10 for '10: cook up a storm

resolution #3: another step in my self-improvement process is to master my kitchen. i've always liked to cook and recently the interest has grown into more of an obsession. i love to eat but more than that, i love to feed and i adore taking the time and love to make something beautiful...kitchen utensils are cute too. in order to keep on track with resolution #2 i must stay focused or, knowing myself, i'll end up like julia child with caulanders in every color and le creusets of every size.

this week i busted out some fresh baguettes, butternut squash-sage penne and sweet potato burritos. baking isn't really my strong suit but i hope to change that and i'm starting with a tart. remember that butternut squash-pomegranate galette i talked about? well i made it and oh man it was sooo goood....perhaps the extra butter i added to the dough? i also improvised by adding turnip and extra sage.

beautiful butternut, ready for slicing


i love the taste of turnips


veggie medley


salt and pepper-infused galette dough


ready for baking!


food porn close-up


ta-daaa


top with pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts and get ready for a slice of heaven...

for other yummy-sounding savory tarts and pies try this or this.

bon appetit!

tea for two, jan.10

i am in need of a pick-me-up! normally at the end of a work day...or, in today's case, a jury duty day...i get a little jolt of energy. but lately i'm so groggy and ready for a nap. i'm hoping this is just a mid-winter thing and not some bad germs having their way with me. so maybe what i'm in need of is less pick-me-up and more cup-of-relaxation...something like this cutie should do the trick:



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10 for '10: wear out my passport

resolution #2: this year I vow to pinch as many pennies as possible so that I can travel a ton. i want a roadtrip to savannah, a mini vacay to santa fe, a study abroad reunion/ golden bday party in sevilla, christmas in copenhagen and new years in reykjavik and i'm hoping that $100 from each weekly paycheck will get me there. any true traveler needs a few good accessories and these are at the top of my list...

a cashmere pashmina is perfect and easy to pack for any weather, anywhere
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my trusty chucks are great for all seasons and only get better with age (*)


a globe bank serves as two-fold inspiration and makes a cute, colorful little addition to your home (*)


the Canon Rebel T1i is my last big purchase before travels!
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you've seen this one before- a gold pen necklace is ideal for postcard-writing on the go (*)


...so what are your travel must-haves?

rune guneriussen, jan.10

i'm so very in love with rune guneriussen's photogrpahy, especially these little illuminated paths to secret winter gardens...heaven to me.

snow business, jan.10

this recipe for maple syrup taffy sounds umm-azing. i'm so jealous of anyone with snow access right now!

pom wonderful, jan.10

i have a new food crush: pomegranates. on the outside they are such a mysterious looking piece of produce, but on the inside it's a treasure chest of little ruby jewel-wrapped seeds. last weekend i added pomegranate seeds to an arugula, beet, squash seed salad - part of a dinner i made for my lovely friend lynners in an attempt to lure her to new york for good. here is a similar recipe- i improvised a bit and skipped the feta.

this butternut squash + pomegranate galette is next on my to-make list, i think i'll serve it with a savory salad and wintery cocktail for my ladies tomorrow night...i'll let you know how it goes!

martha's champagne pops, jan.10

party season has come to a little halt, but i can't wait to make these pretty liqueur lollipops someday soon. perfect for new years, weddings, fancy brunch or any other champagne celebration.

cheers!

10 for '10: words of wisdom

After seeing this quote twice in a day, it seemed appropriate to share with you. Some words of wisdom from an honest man- good advice for a new year and a positive outlook...

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,
or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." ~ Abraham Lincoln

10 for '10: write away

i'm not usually big on resolutions but life seems harder to keep up with these days, so i came up with a little list of ten things i'd like to attempt, improve on or cross off in 2010.

1. stay in better touch with friends old and new, far and wide. i'd like to enlist the help of these little gems...a new year is never complete without a few new accessories to keep you on track...

how about a beautiful bright yellow montgomery ward escort 55? it just begs you to keep up the correspondence.

a rosy red clog pen holder adds some cheer.

postal co for opening ceremony makes letter writing cool and superconvenient!

this little red notebook is the perfect place to pen bdays and addresses and love notes in the making.

a cute quirky paper organizer adds quick pizazz to any desktop!

for notes-on-the-go, wear your pen close to your heart a la Joan Holloway.

bonjour 2010!

hello boos! after a much needed mini-getaway and awesome visit with fam and friends i am back and feeling happy, healthy, inspired and really excited for the year and decade ahead! stay tuned for my list of a few 2010 to-dos...

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