.friday

Off to the Big Apple for a few days where I shall mix business and pleasure. I am taking my baby girl(13, not so baby, anymore). She used to beg for a view of F.A.O. Schwartz on these trips. Now the view she craves is Top Shop. Things change WAY too quickly. Those of you with little ones, when you fall into bed exhausted at night, try and remember these are moments. Before you know it they will be taller than you and negotiating for the window seat, only one of which you can control.

xoxoxox

g.

.the big reveal

Sort of. So, I have been really flattered to receive numerous blog awards from really great people. The bummer is I imagine all of those great people are now thinking why did we give those to her, she has not even done her duty, followed the instructions, etc. I am going to. I just get flustered, start, stop, get anxious about leaving people out when passing them on...blah, blah....excuses, excuses, right? So here we go. One award specifies that I tell you seven things about myself, and I am going to do that just now.

1. I was born a red head. Clairol #376 medium is going to keep me that way.

2. I am unable to understand my kids math homework once they get to about sixth grade, but I am a great speller.

3. My fantasy football team is in first place. Enough said.

4. My son's is not. Now, enough said.

5. Even though I design things for a living, I cannot cut a straight line. No, not even with a ruler.

6. My husband finishes my sentences. They always sound better, too.

7. I never have any idea where I left my keys and it surprises me every time.

For those of you who have taken the time to do this correctly and have awarded me, it truly made my day to know you enjoy coming here. And I thank you.

.style or vile?

Lovely Liza from Postcards from Colorado is taking "a little break" from blogging which makes me more than a little sad, BUT, before she started to rest her creative, precious mind she forwarded this image to me and we screeched through cyberspace. Did you her us? She thought it might be perfect for style or vile and I agreed. So let's play!

Amazing space, gorgeous light, stylish room....what's with the testicles hanging from the ceiling?

Style or vile?

.serious swank

I am constantly mesmerized by the styling in certain catalogs. Anthropologie is right up there and these images are a testament as to why.

Do any of you watch Man Shops Globe on Sundance? It follows Keith, the head buyer at Anthro, on his travels around the globe searching for eccentric items for the 166 stores and customers. If not, try and catch it, if for no other reason than to see the amazing finds and talent that circle the globe.

(images via Anthropologie)

.Fall Friday

Some images to warm you up this brisk Autumn weekend. Thanks for visiting all week. Makes me smile....

xoxoxox

g

(images sensitive self and flickr)

.this would work

I would like to cook Nelya's meal in here. You? Slow to the party? See below.

(image via Decorno)

yum numero two

Ok, so I grabbed you with dessert first. Tricky....

From the wonderful Nelya of the inspiring(every post) Head Over Heels blog, we receive the second installment of our recipe gig. This is so good. So good.

Chili-Rubbed Skirt Steak and Romaine-Heart Salad

Adapted from Martha Stewart Everyday Food Cookbook, November, 2006

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chili-rubbed-skirt-steak)

We ate this all summer long. Seriously. All.Summer.Long. And by we, I don't mean myself and the dear man while the boys ate the usual standbys, pasta, hotdogs, and such. Nope, all four men ate this delicious, easy peasy steak and when I say eat, I really mean devoured. Yep, it's that good. Coupled with a nice green salad dressed in that creamy, yummy dressing and our favorite Nan bread (hello Publix Deli) brushed with olive oil and grilled to crisp perfection, you have a lovely, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8

• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons light-brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 1/2 to 3 pound beef skirt steak, cut into 8 even pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Heat grill to high. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, coriander, sugar, oregano, 1 tablespoon coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Coat steaks evenly on both sides with oil, then spice mixture, patting to adhere.
2. Place the steaks directly on grill, and grill 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Or to your preferred state of doneness. Transfer to a large platter, and cover with aluminum foil; let rest 10 minutes.
3. Remove foil and divide steaks among four serving plates. Drizzle with any accumulated juices, and serve with Romaine-Heart Salad.

And if you still have room, may I suggest these gorgeous, gooey, close to sinful macaroons. You can never go wrong with an Ina recipe, but just to up the sinful factor, once cooled, I dip these glistening beauties in some melted chocolate...just half of the cookie mind you. I know you're not supposed to melt chocolate in the microwave, but I put my semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, nuke them at 10 second intervals, stir each time...continue until melted. Works like a charm every single time. Just dip and repeat. Then, pile them up on a simple white plate and watch how quickly they disappear! Recipe can be found here:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/coconut-macaroons-recipe4/index.html

Thanks, Nelya. How delicious is this? Coming soon....be inspired by the creative mind of Mise over at Pretty Far West.

(steak image via Martha Stewart macaroons unknown)