Monday, September 27, 2010

Dents d'or en Irlande et en France!!!

Goldteef will be on little break seeing as Shug and I will be in Ireland for a wedding and France for the museums and food for the next two weeks!  I promise to take lots of of pictures, drink lots of wine, and eats lots of stinky cheese;)!

I'm going to miss Ruby so much, but Grandma is sleeping over to hang out with the Rubester for our vacation!  She's gonna get SO spoiled!  It's good that she gets some QT, though, since we've been working like crazy and Ruby hasn't gotten the belly scratches she deserves.

I hope you have a lovely two weeks!  I'll be back with blisters and tons of photos;)!

x to the o.

Friday, September 24, 2010

My Friend Wallis


LOVE Crystal Dorval aka My Friend Wallis.
She seems like the kinda gal I could be BFFs with.

Foreves.

Have a great weekend!
xo.


Psst...!

I'm leaving on a jetplane!
To Ireland!
For a wedding!
ROMANCE!!!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Haul

I have been "fake shopping" leading up to our trip...

Here are some cute bags from Anthropologie.

I may or may not believe in the powers of "retail therapy,"
but it is kinda nice to pretend shop every once in awhile!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

K.I.S.S...!

I had an art teacher in high school named Mr. Songer.

He was an accomplished local artist and tried to impart his 
pared-down aesthetic to his students.

"Keep it simple, stupid!" he'd laugh when he'd look over my projects in progress.

I can't help but agree with his mantra today in all aspects of life.

Have a lovely day!

Image courtesy of t spoon of sunshine.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Last Day of Summer 2010


Can you believe how quickly summer flew by this year??

I was just getting used to the lovely warm evenings and now they're starting to get chilly again!

What are you going to do on this last day of summer?

Shug and I are going to work our butts off,
come home,
sit in our backyard,
drink a glass of wine,
watch Ruby run around,
and eat a big tomato salad
from our garden.

What are you going to do?

Monday, September 20, 2010

Alexa Chung for Madewell

It's fresh, young, and totally laid back yet chic.

I can easily see myself wearing some of these pieces 
all day, every day
for the duration of autumn...!

I can't get over how cute these models' hair is, either.
Messy and amazing!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Countdown


It really really really helps a person to get through a crazy insane-o week when you know you'll be traveling to Ireland for a wedding in a little over a week...!

Words cannot express how excited I am to be a part of my good friends' celebration.  Both Supermodel and Best Bearded Friend are some of the hardest-working people I know and they deserve this little break!  I'm so looking forward to windy beaches, verdant farmlands, and warm pubs.

Have any of you ever been to Ireland?  What should I check out? What foods (or brews) should I try?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I'm on call: BOO.  But I also leave for Ireland in a little over a week: YEA!!!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Recipe of the Week: Fried Green Tomatoes and Fresh Tomato Basil Salad

My ability to prepare dinner these past few weeks has been grossly hindered by my "job."  When I say "job," it doesn't really pertain to an actual 9-5 gig where I show up, do my assigned tasks, and then get fair monetary reward for completing my tasks in a timely manner.  No, my "job" is actually an internship where I was SUPPOSED to show up, observe and learn, make a few copies, and get a laughably small sum of money in exchange for my copy machine prowess.

Mind you, I moved from "copy machine intern" to "the idiot who will work 12-hour days because she doesn't have a choice" and "the if we don't want to deal with it let the intern person" in a matter of weeks, with a case load and list of difficult clients even Dr. Phil would balk at.  I've been the anchor on some clients and situations where I KNOW I WASN'T READY for the stress and psychological support these clients needed, because I'M JUST AN INTERN.  My supervisor just goes, "What a great DEAL you are!" as she rakes in client fees hand over fist while paying me my $3.78 hourly.  I am doing some serious grown-up work for the laughably small sum of an intern.  None of my classmates have had this issue.  Poop.

It hurts something awful to think that I can make more at an entry-level position at a fast food restaurant.  And get normal hours. 

What a rant!  I'm done, now on to the food!  That will make it alllllll better.  I know it.

Anyway, my new "salary" also necessitates a real vice-grip on the old pocketbook.  Shug and I have been coming up with creative ways to only go grocery shopping every two weeks, longer if we can manage!  With the bounty of tomatoes our garden has been producing, we've had some serious tomato meals in the past few weeks.  Our new favorite is Fried Green Tomatoes, it's lighting-fast, and sooooo delicious!

Fried Green Tomatoes
Serves 2 hungry underpaid serfs
Ingredients:
4-5 large green tomatoes, still firm
Salt and Pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Cornmeal

Slice the tomatoes into 1/2 -3/4 inch thick slices.  Place on a plate and season each side with salt and pepper.  Let the tomato slices start to "sweat" a little so the cornmeal will adhere nicely.

Coat the bottom of a saute pan generously with the olive oil and heat over medium-high.  While the oil is heating dredge the tomato slices the the cornmeal until lightly coated.  When the oil is hot add a layer of tomatoes to the pan and fry until golden brown on one side.  Flip the slices and continue to cook until golden brown on both sides and softened.

Place on a clean paper towel to drain and serve with salsa or your favorite dipping sauce!  We like it as a base for fresh mozzarella slices and fresh basil with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar...!

Tomato Basil Salad
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
4-5 ripe tomatoes, clean and cut into bite-size chunks
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonaded
Salt and Pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar

Throw all in a bowl and toss well.  Let sit for a few minutes if you can to let the flavors marry.  Or just stuff your hungry face.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Carry Me


I've been looking for a sturdy bag in my closets that will 
manage the rigors of travel and lugging stuff around all day.

This beautiful Liebeskind bag could do just that!
Lovely.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Christmas in September!


Do you remember Santino Rice from the second season of Project Runway?

He was kinda the "villain," but I loooooved him.
His impression of Tim Gunn is DEAD ON.

Anyway, I don't have cable, so I've been a season behind the fun with Project Runway,
but I found out that Santino (and Austin Scarlett, who I love almost as much)
are featured on a new show!!!

follows the friends around the country to make gowns for special events 
in "normal" American women's lives.

The great thing about this show is that it's not condescending
or trying to change these women.  It just wants to help her 
celebrate a special time in her life.  Santino and Austin truly
want to do the best for their clients, and it shows in their work.


Monday, September 13, 2010

Guilty Pleasure #534: Dogs and Babies Dressed up as Pumpkins


I am not a huge fan of Halloween
BUT,
I look forward to fall and the possibility
that I'll get to see dogs and babies
dressed up like

PUMPKINS!

It's so ridiculous I can't even stand it...
Don't judge me, please.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Recipe of the Week: Herb Potatoes with a Mustard Sauce

First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who emailed and commented on my "Paris Shoe Conundrum!"  It really did help with my packing plans.  I have one little backpack to try to squish my bridesmaids dress and heels ALONG with enough clothes to last me five days...I'll keep you posted on the strength of the seams in my pack!

Secondly, sorry for the radio silence.  I'm pretty diligent about posting, but sometimes you get a call at three in the morning for work and you don't get to come home until five that evening.  THIS is why I am crossing an ocean to go to a wedding and travel with Shug.  Our boundaries have been encroached upon by our jobs and it's about time we get a break!

Thirdly, with the insanity of work, I haven't been able to cook as much.  And if I have had the opportunity to cook, it's been an under 15-minute meal (more on this next week).  But here is a little recipe I whipped up that's exceedingly easy to make, takes only about half an hour, and is really inexpensive to feed a crowd.

Shug and I have had moderate success in our garden this summer, but our herbs have taken off!  This recipe can accommodate whatever it is you have on hand, but I used lemon-thyme, chives, rosemary, and flat-leaf parsley.

Herb Potatoes with a Mustard Sauce
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
3-4 lbs. new or waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold, scrubbed clean and cut into chunks
Salt
2 shallots, diced small OR 1 small red or white onion diced and rinsed with cold water, drained well
3-4 generous tablespoons of mixed herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, chives, dill, etc.
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fresh herbs for garnish

Bring a saucepan of the potatoes and cold water that has been generously salted to a full boil.  Reduce to a vigorous simmer and cook until potatoes are easily pierced with a knife.

While the potatoes are boiling, in a large bowl, whisk the shallots or onions, mustard, olive oil and balsamic vinegar together until well combined.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Drain potatoes well and add to bowl with sauce.  Toss to combine and set aside.

Finely mince all of your herbs, setting a few sprigs aside for garnish.  Once the potatoes are cool, add the herbs and toss well to combine.  If the potatoes are too hot the herbs will discolor, no biggie if they do, it just won't look as pretty!  Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with reserved herbs.  Can be served at room temperature or chilled.  Enjoy these easy, yummy potatoes!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Question...


...What in the world am I going to wear for shoes while in Paris?
(Such a privileged, question, I know...)
But seriously,
are there some comfortable and cute shoes that won't scream "TOURIST!"
like the white sneakers or comfort sandals exemplified above?

I really am at a loss for what footwear I should pack in my very limited
backpack space...

Your answers are needed!

xo.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Meet Marcel, My New Crush


I know I've been on a video kick, but seriously,
Marcel is the best way to start a workweek after the holiday!

I love it!

xo.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Amaze.


When I was 13, I thought I would climb the Seven Summits.
I know that that won't happen now, but I still have such an interest
in the people that manage to make that dream come true.

Here's a little story about two men that created a new technical route up Everest!
Amazing!

I hope you have a lovely holiday weekend!

See you on Tuesday!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Guilty, Guilty, GUILTY Pleasure: I can't even bring myself to type it...

I can barely bring myself to put a picture of it in this post, but let me explain how I got here...

I loooove Netflix.  95% of the time they are impeccable in their service and their shipping.  But rarely, not often at all, a rogue DVD finds its way to my mailbox.  Once, when I was expecting Les Carabiniers, I received The Phantom of the Opera in its sleeve!  LETDOWN!  Plus, it was a Friday so I was movie-less because of this stupid musical in sheep's clothing.

Yesterday, an unsolicited DVD made it to my mailbox.  We already have our three DVDs we can check out simultaneously, two of which are some dark Criterion Collection stuff Shug won't have anything to do with, and some godawful Canadian sitcom Shug ordered.  If you haven't noticed yet, I'm a total movie snob.  THE snobbiest.  If it's not in subtitles or completely obtuse or crazy, I won't like the movie, and I make sure to chastise anyone who does like stupid crap like High School Musical.  No way, no how would I EVER like crappy crap like that.

Ahem.  Until little rogue DVD found its way into my DVD player and

I FELL IN LOVE WITH ZAC 'WITHOUT THE "K"' EFRON.

I typed that. I really did.

Stupid, stupid me decided to watch 17 Again.  Why?!?!?!  Why would I do such a thing?  Netflix MADE me do it.  I swear.  It was a dumb movie about abstinence and family values, but my cognitive thinking brain didn't care...Um, because What'shisface was in every stupid. schmaltzy scene.

And let me tell you about Zac "With the Justin Bieber Hairdo" Efron.  
That kid is COUGAR BAIT.

I.
Am.
So.
Gross.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Zebra


This has been on of my favorite albums of 2010.
Victoria Legrand's voice is amazing!

They will be opening for a band I shall not mention on Thursday...
I'm trying to finagle a way to make it!

And then LEAVE before the headliner plays...
I dislike them THAT much.

Decisions, decisions...
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