Author Archives: Carly

Rainy Day Cravings: PB + J AAF

Posted on March 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Welcome to Day 2 of rain in Washington, DC.  Here is the thing, when it is raining I feel like blech.  I don’t want to run, I don’t want to think about how my hair is growing (wider/frizzier) by the moment, and I don’t want to get wet (and in DC, cold).  All I want to do is read, watch, eat.  

Some might say this is the perfect weather for grilled cheese and soup.  Even that sounds too time consuming…  I want salty, crunchy, nutty peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly.  

Here are some hometown favorites:
 
Please note, if you are ever making a PB + J sandwich, treat yourself right and do the trick my dad taught me: Toast some fresh Challah,  egg bread/brioche, and then slather both pieces with peanut butter and then both pieces with jelly.  The warm bread ups the flavor and out of this world comfort of this food and pairs amazingly with a cold glass of milk.

Bite courtesy of yours truly
How about this for breakfast?

 Pillsbury Waffle Sandwiches are nothing short of brilliant.  We do this a lot for breakfast or a mid afternoon/night time snack.

Lunchtime!
This clever design comes from  Serious Eats and NY’s Peanut Butter Co – a restaurant that serves up so many PB & J sandwiches that they created one for every day of the year.  Photos of the clever creations are now on display at the Nutropolitan Museum of Art!
High Class PB & J?
This clever idea come from Bon Appetit’s new blog the Kookery.  The clever concept was for choosy mom’s with ever choosier kids.  Frankly, I think this works for 26 year old kids too..

Decadent PB & J
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups might be the most brilliant thing ever.  The deliciousness of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?  Heavenly…

What do you crave for comfort foods?  How do you like your peanut butter and jelly time?

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Posted in Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Her Kitchen

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Denim Days in a Variety of Ways

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Denim is perhaps the most ubiquitous part of the American wardrobe; Marilyn and Jackie both wore denim, and today the style that the president wears gets attention and critique.  Denim also played a major role on the Spring 2011 runways, with a heavy influence from the 1970’s.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011 via Harper’s Bazaar
While denim is truly seasonless I am excited by the crop of fun ways to wear it into Spring and Summer.  Here are my top picks.








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Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche

Posted on March 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Sometimes it is a Monday night and you realize you have like 12 mushrooms in your refrigerator and two random russet potatoes – both of which were purchased at some point with another recipe in mind.  But now you don’t care about those recipes.

So what to do?  Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche probably does the trick.  I am a quiche fan – it is easy, filling, and completely customizable.

Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche Ingredients
5 eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 cup skim milk
2 large russet potatoes
1 onion
10 – 12 mushrooms
10 stalks skinny asparagus 
6 slices Swiss cheese, or shredded Swiss
1 tbsp of grated parmigiana cheese
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste

 I know there are quiche enthusiasts who will say a good quiche has to be with a proper pie crust, and usually that is true.  However, in the pursuit of healthy living and delicious eating, this is a fast and quite good alternative.

Slice the potatoes crosswise into 1/4″ coins. In a colander drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper -this is a tip, place the colander over the pan you’ll be baking in to catch the oil. Then neatly layer the potatoes in a to cover the base of the pie pan. I sprinkle a tablespoon of grated parmigiana cheese on to the potatoes and then set in the oven for 25 minutes at 375 degrees.


While the crust is baking chop the onion, mushrooms and asparagus.  In a large nonstick pan saute the onions and when they are softened add the mushrooms and then when the mushrooms are just a moment from being down add the asparagus.

Cooled vegetables with the Swiss cheese on top
While the vegetables and crust cools – this is very important – prepare the egg mixture.  I used 2 egg whites and 5 whole eggs and I think you could adjust that to your liking. Whisk egg, milk and salt and pepper and then add the cooled vegetables and cheese.


Bake in the 375 degree oven for 30 minutes – at this time the egg should have a slight bounce but be firm and an inserted knife should come out clean.  This is beautiful served with a fresh salad or on it’s own because it is filled with delicious and nutritious vegetables – and yes, in our house it is breakfast, lunch or dinner!


Enjoy! 

P.S. Mark and Carly secret: During a bridal shower game I had to guess what Mark’s favorite food was that I made.  Not lasagna, or crab cakes, or cookies, quiche. 

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Posted in Baking, Breakfast/Brunch, dinner, healthy, Her Kitchen, Holiday Food, Jewish Holidays, Passover, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, Seasonal, Spring

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Work Out Bright

Posted on March 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend was my first six mile run in preparation for the 10 miler in less than a month.  Normally I train in my neighborhood or in the gym, but on Saturday Mark joined me for a run around the National Mall.

We were joined by many other runners and it got me thinking about running/fitness attire.

I really do believe you have to feel good to look good and look good to feel good, and that extends to working out as well.  To paraphrase our favorite yogi, Eoin Finn, there is a difference between surfing in a 3mm wetsuit and surfing in board shorts, your movement is better with less constriction/bulk.

So in search of work out inspiration we go to the runways.  The Spring 2011 runways showed a variety of pieces in a bold variety of neon colors.  

Photo by Imaxtree, via Elle
The goal is to look fashionable and still very fitness ready, keeping in mind you’re running not strutting the runway.

Workout Bright From L – R: Michael Kors Sport Chronograph at EBAGs; Nike Dri-Fit French Terry at Zappos; Sporty Shorts at Adidas; Run Performance Short by Stella McCartney at Adidas; Classic Nylon Slim at Reebok; Stella Cotton Towel at Net-A-Porter
On trend – bright for spring and perfectly functional.  See you at the finish line!

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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Dress for Success (for Less)

Posted on March 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl…

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don’t really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you’re less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.
Okay Spring, I’m ready – where are you?

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Posted in Budget, Her Closet, Shopping

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Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Posted on March 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow’s hair to show off these:
Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of “would kill your bank account”.  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:
From L – R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli “Wild Meadow” Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Her Closet, Jewelry, Red Carpet

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Travel Inspiration: Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Posted on March 1, 2011 | 1 comment

Inspiration comes from so many places: the people you meet, art, life and yes, the places you go (or dream of going).  


One of my favorite trips to date was to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Talk about big sky, fresh air, and slower living, that is Jackson.  The downtown is quaint and cute, the food is fresh and real, the air is crisp and everywhere you turn there is a scenic photo waiting to be taken.

In designing this inspiration board and the matching Wyoming wardrobe I looked for colors that were natural the environment and pieces that were wearable and utilitarian (while still being refined and dare I say, cute)!

From L – R: Charlotte Ronson F2011; 291 Locals Only Sweater at Shopbop.com; Before and Again Camo Cheetah Thermal at Searle; G.E.T. Drawstring Anorak at Neiman Marcus Last Call; Eternal Sunshine Creations Paca Cardigan at Shopbop.com; Aran Sheer Cable Tall Sock at Free People; Rag & Bone Sweater Dress at Shopbop.com; Tory Burch Howard Wedge Hiking Boot; Steve Madden Perrin Knee High Boot at Endless.com

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, travel

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A Night with Oscar

Posted on February 28, 2011 | 2 comments

I will leave the review of the show, the hosts, the banter and the winners to someone else, today we are here to discuss the dresses.

Images via InStyle.com

At one point Anne joked that the great thing about this job (hosting – which, let’s be honest no one really loves the host) is the dresses she gets to wear and the ability to share the stage with Sandra Bullock and Oprah.  Of all of the great dresses (and tuxedo) she wore, and they were great, my favorite was the burgundy Versace  gown at the midway point.

Not that I know Anne, but this seemed to be the most natural fit; highlighted her coloring, fit beautifully, and I am sure much to her mother’s delight, no fidgetting.
Atelier Versace
Best black: Camilla Alves in Kaufman Franco.  She looks beautiful, sultry, not overly done.  I love this style of a dress, it reminds me of Salma Hayek on her wedding day.
Kaufman Franco
Best avante garde: Cate Blanchett.  I truly don’t think anyone else could have worn this gown with such ease and grace.  Her hair, jewelry, and gown are stunning.  I love the hints of yellow on this light and airy lilac Givenchy gown.
Givenchy
Best use of structure: Celine Dion.  Celine is perfectly tailored and fitted in this structured and sophisticated gown.  During the Red Carpet telecasts the flashbulbs were highlighting the shine of the fabric.  She looked magnificent.
Giorgio Armani Prive
Best dress for your dream Bat Mitzvah: Hailee Steinfeld.  This was so sweet, so age appropriate, so Bat Mitzvah ready.
Marchesa
Worst use of poof: Halle Berry.  Halle Berry looked stunning, and I loved this dress until it looked like she was swirled through some tulle and tumbled out of Mood Fabrics onto the Red Carpet. 
Marchesa
Best use of sparkle: Mandy Moore.  Mandy looks wedding ready, and red carpet ready.  I love this dress.  It is sweet, demure, and beautiful of her.  She looks like a doll.
Monique Lhuillier
Best use of white: Michelle Williams.  With her platinum pixie cute and darker brows, the retro style Chanel gown was the perfect choice.  I thought this was just lovely.
Chanel
Worse use of white: Nicole Kidman.  Pass.  I don’t like the hip bands, the embroidery, the orange shoes.  Pass.
Dior
Best use of a Red Carpet Moment, aka my favorite: Gwyneth Paltrow.  This gown by Calvin Klein was so modern and chic in the execution and was highlighted beautifully with the Louis Vuitton vintage-y earrings, brooch and rings.  Her pin straight hair and the liquid gold of her gown were a vision.
Calvin Klein

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Posted in Her Closet, Red Carpet

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What I Ate This Week

Posted on February 25, 2011 | Leave a comment

No, no, fear not, this is not like in the tabloids where celebrities share that they ate a (brown) rice cake and half a grapefruit.  I am sharing what we ate for dinner because this week we went gluten free.  

Why gluten free?  That is a good question… In part because there are some murmurs that a gluten free diet can be beneficial to your health and also because by changing up the diet for one week forced me to be more conscientious about what I was eating, and how.
Here is what I ate and also some tips to survive…

Monday: Roasted Carrots + Potatoes and Lean Beef (from Mark’s mom)  It is always great to be able to start the week with some pre-prepared meals and roasted carrots and potatoes are a low-prep item that allows you to take care of other things while they bake.
Tuesday: Ham + Eggs Omelet and Asparagus.  An omelet with a slice of ham folded inside adds a lot of flavor and extra protein when I was making a dinner for one.  Quickly blanched asparagus is a healthy and fast way to get some greens.

Wednesday: Quinoa + Collard Greens with Balsamic Grilled Chicken.  This is a favorite new way to prepare chicken: skinless breasts, pounded thin and then covered first with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and then 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.  Cooked for 5-6 minutes on each side in a large pan. 

Thursday: Curried Coconut Carrot Soup with Mary’s Gone Crackers Herb Crackers + Quinoa with Artichoke and Spinach.  Quinoa is the fastest way to get that starchy, filling feeling on a gluten free diet and that is why late on a Thursday night I made this again, instead of risotto as originally planned.  This soup was a huge, HUGE hit.  Recipe is below.
Adapated from Chow.com
Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 cup of chopped celery (about 4-5 stalks), 1 box of chicken or vegetable stock (4 cups), 1 can of light coconut milk, 1 cup water, 10 large carrots (peeled and chopped), 2 tsps of curry powder, 1/4 tsp tumeric, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 cumin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon.  
Drizzle a bit of olive oil.  Saute onions, celery until softened.  
Add the chicken stock and coconut milk and water.  
Add the carrots, boil covered until carrots are softened.
Blend.  Serve.  So simple – beyond, beyond, beyond good!

Image from Chow.com
Friday: Baked Salmon + Polenta + Grilled Eggplant  – Success is pending, but this is an old faithful recipe, so I am pretty confident.

What I learned: not being able to grab a piece a bread while I cook, or a handful of cereal, (or cookies!) made me slow down to think about what I was eating, how I was cooking and what I really wanted.  I worried it would be difficult, but it was fun and a worthwhile mental exercise and cooking challenge.
Ultimately there was nothing that I made that was outside of my repertoire but there was also no hitting the easy button with a box of pasta, or pizza.  Did I miss cookies?  Yes, sometimes, but I also loved the fresh oranges, apple slices, grapes and dates that very healthily filled that void.
This was a great challenge and I would be open to trying more food challenges in the future.
Are there any foods that you could not give up?

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Posted in healthy, Her Kitchen

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Buttoned Up

Posted on February 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

Two rules I subscribe too: if you can wear shorts, wear them, and it’s either legs or bust, but never both.  That second rule I actually borrowed from Victoria Beckham – thank you.

In any case for this spring, which I am desperately waiting for, in addition to wide leg and flare jeans and peasant tops, I like the pulled together sophisticated look of a tailored short (no rips, no fading) and a chiffon, silk, sheer button down blouse.

Here are the favorites du jour…


Clean, breathable, polished… Also a sign that I have lived in DC for a long time.  Please know that I will keep it real and not wear this ensemble with Tory Burch flats (though, they are great), but probably with a sky high wedge.  Thank you, very much!

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Posted in Her Closet, Shopping

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