An Unusual Pizza Topping

Asparagus. Who knew?

A friend mentioned it to me in passing over the weekend.  He and his wife made a four cheese pizza and put uncooked asparagus on top before popping it into the oven. The result was apparently a yummy pizza with perfectly cooked asaparagus on top.

I couldn't get it out of my head and put in on the menu for this past week.  I didn't want to do four cheeses on it, so I searched around for some potential inspirations of other cheese combos.

Inspirations:
Bon Appetit's Asaparagus and Ricotta Flatbread
Smitten Kitchen's Shaved Asparagus Pizza
Epicurious' Goat Cheese and Asparagus Pizza

In the end though, it was my food-genius sister who suggested making it how we typically eat our asparagus as a side dish.  Some parmesan, balsamic and lemon.

We used basic store bought pizza dough, about a cup of good shredded parm, shoved as many cut pieces of asparagus as possible on the dough and cooked according to the instructions on the dough package (around 10-15 min).

Yes the pizza is oddly shaped and yes the result of this one was also delicious.

xoxo
t

Blue Bathroom Inspiration

After almost two years of living in our condo we are just now starting to actually, seriously, in an adult-like fashion decorate and furnish it.

Side note: I blame our amazingly awesome neighborhood for the delay in this as our disposable income has found its way to the many amazing restaurants and bars within walking distance of our home.

So anyways...we have an upstairs bathroom that is begging for some love.

Photo quality shows we have to improve the lighting too

And for some reason I have it in my head that decorating it has to be blue.  Below are some looks I am totally feeling:

Photo Courtesy of House Beautiful

Love the blue walls accented by the white details

Photo Courtesy of Design Sponge

Wall paper scares me more than a really steep down escalator (and that is saying A LOT), but I appreciate the blue against with light yellow accents.

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Blue and black, who knew it could look so appealing?

Stay tune for improvement updates!

xo
T

Book Worm

I made a NYE resolution with myself this past January that didn't involve dieting or running but was still going to be a toughie..... 

I was going to cold-turkey quit Bravo TV, specifically Real Housewives which is my drug of choice, and read more.

GASP.

Full confession: I still read the EW recaps of each episode, I mean, I'm not a sadist.  I'm someone who wants to make sure the Richards Sisters on RHOBH are still narcissistic nut jobs.

But alas, I was saying goodbye to Andy Cohen's little 3 ring circus and saying hello to finally updating my Goodreads account on a regular basis.

So far this resolution has actually been fantastic. I set a goal of reading 50 books this year (I'm also a nut job, I know) and am at 16 books and counting.  Favorites so far have been:

Seating Arrangements
This will be a great summer beach read.  A waspy family with dirty secrets plans a New England wedding.  Hilarity and some messed-up incidents occur.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Have been meaning to see the movie (we all love ourselves the adorbs Emma Watson) but now not sure if I want to because the book was so good.  I literally finished it in one day.

That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor 
The original scandal-maker.  This book did a great job telling the drama surrounding the woman who forced King Edward to abdicate.  Fun fact: There is much speculation that Wallis Simpson was actually a hermaphrodite. 

Snobs
It is about super rich Brits. Julian Fellowes wrote it.  He created Downton Abbey.  Do you need any other reasons?  No? Ok good.

Stay tuned for more updates as I proceed to abandon RHONJ (I still am trying to reconcile with myself on that one) and proceed to read every word Jay McInerney has written about wine.  Cheers!

xo
T

Need To Breathe. Packham Edition.

I normally shun sequin anything any chance I get.

However, like most sane women, I feel I could make an exception for this beautiful creation. 

Photo Courtesy of Shopbop

Never mind that I have ZERO places to wear it to and would most likely end up rocking it when watching a (probably hilarious) rerun of HIMYM. Le Sigh.

xo
T

A Quick Coastal Vacation

I often say that I am one of those weirdos who is always overly excited to visit her in-laws, counting down the seconds till we get on that plane.  A large reason for this is that they are wonderful, kind and amazing people.  The other reason for this is where they reside, the delightful island of Jamestown, RI, which we were fortunate enough to sneak away to last weekend for a few days.

Growing up in suburban Chicago, my upbringing resembled an uneventful John Hughes movie.  I can't even imagine what a quaint New England childhood on the water would be like, however my time I spend in RI always gives me a fabulous sneak peak.

View of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge

We rented a house on the bay and I took advantage of the views and the local beer for some relaxing our first night. To say it was a perfect way to unwind would be an understatement.

I think one of the greatest quotes to come out of (one of the greatest TV series) 30 Rock was when Liz Lemon said her "worldview was food based."  Truer words have never been spoken and I employ that motto in ALL of my travels (see below):

Stuffie and Chowder at The Landing in Newport

Lobsta Roll at The Landing in Newport

As always, a VERY successful trip.  If thinking about going to Jamestown, RI there are plenty of houses to rent on the island and a gorgeous hotel on the water to stay at.  The island really comes alive during the summer and prices tend to reflect that...

xo
T

Brunette Club's Former Ruler

How is this not the greatest picture?

Icon. Jewelry (my favorite gem to boot). A slight tinge of humor.

I once read she arrived late to a party at the British Embassy in D.C. in the 70's, resulting in her unintentionally upstaging another guest....Queen Elizabeth II.  Now that is the definition of fabulous.

xxoo
T

Photo Courtesy of William Harold Jewelry Blog

I still mourn Domino

The loss of Domino, some 3+ years later, still has a ripple effect.  Yes, the editors did bring us a brief reprieve this past spring and it was great, but I still crave it in a consistent, reoccurring format.

Lonny helps.  Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with ANYTHING the founders of Matchbook put out, which also helps.  However, there is still that Domino-shaped void.

Perhaps this will be the fix? Lili Diallo (below), a former Domino stylist is launching billie magazine  this month and will have a focus on travel, home stories and market round-ups.  Initial thoughts based on their current site (heart that couch), Pinterest and Instagram accounts are that this one could be a gem....

I just got back from New England after enjoying family time and fall leaves - looking forward to sharing some of the gorgeous images!

xxoo
T