A pantry post

Reading the blogs about 30 for 30 has inspired me try and shop more in my own closet.  That concept also made its way to the kitchen. Last week I posted about how the hubs and I are trying to eat the food in our pantry and/or freezer.   While I was working out I was thinking about dinner.  I pretty much think about my next meal whenever I workout.  I knew we had some crushed tomatoes and polenta, so I decided to throw something together with those ingredients.  I added can of anchovies as well (anchovies just add a nutty flavor when cooked down).

a few items from pantry

 I sauteed some onions and garlic with the anchovies then added the crushed tomatoes.  Once seasoned,  I let it simmer and moved on to prep for a salad and the dressing.  I am a huge fan of a quick balsamic vinaigrette.   I fried slices of the polenta in olive oil along with some baby portobello mushrooms.  I plated the polenta, mushrooms and topped with the sauce.  Parmesan cheese was sprinkled on everything and I then enjoyed a quick meal.   Hubs is working, so it was just me & the pups. 


served on a small plate

  

and a generous salad to round out the meal

I am not a vegetarian, but I do not consume meat with every meal.   I think I need to go find something sweet since dinner is out of the way.   And the dishes are calling me....

5 for $25

I am a sucker for this marketing.  Yes, I am referring to one of the many ways Victoria's Secret lures me and countless other shoppers into their store or website.   Who can resist five new pairs of panties for a mere $25.  I know I cannot, time and time again.   So just for fun, I am going to count how many pairs of VS panties I have.  I do go through them regularly and get rid of the older ones.   Granted, none of them are really that old.  As I was putting away the laundry I began my count.    I stopped when I got to 40, I felt there was no need to go on.   How can it be that I have so many pairs of panties?   The majorities are VS, but I  do own other brands as well.   The upside is that I could go a pretty long time without having to wash any.  

VS is having a sale - seven pairs for $25.50.  I am going to stay strong and not buy any.  Although some new undies would be much healthier and cuter in my Easter baskets.... So my belles,  have you ever counted anything in your wardrobe and been shocked?

Photos from Victoria's Secret.

Spring and things

I love the warmth of spring, which means a change in clothes as well as food.   Coats and boots will be shed until fall and heavy comfort food will be replaced with grilling (I grill out year round) and lighter fare.   I have already begun to switch out my clothes.  I am a fan of organizer Peter Walsh and how he feels about clutter.  I am trying to follow his rule that when you buy a new item, you get rid of an old one.   I have several bags of clothes to deliver to a local mission that sells everything for just a $1.   I found a bunch of things that still have the tags on.    I am even trying to clean out our freezer as well.   My husband & I decided to try and eat what we have already purchased.  It is amazing the amount of food we waste between the two of us.   I keep on thinking about Japan and their struggles.  We are so very blessed to have too much.  So many have nothing.  I am proud of the American people once again opening their wallets and donating to the relief effort.  

Gap Japan relief tee

Gap is limiting their tees to a handful of stores, so your best bet to order it online.  I am thinking about getting one for the hubs.  He is a tee shirt kind of a guy.

I hope you are enjoying the beauty of spring.  Please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts.  

Thanks to the Gap facebook page for the photo of their wonderful tees.

Still shopping for a cause

I don't know about you, but I am highly likely to purchase something if the proceeds go to a great cause.   On Tuesday, I ordered the Tory Burch & Rue La La  for Japan Relief shirt and was thrilled to see that Kate Spade would be offering a tote for Japan.  I found this out via being a fan of Kate Spade on facebook and like many others, I had fb open for a few days waiting for the link to the pre-sale.   Boy, some of the comments on fb were crazy and mean.  I think a few are trying to score a great deal and forgetting the tragic reason behind the product.   There is a  limit of four shirts on Rue La La, which I think is a smart idea ensuring that more people have a chance to order one.   I saw a posting on fb that someone bought 30 of the totes.   That is ridiculous!  If you are that gung-ho to help Japan, please make a straight donation.    

Tory Burch & Rue La La for Japan

                                       

Kate Spade Support Japan Tote

I guess I am one of the few lucky ones,  I ordered mine without any problems.  It appears they sold out quickly, not surprising given the feedback on fb.  Kate Spade posted that they will be trying to get more shipped out to stores for sale.   I feel for the folks at Kate Spade just trying to do some good,  I feel even more for the people of  Japan.    

p.s.  I have the Marimekko® tote for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.  Another great cause!

Thank you to Rue La La and Kate Spade facebook for use of their photos.

Looking past the brand

Let me preface this post by saying that I am not a runner.   I have marathon runners in the family, but the running gene passed me by (the shopping and eating gene is for another post).   Needless to say that did not stop me from signing us up for a charity 5k race in May.   This led to the hubs stating that we needed new running shoes and off to DSW we went.   I knew the running shoes I wanted.   I love Jullian Michaels from the Biggest Loser and have seen her ads for the new, super cute K-Swiss Tubes.   I found my size in pink and proceeded to try them on.   I have worn New Balance in the past and grabbed a pair to do a little comparison.   So there I was running around the store in two different shoes (and yes, getting strange looks from other shoppers) on the verge of buying the Tubes.  I decided that I would look and see where the shoes where made.    In doing so, I immediately made up my mind.   Here is a picture of my new kicks. 

  

New Balance won me over

And the reason why

  

Sure the color may be from last season - who cares!  I am just glad that they are assembled in the USA.   I wore them yesterday while I was walking/running and saw two bald eagles.   Do you think that was a sign? 

Grits aren't just for shrimp

My husband is still eating low carb and we have incorporated more seafood into our diet.    He bought a lovely piece of salmon and grilled it for dinner last night.   We slacked off and used dried dill instead of fresh.   I had some frozen veggies that needed to be eaten, so those were added to the menu.  (I know frozen veggies may turn off some foodies).  The garden will be planted soon, and fresh veggies will be available before we know it.  I felt the overall meal lacked something.  So.... I made some grits and added a blend of white cheddar and Gruyere cheeses.   I topped it off with fresh cracked pepper.    I apologize that the presentation is poor and the quality of the photo is not top notch.   I decided right before I took a bite to snap off a quick picture. 

I will say that the grits were a delicious accompaniment to the salmon.   Next time I try this, I will give polenta a whirl.  As I type, I am planning future meals.  Hmmm, scallops with grits, oh my.   I think I see an increase of grits in my future.

Shop for a great cause

I love the Give & Get  spring shopping event that Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Gap Outlet hold.  Yesterday I visited Gap & Banana and bought some jeans and cardigans.   Today I shopped Gap online and purchased a few more must haves.   I love it that my husband  knows the difference between skinny, boyfriend and boot cut jeans.   I think these tapered boyfriends are a must for spring. 

                                                                     (photo from Gap) 


Now that I got my shopping out of the way, it is time to go out to lunch and then shopping for dinner.   I hope I have some inspiration at the market.   

p.s. The 30% offer ends tomorrow, so get out there and shop!

Cream and sugar

I must admit that I spent most of my life as a tea drinker.  My parents fell in love with French Market Coffee when we lived in New Orleans and have been drinking it ever since.   The flavor was too bold for me, so I refrained from drinking their coffee and turned to tea.  Then I was wooed by Starbucks.  The shots of different flavors topped with whip had me hooked.  I received a coffee maker as a shower gift and for years it was only used when guests came over.  I finally started making my own and was thrilled at the array of flavored coffees and creamers.  Traveling lead me to one of my favorite coffees. 
 

Box waiting for me to get home

Toasted Coconut is delicious and Lion Coffee offers several flavored coffees as well as non flavored.  I would love to jet off to Hawaii whenever I need to replenish my supply, but ordering online is the next best thing. I was so happy to come home to the box pictured above.  Now if they would only make some for my Tassimo.

Life goes on

I still find myself thinking about and praying for the people of Japan.  I made donations to the Red Cross and I realize that I still need to eat, shop and share.  I had a wonderful lunch with one of my girlfriends today and talked about the tragedy in Japan and everything that is going on in our lives.   Lunch was at a little hole in the wall Mexican joint that makes the best guacamole.   It is the simple things that will bring us the most comfort, and I found comfort in the quacamole.  Call me crazy, but it did.   May you have a lovely day and find some comfort.

Japan

Like many people I know,  I am still in shock over Friday's devastation in Japan.  I can not bring myself to write about food when I know millions of people have not eaten in over three days, or about a cute outfit I bought when some only have the clothes on their backs.   I am thankful that the U.S. has sent aid.  I am hopeful to see a few more rescue stories among all the recovery ones.   I am grateful that the people I know that live there are all safe.  I am praying for the people in Japan and those assisting them.

Bradford Pear starting to bloom

 Seeing the new growth of spring brings me solace that Japan will overcome this tragedy.   Please keep the Japanese in your thoughts.  Here is a link to donate to the  Red Cross.

You had me at... on sale

I don't know about you, but I love it when I am shopping for something specific and come across a great deal.    That is what happened to me when I found an Elie Tahari black sequined tank.   I knew I had to snap it up, even though it is not my size.  A trip to the tailor will fix that or I can go for  a looser look with some leggings and a great pair of heels.  

I know that you have to be in the right frame of mind to go through the sales rack.  In fact, my mood improved once it rang up for..... drum roll please,  $15.00.   I think saving $163 should be worth the hubs taking me for on a night on the town.  And I know just what to wear.    
                                        

Back to baking

 I am starting to feel like my old self which has brought me back to my kitchen, and I was welcomed back with open arms.    Last night I made the Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars from  the March edition of Bon Appétit.  I am glad to report that not one of my co-workers have given up sweets for Lent.   I followed the recipe and have decided that I will tweak it the next time I prepare it.  (ie. I would soften the butter, add more jelly and may even switch to strawberry jam).    I have had nothing but raves from my co-workers that never seem to mind being my food guinea pigs.  I did find them to have a rich texture so a glass of milk would be perfect with these.   The hubs did wish he was not eating low carb once he saw the results.  That just means more for me.

Going into the oven

Ready to enjoy

Happy baking to you.

Anonymous

I have created this blog without telling a soul ~ except for the hubs.   I post on fb, along with everyone and their mother, but wanted a place where I could speak my mind without censoring myself.   I work in a very conservative profession.   Which became quite apparent when my husband was adding some much needed to hooks to my closet, and he commented that I wear a lot of black and gray.  I looked and he was right.  I have decided that I need to get a pair or two of non neutral heels that will add a pop of color to my suits.   Now... what color(s) shall I buy?  I do love this red little number.

Ivanka Trump Bulbli

  Photo from Piperlime

I must admit that I have been wowed by the blush tones in my quest for colored shoes and I adore too many pairs to post.    I have a feeling this spring may see a surge in my shoe spending.  I will chalk it up to doing my share in aiding the economy.

Tummy troubles

Nothing makes me sadder than having a stomach flu or having a severe cold and not being able to taste food.   I am currently suffering from a bug that has reduced me to eating soup, crackers and drinking giner ale for the past several days.  I normally prepare pretty delicious meals on weekends and I enjoy the whole experience of cooking.  From deciding on the menu, the aromas leading up to meal and then the food itself.   The highlight of this weekend was adding some extras to my oatmeal.  Yes, I know it is sad.   So here is a picture of the craisins, my favorite granola and some almonds that kept the oatmeal company.   I must admit that I did wash it down with Hawaiian toasted coconut coffee. 

                           

I am thinking positively that I will be back to feeling  normal this week and will be able to attack my weekend meal planning with gusto.   I hope you all are healthy and can enjoy something delicious for me.  I shall be doing that in my dreams....

A bit of flash

Spring is right around the corner and I am thrilled.  I am so excited to wear wedges, wide leg jeans and some adorable sweaters that I bought during the bitter cold of winter.   Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of skinny jeans/cargos and the ever so comfy Ugg boot.  I enjoy the clothes of winter, just not the weather.   I have been good about keeping up with my pedis and am ready to show the toes at a moments notice. (I'm addicted to flip flops!)    A new purse is waiting in the wings for the temperatures to climb.    While I was pondering over which purse to buy, I saw this adorable ring at Kate Spade.  It was on sale and I knew I had to get it.  The price is dropping so I recommend buying one while/if you can, it comes in black, clear and gold.  Wearing it just makes me smile,  makes the day seem brighter and the night sparkle.  

Photo from Kate Spade

                                           

Blogging newbie

This blog is a result of my wonderful BIL.  While on vacation in Hawaii, he was amazed at the amount of food I consumed, as well as my always thinking (okay, more like dreaming) of my next meal.  He joked about blogging about me on his travel site.   So here we are today with me starting my own… I also am a fan of fashion and I love to just have a great time, hence the name of my blog.

I wonder if my love of food is a learned behavior.  My father is the same way.  It may be attributed to his Italian American upbringing.   Food and family seem to blend beautiful together and every event leads to a fabulous meal.    My mother is a natural in the kitchen.  She can prepare a stunning meal from any cuisine.   I am so lucky to have been able to grow up watching her in the kitchen.  

p.s.  If you ever in Honolulu, you must try the malasadas from Leonard's Bakery.   

                                                             (photo from the Star Bulletin)