May 22, 2014

Avocado Sushi Bites

Alright. I’ve done plenty of sweet snacks, let’s do something savory! Cooper and I really love the roasted seaweed sheets from Trader Joe’s. I can eat two whole packages in less than 2 minutes. It’s messy and they’re fine on their own, but why don’t we do something else with them instead of jam them into our faces? I sliced avocado and put them on two doubled up sheets of nori, topped each sushi bite with a little bit of sriracha, a few carrot shreds (for color and crunch!) and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. It’s makeshift sushi without the rice! It’s my new favorite way of eating avocados. Enjoy this healthy snack!

around the home

May 21, 2014

HS: Organized Makeup Drawer

I can always tell how chaotic my life is when I open up my makeup drawer. Same goes for my purse… my car…and the inside of my fridge. Oof. I was checking out my old High Straightenance on Homefries and couldn’t believe that it’s been almost 2 years since I cleaned out/reorganized my makeup drawer. YIKES. Time to remedy that!

Inspiration, Outfitting

May 20, 2014

Outfitting: All Maxed Out

ONE/TWO/THREE/FOUR/FIVE/SIX

A maxi dress is my secret weapon during the summer months. It’s one article of clothing that covers the whole body…. which means there’s so much less to coordinate! One of my favorite dresses this year has been this black maxi dress from Old Navy. It’s super versatile and I’ve found it to be great for traveling because I can create so many different looks with it! I simply add a statement necklace and wedges to fancy it up or wear a maxi dress with flip flops, a denim button up shirt and a long necklace for my favorite casual look.

Right now, I’m looking to add another maxi to my wardrobe. Perhaps one of these striped numbers? Number 3 is begging for a chunky yellow necklace and number 5 wants a flawy scarf with neon pink splashes. Number 2 looks like a good option to slip into after you’ve been in a bathing suit all day and I’d totally wear #1 with my red salt water sandals for 4th of July!

What I love about this selection is that any one of these dresses could easily transition from a long day at work to poolside living with cocktails and friends. And really, nothing should stop us from making that happen as soon as humanly possible.

*this post contains affiliate links

recipes

May 19, 2014

Cream of Artichoke Soup

I have a super long list of recipes I want to make but every now and then I get super indecisive and can’t make up my mind. When I’m stumped, I simply ask Casey what he’s in the mood for. I always know his reply will be something in the hearty/creamy/meaty/warm spectrum. Last week it was:

“Cream of Artichoke Soup. Yeah. Make that.”

OK. Decision made. That was easy.

I never had Cream of Artichoke Soup until I went to Duarte’s Tavern in Pescadero with Casey and his family. If you haven’t been there, GO. It’s a real treat. When it’s a cold and foggy day, nothing tastes better than their creamy artichoke soup with torn hunks of warm sourdough bread. For Casey, it reminds him of his childhood. It’s because it’s a bowl of comfort. I totally get that.

We had this soup last week for dinner. It’s perfect for a chilly Spring night. A night where you feel a little bit of wind and you’re not quite ready to go sleeveless. A night when you are partially excited for warm weather but content with being inside, enjoying artichoke season.

my everyday life, Photography

May 17, 2014

My Everyday Life: Week 20

Here’s what this past week looked like:

I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Cooper. EVER.

May 16, 2014

I love lists, Friday!

So THAT’S why I’m having a hard time peeling my hard boiled eggs.
Things You’ll Never Hear San Franciscans Say.
The moon over the GGB was AMAZING this week.
Love this Vegan Egg Cream Soda….and the gif at the end!
Grilled- Grilled Cheese Sandwich. I forgot how much I love Alton Brown!
Being the Unseen. I loved this so much.
This mom approves of these Lemon Lemonies! They look so good.
Facts about TV Shows you may not know. I love stuff like this.
If you’re in your 30s like me, you might get a little sentimental with this post.
I’m a sucker for good yearbook photos.
My dad never made us pancakes.
I can’t believe this is really a thing now. WTF.
Hello, DREAM HOME.
People around the world posing with how much food they eat in one day.
Amazing artwork and Happy Birthday, Danielle!
These Cucumber Mint Gin Coolers might be my Summer 2014 drink
Oh NOOOOOO this changes how I feel about Matthew McConaughey in TD
I really enjoy Leah’s Wednesday essays. You’ll like this one.
Being seen when you’re serving others. Thought provoking!
Sweet potato nachos??!! SIGN ME UP.
19 Lies Parents Tell to Their Kids. Haha.

Alexandra Whitney adapted my Goat Cheese & Arugula Pizza

Leighto Greato made my Homemade Ricotta

recipes

May 15, 2014

Strawberries+Cream Cheese+Brown Sugar

Dip a strawberry into cream cheese (room temperature works best) and dunk it into a small bowl of brown sugar. Look at you! You’re on your way to makeshift strawberry cheesecake-land. Now let’s add a graham cracker (or crumbs?!) to this this situation and maybe a drizzle of nutella? Mind blown. You just created a perfect snack/dessert!