Fresh Green Beans and Dilly Carrots

I made this a couple weeks ago and it was the first thing my five-year-old ate off his plate... all of it. So, I made it again to take to dinner at some friends' as a veggie side dish and people commented that they really liked it. It's easy to transport because it can be served hot or cold. This is another one from the fabulous JLSL St. Louis Days St. Louis Nights cookbook.

You need:

fresh trimmed green beans - about 1/2 lb

carrots, cut into thin strips about as long as the beans - (about 4 medium should do)

1/2 tsp dillweed (I use a little bit more)

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

3/4 c water

1/4 c Italian salad dressing

(this makes about 6 servings)

Heat to boiling the water, dillweed, salt, and sugar, then add the green beans and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, cover, and cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until vegetables are crisp-tender:

Drain any remaining liquid, toss vegetables with the salad dressing, and you're done:

Friday already! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

xoxo

Tucker for Target {one blouse}

I've been reading quite a bit about this latest collaboration and the consensus seems to be that it's a hit. The dresses are cute-as-can-be on the bloggers I've seen them on... but knowing I really wouldn't get much wear out of them, I opted for just a blouse. (I also love the look of the orange/cream wrap herringbone jacket, shown on page 116 of October's Real Simple magazine, but it appears to be sold out online). Now, I don't own any regular Tucker, but I've read that these Signature Blouses are pretty much exact replicas of the $276.00 versions... the big difference being fabric. The originals are silk; these are polyester. I like this style tucked in.

Tucker for Target Signature Blouse in Navy

I really like this pattern and thought it looked so familiar but I couldn't figure out why - then I realized my husband has a cotton Burberry polo shirt almost the same color/pattern.

my little photographer was getting creative

I was barefoot in the first three photos because I just couldn't decide on shoes. I finally went with some gold Tory Burch espadrilles. Mixing gold and silver doesn't bother me at all (it used to) so even though I had on silver jewelry, I went for the gold-tone buckle (I have the hardest time figuring out what shoes to wear with which belt, by the way) and shoes since I really like gold with this shiny deep blue.

Hope everyone is starting out a great week!

xoxo

Nordstrom September Catalog Picks

I really like how Nordstrom's September 2010 catalog is divided by color... I've found a few things that look great and plan to take a closer look at soon. Anyone else have any picks?

Here are mine:

INK (my current fav)

Sorial 'Tanya' drawstring convertible hobo in midnight blue suede $188. #307123

Gucci oversized sunglasses, shaded brown/blue $295. #307134

ROSE

Michael Kors stainless steel rose gold watch $250. #318676

HARVEST

Marc by Marc Jacobs aviator sunglasses, brown $85. #253039

OLIVE

Sprout eco friendly watch $30. #310523

(biodegradable case & buckle, bamboo dial, organic cotton strap and mercury free battery for $30 - wow!)

all images are from the pages of the catalog

xoxo

OOTD 9.23.10: Leopard + Ludlow Bay Blue

Banana Republic Ruffle-front cap sleeve top in Ludlow bay blue, Banana Republic Cotton animal print cardi in Light gray heather, Joe's jeans, Cole Haan Air Talia Bootie in Ironstone Suede, David Yurman bracelet

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

New Caldrea at Target {Plum Nutmeg & Saffron Quince}

Caldrea is one of my favorites for counter cleaners, hand soap and kitchen candles. The Olive Oil (with essential oils of coriander and cedarleaf) is probably my favorite, but the Herbes de Provence and Citron are pretty great too.

Today I noticed two new fragrances - most likely seasonal - at Target: Plum Nutmeg and Saffron Quince. The Plum Nutmeg is definitely plummy and nutmeg-y. I will probably buy some closer to Christmas but I'm not quite ready for it yet.

The Saffron Quince is fruity, a little floral, and fresh -- and a nice scent for this transitional season when I'm not into full blown pumpkin-spicy scents -- so I purchased one of the candles. I like that it is made with a natural vegetable wax base, a cotton and paper core wick, and natural essential oils. It is 8 oz with a burn time of 28 hours and under $10. at Target.

(I've also recently purchased a Tucker for Target blouse and a (leopard) dress... so I'll try to get reviews up soon.)

xoxo

Skillet Cajun Vegetarian Pasta

This is adapted from the Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Southern Living Magazine.

You need:

12 oz pkg of linguine

Cajun seasoning - 1 Tbsp to 1/4 tsp... 1 Tbsp makes it pretty spicy

butter or olive oil for sauteeing the vegetables

1 pkg of frozen pepper slices (like a stir-fry mix)

8 oz of sliced fresh mushrooms

green onions (2 to a bunch), sliced

1.5 c half-and-half

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp lemon pepper

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Cook the pasta according to package directions and saute the peppers, mushrooms and green onions until tender.

Stir in the half-and-half; add Cajun seasoning, salt, lemon pepper, dried basil and garlic powder, and cook on medium-low another 3-4 minutes.

Add to the linguine and toss to coat. Garnish with a little more sliced green onion.

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

OOTD 9.16.10 {featuring Loft's promo'd cardi}

{first off - one of my current fav polishes: OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques" - it's a little grayer and darker IRL than it looks on my screen in this pic}

The cardigan I'm wearing is currently promo'd at Loft for $25 (from a regular price of $49.50). This is a great basic cardi -- I also have it in charcoal and a lighter lilac color. The mosaic top has a banded hem with elastic at the back only.

Loft V Neck Cardigan in Wild Berry, Loft Pleated Fan Front Mosaic Top, Paige denim, Tory Burch Revas in black

Happy Thursday!

xoxo