Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I am starting my day in Indianapolis but heading home E.A.R.L.Y!  I take off at 6am.  Yikes! It is worth it to be home at noon on Friday but I have to keep reminding myself that when I set my alarm.

It has been a while since I have done a Friday Favorites post.  It seems fitting that with Christmas coming up I will be doing a bit more in the coming weeks.  You know I would hate to keep people guess about possible gifts.

1.  These are the cutest little owls from West Elm.  My college mascot was an owl.  Since I have been a bit obsessed with owls.   Plus every purchase makes a donation to St. Jude's.
 

2.  Grays and yellows are every where. We got a new shower curtain chevron gray and yellow.  Now I think I need some place mats. Coordinating bathrooms and kitchens are very zen.

3. Breakfast for me is smoothies or cereal.  However every so often an omelet hits the spot.  This was my special treat this week on a trip to Illinois.

4.  Yoga pants.  I might be a bit beyond on the whole yoga pants fabulousness. I wore some the other Saturday.  All day.  It was heaven. Can we please make it acceptable to where these in the office?  Seriously, these pants are comfy.  They go from day to night to bed. 

5. Books.  Library books are the best.  I like to have a few on hand.  One fun book.  One serious book.  Keeps things interesting switching back and forth.

What are you loving right now?  Do you have a Christmas wish list already?

Friday's Favorites

OK today is a list kind of day.  

1. I think people need to be nicer.  We are all in such a rush and just going, going, going. Its the little things that can make the biggest difference. Read this to find a way to make someone else's day.
2. I miss my cookies. I took these to work and they were gone within minutes. I suppose this is a compliment but I neglected to take one for myself.  I guess I will just have to make some of these.
3. Apples have been neglected on this blog for a while. I have to give them some love.  Debating about making this.
4. Soup.  Yes, please!
5. I know Halloween still isn't here but I might already be having thoughts of Christmas.  Seriously need some holiday decorations like this.
   

Happy Friday!

October Favorites

I miss September. I always want to celebrate my birthday but the changing of the months means I must hush on the topic for the next 11 months.  October though brings its own kind of celebrations and good things.  Here are some of my favorites...

Oktoberfest.  Enough said.

Slow cooker everything, especially this pork and cider stew.

Halloween decorations. Love them.

Football Season, the reason for eating dips like this Caramelized onion, gruyere, and bacon dip.

Apples everything...I love to eat apples plain,just crisp and fresh but I am not going to lie a crisp like this would be a great little snack. There is no way I would turn this down.

Friday's Five: New Cookbooks

There seems to be a mad rush of cookbooks being released this fall and I for one want them all. 

Jenny is a blogger with a blog of the same title.  She and her husband, Andy,  cook dinner for their family every night. 

This cookbook goes into the simple strategies and common sense, Jenny uses on how to break down dinner—the food, the timing, the anxiety, from prep to cleanup—so that her family could enjoy good food, time to unwind, and simply be together.

This books is all about cookies, cakes and candies.  Lots of love, fun and color line the pages.

Another blogger turned cookbook writer, Alice Currah knows that the food we share with the people we love is more than just what we eat. Whether it's a leisurely weekend morning coffee cake, a birthday banana cream pie, chocolate chip cookies after a well-played soccer game, or a refreshing strawberry lemonade at a summer backyard barbecue, life's simplest moments can create the most meaningful family memories.  

Create your own delicious memories all through the year with 100 easy-to-make—and many all-new—recipes, organized by occasion and captured in full-color photographs to celebrate your own "life happenings."

 

Food blogger Lindsay Landis has invented the perfect cookie dough. It tastes great. It’s egg free (and thus safe to eat raw). You can whip it up in minutes. And, best of all, you can use it to make dozens of delicious cookie dough creations, from cakes, custards, and pies to candies, brownies, and even granola bars.

Have heard of the Smitten Kitchen blog?  Of course you have.  Deb Perelman loves to cook. She isn’t a chef or a restaurant owner—she’s never even waitressed. Cooking in her tiny Manhattan kitchen was, at least at first, for special occasions—and, too often, an unnecessarily daunting venture. Deb found herself overwhelmed by the number of recipes available to her. Have you ever searched for the perfect birthday cake on Google?

Her award-winning blog is based on the premise that cooking should be a pleasure, and that the results of your labor can—and should—be delicious . . .  every time. Deb is a firm believer that there are no bad cooks, just bad recipes.

Are you hungry yet?  Grab a book and get cooking!

Friday's Favorites: Lots of Owls & Then Some

Oh Friday! I love and dread you all at the same time.  I have lots to do today and lots of meetings. That means my to do list is not going to get done.  

My birthday is coming up and well...this favorites list might be is a hint about possible gifts.  Don't worry more will be coming in the next few weeks.
 

I am a little obsessed with West Elm right now.  And they have a little obsession with owls. I love owls.  This owl mug will hold my morning coffee.  It's a match made of perfection.

Speaking of owls...they also have measuring cups.  Owl face measuring cups.  I want them. Bad.

An awesome social satire about the world of WASPs and a wedding on a small island in Cape Cod (the summer home). It's funny and insightful and disturbing all at once.

I chose it personally for the lobsters and heart on the cover. I had similar designs on my wedding motif.

Place mats with forks and knifes.  Not really my style but super fun, right?  If only it was in blue.  Or pink. 

The other day I got a lovely package in the mail from the folks at Petit Amuse.  They offer similar tasting boxes to the Foodzie subscription boxes.  Petit Amuse, also known as amuse-bouche is a French term that literally means "mouth amusement." 

"We search out the best artisan food producers that you've never heard of and give you a taste of what you didn't even know you were missing."

They are passionate about discovering and promoting products from small food artisans that you won’t find in large retail chains.

The sampling box had four little samples of treats. Two shortbread cookies, a peanut butter granola bar, butter popcorn, and jam all in mini tastes were packed in the the box.

Our favorite was the Garuka bars.  

Garuka bars are all natural energy bars, hand made in small batches in Vermont. They are all natural and made with only 8 ingredients: Vermont raw honey, peanut butter, 7 whole-grain flakes, dried cranberries, brown rice puffs, light brown sugar, whole peanuts, and a teeny tiny bit of Vermont’s own Cabot butter.

Raw honey has been found to be one of the most effective sources of pre-exercise carbohydrates due to it’s readily combustible glucose carbs. Raw honey is also super low on the glycemic index, which means it provides relatively no peak or crash, just long lasting consistent energy. Enjoy Garuka Bars before, during, or after exercise. Primal Energy is ready to be released the instant you need it.

The thought is for $10 you get a sampling of products each month and then you can go to the Marketplace to purchase larger quantities or your favorites. 

Likes: 

The samples really are samples. If you get something you don't care for (ie the jam) you don't feel like you are wasting it. Also see Dislikes.

Variety - we got sweet, salty, snacks, dessert, spread all in one box.

Ability to go back and buy more of your favorite samples.

Dislikes: 

The samples really are samples.  One or two bites and they are gone for the most part.  Mr. J and I had trouble sharing - the cookies, granola bar (especially the granola bar) and popcorn were really good.  We wanted more right then and there.

The box came with little description of the items. More information is available to subscribers online.  

Disclaimer: The Petit Amuse sample box was provided to me by the folks at Petit Amuse. The thoughts and opinions of this product are 100% my own.

Why I Need A House?

There are some magazines that I really enjoy scanning at the gym. I always enjoying going through the mail and seeing a new arrival.  These magazines also typically mean I will have a longing for something I cannot quite obtain in the near future.

One such magazine is Better Homes and Garden.  Pinterest has also been my down fall.  House blogs can catch my interest almost as much as food blogs.  Almost.

Lovely rooms.

Visual appealing layouts.

Cool designs.

Sleek furniture. Pretty Colors.

I want a home.

Friday's Favorites

This is a favorites kind of Friday. It has felt like Friday every day since Tuesday.  Let's just say that is NOT a good way to go through the week.  

I am trying to find inner peace.  Yes, I know it sounds corny but I am really trying to think of the positives of things.  It's hard.  Instead I find myself finding distractions.  Distractions are much more fun.

Here are my distractions for the week:

 Right?  I don't think I need to go into more details about this Topper Mill.

This new line from Crate and Barrel has a Dansk® Kobenstyle White Baker. The handles are so cute!

And I am really wanting to decorate our bedroom differently.  Mr. J needs to hide the paint. 

Cooking classes...fun right? I want to take some.  Sur La Table offers a variety but the closest one is over an hour away. I am kind of desperate though.  Way worst than the painting issue.  I will take this on a day to day basis.

Tea towels.  I love them.  I think they might make me as happy as a new hand bag.

Speaking of a hand bag...

 I want this one...it is on sale. I am not going to lie it will probably happen this weekend.

Happy Friday! It is officially here.

Friday's Five: Fashion

I got through periods of some serious shopping impulses. This past week was hard.  I wanted to go shopping big time. 

I am actually trying to downsize my material things. I feel like there is way too much clutter in my life. No new things is part of the process.  

I wasn't in the mood for the process though. I was in the mood to shop.  Somehow I got through my phase.  Maybe?  At least I got through the week. 

Here are some of my finds for Friday's Five Fashion Edition:

Anthropologie Native Birds Dress

Anthropolgie Rauma Drop-Waist Dress

 Headliner Dress

Phi Beta Kappa Dress

Toe the Line Chambray Shirt Dress

Friday's Five Favorites: Summer Reading

It is Friday. Are you excited? I am. 4 days this week. 

Although it would have been nice to have a 3 day weekend. I will take a mid-week break any time. This week flew by and work was slow because so many people took longer off. 

I have learned that less people in the office equals me getting more done. Love it!

The past few months I have been reading up a storm.  I really enjoy reading.  I think one of my favorite parts of traveling for work is my quiet time on the plane. I can read guilt free.  What else can you do with no electronics, no internet.  Just me and my books. Love it!  

Here are my top 5 most favorite books of the last 3 months.  I listed them out by genre. You're welcome.

1. Life

 The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

Although I don't typically read self help books, I really enjoyed this one.  I am not even sure you can call it a self help book. 

Gretchen Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

For me, it was very realistic and relatable.  I read portions out loud to Mr. J.  We laughed. I guess our happiness improved during this reading.

 

2. For the Foodie

Life, on the Line: A Chef's Story of Chasing Greatness, Facing Death, and Redefining the Way We Eat

By 2007 chef Grant Achatz had been named one of the best new chefs in America by Food & Wine, he had received the James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef of the Year Award, and he and Nick Kokonas had opened the conceptually radical restaurant Alinea, which was named Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine. Then, positioned firmly in the world's culinary spotlight, Achatz was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma-tongue cancer.

This books describes Achatz background, culinary education, and experience.  Any foodie would love this book.

3. Oprah's Book Club

Drowning Ruth

This book is older and first came out in 2000.  Although it took me a bit of time to really get into it by the end I could put it down. 

Christina Schwarz's novel pivots on two of the lost "virtues" of the past: silence and stoicism.  The story is told through the view point of a handful of main characters. Looking back at past events and how they shaped the present.

4. For women and mothers and daughters

another piece of my heart

Did you read Jemima J?  Same author.

Andi has spent much of her adult life looking for the perfect man, and at thirty-seven, she's finally found him.  Ethan--divorced with two daughters, Emily and Sophia--is a devoted father and even better husband.  Always hoping one day she would be a mother, Andi embraces the girls like they were her own. But in Emily’s eyes, Andi is an obstacle to her father’s love, and Emily will do whatever it takes to break her down. When the dynamics between the two escalate, they threaten everything Andi believes about love, family, and motherhood—leaving both women standing at a crossroad in their lives.

It seems more heavy than it actually is...trust me.

5. For the Beach

How to Eat a Cupcake

Not really a food book but the main characters certainly spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  This plot made me contemplate quitting and opening my own bakery.
  

Free-spirited Annie Quintana and sophisticated Julia St. Clair come from two different worlds. Yet, as the daughter of the St. Clairs' housekeeper, Annie grew up in Julia's San Francisco mansion and they forged a bond that only two little girls oblivious to class differences could—until a life-altering betrayal destroyed their friendship.

A decade later, Annie bakes to fill the void left in her heart by her mother's death, and a painful secret jeopardizes Julia's engagement to the man she loves. A chance reunion prompts the unlikely duo to open a cupcakery, but when a mysterious saboteur opens up old wounds, they must finally face the truth about their past or risk losing everything.

What are you planning to read this summer?

Friday's Favorites: Learning To Like Alcohol

My husband lovingly told me the other day that I was almost 30.  Now I think age is only a manner how you think about it.  30 in and of itself doesn't really bother me.  However, I am not even 28.  Rounding two years up for me is not an option.  Let's just stick with I am almost 28.

Now that I have gotten that off of my chest, I am back with the Friday's favorites.  

This week is all about alcohol.  I have been joking that my stressful job has driven me to start drinking.  I really shouldn't joke like that because that wouldn't be funny.  However, I have never been a big drinker but now I seem to be trying more and more beverages.  Coincidence?  Maybe it is my "almost 30" palate?

So here are some of my old favorites and some newer discoveries.

Purple Haze is a crisp, American style wheat beer with raspberry puree added after filtration. Therefore, you may see raspberry pulp in the beer. The raspberries provide the lager with a subtle purple coloration and haze, a fruity aroma, and a tartly sweet taste but not too sweet.

We had this at a local Cajun restaurant.  It is a micro-brew from New Orleans and only added to my desire to visit the nice state of Louisiana. 

Champagne is always a good thing.  My favorite is Veuve Clicquot. Last time I got to sample some of this sweet stuff we added a little strawberry to each glass.  Classy!

My new stress reliever is cheap red wine and chocolate cake. It is a good combination and certainly can change the night around. Any bottle under $15 fits the bill for me.

When I want the good stuff though we reach for Duckhorn.  Mr. J and I are fans of the Cabernet Sauvignon.  At times it is the only variety in the house.

What is your favorite type of alcoholic drink?

Feed A Cold

Despite my best efforts I managed to catch a cold.  I am sniffling and sneezing like it is my job.  I have also lost my taste and haven't been eating too much.  My husband, ever the doctor via WebMD, to me that you have to "feed a cold."

I am not sure if there is any validity to this claim but I last night I tried to do just that with these veggie filled meatballs.  I used my mini food processor to ground up carrots, celery and garlic.  Have you ever used carrots with beef?  It adds a nice sweetness to the meat.

We kept it simple using boxed pasta and jarred Newman's Own pasta sauce.  Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil and you have one fantastic meal.  My cold should thank me.

Veggie Filled Meatballs

by Emily Morris

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

6026197

Ingredients (16 meatballs)

• 1/4 cup celery, minced
• 1/2 cup carrot, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Use food processor to mince celery, carrots, and garlic into finely ground pieces.

Add vegetables, garlic, beef, egg, and ketchup in a bowl. Combine.

Add bread crumbs and mix into beef mixture gently until you cannot see the dried crumbs.

Add Parmesan cheese and dried seasoning and fold in to beef mixture.

Spray baking dish with oil lightly. Make balls using approximately 1/4 cup of mixture. Form with hands. Place in baking dish so each ball is not touching another ball.

Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with your choice of pasta.

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