for a steal ($3!) on Rubyplaza.com. Button wise you can fit them to the ring bearer pillow or even on the flower girls dress. Why not incorporate them into the grooms and groomsmen’s boutonierres?

Speaking of flowers, this one’s easy – think pears, and lots of them – in tall cylinders or even simply elegant fruit bowls. Snacks for the wedding guests? Something for them to take away for later use? Submerged in water on their own, or even topped off with a flower or two. What about placing them in tiered cupcake holders or on silver cake trays – quick and simple these are classy ways of putting together easy centerpieces that you and your helping hands can put together.

 

Another great reception centerpiece is candles, you can intersperse these on your cake plates even. Or they make great favors. I found a box of 12 on Amazon.com for $15.

Again, because it’s botanically themed, floral departments will burst with ideas. Pear branches laid out flat, or in large vases overarching. Perhaps even pear vines or mini pear picks to include in corsages. Faux pears can be used and they’re great for the early shopper who wants to get things done ahead of time.

 

Now, don’t get me started on food, this is so simply done, but makes me so happy when I can even menu out a theme!

Obviously your baker can use marizpan pears on the cake, even as the topper. But the meal itself can include pears.

Think pears wrapped in ham, or even a pear sauce with your dish. What about a salad of roasted pears with blue cheese and walnuts?  Now, as much as I like the theme, I wouldn’t go too overboard here, it can be a great meal with a few personal touches, but don’t lose to the theme where you should be having a great meal.

Your bar can feature a personalized cocktail, but saving that for other themes, I found that the answer was much easier, Earle Estates Meadery Pear Mead at  $10.99 a bottle won’t break the bank and won’t break your bartender’s back pouring it either!

 

The thoughts are endless on this one. I’m sure there are a million things that I could have listed, as I publish this now, I thinking about “pear-ings” and “perfect pears” and I hope you find your pear-fect match. 

A Mighty Fine Experience

 

  A burger with everything except lettuce – which meant a generous helping of what Mighty Fine calls Red, Yeller and White – ketchup, mustard and mayo to us city folk. The fries were good, hand cut crinkle fries – they weren’t the steak fries your mama might be able to turn out but they were good.

Admittedly I’m a burger snob. It’s gotta be good. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it can still come in the greasy bag just as this one did. But it has to have a bit of messy quality while the bun doesn’t fall apart and above all, it has to taste like beef, not some “beef product”…and this definitely lived up to it’s name!

On first sip the milkshake (vanilla!) was a bit thin, but proved to have standing power as I had my first few sips! I despise a too thick milkshake, if I didn’t  want to drink it, I’d have gotten a sundae! Sadly Mighty Fine doesn’t serve up onion rings, but if you’re going to do something – do it right – and so if they’re omitting them because lack of talent – then my hats off to keeping the burger fabulous!

 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers – www.mightyfineburgers.com - (512) 524-2400

Rating: spoon, fork & knife – it lived up to it’s name!

Take a Seat

I’ve recently been taking a look at my entry way “hall” which currently holds my butler’s cabinet that houses all of my serving ware. That said, I’m starting to wonder if it’s more functional and space liberating to put a bench in order to place bags, shoes, etc…as I flop through the door after a long day.

Right now my top winner is the Pottery Barn Windsor Bench. It’s steep at $399, but it’s a classic, open shape that I can see being utilized as both table and bench. My only downfall here is that I’m going to end up adding a hat tree or hooks in order to store some items, but the style factor is worth it here.

A little more sparse, but definitely high on the inspiration and design factor is the Ikea PS RASKEN. At it’s $99.99 price tag, this is a piece that I could love and leave elsewhere. I see it as a lovely bench, but it could easily double as a low table in my den later if I find something else. My only regret is the nude color of the wood, I’m thinking this might require a refinishing so that I can blend it in with my more traditional decor better.  Loving the open bottom for a neat storage box or two. Lots of possibilities here!

This next bench reminded me of one my grandmother had at her house when I would visit it. The storage seat is perfect! This Target Country Style Bench – Black at $149.99 is a steal for the detail and storage possibilities. The black blends well in the space and I’m even seeing some pictures being taken in it – so double as a photo prop area! :)

Finally, if I were really looking for a shock and awe entry way, this Crate & Barrel Paterson Blak Storage Bench with Wheat Cushion and Panel ($547.95) is an indulgence. It would definitely redefine my space and say HELLO to anyone who entered my house!

Paying Homage to the Forgotten

The Thought

Don’t even start to say no to this one. You must try it once. I think this look can be done on anyone, with any body type to your liking. This isn’t some stick girl style. I think this even works for the curvaceous woman of pin up fame – the one piece highlights you! not your imperfections, but who you are. Give it a try – I think you’ll find a new look! That said, I included America’s favorite overall, the Dickies. I think sometimes, you need to stretch back and revisit something you may have overlooked. I think with a henley and some lug sole boots, you may just look hot to some folks!

The Inspiration

The Gear

 

Forever 21: Snap-Buttoned Accent Romper $27.80

Dickies.com: Indigo Bib Overall $29.99

Charlotte Russe: Ruffle Front Romper $14.50

Macy’s: American Rag Jumpsuit, Strapless Straight Ruffle Smocked Wide Leg $59.00

Newport News: Sequined Wide-Leg Drape-Neck Jumpsuit $89.00

Dillards: Kensie Charmeuse Romper $20.40

Man, On a Roll

I’m on a roll this week. Going to really get things swept up and around the house totally back together. It’s been a fantastic new year thus far though, relaxing weekend, staying on top of projects, chores, etc….and even enjoying the heck out of life doing it.

Today’s message is to not waste time. To make sure you say and do the things you want to do. You never know when time may be up for you, for someone else. It’s all about living in the moment – unhindered by fear and to make sure that you leave your impression on the world. I want to live a full life, and the people in my life, the people I choose to be there, are my constant source of inspiration, love, energy and motivation that the next day is going to be even better.

Smiling through each day is what counts. Knowing I have my biggest “fans” in my arena (and in the front row to boot! with loud voices and big posters telling me to MAKE IT HAPPEN!) is what I consider my thermometer. Recently however, I realized I wasn’t my own biggest fan. I need to be that. I need to stand behind my decisions with gusto too! Be confident that I know how to make myself happy – once I learn how to do that! :)

I’m figuring out what makes me happy….what makes you over the moon?

Take care, and it’s a bear out there!

LAA

My First Taste Ever

 

The first time I had Indian food was at India’s restaurant. I’ve been several places since then, and will honestly say I can’t find another one like it. Another trek from my suburban home, India’s provided me a new cooking genre from my first bite. Admittedly, for those with sensitive stomachs, this might not be the first choice of venue. When approaching their lunch buffet, which I highly suggest over dinner just to allow your soul and digestive tract time to absorb it, it looks a bit like mash and sauce. Take your time, take small bites, this is spice art.

Rather than highlighting every dish there, I figured I’d take you through a few of my favorites that might spark your interest in visiting yourself. I’ll start with a few beginner dishes for you first – timers. Butter chicken is a mild curry, tomato and cream based over chicken and eaten with rice. Not alot of spicy going here, but enough to show you what curry can be – consider this dipping your toe in the pool. I usually side this with a bit of saag paneer, which literally means spinach cheese. This is India’s answer to creamed spinach. A light amount of spice here, the brown color from cooking may be a turn off, but continue through. I usually sop this, along with whatever remaining sauces are on my plate, with the puffy buttery naan bread that India’s brings to the table.

For those a little more adventurous, the lamb curry is top notch here, spicier and contains bones, but really, no knife needed, I’ve always found that it falls right off. Traditional pappadum and relishes are served here – a crispy “corn tortilla” like chip made of   lentils, chickpeas and rice. They are much lower calorie. The salad is much like Mexican Pico de Gallo and there’s a lovely raita made of yogurt and cucumber to help cool off the curries you pick up. They usually have a vegetable curry or gobi masalaon the buffet as well – gobi masala is cauliflower curry. You will also see a traditional Chicken Tikka Masala – sometimes this can be a bit more medium on spicy level, but fantastic.

For the fire breathers in the audience, let’s talk vindaloo. They have it. I’ve rarely seen it on the buffet. But it’s there. and my god. If you want your hair on your feet remove, proceed…but with caution. I’m a curry fanatic, and I LOVE theirs, but be wary. It’s great.

To cool me off and finish, I always love their jalub gamun and kheer. The little doughnut like balls of pastry in syrup and the rice pudding with pistachio confetti make for a sweet ending.

India’s - http://www.indiasrestauranthouston.com/index.html - (713) 266-0131

 

Rating: spoon, fork & knife – good atmosphere, good trip off the regular plate and fantastic service

It’s a whaaaa?

Yes, really. It’s a bathmat. In fact it’s Walmart’s Mainstays Harvest Bath Rug 2-Piece Set, Costa Brown for 10 dollars. Best money I’ve spent. Ralph has had a difficult time learning to get off the couch, especially when I have food in hand. It’s irritating to have him on my lap and try to have popcorn at the same time.

That said, this mat has provided me alot of solace. I’ve told him to sit on it and he’s actually very pleased to have his own space. I’ve been having general problems with “sit”until I gave him a space to do it in. I’m not that militant, he can run around and play at will, but when I need him in a corner, this seems to work magically.

My dog adores eating and the 2nd mat was placed in the kitchen. I’m happy to announced that after two weeks of learning, he’s sitting still for me when I make his food, place it on the ground and then tell him it’s okay to go. This saves my legs (and stockings!) from his nails when he was too excited to see me pull the dog food out.

It takes patience, but it’s worth it, I’m going to try traveling with these and see how well they work!

Snap Crackle Pop…A Shower!

I adore someone with a good sense of humor. The other day I realized how much I adore rice krispie’s treats. and I was saying to my best friend what a cool idea a wedding cake of them would be. Lo and behold, they exist.  Now, I don’t know if I’d like this at my wedding, but I think the whimsy is rather appropriate for a shower – and relatively doable on your own versus a wedding cake.

Which made me start thinking of some other “revisit your childhood” ideas for showers. Family and girlfriends come to showers that make you remember where you came from. What better platform exists than to remember the past! 

Ring pops anyone? What a better blissful engagement ring!? Or candy necklaces? Every time someone says the word “bride” can you steal their bucket of candy? Hershey kisses even make sense when talking weddings!

Need punch? Think back to the days of yore – Delaware punch? or crush soda? (a bride has a “crush” on the groom? Old style bottled sodas? What to serve for lunch gives you tons of room to have fun with – perhaps serve lunch on old style cafeteria square divided plates? Serve up old time favorites – sliders or mom’s meatloaf (perhaps a mini version) with a little potato and carrot. Fried chicken picnic with a bit of potato salad? Or keep it light and just have simple homemade cookies and a few vintage candy bars perhaps?

Show pictures of the bride at different ages and have folks guess! Or perhaps her mother can provide a report card and you can guess her grades!!

Slinky races down your stairs? A ball and jacks contest? or Lego build the bride and groom? Or even tinker toy and Lincoln log into who builds the best house for the newlyweds? Hopscotch contests or skipping rope and singing? I think the more whacky the group is, the more outrageous the games should be! Remember your school field day? Forget the boring word games, think getting these ladies outside!

One word of caution, if you choose to do so, you may want to mention “casual” on your invitation!

TGIF!

 

Well chicks and chaps, we made it! Week one of 2011 down!

I must admit that I’m looking forward to week 2 of 2011 and waving goodbye emphatically. After a harrowing week of a doctor appointment, a broken car and whirlwind work, it’s just ready to say HELLO WEEKEND!

I will happily report however that I’ve completed the gym for the week and I’m feeling much better about life in general! Keeping chin up that 2011 is going to be the best week ever!

Enjoy your weekend – relax!

This week’s blogs:

Fratelli’s

Bedding Down

Dressing Brawny!

Good for Business

  I went on a business luncheon recently to Fratelli’s. While the location isn’t supremely convenient, it’s worth the drive. I had the Tagliatelle con Ragu Bolognese –  it was fresh hand made tagliatelle pasta with ragu Bolognese meat sauce. I’ve only shared my meat sauce recipe with one other person on this earth, so that said, I understand how hard it is to get this right.

They do a great job of it. Amazing in fact so much so that I overlooked the somewhat stale bread. The salad is typical greens, the balsamic isn’t necessarily a vinegarette, but a heavier dressing where I think the heft isn’t needed. The pasta was cooked perfectly though and the meat sauce isn’t overwhelmed by any of the spices, as I find alot that meat sauces do.

The atmosphere is homey, with a touch of class. I found myself staring at the oddly arranged palm tree orchid “garden of Eden” like center of the restaurant, thinking that another table could fit there, but besides that the service is tops, and I never want for more, they refill and check in periodically, always ready to lend a hand. Definitely recommended for a business lunch, I can always hears the people I’m with and there’s no clanging pots or noise issues.  Although busy, there never seems to be a wait either, a big plus in my book!

Fratelli’s -http://www.fratellishouston.com/ -  (713) 957-1150

Rating: Spoon and  Fork – good, but could be better!

Bedhead

Pottery Barn’s Laurel Organic Duvet Cover & Sham - ($39.00-$129.00) say sweet end to the day. A bit of the vintage print of a little girls room meets all-grown-up tailoring in this set. The good blue color reminds me of robin’s egg and sweet days of spring. I feel like climbing out of this on a Sunday morning might make me yearn for a stack of pancakes with a smiley face on top – the set gives me something smile about.

 

Cb2: urban mandala bed linens ($19.95-$89.95) - I adore this print. Easy stick figure-like buildings come to life in a large medallion. Black and white makes it easy to mix and match other patterns here, or keep it in it’s modern format with some minimal accessories. I see this shining in a college apartment or a techie’s dream loft.

Target: DwellStudio for Target Casablanca Bedding Collection ($24.99-$79.99)  - a touch of colonial added to a sky of clouds for me. The green is a nice touch of grass to lay my head. DwellStudio has turned out several patterns for Target – very pop ideas in a classical twist. I like the clean lines in what could have become a stuffy damask print.

Walmart: Hometrends Ellington Complete Bedding Set, Red / Black ($39.00-$54.00) - I’ll face it, I’m a Walmart girl, but I’m usually not a bedding at Walmart girl. This geometric find has me rethinking what my guest room looks like! The red and black go perfectly with the Macintosh colored walls I sport. I like the black and white play here and the bold print is big enough to mix with a smaller print sheet if you could find one. Decent price, decent look, have at it!

Ikea: Lusy Kloss Duvet cover and pillowcases ($29.99-$39.99) – I’m a big Ikea fan. Sometimes I think their bedding is a little basic for me, but some how this Twister meets Bingo marriage could win me over. I picture it with an understated bed in a room that needs a little bit of whimsy. If you did the “regular Ikea thing” with minimal color, an orange lamp on a light oak desk, kept the walls a nice shade of grey even, this could make the mundane, a piece of art.