4.11.2011
reese witherspoon for american vogue
4.08.2011
domestic cooking goddess
I've been off work for the past week so I've had plenty of time to cook plenty of yummy things for my mom.
This past week alone I've made BLTs with Avocado spread, Roasted Chicken wings with an herb/lemon marinade, Egg Noodle Pasta with White Wine Butter sauce and sauteed shrimp, Jambalaya, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Roasted Tomato Goat Cheese tart.
I told my mom not to get used to eating this well. I normally cook like this once a week and I wouldn't be surprised if I gained a few pounds.
I've noticed that as I've created all these delicacies I have an extreme love of white cooking wine (Publix brand--nothing too fancy). It adds a really nice flavor to dishes, especially ones with butter. I also love using spices and I have no issue using dried ones especially since I seem to have an issue keeping fresh herbs alive. I don't have an herb garden (my green thumb is actually quite brown) and paying $1.99 a pop for a bag of basil every week is not my idea of simple--or cheap. Naturally, you have to use less of the dried ingredients because they are stronger but you still get the same taste effect. If you're keen upon making a dish look pretty then I would suggest buying fresh herbs. But what's the point? It's going to wind up in your stomach eventually.
Either way cooking and experimenting with recipes is a great thing to especially if you have a lot of free time like I did this week. And it's always fun to find a random recipe and try it out. And now you can find apps for your phone where thousands are available at the touch of a button. Some of my favorites are Epicurious and All Recipes Dinner Spinner.
Give it a try!
This past week alone I've made BLTs with Avocado spread, Roasted Chicken wings with an herb/lemon marinade, Egg Noodle Pasta with White Wine Butter sauce and sauteed shrimp, Jambalaya, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Chocolate Chip Cookies and a Roasted Tomato Goat Cheese tart.
I told my mom not to get used to eating this well. I normally cook like this once a week and I wouldn't be surprised if I gained a few pounds.
I've noticed that as I've created all these delicacies I have an extreme love of white cooking wine (Publix brand--nothing too fancy). It adds a really nice flavor to dishes, especially ones with butter. I also love using spices and I have no issue using dried ones especially since I seem to have an issue keeping fresh herbs alive. I don't have an herb garden (my green thumb is actually quite brown) and paying $1.99 a pop for a bag of basil every week is not my idea of simple--or cheap. Naturally, you have to use less of the dried ingredients because they are stronger but you still get the same taste effect. If you're keen upon making a dish look pretty then I would suggest buying fresh herbs. But what's the point? It's going to wind up in your stomach eventually.
Either way cooking and experimenting with recipes is a great thing to especially if you have a lot of free time like I did this week. And it's always fun to find a random recipe and try it out. And now you can find apps for your phone where thousands are available at the touch of a button. Some of my favorites are Epicurious and All Recipes Dinner Spinner.
Give it a try!
2.03.2011
slumber time
oh dear...I do believe it is past my bedtime. My lamp agrees, the automatic cut off just went into affect. That's my cue.
Until tomorrow (later today)
Ciao Bellas
Until tomorrow (later today)
Ciao Bellas
french chic? yes please
Since I don't have a photographer at my beck and call I created a set on polyvore that is similar to one of my favorite outfits. I pair a striped Hollister sweater, with a cotton Charlotte Russe pleated skirt. I throw on my favorite thigh high socks from Target and top the look off with a chic boyfriend blazer from H&M. I like to keep with the french chic theme so I wear my outfit with these adorable black patent leather oxfords where the tops are almost completely cut out. I accessorize with a darling cream purse from H&M, a gold pendant necklace, and pear stud earrings. The watch and the amaaazing Louboutins in the set are wishful thinking. What I wouldn't do to own those stunning pair of Loui's *sigh*
golden girl
bargains of the day
So I'm technically not supposed to be shopping because my cash flow is a little--ahem--restricted for the time being. But due to some extra baggage in my posterior I had to find a new dress to wear for Valentine's Day. Yes..I have become one of the people I used to desperately envy. I finally have a beau for the dreaded--well not so much now--V.Day.
Finally.
Believe me guys it's been a long time coming. But I digress. I found an awesome Forever21 dress at Plato's Closet for $8 and a super hot bright pink belt with gold studs that accents the pinkish strokes in my dress ($3) . I also found an adorable animal print (not sure what animal) tank ($5) that originally hailed from H&M. It's a little small for my taste but let's just call it motivation to look forward to skinnier days. Which brought my grand total to about $17 not including the super hot dress/tunic I got from H&M for $7...which was originally $39.95.
*Brushes off shoulders*
Now Plato's Closet is a thrift/secondhand store that may creep a little people out. But fear not wary shoppers, it is a totally awesome place. I have found many a bargain there *makes mental note to post pics of finds later* They carry a lot of the popular mall brands and you can even score some higher end duds from brands like BCBG and Max Mara. I am actually determined to start shopping there from now on because Plato's will only buyback clothes that are in style. When I was in there today I noticed a dress I got from Target literally two months ago.
I would post pics of my awesome finds but my camera is acting finnicky and I don't have a personal photographer like most of the other style bloggistas seem to have. Alas, I am a photographer but I have no one to photograph me. I'll work on getting the pics up though. In the meantime, check out Plato's Closet for locations and more.
Ciao Bellas!
Finally.
Believe me guys it's been a long time coming. But I digress. I found an awesome Forever21 dress at Plato's Closet for $8 and a super hot bright pink belt with gold studs that accents the pinkish strokes in my dress ($3) . I also found an adorable animal print (not sure what animal) tank ($5) that originally hailed from H&M. It's a little small for my taste but let's just call it motivation to look forward to skinnier days. Which brought my grand total to about $17 not including the super hot dress/tunic I got from H&M for $7...which was originally $39.95.
*Brushes off shoulders*
Now Plato's Closet is a thrift/secondhand store that may creep a little people out. But fear not wary shoppers, it is a totally awesome place. I have found many a bargain there *makes mental note to post pics of finds later* They carry a lot of the popular mall brands and you can even score some higher end duds from brands like BCBG and Max Mara. I am actually determined to start shopping there from now on because Plato's will only buyback clothes that are in style. When I was in there today I noticed a dress I got from Target literally two months ago.
I would post pics of my awesome finds but my camera is acting finnicky and I don't have a personal photographer like most of the other style bloggistas seem to have. Alas, I am a photographer but I have no one to photograph me. I'll work on getting the pics up though. In the meantime, check out Plato's Closet for locations and more.
Ciao Bellas!
start of something new
I have a confession...in addition to being addicted to clothes and anything fashion related...I have an addiction to starting blogs but never posting on them *gasp* I know....it's bad. But I realized that I love finding great bargains, I love clothes/fashion, and I love looking nice...so why not combine all this love into one uber blog? I really hope that I will keep this up and that there will be one (maybe two, I won't push my luck) reader out there that will really enjoy my blog.
We shall see. For the time being I would just like to welcome myself back to the blogging world.
<3
We shall see. For the time being I would just like to welcome myself back to the blogging world.
<3
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