Lifestyle Maven

ok, it's time to get real

2012-02-04T07:32:00.000-05:00

for a while now, i’ve been flirtingwith the idea of really fusing my love of yoga more completely with my concept oflifestyle design but didn’t know exactly how to approach it. i guess i was hesitant to lay it all on theline and then get pigeon-holed into talking about the same stuff over andover. again in need of some guidance, ireached out to anna, founder of curvy yoga with my question: how important ishaving a niche to define and build your brand? to my delight, not only did she respond to my inquiry, but she alsooffered to talk over the phone to discuss it even further.

credit {here}

anna reassured me that having aniche – in her case, yoga for your body, no matter your size – only helps to expand your presence. by creating a voice and defining your topic,you become the “expert”, and you can then draw from your experience to furtherconnect with your audience – something i long to do on a grander scale.

with her advice to share moreheart-to-hearts, i’ve decided to take the leap and commit to the idea that’sbeen haunting me (in a good way) for some time: to share my transformation –from a girl who hated her body to a young woman who not only loves butappreciates her being, inside and out (most of the time – we’re all awork-in-progress).

afraid that things would get tooserious and that i wouldn’t have the proper advice to offer, i’ve continuallyshied away from getting too deep on lifestyle maven. but, the truth is, the stuff that i didn’twant to talk about is the very stuff that we, as women, need to hear, because when it comes to ourselves, we so easilyforget to treat our bodies with kindness. instead of trusting our bodies' innate wisdom, we ignore it, preferring to harp on the notion that they are too big, too small, not curvy enough or too flabby.somewhere along the line we’ve come to believe that berating and punishingourselves with our thoughts, actions and with the way we treat food willaccomplish something. but we’re toosmart to continue to believe that – we’ve been there and know deep down that hating ourselves willnever bring about a truly positive change. constrainedby never-ending diets, general self-loathing or, in the mostextreme situations, an eating or body-dysmorphic disorder, we make our livessmall – not our bodies. with thefirst-hand knowledge that these negative thoughts plague the minds of so many women, nomatter their age or dress size, i feel i can no longer deny the need toshare, encourage and support through the platform that i’ve developed – my blog.

growing up as a sometimes slightly-overweight, sometimes “normal” weight girl was rough – not because i was teasedrelentlessly (although i had my fair share of weight-related comments thatstung), but because i tortured myself. iwas consumed by my weight and full-heartedly felt that if i could only weigh less, iwould be infinitely happier. somehow ibelieved that the smaller the size i wore, the more happiness i would beallotted. but, in case you didn’t guess where this was headed, it doesn’t worklike that. true happiness has nocorrelation with the circumference of your waist, and no matter what size youare, you can still have “fat days”.

so, what gives? if you hate yourself when you’re “fat”, andare still at war with your body after you’ve achieved a normal weight or are even thin,then happiness must come from somewhere else. {light bulb moment.} just when ihad myself convinced that i would have to count calories and forever do exercisesi hated just to maintain my weight, yoga came into my life. i admit, i was initially drawn to thepractice because it was a good workout – but it soon turned into somethingmore. something beautiful. i found that through the yogic practice of linkingmovement with breath, i began to experience my body in a new way – caring moreabout how my body felt, and less about how it looked. yoga puts you in touch with your intuition –that authentic voice that we override with diets and negative self-talk. and, the more in-touch i got with my true self,the more i softened my tight grip on what i “should eat” or “shouldn’t eat” or“should do” or “shouldn’t do” in terms of exercise, and the more effortlessmaintaining my weight – and my happiness – became.

my yoga practice has enabled me totap into my inner wisdom and consequently bring more mindfulness and awarenessinto my life as a whole. when we are conscious of the subtle needs of our being, we are more able to fully embody ourauthentic selves and move away from our ego – that crazy voice that tells usthat we’re fat, unworthy or unlovable. and, we begin to cultivate a calm mind housed in a healthy body.

i invite you to join me on this journey of self-exploration. i know, without a doubt, that yoga and intuitive living can change your life and begin to release you from the negative thoughts, feelings and self-talk that continue to infiltrate your life. i know this, because yoga has transformed my life for the better.

desire to inspire

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

credit {here}

credit {here}

have a beautiful weekend!

foodie wednesday: homemade trail-mix granola bars

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

i've been on the hunt for a good granola bar recipe for years now. i love chewy granola bars, but in general try to avoid processed foods - hence, my need for a good recipe. this one i've adapted below came to be via a vegetarian times email, and it gets 2 thumbs up from me (and craig...and my mom). my one point of contention: it's more of an oat "blondie" than a true granola bar, but it's so delicious, who's complaining?

here's what you'll need:

1 1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup butterscotch morsels
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg white
cinnamon & nutmeg

(the original recipe {here} called for dried apricots, chocolate morsels and walnuts...among other things...but i modified the recipe to suit what was in my pantry.)

preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 baking dish.

1. in a medium bowl, mix together oats, flour, baking soda, salt, raisins, butterscotch morsels and pecans. add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg if you want.

2. in a large bowl, combine sugar, syrup, peanut butter, oil and the egg white. mix until smooth.

3. add dry oat mixture slowly into the wet ingredients until thoroughly mixed.

4. pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for approximately 35 minutes.

allow to cool completely before cutting. this recipes makes 12 bars : )

enjoy!

yoga: build some heat!

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

sometimes we just need a workout - something that's going to challenge us and really build some heat! with yoga's boundless benefits, it's not only fabulous for centering yourself and de-stressing, but it's an amazing full-body workout as well. you get everything you need all in one place : ) when you're in need of some heat, try out this 10 minute sequence i designed to do just that!

namaste : )

om monday: be there

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

maybe you've heard the saying "wherever you are...be there", but it's simple wisdom is worth repeating. i cannot tell you how many times throughout the day my mind is not where i am. i'm thinking about my to-do list, our weekend plans or what to make for dinner, and consequently, i'm totally out-of-touch with the here and now - the present moment. but every time we choose to dwell on the past or wonder about the future, we're denying ourselves the only moment we ever have...this one.

credit {here}

when you become aware that your mind is elsewhere, don't judge, don't label, just notice. and then breathe. in yoga, we're taught to align both mind and body with the breath and by doing so, we become mindful and fully embrace the present moment. yogi or not, you can use that tool, too. the breath is a wonderfully simple way to ground yourself. by focusing on your inhales and exhales, you begin to quiet the mind chatter and begin to slowly sink into the moment at hand.

believe me, it's not easy to get in the habit of noticing when you're mind has drifted away (i'm still working on it!), but if you can begin to cultivate that skill, you'll receive the gift of the present.

namaste : )

yoga: tone your abs

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

we all would love super-flat, sculpted abs, but in order to get there, you first need to build some core strength. and, you guessed it, yoga is a phenomenal way to tone the abdominal muscles and build strength throughout the entirety of your core. if you're ready to whip your stomach into shape, check out these yoga postures that will build muscle and heat!

namaste : )

weekly wrap-up: delicious dinner & de-stress with yoga

2012-01-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

well, the weekend is almost upon us, so i wanted to share some helpful links to keep you well-fed and grounded.

s'mores pies that i found on foodgawker - recipe {here}

looking for a healthy, delicious and carb-free dinner? try this super easy and yummy {baked spaghetti squash}. even pasta-lovers will be converted!

feeling over-worked and stressed out? yoga could be the answer. check out this {short yoga sequence} that links movement with breath-work to de-stress with the breath!

love food? who doesn't?! my new obsession is {foodgawker}. their beautiful food photos will provide you with endless meal inspiration...and, they have an iphone app, so you can gawk on the go!

happy birthday, han! a yellow cake, found on foodgawker, just for you : ) recipe {here}

and last, but certainly not least, happy birthday to my little sister, hannah! we have a whole weekend of celebrating to look forward to, starting with a happy (birthday) hour at our fave bar, bobby simone's! can't wait : )

so mavens, have any fun weekend plans?

foodie wednesday: baked spaghetti squash

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

i've had a spaghetti squash sitting on my baker's rack for a week now, and i finally decided to do something about it. after surfing the internet for a short while for inspiration, this is what i came up with : ) this stuffed spaghetti squash recipe is both hearty and healthy and is a great option if you're trying to cut back on your pasta intake.

1 large onion, chopped
1 spaghetti squash
1 cup pea shoots
½ tbsp butter
¼ cup grated parmesan
1 tbsp minced garlic
2/3 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp bread crumbs
olive oil
salt & pepper

preheat oven to 425

1. split squash in ½ length-wise (this will take some muscle!) and scrape outseeds. put on baking sheet and drizzleboth halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. bake for 30-40 min until flesh is tender.

2. while the squash bakes, sauté onion in olive oil. after onion cooks down a bit, add garlic andcontinue to sauté until onion is caramelized.

3. take squash out of oven and allow to cool. scrap out flesh and in a large bowl, mix withonions, yogurt, parmesan, pea shoots and season with more salt & crackedpepper.

4. refill squash with mixture.

5. melt butter and mix with bread crumbs. sprinkle evenly over top 2 refilled squashhalves. put back into 425 degree ovenfor another 10-15 min until top is golden brown.

allow to cool for 5 min before serving. this recipe will serve 4 as an entree (1/4 squash each).

bon appetit!

yoga: de-stress with the breath

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

as you may already know, yoga is a great way to de-stress and reduce anxiety. by linking breath with movement, yoga works to align both the inner and outer body in the most optimal way. (which feels great, by the way!) if you need a little "me-time", indulge in this simple 10 minute routine that i developed to help you reconnect with your authentic self.

namaste, mavens : )

om monday: funky feelings

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

did you ever notice how bad moods or frustration or stress tend to breed more bad moods, frustration and stress? and yet, even with that knowledge, it still can be extremely difficult to pull yourself out of the "dark place". somehow it seems like you're accomplishing something by hanging on to that negative emotion - analyzing it, dwelling on it, ruminating about it. but, it is in those moments, when we choose to just let it go that we can experience the greatest growth and uncover the deepest insight into ourselves.

credit {here}

the first step is just bringing some awareness to the situation. just noticing - hey, i'm totally pissed off right now. and realizing that the "pissed off" attitude is not you. it's just something your experiencing, a shifting, changing, fleeting emotion that can be dealt with any way you choose. i know, easier said that done, but just breathing some space between you and the negative emotion will help it dissipate faster.

now, that you've recognized the emotion, don't judge yourself or beat yourself up for feeling blue, or angry or annoyed. instead, just breathe. that's right - just breathe. you've heard that one before, right? turning to the breathe, and consequently quieting the mind is one of the most effective tools for moving beyond difficult emotions. as you breathe, you may begin to feel the sharpness of the emotion begin to dull and begin to slowly melt away.

credit {here}

from there, slow down. i find that my negative emotions are often coupled with a propensity for rushing and not being present, which in turn makes me more frustrated, because i'm not being effective, efficient or present. when i slow down, i see things more clearly.

next time funky feelings creep into your day, just notice them. recognize that they are not you and therefore can be changed. breathe and slow down. and everytime you consciously choose to move past your negative thought patterns, it will get easier - i promise.

namaste

weekly wrap-up: helpful & healthy links

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

hello, mavens! i hope you're having a wonderful week so far. happy (almost) weekend : ) i wanted to share some helpful and healthy links with you today in hopes of inspiring you to cultivate health and unearth happiness in your own life.

credit {here}

wondering what yoga style is best for you? don't know the difference between bikram and ashtanga? check out this {comprehensive guide} that will help you decide which practice best fits your lifestyle and needs.

don't have time for breakfast? check out this nutritious, delicious and {super easy breakfast} that you can make the night before so you don't have to waste any precious morning time cooking.

want to shape up in 2012? (who doesn't?!) yoga might just be the key. try this {arm sculpting} routine or {strengthen and tone your legs} with this simple practice.

i hope these links help you to reach all your health goals.

namaste

foodie wednesday: ranch eggs

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

let's face it, plain scrambled eggs can be a little boring. if you're looking for a super easy way to infuse your sunday breakfast with more flavor, give this recipe a try.

credit {here}

6 large eggs
1/4 cup light ranch dressing
1 tbsp butter
salt & pepper to taste

1) melt the butter in a cast iron skillet.
2) whisk eggs and ranch together. add mixture to skillet and scramble over medium-low, stirring constantly until are the eggs light and fluffy.
3) salt and pepper to taste.

serves 4-5

other ideas? serve eggs with roasted veggies for a hearty option, substitute egg whites for 3 of the eggs for a healthy version or mix in fresh herbs for a fresh kick!

yoga: tone your arms

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

there's no denying it, we all long for toned, sculpted arms. though the primary reason i practice yoga is because it makes me feel amazing on the inside, i certainly don't mind the strength and flexibility it has brought to my physical body. above is a simple and effective 5 minute series to tone your arms and give you beautifully sculpted muscle definition as you link movement with the breath.

namaste : )

om monday: create your life

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

credit {here}

a few weeks ago, my sister gave me journal with the above quote on the cover. "life isn't about finding yourself. life is about creating yourself." in yoga, we're taught that we create the world in which we live by how we live in it. if we create beauty, we find more beauty. if we cultivate our compassion, we see more compassion in our world. and, contrastly, if we perpetuate negative thought patterns - the more negative thoughts and experiences we will have.

i don't know about you, but this quote is both uplifting and a bit overwhelming. the notion that the world in which we live is a mirror on how we live our lives is kind of scary, because that means we have a lot of responsibility in making the world as we wish it to be. but with that responsibility comes empowerment - knowing that if we seek a change, we much be the change. and with this, we become the creators of our own universe. very cool.

namaste : )

yoga: get in the know

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

if you're thinking about venturing out and giving yoga a try this year, make sure you're "in the know" before you go. vinyasa yoga is a popular, flow-style which is taught in studios across the country. if you're relatively new, or would just enjoy a bit of flow, check out this simple sun salutation series to warm up your body. you're sure to find this sequence is almost any class you take!

namaste : )

foodie wednesday: bbq onion pizza

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

this past weekend, we attended a post-holiday party thrown by our wedding photographers, a husband and wife team...who are both awesome, by the way. i offered to bring an appetizer and was trying to think of something creative as i stared into my fridge. what to make...? and then it came to me...bbq onion pizza : ) yum!

1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 to 1/3 cup bbq sauce, your favorite
1/3 cup crumbled bleu cheese
1/4 dough recipe {here} (or one store bought crust or ball of dough)
olive oil
salt & cracked pepper

preheat oven to 425

1. saute onion in a bit of olive oil until lightly caramelized (season with salt)
2. prep your pizza stone or baking tray with some olive oil and corn meal
3. spread the dough and top evenly with bbq sauce
4. when onions are done, distribute them evenly over the crust as well and then sprinkle with bleu cheese
5. top with a bit of cracked pepper and drizzle with oil olive
6. bake for 15-20 min until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown

before baking

allow to cool for 5-10 min before cutting if you want to enjoy it right away : )

after baking : )

mangia! mangia!

yoga: thinner thighs workout

2012-01-10T09:25:00.001-05:00

today, i wanted to share this super simple flow called dancing warrior. this series builds heat in the thighs; strengthening and sculpting them. incorporate this short practice into your exercise or yoga routine to build heat and tone your legs.

namaste : )

om monday: wise words for the new year

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

i found the following on mariel hemingway's blog last week, and this small but meanginful passage completely spoke to me. i hope you, too, find the words inspirational.

i do not ask to travel the easy road
but for the courage to endure the road i am on.

i do not ask for fulfillment
but for the humility to accept what is in my path.

i do not ask for perfection in all i do
but for the wisdom not to repeat my mistakes.

i do not ask of these gifts before saying
thank you for all you have given me.

- chief red cloud, ojlala sioux 1819-1891

these words were written well over 100 years ago, yet i feel i could ask for the very same. life isn't perfect, and we'll never be happy all the time, but if we approach our lives with a sense of wonder and gratitude, we will see the magic in the every day.

credit {here}

namaste : )

yoga: 6 min detox

2012-01-05T10:35:00.001-05:00

after the holidays, we all could use a little detox. i've put together this short series of detoxifying twisting postures. all are simple, easy and leave you feeling great!

namaste : )

foodie wednesday: overnight oats (the encore)

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

yes, i have posted about overnight oats before, but they are so simple and delicious, they are definitely worthy of a second mention. overnight oats are my go-to breakfast. this awesome breakfast is hearty, healthy and will leave you feeling completely satisfied and ready to take on your day. even better? you whip up this simple recipe the night before, so when you're ready for breakfast the next morning, there is no wait!

1/3 to 1/2 of a (very) ripe banana
1/2 cup soy milk (you can also use regular milk or another nut milk)
1/2 cup oats (both quick oats and old-fashioned oats work great)
cinnamon & nutmeg
(1 tbsp peanut butter)

1. in a small bowl, sprinkle banana with a some cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg and mash with a fork until smooth

2. mix oats into banana and then add milk and stir

3. cover and place in fridge overnight - by morning you'll have thick, creamy oats

have oats? will travel. craig's are ready "to-go" and mine are all set for breakfast at home.

4. in the morning, uncover and heat in the microwave on 50% power for approx. 2 mins

5. add a dollop of peanut butter and sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon, if desired (they are also great with a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts or raisins!)

finished oats with cinnamon & peanut butter

happy breakfasting : )

sh*t yogis say

2012-01-03T10:56:00.000-05:00

if you love yoga, you'll appreciate this : )

namaste

om monday: believe in yourself

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

credit {here}

when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

credit {here}

happy new year, mavens! believe in yourself & your dreams, and 2012 will be the best year yet.

cheers!

happy hour: ring in the new year

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

happy (almost) new year! every new year's eve, my family hosts a party to ring in the new year. fancy cocktail attire required. it's always so much fun to get dressed up and celebrate with family & friends. and another "must" at our party is a signature drink.

credit {here}

signature drinks are a fun & festive way to get guests in the celebratory spirit...with a celebratory spirit : ) they are simple to create and a great option if you don't want to set up a full bar or just offer wine & beer.

champagne is sort of a given for new year's, but i like to add a little twist to make it extra special. this year, i'm offering up the "countdown cocktail" for you to enjoy with your loved ones this new year's eve. the tart sweetness of limoncello paired with the smooth cut of vanilla vodka is sure to leave your guests feeling mighty festive.

countdown cocktail

champagne
limoncello
vanilla vodka
lemon twist

1. fill a flute 2/3 full with champagne
2. add a splash of limoncello & a splash of vodka
3. garnish with a lemon twist

credit {here}

i like to set out all the ingredients and create a recipe card so that guests can make their own. that way, they can control how big of a "splash" they would enjoy.

cheers!

foodie wednesday: mushroom & brie mini quiche

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

for my family's christmas eve gathering, i offered to make an appetizer. i wanted a delicious, savory, crowd-pleaser. so, i came up with mini quiche filled with sauteed mushrooms & onions in a garlic butter phyllo crust. yum! my family seemed to enjoy them quite a bit : )

2 1/2 to 3 cups sliced mushrooms (any kind will work)
1 large onion, chopped
3 scallion stalks, chopped
8 eggs
1/4 lb brie
5 tbsp butter
10 sheets of phyllo
1 tsp garlic, chopped
1/4 cup of half & half
olive oil
salt & pepper
muffin trays (2.5 dozen)

1. preheat oven to 375. while that preheats, saute mushrooms and onions in a bit of olive oil for 20-25 minutes. season with 2/3 of scallions, salt & pepper. (reserve final 1/3 of scallions as topping)

2. transfer veggies to a bowl and melt butter in the same pan that you cooked the veggies in. add garlic and be sure not to let butter burn.

3. brush 30 muffin cups with butter mixture and then line each cup with 1/3 a sheet of phyllo folded in half. brush with butter again. be sure the buttered phyllo evenly covers the cup to prevent egg from sticking when it bakes.

4. spoon mushroom mixture into cups and top each with a chunk of brie.

5. mix eggs with half & half and salt. pour egg mixture evenly into cups.

6. sprinkle each cup with a bit more salt, pepper and reserved scallions.

7. bake for 10-15 minutes until eggs are firm and phyllo is lightly browned.

these can be made up to 3 days in advance and just reheat before the party. they are best if served warm.

enjoy!

om monday: let it shine

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

do you remember that kids' song..."this little light of mine, i'm gonna let it shine. let it shine, let is shine, let it shine!" i haven't thought about that song in years, but the other day in yoga, we were asked to tap into our inner light during our practice. that inner knowing that lives deep within each one of us. that beautiful essence of just being that radiates from us when we are truly in line with our authentic selves.

credit {here}

throughout the holidays, we often look for external ways to brighten us up. we immerse ourselves in holiday tasks and to-dos; hoping that the upcoming holiday party or the next gift given will be the thing that brightens our light and reconnects us to the true meaning of the season. and then, come january 1st, we start with our endless list of improvements that must be made in order for us to achieve true and lasting happiness - lose 15 lbs, get a new job, get a gym membership.

but, if we take a minute to think about it, we already know that those external things are never truly the key to contentment. sure, they provide us with momentary pleasure, but after a few weeks that glow...the outer glow...will wear off.

credit {here}

so, where does true brilliance reside if it's not in presents and parties and resolutions? you already know. we all do. it already lives within each of us. a little light that needs to be recognized and celebrated. and, once you tap into it, there's no stopping the endless joy that can result from finding your inner luminance.

take a moment of quiet during these busy weeks and just notice. notice the beautiful simplicity of slowing down, taking a deep breath and recognizing the light that was always there.

namaste : )

happy hour: christmas cheers

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

our little sock monkey ornament

well, can you believe it? christmas is just 2 days away! every year it surprises me just how quickly the holiday season goes...and it always goes faster than i remember or expect. in honor of this very special time of year, i've collected a few recipes to "cheers" over just in time for christmas.

peppermint hot chocolate (picture credit here)

i found this awesome recipe on two tarts for peppermint hot chocolate. it's the perfect wintry treat to warm up with on a snowy morning : )

me & olive on the tree farm

mulled wine (picture credit here)

mulled wine is easy to make and tastes like christmas-in-a-glass. check out this super simple recipe {here} that will delight all your holiday guests.

our tree : )

christmas cocktail (picture credit here)

and, if you're really looking for some holiday cheer, check out the 12 cocktails of christmas - guaranteed to impress.

my mermaid ornament

wishing you a very merry christmas from our home to yours!

foodie wednesday: goat cheese with caramelized onions

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

this simple and extraordinarily delicious appetizer is always a hit at holiday parties. the creamy, tanginess of the goat cheese paired with the sweet richness of the onions is culinary perfection. i have to credit my sister, hannah, for this lovely combo : )

credit {here}

1 log of goat cheese

3 vidalia onions, sliced into ribbons

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

rosemary sprigs for garnish

cracked pepper to taste

(fresh bread, focaccia or crackers)

1) preheat oven to broil and heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. add olive oil.

2) add onions to preheated skillet and cook on medium to medium-high heat until the onions are a rich, dark caramel color and have greatly reduced in size. this can take 30+ minutes, but it's totally worth it, trust me.

they look so delicious, don't they?! credit {here}

3) place goat cheese log in an oven safe dish (that you plan to serve it in) and heat briefly in oven until slightly melted.

4) once onions are completely caramelized, pour them and the oil from the skillet over the goat cheese, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary and cracked pepper.

serve with crusty breads or artisan crackers. this is one of my all-time favorite appetizers ever!

credit {here}

want to make it into a side dish? another great option is to turn this into a pasta side dish - add the goat cheese, caramelized onions and the olive oil the onions were cooked in to 1 lb of cooked penne and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and cracked pepper. delish!

hope your holiday celebrations are as memorable as they are delicious : )

cheers!

om monday: set down your goals

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

on friday i sat down and worked on my business goals for 2012. last week i came across a great outline to follow, which gave me a lot of guidance and much-needed clarity. because, you have to admit, though goal-setting often starts as an uplifting, motivating activity, it can often descend into overwhelming drudgery quite quickly. so, with the outline as my guide, i set forth to set down in writing my lofty (but not completely ridiculous) biz goals for 2012.

there's something about putting your aspirations on paper that makes them feel instantly more real & attainable. and, not only did i set down my goals, which is all well and good, but i also listed step-by-step ways to go about achieving them. i think that's the step that i often miss. i love thinking, dreaming and fantasizing about my goals and how wonderful it will be when i reach them, but then i float onward without real direction. often getting led (slightly) astray.

the new year is just over 2 weeks away. instead of hurriedly thinking about your goals (i.e. resolutions) on new year's day, take this time to mull it over. with all the hustle and bustle these next few weeks, take a few quiet moments to contemplate and set down the things that you would most like to achieve this year. what would bring you true happiness?

and, whether it's a business idea, a health makeover or a new skill you wish to acquire, think about the necessary steps to make it happen. it will be what you make it.

happy hour: holiday punch

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

any holiday party you attend at my parents' house, you will undoubtedly find this holiday punch residing in the antique punch bowl that belonged to my maternal grandmother (she received it as a wedding present). it's as simple as it is refreshing, and your guests will love the thoughtful, festive touch!

party punch - credit {here}

1 2-liter bottle of cranberry ginger ale
1 bottle of cranberry-apple juice
1 orange
small handful of whole cloves

1) pour ginger ale and juice into your punch bowl or a large pitcher.
2) slice the orange into coins and pierce with cloves to create decorative patterns on the slices.
3) float the orange slices with clove atop the punch!

looking for a punch with a kick? chill a bottle of vodka or captain morgan's spiced rum and set it out alongside the punch so that guests can add a splash of their "punch" of choice to their glass.

foodie wednesday: christmas breakfast

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

for christmas breakfast, my mom often makes an egg strata. for those of you who are unfamiliar, egg strata is sort of like a savory bread pudding filled with ooey-gooey cheese and other deliciousness. as you can tell from the recipe below, we always improvise...and it always turns out great! another bonus? you can make it in advance and bake it the day-of. or, you can even bake it in advance and just reheat it in the oven on christmas morning. it makes the whole house smell fabulous!

credit {here}

here's what you'll need:

1/2 a loaf of day-old crusty bread (we like to use rosemary focaccia)
2 onions chopped

approx. 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (a hearty, pungent cheese like swiss or cheddar tends to work best)
4-6 eggs
1/2 cup whole milk or half & half
mustard, worcestershire or ranch dressing to taste
salt & pepper
butter or olive oil

preheat oven to 375 degrees.

1) while oven preheats, saute onions in either olive or butter over medium heat.

2) in a large, buttered oven-safe baking dish mix together chunks of bread, sauteed onions, cheese (saving a bit for the top) and season with salt and pepper.

3) in a bowl, beat eggs with milk (or cream) and season with salt, pepper and either mustard, worcestershire or ranch. totally your choice, but traditionally my mom uses worcestershire sauce : )

4) pour egg mixture over bread mixture and press bread to make sure it absorbs egg mixture thoroughly. sprinkle top with remaining cheese.

5) bake for 30-45 minutes until golden brown on top and eggs are set.

credit {here}

this makes approximately 8 servings, so there will be plenty of leftovers to enjoy later or the next day. keep in mind, above is a very "basic" strata recipe, so don't hesitate to add your own personal flare. mix in roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs or crumbled chicken sausage to really impress. yum!

merry christmas breakfast!

om monday: letting ideas grow

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

let me know if this sounds familiar...

you get an idea - but not just any idea - a fabulously-wonderful-miraculous idea for a business, or for self-improvement or for creating something awesome. and because this idea is so spectacular, you are, of course, super-excited to get moving on it, making it happen and bringing this awesomeness to life. full steam ahead. no obstacle could stop you.

"success seems to be connected with action. successful men keep moving. they make mistakes, but they don't quit." -conrad hilton

you have a few strong weeks...or days...or hours...and then your energy and enthusiasm are beginning to wain. you're tired, and the response to your wonderfulness was not quite as emphatic as you had hoped. you can feel your idea fizzling and fading. why did i ever think that was such a good idea anyway??!!

but, in this thought process, we're mistaken. we're confusing a good idea with an easy idea. and rarely are truly good, worthwhile ideas easy.

i once heard it described as this - you plant a seed deep in the earth. you water it, make sure it gets enough sunlight, fertilize it, water it some more. you see nothing, zip, nil on the surface, but underground the seed the growing. little by little, it busts out of its casing and begins its slow and steady journey toward the surface. there's so much work going on underground, but at surface level you see nothing - no fruits from your labor. if you give up, stop watering the little seed and forget about it, it will never reach the surface and blossom into what it's meant to be.

credit {here}

your idea is a little seed. tend to it. care for it. it will become whatever you're willing to put into it. and the more you persevere, the more fruitful your endeavors will be. you get out what you put in. so, put in a whole helluva lot.

and, always remember, the mighty oak was once a tiny acorn : )

happy hour: super chocolaty hot cocoa

2011-12-09T08:33:00.001-05:00

today is finally feeling like december here. there's frost on the fields and a chill in the air. i love it! since it's finally cold enough to enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa, i wanted to share my hot chocolate recipe that i make every year. i always improvise this recipe, but below is the general formula i follow (feel free to get creative with it if the mood strikes you : )

credit {here}

2 cups eggnog

3 cups milk

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup cocoa mix (ghirardelli's mix is great!)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

marshmallows

chocolate chips

1. place dry ingredients (cocoa mix, unsweetened cocoa, nutmeg, cinnamon) in a medium pot and pour eggnog over. whisk until combined over medium heat. the liquid should be velvety smooth.

2. add milk slowly while whisking continuously. allow hot chocolate to come to desired temperature.

3. place a few chocolate chips in the bottom of each mug and pour hot chocolate over top. garnish with marshmallows.

credit {here}

option: stir with a candy cane for mint hot cocoa!

this hot cocoa is best if enjoyed fireside while watching white christmas with bing crosby.

foodie wednesday: pumpkin peanut curry

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

channeling some inspiration from our recent trip to marrakech, morocco, i wanted to try my hand at making a curry dish. i wanted it to have a creamy, but not too heavy of a base, so i opted for puréed pumpkin to add a subtle richness to the dish.

here's what you'll need:

1 medium onion, chopped
1 red pepper, diced
3 medium yukon gold potatoes in 1/2 in cubes
2 cans (15 oz each) chick peas, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) organic pumpkin purée
1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes with sweet onion
1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp curry
1 tsp cumin
dash of cinnamon
1/2 tbsp olive oil

1. in a large stock pot, saute onion & pepper in 1/2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

2. as they cook down, add 1 tsp curry & 1/2 tsp cumin.

3. once onions are translucent, add potatoes, garlic and peanut butter. stir to coat all veggies with peanut butter.

4. add pumpkin, milk, tomatoes, a dash of cinnamon and the remainder of the curry & cumin. stir.

5. simmer for approximately 35 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork tender.

6. once potatoes are cooked through, add chick peas and remove from heat.

serve over couscous or rice to soak up all the good sauce : ) makes approx. 6 servings.

bon appetit!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

om monday: reason for the season

2011-12-05T09:25:00.001-05:00

with the holidays just around the corner, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by our (endless) to-do lists. buy presents, get the tree, decorate the house, wrap the gifts, attend holiday gatherings, and...oh yeah...enjoy the season. but the truth is our to-do lists don't define us or our experience of this time of year.

"we're the creators of our own experience - remembering this, and living our lives from this perspective, empowers us." - mike robbins

we have a choice in all of this, believe it or not. we can allow our obligations to get the best of us and suck the fun out of this magical time of year, or we can choose to shift our experience. easier said than done, i know. but the first step is recognition. in that moment when you're mind is reeling, and you're feeling like you'd rather check-out than tackle your next obligation, just pause. take a deep breathe and notice where the "pressure" to get all those to-dos done is coming from. my guess is that it's not from your boss or spouse or friends, but, at least in my case, it's self-imposed. an arbitrary standard for "success" that i've set and now much live up to.

credit {here}

i encourage you all to pause. take a deep breathe, and really reflect upon how you want to experience this holiday season. because, when it comes down to it, you're the one holding the reigns.

happy hour: mint tea in marrakech

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

view of our riad's interior from rooftop terrace

mid-honeymoon, craig and i spent a long weekend in marrakech, morocco. it was another world. i had never been to africa before, so venturing across the mediterranean from sevilla, where we had been staying, was a thrill in and of itself. there was a moment during our hour-long plane ride over when you could see europe, the mediterranean islands and africa all at once. it was unreal.

our meal at the food stalls

yes, we went on a camel excursion : )

lantern souk

moroccan breakfast

in marrakech the streets are narrow, the squares are crowded and the smells (both good and bad) are overpowering. we stayed in a great riad (i.e. small hotel) not to far from the spice market and the main square. the majority of our time was spent shopping in the souks - small artisan shops. and when we weren't shopping, we were drinking mint tea.

me with monkey

mint tea and "pancakes" with honey

olive tree on our riad's rooftop terrace

rug souk (where we bought a little moraccan carpet!)

their green tea & fresh mint infusion was so refreshing and deliciously sweet, and our riad - riad charlott' - offered it as a complimentary treat along with sesame seed biscotti whenever your heart desired. needless to say, craig and i enjoyed several pots of mint tea during our 3 day stay : )

spice shop in the spice market near our riad

spa where we enjoyed a tradition scrub (and massage)

sunset in marrakech

though we experienced a bit of culture shock, we both completely enjoyed our weekend in morocco. and...we left with a rug, 2 punched-copper lanterns, several pairs of leather slipper shoes, countless scarves and a small ceramic bowl. all of which survived the ride home!

foodie wednesday: sevilla, bite by bite

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

craig and i were lucky enough to enjoy a 10 day honeymoon in sevilla, spain and marrakech, morocco following our november 5th wedding. now that we're back...and have thoroughly enjoyed a loooong thanksgiving break, i wanted to share some images from our amazing honeymoon abroad.

tapas & cheese

the cathedral

antique shop

breakfast

when in sevilla...do like the sevillans do : )

le torre del oro

sevilla is a fabulously walkable city - we didn't use public transportation once! we were able to see all the sites on foot and enjoyed every minute of the high-60 degree weather - sitting at sidewalk cafés sipping sangria.

chocolate con churros (the richest, thickest hot chocolate ever!)

inside the cathedral

pitcher of you-guessed-it

plaza de san francisco

walk by the river

goat cheese salad - yum!

the cathedral at night

me walking inside the cathedral

our favorite shop

champagne cocktails on our hotel's rooftop terrance

our favorite course from our 8 course dinner at az zait restaurant - fluffy goat cheese wrapped in crispy puff pastry in a caramelized onion reduction

another view of plaza de san francisco

inside museum

our hotel in sevilla - hotel casa 1800

i have to credit my husband (feels so weird, but so great to say that) with the honeymoon. while i focused on wedding planning, he took the helm and planned the entire honeymoon - hotels, restaurants, excursions and all. he did such a fabulous job, i may have to let him plan all our trips...

stay tuned for honeymoon part 2 - marrakech!

om monday: all or nothing

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

i have to admit, i'm a follower of the "all or nothing" thought process from time to time. it's not something that i'm proud of, but it's something i've come to recognize and work with.

in case you're unfamiliar, "all or nothing" thinking goes like this - "ugh, i already ate way to many sweets....might as well have some more since healthy eating is shot for today". or maybe a few obstacles come up as you begin to pursue a new venture and you throw in the towel. all or nothing is the code of the perfectionist. either things are perfect or they're not...there's no in between. no gray area. no room for growth.

credit {here}

when we harden around trying to be perfect, we close ourselves off from boundless opportunities. yoga teaches it differently. it's about the balance of effort and ease. yoga lives in the zone between your current abilities and your absolute highest potential. you cannot be a perfectionist with yoga - or you'll quit. no one can do all the poses perfectly all the time. the beauty of the practice comes from walking on the edge of your comfort zone and discovering in what areas you can grow.

in yoga class i have been able to let go of my "all or nothing" perfectionist tendencies. enjoying exactly where i am, because i've seen gradual improvements from showing up day after day. and i know that i will continue to grow. it's not about getting full form of the pose now, it's about appreciating where my body can go today while also knowing there is unlimited potential for expansion if i keep showing up for myself.

now, the next step is to take those lessons off the mat and into my daily life. remembering it's not about perfection, it's about practice.

namaste : )

happy hour: what to drink with thanksgiving leftovers

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. i love how cozy my parents' house feels with fires in both fireplaces, the smell of turkey and other thanksgiving goodies wafting from the kitchen and family and friends all around.

and, if your family is anything like mine, we are sure to make plenty of extra so that we can enjoy thanksgiving leftovers all weekend long.

below you'll find my wine suggestions to pair with your bird & stuffing today...or tomorrow : )

whether you like red or white, you're in luck - both go great with thanksgiving food. if you generally lean toward reds, try rex goliath free range red. this friendly, approachable red isn't too heavy and drinks nicely with a hearty meal. (bonus: this wine's a steal - only $7 per bottle!)

if you prefer white, try ménage à trois white. as you may have guessed, it's a blend of 3 grapes (hence "trois"). it's crisp without being sharp and has a full-bodied flavor, which again, works well with your thanksgiving spread. (you'll find it for $12 per bottle.)

and remember the 20 minute rule for serving wines. keep whites in the fridge and remove 20 minutes prior to drinking to let the temperature settle a bit. for reds, keep them room temp and put in the fridge for 20 min prior to serving to drop the temperature ever so slightly. simple and effective.

cheers! here's to enjoying your leftovers every bit as much as you did the meal.

foodie wednesday: feast for the eyes (i.e. wedding pics!)

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

m2 photography

hello, mavens! i’m back : ) after 2 weeks of wedding and honeymoon bliss, we’re finally (slowly) re-engaging in the real world. craig and i were married on saturday, november 5th in philadelphia, pennsylvania at the bellevue hyatt. the weather in philly that entire weekened could not have been more glorious – high 50s and sunny. november perfection.

view from my sister's suite at the hyatt of city hall

i began my weekend with mani/pedis with my mom, sister and a good friend on friday morning and then continued the festivities with lunch at max brenner, where we met up with the guys and a few more friends. the food was delicious, and next time i plan to save room for some of their chocolaty treats.

after lunch, we had a bridal party dance rehearsal – yes, we did a bridal party dance to rihanna’s “pon de replay” following our first dance. (it was a huge hit with the guests and so much fun!)

friday evening found us at our ceremony rehearsal, and then later at our rehearsal dinner at valanni – a fabulous little tapas restaurant on spruce street in philly. the food was outrageous, and everyone enjoyed the father-of-the-groom’s and best man’s speeches…or should i say roasts.

wedding day morning, i went to le pain quotidien, a french café/bakery, near the bellevue with my girls (mushroom and gruyere omelette anyone?), while the guys enjoyed a traditional irish breakfast at a nearby pub and then went for hot shaves. after our breakfast, we headed back to the hotel to meet up with the hair stylist and makeup artist in my sister’s suite. and thus, the hair & makeup marathon began…

we rocked out to my friend’s dance party playlist and just enjoyed lounging around as we all awaited our turns. around lunch, we ordered up some champagne and cheese platters and enjoyed some sandwiches. as is the usual, i found that i didn’t have much of an appetite at this point though i didn’t feel nervous at all.

before i knew it, it was dress-time. everyone left the bedroom but my mom, sister and our photographer to get some getting ready pics. we had kept my dress a complete surprise – my mom, my sis and me – and for a very good reason (as you can see in the pics). it was blush colored. once in my gown, my dad came in to see me, and then we did a “big reveal” for my bridesmaids. their reactions were priceless – a mix of happy tears and smiles.

m2 photography

me and my girls squeezed in a few pictures, and then it was time for our 4pm ceremony to begin. when people tell you that your wedding day flies by, they are not kidding. i waited around the corner by the elevators while my girls lined up and processed into the ceremony – the coordinators wanted to make sure no one saw me before it was time. i was shaking like a leaf. literally shaking, which was funny because i wasn’t all that nervous. i supposed the gravity and immediacy of everything was just more than i could handle at that moment. and then it was time for my entrance. my dad and i walked around and waited outside the grand double doors behind which you could hear the music playing. calm swept over me, and they opened the doors.

m2 photography

my dad said that there was a soft but audible gasp from the guests as they saw my blush vera wang, but i guess i’ll have to wait for the wedding video to see if that was really true. all i knew was that i could see craig, and i was happy. the ceremony was a roller coaster of tears and laughter and more tears, but when all was said and done, we recessed down the aisle with huge smiles on our faces. i was so enraptured by the moment that i even forgot to take my bouquet back from my sister before heading down the aisle.

as the guests went up to cocktail hour on the 19th floor in the café at xix, we got in some picture time. our photographers - m2 photography, a husband and wife team – were totally awesome. our bridal party fell in love with their senses of humor and undeniable likability, as did we.

m2 photography

craig and i were able to attend the tail end of cocktail hour (and grab a glass of our signature cocktail – bellevue bubbly) before lining up with our bridal party and parents to get announced into our reception in xix restaurant. as we crept closer to the door, awaiting our turn, we got our first peak into our reception room now filled with our guests. the room was glowing.

reception in xix - m2 photography

our first dance was to “make you feel my love”, recorded by yours truly. we love that song (especially adele’s version), but it’s a bit melancholy. with a few lyric tweaks and a couple visits to a recording studio, we had a lovely and memorable version that was all our own. our dance was followed by a surprise bridal party dance – a smash hit. then we settled in for an unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing. and dance, we did indeed. our modest-sized dance floor was definitely too small to contain all the guests who were dancing. it was totally wonderful.

to be truthful, we kept waiting for a small hiccup. a little thing that probably one else would notice, but we would catch. but it never happened. the entire day was flawless. the staff at the hyatt and our wedding weekend coordinator went completely above-and-beyond. i’m not usually one who can easily hand over the reins, but with the team we had, it felt easy to pass on the control. and they executed it with the utmost elegance and care. it was truly a dream come true.

m2 photography

later in the evening, for a momentary reprieve craig and i stepped out onto the xix’s balcony for some refreshing november air. the view of the city from 19 floors up was breathtaking. the sparkling lights of the buildings resembled twinkling starlight, and the sky was completely clear. looking back in through the large french doors into our reception, we watched our guests – laughing, dancing, talking. with the city on one side and our wedding reception on the other, we took a moment to let this extraordinary evening sink in. for one night, this view, this place, this splendor was all ours. and we were married!!!

our wedding pics on m2's blog {here}

our wedding slideshow by m2, set to our first dance song {here}

om monday: mind yoga {guest post}

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well Hello Mavens,
My name is Ashlee Michelle.

Usually, you can find me over on my blog.

But, today I get the joy of being a guest blogger here on
the most fabulous Lifestyle Maven, Cailen.

Today, I am going to talk about Yoga.
But not the physical kind of Yoga, I am going to talk about
Emotional “Mind” yoga. Yes, I called it Mind Yoga.

I have been practicing yoga, both physical and mental for about
4 years and I can honestly say my life has changed drastically.
Did you know that you are always practicing yoga in your everyday life?
When you lean over the get that pencil you dropped, or you bend down to pick up that load
of laundry, and even when you compliment your peers on their wonderful attire for the day.

How are we able to keep our blood flow going, our minds at ease and our Karma good?
Simple, we do it by breathing. In and out. All Day, Every Day
.
Frustration, Anger, Tears, and tense muscles don't need to happen.
When you are having a bad day or you are in a tight spot, just close your eyes for a moment
and take a deep breath in, hold it, and then breathe out. When you open your eyes, your mind will be peaceful.

There is no need to get all stressed out and hurt about the things that aren't going your way.
There is also no need for being rude to someone, you can redeem yourself by just taking a breath in and releasingall that stale air and bad thoughts. It is quick and simple. Your mood will change and so will your luck.

If your mind is at ease, your muscles are calm, and you are generally happy...
Then you are practicing yoga in the right way.
Keep on Practicing...
Just Breathe!

Thanks for having me, Cailen.
Namaste!

visit my blog {here}

Peace, Love, and Butterflies
- Ashlee Michelle

your signature piece {guest post}

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Mavens!

I was so excited when Cailen asked me to guest post on her fabulous blog while she's off having a beautiful wedding and honeymoon.

My name is Jenna, and I am a relatively newbie blogger over at Leggings Love.

i <3 leggings. credit {here}

As is indicative in the title of my blog, I have an unapologetic fetish with leggings.

I wear a pair of leggings every single day. Seriously. Every single day. I only buy black Mossimo leggings from Target. They are the perfect amount of thickness, last ages, and only cost $8 (!!!).

Essentially, Target leggings are amazing.

But anyway.

"You wear the same thing every day," my sweet mother loves to say, "and people probably talk about you. You aren't a cartoon character. You've got to change up your outfits now and then!"

leggings galore! credit {here}

While I appreciate my mom's concern, I cannot say that I'm too worried about being mistaken for a cartoon character.

I love the idea of having a signature piece. I think it would be quite cool if every person had one piece in his or her wardrobe that so perfectly defined or expressed him or her.

Leggings make me feel posh and put-together while still being comfortable.

They've become so...me.

So what about everyone else? Do you have a signature piece?

foodie wednesday: date night {guest post}

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Lifestyle Maven Readers, Julie from Julip Made here. I adore Cailen and constantly find myself adding her recipes to my "to make" list. I am delighted to be guest posting for her while she is off marrying the love of her life! In the spirit of romance and in honor of the lovebirds, I've created a cozy, romantic meal for two.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

This is the type of meal you want to eat curled up in front of the fire with a bottle of Brunello and candles. Also, boys, don't forget the fresh flowers... they NEVER get old!

Recipe here.

Ingredients:

1 lb. Italian sausages, cut into 1/4 inch rounds
1 medium eggplant, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch wedges
2-3 garlic cloves
1 onion, medium dice
1/3 cup red cooking wine
1 large can diced tomatoes
olive oil
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, grated
**SECRET INGREDIENT** Dash of maple syrup

Saute the sausage with a dash of olive oil in a french oven over medium heat until lightly browned. Remove from pan with slotted spoon and set aside.
Add some more olive oil and saute the onions for a few minutes then add the eggplant. The onion should be translucent and the eggplant should be just starting to brown on the edges.
Throw in the garlic and saute until fragrant (approximately 30 seconds). Add the red wine and turn up the heat, reducing most of the liquid.
Add the canned tomato, bay leaf,salt and pepper, and the dash of maple syrup. This is the secret ingredient as it will cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
Once sauce has thickened, mix in with pasta and sprinkle Parmesan on top. Enjoy!

Recipe here.

I hope you enjoy this meal and if you want more recipes stop by! Cailen, I wish you and Craig all the best in your new life together filled with love, laughter, and lots of romantic meals like this one.

Cheers,
Julie

foreign style {guest post}

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning mavens! I'm Emily from so anthro and I am so. excited. to be guest posting for Cailen while she is a bit busy getting married this week :) I can't even remember when I began reading Lifystyle Maven, but I do know I have been a fan and a follower of all of its inspiring posts and delicious recipes for quite some time now!I try to focus my blog on lifestyle, so I thought that I'd put the fashion-focussed part of my brain to work to come up with some pretty honeymoon outfits for my lovely host! Cailen and her hubs will be visiting Marrakesh, Morocco and Seville, Spain this week, so here are some outfits I put together with those two destinations in mind! And also pretending that we have no budget to keep in mind...

Marrakesh, Morocco

Stefe Shift, Lilly Pulitzer Pashmina, Jones New York Twin Bracelet, Alexander McQueen Sequinned Wallet, Zara Maggie Kitten Heel Sandals, Jack Rogers Paloma's Venezia Goldoni Quadruplo Drop Earrings, Tiffany & Co.

When I picture Morocco, I just see these rich colors and intricate shapes and designs. Because the dress pops on its own, I paired it with solid accessories, just a lot of luscious gold! And a pashmina, I have always found, is a lifesaver while traveling. Cover up in the museums? Warm up on a chilly night? AC blasting on the plane or train? It's got you covered.

---------------------------------------------------

Seville, Spain

Swing Tee Dress, DesigualSilky Rosette Headband, Forever 21Evening Bag, BalenciagaIdentity Heels, Two LipsBangles with Clip, Michael KorsTherapy Mood Cuff, Fallon

This summery dress (for those warm Seville temperatures!) is by a Spanish brand I discovered while I was studying abroad in college. So for Cailen's trip to Spain, it seems only appropriate to wear Desigual! Desigual's designs are always full of color, so I like to take advantage of that by pairing the outfit with accessories that bring out those colors. And for jewelry, you can never go wrong with some chunky gold bangles.

What do you think? Would you wear either of these on a trip abroad?

I'm wishing Cailen the most happiness and well wishes for her wedding and honeymoon and thank her again for letting me borrow her blog for the day! If any of you have any questions or want to see more of my personal style, you can find me here!

xo, Emily

happy hour: snack time {guest post}

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

hi there, lovely readers of lifestyle maven! my name is erica and i blog about my life and adventures in washington, dc - all with 'boyfriend' - over at pocket full of chuckles. i've been following cailen's blog for quite some time. she was one of the first people i found on the blogosphere and i was instantly smitten (i mean, who wouldn't be!). so when she asked me to guest post while she's off marrying her best friend (!!!) i squealed with excitement. and then when she asked me to write about a fun recipe, i did my happy dance. because boyfriend and i love to cook. and our favorite thing to make is guacamole. it's always our go-to dish for parties and it was such a hit at this year's halloween party!

you will need the following:

(note: this recipe feeds a large group of people, so feel free to cut ingredients in half)

dry cilantro (1 tbsp)

orange juice (a splash)

lime juice (2 limes)

red onion (1)

ripe avocados (8)

jalapenos (4)

roma tomatoes (4)

garlic cloves (6)

salt & pepper

1. slice avocados in half and remove pits. score with knife and squeeze in large mixing bowl.

2. chop onion and add to bowl.

3. finely chop jalapenos and garlic cloves. toss in bowl.

4. dice tomatoes. and you guessed it. toss in bowl.

don't mix just yet...

5. slice limes in half and squeeze juice in bowl.

6. add a splash of orange juice.

7. add your cilantro, salt and pepper.

8. now you can stir :)

so it looks like this!

or this..

enjoy :)

xo erica

foodie wednesday: slow cooker gumbo {guest post}

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Lifestyle Maven fans, Sam here from fitness food & faith. I’m super pumped to be sharing one of my favorite fall recipes on Cailen’s blog while she’s off becoming a wife! As soon as the weather cools down, one of the first things I do is pull out my crock pot to make a delicious, easy and warming meal. I love a good gumbo as it’s a great way to use up some lingering leftover vegetables in the fridge.

Slow Cooker Gumbo

1lb boneless skinless chicken, cut into 2 inch pieces

1 10oz package frozen okra

2 links smoked chicken sausage, sliced

1 cup chopped onions

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp mustard powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 cups chicken broth

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

2 cups cooked rice

print recipe {here}

Combine all ingredients except the rice in crock pot. Mix well, cover and cook for 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high). Serve over rice with hot cornbread.

Thanks, Cailen, for letting me take over your lovely blog for the day! I hope you’re having the time of your life.

the honeymooners {guest post}

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

right now craig & i are in sevilla, spain drinking wine and eating tapas, so i've asked corey from learning patience to stop by and entertain you all while we're honeymooning it up!

{enter corey}

Hello Lifestyle Maven Readers!

I’m Corey from Learning Patience!

In June, my husband & I moved from Houston TX to the beautiful island of Trinidad! We learning what it means to become ex-pats for the first time! Our life is simpler now, stress is almost non -existent, we surf, I cook, we run, we travel - a lot. I would love to meet y'all, hop on over to Learning Patience & come check it out!

I’m super excited to be guest posting for Cailen today, while she is off enjoying her honeymoon! I love Cailen's blog – she is full of great recipes & her yoga refection posts always bring some calm to my crazy day! Now that I have honeymoon on my mind, I thought it would only be appropriate to reminisce on my amazing honeymoon in the Turks & Caicos.

If you have never been to this part of the Caribbean, put it on your list now! This place looks like Fiji or The Maldives with crystal clear aqua water as far as the eye can see! It’s beautiful!

really...it's that beautiful

4am wake up call + limo + mimosa = very silly pictures

cool room - that is the shower behind the bed...Hotel Gansevoort

we try SNUBA

highlight of my day - hello Mr Turtle

i ate lobster - every day - delicious

we snorkeled - yes, we love cheesy vacation pictures

we rode horses on the beach - the BEST

we did a whole lot of this too

Thanks so much for letting me relive my honeymoon with y'all!

A couple weeks ago, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary!

Time flies when you marry your best friend!

xoxo from Trinidad

happy hour: i do

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

so, mavens! it's finally here - WEDDING WEEKEND!!! as you read this, i'm on my way into philly to enjoy a lovely day of final prep and pampering before our rehearsal & rehearsal dinner tonight.

tomorrow, you'll find me and my girls at a quaint french cafe for breakfast, readying ourselves (and enjoying lunch...and champagne) in my sister's suite before heading to our 4pm ceremony where i'll become a mrs.

girls' breakfast. credit {here}

following the ceremony, our guests will enjoy a fabulous cocktail hour - replete with a live jazz and a spectacular philadelphia skyline view - while craig and i snap some photos.

the reception will begin at 6pm and continue to 10pm (and we've got a few surprises up our sleeves for our guests to enjoy).

credit {here}

and after the reception, guests have a quick 1/2 hour to change before our after-party kicks-off at a great local tavern.

needless to say, craig and i (and our families) are super excited. and, in true celebratory form, i think it's only appropriate to crack open a bottle of bubbly!

so, while you're enjoying this first weekend of november, sit back with a bellevue bubbly and celebrate your inner maven.

bellevue bubbly - our signature wedding cocktail

champagne . splash of st. germain . splash of vodka . garnish with lemon twist
watch me make this drink {here}

credit {here}

cheers!

alright, mavens - i'll see you in two weeks! i've lined up lots of awesome guest bloggers to delight you while we're enjoying our honeymoon in seville, spain & marrakesh, morocco : )

foodie wednesday: world's best turkey burger

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

ok, i know "world's best" is quite a bold claim, but these burgers are damn-near close. all the yummy add-in like bbq sauce and caramelized onions make these babies super-moist and tender. they are delish on a fresh baked ciabatta roll, on focaccia or atop a salad.

credit {here}

1 pound lean ground turkey meat
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup grape jelly
1/4 cup bbq sauce
2 tablespoons mustard
2-3 teaspoons curry
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 onion, chopped and caramelized

1. saute chopped onion in olive oil until caramelized. (this will take15-20 minutes.)

2. put ground turkey in a large bowl and add ketchup, jelly, bbq sauce, mustard, curry, salt, pepper, egg, bread crumbs and onions. mix thoroughly until well-combined.

3. form into 6 patties.

4. prepare a large cast iron skillet heated on medium to medium-high with a tablespoon of olive oil.

5. cook burgers (partially covered) 4-5 minutes each side or until juices run clear.

top with cheese, if you wish. this recipe also makes for terrific meatballs and also great sliders : )

credit {here}

bon appetit!

om monday: carpe diem

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

first of all, happy halloween! i hope that the snow hasn't inhibited any of your spooky plans.

craig and i are just 5 days from our big day. and with that wonderful event within our sights, we're trying (and succeeding to a large degree, i might add) to savor every single moment leading up to our wedding day.

this past saturday, we were surprised with quite a bit of snow - driving was a no-go, my yoga teacher training was cancelled and we lost power at our house. instead of freaking out because we couldn't get things done, we made the most of our quiet time.

our final bottle of "countdown" champagne

we started a fire in the fireplace, uncorked a bottle of champagne and planted ourselves fireside while we reminisced about the past 6 wonderful years of our relationship together.

it's funny how it often takes big, life-altering moments to get us to slow down enough to truly savor what a gift life is, but, in truth, every day is a one-shot deal. you can make the most of it and really "carpe diem", or you can busy yourself with all the inconsequential stuff that too often rules our lives and governs our days.

credit {here}

as our wedding countdown moved from months to weeks and eventually to days, we've done our best to slow down and really savor every little moment before we become mr. & mrs.

i hope that you, too, will take the time to notice the beauty that's all around when you slow down enough to see it.

carpe diem : )

happy hour: halloween cocktails

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

in case you didn't realize, we're suddenly at the end of october...and you know what that means. halloween time! in honor of that spooky holiday, i've rounded up some yummy (yet sinister) cocktails to enjoy with your candy.

credit {here}

sundown cocktail

3 ounces orange juice

1 1/2 ounces light rum

3/4 ounce grenadine

combine o.j. and rum in a hi-ball glass filled with ice. drizzle with grenadine. serve.

this cocktail is two-toned when first poured. after it sits, the ingredients start to mix together into an intense orange color. (adapted from {this} recipe.)

credit {here}

bloody cider punch

2 cups brandy

1/2 cup black currant schnapps

1/8 cup superfine sugar

4 cups apple cider

1 1/2 cups seltzer

pour all the ingredients into a punch bowl and stir well until all the sugar is dissolved - this works best if the liquids are at room temp. refrigerate until cold and then, if you really want to add some creepy-goodness, drop in a block of dry ice to create some spooky fog! (adapted from {this} recipe.)

cheers to a creepy halloween!

foodie wednesday: dad's red sauce

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

craig and i have been enjoying heaping bowlfuls of my dad's scrumptious marinara sauce for dinner for the past two days, so i couldn't help but share my dad's awesome recipe with you all. below is the "typical" version, though he tends to improvise every time he makes it, so i encourage you to get creative too! (for instance, in this most recent batch, he roasted the fresh tomatoes prior to incorporating them into the sauce to add richness and left out the ground turkey.)

credit {here}

mangia, mangia : )

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
5-7 fresh garden tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup good red wine
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 dried bay leaves
1 lb cooked ground turkey or chicken sausage (optional)

credit {here}

1. in a large pot, heat the oil over a medium-high flame. add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

2. add the celery, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

3. add the tomatoes, wine, parmesan, and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour.

4. remove and discard the bay leaf. (add cooked ground turkey meat or chicken sausage if desired.) season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste.

i love this sauce so much. i don't even need pasta...or even bread...to enjoy it. i eat it like a hearty tomato stew. yum!

oh, and on another note, i enjoyed an amazing lunch with my dad yesterday at le bec fin in philly. he was so sweet and requested a father-daughter lunch date before my wedding (in a week and a half!!!).

om monday: still waters run deep

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

a few days ago i watched a new yoga documentary called yogawoman. the film highlighted the expansion of women-dominated yoga in the west - especially interesting because yoga originally began as a supremely male practice.

they delved into many aspects of how yoga affects our bodies, self-esteem, thought-processes and helps us cope with fluctuations throughout our lives. very cool film.

credit {here}

one particular metaphor lingered with me, and i want to share it with you. i feel it beautifully communicates how yoga works on the mind & body.

they compared our physical bodies to an ocean. for many of us, the ocean is often turbulent, constantly churning the elements below; making it impossible to glimpse into its profound depths. by working the physical body and concentrating on breath and alignment, yoga begins to calm the surface of the water. and once the surface is calmed, we are able to behold the immense depths beneath the surface.

that metaphor completely resounded with me, because i have experienced that shift first hand. by working on my physical body with yoga, i have begun to experience positive changes in my mood, temperament and overall experience of life. fascinating and wonderful.

namaste : )

happy hour: creamy caramel apple martini

2011-10-21T08:03:00.000-04:00

credit {here}

i'm not usually one for martinis with a cream base, but this one jumped out at me as a delicious after-dinner cocktail for fall. the sweet creaminess of the caramel baileys paired with the tart apple vodka would make for the perfect autumnal treat : )

credit {here}

1 ounce(s) baileys caramel irish cream

1/2 ounce(s) smirnoff green apple vodka

1 slice apple

1 teaspoon caramel

credit {here}

1. in a shaker, add baileys & vodka.

foodie wednesday: haddock en papillote

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

first and foremost, i want to wish a happy anniversary to my parents! today is their 37th wedding anniversary and the 6th anniversary of the very first day that craig and i met. coincidence, i think not ; )

ok, now time for some good food! one of my favorite ways to cook fish is "en papillote", meaning in a pouch. i put olive oil, a fish filet and some yummy seasonings in a foil packet, bake it and voila! - moist, delicious, perfectly cooked fish.

for my rendition of haddock en papillote, you'll need:

1 lb filet of haddock
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup hearty marinara
1 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper
pan
foil

preheat oven to 375.

1. place foil in pan and drizzle with 1/2 the olive oil. (make sure you have enough foil to wrap up and around the fish and toppings to seal in all the yumminess.)

2. place haddock on foil and season with salt & pepper and sprinkle with olives.

3. in a bowl, mix together the marinara and white wine. pour over fish.

4. bring edges of foil together and fold over a few times to create a seamless packet.

5. bake for 25 min. remove from oven and open the foil - allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

we enjoyed our hearty haddock with a fresh garden salad and wild rice. the rice was great for soaking up all the delicious juices.

bon appetit!

time flies

2011-10-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

i'm sure you've all heard the expression "time flies when you're having fun". well, i'd like to modify that to "time flies when you're planning a wedding". all my now-married friends forewarned me that the final few months whiz by, and i believed them, but i didn't know they were going to go this fast! and now, we're just 18 days away from the big day, and i continually am bewildered by the calendar date.

when we got engaged over 18 months ago, it felt like we had all the time in the world to enjoy the planning process. luckily, we made good use of our time, and now with mere days between us and "i do", we feel well-prepared and are more excited than anything else.

credit {here}

i've also been warned that the actual wedding day flies by too, and unfortunately i'm sure that will be true as well. but, even though i'm certain that our special day will go by more quickly than i would like, i'm going to try my darnedest to savor every...single...moment.

with wedding (obviously) top-of-mind these days, craig and i have joked about what we're going to fill our days, minds and to-do lists with post-november 5th. and, to tell you the truth, i have no idea! i guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

so, mavens - any tips about how to slow down wedding day time?

one tip craig sent me said to remember that you're getting married not weddinged. there's so much more to look forward to after the big day : ) check out the article {here}

om monday: our storyline

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

in yoga class today, we were encouraged to examine the storyline we craft for ourselves. you know, the things you say, or think, about yourself. i'm good at math. i'm a horrible cook. i have no patience. i'm great at tree pose. i suck at warrior 3.

credit {here}

we all craft storylines for ourselves, our lives and our futures. but what if we stopped self-perpetuating the negative things we've "written" for ourselves? what if, instead of saying, thinking, feeling that you'll never get a new (and better) job, you focus on the positive of your current position and then delve into what actionable steps you can take toward remedying the situation. so you move from "victim of your storyline" to "crafter of your destiny".

credit {here}

negative thoughts, words and feelings breed more of the same. if you're constantly going around focusing on how fat (you think) you are, you're only going to produce more negative thoughts and experiences. drop your storyline that you're playing on repeat. and take action. be curious and approach the situation with fresh eyes...and you may see things clearly for the first time.

so mavens, what story are you ready to re-write?

happy hour: cran-spice martini

2011-10-14T08:36:00.001-04:00

last night, for thirsty thursday, i decided craig and i would enjoy some fireside cocktails. inspired by fall, i wanted something spicy with autumnal ingredients - like cranberry.

so, i came up with the cran-spice martini...and it was pretty darn good, too!

1 shot captain morgan's spiced rum
1 shot vodka
2 shots cranberry juice
squeeze of fresh orange
seltzer (or ginger ale)

1. in a shaker with ice add the rum, vodka, juice and fresh orange. shake.

2. pour concoction into a martini glass and top off with seltzer (or ginger ale).

3. garnish with a wedge of orange.

the captain morgan's adds a spicy vanilla quality to this drink, and the cranberry juice adds just the right amount of sweetness. the fresh orange brightens the flavor a bit, which is just lovely. (if you're looking for a lower calorie option, go with the seltzer. if you're looking for something sweeter, add the ginger ale instead.)

cheers, mavens! happy friday : )

foodie wednesday: chicken for a crowd

2011-10-12T09:15:00.000-04:00

a few weeks back, craig and i entertained 12 for dinner. the menu? chicken with mustard cream sauce, spanakopita and a garden-fresh salad. it's not always simple to cook for a large group, but with proper planning...and the right recipes...it can be stress-free.

enter "chicken for a crowd". growing up, i always loved when my mom would make chicken with mustard cream sauce. there was just something about the simple goodness of chicken paired with the decadent creaminess of the sauce - yum! so, when it came to cooking for a dozen, i defaulted back to my childhood favorite.

what you'll need...

1 quart heavy cream (not a low-cal recipe, by the way...)
1 13oz jar of grainy dijon
4 lbs chicken tenders
salt & pepper

preheat oven to 375

1. whisk together cream and mustard in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat. bring to a gentle simmer.

2. arrange chicken tenders in 2 large oven safe dishes and season with salt & pepper.

3. pour 2/3 of sauce evenly over chicken and roll the chicken in the sauce to fully coat it.

4. reserve final 1/3 of sauce to put out when serving.

5. bake for 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly. allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. (and remember to put out the extra sauce!)

this recipe is extremely simple and totally delicious - can't beat that! also, you can prep this dish up to a day in advance and just cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge. if you've had it in the fridge, i recommend bringing it out of the fridge 30 min prior to cooking to take the chill off before putting it into the oven.

mmm...mmm gooood!

good food week

2011-10-11T09:25:00.003-04:00

the past 7 days have been filled with many, many delicious meals, so (being the food-lover that i am) i thought i would share some of my magnificent meals with you all.

tuesday, october 4th, 2011 - dinner at sprig & vine

sprig & vine is this totally awesome little vegetarian/vegan bistro not far from our house. i went with my friend, laura (a fellow yogi), and my sister, hannah, for an inspired meal. without the protein staples we so often rely upon to provide the foundation for our entrees, sprig & vine opens up a totally new world of mealtime possibilities. i totally loved the encrusted tempeh with honey mustard sauce, the bbq eggplant and the zucchini & black eyed pea cakes. it was a totally awesome meal!

laura & hannah

friday, october 7th, 2011 - date night at home

october 5th marked the one-month countdown to the wedding. in true celebratory fashion, craig and i popped open a bottle of bubbly friday evening to revel in the less-than-one-month-til-we're-married. we ordered pizza and sipped champagne, as pizza & wine has always been our go-to date night. hard to believe the wedding the just over 3 weeks away!!!

saturday, october 8th, 2011 - girls' lunch & sisters' dinner

saturday morning found me (accompanied by my mom and sis) at the bridal salon for my dress fitting. it was amazing to see what i thought was a well-fitting dress turn into a custom gown, tailored oh-so-precisely just for me.

my turkey heaven...i mean reuben

after the fitting, my mom, hannah and i enjoyed a casual lunch at a quaint old tavern. my turkey reuben on butter-saturated toasted rye was heaven in my mouth, and the side of super-crispy seasoned sweet potato fries with vermont maple syrup for dipping didn't hurt either : )

mom's crab cake

han's chicken quesadilla

my reuben...again...

for dinner, han and i decided to enjoy a sisters' night out while we still share the same last name. we went to honey, a small plates restaurant with artisan cocktails and innovative cuisine. they recommend 2-3 small plates per person, so we opted for 4 shared plates and were not at all disappointed with our choices...or the portion sizes...

1. porcini-parmesan risotto cakes with a lemon-vanilla emulsion, black garlic puree, crushed hazelnuts & arugula sprouts

2. spice-rubbed scottish salmon, soft corn tortillas, sweet corn & charred poblano relish with black truffle cream

3. duck samosas - sweet & salty braised duck wrapped in flaky pastry and fried, finished with spicy aji amarillo creme fraiche and apricot chutney

4. lobster in a tomato and miso broth, served gratin-style with bubbly mozzarella over korean rice dumplings, topped with bonito flakes

credit {here}

is your mouth watering yet?

and then for dessert we ventured over to bobby's for pumpkin mousse sponge cake with a side of pumpkin ice cream filled with chunks of gingerbread cookie dough.

as you can see, i was blessed with a week of amazing cuisine, and i thoroughly enjoyed every single mouthful.

so, mavens, have any super good food lately? you know i'm all about a good meal...

om monday: what we avoid

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

in yoga, we're often told that the poses that we dislike or avoid are the poses that we need the most. interesting concept. so what is it that head-to-knee pose or warrior 1 can offer me? what secrets can i unlock through them that will ultimately better me and my practice?

credit {here}

in head-to-knee, my balance is really challenged. so perhaps, i don't like feeling unsteady and shy away from things that make me feel vulnerable. in warrior 1, seemingly opposing forces are at work - keeping the back heel down, while squaring the hips parallel to the front edge of your mat. so maybe in that case, i can learn that opposing movements/events can ultimately work together to achieve something greater.

these are just some musings that i've had with this notion of examining "what we avoid" in mind. there are many more poses that challenge me and countless moments that occur on a daily basis that i'm sure could benefit from further contemplation about this idea.

so, mavens, i encourage you to think about what you avoid that you think could ultimately serve you. do you talk yourself of going to the gym regularly? have you been avoiding confronting a colleague, friend or family member about an issue that needs resolving? whatever it is, think about it, and perhaps you'll draw the conclusion that some of the things that you're avoiding could make your world better if you embraced them.

namaste : )

happy hour: fall sangria

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

i saw this recipe the other day and have been dying to try it. in the fall, i always (want to) like mulled wine, but sometimes hot, spicey wine just doesn't cut it. i think is autumnal take on a classic sangria might just do the trick!

credit {here}

fall sangria

3 apples

3 pears

3 clementines

2-3 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp honey or agave syrup
6 oz triple sec or cointreau
2 bottles of red wine (something fruity works best)
optional: fresh cherries

1. core and cube all fruit and put into a pitcher or carafe

2. add 2-3 cinnamon sticks & 2 honey, stir

3. add liquor and wine, stir and let sit.

it's best if you make this drink a few hours or even a day in advnace and let the flavors mariante in the fridge. garish with fresh, ripe cherries : )

cheers & happy weekend!

foodie wednesday: farmhouse meals

2011-10-05T12:06:00.001-04:00

food tastes better on a farm. a few weeks ago craig and i had the pleasure of house sitting at a bucks county farmhouse – taking care of horses, donkeys, dogs and chickens. but, despite the extra chores, that week was one of simple pleasures, good conversation and quiet moments.

one simple pleasure being food. uncomplicated, delicious dishes that allow the true essence of the thoughtfully chosen components shine through. farm food is simple food, fresh food, hearty food. with that in mind, I wanted to share a few recipes that will hopefully offer farm-like appeal, whether you can see grass from your window or not.

overnight oats

this is my breakfast almost everything morning. there’s something so comforting about hearty oatmeal that never fails to speak to my sense of “home” and my longing for something comforting.

½ ripe banana

½ cup oats

½ cup soy milk (any milk will do)

1 tbsp peanut butter

cinnamon & nutmeg to taste

in a cereal bowl, mash banana with the back of a fork.
dust banana with cinnamon & nutmeg and add oats. mix and mash some more.
add in soy milk and stir.
cover and leave in fridge overnight (hence the name “overnight oats”).
in the morning heat oats in the microwave (i usually opt for 2 minutes on power level 50), and then add in the peanut butter and sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon. the warm oats will start to melt the peanut butter. yum!

rustic quiche

quiche is often a go-to in my house, and when you’re privy to fresh-laid eggs, it’s a must! to some it may seem intimidating (since it’s “french”), but this one-dish meal is really a great last-minute, no-frills dinner.

1 (pre-made) pie crust

6 eggs

½ cup half & half

1 red pepper, chopped

1 cup baby portobello mushrooms, sliced

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 tsp garlic, chopped

¼ cup shaved parmesan

¼ cup feta

salt & pepper

1 tsp curry

1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary

1 tsp fresh chopped thyme

1 tsp olive oil

preheat oven to 375 degrees.
in a medium pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and red pepper, mushrooms and shallots. mix in garlic and season with salt & pepper. cook until mushrooms and peppers are tender and shallots are translucent.
in a bowl, scramble eggs with half & half, curry, herbs and salt & pepper.
press pie crust into 9 inch pie plate.
pour cooled veggies into crust and pour egg mixture over top. sprinkle with feta and parmesan.
bake for 30 minutes until eggs are solid and top and crust is lightly browned. allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

farmhouse cocktail

this “cocktail” is a sure-fire winner!

1 bottle red wine

1 corkscrew

2 glasses

1 person to “cheers” with

put bottle in fridge for 20 minutes prior to opening to settle the temperature.
uncork.
pour into 2 glasses.
sip.
smile.

i hope these recipes offer you the sense of hearth and home that i was totally soaking up during that week on the farm. perhaps it’s the few chilly days that we’ve been graced with lately or the fact that fall is approaching, but as i write this, i’m ready to hunker-down and pour myself a farmhouse cocktail right about now.

{this piece was originally written for new jersey life health & beauty}

wedding shower in review

2011-10-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

this past saturday, on 10.1.11, craig and i had our wedding shower at my parents' house. our co-ed affair was a "charcuterie", which thoroughly confused some of our guests. in the end, though, they all loved the affair, which highlighted rustic meats and cheeses, fresh breads, homemade soups, quiche and tons of yummy accoutrements. oh yeah, and lots of wine & beer!

photo by chad

cheese platter - photo by cailen

my mom, sister (the maid of honor) and my bridesmaids outdid themselves, and the party was a complete success. the weather saturday was fall-perfection - slightly overcast and slightly chilly. it really felt like autumn had arrived with the house glowing and the delicious smell of home cooked food filling every nook and cranny. craig and i were shocked (and pleased) by the number of shower gifts we received, and we were especially surprised by my bridesmaids' lovely joint present - 12 gift cards for 12 dates for the first 12 months of marriage. what a fabulous gift!!! we cannot wait to use some of them.

my bridemaids - photo by dad

photo by cailen

in addition to all the amazing registry items we received, my aunt gave a me truly precious gift...my great-grandmother's engagement ring from 1910, set with a brand new blue topaz. she said it was something old & something blue, but i think with the new stone and the fact that it was my great-grandmother's then passed to my great-aunt then given to my aunt and then finally handed down to me, it is also something borrowed. that beautiful little gift encompasses all of the time-honored elements of that tradition. something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. trust me, the tears were flowing when i opened that one.

me opening ring - photo by dad

nana's ring - photo by cailen

after i composed myself, craig and i concluded our gift opening with a round of the "almost newly wed game". craig and i each got a small white board and were seated back to back. then questions followed: "where was your first kiss?", "what date did you meet?", "what's craig's dream car?" - we got most of them right and the ones that we differed on brought some laughs.

photo by dad

me taking pics of the food - photo by dad

then, dessert was served - cheesecakes (one with caramel and toffee and ginger snap crust, the other with a subtle orange zest and a buttery graham cracker crust), brownies (double chocolate and chocolate peanut butter), cream puffs and homemade apple pie. after dessert i had to take my belt off. haha.

dinner food - photo by cailen

game time - photo by chad

it was so wonderful to visit with our friends and family and see how excited everyone is getting for our nuptials in just over a month. we're glad we're not the only ones looking forward to it ;-)

alys, me & cait

after the party, we stayed the night at my parents' and sunday was spent in pjs by the fire watching father of the bride (the one with steve martin) until mid-afternoon when my hair/makeup stylist stopped by the house for my trial session. i loved what she did, but it felt kind of weird being all glammed up in my yoga pants...

won't be long now til i'm a "mrs."

the wedding is starting to feel very real and very close!!! 11.5.11 will be here before we know it!

hope you all enjoyed your first october weekend as well

om monday: bite your tongue

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

one thing i've learned...and continue to learn...is that "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." i'm embarrassed to say that i fall into the trap too often. i say something, and the second it leaves my lips, i wish i hadn't put it out there. it's not even necessarily the words i'm using but the tone. cold. or frustrated. or annoyed. and i know the other person hears it, feels it and internalizes it.

yet, despite this realization, and even despite the fact that i don't like this trait very much, i find it very, very, very difficult sometimes to suppress the urge to let it out. even though i know it's followed almost instantaneously by regret.

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what is it about us that makes us think we'll feel better by being unkind or unfriendly or not part of the solution? i guess a lot has to do with our egos and the need to feel superior on some level - the whole "i'm right. you're wrong," thing.

but i know in those moments that i catch myself and don't let the unkind words slip, i feel stronger, better and more compassionate. and that's truly the direction i would like to be moving in more.

so i encourage you all - along with me - to set the intent to bite your tongue, even just once, in an instance when you would normally say something you may regret. keep your lips sealed and see how you feel.

happy hour: champagne cider cocktail

2011-09-30T07:53:00.000-04:00

in honor of october (i honestly can't believe tomorrow is october, by the way), i've crafted an autumnal cocktail that captures one of my favorite flavors/ingredients of the season. apples.

growing up, my sister and i loved sparkling cider. not only was it delicious, but we felt oh-so-grown-up sipping our fizzy cider out of elegant champagne flutes. with that memory in mind, i thought a champagne & cider cocktail would be a lovely, celebratory drink this time of year. bonus, this drink is super simple to make and guests will adore it!

credit {here}

champagne cider cocktail

1 part apple cider
3 parts champagne
garnish options: cranberries, cinnamon stick or an orange wedge

in a champagne flute add in cider, then top with champagne and your garnish of choice. if you want to make it super festive you could rim the glass with sugar in the raw.

sugar rim: run an orange slice around the lip of the glass to coat it, invert the glass into a shallow dish of sugar in the raw to coat it. now craft your fall cocktail.

credit {here}

hope you enjoy the first weekend of october! i know craig and i will - our wedding shower is tomorrow!!!

foodie wednesday: clams & crab cakes

2011-09-28T12:20:00.000-04:00

last week, craig & i had my parents and my sis, hannah, over for a seafood feast. we enjoyed steamed clams as our appetizer and then had crab cakes and a garden-fresh salad for dinner. of course, dinner was accompanied with glasses of white wine and lots of good conversation & laughs : )

clams with white wine & garlic

1 lb little neck clams, rinsed & cleaned
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
3 tbsp butter
salt
juice from 1/2 a lemon
other 1/2 cut into wedges

1. melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium pot over medium heat. add the garlic & shallots, season with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes until mixture is fragrant.

2. add wine & lemon juice and increase heat to medium-high until liquid comes to a simmering boil.

3. add clams and cook, covered, for 5-7 minutes, until clams have opened. (discard any clams that are still closed!) while clams cook, melt the final 2 tbsp of butter and pour into a small bowl.

4. using a slotted spoon, transfer clams to a large serving bowl and pour the broth into a small bowl for dipping.

5. serve clams with shallot-garlic-broth and butter for dipping and lemon wedges.

i loved scraping the bottom of the broth bowl to get some shallots/garlic for my clam. with a squeeze of fresh lemon, i was good to go!

low-carb crab cakes

crab cakes often rely on breading to give them bulk. this recipe relies on awesome, lump crab to make these cakes extra delicious : )

1 lb lump crab
2 large eggs
2 (heaping) tbsp grainy mustard
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
salt & pepper

preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. in a large bowl combine the crab, eggs, mustard and parm. season with salt & pepper.

2. once evenly combined, form crab mixture into patties. i opted for 8 large cakes.

3. put bread crumbs in a shallow bowl and lightly coat each patty.

4. spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and arrange cakes.

5. bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once half way through baking. crab cakes should be golden brown and scrumptious looking!

enjoy with horseradish mayo, light ranch dressing or even guacamole...and a lemon wedge, of course!

our seafood feast was seemingly decadent, but actually rather wholesome. with the proper combination of decadent ingredients, you can enjoy both a healthy & deliciously fulfilling meal.

bon appetit!

breathe & smile. smile & breathe.

2011-09-27T08:12:00.000-04:00

lately, i've been a roller coaster of emotions. with the wedding drawing near, yoga teacher training beginning and some time-consuming (but exciting) work projects on my plate, i've been up-down-high-low-happy-sad-pissy-sweet a lot lately. poor craig.

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that said, i have been making a concerted effort to focus on the positive...cause after all, perception is reality, right? but sometimes it can really just feel like the world is coming at me, no matter how hard i try to convince myself otherwise. in those moments, instead of moping or crying or getting mad, i'm breathing. and smiling...if i can. and then breathing some more.

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i'm finding that this oh-so-simple tactic is really helping me get my feet back on the ground when my head is running wild and my emotions are out of whack. instead of beating yourself up for not being able to "change" your mood, stop trying. breathe. and smile (if you can). and then breathe some more.

when you control the breath, you control the mind - no matter what it's saying to you...

credit {here}

smile. breathe.

om monday: perception is reality

2011-09-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

in many ways, my yogadharma classes are reinforcing truths that i already believe, but my classes are also encouraging me to view them on a larger, more worldly scope. we can get so wrapped up in our perception of things that we forget that it's just that...our perception.

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there's a great saying that i've long believed to be true: perception is reality. this basic notion has been re-churned countless times, but its simple eloquence is sometimes hard to grasp. it's sometimes hard to admit that if things are "good" or things are "bad", it's because we're perceiving them to be that way.

sure, there are times when you could argue that almost anyone would agree with you that what you are going through is either more negative or more positive, but i'm sure we've also all experienced beautiful, sunny days when we're miserable and pissed off, as well as difficult, sad times when we've been able to share a smile or a laugh. it's all about our perception of the situation.

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you can choose to see the outside world as annoying, out-to-get-you and an overall unfriendly place, or you can decide (i know, it's hard) to begin to perceive things differently. instead of reacting with your usual knee-jerk response and going to that cold, hard place, soften and try to think about a new way of looking at the things, people and experiences you encounter on a daily basis.

...and, you'll enjoy more "sunny" days for sure...

happy hour: three's a crowd?

2011-09-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

i have been all about multi-grape wines lately. though i love my go-to sauvignon blanc, i'm totally digging the supple, hearty reds and surprising whites that emerge when winemakers mix & mash different varietals.

drink me.

my favorite combo-wine maker is ménage à trois. i know, i know, good name, right? they have red, white and rosé 3-grape wines, and they are all good. all their wines are a mixture of (you guessed it) three different grapes and consequently all have a uniquely pleasing quality that delights many different palates. and at approximately $10/bottle, you really can't go wrong...

also, these mixtures are a great place to start if you're unsure of a certain type of grape. look for a combo wine that includes that varietal and ease your way in.

sooo goood.

so, in my humble opinion, three is definitely not a crowd. three is just getting the party started ; )

so, mavens, drink any good wines lately? cheers!