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

Read this book

Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl was one of the quickest and most charming reads I have had in a while. The whole premise of the book is what gives a French gal her certain je ne sais quoi.  

Instead of just simply preaching all the ways the author (who is American) feels the French are better than us, she gives examples and still praises women in her home country as well.  

There were a lot of anecdotes and elements in the book that resonated with me.  Most obvious were those around food (yes I would like looong multi course lunches over wine), but I also liked the part that really stressed quality over quantity with girlfriends and how great it is just to unwind by yourself.  As I get older I find myself more and more drawn to that philosophy. 

Anyways - its dirt cheap on Amazon and I highly recommend picking it up for a quick and delightful read!

Merci!
xxoo
T

Bag It

Can someone PLEASE give me a good reason to buy both of these bags?  It is official that my closet and myself cannot live without either.  I can easily see an ipad, magazine, book etc all living pleasantly inside as I tote one of these puppies around for work or travel.

The orange stripe.  The sleek shape.  We were made for each other.  Available to purchase here

True story, I had been lusting after this one online for sometime and saw a stranger rocking it at a beer festival.  I promptly went up to her, explained how much I liked the bag and asked if I could touch it.  Totally normal, right?  Available to purchase here

xxoo
T

Print Shop

My Pinterest habit has a tendency to go through phases.  One week we can see I am apparently on a health food kick, pinning recipes for quinoa muffins and cucumber based snacks. While another week we can see I have abandoned said health food obsession and am now pinning any unique pizza recipe that I lay my eyes on.

Lately I have moved away from food and find myself constantly pinning things for our home, specifically prints to place on wooden shelves that will one day (someday?) live in our living room.

Below are some recent ones that have caught my eye:

Love this simple print of my hometown, despite being geographically incorrect (the Sears, er I mean Willis Tower is not on the lake).  Can be purchased here

I love this one because my husband often says this to me.  Bonus points to him because 1) I love oysters and 2) He often says it to me in places where I can procure oysters (I am sure is not a coincidence) which prompts me to be cheesy and reply "And I can get one too!" (its the little things). Can be purchased here

Clearly my love for my glorious hometown holds no bounds.  Can be purchased here

Selected for obvious reasons.  I would clearly lay a pictures of our puppy right next to it because she is the cutest. Can be purchased here

It made me giggle. No other reason than that.  Currently sold out, but when available can be purchased here

I love the colors.  And the memory it invokes of nibbling on them as we walked towards the Louvre isn't that bad either.  Can be purchased here

I can't keep giving my hometown love without at least one shout out to my current (and wonderful) town.  Can be purchased here

Just simply love the way the colors are used.  Can be purchased here



xxoo
T

Hoot.

Let's reinvigorate our "need to breathe series" with this cozy (and too cute) Madewell sweater that just screams "weekend brunch".   I could see it with skinny jeans and brown boots or even leggings and delicate flats. Guess who will be stalking the Madewell site for one of their  25% off sales and promptly scooping this up?

And just because I like checking things off lists...got pumpkins this weekend in beautiful Blumemont, VA.   Need to get those seeds in the oven stat!

xxoo,
T

Fall Check-List

I adore Fall.  Without a doubt, it is my favorite season.  And that is saying a lot considering I also adore my birthday, which occurs in the Summer. 

The last couple of Falls have been hectic, but I am 100% savoring and enjoying this one and plan on continuing for at least another month and a half. 

As the leaves start changing colors, I want to try to knock out as many fabulous activities below as possible:

1. Go pumpkin picking.
2. Enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds (clearly 1&2 are connected).
3. Make cider.  Perhaps using this recipe.
4. Enjoy the foliage.  A family vacation to here later this month will help check this one off.  Can't wait!
5. Take puppy on lots of long walks to enjoy the brisk weather.
6. Enjoy good wine and good music at night on our back patio with a blanket.
7. Watch Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin (seriously, this should be on EVERYONE'S list).
8. Visit Virginia's fabulous vineyards (ok so 6&8 could be connected too).

And just because its adorable, a picture of our dog following the costume contest at our neighborhood Octoberfest in her (WINNING) costume!

Yes I put the beer in front of her to give the photo an "authentic" feel.

xxoo
T

Makes me giggle

Maybe because my dad is a "trekie."  Or maybe because I like pizza and pointy ears, but this picture just had me giggling.  What a fantastic capture of pop culture at its finest.

xxoo
T

Photo courtesy of Star Trek

A Frat Party with Pesto

A frat party with pesto.

That is what I called our house on Sunday morning when referring to the shenanigans from the night before.  The evening started innocently enough.  Friends over with food and wine ready to go.

It was this cocktail that took the night downhill fast.  The carefully made pesto might as well have been a jumbo slice of pizza served at 2am.

Ah well.... c'est la vie, great times were had by all!

This was the pesto recipe that was used.  I turned it up a notch with some  lemon juice, lemon zest and a garlic scape that had been hanging out in our crisper drawer.

Enjoy!

T

Isn't She lovely

Our newest family member

And a Happy Valentine's Day to You Too

Happiness is Zooey Deschanel being her quirky cute self. 

Less than happiness is finding out that the dress she wore on SNL this week was custom made for her and not in stores...

xxoo and a Happy Valentine's Day regardless!

Photo Courtesy of Pop Crush

Line your Dominos up

I subscribed to Domino magazine from the minute I first heard about it.  I received the first issue and every one after that.

And then for no reason whatsoever, I did the the unthinkable and threw them away during one of those reckless cleaning sprees we all go on every now and then.  And we know how the rest of the story goes...the recession happened, print publications got (unfairly) beat up upon and my beloved Domino folded.

Although not returning in its full glory, Conde Nast is throwing us a bone and putting a modified version of it back on shelves this spring.

This makes me happier than when I come across a fabulous rectangular white tufted ottoman coffee table against a bright chevron patterned rug....

T Joe's For The Vin

I could dedicate an entire blog only to the wonders that exist in a Trader Joe's store (seaweed chips, virgin coconut oil, agave syrup...ok i'll stop).

For the sake of brevity, I'll focus just on their wine section and one bottle in particular that I always go back to.  Its not the most amazing wine you will ever drink, it is by no means a bottle for your friend the wine snob.

It has bubbles, a bit of sweet and is refreshing all year long.  At a $5 price tag, it is great to stockpile a few for last minute hostess gifts.  I recently brought to a small gal gathering and it was an instant hit!

If you can make room in your cart next time you are there (and trust me I know how hard that can be) I highly reco you grab a bottle (or 5) of N.V. Le Grotte Lambrusco Dell'Emilia Bianco.

Cheers!

Have you seen........?

Midnight in Paris? 

As someone who is a sucker for Woody Allen and any witty movie with charming Europe as the backdrop, this was a must see for me.

The movie did not disappoint and the city was the star of the show.  The cast twirled and sparkled around it as they basked in the (Oscar-nominated) direction of Mr. Allen.  It made me want to read everything Hemingway wrote and covet everything Marion Cotillard and Rachel McAdams wore.  

Would highly recommend for a Francophile night in....Bordeaux optional.

 

Photos Courtesy of IMDB

Bananas for this bread

When life gives you bananas that are a tad too ripe for one's liking then one must bake banana bread!

Not only is it easy peasy, but it makes your house smell ah-mazing.

This recipe is as straightforward as they come. I left out the orange juice, didn't use a glass loaf pan (mental) and incorporated regular size chocolate chips, so it can be modified slightly.

I personally think it would be a simple make-ahead dessert for a dinner party - pair with some Chunky Monkey and enjoy :)

- T