11 Eureka

Pure Love

2013-06-11T00:10:00.000-05:00

We here at 11 Eureka would like to apologize for our absence and lack of posts. A few big things have made life a bit crazy lately and have tested my ability to handle stress (don't worry, I think I am passing the test).

As you already know, Gretta is our dogter, boutique mascot and the loves of TJ and my life. It was one week ago that our crazy girl through her back out (yes, it also happens to dogs) which created her to become paralyzed in both her back legs. We instantly rushed her to the local animal hospital where she was x-rayed and admitted for the next two days. TJ and I went home devastated.

The next morning, we visited our little lady (pic above) and once again was sad as we left without our pup. The following day, we met the therapist and vet and decided to try aggressive therapy over the next 8 weeks. The best part of that day was the fact that we could bring her home (yay).

Fast forward one week and Gretta is able to use 1 leg and slowly trying to move the other. We are now only 5 days from our wedding day and just praying that Gretta will be healthy enough to attend. The fact that she is an extreemly high spirited dog helps a lot, but not being able to play or simple walk around has taken a toll on her. We can not wait to witness her improvement over the next few weeks! Our lady is a trooper:)

She smiles on the car ride home from the hospital!

So sleepy.

Recipe: Cucumber Cup Salad

2013-05-02T10:56:00.001-05:00

Ingredients: (Makes 6 to 8 cups)

1 cucumber, half used for cups and half diced (seeds removed)

1/2 c. feta cheese

1 c. diced tomatoes, colored

1/4 c. black olives, pitted and diced

1/4 small red onion, diced

2 T. olive oil

1 T. balsamic vinegar

Salt & Pepper to taste

Slice half of the cucumber into 6 or 8 1-12" pieces. With a spoon , delicately scoop out the centers but be careful to not break one side of the cups. In a bowl combine all ingredients including the rest of the cucumber. Gently spoon the mixed ingredients into the cucumber cups and plate. For taste and appearance, sprinkle drops of balsamic over each piece.

I cant describe how tasty and fun this dish was! A great option for a light lunch or a merry appetizer to bring to your friends house during a weekend shindig:)

Music Video Tuesday

2013-04-30T21:27:00.000-05:00

I am kind of in love with this band. My newest find that I just cant stop listening to!

The video is simple and nothing special but listen closely to the background noises of birds chirping and insects buzzing and some how adding raw goodness to this soundtrack! I just love when the band shares a little about themselves and how they met.......it makes me feel as if someday my traveling Gypsy band could actually happen:)

Instagram Week

2013-04-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Another weekend had gone by and all that is left is memories and these Instagram pics we took. The Midwest weather gave us a sunny and super breezy weekend, flowers finally popped out and graced us with their beautiful blooms and house projects where completed. All in all, a super fabuloso few days were had!

If you do not follow us already, we would love to have new friends check out our 11 Eureka Instagram.

Drink Recipe: Gin + Juice

2013-04-25T10:31:00.001-05:00

I was introduced to the regular ol' Gin and Tonic cocktail years back when I was trying to find a better option then the Amaretto Stone Sour (a new drinkers beginner cocktail). I quickly fell in love with the clean crisp taste but lately I have become a bit bored and wanted to try and spice up this great drink. This is how the Gin and Juice concoction was created!

2 oz gin

4 oz blood orange soda

1 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

2 grapefruit wedges

Pour the gin and the orange soda into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. Squeeze the grapefruit juice on top and garnish with the grapefruit wedge (let one float in the glass). Stir with your favorite fun straw!

This drink was a success and after a few glasses of our Gin and Juice concoction, we where all laughing and toasting to our day which was filled with sun shine (about time for the Midwest)! Cheers everyone:)

Music Video Tuesday

2013-04-23T19:05:00.004-05:00

If you are native to the Midwest it is no secret that we have had our fair share of rain in these last few weeks. Dark clouds, thunderstorms, and floods have made me appreciate the sunny rays of states such as Florida. This coming weekend my love is having a bachelor party in the keys and I am super jealous! Believe me, I am not one of those girls wanting a phone call check-in during his bachelor party weekend but I do want to slip into the suitcase so I can steal some sun rays!!!!

I hope you enjoy this video by Hey Marseilles and if they catch your musical ear, make sure to check out their other soundtracks (To Travels & Trunks is really great)!

Accessorize Your Head

2013-04-22T19:39:00.001-05:00

Over the past few years I have collected a wide variety of stunning and super cool hats. My biggest problem was figuring on how to put my ensemble together without looking as if I tried too hard.

I have collected images to help guide your way into the world of hats and have learned the secret....put your hat look together as if it was the easiest thing you have done all day and it is guaranteed to look efforetly chic (ok, honestly not guaranteed but a general rule).

1. Skinny Jeans, Big Floppy Hat

Wear that over sized floppy hat with your hair loose and a little unkempt with your favorite skinnies. The tight fit jeans gives your big hat a more balanced appearance. Think skinny on bottom, big on top!

2. All Black to Blend

Black has been our go-to color for those days we want to hide a little extra of ourselves and this is true for hats as well. If you are new to hats and want to take it for a spin, dress your self in black with a little pop of color (so you don't look like your attending a funeral) and this will help you to not stick out like a soar thumb.

3. California Cool

You may love the Cali vibe or hate it, but somehow every gal has acquired that favorite tee shirt and tried to pass it off as a cool fashion statement. Some of us have succeeded (I am still working on it), and some have failed miserably. Below are two photos to help you get it right. A tan hat (to blend), loose fitting tee and over sized sweater or coat. The secret is to accessorize with your nicer pieces such as jewelry, a handbag, sunglasses, or a great pair of jeans. Also, if you can safely swing it, a tan always helps!

4. Hat and Frock

This is the absolute easiest way to wear a hat on a summers day. Throw a cute frock on and grab your favorite hat to help protect your delicate skin from the suns rays. No matching required!

5. Brim and Blazer

If you are traveling or out on a day of exploration and want to dress for all of the elements, the blazer and big brimmed hat is the best option. You can easily take off a layer if needed or leave them on and look chic while you frolic around town!

6. Breezy Bohemian

This is the trickiest of all the ensembles but looks like the easiest to copy. Beware! Putting your outfit together in a non fussy hippie chic sort of way takes some thought and time. This is the look I seek after the most and still look like the gal who got it all wrong. Ha Ha

7. Toned down Hat, Bold Clothing

Almost everyone has a single piece of clothing that is so bright and beautiful but maybe a bit too bold to wear all by its self. No one wants to look like a highlighter or walking neon sign, so add that solid colored fedora and your look becomes appropriately toned down.

HATS OFF TO YOU! Happy Earth Day:)

Memories: Wedding Shower Moments

2013-04-18T23:21:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that TJ and my wedding shower has come and gone. It seems as if I blinked and the moment has past but thank heavens for the people who took pics for me to remember this day by (pssstttt, thanks Viv).

So where do I start? It was such a lovely gathering of very close friends and family at our favorite town spot, Bottles. We had decided early on that a couples shower involving the men and ladies as well as a few choice kiddies is what we felt comfortable with. The flowers where provided by Petal Play Design (amazballs), the sweets and decor where gifted from my family and the invites (not pictured) where from my bestie, P. It was a beautiful event and to make the day a bit better, Mr. Sun came out and smiled upon us!

We are now counting down to our wedding day and praying for some smooth sailing from here on out. Thank you to all who where involved in our day and put smiles on our face:)

Music Video Tuesday

2013-04-16T22:23:00.000-05:00

We are back and ready for new blogs, new products (yay) and new adventures. This weeks video was chosen solely on the connection between this film and our latest moving venture.

Many tears where shed last week leaving our home and hub for the last seven years but 11 Eureka Boutique moves forward, so shall my attitude and state of mind:)

Into the wild is one of those films/books that is always on my mind. I want to connect (truth be told, I have always wanted to be a hippy but may be a little too needy in life for the finer things) and so every time I watch this movie, I long for an adventure, well, now I have one! Stay tuned for updates and pics of our last week.

Oh, and how great is Eddie Vedder! I can listen to this soundtrack 1 million times and still want more.

Have a Happy Tuesday! We are back!

News!

2013-04-03T09:43:00.000-05:00

We apologize for our lack of posts lately. We are moving locations and have been busy little bees packing and painting. We will be up and running smoothly (hopefully) next week and will have lots of goodies to post! Have a great week:)

Terrarium Love

2013-03-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

Last week I took a class from one of my favorite local spots, Petal Play Design on how to create a table top terrarium. A group of us ladies where welcomed with a glass of wine, folksy tunes to set the mood and sights of natures wonderment!

Always admiring a table top terrarium, I was excited to create a earthy masterpiece of my own. We where giving options of plants and figurines for our glass structures. I of course flocked to the gnome as "keeper" of my terrarium but others went the jungle route (hanging gorillas and tigers), animals on the farm (cows, sheep, and goats), and some took a little bit of everything (more is more)!

By the end of the night we where all admiring each and every masterpiece and wishing we could make terrariums for every corner of our homes (I think I am going to do it anyway). Ha

Thank you Petal Play for this opportunity and I am excited to see what type of class you are cooking up next!

Music Video Tuesday....1 Day Late:

2013-03-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

I first would like to apologize for the day late music video. It has been busy and hectic and the blogging portion took a tiny break these last few days. "Rather late than never" this video by Beach House gives you a glimpse into a lackadaisical world that I would give an arm and a leg to be a part of right now!!! Please enjoy

SALE!

2013-03-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

New pieces added to our SALES! May great options of frocks and tops under $25.00 (say, what?)!!!

See HERE

I Heart These Things

2013-03-21T11:18:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you need to step back from the chaos and find that "thing" or in this case "3 things" that help to calm you down. Both Gretta and I needed some ME time. In Gretta's case, she wanted to spend a few hours playing fetch where I wanted to sit back and sip some tea in my new mug while flipping through the glossy mag pages.

Gretta won. I sipped half of my cup of tea and then had to play, walk and tire her out the rest of the afternoon:)

Since I am going to be moving soon, I was excited to read Dominos- Small Spaces addition. Great ideas and cool concepts all packed into 60 pages!

Recipe: Pea and Cheese Crostini

2013-03-20T20:28:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 French baguette cut into 1/4 inch slices

2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for crostini

Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper

2 cups shelled fresh or frozen peas (I used frozen)

2 ounces finely grated Romano cheese- equals a 1/2 cup

2 tablespoons finely chopped tarragon

2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese

pea shoots to garnish

Fresh lemon juice for garnish

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Pour enough olive oil on a baking sheet to coat the cut baguette. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake until crostini are toasted and crisp, about 15 minutes, turning crostini halfway through.

Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add peas and cook until tender then rinse and drain. Rinse with cold water.

Transfer cooled peas to bowl, lightly mash with a potato masher or fork. Add olive oil, cheese and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve: Top each crostini with about 1 tablespoon of ricotta, a few teaspoons of peas and a few leaves of pea shoots. Drizzle with olive oil and some lemon juice then serve.

This recipe was sooooo tasty, I had some for lunch and dinner and can not wait to make it again soon......real soon! A light and very clean tasting dish that was simple and fast. What else can you ask for in a appetizer?

Music Video Tuesday

2013-03-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

David Bowie is back with a whole new album and a few new videos as well! I would of posted the NEW but I just had to do a flash back to a video that helped my adolescent self learn to dance. The worst part is that I still hold these moves near and dear to my heart (Ok, my legs just like to move this way). Ha

Enjoy a oldie but goodie from the forever great David Bowie:)

Funny Note: While I was searching for my music video, I read in someones comments " If any vampires are reading this, can you please bite Mr. Bowie so he can last forever"! Well said. This cracks me up!!!

In the Spirit of Green: Etsy Finds

2013-03-14T16:14:00.000-05:00

St. Patricks Day is almost here and in the spirit of green we picked out favorite Etsy finds! Handmade and Vintage goods, each pick has played at our heart strings....so much so, that I may just have to purchase one of these sweet finds!

Handmade Leather Clutch, Vintage Ring, Vintage Sequin Dress, Handmade Knit Scarf, Handmade Tote, Handmade Hat, Succulent Shoe

Recipe: Coconut Cake

2013-03-11T17:14:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided

2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon table salt3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature1 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract3 large eggs, at room temperature1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk, at room temperature, divided1 cup confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the coconut in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the coconut is golden brown. Don't walk away, it can burn VERY quickly. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the coconut cool while you prepare the rest of the recipe. Keep oven temperature.

Spray an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray with flour.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until very light and fluffy, about 8 minutes (scrape down the bowl as necessary). Stir in the vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredients in three additions and 1 cup of the buttermilk in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix in 1 1/4 cups of the toasted coconut until evenly distributed. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl with the spatula to make sure all of the ingredients are well combined.

Transfer the batter to the pan and spread in an even layer (it will almost completely fill the pan). Bake for about 1 hour, or until a thin knife inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remove the pan to a wire rack and let the cake cool for 1 hour before turning it out to cool completely.

To make the glaze: Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of buttermilk with the confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth - the mixture will be thick. Pour the glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup toasted coconut over the cake.

We Love Mid Century Design

2013-03-08T15:46:00.001-06:00

When it comes to interiors I tend to mix and match time periods, but my new obsession is Mid Century.

A little modern with the simple very clean lines yet eclectic with the amount of color. You can add a Mid Century piece into every type of room whether it is a pillow, piece of art, chair, pottery, etc....

Recipe: Grown Up Grilled Cheese

2013-03-07T11:43:00.003-06:00

Ingredients:

Brie Cheese

Maple Bacon

Fig Jam

Fresh cut Bread

and

Butter

I had a sweet tooth and it was lunch time.....what do I do? I am too mature and responsible to eat cupcakes and chips for a meal, but what could I make that would satisfy the sweet and salty urge?

Ding ding ding.....Grown up grilled cheese!

It is simple. Take the fig Jam (the sweet), cook some maple bacon (the salty), slice a few pieces of brie cheese, combine on toasted bread and you have grilled cheese that will make your taste buds explode with excitement!

Snow Falling on Me

2013-03-06T12:21:00.003-06:00

In the Midwest it is a gamble of how the seasons will actually be. Winter can sometimes feel like spring, spring can feel like fall, and summer can be a crazy mix of chilly windy days to days that make you sweat doing absolutely nothing.

This past winter was a little disappointing when it came to crisp white snowfall, but then yesterday 10 inches appeared and it was like being inside of a magical snow globe! A white feast for the eyes:)

I just love days like this......and then quickly I am over it and waiting impatiently for summer. Ha ha

Music Video Tuesday

2013-03-05T08:09:00.001-06:00

Need to shake the hips? I ABSOLUTELY cannot help it every time this tune finds my ears.......seriously.
This Swedish gem of a band is my "go to" for body shaking music while I clean the house. Wow, I sound cool! Ha ha

Contest Winners!

2013-03-04T08:32:00.002-06:00

Thank you to everyone involved in the "Name This" contest. The winner is KELSIE with "Mint Tea by the Sea" and the runner up was KATHY H with "Mint to be Together". Please email us to claim your prizes:) 11eureka@mail.com

Week of Instagram

2013-02-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Can you believe how fast February came and went??? In some ways I am super excited for spring to arrive but a little concerned at how fast time seems to slip away.

These past two weeks where filled with chicken classes (I'll explain in a later post), rain, snow, tiny coffee drinks, treats galore, new shop products and flowers to fill the house with! March is going to be a very very crazy month but I am excited for change and cant wait to instagram every moment (feeding my addiction)! Goodbye February

Recipe: Salsa

2013-02-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

Juice from 1 lime

1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 med onion, chopped small (more to your taste)

2-4 jalapeños, chopped

3-4 bell peppers, chopped – all different colors look prettiest

12 assorted tomatoes, chopped small – or however many you have

2-3 cloves fresh garlic, chopped small

About 1/2 t. sea salt, add more to your taste

More ingredients to try (I love them all): fresh chopped parsley, grilled corn on the cob, black beans

This salsa was so delicious we ended up eating it all in an embarrassing short amount of time! The mixture was light and fresh, and would make a great topping to a grilled piece of chicken as well. New idea.....homemade chips to compliment the delicious salsa. Yum!