Ring out the old, Ring in the new

NYE is coming fast upon us, and the Sailor and I don't have any plans! Well, that's not entirely true. We're spending a quiet night in-- That's more than okay in my book. We'll have a some apps followed by an elegant meal of canard a l'orange, which the Sailor first learned how to make here.

Our plan is being finalized at the last minute, but there's still time to decorate and celebrate! I scored a black jumpsuit (overnight delivery!) that I'll pair with my gold heels and some fun chunky jewelry.

How I Spent My Winter Stay-cation

Hey, hey, hey. Long time, no posts. Like many bloggers, I've been keeping it real, trying to spend time with family and friends this holiday season. So, I've taken a little break from blog and a step back from social media too. There's a lot to catch up on though!

I've been desperate for a tropical escape. I know, I know. It's not even really winter yet. Talk to me in February, and by then I'll truly know what it feels like to need to get out of the northeast! I'm dying for the hot rays of sunshine to cure my Vitamin D deficiency and boost my mood.

On the bright side, I was lucky enough to have some time off a couple of weeks ago to rest, recharge and prep for Christmas. And, although it wasn't the umbrella-drink, toes-in-the-sand kind of vacation,  I made the most of having some time to do the things that fill me with joy.

I had a lunch date and a nail appointment with mom.

I snuggled with my sweet Lola.

I crafted and Christmas-ed to my heart's content. I had a (much, much too long) list of craft projects I wanted to tackle, but I only managed to finish two. One was a winner, and one...not an epic fail.

WINNER! 

Melted Crayon Ornaments

Thirty Minute Apron...

No link to the source because the instructions were so bad that it took me about 3 hours, 30 minutes 

and 3 trips to the craft store. Handiwork only a mother could love. Not an epic fail though because we wore them to bake Christmas cookies like last year. Our recipes for coconut macaroons, peanut butter blossoms, sweet and saltines (aka almond bark) and Magic Cookie Bars (my favorites!) turned out much better than in the past. 

And add two super easy dinner recipes to the menu rotation! 

Salmon Florentine

via Self.com

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

2 packages (10 oz each) frozen spinach, thawed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each), rinsed and patted dry

PREPARATION

Heat oven to 350°. Squeeze spinach of all excess liquid. Set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more. Add spinach, tomatoes, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; cook, stirring, 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; let cool about 15 minutes. Add ricotta; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pack about 1/2 cup spinach mixture on top of each fillet, matching the shape of the fillet. Place fillets on a rimmed baking sheet or in a glass baking dish; bake until cooked through, 15 minutes.

Thai Coconut Crockpot Chicken

via Simplebites.net

SERVES 6-8

INGREDIENTS
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 inch cube of ginger (about 30 grams), roughly chopped
1 small sweet onion, peeled, quartered
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into four
2 cans coconut milk, not shaken
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 can of baby corn cobs
1 cup peas or frozen vegetables of your choice

For the spice blend
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground tumeric
1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION
Combine ingredients from the spice blend together and set aside.
In a mini food processor, combine garlic, ginger and onion and pulse until it forms a paste.

In the bottom of a slow-cooker placed on a burner , heat olive oil and melt butter. Add pureed aromatics and stir well. Cook for a few minutes, then add spice blend. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Move aromatics to one side of the pot and add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook chicken slightly on all sides, using a sturdy wooden spoon to move it around the pot. It should get thoroughly coated with the spice mixture.

Open the cans of coconut milk and remove the cream from the top using a soup spoon. You should have about 1 cup. Pour the coconut milk over the chicken and with both cans, it should just barely cover the chicken.

Drain the corn cobs and chop in half. Add to the slow-cooker.

Place the slow cooker in the base and cook on low for 4 hours.

Whisk cornstarch with coconut cream until smooth and add to the chicken. Stir well. Add frozen peas or other vegetables of your choice. Cook for another half an hour or until you deem the chicken cooked and the vegetables hot.

Get It Done: Circuit Workout

The truth...I haven't been into running at all lately. At. All. Forget running outside. It's dark out before I go to work and dark when I get home. Add to that freezing temps, mountains of snow and slick road conditions, and running outside isn't an option. And let me tell you, it's been a real struggle to get through even three miles a few times a week these days. Maybe it's the weather and being stuck inside. Maybe it's the love/hate relationship I have with running, and I'm just in an off-cycle now.

Holiday House Tour

I must admit that one of my favorite times for reading blogs is during the holiday season. So many bloggers go all out with decorating and share spreads of their beautifully decorated homes. Every day I find new inspiration for our house-- if only I had more free time, it would be a true winter wonderland over here. The Sailor is probably relieved that there's not more time for decorating though since he's not big on  Christmas "clutter", but I love the festive feel and almost wish we could keep the decorations up year round.

In honor of the season, here are some of my favorites from Jennifer Rizzo's annual Holiday House Walk followed by a glimpse into what our home looks like this season. So grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy!

Dear Lillie

This room floors me! It's the perfect combination of rustic and modern with the wooden ceiling beams, hardwood floors and gray walls with white trim, Click on over to Jennifer Holmes' brilliant Dear Lillie blog to see the flow of this open space. I love her use of paperwhites and amaryllis throughout and hope I can find some to replace our poinsettias. 

Give Back with Gaia

Just popping in for a quick update. I've had computer problems galore, so posts have been few and far between lately. I couldn't miss the chance to tell you about an inspiring company/cause that I recently found though. 

Wordless Wednesday: Clutch

Gift Guides and Friday Finds

Whoa- the stores have holiday decor and the holiday gift guide posts are already circulating the blogosphere! How many shopping days are left??? Usually by this time of the year, I have not only started my shopping but have made pretty good progress. Buuut not this year! Anyway, some of the lifestyle bloggers that I follow, including Nicole's Guide to Style, View from My Heels, Waiting on Martha, and A Pumpkin and a Princess have some ideas to get your Christmas lists started.

A few days in Portland, Maine

I am so far behind on updating you guys about recent travels! Way back in September, I was in Portland, Maine for a few days... It was my first time visiting the state, and I loved it just as much as everyone promised!

Spooky Halloween Decor

It's no secret that the Sailor isn't a big fan of tchotchke, as noted here. So decorating for the holidays (other than Christmas) is pretty limited in our house.  I did add a few items to our Halloween clutter this year though. 

Best Fall Boots

Nope, this is not another blogger round-up of the best boots. And despite the title, it's not about cowboy boots, which you can read about here, here or here. It's my five star review of the Frye Jackie Gore Stitching Horse, the single best boot for the fall.

Playtime: Make Yourself

A few months ago, I committed to personal training sessions in an effort to mix up my exercise routine while cutting back on running.  I deserted Planet Fitness in favor of a fancy gym with TRX, kettlebells, heavy ropes, stability balls, steppers, chin-up bars, a jungle gym and other equipment I had never before encountered. The extent of this cardio queen's strength training routine involved some dumb bell rows and a few minutes on the machines pictured in the commercial below...once in a blue moon when I wasn't gutting it out mile after mile on the treadmill.



But I've been building muscle with a trainer in pre-dawn sweat sessions two or three times a week for awhile now. Although I've mentioned it here on the blog briefly, I haven't really gone into detail about my progress or the exercises.

Friday Finds: Wear, Read, Eat, Do

TGIF! Here are a few things on my radar this week...

WEAR

I recently stumbled upon The Classy Cubicle and want to raid blogger Mary Orton's closet! She has mastered the chic, preppy professional look, for sure!  Mary is not only a fashionista but also works in finance. How she finds the time to pull together these classy combos and take magazine-quality photos, I don't know!

Interior Envy

Say what you will about her music, acting career and foray into fashion, but it's indisputable that Jessica Simpson has an eye for interior design! Her mini-mansion (5500 square feet) just went on the market for $8 million, and Lonny gives readers a sneak peek into home set in the real 90210 zip code...  

Weekend Rewind: Yoga, Saratoga, Flowers and Food

Good morning, friends! I can hardly believe that it's been almost two weeks since I checked in! Travels for work and personal training sessions have thrown my schedule off, leaving little time for my favorite part of the day-- blogs and coffee in the morning.

Five Things

Some bloggers are big on the Five Things Friday posts, but I'm breaking the pattern. So here are five things happening in my world this Wednesday.

TEA
Every autumn, I rediscover how much I love tea...Irish breakfast tea with a spot of sugar and milk brings me back to memories of living in Galway...And herbal tea that seems to soothe...well ... everything.

via

Little and Big...

These are old news for all you mommies out there, but I just stumbled upon Freshly Picked mocs while scrolling through Instagram. (They've also been featured in People, Parenting and In Touch.) They're just adorable! If only the little ones in my life were just a wee bit smaller, I'd be buying them in an instant!

SUP and Summer Wrap Up

It really was like a switch flipped on Labor Day! Seems that the seasons have changed from summer to fall in just one week! Here's the weekend/week recap complete with links to a couple of recipes...

On Labor Day weekend, the Sailor and I managed to play tennis twice (yay for finally getting out on the courts) AND, at long last, I crossed off stand-up-paddle board from my Summer Bucket list. I wanted to try it when I was in St. John, but none of the beaches I visited had boards for rent. Then the Sailor and I attempted it two other times- weather/wind and work interfered. I was just starting to think that it wasn't meant to be when we got out on the lake on a picture perfect, calm day.

Jillian "Shark Girl" Morris

Charm City Travels

Happy September! I'm back after a short work trip to Baltimore and DC, followed by a long holiday weekend at the lake. I was thrilled to be able to visit some new spots in Baltimore and some of my old favorites in Georgetown last week--The weather was hot, hot, hot, and I enjoyed some good shopping and good eats. What more can a girl want?

Quite possibly the best car ever. Spotted near Fell's Point on the Baltimore waterfront.

Fall Wardrobe Wishlist

Wow! August just flew by! Like everyone else, I can hardly believe that Labor Day is in a little over a week. The cooler temperatures are making me think ahead to autumn ... and I've already started a short wardrobe wishlist...

J Crew St. James Sweater

Round Up: Health/Beauty/Fashion/Travel

Good morning! Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but my routine has been interrupted as of late. I usually blog in the morning, but time has been limited since I've been working out with a trainer twice a week. And on those other mornings...sleep, paying bills and laundry have all become the priority.

Anyway, here's what's been capturing my attention these days...

I'd love to attend this conference...

Three Things

Style Me Pretty Glitter and Gold Little Girl's Birthday Party
This melted my heart! Everything about it! The precious little girls, the glittery accents, the puppy named "Summer," the lush willow trees and landscaping...

Love Shack Fancy
I've been obsessed with this dress ever since I spotted Emily of The Milly & Grace Girls wearing it here. I'm a big fan of "dip dye" (aka tye dye), and this silk georgette fabric creates the look of understated elegance. Some of these dresses are more in line with my budget though!

Southern Cross
Seems like every summer, there's one tune that becomes the song of the summer. A few years ago, it was Shambala. Then, it was Sister Golden Hair. This summer's song is Jimmy Buffett doing one of my favorite CSN songs.


 

Design Crush: Meredith Miller

I haven't seen a home that I've been this excited about since-- well, EVER before. Seriously. I just stumbled upon Meredith Miller's home featured on Society Social and Glitter Guide  this spring and cannot even find the words to convey how much I love this place! With bold colors, layered patterns, hints of metallic and a combo of contemporary and traditional pieces, it's eclectic and fun. Makes me want to do some dressing up of things over at our abode!

Months ago, the Sailor painted the walls going up our staircase navy as I requested...and I've been saying I want to do a gallery wall but just haven't put it together yet. Now I'm tempted to add white stripes and paint the banister white too!

Take a Hike

The Sailor and I have had a mighty busy summer so far, and I couldn't be happier about it! Three cheers for summer 2014 being waaaay, waaaay better than last summer -- Last year on Labor Day, I honestly wanted to rewind the clock because I felt like I missed out on everything fun. (Okay, a little dramatic, I know.)

Fashion Friday - #NSale and Neiman's Fall Trends

Glad you stopped by! It's Friday, and I have fashion on my mind. Everyone in the blogosphere has been posting their favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale buys. Thought I'd join in with a list of what's on the way to my doorstep...affordable "necessities" from Nordstrom.

Then, I followed up with a couple of items from the Neiman Marcus fall trend preview that shall remain on my wish list-- unless we hit it big playing the ponies at the Saratoga Race Track this weekend!

Life Lately: Read, Eat, Wear, Dream, Listen

Reading: 1776 and the new Vanity Fair-- can't get enough of that sweet little George!

I started 1776 while on the beach in St. John. Not exactly a beach book, but McCullough's narrative style makes it an enjoyable page-turner. I'm already looking forward to reading John Adams next. If you haven't read any of his books, this citation accompanying his honorary degree from Yale summarizes his style and really captures what he does best: “As an historian, he paints with words, giving us pictures of the American people that live, breathe, and above all, confront the fundamental issues of courage, achievement, and moral character."

Peony Perfection

Fresh flowers in the summer are essential.

Inspired by This

Design Crush: Colleen Locke

It's been awhile since I did a Design Crush feature, but I can't resist sharing Colleen Locke's reno that I recently saw in Domino.

30 Summer Days: week 4

I'm bummed that the holiday weekend is over, but there's so much good stuff happening over here to catch up on! Last week was my trip to St. John followed by the Sailor's birthday, a 4th of July celebration, a lobster bake and a sunshine filled weekend. But first...here's the 30 Summer Days wrap up!

Week 4

22 – Sunday Pancakes! Do you have a Sunday breakfast routine?
No Sunday breakfast routine for me. As you know if you've been reading this blog for any length of time, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I'll go on streaks where I have the same thing three or four days in a row and then mix it up. Some of my faves during the week: avocado toast with an egg and salsa, protein pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. As a treat on the weekends, sometimes the Sailor will make to-die-for creamy, cheesy scrambled eggs.

30 Summer Days: Week 3

Epic fail on the Photo-a-Day challenge this week...Promise next week will be better. Despite no photography skills, I should have some pretty spectacular scenery from St. John next week to make up for what's lacking here! 

30 Summer Days: Week 2

Week 2 of the #30summerdays Photo a Day challenge down! Here's what's been happening...

Three Things: Yoga, Travel and Summer Recipes

YOGA UPDATE

Last month, I posted about re-committing to doing more yoga and I was reminded of that when I read Cortney's More Yoga Please post. So here's the accountability part...I did seven yoga workouts last month. Not bad considering that time for yoga was competing with increased walking/running miles, playing some golf and doing yard work (Does that count as "fitness"?)

Buuuuttt it wasn't quite what I hoped. I'd really like to try to get in two yoga sessions per week. I'm a bit behind in the game since it's already June 11th, but that's my goal for the rest of the month. And while I loved the online resources I found, I still have a few classes left on my old pass at estudio hot yoga-- Nothing like sweating in a 100 degree plus room in June!

  

TWO WEEKS

You might remember that I booked a trip to St. John last fall but I never ended up going. (I went to Nantucket instead-- can't complain!) Well, it  may be a year after the original plan fell through, but I am finally going at the end of June. So excited for a tropical getaway 

I want to spend all of my time on St. John HERE! 

SUMMER RECIPES

Our meals tend to be lighter in the summer months and I couldn't be more excited about some of the recipes I've seen lately. Lots of fish, fruit and veggies please my palate! And our Field Goods local produce delivery has resumed-- fresh, not frozen! Here are a few recipes I'm eager to try...

Summer Shrimp Salad from A Thoughtful Place

Homemade Peach Ice Cream with Mini Snickerdoodle Cookies from Everyday Occasions

Ratatouille from Mommy Run Fast

Style It: Runway to Beach

Style It: Runway to Beach...and everywhere in between!

It was love at first sight when I spotted this gorgeous dress on the "runway" at the Nantucket blACKbook Beauty and the Beach fashion show.

30 Summer Days

One of my New Year's resolutions for 2014 was to learn how to take better photographs. I haven't done much toward accomplishing it-- But I did recently get a new iphone with a better camera than my old phone. It's a start. The picture quality is encouraging, but I still have a lot to learn when it comes to composition, angles, focus, de-cluttering the background, symmetry, pretty much everything!

Since June is my favorite month of the year and it's been awhile since I took part in a "challenge", I thought it would be fun to do Tina's June Photo-A-Day Challenge. I figured that it would at the very least get me in the mindset of thinking about opportunities to take photographs and get me in tune with all the beauty around me.

So, how did week one of the challenge go?

Celebrating Four Years

Garden Party

Happy June! Life got away from me last week! Both the Sailor and I were super busy but also pretty productive. Lots of exciting news to share though. We finally made some decisions about landscaping the yard and put down a deposit to reserve our date. It won't be done until the end of June (bummer!), but I am happy that we moved forward.

With honor & gratitude

Thanks to those who courageously gave their lives in service and those who bravely continue to fight so that we may enjoy our freedom.