Spiral Style

Super Bowl Food

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

When I think Super Bowl food, I think wings, chili and guacamole. With game day just a little over a week away it isn't too early to start thinking about what to serve to the fans. If you are thinking WINGS, you aren't alone. 1.25 billion chicken wings will be consumed on Super Bowl Sunday! Staggering isn't it? Also staggering is the amount of fat found in wings, much of which exists in the chicken skin. How about an alternative, chicken tenders? The skinless breast meat has half the calories of wings with skin.

Buffalo chicken strips with blue-cheese salad

Martha Stewart has a slideshow of 22 wing and chicken finger recipes on her website. Here are some of the non-wing recipes.

Chicken fingers with orange dipping sauce

Corn-tortilla-crusted chicken tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders

Polka Dot Trent

2012-01-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

Are you seeing spots?

If not, you will be soon. "Spots" aka polka dots are popping up everywhere. Dots are on the runways, celebrities, and coming to stores everywhere.

Photo Whowhatwear.com

Photo Shefinds.com

This Stella McCartney dress is amazingly popular. I think J Lo wore one on "Idol" Tuesday night. So, who wears it best? Kate Winslet gets my vote.

Photo Shefinds.com
10 ways to wear polka dots. I particularly like the dot hose with dot skirt and pumps.

I put together a subtle look using polka dots in shoes and top. The jewelry evokes dots and the clutch, a bolder look, is reminiscent of another trend, color blocking. I just LOVE that top!

Polka Dots by spiralstyle

Kettles

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

I recently had a discussion with hubby about replacing the ugly, grease-spattered kettle I had on the stove. I was undecided between an electric kettle and a fun color stove top kettle, like this...

Le Creuset Ogive kettle

There are so many colors and shapes to choose from.

Hario Kettle

Chantal Classic Kettle

Le Creuset Whistling Kettle

1 Pito kettle Frank Gehry 2 Staub round teapot 3 Bird whistle tea kettle, Michael Graves

4 Le Creuset Halo kettle 5 Michael Graves for Target 6 Zen kettle Le Creuset

So what did I choose?

I decided on the Bodum electric kettle in red. It is quick and small and does not sit on the stove collecting spattered grease. I may be tempted to buy the Ogive kettle in Caribbean Blue if I run across it. I LOVE the color and the shape.

What is your kettle style?

Click here to view a recent NY Times article about Kettles.

Kettles by spiralstyle on polyvore.com

Orange Bliss

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

I am infatuated with the fragrance of these bath and body products from Bliss.

Bliss Soapy Suds, Sugar Scrub and Body Butter

I was first introduced to these products by my daughter. Just before the holidays I saw the Bliss Blood Orange line on the Today Show as one of Jill's Deals and Steals and I was able to purchase all three regular sized products along with two travel sized items for just $23. Yep, what a steal. I LOVE the fragrance and it really lingers on the skin.

Blood oranges are in season right now. Here are two ways to take advantage of this beautiful citrus.

Blood orange, beet and fennel salad, Bon Appetit Jan 2012

Gorgeous

Bubbly blood orange and campari cocktail, Laylita's Recipes

This is made with my favorite aperitif, Campari!

Happy Monday

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you were able to de-stress and unwind a bit over the weekend.

Here is a little inspiration to get us started for the week.

Source: s3.amazonaws.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Make it a wonderful day!

Have a Sweet Weekend

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to eat a bit lighter after the holidays but on the weekend I like a sweet treat.

Source: creampuffsinvenice.ca via Deborah on Pinteres

I saw these Nutella Meringues on Pinterest and thought they looked delicious. Just 1/4 cup of yummy Nutella flavors the crunchy meringues. The recipe is from the blog, Cream Puffs in Venice and it was posted on World Nutella Day, which is February 5. Yesterday I posted that Feb 5 is the opening of the Jason Wu for Target collection. Looks like that will be a very full day, shopping and eating Nutella!

Have a wonderful, sweet weekend and see you on Monday.

Save the Date...

2012-01-19T01:00:00.000-05:00

... for February 5, the opening of the Jason Wu for Target collection.

There are 53 pieces in the collection,

comprised of bags,

scarves,

and clothing.

Nothing in the collection is over $60.00

Click here to see an interview with Jason Wu on the Today Show.

Click here for more images and prices.

Pistachios vs Pretzels

2012-01-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

Are all calories created equally? NO!

You may be helping your weight loss objectives by eating pistachios rather than pretzels

Pistachios have more fat, yes, but it is the unsaturated kind. Those little green nuts contain 30 vitamins and minerals and are a great source of fiber. They are a healthy, filling snack with lots of heart health.

A recent randomized study placed half of the group on a daily snack of pistachios and the other half of the group on an equal calorie serving of pretzels. The pistachio group was able to support their weight loss goals better than the pretzel group, even with the nuts being higher in fat.

Pistachios are one of the lower fat nuts thus making it one of the lower calorie nuts. It is higher in protein and fiber than most nuts, including walnuts. Click here for more pistachio nutrition information.

An aded bonus to shelling pistachios yourself rather than buying the shelled variety is that it takes you longer to eat them and seeing all the empty shells reminds you of how many you have eaten.

Happy (wise) snacking!

Faux Knits

2012-01-17T01:00:00.000-05:00

On a wintery, cold day, a sweater is a necessity. Knits are not just for sweaters. Here are some faux knits in unexpected mediums.

Cable-knit ceramic serving bowl with 16K gold edge $145. reshapestudio

Hex cable knit cuff bracelet, silver $350. ashflowers2

Shea cable knit porcelain vase $165. Bronson design co.

Cable knit in gold, letterpress coasters $10. redbirdink

Faux cable knit scarf $20. eleventy

Gray & White cable knit picture frame $30. craftbelly

Monday Musings

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! I'm sitting by a warm fire as I write this post. It was a chilly weekend here in Michigan with just a few flurries. I saw this cute dress in a Banana Republic email and thought it would be a fun transition piece for spring. I know, wishful thinking...spring is a long way off.

Zoey striped wrap dress $98

Add a camisole and some tights with boots and this dress works now. Later on, dress it up with red pumps and a bright yellow clutch. This dress is also available in blue and black stripes.

I spent several hours on Saturday cleaning out my kitchen cabinets. Not only did I need to wipe up crumbs, I was amazed at the number of expired cans of food, old condiments and fresh-less spices I had. I showed no mercy and purged the frige and shelves of stale food items and some of those, "what was I thinking?" ingredients. Nice to have organized, clean shelves when I open the cabinet doors.

Meatless Monday will be Roasted Tomato Soup from summer via the freezer. I'll team that with gougeres (also in the freezer) and a little Caesar salad on the side. Won't miss meat at all.

Weekend Retreat

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

We are expecting cold weather and some snow this weekend. I plan to "retreat" to my couch by the fire. I hope you get some time to relax and renew this weekend. See you on Monday.

Cozy Winter Day by spiralstyle on polyvore.com

1 UGG Australia 'Cozy' Scuff

2 Adrienne Landau Rabbit Fur Small Long Pillow, $225
3 Bliss high intensity hand cream, $18
4 The Hampton Popcorn Company "3 Flavors Split Popcorn" Hampton Blue..., $35
5 One Kings Lane - Pillow & Throw Picks - a&R Cashmere Throw, Tiffany

Pomegranate Molasses

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Pomegranate molasses is my new, favorite ingredient.

While I was visiting family in NJ over the holidays, Mom and I checked out a new spice shop. The Savory Spice Shop in Princeton is a part of the chain of shops and online business devoted to fresh spices and seasonings.

Online link here

Mom suggested that I try something new and I chose Pomegranate Molasses.

The molasses looks like a thick, ruby red syrup. The flavor is intense pomegranate. Sweet, but not too sweet.

So, when I returned home, the search was on for how to use pomegranate molasses. It is a common ingredient in middle eastern cooking but that is not my normal realm of cookery. A Google search gave me the idea of chicken with a salsa of avocado and pomegranate. The avocado was creamy and the pomegranate seeds "popped" with juicy sweetness. Lime juice, cilantro and jalapeno added to the salsa flavor. Hubby was a big fan of this meal. See the recipe at the end of the post.

Pomegranate molasses added to roasting carrots with Moroccan seasonings were delicious. I tossed carrots with olive oil, ground cumin, cayenne pepper and crushed coriander seeds at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes, flipping the carrots 1-2 times. Then I added about 1 1/2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses to the roasted carrots, flipped and roasted another 5 minutes. The carrots were savory-sweet and had a wonderful aroma and taste. I decided to go a step further and puree the carrots with some carrot juice I had in the refrigerator. This is a great way to serve a colorful vegetable and prepare it way in advance. I topped the pureed carrots with some pomegranate seeds. Fantastic!

Adding a 1/2 teaspoon of pomegranate molasses to a vinaigrette salad dressing is a great way to incorporate flavor into a otherwise plain salad.

photo

For a sweet treat, top ice cream with pomegranate molasses. It will be your new favorite.

Avocado, Pomegranate Salsa

1 avodacao, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2 inch dice

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

juice and zest of 1 lime

3 scallions, white and green sliced thinly

1 jalapeno seeded and diced fine

2 - 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and season with kosher salt. May be made up to 1 hour prior to serving.

Setting a Colorful Table

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

I love a colorful table that isn't to "matchy". Here are some lovely items.

Dandy Drinking Glasses available from TableArt

Seersucker Napkins from Kim Seybert

Elsa Peretti Thumbprint Bowl Tiffany & Co

Flatware from Napa Style

Colorful Laguiole Steak Knives Anthropologie

Wire spun tapers Anthropologie

Clementine Craving

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

I am craving these compact orange orbs. Not only are clementines the perfect totable snack food, they are make a great decor element.

Handy for a snack while sitting by the fire or watching TV.

I can't resist the color, one of my favorites.

from Today's Nest

This clementine sorbet presentation is very inviting.

Mabel learns to bake

Here, roasted clementine slices top a chocolate tart with macadamia nut crust. I love orange and chocolate united! I may have to try this.

Are you a clementine fan?

Genius Idea: Self Setting Thermostat

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

It's is winter and cold but we want to be warm without paying exorbitant amounts on energy bills. Controlling your thermostat just got easier with NEST, the learning thermostat.

Nest

This hockey puck-looking thermostat is "smart" enough to program itself after a week of you setting the temperature as you go through your day. It will figure out your schedule, when you typically go to bed and what temp you like. It will know when you go to work and return and how cool you like the house while away and cozy when you return.

The price is about $250 and installation takes about 20 minutes. Oh yeah, this was developed by some former Apple engineers. A thermostat for an iphone generation.

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

Have a relaxing weekend.

After the craziness of the holidays, a relaxing weekend sounds divine. I plan to catch up on magazines and read How about you?

Fishnet

2012-01-05T01:00:00.002-05:00

LateIy, I've been wearing fishnet tights. I like the look with boots and or heels.

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Source: fc05.deviantart.net via Deborah on Pinterest

It used to be a faux pas to wear hose with open toes.

Now it is accepted.

AND

this dark red essie nail polish called Fishnet Stockings would be the perfect toe polish for the look.

Cheese Paper

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

I stuck a package of this Cheese Paper into hubby's stocking for Christmas.

Cheese Paper $9

The packet contains 12 sheets of 2-ply paper and 24 adhesive backed labels.

The labels have a removable adhesive that allows them to be removed and then reseal. Unlike a non-porous material, cheese paper allows the cheese to breathe. It prevents trapping moisture which allows the growth of mold and also prevents the cheese from developing an ammonia flavor.

I used the paper with a piece of Maytag blue. I did not use the cheese for over a week and when I opened the paper, the cheese was as fresh as the day I wrapped it. I am very pleased and will continue to use cheese paper for all of my good cheeses.

With the price of a good Parmigiano Reggiano at $26/lb, storing cheese for freshness is not only a good idea but necessary.

I purchased my package of Cheese Paper from Sur la Table.

Book: An Object of Beauty

2012-01-03T01:00:00.005-05:00

Maybe you received a Kindle or ipad for Christmas or an Amazon gift card. Now that the holidays are over you will probably have more time to read. I have a book to suggest.

Amazon.com from $10.19

I just finished this novel by Steve Martin. It is grown-up and sophisticated "chick lit" but a very worthy read. It tells the story of a young woman's relationships, career and how she manipulates people and situations for her personal gain. The result of her unsavory dealings catches up with her later on and alters her future and the reputation of her good friend, the narrator of the story. The setting is the art world of New York City: art, artists, galleries and the business of buying and selling art.

Here is a review from the NY Times.

At the center of this novel is Lacey Yaeger, a fabulously callous, uninhibited heroine. As she ascends the heights of the Manhattan art world, in the 1990's, her ultimate goal is not marriage but a gallery in Chelsea. "An Object of Beauty" includes reproductions and engaging commentary on de Kooning, Warhol and others. NY Times Book Review, December 25, 2011.

Monday Musings

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Post-holiday reorder.

Organizing chaos is the name of the game today. Holiday decorations are in the basement ready for editing and storage. It feels like a good time to take inventory and and eliminate things that are broken, tired or just not as much fun anymore.

After all the color and glitz of holiday decor...

...I'm keeping it pure and simple for a while with white.

I'm trying to eat healthfully and finish up holiday leftovers. I'm really enjoying plain yogurt topped with cranberry/dried cherry/grapefruit chutney and toasted pecans. What do you have leftover that you want to finish? (besides cookies!)

Happy New Year everyone. It feels good to be back to routine.

Have a good Monday

Happy New Year: 2012

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you dear Spiral Style readers. You made 2011 a special year for me. I appreciate all your comments and have enjoyed getting to know some of you through your own blogs. I look forward to 2012 and sharing with you things that I find interesting and give me pleasure.

Best wishes to all for a happy, safe, and healthy new year.

The Year in Review

2011-12-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

Remember all of this?
Great Google video. Check it out.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

To all of those Spiral Style readers celebrating, I wish you a Merriest of Christmases filled with meaning, love and joy.

pixdaus

Enjoy the holiday time with your loved ones. I'll be spending some time with family in New Jersey. See you before the New Year.
Love and blessings. XXOO

An Early Gift

2011-12-21T01:00:00.001-05:00

Hubby surprised me early this Christmas with a new computer.

I've got to take my old computer to the Apple store today so that they can transfer all of my "business" from the old computer to the new. I may not have a computer for a few days so I'm taking this opportunity to take some time off to get ready for the holidays. I'm sure you are all busy and reading blogs is about last on your "to do" list. I'll be back in a few days.

Real or Fake

2011-12-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

The artificial trees available are so realistic that it is difficult to know if the tree is real or "fake". The lack of pine scent and the perfection of fake trees are the clues to the imitations of season's icon.

Our family has made it a tradition to cut down a tree from a local tree farm. Stomping through the snow with dogs in tow looking for just the right tree is a ritual that heralds the holiday season.

Certainly not a huge tree nor a perfect tree, but just having our tree in the loft grants it grandeur as it looms above. This year's tree is adorned with only the glow of white lights, a pure and simple look.

If you don't have a fresh tree and would like the awesome fragrance of pine, try a Nest Candle in the Holiday scent.

So do you go real or fake?