monday, monday, laa-laa-la-la-la-la-la

monday is here.  lets kick this week in the face and make it an awesome one. 
-spring cleaning?
-closet clean out?
-wanna try that new restaurant?

whatever it may be, as jlo says, "kill it on the dance floor"!

I love breakfast- it's what gets me out of bed so dang early :)
well... I'll be completely honest- it's coffee and a baby :)
This breakfast sandwich will get your week rolling to a grreat start-
egg, bacon, avocado, and tomato.
done and done.

(photo via plumprettysugarloungerie.com)

a painting of st. louis forest park gazebo by marilynne bradley
(in front of the muny)
so beautiful!
If this park isn't one for inspiration- I don't know what is?!?

not me in the pic, but its definitely my weekend outfit go to!
stripes, layers...I added rainboots this weekend and some cat eye sunglasses- tres chic!
seriously though- it's comfy and the perfect transition from playgrounds with linden to the wine bar with the hubby!


(photo via lookbook.nu)




I think this will be my "new" weekend outfit.
Got all the pieces- could add a statement necklace, peter pan collar, and of course my other weekend go to:
a hat!

(photo via portfo.li)



grab some coffee and make it a great week!



5 weekend wants

totally attainable wants this week.

spring is here over, and summer is making it's mark this week with a high of 90 degrees on Sunday!!

I plan on being outside 20 hours of each day; probably taking esther (linden's baby doll) on lots of walks.

I do have one important date on Saturday though-

6th anniversary.

Did I hear a whoop?

Inside my head, I did!

The gift of year six: iron

hmmm...maybe he can treat himself to a golfing "iron".

{5 weekend wants}

Our lilac bushes smell and look amazing!
When I walk by, my nose is taken over by sweet, sweet smells.
I went ahead and cut myself a couple flowers and made a beautiful floral arrangement.
(although I don't think my husband's nose (aka allergies) appreciates it as much as mine does!)


(photo via bhg.com)

classic mojito
nothing brings in summer weather like a classic mojito.
I crave these things and I can drink a gallon of them.
So- sometimes I gotta sub in the sugar for a little agave...if you know what I mean!!
These things are not frugal in the sugar department!


(photo via williams-sonoma.com)

free people
$78
kelley green scalloped shorts
I have such a weakness for green.  Add scalloped shorts.
 BOOM.
dream come true.


(photo via freepeople.com)

bb dakota
jackie peplum dress
the perfect date night dress.
the cut, the color.
It's perfect!!
I see peplum in my future.

(photo via thisnext.com)

free people
$78
they do it to me every year- I should just work for this company- God knows I could use a discount.
Wouldn't they be SO cute with mint jeans and a coral top?!?


(photo via freepeople.com)





happy weekend!!

muah!

(photo via kimberleebrookephotography.com)



cookie! cookie!

{pinterest payoff?}

Yesterday I embarked on the journey of making raw cookie dough bites, if you are familiar with vegan recipes than this will be no surprise to you.  They are in fact quite delicious and COMPLETELY stab the craving of, "me want cookie, me want cookie, me want cookie!!!!!!!".

difficulty:   super, duper easy.  I mean really, there's no baking- just chopping and mixing.

time:  1 hour 15 minute - you actually do 15 minutes of the work and the freezer does the hour- pretty fair trade off, huh?

outcome: delicious!  I highly suggest a dark chocolate or bittersweet, I only had milk chocolate morsels and I would rather of had it without.  (not sure why I had milk chocolate, I'm thinking they were left over from a Christmas cookie recipe...hmmmm.)  Don't be afraid to have a couple scoops before you freeze them- it's just as good!

I pulled up a stool and Linden helped made a mess :)  The nice thing was that we could eat the "dough" together- no fear of raw eggs here!!

pass or pursue?

pursue it!  great healthy alternative to the every day cookie :)

recipe by: adashofcompassion.com

If you are interested in more vegan recipes, check out:

raw: the UNcook book.

by: Juliano Brotman

There are some amazing recipes for a "raw" diet in here.

If you're ever in LA, check out his restaurant, Planet Raw, in Santa Monica- the nachos are incredible!!

(I'm probably partial to this since I can eat EVERYTHING on the menu- but seriously- even the soup (yep- not cooked!) is to die for!)

the kind diet

by: alicia silverstone

Another great cookbook to check out- this one is not as time consuming as Juliano's, so there are some easy substitutions. (Like buying your own almond milk instead of making it!!)

{raw balls}

This is a favorite recipe in my household (thanks to my mom!).  Don't expect them to last more than a day.

You eat them like candy, cause your like- "Well, they're healthy, right?  Why yes I will have 10 more.  Thank you!"

taste like yummy chocolate.

raw ball recipe

pinterest outfit inspirations

(photo via fashionsalade.com)

(photo via gabbagabbaorg.tumblr.com)

(photo via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com)

 

 

happy thursday!

it's almost the weekend!!

pin it!!

At the latter part of the year in 2011, something was happening...you may have jumped on the bandwagon then or may be just catching in on the buzz now (who knows, you could be a veteran at this already!).  Once it began, it grew like wildfire putting the likes of mothers and grandmothers once again in touch with their children and grandchildren via the world wide web.

Yep.

you've guessed it- pinterest baby!!

Practically everyone and their mother is on that thing; including businesses and bloggers!

So...that brings about my new Thursday segment:

Here I will try something new each week from pinterest and let you know if it really, really works (or is as tasty as they claim- like all those "crack" recipes!).

 

pinterest payoff?

first quest:   dried strawberries 

dried strawberries

difficulty       super, duper easy 

time               3 hours, 5 minutes- you = 5 minutes; the oven = 3 hours

taste scale     6  - I would be interested in trying it with the vinaigrette and prawns as described in the recipe- wowzers- that sounds quite scrumptious.

outcome       well, it was stated that they tasted like gummies, so I was expecting an experience like my first with peach o's.  That was simply not the case.  Tart and yummy, they were, but let's face it- nothing compares to the gumminess yumminess of a true gummy candy.  It also started to burn a bit before the 3 hours so I had to turn down my oven- didn't stop me from eating them all!!  healthy and delicious!

pass or pursue?

pursue!  do it!

Here are some of my outfit inspirations from pinterest:

{photos via chictopia.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, thismodernlifestyle.tumblr.com}

something berry nice.

you ready?

there is something nostalgic about strawberries for me.

maybe it's the memories of my strawberry birthday cake year after year, or the times when we went strawberry picking as a family.

whatever it is, I love this time of year and hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Here are some recipes I have either tried or they are on my 'to do' list this week- but I dare you to try one or ALL!!

yummy...

crispy parmesan and rosemary cups
what a great alternative to the original strawberry salad which includes;
spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, candied pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette
(which is quite yummy!)


click me for recipe!


(photo via cookincanuck.com)

strawberry stuffed french toast
whoa- this looks completely amazing!
I'm going to run to the kitchen to make this pronto---
mouth.
watering.

click me for recipe!


(photo via the-girl-who-ate-everything.com)

strawberry-basil ice tea
I could go for one of these on a hot summer day-
Add some vodka for a summer party cocktail!

click me for recipe


(photo via marthastewart.com)

dark chocolate strawberry shortcakes with amaretto cream
What a great twist on the ol' shortcake


click on me for recipe

(photo via snappygourmet.com)

dried strawberries
I hear they taste like gummy candy- doing this first thing this morning!

click me for recipe!

(photo via theworldwidegourmet.com)







hope you like these berry much.

(photo via fitfabcities.com)

5 weekend wants

here we go...

woo hoo- another week has passed (quickly) and it's friday!

Who's with me in celebrating?

not only is it my sister's birthday (33-yay brooke!) but the weather has once again redeemed itself and is shining down upon us.

I'll drink to that :)  and to the weekend :)

5 weekend wants

holy moly.
mustache cookie cutter!!!!
not sure if my husband or linden would like these more.


(photo via wanelo.com)

I might have to go with my husband.

love the hat
love the  belt
love the clutch
love the tights
love the boots
love the colors
who am i kidding?
i love it all.


(photo via refinery29.com)

who wouldn't look gorgeous in these?
pair them with a pink dress or just go neutral with a tan-
the opportunities are endless.


(photo via etsy.com)

polks dots.
amazing.


(photo via shopredvelvet.com)

YES please!!
There is something so special about flowers-
they immediately brighten up any room- and they go with all decor.
plus- they make me pretty happy.
Now I'm going to go pick some daffodils I saw peeking out of the ground yesterday.


(photo via shopruche.blogspot.com)





a little something extra...
if you weren't hungry, you're going to be now!

yum, yum, yum!
slow roasted blt



let's get this show on the road! (show meaning holiday!)

Christmas  Thanksgiving is coming, the goose turkey is getting fat....

I must admit- every year, it slowly turns into a pile of green and red in my home and like some of my friends have stated, "Oh my, it looks like Christmas threw up in here."  I secretly grin, shrug my shoulders, and save a pat on the back for later.  Success.

So, as you could probably guess- I'm hosting Thanksgiving, but it's a lot of Christmas up in here!  (Although basement is strictly Thanksgiving.)

Where or where do I put everything?

So as I told you- I will be giving out a recipe and here is the first one:

pumpkin crisp

• 32 ounce pumpkin
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 sticks melted butter

Topping

• 1 ounce cream cheese
• 1 carton whipped topping
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1. Mix together pumpkin, milk, sugar, cinnamon and eggs.  Pour mixture into 9X13 pan lined with wax paper
2. crumble the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture.  Sprinkle with crumbled nuts, then pour melted butter over the top
3. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.  Turn upside down onto a platter and remove wax paper.  Allow to cool thoroughly.  When cooled, cover with topping mixture and refrigerate.
4. Enjoy!

This past weekend- we had a great family weekend.  It was my grandparents 65th wedding anniversary- what an accomplishment!  I am so proud of them, as they are both healthy and well at 87.  They have literally spent a lifetime together- unbelievable those two!

My family is from Breese, Illinois which may be one of the most quaint, little towns around.  It's really adorable and it has some really great food!!  As we feasted on pizza, fried chicken, fries, and slaw- you can't pass up one of these when you go to Clinton County! 

It tastes like an amazing blend of mountain dew and sprite but 10 x better- I'm not a soda drinker- and this I can down!

It was the obvious choice.


one last thing...
My sister happens to be the most amazing photographer.  We were able to sneak in a couple of shots and I just have to share this one.  (I can't share the rest- gotta save some for Christmas- ya know!!)

precious.

Cowles Imaging- check them out!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cowles-Imaging/133754833365008

They are wickedly awesome- her husband is as equally talented.  Based in Nashville, TN- if you're in the area, they come HIGHLY suggested!

mum, mum, mum, mum...

Yes, mum as in Thanksgiving, fall flowers.  But also for mummum, a descriptive word for a very good and delicious treat which could only mean one thing- Thanksgiving feast. 

As I mentioned earlier, we are hosting a quite large Thanksgiving.  Mark and I are in charge of the birds, dessert, and cranberries- so I, of course, will be sharing you my treats for our very special day.  I hope you eat your gizzards out.

(photo via kizzane.com)

First and foremost- let's just get it out there- TURKEY.  Everyone comes for the turkey (unless you are myself who just likes to stare and gobble (heehee) the dessert).  I have only hosted Thanksgiving one other time (while I was in culinary school in nyc- in which case- I am sorry if you missed out because it was scrumpcious and a little over the top) in which I ended up using a Williams Sonoma brine (highly suggest) and a Martha Stewart recipe.  When in doubt, go with Martha- she never will fail you.

best brine- get yours now because it goes real fast- $18.00

(photo via ws.com)

Now, as for my turkey I chose a kosher turkey- I think they tend to be a little more tender and juicier.

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

• For Dry-Brining

  • 1 whole fresh or thawed frozen turkey (about 18 pounds), such as Broad Breasted White, neck and giblets reserved
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme

• For Roasting

  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage, plus 6 sprigs
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme, plus 12 sprigs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • 2 tart apples, such as Northern Spy or Granny Smith, sliced 1/2-inch thick (cores reserved)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced crosswise into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups water, plus more if needed

Directions

1. Dry-brine the turkey: One day before roasting, rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry with paper towels. Mix together 1/2 cup salt and the chopped thyme; season generously with pepper. Rub salt mixture on the following turkey parts in these amounts: cavity (2 tablespoons), legs (2 teaspoons each), wings (1 teaspoon each), breast halves (2 tablespoons each). Gently separate skin from breast. Rub remaining salt mixture under the skin on each side. Transfer to a deep pan, and cover, or to a large plastic bag set on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch juices). Refrigerate for 24 hours.
2. Drain accumulated juices from cavity, and pat inside of turkey dry with paper towels. Transfer to a large roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack, and place breast-side up. Bring to room temperature, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Pat inside and outside of turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Roast the turkey: Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with rack in lowest position. Tuck wings under turkey. Stir chopped sage and thyme into butter, and rub over outside of turkey. Fill cavity with herb sprigs, bay leaves, apple cores, and onion; tie legs together with kitchen twine. Scatter apples and celery around rack. Place neck and giblets in pan. Add water to pan.
4. Roast turkey for 30 minutes. Baste with pan juices. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees; roast, basting every 30 minutes, for 1 1/2 hours more. Rotate pan, and add more water if pan is dry. Tent turkey with foil, and roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 160 degrees, about 1 hour more. Let turkey stand for 30 minutes before transferring to a platter and carving. Reserve pan with contents if making gravy.

recipe via marthastewart.com

I substituted the ws brine for what martha called in this recipe but I'm sure if you wanted to make your own- it will be delicious.



BUT wait... yes, there is a but this year.  I was strolling along doing my weekly grocery shopping at our local trader joe's and I saw some fresh turkeys.  Hmmm, I thought- I wonder how those are.  I finished my shopping and went back to them- it just so happened a lady walked out from the back-  I stopped and asked. 

She said, "hands down, these are the best turkeys I have ever had- I buy one for everyone in my family because I won't eat anything else."  Hmm, that is a tall drink of water.

Then I asked about the WS brine and she said, "funny that you mention that because I use to work there and I think these are still better."

So- there you have it folks.  I'm going to give it a whirl.

NEXT- cranberries!!!

My sister gave me this recipe and every year everyone (even the guys) go up for seconds!

• 2 bags of fresh cranberries (freeze them when you get home)
• 2 apples
• 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 can of mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 large packet of cranberry jello

1. Make jello with only 1 cup water and set in fridge until set
2. crush cranberries, apples, pineapple, and oranges in large bowl
3. once crushed add sugar
4. Then add jello, stir and place in fridge overnight

Perfect cranberry dish for all to share and love!!

Now what we're really waiting for:

desserts!!!

Here is a rundown of the desserts I will be making next week:

depending on how large your crowd will be, pick one, pick two or pick em' all, but most importantly- Enjoy the time eating together with your family and friends!

• pumpkin crisp
• pecan pie with cream cheese crust
• mini apple jar crisp
• pumpkin tart
• reese's cheesecake brownies

Here are some pics and over the next week I'll be inserting a recipe into each blog so stay tuned!!

I think I am the luckiest girl in the world to receive this: my great aunt annie's pie chest that has been in our family for years.  I'm going to make the most kickass dessert table- ever.

And I shall leave you with this:

 

amen.