Category Archives: Uncategorized

Thanksgiving Recipes: The Best of the Web

Posted on November 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving is just over two short weeks away and what better time to try new recipes than a holiday that is almost entirely focused on food?

We spend with a casual feast and a huge crowd of family and friends. Everyone signs on to bring a dish or many dishes and just as quickly as they are put out they starts to disappear.

In years past I have always left the cooking to my mom, but this year I am excited to try some new recipes.
Here are some of my favorites:

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Source (L-R): Caramel apples, Roasted Squash, Biscotti, Meatballs, Hand Pies, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower

I love the idea of mixing savory with sweet, and the fall produce that is featured during Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity.

I love the saltiness of cheddar paired with a crisp apple, the tartness of cranberries with a perfectly seasoned turkey, fresh aromatic herbs with the depth of autumn squash.

What are your Thanksgiving favorite recipes?

Whether you’re ordering in take-out Chinese, have a Whole Foods Thanksgiving, or hostessing like Martha, I hope you have a delicious, simple and stress free Thanksgiving!

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Posted in Baking, Comfort Food, fall, Her Kitchen, Holiday Food, Seasonal, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized

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Fall Wish List, for Julie

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 1 comment

The other day I had the following conversation with my sister, Julie:

Me: What is on your fall wish list?

Julie: Replace my Chinese Laundry brown boots with boots that I enjoy with jeans, leggings and skirts b/c those don’t go with skirts and I need to be able to wear boots to work, colored denim – in a red and maybe an awesome blue or mustard or something – no jackets, I’m prob good on scarves, ooh I kind of want a suede flat – like a boat shoe or loafer, obviously more maxi dresses and like 3-4 awesome sweaters in bright fall colors – purple, green, etc – and that’s it for now

Me: great job, nice selections

Julie: Thank you

Me: I particularly like how you say, “enjoy” with skirts

What I like about this look: It is a mix of a lot of things, with a focus on color.  Julie often has a bolder vibe than I do, but walks the fine line between DC conservative and bohemia.

Julie’s Fall
Source: Maxi Dress, Stripe Dress, Sweater Dress, Polish, Loafers, Slippers,  Cardigan, Sequin Top, Sequin Cardigan, Envelope, Maxi Skirt, Midi Skirt, Skinny Jean, Flare Jean, Suede Boots

What do you think, Jules?

What is on your fall wish list?

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Jewelry, Shoes, Shopping, Uncategorized

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You Say Tomato, I say throw a Party

Posted on August 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

It’s hot, the farmer’s markets have tomatoes of every variety and it is time to throw one more good party before the end of summer.  I love the idea of a themed party, rehearsal dinner, or wedding, and the end of summer tomato bounty is as good as any that I can think of.

In pulling together this inspiration board the focus was entirely on the food and using the bounty that is provided in this season.  The secret with Italian cooking and cuisine is that it is at it’s best when it is it’s most simple.  Fresh produce, simple preparations and presentation.

For a dinner party, or wedding with a more limited budget choosing a theme to dictate the menu and decor can help prevent scope creep.

Tomato Party

I love that this is completely DIY friendly, and easily able to be all homemade or catered with a low cost.  In this inspiration board the difference makers are the small details: the mini Pellegrino bottles at each seat, the innovative presentation of small bites, the local fair, and the truly edible arrangements of tomatoes and grissini.

If you are in need of some tomato focused recipes, why not try homemade ketchup, tomato soup, roasted vegetable sauce, homemade salsa, or a pizza party?

Doesn’t this just make you want to throw a party and buon appetito?

Source: Bread & Oil, Polenta Hors D’oeuvres, Table Setting, Tomatoes, Carnations, Wine, Pellegrino, Strawberry Pie, Torrone

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Posted in Her Kitchen, Her Weddings + Events, Seasonal, summer, Uncategorized, Wedding Inspiration

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Weekend by the Lake

Posted on August 16, 2011 | 3 comments

The idea of a weekend by the lake during these last few weeks of summer sounds so dreamy and idyllic.  In my head its filled with slow to rise mornings, big mugs of coffee, fresh orange juice, oversize couches and cozy blankets, wide plank decks, and hazy sunsets, walks by the lake, and thick cable knit sweaters.

I love sweaters, even in August, and the lake sounds like just the perfect place to wear one, and Robert agrees.

Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand, The Way We Were

The look is super Americana, like Hubbel (in The Way We Were – please go see it): casual, well worm, and functional.

Weekend by the Lake

Source: Sweater, Belt, Shorts, Sweater, Tank, Jeans, Hoodie, Jeans, Sunglasses, Blanket, Moccasins

Would you wear this look, or am I alone in my love for late summer sweaters?

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping, Uncategorized

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The Prints and Colors of Africa

Posted on July 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

I believe that three times makes a trend; and so when I post on trends or new fashion ideas it is always after I have seen it in a number of places and ways. That is what happened with this trend:

First, when I was walking back to my office I saw a slim woman in her 40’s wearing a silk skirt with African print trim throughout. It really caught my eye as it seemed an unusual but very beautiful choice.

Then, the next day coming out of the same building (is there a secret trend factory on K Street?) a woman in her 20’s was working a sleek sheath in an African print. In my head, this second spotting is probably how gambler feels when the first two 7’s come up on a slot machine.

And then finally, at the end of the week from across the street a bold flash of fuchsia caught my eye as a woman sashayed in a gorgeous patterned shift dress.

7 – 7 – 7: three times makes a fashion win and a trend. In doing some fashion research (shopping) I was especially delighted to see that the options were as diverse as the women I saw wearing this trend.

The Colors of Africa
Top to Bottom, L – R: Patchwork Tunic, Spot Top, Missoni Mare, Fair Trade Ruched Skirt, Nicole Miller Indego Africa Shorts, Summer Dress, Tribal Tube Dress, Handpainted Dress, Braided Bracelet, Africa Clutch, Kisslock Clutch, Printed Ballet Shoes

Would you wear this trend?  It seems like a fun and easy way to add color and vibrancy to your late summer wardrobe.

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping, Uncategorized

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Good for a Laugh

Posted on January 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

Two weeks ago my sister sent me this link: http://whenparentstext.com/ – and if you have parents who do text, and have texted you even once, at first you might wonder, “how did someone with Tumblr account scan my phone?”  Then you’re likely to break out into laughter that is so hard that you’ll need to close the window and revisit this gem from home.

My parents text, but for better or worse they aren’t this funny.  

If you’re looking for some Friday laughs, please, enjoy!

A1 for Waffles

Mom: Do you want waffles or muffins for breakfast? Just text “A1” for waffles or “B1” for muffins.
Me: Why did you go through all that trouble? Why can’t I just text “waffles” or “muffins”?
Mom: We are texting in code! ;););) 🙂
Me: Waffles
Mom: A1 or B1?
Me: WAFFLES
Mom: Sooo…A1?
Me: Mom. Yes.
Mom: I think I would rather have muffins. I’m making muffins

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A Baby in the 80’s

Posted on November 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

Growing up I probably watched way too many TV shows and movies that were too mature for my age.  I watched soap operas with my mom, I watched movies with my dad, and prime time soaps with my little sister.  

Twenty or so years later I am all grown up and some of my favorite stars from the 80’s are still on TV.  I look dramatically different, some of them for reasons unknown I am sure, not as much.  But at least they are keeping me feeling young at heart.
John Stamos as Uncle Jesse
John Stamos as Dr. Carl in Glee

Tim Daly in Wings
Tim Daly in Private Practice
Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing
Jennifer Grey in Dancing with the Stars
Well, now you know what I have been watching on TV lately, blame it on the DVR.  I am pulling bigtime for Jennifer Grey on Dancing with the Stars, but otherwise how fun is it to see your childhood stars on TV again?  Now if only I could find “A Different World” reunion special…

What are you watching on TV?

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