Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Mao's Last Dancer

This looks wonderful!

Greek Tragedy

It's the end of an era...my sandals that I have worn almost every day (weather permitting) since I went to Greece last year have died. I put them on after ballet class last week and while I was driving I felt something snap. When I got out of the car I looked down and saw nothing so I started walking and then sadly realized that they had broken. Well, they were only about $22 but they were the best sandals ever, they molded to my feet (as you can see in the photo). So comfortable, I almost cried.

Well, if I had to guess at what this means, I can clearly say, must be time to go to Greece again!

PS - they are still sitting by the back door today, like I could slide them right on and walk out and go on with my day, but I can't. I also can't take them to the garbage can. Sniff.

Fashion Love

Probably a good thing I am not tall and thin, otherwise I would be spending all of my hard earned money on these lovely things fresh off the runway for Spring 2011. I was looking for some inspiration for some Manic Monday posts and I got sucked right in to a world of fashion fantasy. Come join me....

I literally gasped when I saw this dress - so Tribal yet modern and orange! Hello, are those feathers at the bottom? I think I may be able to conquer the world in this dress!

Gucci Ready to Wear Spring 2011.

The color alone makes my heart rate speed up a bit. How I long for the Emerald City! Maybe the Wizard can help me get this dress! Gucci Ready to Wear Spring 2011. I bet if I wore this to my next job review, I would get a raise in a snap due to its ability to hypnotize anyone in its presence. Prada Ready to Wear Spring 2011. Tell the Skipper to bring the yacht around to the other side of the dock so as many people can see me as possible as I embark on my journey around the Mediterranean. Seriously, this dress and a GIANT sunhat and huge white sunglasses....I may even risk a lower SPF.
Prada Ready to Wear Spring 2011.
As a reward for living a year on nothing but water and French Leek Soup I might have to buy this one. Seriously, the striped skirt and the monkeys on the top. So many wrongs make it so right. Nobody talk to me until I have this outfit. Prada Ready to Wear Spring 2011.

All photos from Style.com
Warning...don't go there, you will spend hours watching runway shows (or maybe that's just me, but I don't believe this was an isolated incident).

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...
For once, I actually have some of the stuff in this post, the shoes (both pair) and the leotard!

Stretched Thin...

Photo - Diana Vishneva (dance.net)

It has been forever since I have updated, I have been stretched a little thin. Honestly, have been thinking, should I keep my blog - after going back and forth about it, I decided to keep it at least for a little while longer. Just seems I have not had time to post as of late and to be honest, life has not been that exciting. Here is an update in a nutshell:

• Parents are coming to visit for Thanksgiving
• We are going to AZ for Christmas
• Tim's Grandma passed away, very sad.
• Tim has been sick, but is on the mend now.
• Working on a HUGE project at work (what else is new, but really this is BIG, cannot disclose until it is done).
• Taking a ballet workshop that lasts a year! Two weeks in and I LOVE it. I super love muscle memory.
• In addition to aforementioned once a week ballet class, I added a midweek class that is a little more intense which I super love!
• Still hate sewing elastics on my ballet shoes - seriously thought about FedExing them to my Mom.
• Have spent some good, productive time at The Bird's Nest making books.
• Purchased my first Christmas present last week
• Have not cooked a meal at home in over a week
• I am way behind on all coorespondence

That's about it - if this counts for anything, I started this post on Friday and am just finishing it now (Sunday). Ech!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

*{Fabulous Find}*

Finally, after months of searching, I found the Goody Spin Pin the other night and I super love it. I almost always wear my hair in a bun of some sort and Goody claims this is how the "undone bun is done" and I think they are right. They also say it does the job of 20 bobby pins, I think they are right on that claim as well. I am so bad at styling my hair, I generally air dry and let it hang or pull it back, that is it (unless my sister is around the braid it) so this tool is great for someone like me.

These little spin pins can do no wrong in my book! One of them held my bun all day yesterday without loosening its grip! Where were these when I was taking ballet as a teen?

Here is the commercial that sucked me in! I didn't get all the other stuff as each item is sold separately at your local drug store, but check it out!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

*{Fabulous Find}*

Images from: Pashte on Etsy

I recently got a pair of Turkish Hamam Towels (peshtemal), I have always thought they were so beautiful but it seems like a lot of places that sell them advertise them for beach towels, waist cloths, table clothes and anything but a towel in your bathroom. They also mention the fact that they are highly absorbent, fast drying and take up little space (that is what sold me). I thought I would give it a try and see how I liked it as a towel after my shower or bath. After some research, I learned that you should wash the towel twice before using it, the more you wash it, the more absorbent it becomes. Today was the day...it was there hanging on the hook in my bathroom pink with white stripes and the size of a bath sheet all ready to dry me off after emerging from the shower. I was a little skeptical as it felt more like a dish towel than what I am used to i.e.; thick, terrycloth and thirsty. Once I got out of the "think tank" (shower) I grabbed it, wiped my face off and dried myself off. Wow, it was super absorbent and didn't feel heavy and wet like a normal bath towel. I wrapped myself in it and combed out my hair and you know what, I really liked it! My skin didn't feel damp underneath like with a regular towel; regular towels just seem to lap up the moisture and hold on to it for dear life and sometimes it takes an entire day to dry! Let's face it folks, I live in a pretty damp area so I may be on to something with this. I will use it for a week and see if the results remain the same, but so far so good and these towels are so pretty, why not add at least one to your bathroom?

Here are some good sources at reasonable prices ($25 and under), I have found some places sell them for upwards of $50 a piece, which I think is ridiculous!

Peshte (Etsy) - click here.

TurkishBath (Etsy) - click here.

Berber Trading - click here.

1001 Days (Etsy) - click here.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

Vintage TV Shows

Most of you know, I super love old movies and old TV shows. I have been recently watching a show called "Private Secretary" starring Ann Sothern, which is pretty cute but was not on the air long due to some sort of dispute. Once I saw Ann on the screen I remembered watching Nick at Night when I was young and the theme to the Anne Sothern show came rushing back - take a listen. I, of course think it's fabulous...I wonder why.
Click below link in blue to take a listen...
The Ann Sothern Show - Ending Theme Song

This kills me!

I think this is hilarious! Saw it on the Today show this morning while getting ready for work.

Pinto Beans Ole (the remix)

I have refined my pinto beans recipe in the hopes of copying the frijoles con todo at Tacubaya in Berkeley. Here is my original recipe. I made a smaller recipe than last time, and boy was it good - I wish I would have doubled it! This one serves 2.5 people.

Here is the latest:

:: 1 Cup Pinto Beans (soaked over night in 3 cups of water)
:: 2 1/2 Cups Broth of your choice (I like the Better then Bullion No Chicken broth)
:: 1 small can of Ortega green chilies

:: 1 Bay Leaf
:: 1 clove of garlic pressed or 1 tsp. garlic powder

:: pinch of cumin
:: 3 soup spoons full of spicy salsa

To put on top:
+ Avocado
+ Jalapeno
+ Green Onion
+ Queso Oaxaca (or cheese of your choice)
+ Mexican Crema (sour cream, creme fraiche or plain greek yogurt)

One the side:

+ Warm Tortillas

Soak 1 cup of beans in 3 cups of water for 12 hours (or overnight) - strain from soaking water and set aside.

In a heavy bottom pot add beans and 2 1/2 cups of broth - do not recycle your soaking water (gassy!). If you have a Bay leaf, throw it in as well as the garlic, cumin and can of chilies. Bring everything to a boil and then let simmer for 1.5 hours on the stove top. Add salsa and continue to simmer 1 hour more until everything is soft (but still holding its bean shape).

When its time to eat, put little cubs of cheese in the bottom of the bowl and ladle beans over top of the cheese (this makes it super melty!). Put crema, salsa, avocado and jalapeno on top and enjoy!

I took this photo before I really loaded up my bowl with toppings!

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I would be wearing today...

EAT::PRAY::LOVE

Saw the movie Eat Pray Love last night with my friend Susan. We both loved the book, I will admit to being a bit apprehensive when it came to seeing the movie since I had my own version of the "movie" in my head that played when I read the book. The movie did not disappoint, of course the end was a bit Hollywood, but that always happens doesn't it? It was an amazing adventure of a movie and what a wonderful story of empowerment, journey and transformation.
Of course some parts of the book and the movie don't match up exactly as they are pressed for time (the movie is already over 2 hours long). I won't give too much away - just check your mind at the door and get ready to see a great chick flick.

I am reading the book again (while reading another book), but had written all over it the last time I read it, underlining and writing the gutter, pretty funny to go back and reread. I read it at a time when I was about to travel to India so my senses were heightened during that part of the book. Perhaps this will spark a new adventure, I have been itching to get out and go but this year I have to buckle down as last year I went to Europe twice - I only wish I could do that every year! There are so many places on my list right now I am having trouble picking one and sticking to it though....

Kale and Veggie Meatballs

This is a new favorite dish at our house so I thought I would share, it takes no time to make and is very yummy. I have made it a few times in the last couple weeks and we love it!

Here is what you need:

:: 1 Bunch of Organic Tuscan Kale (rinsed)

:: 1 bag of frozen veggie meatballs (or you can make them)

:: 1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce (or home made)

Brown the "meat"balls in a saute pan with a little olive oil. The brand I buy says the serving size is 6 balls per person. While they are browning, cut the stems out of the kale and then cut the kale into wide strips. Put between 1/4" - 1/2" of water in the bottom of your favorite skillet (I use cast iron as much as possible) add kale and turn on heat (medium).

When the meatballs are browned add tomato sauce (I don't always use the entire jar - you can eyeball it). Heat until the sauce is bubbling.

Kale is done when it turns an alligator dark green and wilts just a bit. You can cook it more or less depending on how you like it.

Add a healthy portion of kale to your bowl or plate and top with "meat"balls and sauce! It is an easy meal to make during the week and my husband super loves it! It is very good for you too. Next time I make it, I may leave out the faux meat balls and add cannellini beans just to mix things up!

Did you know that Kale has one of the highest ANDI (Aggregate Nutrient Density Index) scores of any fruit or vegetable? Here is a listing of other Super Foods based on their ANDI score.

1. Collard/Mustard/Turnip Greens…1000
2. Kale ………………………………………1000
3. Watercress ……………………………..1000
4. Bok Choy ……………………………….. 824
5. Spinach …………………………………. 739
6. Broccoli Rabe …………………………. 715
7. Chinese/Napa Cabbage …………… 704
8. Brussels Sprouts …………………….. 672
9. Swiss Chard …………………………… 670
10. Arugula ……………………………….. 559
11. Cabbage ………………………………. 481
12. Romaine Lettuce …………………… 389
13. Broccoli ……………………………….. 376
14. Red Pepper …………………………… 366
15. Carrot Juice ………………………….. 344
16. Tomato/Tomato Products ………. 190 – 300
17. Cauliflower …………………………… 295
18. Strawberries …………………………. 212
19. Pomegranate Juice ………………… 193
20. Blackberries …………………………. 178
21. Plum ……………………………………. 157
22. Raspberries …………………………… 145
23. Blueberries ……………………………. 130
24. Orange …………………………………. 109
25. Cantaloupe ……………………………. 100
26. Beans (all varieties) …………………. 57 – 104
27. Flax/Sunflower/Sesame Seeds ….. 52 – 78
28. Pistachios ………………………………. 48
29. Tofu ………………………………………. 37
30. Walnuts ………………………………….. 34
(source: WholeFoods website)

Hot in Cleveland

Do you think it is bad to watch "Hot in Cleveland" just to see that kitchen in each episode? The floor alone makes my heart go pitter-patter - oh how I wish to have floors like this one day!

I super love them....oh, and Betty White - my two reasons for watching the show.

photo from http://retrorenovation.com/

*{Fabulous Find}*

Love, Love, Love this!

Find it here at See Jane Work.

Photo from See Jane Work.

Manic Monday

If I had the closet of my dreams, this is what I wouldbe wearing today...