sandr077

So, I an kind of into these swings right now.  I don't know what the heck I would do with one, but when I see them, they make me happy. Photo from Decor Pad I do have a swing in mind for our backyard.  Something for our little one that fits in with the "vibe"... that is when the "vibe" in our backyard is actually good!  Until next time...xoxo

Photo from Cook in Canuck Sorry I did not post on Friday- things are pretty busy these days.  But, I did get my act together this weekend and tried something new.  I made some compound butter!  Do you know what compound butter is?  It is butter with additional ingredients added?  Ever been to a restaurant that has yummy garlic butter to go with the rolls?  That...my friend is compound butter. Summer in New England is ripe with fresh herbs.  I love fresh herbs, but often I only use a little and the rest goes to waste.  When I googled around to see if you could somehow preserve herbs... I was introduced to the notion of making compound butter!   So,  since it is Meatless Monday- I will recommend compound butter for your vegetable medley, corn on the cob or pasta.  I whipped up a quick lunch on Saturday of some egg noodles with lemon dil butter.  It was light but flavorful!  Now, you can also use compound butter on meat- thro...

Ooh.... summer.... how you bring such cute shoes!  I recently stumbled (pun intended) upon an adorable espadrille.  I am obsessed with espadrilles!  These babies are on sale too.  What is not to love.? I picked up these babies in purple (my favorite color) for $32 (originally $89).   They have a plethora of colors... if purple is not your thing!   I love you Talbots! Now I just need to get a pedicure to show these babies off.  Shoe..... la ... la!  Until next time...xoxo

Yep, its Monday!  Here is another "meatless" dish to devour.  It is Farmer's market season here and I love love love getting fresh vegetables.  Beets are one of those things I NEVER had growing up, but once I  discovered....yummy!  When done right and with a fancy cheese.... perfection! I made this salad with meat .... but it is good enough to serve on its own for a light summer meal!  It is a Giada recipe . Ingredients 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons shallots, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon  honey 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 medium beets, cooked and quartered 6 cups fresh  arugula 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries 1/2 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed 3 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled Directions Line a baking sheet with foil. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Whisk  the vinegar, shallots, and honey in a medium bowl to  bl...

Perusing Pinterest .... I found a REALLY cool do-it-yourself idea.  Maybe I will do this on our basement stairs when we get around to finishing the playroom down there! :) Painting or wallpapering stair risers... why didn't I think of that? So many ideas.... so little time.  A baby does make it quite a challenge to complete any sort of project.  Someday!   Have a great weekend.  Until next time....xoxo

So, you may remember that I wrote about Birchbox a few weeks ago.  Read more about it here !   In short, Birchbox is a beauty subscription program where you get a box of samples monthly.  I was eagerly awaiting my box to arrive and it is here! There was no missing the box when it arrived at my door!   I tore open the box to find another box! I was excited to reveal the contents... five luxe samples. You also get a card that explains what each item is! Some of the samples are small (Deborah Lippman Nail Polish Remover), but some are full sized (Laura Geller Blush and Brighten).  The Archipelago Soap smells AMAZING!  Now, was it worth the $10... I would say yes.  But, let's break it down... shall we?  1.  Archipelago Pomegranate Soap sample (1.1 ounce).  Full size (10.8 ounces) is for sale at Amazon for $10.65.  Value of of Birchbox sample = $1.08 2.  Kate Spade Twirl sample (.05 fl oz).  Full size (1.7 fl oz) sells for $57....

Photo from Queen Mamas So, I did not have my act together for a Meatless Monday (to eat or to write about).  But, I have a good reason for being too busy to focus on a meal for the husband and I.... I have been focused on baby food!  Avery turned 6 months old and that means it is time for solid foods.  Yiipppeee! I have read a ton about the benefits of making your own baby food including that it is more "green" (less packaging), saves money, and fewer additives (you control... sugar, salt, butter, etc).  The main reason I decided to do it is that jarred food is full of vegetables that are months and months old and cooked to very high temperatures which changes the taste of the food along with the full nutritional value.  Do a taste test!  Make a puree and then taste the same veggie in a packaged baby food!  Not the same taste.  I want Avery to love real fruits and vegetables!   Hopefully she will have better food habits than I do. To get star...

I got my first pedicure of the season last year so I am really for summer shoes!  To celebrate my groomed toenails- I treated myself to a new pair of shoes.  I am always looking for a cute navy shoe as I tend to add a fair amount of navy into my summer wardrobe.  Navy is like my summer "black".... not that I don't still wear a ton of black.   Today's "Shoe of the Day" captures so many things that I love!  Espadrille... check!  Peep-Toe... check!  Flat....check!  Embellishment/flower....check!    How cute are these? They are made by Mia.  I got mine at Overstock for $48.   Piperlime and Amazon also got them! :)   Until next time....xoxo 

Photo by Lee Harrelson (via Cooking Light) Okay, here is Meatless Monday!  Yes, I realize it is Tuesday.... it has been one of those kinds of weeks/weekends.  I am trying to keep up!  This week's recipe was shared with me by my friend SH.    I was so glad she passed it along as I am not sure I would have tackled it, but I am glad I did!   Who does not love falafel?  I do and decided to try to make it for myself. This recipe is from Cooking Light, so it is healthy too! :) Ingredients Patties: 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 cup finely crushed baked tortilla chips (about 3/4 ounce) 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin 1 large egg white 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil Spread: 1/4 cup mashed peeled avocado 2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion 2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream 1 teaspoon fr...

So, last week I was in Chicago for work.  After a long day of meetings I meandered down Michigan Avenue back to my hotel.  I stumbled across Room and Board .... a big Room and Board and had to go in. Do you know of this store?  They have amazing stuff at somewhat affordable prices (not cheap but not ridiculous).   My friend NJ introduced me to this place in NYC a few years ago.  They only have stores in a handful of places, but they do ship almost everywhere. I meandered through the 3 story store with couches in mind!  As I have mentioned before - we are considering a new furniture arrangment in our home which requires two couches. Our current couch and loveseat are NOT in good shape... I really want new couches! My philosophy on couches is that you should always buy a solid neutral!  A good neutral couch is a like the perfect little black dress- you will never get bored and can "accessorize" to give it flair!  I am going practical these days and...

At Brimfield last month - I saw vintage flashcards.  I am kicking myself for not buying some.  I was trying to be practical.... as I did not know what I was going to do with them.   Has that ever stopped me before?  No!!! How cute are these flashcards is this in a nursery?  I could see it in a playroom too.  You would just have to find the right words! Love it, need some... they are being added to my mental "wish list". Until next time....xoxo PS- Meatless Monday will be back next week.  Had to break for meat given the Memorial Day holiday!