Blood Orange Beet Bowl

bloodoranges I got super lucky this week and landed a small stash of blood oranges from a neighbor. This happened to coincide with a craving for roasted beets, which I had already planned to make. Tired of my usual beet-goatcheese-pepita-oliveoil salad, I decided to merge these two heartbreakers into one bloody beet bowl. This is how it went down...

IN ADVANCE: I roasted the beets coated in a bit of olive oil and salt in a 350 oven for nearly an hour. This is sketchy, because I was cooking other things at the same time, on and off. It's an art. Not a science. Once out and cooled I slipped their dirty skins off. That sounds mildly sexual. Oh well. Then I cut them into 1" chunks a tossed them into a jar in the fridge for later.

NEXT: I prepped two small blood oranges by cutting the peel off with a serrated knife. I usually take the tiny pith core out too. I cut these into bite sized chunks.

beetorangebowl

AND THEN: I combined the orange pieces with 3/4 to 1 cup of the beets in a bowl, and grated (~ 2 teaspoons to 1 Tablespoon of) fresh ginger root right on top. Then a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of salt to bring out the full flavors.

Done! I think you could still safely add goat cheese, if you so desire. Or perhaps go super savory and do garlic instead of honey, and toss in some finely sliced red onion or shallots...

BEETPLATE

Beets produce the most perfect shade of magenta ever.

PS >>>>>>---------> Forgive my iPhonography, I was documenting on the fly!

Mahalo Mondays: Grateful for a Holiday

ImageI'm not going to lie and tell you I watched the President's second inauguration this morning. Or that I took time to educate my boys on the historical impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (though the day is not over, and I still have an opportunity during tonight's "Table Topics"). Let me tell you that I spent a portion of this day being totally self indulgent. Yes, today was a FREE DAY as we call it in our house, and Free Days are golden. Now Saturday and Sunday are Free Days, of course, but these bonus weekday holidays are more like platinum. Usually we don't have sports scheduled at this time. No doctor or dentist appointments, no mandatory family gatherings, and in theory, we've already done our chores. In theory. Last night the boys slept over at my parents, giving me a head start on this freebie by going to a movie with my girlfriend (Silver Linings Playbook). This morning, the Mister took off for work, and left me in bed, dozey and crampy. I laid around a bit, made coffee, got a bowl of dried cereal and hopped back into bed with both to promptly watch three episodes of The Mindy Project on my iPad. SIDE NOTE: Do you not LOVE Mindy Kaling? This show is like Sex and the City meets Mary Tyler Moore meets The Office with a hint of Grey's Anatomy. Just enough clever, quirky, smart, sexy, charming. FUNNY.

Got out of bed after 9AM (SHOCK! AWE!) and got my running duds on just in time for the boys to come home. Off to basketball (them) and a run (me). Later we went the thrift store, grocery shopping and treated ourselves to frozen yogurt and coffee (me, not them). I ignored a bunch of could do, should do, need to do chores, and sat down to write this up. Me blogging, them iTouching.

Indulgent yes, irresponsible, not really. The joy of being lazy is so rich, and so worth it.

Wish List

One of my favorite keepsakes each year is the completed Wish List from each of my boys. First, they needed to be old enough to write. Now they are of the age where they like to "research" products online.  I especially like such request as "pillow," "shirts" and "pears and apples," as it lends credibility that at times my children appear as Dickensian orphans: shirtless, bedheaded, hungry. Let us take special note of the detail in "Candy Canes (10)" or the vagueness, in a wish for a "surprise."  Either way, such lists represent a time capsule of our lives, their dreams, this moment.

This year, I created a printable PDF for you to download. Click here for your own WishListTemplate.

Rx: Jonathan Adler + Starbucks

(True Love)

This gorgeous new ceramic coffee grail dazzled me so much so that I almost, ALMOST missed Starbucks new price increases. Jonathan Adler, master of modern whimsy has designed a perky paisley tumbler just in time for the holly days. As if it weren't enough to be jump started by a grande quad latte each morning, this 16oz. vessel is the perfect antidote for a working girl's maladies.

Oh and about those price jumps...I may need to rethink my daily dosage.

Preppy Love

L-R, T-B

Women's Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoe, Whales by Enormous Champion at Heath Ceramics, Lands' End Canvas, Route 63 Canvas Leather Trim Bucket Bag, J. Crew Vintage Bateau, Kate Spade's Letterpress "Hello" Calling Cards via Crane's, Lacoste Polo Shirtdress, Ray-ban Aviators, Modern Monogram Stationery from Etsy, Mikimoto pearl stud earrings.

Ever since my trip to Boston I've been releasing my inner preppy. I grew up in the Midwest but had a strong sense of the prep aesthetic...mainly because I grew up in (Lake) Minnetonka where all things Muffy and Buffy were worshiped. I had monogram sweaters, Sperry Top-Siders (in both navy and brown), "duck" shoes from L.L.Bean, a "powder jacket", and pink and green Izod t-shirts that I proudly wore with the collar UP. This, and I made braided barettes for a little side income. I experimented in junior high (it was ugly...) and went back to my tried and trues in high school. Only then it was J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, and my uniform consisted of a men's oxford in plaid or chamois, and blue jeans.

My style has thankfully evolved past the full Muffy stage. I'm loving my West Coast punch bright colors and Palm Springs happy tunics with a little NorCal bohemian mixed in. Still though, to this day, I cannot walk by a sailor striped T without stopping. I still wear my Mikimoto pearl studs most days of the week, and I really love a good monogram. Admittedly, I nearly bought myself a new pair of boat shoes on the recent east coast trip. They'd look so cute with my dark blue skinny jeans and...almost. I may settle for the super chic and utilitarian bucket bag from the Lands' End Canvas collection--a special treat, in honor of my new job.

22 Days

I received this gorgeous bouquet yesterday from my future employers...The New Children's Museum. Happy Mother's Day! Can you smell the lilacs from here? The scent fills our home still, and I'm nostalgic for my Midwestern childhood where backyards ran together like wavy green ribbons, rhubarb was foraged for homemade fruit leather and lilac bushes lined the back fence.

Here's to new beginnings...June 1, you're only 22 days away.

PS. Many of you know my favorite floral peeps, but this particular arrangement raised the bar. Well done Flower Child!

Eat Local, Buy Local, Grow Local

After clearing off my whiteboard and having some fabulous women tour my humble little studio I was reminded of the WPA initiative inspired prints commissioned by ReadyMade. My favorite of this group was by artist Chris Silas Neal, "Eat Local, Buy Local, Grow Local" which  you can download and print via ReadyMade*. I love the colors, the layers, his beautiful typography. More! More! More!

This topic coincides with my current affection for Michael Pollan-- The Ominvore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and his newest publication Food Rules...he writes here on the Huffington Post about eating with common sense.

 

*download no longer available

Wish List

This Christmas couldn't go by without a little wishing...it's tough because I love so many things!

From the Top Left and Around Clockwise: GIANT PHOTO in San Diego...there are a few images of my own that I'd love to BLOW up HUGE, get mounted, and hang in the house. I'm not sure if they have gift certificates, but bet they'd accommodate if one asked...

Tiffany & Co. monogram pendants. What could be wrong with a little blue box? I love this in both silver and gold. Very classy.

Domino, alas, my favorite decorating magazine went under this year. Thankfully, before doing so, they published this book- Domino: the Book of Decorating. Love love.

Next up, my Belkin car adapter bit the dust, and I thought maybe I should kick it old school with this Monster tape adapter which with also play tunes off my iPhone. Whoo Hoo!

I know I've said it before, maybe on the TFD blog, but I really dig this 20X200 idea--which makes editions of artworks affordable for all. This work, Vogue JUL07:pg145 (Ripeness is All) is by San Fran artist Lauren DiCioccio. This and the other Vanity Fair MAY08:pg269 (and, incredibly, looking not a day older) are two together that would be LOVELY.

What gal doesn't need a good steamer to save on dry cleaner and make ironing easier? Just thought of it. Rowenta Ultra Steam Model, it even comes with the GoodHousekeeping seal of approval.

Something for writing just had to show up on this list. Keel's Simple Diary. How cheery is that yellow? It comes in a rainbow of colors and I'm quite sure it's available at Anthropologie, among other fine establishments.

Though I've never used one, the Yudu seems like a super cool and easy way to do screenprinting at home. I first saw it at Michaels then noticed it's major tele-shopping site. Weird, but so cool.

Rounding out this list is the ever magical Jo Malone cologne. Lime Basil Mandarin is soopa fresh, Jasmine Mint is a soft romantic note on my skin, and the special edition Dark Amber Lily and Ginger is so seductive. Yum, and yum. Saks, Bloomies, Nordstroms (online, but maybe not in the store).

I also really like pedicures, Starbucks, super dark chocolate, art supplies, time at home to myself, and someone to fold the laundry and clean house. I'm easy. Merry Christmas Santa!

Bird's Eye View

It's been my dream (since forever) to have a treehouse. Unfortunately, even growing up with oak filled lawns in the Midwest, I never had the opportunity to realize this vision. In the sixth grade we were given a project to create and design a dream house (these were my favorite type of assignments) and I created a treehouse. The plans were two dimensional of course, but my sky high fantasy was modern and earthy, sophisticated yet cozy. I am reminded of this because of a recent post by decorology on "Amazing Treehouses I Would Live In."

While I don't see a treehouse in the future of our landscape, I do think the view we have affords a similar sense of freedom and peace. Instead of pining away for the day I might have my own nest, I thought it best to explore options for visiting such marvels of architecture.

Make your reservations today!
Cedar Creek Treehouse at Mount Rainer

Tree House Lodge, Costa Rica

Sanya Nanshan Treehouse Hainan Island, China

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA

A Beautiful Eye

I discovered Bell'occhio (Italian for "beautiful eye") this week, a charming store in San Francisco which carries some of the most beautiful gifts and goods. Of course, I discovered the online version, which I'm sure is not nearly as magical as the actual shop. Sigh. It doesn't matter because I was wooed by numerous items in their Maison and Papeterie sections.

Finally I found the uber chic black chalkboard oilcloth that I first saw in Domino {RIP}. I can't wait to order this and put in on my dining room table.


What homespun cake wouldn't look wonderful on this "woodsie" faux bois cake stand?


Such a perfect little heart. True love my dear, true love.


I think eggs are one of nature's most perfect foods.
This porcelain carton gives these fragile orbs a proper home.

Looks for the Nook

I'm working on my kitchen breakfast nook (okay, my dad is), and am now ready to get quotes on custom bench cushions and hopefully a re-do on two Louis XVI chairs to go with it. I am channeling a little bit of Miami with green, orange and pink guiding my way. My other kitchen post features a lot of bright white. This palette will give it a fresh pop that will carry through, and connect with other accents in my house.While I dream of owning an Eero Saarinen table, my budget only allows for an IKEA Docksta table. Sigh. For now, this is a fabulous alternative.

I can't wait to get the cushions and table ordered and move the project along. I'm envisioning a sunny Sunday morning with a hot cup of strong coffee, my favorite design mags, and Greek yogurt with farm fresh strawberries, honey and walnuts. Mmmmmm...

Office Supply Stationery



I've mentioned before how much I love office supplies. The projects outlined in a Martha Stewart craft section also remind me of some found object/repurposed stationery by Stephanie from Phantom Limb and also ReduxPaper on Etsy. These are great projects for kids and are fun to personalize with souvenirs from trips (maps, menus, etc.). I'm also especially fond of this Measuring Tape Tape from the Museum of Useful Things. So fun on packages, lunch bags, notecards, book marks. I cut a strip for my work surface so that I can measure things in an instant. Finally, manila packaging tags are infinitely useful. Stock up at ULINE.

Poladroid


I may be a member of the "Save the Polaroids" group on FaceBook, but I'm pretty sure it is not coming back. Sigh. That's why I'm SO TOTALLY THRILLED that I found Poladroid, a free application that turns your images into Polaroid looking lovelies. I may be behind the curve on this one, but I'm loving every minute of the drag, drop and virtual slow develop process which comes complete with sound effects.

I Heart the Oscars

I heart the Oscars...mostly because movies are a wonderful part of our culture and provide a visual and emotional escape like nothing else. Well, that, and the red carpet (OBVIOUSLY!) Following are some of my 2009 Oscar thoughts. Unfortunately, I see way fewer movies now than I did pre-kids. Aargh.



Slumdog Millionaire

I really loved this movie. And to think, at first I wasn't going to see it because I heard it was (at times) "really hard to watch." Then I learned that my Grandma had seen it, and was up for it again. Okay, right. If my 80-something year old Grandma can hack it, I sure as hell can. Not to mention that the soundtrack kicks some big booty as well...


Kate Winslet (The Reader, Revolutionary Road)
Total. Girl. Crush. While I didn't see either one of these movies, if I could pick someone to play me in my life story, it would be Kate. Hands down.
Wall•E
Wall•E stole my heart. I loved his complete devotion to Eve and his menagerie of artifacts...

The Dark Knight
Unbelievable performance by the late Heath Ledger. Christian Bale is an outstanding Batman, and I'm quite smitten with Maggie Gyllenhaal

Random Honorable Mention Goes to:
Quantum of Solace and Daniel Craig's White Pants

P.S. Wish I'd seen Milk
P.S.S. Why didn't Bruce Springsteen's The Wrestler
get nominated?

What Did You Buy Today?

I heart my SIGG water bottle too. Illustrator Kate Bingaman-Burt has the most fabulous and eccentric project going on. She has created Obsessive Consumption. Bingaman-Burt began to document all of her purchases in 2002 and subsequently created a brand around the related illustrations and images. She is hand drawing all of her credit card statements until they are paid off, and illustrates a purchase a day which is displayed tenderly on her blog, aptly named What Did You Buy Today?. Totally quirky, a bit psychotic, and a truly original take on consumerism. Love, love, love.

Art for All: 20x200


Wish List Item #45693107

I feel like I've been missing out. 20x200 is a website/project by Jen Bekman. From a gallery in New York representing emerging artists she came up with a bigger vision: (limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone

How cool is that? I love the concept and am especially thrilled with her selection of works. She is an inspiration.

This piece, ny.08.#14, by Jennifer Sanchez makes me feel like the artist zipped into my heart with a canvas, and came out painting. It would be so fabulous in my home. There are actually some left in the medium (14x11) and large size (22x17) and I don't think $50 and $200 is too much. Although, I wonder how much the original is...hee hee.