A Beautiful Thanksgiving

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> We celebrated a beautiful Thanksgiving yesterday at my brother's newly remodeled home and had so much fun. Mister was so excited all day he didn't nap and ended up sleeping through his first Thanksgiving!! We started the day with a Turkey Trot by the water in the Shippan section of Stamford. It was so cold but we all bundled up and Brian rode along in his stroller taking in the sites.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcidIic-8Qli8JaYktmuzo3SGwDC-p0X71OPtxQsrFfgsmWURxmMKcb0QK7oNzIt2UI3Wk5DH-DfRnzswbGADzkqUmPkv2iAIWVxTl3clHP7Dwz3ARt4n-VdCzowyWSipIDC4pOX83EznR/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcidIic-8Qli8JaYktmuzo3SGwDC-p0X71OPtxQsrFfgsmWURxmMKcb0QK7oNzIt2UI3Wk5DH-DfRnzswbGADzkqUmPkv2iAIWVxTl3clHP7Dwz3ARt4n-VdCzowyWSipIDC4pOX83EznR/s640/IMG_6045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Then we opened some early Christmas presents with Grandma Joy and Uncle Kevin</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGk4-yrcD4cs6sx8UwJWSME2tRWi3BgMh1N2a54191XMlp9Qm8ITB1hWld1eFfOWXvxKmaKfHnRlyPoAWs9igbpOL1ls-zvnCRLjeIGU7oaASdg9Uff5Is9jzAld0zY2Yo_82TQj9oQYQ/s1600/DSC_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGk4-yrcD4cs6sx8UwJWSME2tRWi3BgMh1N2a54191XMlp9Qm8ITB1hWld1eFfOWXvxKmaKfHnRlyPoAWs9igbpOL1ls-zvnCRLjeIGU7oaASdg9Uff5Is9jzAld0zY2Yo_82TQj9oQYQ/s640/DSC_1088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAx7mlZxm5TdJI927PazU76zoGuzh2UDZn8QKjCx8TaFBFuzCfnRRPCz_M18L2k86RWCxlF323p4GqaU4_nwKzrJ2md0YbSciq09W2PTnaGYJaDnZ4tFmv-tBM2i6vO0BeDCQEvdR1272/s1600/DSC_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAx7mlZxm5TdJI927PazU76zoGuzh2UDZn8QKjCx8TaFBFuzCfnRRPCz_M18L2k86RWCxlF323p4GqaU4_nwKzrJ2md0YbSciq09W2PTnaGYJaDnZ4tFmv-tBM2i6vO0BeDCQEvdR1272/s640/DSC_1094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Around three o'clock it was time to start snacking and celebrate Thanksgiving!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXKwfBZPRzeylyC_2NAX0U1zkEax0-AS6n6gIxAd0AEG5YJZZ9BjeK0IUnCZqeOhYfSI6elRVOASM6H9ljR_YiPFmzEERJrgLC-iFRXteeXC7cnzWfJMWZ-8Ah3UdXOmC9JOyhQngsRbh/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXKwfBZPRzeylyC_2NAX0U1zkEax0-AS6n6gIxAd0AEG5YJZZ9BjeK0IUnCZqeOhYfSI6elRVOASM6H9ljR_YiPFmzEERJrgLC-iFRXteeXC7cnzWfJMWZ-8Ah3UdXOmC9JOyhQngsRbh/s640/DSC_1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Teddy & Jen</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSptjvI9sMYcXIWYJbg19GC8DzV6bA2S-G21pCS5aeU0qF0pjy7MdCNzeQZKvgcomGu8mfXEt7Yf3HLZWjn8KIFrJJfx66_78QsRmEEAS4MAU5m7dvzkOpS-1COCX1BC4aJXZHKR1xnV6_/s1600/DSC_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSptjvI9sMYcXIWYJbg19GC8DzV6bA2S-G21pCS5aeU0qF0pjy7MdCNzeQZKvgcomGu8mfXEt7Yf3HLZWjn8KIFrJJfx66_78QsRmEEAS4MAU5m7dvzkOpS-1COCX1BC4aJXZHKR1xnV6_/s640/DSC_1108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Grandpa Orgera</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61_f100KKMq9EqykcmV7JYuQb6Ipj2REVg41YPSaJ2KQA5cW571lyXlvJTzOSR9sz92F6Yz688cwRquJIXwMPZs16wkx-SBFbuvRcIQaEe2-mhxEi0VeNgNNORzn1QNl4VmwKDLoaOK_2/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61_f100KKMq9EqykcmV7JYuQb6Ipj2REVg41YPSaJ2KQA5cW571lyXlvJTzOSR9sz92F6Yz688cwRquJIXwMPZs16wkx-SBFbuvRcIQaEe2-mhxEi0VeNgNNORzn1QNl4VmwKDLoaOK_2/s640/IMG_6054.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0aVf92xCFjOJxcH685bjNyHpZ60fGOKsgd4481z83UF4iPp5En6YE2NNQ_tpof-BHpsHKV8qvSwqL3mlwSS06hYEINa-eIZCVgqNTlgDkQRtAQIIij2s41XGf2iPVyyWzBTMwi4fOk0K/s1600/DSC_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0aVf92xCFjOJxcH685bjNyHpZ60fGOKsgd4481z83UF4iPp5En6YE2NNQ_tpof-BHpsHKV8qvSwqL3mlwSS06hYEINa-eIZCVgqNTlgDkQRtAQIIij2s41XGf2iPVyyWzBTMwi4fOk0K/s640/DSC_1113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx5pmTaDeGpadz9t2vwmM9OPhekD_k1S3n5vBE4Oxbx3iNFH_xPYQPDhBCHCaLP1iyffRxgrlGEf76qBpfdOJhY2-elyphyL2Z5GbJLwYR6LSjiQQjbYwR8ev4TjtD3y0tX23kfqgFvdS/s1600/DSC_1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx5pmTaDeGpadz9t2vwmM9OPhekD_k1S3n5vBE4Oxbx3iNFH_xPYQPDhBCHCaLP1iyffRxgrlGEf76qBpfdOJhY2-elyphyL2Z5GbJLwYR6LSjiQQjbYwR8ev4TjtD3y0tX23kfqgFvdS/s640/DSC_1117.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCsYbQhsnou9mbwXVew6PUi6h_Zpe6nIOVhRy4BNsHdbd9u0a6SEGZ3ynK-9qTuQSN73_oycy4RXIEud-XYkhTSywVeZV2msTbM5oWg6ZQfzs1z3OBGZNWG-TGUHhQXkTv2tFtpdVo4As/s1600/DSC_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCsYbQhsnou9mbwXVew6PUi6h_Zpe6nIOVhRy4BNsHdbd9u0a6SEGZ3ynK-9qTuQSN73_oycy4RXIEud-XYkhTSywVeZV2msTbM5oWg6ZQfzs1z3OBGZNWG-TGUHhQXkTv2tFtpdVo4As/s640/DSC_1123.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogTn4Z5KcMgFc1i7iHQJebKCCDRVFPn35TR_xCiWRgio2wVsbHNXiqK3DHPFJa7hhiXULz_w_tU8TqgFLXvb6xMeS6Q5DfGjmMPKr3JWwCbqaunYZKNuT6tfzvMoKTmoyrVo2kmIXMKse/s1600/DSC_1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogTn4Z5KcMgFc1i7iHQJebKCCDRVFPn35TR_xCiWRgio2wVsbHNXiqK3DHPFJa7hhiXULz_w_tU8TqgFLXvb6xMeS6Q5DfGjmMPKr3JWwCbqaunYZKNuT6tfzvMoKTmoyrVo2kmIXMKse/s640/DSC_1127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> My mother-in-law, hubby and brother-in-law </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nD4HTcv22bBZb8MlBT-2tsy03hbS3mOYS9zfzbASOkfOcjR23vc9WBBerh1nQr1n6OVGyqS8yCRfIS2ERp7DOWY17-YsTmIBZb_9GRMcaVkWIAa43c9Y62yVCuHbc6Rh-x3v2q_Gi6DX/s1600/DSC_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nD4HTcv22bBZb8MlBT-2tsy03hbS3mOYS9zfzbASOkfOcjR23vc9WBBerh1nQr1n6OVGyqS8yCRfIS2ERp7DOWY17-YsTmIBZb_9GRMcaVkWIAa43c9Y62yVCuHbc6Rh-x3v2q_Gi6DX/s640/DSC_1133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mJ8tBZFs4Kjdb5maECYEpNXkY98mPFn6cjy3lvdLHCzM-wi-HiWdXV_9NYvbQ_JAyMGe0bsTgfyd7ex3lPmsUI2cgRp6oPl276JYYakDcbOR1fuWTRta5Sw_YWdyVn1Re2uH6nh3opVr/s1600/IMG_6051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mJ8tBZFs4Kjdb5maECYEpNXkY98mPFn6cjy3lvdLHCzM-wi-HiWdXV_9NYvbQ_JAyMGe0bsTgfyd7ex3lPmsUI2cgRp6oPl276JYYakDcbOR1fuWTRta5Sw_YWdyVn1Re2uH6nh3opVr/s640/IMG_6051.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3CFwQVg3ZU7Blyru7Ic5cyWtRfWb1IwJA9hiirByGITmq2gpqeZmYII9ZkX-KcQbC-DJGJC3iSuyQtsfleCcbMmL5yt6WZVya43cqYsr6MxiS-Lmmi0CKDcBzTIXd_N9a-QcYxZypWE1/s1600/IMG_6060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3CFwQVg3ZU7Blyru7Ic5cyWtRfWb1IwJA9hiirByGITmq2gpqeZmYII9ZkX-KcQbC-DJGJC3iSuyQtsfleCcbMmL5yt6WZVya43cqYsr6MxiS-Lmmi0CKDcBzTIXd_N9a-QcYxZypWE1/s640/IMG_6060.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I am so grateful for such a blessed year, especially our beautiful and healthy baby boy and all of the amazing support we have in our friends and family. It is so nice to have a day to reflect what we are grateful for and delicious food and wine to celebrate with!</div> </div>

A Beautiful Thanksgiving

We celebrated a beautiful Thanksgiving yesterday at my brother's newly remodeled home and had so much fun. Mister was so excited all da...

Pomegranate Obsession

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> I'm obsessed with pomegranates. I know they are the "superfood" of about five years ago but I never actually bought a whole one until this past weekend after seeing one in a friend's instagram.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> The pomegranate (punica granatum) is an original native fruit of Persia (who else is obsessed with Shahs of Sunset by the way!?).  It is nutrient dense and very high in antioxidants and has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life by our Persian friends :)<br /> <br /> The easiest way to eat this fruit is by splitting it in half, breaking off chunks and popping the seeds out <i>under water. </i>The seeds fall to the bottom of the bowl and the pulp rises to the top. What you're left with is a whole lotta delicious seeds and a yummy pomegranate juice to sip on! Add a little vodka to that juice and you're golden :)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtLen4GVsHdUZIHqrhGNJ844mkm-yvu9xPNaGXjD_raCGZA3SQpMy3ptOtTZOlGlE2ps-4EAhkTyMhZN3LRDzX-VQ-nmH3C0KxDSRkUaxN8mNjOFHgDsUYjzCI23tXVDA5GdosfLeeFq4/s1600/DSC_1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtLen4GVsHdUZIHqrhGNJ844mkm-yvu9xPNaGXjD_raCGZA3SQpMy3ptOtTZOlGlE2ps-4EAhkTyMhZN3LRDzX-VQ-nmH3C0KxDSRkUaxN8mNjOFHgDsUYjzCI23tXVDA5GdosfLeeFq4/s640/DSC_1022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Pomegranate Arugula Salad:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> fresh arugula</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> pomegranate seeds</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> goat cheese</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> balsamic vinegar</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> olive oil</div> </div> </div>

RECIPES

Pomegranate Obsession

I'm obsessed with pomegranates. I know they are the "superfood" of about five years ago but I never actually bought a whole o...

The Happiness Project

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Mister is in his bouncy seat which usually gets me about ten minutes so this will be quick. I know I'm super late to this book but a friend just gave it to me and I'm really into it! Reading, just like getting out this blog post, with a baby is pretty close to impossible as all my free time seems to be pushed to days end, and by that time my eyes close and head hits the pillow, done. I do miss reading and recently discovered the magic of audio books! I now "read" on the go during my daily walks with our dog Jack and Brian in his stroller.  I've been walking a lot lately but found by the 30 minute mark I was dreadfully bored but not anymore! I love my walks and look forward to getting out the door to "read on".<br /> <br /> Onto the book:<br /> <br /> For the first time in my life I can say I feel completely whole. I have everything I could ever want or need and am grateful every single day, I wish I could freeze time, it's pretty amazing. The Happiness Project is proving to be a great read regardless of where you are in your life. If you're in a slump, it can certainly steer you to leading a happier existence and brighter days by trying out your own happiness project, and if you're feeling completely happy, it's teachings are great tool to have in your back pocket for when times get tough. I'm enjoying listening to this woman's Happiness Project and the facts about what makes us all happy are so interesting.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpD53nopodZ-2fbWTdx9raxF1NYjQtnmtB51EW7dLY7Gkhsk2hK6I0xlSJ-Hk7HwQANHPk0sGw0PLQ_7vcYC_EW0dUMZJicNjQuJrhng8LvNKT7HDkewlDpvp-4v-sHrn_DcVSkzaCoY-/s1600/the_happiness_project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpD53nopodZ-2fbWTdx9raxF1NYjQtnmtB51EW7dLY7Gkhsk2hK6I0xlSJ-Hk7HwQANHPk0sGw0PLQ_7vcYC_EW0dUMZJicNjQuJrhng8LvNKT7HDkewlDpvp-4v-sHrn_DcVSkzaCoY-/s640/the_happiness_project.jpg" width="518" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> I'm in the middle of it so can't give a full review but thought I'd share what's keeping me smiling on my walks with Mister :)<br /> <br /> <br /></div>

The Happiness Project

Mister is in his bouncy seat which usually gets me about ten minutes so this will be quick. I know I'm super late to this book but a fr...

Roasted Chicken

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> A dish that is so, SO easy and definitely one to impress your hubby and family is a tasty roasted chicken. I made one the other night and it took me literally 10 minutes to prepare, Brian was so impressed he requested we have one every week!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuySbUr5_RgL8ZMcRNxgoR9kMlNghyphenhyphen9NmXataWb9Ospg2kq7IdYiOj6eUBhgbXlVPLZUdVcTRGo7jkJmqfO8qV8MRs7MkFPFx5tW8oaQsjQAWPNvZWK5rx_VEICr9zcyLtyCS05dqFq9g/s1600/IMG_5837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuySbUr5_RgL8ZMcRNxgoR9kMlNghyphenhyphen9NmXataWb9Ospg2kq7IdYiOj6eUBhgbXlVPLZUdVcTRGo7jkJmqfO8qV8MRs7MkFPFx5tW8oaQsjQAWPNvZWK5rx_VEICr9zcyLtyCS05dqFq9g/s400/IMG_5837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is what you need:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 whole roasting chicken</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> A sprig of fresh rosemary would be nice, but if you don't have time to go to the store for that, dried will do</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> olive oil OR butter</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 lemon sliced in half</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> salt & pepper</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is what you do:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Take out your chicken and wash it down with water. This is so gross to me, handling a whole chicken makes it so much more of a "once alive" thing but I deal...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Rub it down with lots of olive oil or butter (I do olive oil because it's healthier?).</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Salt and pepper that baby up and don't be shy!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Put your sprig of rosemary along with both lemon halves in the cavity, again gross, but deal.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> You can cut up some potatoes to put around the chicken and make the meal all at once. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Bake at 450 for about one hour, or until the internal temperature is about 180-190. To be honest, the internal temperature measurement never really works for me so I normally cut into the bird to make sure the juices run clear and it looks cooked. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3qPz_aqYbLuadP4UQnEamO_MEwEW0ijVEk5FNcA9YJyniczA8O2Q31DMNSYs4j8JlFd1m8SnMzzer7XVOnKKW_uOH_ii-otf1AYeJkMGgOzgyuPcMDuo4AI8I4U53rDbqVZu8_1KqEqW/s1600/IMG_5843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3qPz_aqYbLuadP4UQnEamO_MEwEW0ijVEk5FNcA9YJyniczA8O2Q31DMNSYs4j8JlFd1m8SnMzzer7XVOnKKW_uOH_ii-otf1AYeJkMGgOzgyuPcMDuo4AI8I4U53rDbqVZu8_1KqEqW/s640/IMG_5843.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Serve with a little salad and your favorite wine and enjoy!! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Next, how to make awesome chicken soup with your leftover chicken :) </div> <br /> <br /></div>

RECIPES

Roasted Chicken

A dish that is so, SO easy and definitely one to impress your hubby and family is a tasty roasted chicken. I made one the other night and i...

LUNCH DATE :: WHITE BEAN AND TOMATO ARUGULA SALAD

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> HAPPY FRIDAY!! I can't wait for Brian to come home from work tonight and let the weekend begin. We have a family dinner tonight at my parent's house and tomorrow our first night away!!!! We're headed to see one of my best college gals get married in New Jersey - Congratulations Jackie and Joe :) As much as I can't wait to party like I'm in college again, I think I might be more excited to head to our hotel shortly after cake and sleep uninterrupted, is that bad?? #sorrynotsorry </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP_M4RUIW7U4H9cEv2VCWp6C-dMZI4aBNXiwyLQLnSKV8E8eMd7ID_vZ2oFfnKjH_1Kd-TG2iOK4dnxPTQCgz3ayC2rceXO0lD_HkpQT3pv-1ZH5dDIVSXFAxsKGsgHGsqs7Vn21iKaFH/s1600/DSC_0993+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOP_M4RUIW7U4H9cEv2VCWp6C-dMZI4aBNXiwyLQLnSKV8E8eMd7ID_vZ2oFfnKjH_1Kd-TG2iOK4dnxPTQCgz3ayC2rceXO0lD_HkpQT3pv-1ZH5dDIVSXFAxsKGsgHGsqs7Vn21iKaFH/s640/DSC_0993+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Today I'm going to show you how to make this delicious and healthy lunch salad. I had a friend come out of the city on Wednesday and we made this together. The most important piece of this salad is the beans. I never bought dried beans before, I've always used the can and what a difference it makes. Unless I'm in a crunch, I am a dry bean all the way now. It's like canned corn compared to fresh off the cob, an obvious difference.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is what you need: </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 bag of baby arugula</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1/4 lb. of dried white navy beans soaked overnight (they come in 1 lb. bags so use a quarter of the bag)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 pint of grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 3 cloves of garlic</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 red onion</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 lemon</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1/2 tsp dried rosemary</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> salt & pepper to taste</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Here is what you do:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Soak your beans overnight in water. If you forget to do this, no biggie, you'll just need to cook the beans for about an hour until they get nice and soft.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Chop your red onion into 1/4 inch pieces and sauté them in olive oil until soft</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Add your beans to the onions and stir in the juice of 1/2 lemon.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> In a separate pan, sauté your garlic and add the tomatoes. Let them get nice and juicy so you get a little sauce. Add your bean mixture and stir. Taste your concoction and determine how much salt, pepper and rosemary you would like.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Toss your arugula with the remaining lemon and olive oil and plop the beans right on top. The arugula will wilt a little from the heat of the beans and this is very good. Get a nice loaf of french bread and serve! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Bon Appétit! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /></div>

RECIPES

LUNCH DATE :: WHITE BEAN AND TOMATO ARUGULA SALAD

HAPPY FRIDAY!! I can't wait for Brian to come home from work tonight and let the weekend begin. We have a family dinner tonight at my ...

Target Sunnies

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I've lost two pairs of RayBans this summer so I decided it was time to go cheap. I got these cuties from Target for $16 and I think I like them more than the RB's.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUJVV_8oCsgZj48ZaPdU5ys82Ro9YQ1h1O1LNHOlH0PfmkvGjRKHjs74Ick7YSOggne3a84a-4YwGm71YyeNGQb2xhQTsmfDg6hfhRmwrDYBp1TriD4Lek5SrSm1mCKM1z8wV_eEmDcW1/s1600/07bafc684d6a11e3a12b0e196947e596_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUJVV_8oCsgZj48ZaPdU5ys82Ro9YQ1h1O1LNHOlH0PfmkvGjRKHjs74Ick7YSOggne3a84a-4YwGm71YyeNGQb2xhQTsmfDg6hfhRmwrDYBp1TriD4Lek5SrSm1mCKM1z8wV_eEmDcW1/s400/07bafc684d6a11e3a12b0e196947e596_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> click on the sunnies below to be redirected to Target :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="background: white; height: 120px; margin: 0px auto; width: 160px;"> <iframe frameborder="0" height="120px" scrolling="no" src="http://currentlyobsessed.me/api/v1/get_widget?wid=29&blog=Shorely%2BChic&product_ids=9b010a4cf5400decfdcee45fea063420&rows=1&cols=1&brand=0&price=0&hover=0" width="160px"></iframe></div> </div>

FASHION FINDS

Target Sunnies

I've lost two pairs of RayBans this summer so I decided it was time to go cheap. I got these cuties from Target for $16 and I think I ...

A Wine You'll Love!

Good Morning, Lovelies! One of the best things happened yesterday, I bought a box of wine that was actually delicious!! My cousin told me about this magical Black Box and said she had heard it was a pretty decent wine, for a box. So yesterday after Brian got his four month shots, poor guy, I knew it would be a hard night and a glass of wine would be in definitely be in order.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUvjtxCEPi85MDvSsByTTciuO-MnPoAJWqwh3VExUahNaKjDChUQUgyJujKlJd55cFweuBQJNmOOeb8YPBqZ1T9SP-XyyvUSSunO40K8u0ux7Bt8Mn2fihapRlHsBKUWM_X8YZOu5Wk63/s1600/2cb586184bea11e397651270abe28de5_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUvjtxCEPi85MDvSsByTTciuO-MnPoAJWqwh3VExUahNaKjDChUQUgyJujKlJd55cFweuBQJNmOOeb8YPBqZ1T9SP-XyyvUSSunO40K8u0ux7Bt8Mn2fihapRlHsBKUWM_X8YZOu5Wk63/s640/2cb586184bea11e397651270abe28de5_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It was so yummy!!! Brian Sr. and I like a good $10-$20 bottle of wine and we loved this. For $23 you get the equivalent of 4 bottles which lasts approximately 4 weeks because no air gets in. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Cin cin!</div>

A Wine You'll Love!

Good Morning, Lovelies! One of the best things happened yesterday, I bought a box of wine that was actually delicious!! My cousin told me ab...

MAKE YOUR OWN TATE'S!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> I had an itch to bake some chocolate chip cookies this Sunday morning so I googled a new recipe instead of my usual tollhouse and found the highest rated cookie on allrecipes.com.<br /> <br /> Not paying enough attention to the instructions, I messed up on a few of the steps but what came out of the oven was perfect and delicious, just like my favorite store-bought version of Tate's.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia01tNSlzNvSIbHZJgLiuzqC0NfGIy5b0EVt-VrqqlzFU0rL3wAPhuEGx62UIZfgUi-mUoGunsWvY4evll4_NAc5MfBiNuCRSKt7ookbG_XD6HbbFR83xeobuBZCcbRHbg7Iuzwza-Z7oj/s1600/DSC_0989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia01tNSlzNvSIbHZJgLiuzqC0NfGIy5b0EVt-VrqqlzFU0rL3wAPhuEGx62UIZfgUi-mUoGunsWvY4evll4_NAc5MfBiNuCRSKt7ookbG_XD6HbbFR83xeobuBZCcbRHbg7Iuzwza-Z7oj/s640/DSC_0989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> So here is what you need: </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 1 cup regular salted butter (two sticks)</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 1 cup white sugar</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 1 cup packed brown sugar</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 2 eggs</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 2 teaspoons vanilla extract</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 3 cups all-purpose flour</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 1 teaspoon baking soda</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 2 teaspoons hot water</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 1/2 teaspoon salt</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Here is what you do:</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Cream together butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and water together until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt and baking soda and slowly add that to your batter. Stir in your chocolate chips. </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> The cookies will cook flat and crispy, but will be nice and soft on the inside. I made too many for our own good, so made up little bags and dropped them off to my brother and his wife and our neighbors who gave me rave reviews!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Bon Appétit!</div> <ul class="ingredient-wrap secondColumn" style="border: 0px; float: left; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" tabindex="-1"> <li data-grams="117" data-ingredientid="3819" id="liIngredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; width: 200px;"><label style="border: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span></label></li> </ul> </div>

RECIPES

MAKE YOUR OWN TATE'S!

I had an itch to bake some chocolate chip cookies this Sunday morning so I googled a new recipe instead of my usual tollhouse and found the...

A Lunch in Brooklyn

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> I spent the day in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn yesterday with two of my very dear friends Caroline and Gwen, and Mister in tow. I met both girls in Florence, Italy during our study abroad year in college, nine years ago *scary*. We've been a part of each others lives every since and <a href="http://purejoyhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/iamgrateful-challenge.html">#iamSOgrateful</a> for that :)  Since Gwen moved back to New York from Chicago and isn't tied to a day job yet, we've been getting together at each other's houses once per week along with Caroline who is a super smart Physicians Assistant at Yale Hospital and has one day off per week. We love to cook and bake together, share our meals, do crafts and indulge in a <i>little </i>day prosecco drinking while we chat about life and play with Mister.<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> So yesterday we went to Gwen's new apartment for some lunch and walking around her neighborhood. I was smitten with her apartment, it was so...Brooklyn Chic:<br /> <div> <br /> <div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6UCfmILUn_KoJuwdBDHL1_YZKQYRpBAXT9ZwvyYUld1cqMrbyjNiwu589D_tNjBPPuzYvUSTLwPzsIyLj9oBqCuaF_wgdcV7icnJCCMsiIF5Lfmi9pLTz9F6xYfXKVgiRKQctznZyZg/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce6UCfmILUn_KoJuwdBDHL1_YZKQYRpBAXT9ZwvyYUld1cqMrbyjNiwu589D_tNjBPPuzYvUSTLwPzsIyLj9oBqCuaF_wgdcV7icnJCCMsiIF5Lfmi9pLTz9F6xYfXKVgiRKQctznZyZg/s640/IMG_5860.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /> <div> <br /></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> Mister taking in the sights<br /> <br /> Gwen and Max's beautiful sun-drenched bedroom:: {bedding is Serena and Lily}<br /> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21KltuuGQVcKU_6LUCWh36P5XluQWZXDH1MOrthmCUvrMgcZCzQx9OO6sX10Sw2i1E9JQNE452WWm8HUeI5peOfZJwfWcn9gs7oZUi378-PD9RuawEIl-250o18tLgaVytqNbSnYM5Swt/s1600/IMG_5856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21KltuuGQVcKU_6LUCWh36P5XluQWZXDH1MOrthmCUvrMgcZCzQx9OO6sX10Sw2i1E9JQNE452WWm8HUeI5peOfZJwfWcn9gs7oZUi378-PD9RuawEIl-250o18tLgaVytqNbSnYM5Swt/s640/IMG_5856.jpg" width="546" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8Hb9WT7ayh0oUccK1Uzk3cF4xGBzhyphenhyphen2aiCGZXVFoSbJUFhMSpoo8GqbDhJUCk_RdCAlF28L1VEMW8T4kv-sAQ-EVOmLHlgzRDUT4IT_oUEB_ossH__sHaoijLqzX61_SUWf1CTmdj-M/s1600/IMG_5857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE8Hb9WT7ayh0oUccK1Uzk3cF4xGBzhyphenhyphen2aiCGZXVFoSbJUFhMSpoo8GqbDhJUCk_RdCAlF28L1VEMW8T4kv-sAQ-EVOmLHlgzRDUT4IT_oUEB_ossH__sHaoijLqzX61_SUWf1CTmdj-M/s640/IMG_5857.jpg" width="506" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjIzmX4Sqp1-y7iZ0tJjNwH6ISBJI3pnsC0LK5PlXNUNekmwnyYFvHMqfAGfQcQH7hekY1Rx5at-3HNvmJXh0rmjnGdYGt6C6NXutjFZJcU3Am9ge7OKfWg8Msel75dLRtPm2RJ64pqbk/s1600/IMG_5870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjIzmX4Sqp1-y7iZ0tJjNwH6ISBJI3pnsC0LK5PlXNUNekmwnyYFvHMqfAGfQcQH7hekY1Rx5at-3HNvmJXh0rmjnGdYGt6C6NXutjFZJcU3Am9ge7OKfWg8Msel75dLRtPm2RJ64pqbk/s640/IMG_5870.jpg" width="514" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoohWRp8gWWz-EK4Rq4QRxjJ8GIpDvLK42hYsxGe_NqAZY7BgtkMXxtxVFhzYNiK3VYocFTovNgiPRuFQ3rqX_OA7pNvsUX9paUm-HXAzvUnj_j07yXJkbLTcSUFO7LH5jPw3ppB0ClLn/s1600/IMG_5868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoohWRp8gWWz-EK4Rq4QRxjJ8GIpDvLK42hYsxGe_NqAZY7BgtkMXxtxVFhzYNiK3VYocFTovNgiPRuFQ3rqX_OA7pNvsUX9paUm-HXAzvUnj_j07yXJkbLTcSUFO7LH5jPw3ppB0ClLn/s640/IMG_5868.jpg" width="488" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO-mJmYl7BdnF9Xdktwdk1_cgAzqyXHfx_K_GGJlhc1rUqHhE0eqpUwQKLd3updC8VavFhyvWo2dr8ns_QWFu8TjsJ1BiirjExFCagTID6nMN-OOSAb3_mA3H8lghXe5cbUgSVwREPBVI/s1600/IMG_5859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO-mJmYl7BdnF9Xdktwdk1_cgAzqyXHfx_K_GGJlhc1rUqHhE0eqpUwQKLd3updC8VavFhyvWo2dr8ns_QWFu8TjsJ1BiirjExFCagTID6nMN-OOSAb3_mA3H8lghXe5cbUgSVwREPBVI/s640/IMG_5859.jpg" width="526" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Gwen made us a delicious and healthy lunch of cauliflower mac and cheese (you will NOT miss the enormous amount of fattening cheese missing from this recipe) along with a kale salad.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lStOlof1aXQKmp-hlz_86SbQ9XtoFSDVx30lqX-On_EIemGzJipwOewOuEbNPMQna7UW9o0SC6QLcJeKzKFlEijs0kVCHgLvfDufbX3asD62RhdfDnZKI0sVo3UjIWpKtsH8OAu2oZRO/s1600/IMG_5866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lStOlof1aXQKmp-hlz_86SbQ9XtoFSDVx30lqX-On_EIemGzJipwOewOuEbNPMQna7UW9o0SC6QLcJeKzKFlEijs0kVCHgLvfDufbX3asD62RhdfDnZKI0sVo3UjIWpKtsH8OAu2oZRO/s640/IMG_5866.jpg" width="606" /></a></div> <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Sorry for the blurry pic, as you can see Brian's hand was involved.</div> <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><u><br /></u></b></div> <b><u>Creamy Cauliflower Mac:</u></b><br /> <br /> Makes: 4 servings<br /> Time: About 45 minutes<br /> (Recipe from <a href="http://content.markbittman.com/node/174">The Food Matters Cookbook</a>)<br /> <br /> 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing the baking dish<br /> Salt<br /> 2 1⁄2 cups vegetable or chicken stock or water<br /> 2 bay leaves<br /> 1 cauliflower, cored and separated into large pieces<br /> 8 ounces elbow, shell, ziti, or other cut pasta, preferably whole wheat<br /> 1 ⁄2 cup grated cheese (like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Emmental or a combination)<br /> 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, or to taste<br /> 1 ⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg, or to taste<br /> Black pepper<br /> 1 ⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br /> 1 ⁄2 cup or more bread crumbs, optional<br /> <br /> 1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with a little oil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put the stock with the bay leaves in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. When small bubbles appear along the sides, about 5 minutes later, turn off the heat and let stand.<br /> <br /> 2. Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Scoop the cauliflower out of the water with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until still somewhat chalky inside and not yet edible, about 5 minutes.<br /> <br /> 3. Remove the bay leaves from the stock. Carefully process the cauliflower with 2 cups of the stock, the 2 tablespoons oil, the cheese, mustard, nutmeg, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. (You may have to work in batches.) If the sauce seems too thick, add the remaining 1⁄2 cup stock. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour the sauce over the pasta, toss, and spread the mixture evenly in the dish. (You can make the dish to this point, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day; return to room temperature before proceeding.)<br /> <br /> 4. Sprinkle the top with the Parmesan and bread crumbs if you’re using them. Bake until the pasta is bubbling and the crumbs turn brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.<br /> <br /> Less Creamy Cauliflower Mac: Cut the cored head of cauliflower in half instead of into large pieces. In Step 2, cook only half of the cauliflower until it’s very tender, then transfer it to the blender or food processor as described. Chop the remaining half of the cauliflower into large pieces and add them to the boiling water along with the pasta. Proceed with the recipe.<br /> <br /> <b><u>Kale Salad: </u></b><br /> <br /> Start by taking the stem out of the kale leaves, and then julienning the leaves into strips. Meanwhile, slice a container of brussels sprouts pretty thin. Make the dressing: mix together one tbsp of dijon mustard, the juice of 1-1.5 lemons, salt and pepper. Whisk in about 1/4 cup of olive oil, or until the dressing has a nice consistency and flavor. At this point, you can dress the kale to let it macerate for a few minutes before serving. Cook the brussels sprouts: put a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. After a minute, add the brussels sprouts. Let them brown, untouched for about 2 minutes before stirring the pan. I think they take about 5 minutes to cook over all? Add hot brussels sprouts to the kale, shave parmesan, add extra dressing if necessary.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> Everything was amazing and it was such a lovely day. Thanks, Gwennie-Belle :)</div> <div> <br /></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

RECIPES

A Lunch in Brooklyn

I spent the day in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn yesterday with two of my very dear friends Caroline and Gwen, and Mister in tow. I met both girls ...

Super Healthy Chocolate Breakfast Shake

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> I love sweets, and especially in the AM. If my waistline could handle it, I would have blueberry muffins, scones,  and other delicious pastries with my coffee every morning, but because annoyingly my metabolism has seemed to slow down post-baby (what's up with that?!), I've had to switch out my top choices with healthier ones.<br /> <br /> This healthy milkshake is perfect for those of you who like me crave sweets in the morning but want something healthy and satisfying to start your day. I swear you will not miss a real milkshake after trying this version. It has no added sugar but certainly tastes like it, and of the little I know about nutrition, I think it's pretty healthy.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO53sF1XWmyeO482bZEIWSr0iAUeNMmWdZ4lsiy2u27FCVgLJJJqJOksccbf3tJZ6LbP19DfmX16MKX6XklDNOsCX8IbrQlTfO064O-KPByX3kBpTXrMGFf7YTpzHgS9KcG7ZxUrPodzL/s1600/IMG_5834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxO53sF1XWmyeO482bZEIWSr0iAUeNMmWdZ4lsiy2u27FCVgLJJJqJOksccbf3tJZ6LbP19DfmX16MKX6XklDNOsCX8IbrQlTfO064O-KPByX3kBpTXrMGFf7YTpzHgS9KcG7ZxUrPodzL/s400/IMG_5834.jpg" width="357" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 banana</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 hefty scoop of plain greek yogurt</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> 1 tsp of cocoa</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Enjoy!</div> <br /></div>

RECIPES

Super Healthy Chocolate Breakfast Shake

I love sweets, and especially in the AM. If my waistline could handle it, I would have blueberry muffins, scones,  and other delicious past...

#IAMGRATEFUL CHALLENGE

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I wrote the other day how I've been keeping a gratitude journal and I must tell you that for the little time I have been committed to it, I can feel a difference -- I am happier and feel more whole as a person. I know that may sound crazy because it's such a little thing, but it's so true. I have a constant reminder to appreciate the little things throughout the day, like the pretty colors on the leaves and little Brian's smile, and my days are now filled with many moments of feeling grateful and blessed to be here experiencing all these little but beautiful things.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2Wvbj1I1X_WqjbkoUHWVawfCLQ81pbR1c28Ugbe3E6qhzMWzSj2T37bsCom4Cnxvc2lqVOxz2q0ZGdERIktkKNyP4NYzOW_TOMQ1hOFGpCuXVLAA_VW2T_iMklxeptVmkiVjnONgZJRY/s1600/bebeautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2Wvbj1I1X_WqjbkoUHWVawfCLQ81pbR1c28Ugbe3E6qhzMWzSj2T37bsCom4Cnxvc2lqVOxz2q0ZGdERIktkKNyP4NYzOW_TOMQ1hOFGpCuXVLAA_VW2T_iMklxeptVmkiVjnONgZJRY/s640/bebeautiful.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> In the spirit of Thanksgiving, for the rest of the month of November, I challenge you to be grateful for just one thing every day and document it. If you want to have some fun with it and share your thanks with the world, I invite you to join me on <a href="http://instagram.com/purejoyhome">instagram</a> and photograph that one thing you are thankful for throughout your day with hashtag #iamgrateful. I promise you will feel good about it, and it may make you...happier.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Who's with me?! </div> </div>

#IAMGRATEFUL CHALLENGE

I wrote the other day how I've been keeping a gratitude journal and I must tell you that for the little time I have been committed to ...