the chic line

currently on the shelf

2012-01-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

quinoa (not pictured), raw almonds, hemp seeds, lentils, split peas.

a simple mantle

2012-01-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

paperwhites & votives atop mason jars, for january

roasted squash soup

2012-01-27T08:29:00.001-05:00

in an effort to start the year on the right foot, we are making a conscious effort to incorporate more whole foods-- namely veggies-- and less of the "stuff". grains, sugars, and dairy are taking a backseat to winter fruits and vegetables around here. we are drinking more herbal tea and water, throwing handfuls of spinach and kale into our smoothies on a regular basis, and making simple, vegetable-based soups for dinner.

i had never cooked with delicata squash before, but after finding it in the store, was able to make a simple, butternut-like soup with it. i halved and seeded the squash, placed on a foil-lined tray, sprinkled with sea salt and ground black pepper, dotted each with a dab of coconut oil. roasted for 35 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

roasted squash soup

coconut oil
1/2 medium onion (yellow or red work fine), finely diced
4 cups chicken broth (organic, low-sodium is preferred)
fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic
almond milk

while the squash is roasting/cooling, melt coconut oil (1T or so) in a stock pot over medium-low heat. add the onion, rosemary, and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. add the stock and increase heat to medium-high.

scoop out the squash and add it to the soup. cook together for about 15 minutes, until the stock is slightly reduced and flavors come together. remove from heat. blend the soup mixture (in batches using a blender or hand blender) until smooth. add almond milk to taste-- 1/2 cup or so. season with additional salt and pepper.

if you like, you can top the soup with a dab of cream (decadent), blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles, or a drizzle of pumpkinseed oil and toasted pepitas.

twenty-twelve

2012-01-18T07:06:00.002-05:00

hello, hello! and happy new year. here we are a couple weeks in already, i can hardly believe it. we had a lovely holiday filled with family and food and so many blessings... it really is my favorite time of the year. we spent new years' out in minnesota-- not the cold we experienced a couple of years ago, but still chilly enough for ice fishing snowy walks and all day fires.

and in a matter of days, the tree was down and the decorations are boxed up once again. the unwrapped gifts are put away and moved into rotation. the sense of new&exciting remains though, and the new year is full of possibility.

a few notes on what january looks like so far:

roasted veggies for soup
ice cold water out of the faucet
clean eating
thank-yous on fresh stationery
loud creaks from the radiator
new socks and mocs
wishing for snow (but seeing rain instead)
football (playoffs!)
purging drawers and closets
fresh playlists*
hot fires
yoga
new books
filling calendars

one of our favorite gifts from christmas is the newest addition to our kitchen-- the vitamix! we've been giving it a workout with smoothies and soups-- and are looking forward to trying some juices and flours next.

here's a recipe for a simple, savory mango pineapple smoothie. the ingredients are casually thrown in-- so it's not specific in the amounts-- and the fruits may be fresh or frozen. (i recommend adding some ice if you are using fresh fruits).

1 cup almond milk
pineapple
mango
2 T. milled flax
1/2 tsp. cardamom
dash cinnamon

blend all ingredients in high-speed blender, adding more almond milk or water if necessary. season with additional cardamom and cinnamon to taste.

*what are your favorite artists/albums of late? my post-christmas self doesn't know what to do without the holiday tunes! ready for something new.

christmas inside & out

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

wishing you & yours a very merry christmas!
see pictures from 2009, 2010 (part 1), 2010 (part 2).

this year's card

2011-12-21T07:00:00.003-05:00

recent christmas snaps

2011-12-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

+ trimming the tree, eggnog in hand

+ the tree, decked out in lights and sparkles, is the star of the show

+ sending christmas cards

+ enjoying a cozy night at home

+ pancakes on a weekend morning

+ the tree's newest ornament from an exchange i did with friends - love the little mixer!

vegas at christmastime

2011-12-19T07:59:00.000-05:00

last week i had a seminar to attend in vegas. i was there for a few days-- and then matt flew out and met me for the second half of the week. we had an amazing time, definitely exceeding my expectations. i had been there before for work, but never really had a chance to explore. the over-the-topness is unsurpassed. breathtaking design, amazing food and drink, people-watching galore. we had a blast trying out all the different restaurants, doing a little gambling, and walking walking walking. we walked through the casinos, malls, down the strip. it was chilly, but we took in the perfect blue sky and warm sun. admittedly, i was a bit hesitant about spending time in vegas in december, but it's a pretty special place… and the christmas cheer was evident.

*i will say, though, that spending a week in december away makes for an even crazier month. i do feel like i'm getting there-- the house is decorated, cards are sent, most gifts are wrapped... but i'll inevitably be running a bit this week. i do plan to give you a peek into our christmasy home, so be sure to check back!

for the weekend

2011-12-02T09:30:00.002-05:00

the tree

2011-12-01T07:42:00.000-05:00

this year, it was the day after thanksgiving. no black friday shopping for us. just christmas music, a saw and twine, and a ride into the country.

ps. don't forget about the giveaway!

dress it up! [a giveaway]

2011-11-30T09:22:00.002-05:00

good morning! today i am so very excited to announce an exciting giveaway. shabby apple is one of the best shops to find dresses for every occasion, always simple but truly unique. they also have great jewelry and accessories… (i am currently eyeing these great earrings), adorable girls' dresses, and some stunning holiday frocks.

and now, they are generously giving away the spanish steps dress to one of you lucky readers! (isn't it the cutest?!)

to enter this giveaway, all you have to do is head over to facebook and like shabby apple, and then leave a comment on this post. you can also follow shabby apple on twitter or their blog for additional entries… just be sure to leave another comment letting me know that you did so!

and if you just can't wait, shabby apple is currently offering 20% off site-wide with code GIVETHANKS. i think it's time to do some shopping!

giveaway will close wednesday, december 7th at midnight. *this giveaway is open to u.s. readers only.

---giveaway closed---
*congrats to our winner amanda! shabby apple will be contacting you about your dress :)

a few cyber-monday deals for you

2011-11-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

although i'm not doing any major shopping today, a few deals i do want to share:

$5 for a 1-year magazine subscription via livingsocial (i finally subscribed to house beautiful, but there are many other choices!)

25% off + free shipping from j.crew with code SURPRISE

50% off everything + free shipping from loft-- (psst. it says online only but if you mention the discount in store, it will work!)

happy shopping!

what our thanksgiving looked like

2011-11-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

thanksgiving pie

2011-11-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

so. i was going to leave you with a great recipe for butternut squash soup today. but it seems that the photos are stuck on my camera (which is dead, and the battery charger is missing)… and seeing that i have bread to bake and nails to paint and fried onions to sprinkle, this iphone shot of a pie will have to do.

how is your prep going? at this point, i couldn't be more thankful to have no travel plans this thanksgiving. it has been raining nonstop on the east coast, and the roadways and airports are dreadful.

with time to spare, i made it to the spa this morning(!), and will meet my husband for lunch today to kick off our holiday weekend. no complaints here.

i made this pie to share with family and friends earlier in the week. ever since i saw the recipe in food & wine, i was dying to try it. and instead of bothering to type it all out, i will send you straight to the source. ladies & gentlemen (do i have any gentlemen?)… i present you with apple cider cream pie. please make and take and share this holiday. it strays just a bit from the traditional pies, but it is sure to be the shining star at your feast.

have the happiest thanksgiving.
xo

november now

2011-11-18T09:09:00.000-05:00

yesterday, with my first step out the door, it hit me. it feels like november. you know how it feels when you're pulling that pumpkin pie out of the oven… glancing outside to the gray sky? toting baked goods to thanksgiving dinner, giving hugs, warming up inside and stealing away from the bleak outdoors? leaves piled in the gutters, almost-bare branches, the smell of a fire, maybe a snowflake or two. that's how i will always think of november.

i am happy that thanksgiving is less than a week away. it feels like it's been a long time coming. being especially mindful of thankful this week.

thankful for a job that keeps me busy and challenged. (challenged! last year at this time i couldn't imagine such a thing). for design projects that stimulate. for hot tea and a blanket. for a fireplace - we can't get enough of the crackling, natural warmth. for spinning classes. for recipes and sewing projects and christmas ideas. for football games and butternut squash. for a big family with whom to celebrate the upcoming holiday. for the festive red cups. for pandora / especially the shuffle setting. for the anticipation of getting our christmas tree next week(!) and for having found the very best peanut butter. for finally tackling projects. for smartwool socks and girl scout cookies and sunlight in the mornings. you guys, i'm so thankful.

have yourselves a cozy weekend - back next week with a peek into some holiday prep.

spaghetti squash

2011-11-11T13:55:00.000-05:00

remember how i mentioned that when it's just me for dinner, i tend to go without meat? well last night i did just that… but with spaghetti squash this time.

i cut the small squash in half, sprinkled with sea salt and black pepper, placed the halves face down on a baking sheet, and roasted at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes. it needs a few minutes to cool when coming out of the oven, so now is a good time to start your toppings.

finely mince a small shallot, and saute in olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes or until soft. add pine nuts and cook for another couple of minutes, until lightly toasted. turn heat to low and add a few sliced baby heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil.

when the squash has cooled, scoop out and discard the seeds, and then gently scrape out the pulp with a fork. when the tomato/shallot mixture is warmed through, add to the squash, and top with crumbled feta, and a dash more sea salt/ground pepper.

a perfectly delicious and light fall meal // this pairs well with a hunk of crusty bread and mixed greens, but could also work well as a side dish to a heartier main.

ps. happy 11/11/11!

happy halloween + other recent happenings

2011-10-31T15:50:00.002-04:00

happiest halloween to you! it is a brisk day in maryland today... sunshiney but chilly, and there is no snow left in sight from our saturday squall. there are no costumes for us today, but we do have a full basket of fun-sized treats and a big ol' pumpkin which will become our lantern by dark. with any luck, we'll have more than 4 costumed kids come a knocking.

some recent snapshots//

kane sporting his 'boo!' bandanna which i made last year
an abundance of mini pumpkins and gourds at the market
pumpkin pie oatmeal
a shot out the window on a fall roadtrip
a yellow leaf carpet
sunday evening soup with a fire burning
our front entryway-- mums abound
some new fall polish for my nails: greens & blues
a morning walk with kane
and him waiting for crumbs to drop from the kitchen counter
ravioli with apples, walnuts & sausage / garnished with parm
new wall decor by the front door: "off to see the world..."

ps. remember when we carved a kane-o-lantern?

happy treating!

our fall mantle

2011-10-20T09:47:00.000-04:00

the current look. am loving the addition of the pheasant feathers and mini pumpkins.
(although, after comparing to last year's, i might bring out the straw wreath again...)

a little antiquing

2011-10-14T10:16:00.000-04:00

just some snapshots from poking around in some vintage shops a few weeks ago. lots of knick knacks to look through, and many temptations. but we were pretty darn happy to bring this vintage electric fan home with us!

fall is sweeping in

2011-10-11T17:50:00.000-04:00

savory apple tart [caramelized onions, cheddar, prosciutto] - just one of the creations from our many apples.

this weekend was a perfect one for camping. we got away to the woods and soaked up the sunshine and cloudless days one last time. the evenings were chilly enough to bundle up and enjoy barbecue beans & biscuits, made in the dutch oven.

a warmish fall walk.

other items to note:
+ today i watched leaves fall from the trees one by one
+ our house smells like fall, cider and macintosh candles are burning simultaneously
+ a batch of granola is due to be made
+ (and, can you believe it? i've yet to mix up anything pumpkiny!)
+ for some reason, i've got christmas on the brain
+ busy, but managing to give notice to the simple things

what our saturday looked like

2011-09-28T08:39:00.001-04:00

a long drive through the country, and a morning spent in the orchard with my husband picking apples... 26 lbs, to be exact. we don't expect to run out anytime soon. we also got mums for the front porch (no pumpkins yet!) and stocked up on some fresh produce.

thank you for your patience as blogging comes and goes (mostly goes, lately). the new job is keeping me very busy... in a good way... but i haven't been left with much spare time. this weekend was the first time i took my camera out in a good while. i plan to pop in with updates here and there, and you can always pop over to pinterest to see what's inspiring me!

i guess it's fall

2011-09-26T18:24:00.000-04:00

updated chalkboard with my favorite things about the season.
(what are yours?)

it's this kind of day

2011-09-06T10:05:00.000-04:00

...and they say the rain is going to last all week

september / i took the plunge

2011-09-01T13:15:00.001-04:00

summer is winding down. the humidity is at bay (for now), windows are open, and sun is sinking earlier each night. i can't help but begin to have football + cozy socks + pumpkin spice on the brain.

but i am doing my best to stay in the summer mindset for a few more weeks... it is a wonderful season that i wait so long for, so i hate to wish it away at the flip of the calendar. for now, i'll continue to cook on the grill and go barefoot as much as possible.

as you can see, after holding off for as long as i could (because i'd heard of its addictive ways), i took the plunge and joined pinterest. everything i heard was true... it's wonderful and terrible all the same. in my defense, it was in a moment of severe boredom and it seemed like the best solution at the time.

sigh / follow me here.

those were the days.

2011-08-18T07:51:00.000-04:00

on a walk through the neighborhood the other day, i couldn't help but overhear a group of girls, wrapped in towels and crowded around the latest issue of what was probably seventeen magazine. cards were being played and chocolate eclairs licked.

someone should tell those girls they've got it made.