Sunday in Houston

It's Sunday in Houston. 

Here are a few pieces for a daytime soiree at The Orange Show and a night on the town at Indika. 

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Weekend Plans: Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast is such a treat.  Ryan and I are (far too) often out on a mid-week morning having breakfast somewhere in the city.  While I prefer the cheery atmosphere and Mexican inspired flavors of Golden West Cafe, my fiance prefers the quirk, kitsch and no frills breakfast choices at Paper Moon Diner (click on the link and get a feel for the utter weirdness that is Paper Moon).

The best thing about breakfast, though, is that you can create a delicious meal right at home, without too much trouble. 

Recently, I was inspired to stay in and cook at home thanks to this fabulous, fresh recipe found on NPR's website, Kitchen Window.

Eggs Baked with Spinach and Feta in Tomato Shell

"This is one of my favorite breakfasts. It is quick, healthy and delicious. If you slice through the middle, you will see the red of the tomato, green of the spinach and white and yellow from the egg all piled on top of one another. It is great for entertaining or even a multitasking morning: Finish getting ready as they bake away in the oven. The recipe is adapted from 60-Minute Gourmet by Pierre Franey (Times Books 1992). " -Eve Turow of NPR.

Here's the Recipe:

You'll Need:

4 large ripe tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium eggs
4 tablespoons feta cheese
1 pound spinach

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut off tomato tops and set aside (may be used later as garnish). Run a paring knife around the inside edge of the tomato and scoop out insides, creating a tomato shell. Sprinkle the insides with salt and pepper and turn the tomatoes upside down on a towel to dry and drain out any excess liquids.

In the meantime, steam or saute the spinach. To steam, fill a pan with a thin layer of water and bring to a boil. Turn off the burner, add the spinach and cover the pan until the spinach wilts. Drain out excess water once the spinach is cooked. Stand the tomatoes right side up in a pan, and place approximately 1/4 cup spinach into the bottom of each, pressing down to make room for other ingredients. Break an egg inside each tomato shell. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and feta cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Do not let the yolks become too firm. Serve immediately.

*Recipe borrowed from NPR's Kitchen Window

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Think about all the delicious variations this recipe could yield! Chevre goat cheese or even a nice Brie instead of Feta?  Sauteed sweet peppers and broccoli instead of spinach? You could even substitute the tomato shell for a sweet pepper and do a breakfast stuffed pepper, adding cheese, veggies and an egg to the inside of a small green pepper. 

Weekend Plans? Breakfast in Bed, my friends.  I hope your weekend is restful, cheery and just wonderful.  Enjoy some sunshine!

Protein! Grains! Quinoa!

I can't stop eating Quinoa!  I've made it for lunch three times in just four days.  I had to restrain myself yesterday from eating it yet again and opted instead for my Indian food leftovers.

Maybe I'm in need of a serious dose of protein? Who knows...  Either way, it's treating me right and I can't seem to get enough.  It's so crunchy, filling, and can be the foundation for tasty vegan meal!

I did a little research and found this nice photo. What a lovely stalk it grows on.

"The Mother Cereal"

Quinoa was a staple food in the ancient Inca culture

I've been preparing it simple: drizzled with a little olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Today, I added garlic and cayenne to the mix, making a dressing to pour over it once it's just off the stove.

Lots of people cook it in chicken or veggie stock instead of water, which sounds like a great idea.  I'm all out of bouillon, but once my pantry is restocked you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be trying that out.  Happy lunching!

P.S. This recipe looks amazing!

Yellow, oh my!

Aren't these earrings fabulous!?

After I saw the Tiffany Diamond in New York City, I've had a new found affinity for yellow diamonds (as well as lovely little stones that sell for much cheaper).

You can find them at Emma Stine.

P.S. Martha just did a great spread on yellow engagement rings, it's worth a peek!

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How to Search Etsy without Pulling Your Hair Out

By now you've probably noticed I spend a fair bit of time on Etsy.  If you've been there, you probably know that navigating through the thousands- even millions- of items on the site can be a bit daunting. 

If you're new to Etsy, searching via the search box on the top right of the site can often lead you to thousands of "related" items.  But many of these "related" items are related only because the seller (or crafter) tagged them with a similar material or theme.  Crafters have the option when posting their products to use an endless amount of "tag" words that sometimes just clutter the airwaves of goodie hunters such as ourselves.

Here are a few tried and true tips for finding thar perfect perfect on Etsy.

1. Register. Fast, easy, painless.  I promise.  You need to register with Etsy because I can guarantee that once you begin browsing you'll find something you love.  But more importantly, step 3 (and a very important step, I must say) requires you to be logged in.  So take one minute.  Register.

2. Start browsing at the Treasury.  Etsy treasuries are a series of hand picked items that real people have curated.  They're often chosen by theme or style, i.e. vintage wedding for late summer, or by color, i.e. bright, bold, red.  Treasuries are posted on the Etsy home page everyday and change almost every hour.  Some of Etsy's finest ends up on these curated lists, so take note.

3. Favorites. Once you've started peeking around, notice that at right hand side of the page you'll find a tab that says "Favorites" and a heart icon that says "add item to Favorites".  Click it.  Click the heart for every item you see that you like.  Why? Because once you start accumulating favorites, Etsy will recommend shops to you based on what you like. Your favorites (and the recommended sellers page) can be accessed at the top left of the page once you are signed in. And, when your best friends' birthday rolls around, you'll have an entire page of great gift ideas.  Trust me on this.

4. Newsletters. I'm signed up for Etsy Finds and I love it.  Every day I get to see a fabulous, hand picked showcase of items from over twenty different online shops.  It's like stepping into a virtual boutique in every email.  If you can't read every newsletter every day- don't sweat it.  It's worth taking a quick peek, clicking on a few items, and adding them to your favorites and calling it good.  Remember: the more items in your favorites, the more shops will be recommended to you with items related to your tastes. 

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Keep in mind that Etsy is more like browsing the museum gift shop or an art gallery and less like an online store where you can type a few simple words in the search field and quickly narrow out items by size, color and style.  Etsy is a special place where highly talented and creative artists sell their goods, but it's also a place where anyone can sell anything, so long as it's handmade.  A little patience and the will to find that perfect something, and you're on your way. Happy Hunting!

*The earrings feautured on today's post can be found at Epheriell and Faded Roses.

Sunday in Wonderland

Here are a few little things for a Sunday in Wonderland.  Whimsical, delighful, wonderful.  Hope your Sunday is a beautiful one. xoxo

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California Dreamin' Addendum

Yesterday I posted some lovely California-themed Etsy finds. But I just had to share this fabulous album cover, with the California theme and all.  Plus, what a great band name, "Best Coast"?  I would have to agree.

Happy Friday, everyone. 

I hope your weekend is as happy as this pretty kitty sitting in the Pacific Ocean at sunset.

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California Dreamin'

I have this idea that maybe someday we'll live in California.  There's wine, sunshine, mountains, beaches, and an ocean.  Mexico is nearby and it's in the time zone I was born in, which, I think must have some cosmic significance.

California Cutting Board

California Necklace

California Redwoods Print

California Pillow

There's a chance we'll make a nest in CA, but for now, these little things will have to take me there.

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Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing

It's been 100+ degrees here in Bawlmer this week and nothing sounds better on a hot day than a crisp, crunchy salad for lunch.  I love me some salad.  Love.

Since Ryan and I are in a major margarita phase, there are fresh limes, lime juice concentrate, and limeade abounding from the depths of our fridge.  What better way to make use of them than to of course, make margarita's... and to make lime salad dressings!

I modified a recent post (Avo Citrus Cilantro) for a quicker, easier variety: Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing.

You'll need:

1 Lime, freshly squeezed (or 4 tablespoons lime concentrate & 4 tablespoons water)
1/2 bunch Cilantro (1 cup packed, roughly)
2 Cloves Garlic, peeled

1/3 cup Olive Oil (the nice kind, none of the cheap stuff in here, please)

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey (I used raspberry honey and it was delish!)

Salt and Pepper

Start by putting the garlic and olive oil in your food processor.  Once the garlic is nice and minced, add the cilantro and lime juice.  Let the mixture blend for a good minute or two, allowing the cilantro and garlic to be fully blended.  Once the ingredients are smooth, add the sugar and honey, then blend together for another minute, adding a dash of salt and fresh ground pepper to your tastes.

This dressing works great with a green salad topped with fresh grapefruit slivers, black beans, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. 

Bon appetite.

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81 Days...

Time is passing, and soon it will be September 25th, our wedding day!  But, there some days I feel like I get nothing done when it comes to planning our wedding. 

Since we aren't hiring a wedding coordinator and everything is a virtual Do/Plan-It-Yourself project, it means there are many possible details that could be forgotten... And the last thing I want is to wake-up on my wedding day thinking that we forgot to order napkins for the dinner tables or that we will get to the church and no one will have matches to light the candles. 

My goal has been to minimize those tasks, as much as bridally possible. 

Today, even though my wedding get-it-done self-esteem is low, I'm going to celebrate my "wins".

I bought this sweet little dress for our flower girl.

I bought cocktail napkins for appetizers and drinks.

I found a website that sells big, perfect, round balloons.

I found out my bridesmaids' dress went on sale!

I received the fabric samples I ordered for table runners in the mail.

I finished the thank-you notes from my wonderful bridal shower.

I received the last three missing addresses from my guest list excel spreadsheet.

And for lunch I made a delicious sauteed balsamic portabella-tomato wrap, topped with Gorgonzola cheese, tahini hummus, and walnuts. Completed with Kettle salt + fresh ground pepper potato chips.

All in a day's "work".

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Ruche for my Bridesmaids

Today I was doing some blogger catch-up and stopped by Cup of Jo, a favorite blog of crafty stylista women-types.  I discovered Joanna's blog a few months ago in the midst of wedding inspiration searching and love popping in from time to time.  While visiting today, I was introduced to a fabulous shop called Ruche. 

Ruche is sort of like Anthropologie meets Mod Cloth, creative and indie, yet easier on the pocketbook. 

Since I'm on the hunt for a great pair of shoes to wear with my wedding dress, I figured I see what they had to offer in the 'ole shoe department. 

But the more I looked around, the more I thought, "Oh! Emily would look great in these!" or "Kristin would love this pair!".  So, in honor of my lovely 6 (+ 1 honorary) bridesmaids, I've chosen a shoe that reminds me of each of them.

Emily Inspired

Rachel Inspired

Kristin Inspired

Olivia Inspired

Erin Inspired

Megan Inspired

One last pick for my long lost bridesmaid in South Africa who can't make it our wedding...

Hailey Inspired

While you're at Ruche's site, be sure and check out their Vintage Style Outfits page for adorable combination-inspiration.  Think: Summer Photo Shoot.  Grab the Holga, Diana, Polaroid or your digital, and go feel pretty!  Really, why don't we do photo shoots more often? Riddle me that.

Hope you like the shoes, ladies! See you in 3 short months...

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Back in Balmy Bawlmer

Monday night I took the red eye from Seattle back "home" to Baltimore.  As expected, I'm not sure I would recommend flying overnight, but since it was the cheapest option, it worked. 

After getting off the plane around 5:50 am, I stepped outside to sunny 75 degree temperatures, complete with healthy dose of humidity.  Luckily, the last few days have been in the lower 80's and not as oppressive as the 90+ degree heat I missed while trolling through the Pacific Northwest. 

I guess I never realized or fully appreciated, having lived in the PNW my entire life, just how crisp the air smells.  I forgot how cool the evenings feel after sunset, how breezy the wind carries itself through the trees, and yes, how low those damn gray clouds press down from the sky like a smothering pillow of existential oppression.  I don't miss the gray, the rain, or the constantness (is that a word?) of the gloom.  But, the sunny days are incomparable. I'll give you that, Seattle.

Nothing beats an afternoon of pondering at Gasworks Park

In other news, I'm happy to report that upon arrival, there are no visible signs of our kitchen mouse!  Sadly though, my radish crop looks horrible.  I'm not sure how it's possible to grow radishes improperly, but somehow my radishes are tiny, chewy and horrible.  Maybe there's hope for the beets?

Looking forward to a long, warm and sunny summer.  But definitely missing those I love.

xoxo

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Buttercream!

Today is my lovely neighbor's birthday so I decided to bake her a birthday cake.

I had never baked a cake from scratch before today (I'm a bit embarrassed to say).  But, after a bit of googling and adding my own touches (such as melting chocolate chips to give my cake a nice chocolaty hue), it came out quite nicely.

The squiggle candles are a nice touch, eh?

The real challenge was the frosting: perfecting buttercream.

I found a recipe online that seemed easy and nice, but modified it a bit to my tastes.  Enjoy, it really works quite nice!

1 Cup Butter
1 3/4 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Whole Milk
1 1/2 Tsp Vanilla
1/2 Cup Boiling Water

-First, boil 1/2 cup of water. 
-In a separate large mixing bowl, add the soft, room temperature butter together along with the sugar, ice cold whole milk and vanilla.  With a powerful hand or stand mixer, mix together until the frosting gets creamy and thick. 
-Measure the water to 1/2 cup and grab a teaspoon.
-While the frosting is mixing, add the boiling water spoonful by spoonful, or pour it in at a slow, drip-drop pace.  Make sure the frosting from the sides is scraped off and included.
-Voila! Presto! There ya be... cream it until whipped and delicious, and you'll have a generous bowl of oh-so-creamy and sweet buttercream frosting!

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Sunday in Paris

Here's an outfit and a few accessories I would recommend for an afternoon in the City of Love.  Hand picked by yours truly.

Happy Sunday morning.

New York, I love you

Happy Friday! I just returned from a short, mid-week trip to New York City.  Boy, it sure gets hot and humid there in the summer! I seem to have developed a nice heat rash on both of my legs to prove it.  Despite the temperatures, I had a fabulous few days exploring the city whilst my lovely fiance sat in long meetings. 

When we arrived Tuesday, we took the Subway down to SOHO and had pizza at Lombardi's Pizza, which claims to be the first pizzeria in the United States.  I'm not sure how much that matters, but the pizza was quite tasty.  Living in Baltimore, it had been a while since we'd had anything that resembles decent pizza, so it was much appreciated.

Wednesday morning we took the Subway to Tom's Restaurant for the cheapest breakfast in America: $11 for two people.  If you don't recognize this photo, there's something wrong with you. 

This neon sign should resemble something familiar

After breakfast, Ryan jetted off to meetings and I took the train to the East Village; partly to search for good coffee but also with the hope of running into Conor Oberst.  Luckily, I was successful navigating myself to the coffee, but not so much on the Bright Eyes front.  Alas. 

My first stop was at Bluebird Coffee, a tiny spot nestled on East 1st Street.  The entire space must not have been more than 15x20 feet wide, and the robin's eggshell blue walls combined with the salvaged hardwood bar made for a delightfully cozy stop.  Serving Counter Culture Espresso, my macchiato looked and tasted delicate, yet had strong floral notes and a light but present berry-like quality.  The cafe felt comfortable and sophisticated, but not pretentious.  And the group of hip 30-something's cooing over a newborn probably added to my warm-and-fuzzy sentiments of this cozy place.

My next stop was Abraco, but they closed at 4 PM and I arrived at twenty minutes past.  Next time.

Lastly, I headed up 1st Avenue and over to 9th Street Espresso.  The espresso used by 9th Street is roasted by Intelligentsia Coffee, a popular roaster based out of Chicago.  My macchiato was tasty and strong. Considering it was my 6th shot of the day (on top of drip coffee at Tom's), I'm fairly sure it made me high.  I tasted high acidity, so lots of berries and citrusy fruit, but with a nice chocolaty-earthy, full-bodied finish.  The mood was subdued and perhaps a bit sterile, and more inviting to Mac users and Census workers than new parents gathered to show off a newborn to friends.

That night, we headed to Hell's Kitchen for falafel at Gazala Place.  Falafel, tabouleh, hummus, tahini, lamb kebobs, stuffed grape leaves, galore!  Yum. Yum. Yum. 

Thursday morning, being dropped off just blocks away from Rockefeller Plaza, I figured I should probably stop in at The Today Show and try to get on TV. Mission accomplished: just stand by a group of loud moms wearing neon-colored polo shirts holding a sign saying "Mommies in the City".  I called my parents later that morning to confirm, and sure enough, at about 8:50 AM there I was waving hello on national television. 

The Today Show studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza

This guy (Lee Dewyze) won American Idol?  Who knew! 

Matt, Meredith, and Natalie (I've always been a fan of Matt Lauer)

Russel Brand unbuttoning his shirt for Meredith Vieira

After The Today Show excitement, I took the train south toward Chelsea.  Cafe Grumpy was my destination, a popular cafe with three locations throughout the city.  Grumpy features a $12 cup of single-origin Ethiopian coffee, but I opted for a cappuccino instead.  The barista who served me was patient and friendly and gave me a complicated but well detailed description of the "V-Bar" (vegan bar) when I inquired.  While the espresso tasted nice, unfortunately the foam in my milk began to disintegrate rather quickly and was disappointing.  But, the garden-like ambiance, friendly service and strong reputation convinced me to give this place another shot on my next visit.

After Grumpy, I headed north to the Upper East Side for a visit to the Guggenheim, but sadly it is closed on Thursday's.  Luckily, The Met was open so I popped in there for lunch and a Picasso exhibition.  Then, it was back down to 5th Avenue to meet up with Ryan.  This was the beautiful view as I came out of the Subway.

Central Park South, a block from the Plaza Hotel and 5th Avenue

Since Tiffany's was just a block away, I figured I owed it to myself to stop in and pay homage to Audrey.  Did you know that Tiffany's has 5 floors, not just the ground level as seen from the sidewalks?  I went ahead and invited myself to the second floor to peruse diamond engagement rings and had a splendid time doing so.  On my way out I spotted this little beauty, The (287 carat) Tiffany Diamond. It is the largest yellow diamond ever discovered and has been worn by only two women, Jean Schlumberger and Audrey Hepburn. 

That, my friends, concludes my New York journey this time around.  I hope you enjoyed reading and salivated with me along the way.

My very best wishes to you this weekend, and please follow my advice with these two words this on this, the first weekend in June: Popsicles and Margaritas. 

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