Fast and Fresh

Ahhh the kitchen. One of my favorite places to be. One thing I am known for is loving magazines. Probably because it's a faster read than a book. Recently I picked up Food and Wine's "Fast + Fresh". Because I don' t think there is a better food combo. What I didn't realize is it also pairs a wine with each recipe. Um that means me in heaven. I'm sure there will be more to follow but I wanted to share my first recipe from this amazing mini cookbook.

Sichuan-Style Green Beans with Pork

• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 3/4 lb green beans, sliced thin and clockwise
• 3 small red peppers (the recipe called for chilies but I couldn't exactly locate them so I improvised)
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 lime juice and the same for soy sauce

How to: Cook the pork in oil, then add green beans and peppers (or chilies I guess, haha) and garlic, cook until the green beans are crisp-tender, then just throw everything else in and season with salt and pepper.

Wine pairing: German Riesling

I don't know about you but I'm in love with fast, fresh, and ..wine. This is a must try for a quick weeknight dinner.

Have a lovely Wednesday!

xoxo

The Last Piece

Happy First Day of Summer! 

"And I thought I would have time to blog!!!" This I found myself saying while laughing the other day to a friend of mine. After making the decision to work full time with my photography company, I thought that maybe I would have just a smidge more free time. That, is now a pretty funny thought to me. It means I have to be faster than ever! The pace at which my life now moves is absolutely crazy. I am by no means complaining and it's a good problem to have but this explains my absence.

For this Monday morning lets talk fashion and styling! Often times we find ourselves (maybe say, on a busy Monday morning) rushed but needing to look fabulous. In those moments it's very easy to end up spinning in circles and wanting to burn your chosen outfit within the first hour you wear it. Trust me we've all been there. So I'm going to provide you with a tip that has saved me countless times. I've used this for years and years. I call it "The Last Piece". Let's say you've put on a cute dress, shoes, and paired it with a nice handbag. It's a good outfit, but could be better. That is when you reach for The Last Piece. Options include:

Blazers or Vests (I'm a personal fan of the vest, swoon!)

Hat, Scarf, or Statement necklace

Button Up or Chunky Sweater (weather pending of course)

Adding one of these things is the perfect way to kick your outfit up a notch. Here are some examples.

Hat

Statement Necklace

Vest

Now let's all saunter in to the week with vigor! Or at least a really big coffee. Ha!

xoxo

Planting Possibilities

Two things are for certain, I love projects and making things my own. This time of year it's so easy to get completely lose in Home Depot. Which was exacty what I did this past weekend. So I am dedicating this week to those of us with a green thumb.  

This project is fast, easy, and rather beautiful. You can find these blank canvas pots at of course Home Depot. You can use a regular clay pot too but then they are white you'll probably only need one coat of spray paint.

Speaking of spray paint pick your colors. I went with complimentory ones. I seriously love these colors together! 

Boom. The plain white pots went from blah to so colorful! This is such a fun little project I just had to share!  

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! Cheers to a summer full of beautiful flowers and even more DIY's!