Hi Everyone! It's been quite a while since I last posted, I'm sorry! First there was the week long Thanksgiving trip to Palo Alto, then I returned home to get sick for over a week, and I've been dealing with the construction of a new fireplace in my house. Oh and I've also been stripping the stain from a new china cabinet I purchased on craigslist and learning how to crochet. Anyway, I've been busy and have neglected the blog.
Here's what I made for dinner this week in the crock pot: White Bean Chicken Chili
1 onion, chopped
1 chopped green pepper
1 chopped orange pepper
1 box of pre-sliced baby bella mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 (18.75 ounce) can diced green chilis
1 (16 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes
1 jar Salsa Verde (your favorite brand)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (106 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 pound chicken breast
1 (15 ounce) can white beans
1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce
2 tbsp adobo sauce
Place all ingredients in crock pot, with chicken on the bottom of the pot. Cook for two hours. Remove chicken breasts and shred with a fork. Return chicken to crock pot. Cook approximately another two hours.
Top with your choice of toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, scallions, tortilla chips, etc.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving Vacation in the Bay Area
Just a teaser of what Peter and I have planned for the week!
And of course, Turkey Day!!!
And of course, Turkey Day!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Fair Isle- A Sign of the Season
I'm on a search for the perfect Fair Isle sweater to add to my wardrobe. I have an insanely large closet, most anyone can tell you that, but for some reason I do NOT have a Fair Isle. This needs to be fixed, ASAP. During my search for the perfect wool companion, however, I have come to feel a bit like Goldilocks...
The first option, and probably the most obvious, is J Crew. Their option is listed at $148, and although it is cute it just doesn't fit, it's too bland.
The second Fair Isle is a dress, from Rag&Bone available at Net-A-Porter. It's quite nontraditional, but I can't think of a more perfect option, paired with leggings. Still, I am looking for something a bit more traditional, and with a price tag of $495, it's too expensive.
Next we come to the part of the story where Goldilocks has found the option that is "just right". She drifts into a peaceful sleep... Oh wait, that's me dreaming. This sweater has it all, tradition, muted colors, slim fit, ruched shoulders, and don't forget it's McQ (available at Shopbop for $385) No matter how often I fantasize about being able to purchase anything as amazing as McQ on a whim, I wake to reality. Turns out this option is just too perfect.
After exhausting Polyvore, ShopBop, and Net-A-Porter, I decide to just "google it". Thank goodness for google images, I see one I like, I click, and to my surprise, hello American Eagle. It has a huge chunky knit, a non-restrictive but cuddly open cardigan style, it has just enough of a pop of color, and will match both black and brown. With a price tag of $59.50, I'm sold.
Next we come to the part of the story where Goldilocks has found the option that is "just right". She drifts into a peaceful sleep... Oh wait, that's me dreaming. This sweater has it all, tradition, muted colors, slim fit, ruched shoulders, and don't forget it's McQ (available at Shopbop for $385) No matter how often I fantasize about being able to purchase anything as amazing as McQ on a whim, I wake to reality. Turns out this option is just too perfect.
After exhausting Polyvore, ShopBop, and Net-A-Porter, I decide to just "google it". Thank goodness for google images, I see one I like, I click, and to my surprise, hello American Eagle. It has a huge chunky knit, a non-restrictive but cuddly open cardigan style, it has just enough of a pop of color, and will match both black and brown. With a price tag of $59.50, I'm sold.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Plans and Menu for Thanksgiving Dinner
This Thanksgiving will be the first I have spent without family. I will, however, be spending it with Peter who really has been a part of my life and my family since high school. So I am very looking forward to our first "Grown Up" Thanksgiving together. I'm not sure what the "Grown Up" implies at all, but it seems to be everyone's reaction to finding out that we are spending the weekend together and not with our respective families.
Aside from the above mentioned social commentary, I have planned out the menu completely. There will be WAY too much food for the two of us and we will probably be eating leftovers the entire weekend but I refuse to downsize the menu. Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, buttered corn and biscuits. Below I will post the links to each of the recipes we plan to cook in his absolutely tiny kitchen in Palo Alto (we're talking 3 sq ft of prep space, max as well as a stove that quite possibly dates back to the early '80s).
THE MENU
TURKEY: Taking a cue from the Barefoot Contessa herself, we will be making Ina's Herb-Roasted Turkey recipe. (Thank you Brenda and Paula for introducing me to such an amazing cook!)
GRAVY: The gravy will come from Mr. Tom Colicchio's kitchen, and is part of his Herb Butter Turkey Recipe. Honestly I will probably end up combining ingredients from Ina's and Tom's recipe for the turkey, but I did read the following important tip for gravy while searching the internet for recipes.
MASHED POTATOES: For the mashed potatoes, I'll be following my mother's amazing recipe, but adding ridiculous amounts of garlic and some scallions. Upon searching for something similar, I stumbled across Paula Deen's recipe. I may be one of the only people on this planet who cannot STAND Paula Deen, but the woman sure does know how to cook. As my mother frequently comments, "There are only so many Ya'lls a person can take!"
STUFFING: Let me make this clear, I do not eat stuffing. I do not eat dressing. I am going to attempt my own this year due to the fact that this is a staple of Thanksgiving, and something that nearly everyone else at the table enjoys. Basically I'm making this for Peter, I sure hope he appreciates it, but then again I'll probably end up tasking him with this one as I refuse to touch the giblets. We are technically making a dressing, as a stuffing is really only that if it cooks inside the bird. Pretty self explanatory. The recipe I will be following is from Simply Recipes and is entitled Mom's Turkey Stuffing Recipe . At this point in time I plan to change out the day old french bread with Brioche.
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE: This recipe found me via the blog Tasteologie. The recipe, created by blogger and cook The Pioneer Woman, had me at hello. One look at the picture and ingredients and I was sold. I'll let you know how it turns out.
BRIE AND CHIVE BISCUITS: I think the name speaks for itself. Recipe here. It will be my first time making biscuits that weren't Pillsbury and straight from the tube, so wish me luck!
WARM APPLE BUTTERMILK CUSTARD PIE: Yes, I do realize that this is a bit non-traditional. I do not plan to make a Pumpkin Pie for dessert. I just came across this recipe and thought YUM. If it turns out well, I hope I'll be hearing requests for it for years to come. If it turns out poorly, I'm sure I'll hear about the fact that I should have stuck with tradition, from Peter, for years to come.
We'll be sure to document the final product and make commentary on our results!
Aside from the above mentioned social commentary, I have planned out the menu completely. There will be WAY too much food for the two of us and we will probably be eating leftovers the entire weekend but I refuse to downsize the menu. Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, buttered corn and biscuits. Below I will post the links to each of the recipes we plan to cook in his absolutely tiny kitchen in Palo Alto (we're talking 3 sq ft of prep space, max as well as a stove that quite possibly dates back to the early '80s).
THE MENU
TURKEY: Taking a cue from the Barefoot Contessa herself, we will be making Ina's Herb-Roasted Turkey recipe. (Thank you Brenda and Paula for introducing me to such an amazing cook!)
GRAVY: The gravy will come from Mr. Tom Colicchio's kitchen, and is part of his Herb Butter Turkey Recipe. Honestly I will probably end up combining ingredients from Ina's and Tom's recipe for the turkey, but I did read the following important tip for gravy while searching the internet for recipes.
Boost the flavor of the pan drippings by strewing thickly sliced carrots, onions, and celery in the pan beneath the raw bird, suggests Anderson. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and, while the turkey roasts, the vegetables will caramelize, lending a depth of flavor to the drippings. Strain and discard the vegetables, or puree them and stir them into the gravy for a thick, sweet sauce. Also, a splash of fortified alcohol―Madeira, sherry, port―will lend a mellow richness to your gravy.
MASHED POTATOES: For the mashed potatoes, I'll be following my mother's amazing recipe, but adding ridiculous amounts of garlic and some scallions. Upon searching for something similar, I stumbled across Paula Deen's recipe. I may be one of the only people on this planet who cannot STAND Paula Deen, but the woman sure does know how to cook. As my mother frequently comments, "There are only so many Ya'lls a person can take!"
STUFFING: Let me make this clear, I do not eat stuffing. I do not eat dressing. I am going to attempt my own this year due to the fact that this is a staple of Thanksgiving, and something that nearly everyone else at the table enjoys. Basically I'm making this for Peter, I sure hope he appreciates it, but then again I'll probably end up tasking him with this one as I refuse to touch the giblets. We are technically making a dressing, as a stuffing is really only that if it cooks inside the bird. Pretty self explanatory. The recipe I will be following is from Simply Recipes and is entitled Mom's Turkey Stuffing Recipe . At this point in time I plan to change out the day old french bread with Brioche.
GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE: This recipe found me via the blog Tasteologie. The recipe, created by blogger and cook The Pioneer Woman, had me at hello. One look at the picture and ingredients and I was sold. I'll let you know how it turns out.
BRIE AND CHIVE BISCUITS: I think the name speaks for itself. Recipe here. It will be my first time making biscuits that weren't Pillsbury and straight from the tube, so wish me luck!
WARM APPLE BUTTERMILK CUSTARD PIE: Yes, I do realize that this is a bit non-traditional. I do not plan to make a Pumpkin Pie for dessert. I just came across this recipe and thought YUM. If it turns out well, I hope I'll be hearing requests for it for years to come. If it turns out poorly, I'm sure I'll hear about the fact that I should have stuck with tradition, from Peter, for years to come.
We'll be sure to document the final product and make commentary on our results!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Birds for Caiti
My sister, Caiti, has a passion for birds. To those who know her, this is no secret. I have recently been doing Christmas shopping (I know, I start REALLY early) and found so many amazing items to gift, it was hard for me to decide which one I should present to her on Christmas Day.
Here are some of my options:
Golden Wise Owl Earrings for sale on Etsy by cravejewelrydesign
A set of 4-6 of these Scarlet Macaw Martini glasses would be perfect for the bird and libations lover in all of us. Check them out at Anthropologie.
This would be a super cute Hostess gift for any bird lover you know. Find the Wingspan Bottle Opener also at Anthropologie.
Or for the budget friendly yet chic designer in your family, the Owl Lamp, available at Target. I think if you were to find a fun, colorful shade, this lamp could really add a pop of color and life to any room.
Also, take a look at Caiti's recent contribution to the music blog, Multitracking .
Here are some of my options:
A set of 4-6 of these Scarlet Macaw Martini glasses would be perfect for the bird and libations lover in all of us. Check them out at Anthropologie.
This would be a super cute Hostess gift for any bird lover you know. Find the Wingspan Bottle Opener also at Anthropologie.
Or for the budget friendly yet chic designer in your family, the Owl Lamp, available at Target. I think if you were to find a fun, colorful shade, this lamp could really add a pop of color and life to any room.
Also, take a look at Caiti's recent contribution to the music blog, Multitracking .
Inspiration via Censational Girl
I peruse quite a few fashion/design blogs on a daily basis and last week I happened to be inspired by Censational Girl.
She took this:
And turned it into this:
You see there is this old, ginormous, really ugly credenza in the basement. It is currently used to store odds and ends and really is more of an eyesore than anything else. Which explains why it resides in the basement.
This is what I'm starting with:
And hope to have an end result as stunning as Censational Girls. Mine will be a different color though, specifically:
Behr Amazon Moss (450F-5)
Ours will function as a desk as we have removed the middle shelves of the credenza. I count myself lucky that ours just so happened to have a perfectly fit glass top, which will help to protect that white detail.
So far we have sanded, primed, sanded, tinted primed, sanded, and done one coat of the final color. It looks like we're going to have to do at least two, possibly three coats of the Amazon Moss. Then we'll attempt the detailing. I'm hoping to have this project completed in the next few weeks!
She took this:
You see there is this old, ginormous, really ugly credenza in the basement. It is currently used to store odds and ends and really is more of an eyesore than anything else. Which explains why it resides in the basement.
This is what I'm starting with:
And hope to have an end result as stunning as Censational Girls. Mine will be a different color though, specifically:
Behr Amazon Moss (450F-5)
Ours will function as a desk as we have removed the middle shelves of the credenza. I count myself lucky that ours just so happened to have a perfectly fit glass top, which will help to protect that white detail.
So far we have sanded, primed, sanded, tinted primed, sanded, and done one coat of the final color. It looks like we're going to have to do at least two, possibly three coats of the Amazon Moss. Then we'll attempt the detailing. I'm hoping to have this project completed in the next few weeks!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
On a Search for Vintage Maps
So I am currently painting and refinishing a large desk for my sitting room (more on that later), and I visualize a large framed vintage map hanging above it. After much searching, I have yet to find an affordable solution that fits the space. During my searches, however, I have found quite a few really great items that I would love to add to my decor, and I would love to share them with my readers (even though I don't have any quite yet).
For instance, this great "Old World Map Wood Box" for sale on Etsy by precambrianman
For only $30.00 plus shipping, I think this would be a great purchase!
For instance, this great "Old World Map Wood Box" for sale on Etsy by precambrianman
For only $30.00 plus shipping, I think this would be a great purchase!
First Post
I'm not quite sure why I am starting a blog or what on earth I plan to blog about. I can say that I think it's important to have an impact on your surroundings, to share a bit of yourself with those around you, and to help others. I hope my collection of notes and findings are able to, in some way, accomplish this. So here we go...
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