Saturday, July 30, 2011

nature trails





Cami: Forever 21. Shorts: TJMaxx (also seen here). Bag: Target. Flip Flops: Guess via DSW.



an impromptu trip to the park calls for a basic cami and shorts - in a camo color palette, no less. simple, basic: works for me!

Friday, July 29, 2011

from the closet vault


My closet is crammed and overflowing with clothes. It always is, no matter how many times I clean it or how many trips to Plato's Closet I make.
So it's really no surprise that I tend to forget what I own.
I dug this shirt/dress up from the back of my closet and it's perfect for this summer weather.
While I'm not a big fan of red, I really like this.
Simple red touches, a cute print, a great sillouhette, and a puppy. What more do you need?


Shirt/Dress: Forever 21. Necklace: Forever 21. Shorts: Old Navy, originally jeans.



Thursday, July 28, 2011

a wrapped summer lunch

I love lazy summer days that involve nothing but watching law and order, doing some laundry, hanging out on the balcony, and making a really delicious lunch.
There is something really enjoyable, really exciting about cooking for one. You can make what you want, you can take all the time that you want, and you can sit down on the couch with a nice glass of wine and enjoy every morsel.


This is a lazy summer day kind of lunch. It’s light, but satisfying. Messy, filling, and just plain good.
Shredded pork lettuce wraps are a total win.
To begin, grab yourself a hunk of pork. I usually just grab a small boneless pork loin. No need for those big hunkin' picnic roasts. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
Heat a deep pot, add some olive oil and brown the pork loin on all sides. Set the loin aside and add in some sliced onions and garlic. Then go for a good glug of red wine and some stock - chicken or beef, whichever.
Add the pork back in. You want the liquid to almost cover the pork. Gently simmer it and 2-3 hours later you will have one tender, shred-worthy piece of pork.
Shred it up and throw it back into the pot. The liquid will have reduced a good bit, but keep reducing it til it glazes the pork. Hit it with a good squeeze of lemon or lime for a sharp finish.


Now: Grab yourself some lettuce leaves (romaine is fine, butter is great, iceberg is ok - albeit, tasteless). Set up your little lettuce wrapping station with diced carrots and cucumber, cilantro, feta, and toasted almonds.


Assemble, roll, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Glass of wine, sunshine, and lettuce wraps: have a lovely summer lunch.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

heatwave

If you were to ask me what my favorite season was, I would be torn. Right now I would tell you that I love summer. I love the sun, the lazy beach days, the right to wear short shorts and flip flops. Give me 6 months and I would tell you how much I love the winter.
(Though can I really be sure that I love winter when the winters I experience are kind of a sham?)
But really, I think there’s something to be said for a Florida summer. The sun, the sand, the beaches, the unbearable, sticky humidity.
And with the country reaching record heat waves, sometimes finding something to wear that will actually be comfortable in the heat is quite the chore.



Dress: Old Navy. Shades: Forever 21. Necklace: Forever 21.

I found this little dress on sale at Old Navy for $6. It has become a serious staple.
In the hottest of summer days, one of my favorite feelings is taking an ice cold shower, stepping out, and slipping into a light and breezy summer dress.


I’ve worn this one to the beach and pool numerous times, but it works wonders for just running some simple errands.
A simple, delicate necklace, hair up, flip flops and some shades and I am good to go.

Monday, July 18, 2011

puppy duty calls

...as does puppy doody.
I've been absent for a good bit, I know.
About a month ago we adopted a little puppy. She was found abandoned out in the Everglades, possibly abused.
Bringing her home (and the days that followed) were a bit of a challenge. But in the time that we've had her she has made wonderful progress. She eats like a maniac and she loves to chew on her toys.
She walks around the house a lot and even jumps on the couch on occasion. She's still shy, but we just need to have some patience.
Oh, yes, I do have a picture actually...


Meet Sandy!
She's got beautiful, big floppy ears and adorable little paws and she's just a hoot.
This past month has been a bit of a transition. My wake-up time went from noon to 7am. We spent the first week cleaning up pee from the carpet and taking her to the vet (no easy feat).
My DVR full of Law & Order was calling my name, but it was put on hold.
The weeks that followed have been easier. We've gotten the hang of the change and my Law & Order addiction is back in action.
Dinner on the other hand has not been so regular. We make dinner once a week, if that, these days.
But what there hasn't been a shortage of around here has been sweets. You know how much I love my sweets.
Like this chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse.


Or these mini chocolate cupcakes with a Bailey's whipped cream!


or even this fantastic chocolate peanut butter ice cream that I have made twice already. Twice!
So good.


I'm a serious choc-aholic in case you didn't notice.
I can't help myself. Especially with these goodies galore hanging out in my fridge.
Yum.
After the first month, I think we'll be able to fall back into the daily dinner schedule. But until then, we'll just hang out with Sandy and stuff our faces with sweets.