Dinner for Two...

Nuthin' says lovin' like 3-course home-cooked meal from the heart, especially in this house :)

All 3 of these recipes are super easy and quick to prepare, full of healthy whole-ingredients, while still being scrumptious and romantic!


Crisp Veggie Salad with "Lemon Sauce"-
2 cups of dark leafy salad greens (I used baby kale)
1 cup of grape tomatoes halved
1 bell pepper chopped
1 cup fresh green beans
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 persian cucumbers chopped
(any of your other favorite veggies...but keep it light, the main course is RICH)
1/4 cup of chopped scallions
S&P to taste

Lemon Sauce-
This dressing recipe is from my dear friend, Sonal.  Her crazy adorable kids eat it on EVERYTHING and affectionately refer to it as Mama's lemon sauce.
1/4 cup olive oil (light, not extra virgin)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
5 fresh garlic cloves minced and ground with a mortar+pestle
S&P
1 tsp good dijon mustard
Stir or shake vigorously until emulsified

Spaghetti + Turkey Meatballs-
1 lb (organic, anti-biotic free, and lean) ground turkey
2 organic eggs
1.5 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 tbs oregano (I use ground, but flakes work as well)
1 tbs thyme ( I used fresh but dried also works)
2 tbs each sea salt + black pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 yellow onion finely chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic minced

In a large mixing bowl, mix all of the ingredients together (Use your hands. Yes, it's messy, but it's the best way to mix it evenly, plus, it's FUN!)

Turn on your crock pot to high setting and pour in your favorite marinara sauce (about 12oz).  I usually use my own sauce, but this time, I used Rao's low-sodium marinara sauce to save time.

Roll the meat mixture into balls (about the size of a golf ball), and set aside. Tip: dip hands in water to keep the mixture from sticking to you while you form the balls. In a hot non-stick pan with a few drops of olive oil, place the meatballs.  After about a minute turn them 2-3 times to allow for browning on all sides.  Once all of the meatballs are browned, place them carefully into the sauce.
Allow to simmer in there for at least 2 hours (warning: simmering may cause irresistible smells)

Boil your favorite spaghetti with a bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking and salted for flavor (I like whole wheat pasta).

Serve pasta topped with turkey meatballs and marinara sauce.  Fresh ground black pepper and shaved parmesan cheese as desired.

Handmade Biscuits topped with Bourbon Berry Compote+ Whipped Cream-
2.5 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix (you can use any pancake mix)
1/3 cup skim milk
1/3 cup sweet butter (softened)
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Mix in a bowl with fingers until dough forms.  Roll into a log.  Cut into 1-1.5 inch thick rounds and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown.

Bourbon Berry Compote-
1 pint of halved hulled strawberries
1 pint of blueberries
1/4 cup bourbon of choice
2 drops of vanilla extract
1/3 cup of raw sugar

In a small saucepan, on med heat, slowly bring bourbon, sugar and vanilla together to a slow boil. Stir constantly until the sugar is disolved.  Toss in the berries and turn heat to low.  Stir occasionally and remove from heat once the compote thickens to a syrup- like consistency (about 25 min).

I cup whipping cream (aka: heavy cream), 2 drops of vanilla extract and 1 tsp of confectioners sugar. Using a hand mixer, whip until the cream peaks. Be careful not to whip it too long, or else you'll have butter.

Serve biscuits warm topped with compote and cream.
Sorry there is no finished product photo of this recipe, we were too busy stuffing our faces to photograph it...living in the moment and such.

How good does this biscuit look? It tasted even better

Tyler gave this dessert an A++

Happy eating, friends!
-Bee

PS. Stay tuned for recipe cards

Typography Love

...One Kind Word Can Change Someone's Whole Day...

The beauty of typography is highly underrated, despite being one of the most accessible forms of art. When we moved into our apartment, I stumbled upon an old Speedball textbook from the 1960's that Ty's grandmother gave him. Every now and then I pick it up and try my hand at learning a new font. The hardest part for me is keeping them a consistent size...practice makes perfect, but I still like playing nonetheless. Handmade cards, framed quotes, love notes...

Here are some gorgeous examples for you to feast your eyes upon

Happy writing!

Bee

Feathers & Arrows...

Arrows+Feathers...they are a perfect pair, just like peanut butter+jelly, bees+honey, ying+yang.

I have had a growing attraction to them for about a year now. And it's entirely possible that they are usurping the anchor+rope as my favorite motif.  

Anyhow, here are some examples of how to accessorize life with Arrows & Feathers!

A DIY Leather Cord & Silver Feather Charms Necklace

West Elm Striped Throw Blankets with arrow detail

 His&Hers arrow details on the blankets...
Monogrammed, obviously!

Threshold Feather Throw Pillows

Paper Source Sonix iPhone 5S cover - stylish and life-proof!

Our newest addition: real ARROWS
(From my favorite little floral and gift shop in Logan Square,
Fleur Chicago  I foresee many more trips there in my purchasing future!)

This whimsical watercolor (ETSY) is on my wishlist for our bedroom.

These DIY paper feathers as package embellishment are
Christmas 2014 inspiration (I'm thinking GOLD!)

Happy decorating!

Bee

The Dying Art of the Thank-You Note...

Last night, as I was snuggled up, watching the new NBC comedy, 'Bad Judge' (which is hilarious by the way), Kate Walsh's character delivered the following punchline: It's like getting a present and having to write a thank you note. It's just really not worth it".  While being a hilarious one-liner in a sit-com, it is an all too true reality in today's society. But writing the note and showing thanks IS ALWAYS WORTH IT.

In a world of instant gratification, the slow art of mailing a hand-written gesture of appreciation to friends and family is being pushed to the wayside.  While I do love a very public Facebook Thank You, social media is generally impersonal. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, will replace the personalized hand-written, snail-mailed thank-you note. 

When one arrives in my mailbox, I get a wonderful fuzzy feeling (anything in the mail that isn't a bill or advertisement does it for me, but especially personalized notes).  Nothing says "I appreciate you/gift/help/friendship" more than taking a moment out of the daily hustle to send a note of gratitude (plus finding a stamp and mailbox to drop it in).

Here are some tips for making Thank-You note writing just as fun to give as to receive:

Oodles of Notes:

When you are expecting to receive many gifts (Birthday, Shower, Graduation, Wedding) bring a little notebook to keep a record of specifics; who gave you what.  That way you don't have to guess or even worse, send a note for the wrong present, eek! 

Be prepared, always keep stationary or note cards stocked (like you would do with toilet paper).  Don't worry, it doesn't need to be customized monogrammed stationary (it is a dream fantasy of mine, but not necessity).  Nowadays there are thousands of stylish, beautiful, whimsical and quirky stationary options that are very inexpensive.  Places like TJ Maxx, Home Goods, The Paper Source, Target, even CVS carry fun options.  Also, try to always keep a book of stamps stocked in your home. 

When you have a whole bunch of people to thank, don't avoid the pile because it's overwhelming, try writing them a few each day.  You'd be surprised at how fast you can get through them. Baby-steps!

Lastly, keep addresses organized.  Put the addresses of friends and family in a spreadsheet.  When they move, be sure to keep it up-to-date, so you're always ready to send! 

The Wordy-Stuff:

Now, just sending a note in the first place is thoughtful, but let's strive for more, shall we? Not everyone is a naturally eloquent writer, so here are some helpful guidelines:

~ a cheerful greeting

~ thank recipient for the gift/help - remember to be specific

~tell them how you will use it/what you love about it

~be fun - include a photo, little quote or colored pens to add that lil extra sumthin'

~ wrapping up - to end your note always be positive and uplifting - don't worry about sounding          sappy, friendly words are contagious and addictive

~ most importantly, speak from the heart!

It's all in the Details:

Here are some favorite stationary companies that I am completely obsessed with:

Rifle Paper Co

The Rifle Paper Company note is for those moments when only a beautiful will do and are perfect for the more formal occasion.  These cards (all of their products for that matter) are nothing short of gorgeous!

Julieannart on Etsy 

Julieannart is for your closest of friends. Those who can take the hilariously inappropriate messages written on these kick-ass cards. Needless to say, my potty mouth and I are OBSESSED and love following spunky JulieAnn on Instagram.

Kate Spade

Always a good idea to keep these standard styles stashed away for those unexpected Thank You's, and who better than Kate Spade to provide a witty, lady-like timeless card!

Lastly, if you're crafty, and have supplies laying around, don't be afraid to consider a hand-made hand-written thank-you card.....hello glitter and glue sticks! Here is a silly one that I made and sent to Tyler last year for sending me gorgeous birthday flowers!

Cheers & Happy Thanking!

Bee

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