The Season's Delight

Spring fever is the best feeling.

Summer is endless beach days and fun filled barefoot nights.

But Fall...oh, sweet Fall, you own my heart.

The way the sun seems to glow more golden, and the trees following suit with their leaves ablaze in the crisp air.  Maybe my affection comes from growing up in New England, where Autumn is the trademark season.  Or, maybe, it's simply because I love the clothes. Yeah, it's probably the clothes.

The cozy wrap sweaters...the flannel shirts peeping out from under a downy vest...the clickety clack of tall leather boots... the timeless appeal of a tweed skirt and navy blazer...PLAID everything.

Ah yes, Fall is the season to dress...and here are a few reasons for you to dress for the season, too!

Tee: J Crew Factory, Plaid Vest: J Crew Factory, Boots: Frye
Jeans: Gap

White on White Anchor Sweater: Banana Republic, Scarf: J. Crew
Jeans: Gap, Jacket (that everyone has) J Crew, Wedges: J Crew

Here is a better look at these J Crew wedges...they are on clearance right now
because they are a summer shoe, but the olive green keeps
them fall appropriate!

Pixie Pants: J Crew, Black Tee: TJ Maxx,
 Boots: Ugg, Sweater: Thrifted,
Sunnies: Kate Spade

Lace top: Gilly Hicks, Blazer: J Crew, Skirt: Ralph Lauren
Boots: Frye

Green Jeans: Pilcro (Anthropologie), Plaid Flannel: J Crew
Vest: J crew Factory

Tartan Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Pencil Skirt: J Crew
Shoes: Kate Spade, Belt: LOFT,
Bag: Deux Lux

Happy Fall!
Bee

*Footnote: I deliberately left out Winter.  Winter is terribly unpleasant and I boycott. Cheers.

The Wardrobe Switch

The weather has officially and consistentlyturned chilly.  The leaves are all bright and falling. Football season is in full swing, and just about everyone has picked their apples. There is no escape from pumpkin flavored food and beverages.  

The season has changed, and now that all the glamorous fall fun has been had, it's time to get to work...on organizing your life again. Ladies and gentleman, it's the dreaded wardrobe switch!

Summer's gauzy sweaters are no longer cutting it, and pulling out that storage bin under your bed and reaching all the way into the dark depths of your closet is getting to be a pain.  Time to suck it up, get a glass of wine, and pull everything out for rotation.  Here are some of my hints and tips for an easy organized switch!

1. Turn on fun tunes and grab yourself a drink
I recommend a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and "Shake it Off"

2. Get 2 large shopping bags - 1 for unwanted clothes and another for dry cleaning
The wardrobe switch is the perfect time to get rid of unwanted, ill fitting, or worn out clothes. By donating them, you help those in need and destroy clutter in your own life ("let it go...let it go, I can'tr hold it in anymoooore").  Anything that needs to be professionally cleaned before storing for the season should go into the dry cleaning bag.

3. Yank out those summer clothes
I pull everything out of the closet in categories (dresses, blouses, shorts, t shirts, etc) and fold them into neat piles on my bed. That way when I go to unpack them in the spring, they are ready to go (no sorting necessary)

4. Pull out the storage bin of fall/winter wear
As you go to hang the fall wardrobe in the closet, check garments for fit.  If it looks less than great, you probably won't wear it, so put it in the donation bag.  If it looks great hang it and daydream about all of the awesome way's you're going to style it this season!

5. A note about hanging
People, have some self-respect. Hang your clothes by category (my closet goes: skirts, cardigan and larger sweaters, shirts (by color), dresses, pants and folded tops go on the first shelf), all facing the same direction.  If you don't have enough hangers, don't hang 3-4 things on the same hanger, it'll just make you crazy. Spring for more. Target sells 10 hangers for about $4, Ikea is even cheaper.  Your sanity is worth $4 isn't it?!

6. Shoes
If you don't already own a shoe rack or hanging device, this is the perfect time to get one and put it to good use. Being able to quickly see all of your shoe options, and being able to locate both shoes in a pair (without breaking a sweat crawling through the dust bunny forest on the dark closet floor) makes for super efficient dressing before work each morning.

7. Keep a shopping list
Each season, you inevitably need to update a few staples in your wardrobe.  Whether it's a pair of dark jeans, a crisp new white oxford shirt or the perfect leather bag, there are certain things that you must have to make it through the season.  If you take stock of what's missing while the entirety of your clothes is in front of you, you can make informed purchases when shopping, instead of buying a whole bunch of crap you don't need.

8. Packing up summer
Now that your storage bins are empty and your closet is full of cozy clothes, time to pack up all those sundresses and tank tops.  Put them away neatly...your May 2015-self will really appreciate it!

9. Accessories
I have about 20 bathing suits and coverups galore.  For the summer they live in a basket on my closet floor.  My gloves and scarves and hats all live in baskets on the top shelf all summer.  I switch those baskets for convenience. My scarves all hang on a nifty towel bar inside my closet door, but you can also use the hanger bar or roll them all into a basket for quick finding as well.  Summer purses and shoes are all packed into the back of the closet while boots and winter purses come to the front.

10. Pat yourself on the back
You did it! Congratulations!  You can now return to enjoying all of the pumpkin-spice things, and not be stressed out by your closet's disarray!

Shoe cubbies and hat/glove basket for easy selecting

See ya next time beach-wear!

Fall scarves and purses

Organized, categorized and easy to find fall essentials

Happy switching!

Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week: Day 7

Day 7: Autumn Butternut Chicken and Harvest Grain Stew

Yesterday was the turning point.  You could literally feel the season changing from summer to fall.  So, today I went out, bought my decorative pumpkins, lit the wooded spice candles and put on a hearty stew to simmer all day...here's the brand new recipe!

1 Qt carton of butternut squash soup (I like Trader Joe's brand but feel free to puree your own)

1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
3 cups of fresh cubed butternut squash 

1 cup quartered brussell sprouts

1 cubed apple

1 ear of corn cut off the cob

1/2 lb chicken breast

5 whole sage leaves sauteed in 1 tsp butter

3 twigs of thyme chopped

1/4 onion chopped

3 cloves of garlic chopped

1 carrot chopped

1 stalk celery chopped

1.5 cups of Harvest Grains 

*(quinoa, israeli cous cous, orzo, baby garbanzos found at Trader Joe's, but you could substitute with red quinoa or cous cous)

S&P, dash of red pepper flakes, dash of nutmeg

Pour the qt of squash soup, cup of stock, butternut cubes, brussell sprouts, apple, corn and grains into a crock pot on high.

In a sautee pan, with one tsp of olive oil saute the onion, celery, and carrot (aka: mirepoix, if you're feeling fancy) with garlic until they start to smell. Pour them into the crock pot.  Cook the chicken lightly in the pan, take out and shred with a fork, add to the crock pot.  Put a tsp of butter into the same saute pan, allow to melt and saute the sage for about a minute to release the flavors. Pour that into the crock pot as well.  

Season with nutmeg, red pepper flakes and S&P, allow to cook for 4-6 hrs, enjoy with warm baguette and a glass of wine!

Happy eating!

Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week: Day 6

Day 6: Quinoa Earth Bowl

We had such a perfect weekend; Lovely dinner party with friends, a surprise visit from some special old friends and a day of country farm fun.  Even though we made sure to squeeze in some long runs, we also indulged in fried fish tacos, margaritas and an embarrassing amount of kettle corn.  So, today's recipe is yummy penance for my weekend food sins.

This is a nice big portion, so it could be a nice light meal for 2 or a big post work-out meal for one.

Bowl:

one cup dry Quinoa (cooked per instructions on package), no salt or oil added

2 hard boiled organic eggs

1/2 cup chic peas

1/2 cup chopped, steamed and cooled broccoli

1 carrot chopped, steamed and cooled

1 ear of corn cut off cob (raw)

1/2 a cucumber peeled and chopped
1/2 cup halved grape tomatoes

1/4 of a chopped bell pepper

tsp chopped fresh basil and parsley

In a serving bowl, layer the freshly cooked quinoa on bottom, topping with each of the veggies and hard boiled egg.  Sprinkle s&p and fresh herbs on top and drizzle with hot sauce to taste.  Serve with Tahini Goddess Dressing (I make my own, but Trader Joe's and Annie's both have great options).

Goddess Dressing:

 I recommend going very lightly, though healthy fats, this dressing is highly caloric!

1/2 cup tahini paste

1/2 cup Bragg's apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 cup water

2 tbsp chopped parsley  (dry or fresh)

1 tsp raw sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

 Emulsify with a hand blender and enjoy!

Happy detox eating!

Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week: Day 5

Oops, I forgot to post this yesterday (we were too busy picking apples, getting lost in a corn maze and getting double bounced on the giant jump pillows)

So today you get a double dose of fun recipes!

Day 5: FISH TACOS!!

These are always a fan favorite, and over the weekend we deep fried them, but today's recipe is going to be pan seared, because it's a much lighter and approachable option.

Fish:
1/2 lb of fish of your choice - cut into 2 inch pieces
(I used halibut because we have a frozen abundance from Ty's fishing trip)
Season with S&P and juice of half a lime and chopped cilantro


Allow to marinate for 30 min or so, then in a sautee pan, bring a tsp of oil to med-high heat.  Cook for 2 minutes each side, the surface should have mild golden color and flake easily.

Chipotle Lime Sauce:
1cup sour cream
2 tbs chipotle pepper in adobo (canned in the mexican section of most grocery stores)
3 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
juice of half a fresh lime
s&p to taste
Mix with a spoon and serve with tacos

Slaw:
1/4 of a cabbage, julienne
1/2 a medium apple, julienne
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbs white vinegar
1 tsp apple cider or apple juice
s&p

Mix the sugar vinegar cider and seasoning together and then toss with cabbage and apple.

Construct your tacos with warm 6 inch corn tortillas and enjoy with or without the Margaritas!!!


Up next....Quinoa Earth Bowl

Feliz taco eating!
Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week: Day 3

Day 3: CHERRY PIE!!!!

Last weekend at the farmers market, my favorite fruit vendor had pitted tart Michigan cherries on the chalk-board.  For $5 we got 2 lbs of these tangy little gems, and just like that, it was time to bake a pie!  If you aren't spoiled by your fruit vendors, and have to pit the cherries yourself, it can be a bit of a chore.  But it can be done either using a cherry pitter (different models shown below) or  by simply cutting them in half with a paring knife.  Remember to wear an apron for pitting to avoid staining your clothes!

2 Pie Crusts -
you can use your favorite home-made recipe, or you can be a normal, time-pressed human, and buy ready made crust.  There are a lot of organic options on the market today, so you don't have to compromise.


Filling:
2 lbs of pitted cherries (drain any excess juice)
2 tbsp of all purpose flour
1 tbsp salted butter (I break it into tiny blobs and drop them in)
1/2 tsp of real vanilla extract

Line your pie dish with the first crust and flute the edges up
(you'll need the height to seal the top crust on)

Toss ingredients evenly and pour the mixture into the crust lined pie dish.

I think that a woven top is more impressive than a whole top, so I always take the extra time to make one. Cut your second crust into 1 inch strips, attach the parallel strips at one end to the bottom crust by pinching.  Then turn your pie, and start weaving one strip at a time, sealing them at both ends. Once you have finished weaving and pinching, make sure to lightly sprinkle some granulated can sugar and cinnamon on the top crust.  Bake for 40 min in 375 degree oven.
** Important note, after 15 min, take pie out and wrap the outer crust with foil so it doesn't burn while the rest of the pie cooks...

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 min.  Best served warm with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Avocado Salsa recipe!

Happy baking!
Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week: Day 2

Day 2: Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti[squash]

 For those not familiar with spaghetti squash, it is a commonly found hard shelled yellow squash.  Once cooked, the flesh is tender, falls away from the skin and ....yes, looks like thin spaghetti. The flavor is mild and bland, which is why it takes on sauces so well. 

1 med spaghetti squash -  quartered, cleaned out seeds

Put on large pot of water to boil while you make the sauce.

In a large deep skillet on med heat, sautee:
3 tsps of extra virgin olive oil
3 large cloves of garlic minced
1 small shallot minced

Add to skillet when shallots are transparent:
12 oz jar of crushed tomatoes
small can of tomato paste
1 handful of fresh basil chopped
1 handful of fresh oregano chopped
a few red pepper flakes
S&p to taste
1 tbsp of aged balsamic vinegar

In a pan, brown 1 lb of organic ground turkey with s&p - drain and add to sauce

Simmer for 45 min on low heat - the more time sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be!

While sauce simmers, drop squash to boil for 10-12 min. Remember that every squash varies, so use a fork to ensure that the flesh falls away easily.  That's the official done-ness test, very technical.

Drain water and take tongs to hold the squash while using a fork to shred squash into a bowl (it will be HOT). Season with s&p and drizzle with olive oil. Put in a serving bowl and top with the turkey bolognese sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese if desired.  This meal is great to prepare ahead of time and heat up quickly for serving.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's Cherry Pie recipe!

Happy eating!
Bee

National Try a New Recipe Week - Day 1

Is it just me, or does it seem like every week there is a National [insert random item] Day being celebrated?

"National Guacamole Day"

"National Donut Day" 

 It's not just for celebrating foods either.  Our kitchen calendar boasts "Teddy Bear Day" "National Talk Like a Pirate Day" and "Collect Rocks Day" in the month of September alone.

I get it.  An excuse to celebrate is ALWAYS welcome.  Something to look forward to, especially now that summer is over.  In that spirit, I would like to propose National Try a New Recipe Week. Seven days of celebrating in your kitchen,  fun easy healthy recipes, made by YOU at home! It's going to be so much fun!  Woooooo!

Today we kick off the week with PANZANELLA

For those who aren't familiar with Panzanella, it is a Tuscan-style bread salad.  It is fresh, brightly flavored, light and super simple to make.

1 day-old baguette (I used white, but multigrain also works) - cut into cubes, tossed in extra virgin olive oil, s&p - toasted in the oven about 10 min (until crunchy but still chewy in the center)

Chop the following:

1/2 yellow bell pepper

1/2 orange bell pepper

3 med ripe vine tomatoes

1/2 red onion

1 med cucumber (peeled)

pitted kalamata olives (optional)

1/4 cup scallions

handful of fresh basil

handful of fresh oregano

Dressing: 

2 parts extra virgin olive oil

1 part balsalmic vinegar

1 part fresh lemon juice

s&p - pour into a small tupperware and shake it up well

Once the toasted bread has cooled, toss with the veggies and herbs and drizzle with dressing. Serve atop a bed of greens within an hour of dressing, so that the bread doesn't get soggy. Isn't it beautiful?!

Tune in tomorrow for Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti[squash]!

Happy Cooking!

Bee

Coming Soon...

Greetings from sunny California, readers!

I believe that we, as humans, are shaped by the people with whom we share our lives. From the family members that raise us, to friends, teachers, and co-workers...they all change us and make us who we are. They add color to our world.  

In my case, I am surrounded by impossibly talented people, and, yes, I realize how immensely lucky it makes me. On that note, I am thrilled to introduce, BEE MY GUEST: a weekly post, written by a guest blogger (my ridiculously creative, talented, beautiful, hard-working friends and family) to help inspire your life as well.   

The posts will vary in theme, so get psyched to read anything and everything!  From funky-cool DIY projects, to vegetable gardening advice, to a new at-home yoga routine, to stunning travel stories, to effective organic beauty products. I mean hey, I didn't call it a "Lifestyle" blog for nothing!

Cheers to exciting new collaborations!

Happy living!

Bee 

Confession: I watch (and love) commercials

In an era where DVR is the norm, commercials have become a forgotten gem. We live in a DVR free household, part of our attempt to "live in the moment"- no it's not, I'm lying. We're just cheap.

So, for today's post, I'd like for all you DVR devotees to see what you're missing in the world of television advertising. Here's a peek at some of my favorites:

10: Subaru: Jr Driver - This kid is comedic genuis.  

9. Subway: Crop Fit - This is so punny!

8. HoneyMaid: Wholesome Families - Oh jeeze, I, I think there's something in my eye...

7. iPhone 5S: Fitness - The song alone is worth the watch, (originally written for President Kennedy's 1962 President's Council on Physical Fitness) but it also gets me motivated...to buy more fitness apps, not actually exercise (duh!)

6. Chevy Lifelong - seriously, get the tissues...

5. Geico: Happier than Paul Revere with a cell phone - Ole' Paul liked charades, who knew?

4. Geico: This little Piggy - Weeeeeeeeeee! Geico always nails it.  Always.

3. Applegate Farms: Mooscles - Funny and informative. Moooo.

2. Extra Gum:The little things - So sweet...seriously, where did I leave those dang tissues?!

1.  Honda Element: Gil the Crab - an oldie but still holds the title for BEST COMMERCIAL. EVER.

**(if you have some time, watch all of the Gil videos.  The "Big Game Spot" and the one with the lobster are also perfection)

Happy viewing!

xoxo, Bee