Clueless Cookies...

As Cher Horowitz once brilliantly declared, you should always have something baking when a boy comes over...or when you live with him for that matter. 

I've been told that baking is an exact science.  Precise measurements, process, order, blah blah....BORING!  I've never been one for math, science or exactness.  I spent most of my life following my father around a kitchen, where he taught me to cook with my senses instead of recipes.  If you want to change something, you use your instincts and your taste-buds.  Needless to say, my creative impulses have ruined many a baked good.

When I made these up, I took the standard Nestle Tollhouse recipe and added to it with reckless abandon. I put the dough into the oven and held my breath. 13 minutes later deliciousness emerged. This time, the only disaster that occurred was how many calories I consumed, ugh! Seriously though, so tasty.

The recipe takes about 25 minutes and yields about 40 cookies. I usually cook half the dough and freeze the other half...  it's best to be prepared to bake...just like Cher told me.

*for those of you who don't know who Cher Horowitz is, go watch 'Clueless' right now. If you don't know what Clueless is, we may no longer be friends... also check out these 22 Life Lessons from Cher

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract (for nut-free households, you can use vanilla here)

2 large eggs

2 cups of chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut

1 cup of chopped walnuts

In a bowl on the side, mix all dry ingredients. In a kitchen mixer, beat the eggs, butter +extract together until they become airy in texture. Little by little, add the dry ingredients while the mixer is turning, until everything is evenly mixed. Spoon drop dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and put into a 350 degree oven for 10-13 minutes (when you notice they are golden brown, take them out)

Happy baking, y'all!

Bee

Free weekend bliss...

This weekend was the first weekend in a LONG time that we have spent at home, with NO plans in sight. Between business trips, family vacation, social engagements and my mom's visit...it had been too long. Time to relax and attend to neglected domestic matters!

It was glorious to take our time waking up, brewing coffee and strolling with the dog...

It was luxurious to collect treasures from our favorite farmer's market and cook together...

We attended to abandoned household projects (sorry dead herb garden), took time to exercise together and.... we even had a date night, like real life couples!

The bounty of summer at a Mid-Western Farmer's Market.
I've been looking forward to peach season for weeks!

Friday Night Date Night: Summer House-Santa Monica
If you live in Chicago, YOU MUST GO, simply
 because there's Maine Lobster on the menu

Trip to Ikea for frames so we couls finally put up the vintage world
map in our bedroom. The behemoth store is so magical,
you go in for a frame you come out with an egg slicer,
a house plant,  a strainer....

Our living room looks SO COZY with Penny the Plant.
Thanks a million Ikea!

Weekend Fritata + Bloody Mary's = Recipe for awesome

6 eggs whisked with S+P to taste with 2 tsp light cream

3 cups thinly sliced potatoes and 1/4 onion - browned 

1/4 cup pesto (I used homemade, but you can use store bought pesto)

2 med balls buffalo mozzarella

1 cup grape tomatoes

Line the bottom of pyrex glass pie dish with potatoes and onions. 

Top with tomatoes, mozzarella and drizzle pesto.

Pour the egg mixture on top and sprinkle a tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan.

Pop in the oven at 375 degrees for 30 min (until top is golden and a toothpick comes out dry).

Allow to cool for 10 min, cut and serve with cool greens tossed in almonds and pesto dressing*

(basic vinaigrette +pesto = pesto dressing)

What do you do with your zero-plan weekends at home? 

Happy relaxing!

Bee

Hosting house guests...

Last week we hosted our very first house-guest since we moved into our new home.
It wasn't just any guest though, it was a VIP: My Momma!

We had a wonderful 5 day visit, touring our 'hood, the famous Mag Mile, and the best of what Chi-town has to offer.  Here are my tips for hosting house guests flawlessly and without stress!

Tip #1 - Transportation
If you have the means and the availability, pick up your nearest and dearest at the airport, train station or bus terminal.  It's a lovely gesture that makes their journey that much sweeter! If you don't, make sure to give them your exact address and cross streets so their taxi driver is clear.

Tip #2 - Bedding
You want to make sure that your house guests have a comfortable place to rest and relax while staying with you.  Freshly laundered sheets, fluffed pillows and a warm fresh comforter will do the trick. I usually leave an extra blanket at the end of the bed in case guests get a chill at night.  I usually spray a touch of lavender linen spray too, it adds a lil sumthin' extra!

Lavender Linen Spray

Our sweet guest bedroom

Tip#3 - Towels
I always want my guests to have the best of what my home has to offer, so I save the fluffiest, whitest, freshly laundered spa towels for them.  The magic number seems to be 2 bath sheets and a wash cloth.  Home Goods has a fantastic selection available for under $8 a towel!

Fresh Mineral Water for the Room is a nice amenity for guests!

Tip#4 - The Room
If you're fortunate enough to have a guest room (like we do) you probably use it as an office/storage unit/gym/whatever when there's nobody staying with you (Ours is my dressing room and our office!).  Before your guests arrive make sure that you clear any clutter, clean/dust the room.  In addition to that, I always put a fresh new scented candle (candle below is a current fave) as well as freshly cut flowers (you can never go wrong with hydrangeas).  You'll also want to make sure that you have adequate heating/AC depending on the season, so that guests rest comfortably.

Bella by Illume- Beechwood & Bergamot (available at Target)

Tip#5 - The Fridge
Now, I know all of my mom's favorite foods and drinks, so this one was very simple. Similarly, if my girlfriends were planning a visit, I would have Veuve Clicquot, peanut M&Ms and pizza ready to go (ahem...you know who you are).

However, if you don't know all of the tastes+dietary requirements of your incoming visitors, it is safe to assume some things.  Coffee & tea, simple savory snacks (cheese, crackers, nuts), light breakfast options (fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, toast and jams) and a sweet morsel (chocolates) are stocked. This way you can tide over hungry house-guests until meal time!


Tip #6 - The Plan
Before your guests arrive, chat with them regarding their plans.  If they have other people to visit with or work obligations during their stay, help them navigate public transportation, as well as get their schedule.  This way you set expectations for your time and there aren't any surprises.

Find out if your guests have any must-see attractions for their visit.  If so, look into tickets/schedules etc. If not, make suggestions. Since my mom hadn't been to Chicago since the 70's, she left the activity selection up to me which I love (shocking, I love to be in charge...I'm bossy, I know).

Some highlights included:
Visits to our 2 favorite local haunts: Home Slice and Athenian Room
Wendella Boat Tours for an architectural tour of the Chicago River
A stroll and shopping along the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)
Spirit Family Reunion Show (seriously, if you haven't listened to these guys, DO IT NOW!)
A visit to  Millennium Park (where we happened upon the Symphony rehearsing!)
A walk to The Lincoln Park Conservatory, The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan Beaches
Summer Garden Walk, Farmer's Marker & Sidewalk sale
Day trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

It was a really wonderful trip, with a lot of walking, exploration and quality time with my Momma!
Here's a few more snap-shots from our visit:

Big city Architectural River Boat Tour - the guide floored us with
her knowledge of the history of every building we passed. 

A cold beverage and a cruise in the summer sun... Ahhhhh!

Spirit Family Reunion show at Schubas
(an old Schlitz Brew House turned bar +music venue)

Orchid House at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
(one of the many free attractions this city has to offer)

Bee having a snack in one of the featured neighborhood gardens
at the Sheffield Garden Walk + Festival

Polar Bear at Lincoln Park Zoo playing with his ball!

Helloooooo! Fishy in the African Journey at LPZ

 Happy Hosting!
xoxo, Bee

Sea Salted

Mmmmmm....I love salt.
I put it on everything, even bread & butter.
My best friend once threatened to get me a salt-lick for my birthday...like a horse.
I have been know to keep salt shakers stashed in my desk at work.
For Christmas last year, I received 3 types of salt, from 3 separate people.
I rocked a Morton's Salt Girl costume for Halloween (see above).
I keep salt packets in my purse for seasoning emergencies.
I named my blog after it.

A year ago when Ty and I were cooking together in his kitchen for the first time, I came across a ziplock baggie of white granulated powder. When I asked him what it was, he said "Oh, that is the sea salt that my Grandma and I made in Alaska a couple weeks ago". I knew that he was perfect for me... I also knew that if I ever went to Alaska I wanted to assist in making some salty goodness too. So we did, and it was awesome!

Step 1:
Take a boat ride waaaay out into pristine salted waters.
Right about here is good.

 LeConte Bay

Step 2:

Collect salt water.  

Warning it's REALLY COLD (dunking hand will begin to numb).

Our very technical water collecting vessels

Step 3:

Pour the salt water into a large pot through a very fine strainer.  Bring to a boil and evaporate about half of the water out, and then reduce heat to a fast simmer. Continue evaporating for 5-6 hours, stirring it frequently, until reduced to a wet paste (careful not to scorch it!).  Put the paste in a flat pyrex dish, spread in a thin layer on the bottom.  Put in the oven at 170 degrees until dry. 

Step 4:

ENJOY THE SALT!

*Special thanks to Polly Lee for teaching me her salt-making method*

Happy seasoning!

Bee

Summer date night...

A friend recently asked me what to wear on her second date with a new guy.  They would be walking to dinner, and the forecast called for hot and humid. My normally very stylish friend was completely stumped. Flats or heels? would shorts be too casual?  What if she got sweaty? she didn't want to try too hard...

We weighed her options, and decided, on a nice pair of shorts, flat sandals and a peplum top with a chunky jeweled necklace.

 It got me thinking about my own closet and what I would be wearing on hot summer nights on the town with my own date:

Summer Street Festival
Swing Dress: Billabong, Sandals: Dolce Vita, Bag: Target

After Work Happy Hour
Top: Delta for Anthropologie, Pixie Pants: J. Crew, 
Flats: Michael Kors, Clutch: Francesca's

Dinner al Fresco
Dress: Joie, Flip Flops: American Eagle

Happy dating!

Bee

Keep your hive clean and tidy...

Is there any better feeling than having a fresh, clean and neat home?
I don't think so, which is why I clean like a crazy little elf every day.
I love looking around and seeing a picture perfect, fresh smelling home.
Dust bunnies be damned!

But, even if you're not a chronic neat-freak like me, you can still enjoy a sparkling, home without having to spend hours in rubber gloves.

#1... If you haven't done a deep clean in more than 6 months, do it. You need to start carte blanche!
If you don't have the time, it is totally worth calling the pros.  Groupon has lots of local deals on professional cleaning services, most of them around $60 for 1000 sq foot home.

*Tip, it's all about maintenance.  Keep up your fresh clean with a small daily dose of chores.

#2...Everyday:

• Keep kitchen sink dish-free 
• Wipe counters after cooking 
• Make your bed - c'mon people, make your momma proud!
• Hang clothes laying around your room
• Arrange couch pillows - 30 second home facelift
• Sort mail and immediately toss anything that you don't need - buh-bye catalogue pile!
• Take out trash and recyclables when full (in office and bathrooms as well)
• If you have kids, have them put their toys away before bed - avoid the clutter build up!
• If you have pets, lint roll any furniture  

#3...Weekly:

• Laundry - don't let it pile up, one load doesn't feel like a chore. 6 does.  
• Vacuum.
• Shake small rugs out outside (great for getting rid of allergens) and spritz with febreeze!
• Change sheets and towels - you wouldn't wear same socks for a week without washing...
• Disinfect bathroom and kitchen surfaces, door knobs and key boards - clorox wipes make it a cinch.
• Light dusting.
• Open the windows while you work...it will help to freshen the air and ventilate the cleaning fumes.

#4...Monthly:

• Organize utility closets and desk drawers - avoid clutter.
• Clean fridge - toss any spoiled foods and wipe the shelves.
• Mop or Swiffer floors.
• Wash duvets and bath mats.
• Deep vacuum (under beds and furniture) & dust (ceiling fans and top shelves).
• Clean splattered back splashes.
• Organize dresser drawers and closets - not having to search through a heap of clothes will save you tons of time.

#5...Develop new habits:

• When you finish using something, put it away.
• When you finish cooking, wipe counters.
• Before leaving, straighten your living room.
• Empty the dish rack & washer - don't just pile up.  
• If you have kids, get them involved in the process.
• For the deep clean days, turn on some fun tunes and make it fun!
• Mrs Meyer's and Seventh Generation brands make earth and skin friendly cleaning products that work!
• Always wear gloves to protect your hands. Dry scratchy hands are a total bummer.

#6...Check this out for specific cleaning tips!
How To Clean (Almost) Anything and Everything!

Happy cleaning!
Bee

Current Obsessions...

I have slight obsessions.  Apparel obsessions. Food obsessions.  Home style obsessions.
These are my summer obsessions:


Salomon XR Mission Trail Runners -
All of my outdoor exploration time this summer in Salomon trail runners has been AWESOME.  They give feet a supportive cushion without being too bulky. The zip cord closure is great for quick on and off, and the little tongue pocket is great for stashing my GPS shoe pod.  The tread is perfect on intermediate trails, and flat trail running. Plus, the colors and design are so cool!

Initially I was going to use the web photo here since mine
are dirty...then I realized, dirt is a badge of honor, rock it!!!

Customized Commuter Mug by Snapfish -

This travel mug is good for the environment and the soul. Mine's from my best friend, who gave it to me at my bon voyage party. I miss her every single day, but seeing the hilarious pics on the mug as I sip my green tea in the morning always makes me smile. The screw on top and flip clip lid help a klutz like me prevent spills.

Proof that the photo commuter mug is not just for parents!

Fresh Apricots -

Last week in Seattle, Tyler and I met his sister at a Hawaiian inspired restaurant for dinner. One of our appetizers had fresh apricots. I totally forgot how yummy they are.  'Tis the season for these sweet-tart fuzzy little fruits, so get some now! (Oh, and if you're ever in West Seattle, check out Ma'ono Restaurant, it's incredible).

Clean & Bright!

Safari inspired decor -

I have been interested in safari decor since Ralph Lauren made it chic in the 90's.  But translating that into my coastal style has been difficult.  Until I spotted these friendly faces.

Antelope: Home Goods, Elephant: Anthropologie, Masks: Ty's personal collection

Get wild!

Lulu Lemon, Run Speed Shorts-

I have 2 pairs of these cutie short-shorts. I love them for boot-camp, dog walking, hiking, yoga, stand up paddle boarding, even swimming in a pinch.  I adore the lightweight fabric, breezy rear-end vents, back zip pocket and great styling. 

Hint: I buy them one size bigger because I prefer a roomier leg and low slung fit.

Keep cool in these cuties!

Decorating with words -

Words are beautiful. They look fresh, clean and witty.  Neighborhood maps of Seattle and Boston have been on my "must have" list for the apartment for months, and finally picked them up at a Pike Place Map Store last week. These pillows from ETSY make me smile.

I am a wordy girl (if you haven't noticed)

Nautical wrists-

People know that I love to keep my wrists stacked, which is probably why I keep receiving these!

Top to bottom: Chevron Anchor watch - unknown brand, Lemon&Line Chatham Bracelet, KJP Cape Knot Bracelet, Madewell rope hair ties

Nauti & Knotty

Jack Rogers, Georgica Sandal - 

I wore 2 pairs of the classic Navajo style over 10 years until they disintegrated. I love these so much more. Georgica has the same timeless styling , the cork and gold go with everything, and they're more comfortable with a smooth sole.  I like to think Jackie O would approve!

Sole-mate

Orange is the New Black, Netflix Series-

The cast is perfect. Characters are so well developed and relate-able. Sometimes I believe Piper to be an accurate portrayal of me in jail (because I have absolutely NO street cred)... but I digress. Just watch this if you haven't, that's all.

Happy obsessing!

Bee

Alaska: the last American frontier...

Raven's Roost Trail, Petersburg, AK

Last week, Ty and I went to Alaska to spend part of our summer vacation on Mitkof Island to visit his family and enjoy the great outdoors. I was thrilled to see the place that meant so much to him (and that he had been telling me about since the day we met).  I knew it was going to be cool, but I had no idea HOW cool.

At times it was other-worldly,wild, and at others it was peacefully familiar. It felt like childhood and retirement happening simultaneously. The landscape changes so quickly there: from green rain-forest covered hills that ascend to jagged snow-capped mountain tops, to rural American small-town that trails off to a quiet babbling river slough, to straight-up National Geographic wildlife documentary.

We saw eagles a plenty, sea lions, salmon spawning, baby seals playing on icebergs, moose, deer, and thankfully, no bear. The most exciting for me was seeing the humpback whales. I believe my reaction when spotting them was "WHALE TAIL! WHALE TAIL! WHALE TAIL!"

Needless to say I found my jaw dropping in awe more times than not..I mean, hello, have you seen the color of an iceberg??!! All of this magic combined with happy memories made with Ty, and it ended up being a trip I'll never forget!

GINORMOUS iceberg in LeConte Bay

Iceberg remains at Indian Point, AK

LeConte Glacier, I assure you the photo does this no justice...taken 2 miles away

This was so unreal, I was convinced we'd floated onto another planet

Snow-melt waterfalls everywhere

Sea Lion Motel - these guys are LOUD

Pink cloud hovering over the water. Unreal.

Sunday Perfection - Canoeing, picnicking, bridge jumping and swimming.

Sunset at 10:30 pm

Float houses on the Stikine River near Wrangell, AK

Double waterfalls in LeConte Bay

Eagles, no big deal...

Small town Americana...doesn't this truck look like Mater from 'Cars'?

National Forest Service Cabin at Raven's Roost, incredible vistas and cozy spot

Selfie in front of the glacier...too bad you can't see it

Trying my best to keep warm....layers for days!

4th of July shenanigans - look at the size of that halibut!

I loved the gigantic skunk cabbage leaves...perfect shelter from the rain for a little elf like me

On the Stikine River, the US Canadian border is visible on the mountain behind us

The king of beers for America's Birthday

Petersburg 4th Parade- adorable

Check me out on Instagram for more photos and videos from the Alaskan leg of our great American Summer Vacation in the Pacific Northwest.  I loved it because there was so much to DO.  Hiking, biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, wildlife sightings, trail running, eating, exploring...a true adventure. If you've never considered an Alaskan vacation, reconsider. It's AMAZING!

Happy traveling!

Bee