a little love

from garancedore

This is a GaranceDore post from years ago.  I saw this and thought it was just too cute not to duplicate so I sewed a little heart on the inside flap of my husband's favorite shirt.  I totally forgot about it until a few days ago when he lifted the flap up to put something in his pocket and voila, there was the heart.  Ah...a nice little reminder of the little things you do to document your love.   

Another nod to summer...

all photos from thesartorialist.com

Can you tell I am having trouble letting go?  I just cannot believe it is October already but alas, this morning I could see my breath so I think it is officially time to put away the summer dresses and sandals.

Quick Chicken Parm

(finecooking.com)

This recipe really is quick and easy - you can fancy it up in the tomato sauce department if you want.  I added chopped zucchini, capers and olives to the sauce last night.  This has become a go-to recipe when time is tight and inspiration is low.

1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 
Freshly ground black pepper 
2 large eggs 
1-1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs 
4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (about 14 oz.) 
Kosher salt 
5 Tbs. olive oil 
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (use the small holes on a box grater) 
4 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced 
1 small yellow onion, chopped 
2 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped 
One 14.5-oz. can crushed tomatoes (preferably Muir Glen fire-roasted crushed tomatoes) 
1/4 cup packed fresh basil, chopped (1/2 oz.) 

---

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray.


Mix the flour and 1/4 tsp. pepper in a wide, shallow dish. In a second wide, shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs with 1 Tbs. water. Put the panko in a third wide, shallow dish. Season the chicken with salt and coat each piece in the flour, tapping off the excess, then the egg, and then the panko, pressing the panko to help it adhere.


Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, cook the chicken, flipping once, until the crumbs are golden and the chicken is almost cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adding 2 Tbs. more oil for the second batch. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chicken with the Parmigiano and then top evenly with the mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.


Meanwhile, wipe the skillet clean and set over medium heat. Pour in the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and then add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender and lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and 1/4 tsp. salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the sauce over the chicken.

Where oh Where...

does the time go!?!?  My baby boy is six months old.  It has come to that point where I am relishing every moment - even the fussy ones and the messy ones.  The spit ups, the leaky diapers, the tut-tuts of frustration and the slobbering messes are dwindling away which means that the chubby thigh rolls, the small soft hands, the easy squeal of excitement and the instinctive nestle in my arms are also getting ready to say their goodbyes.  Sigh.  I DO have bundles of fun with the next stages to come though (my daughter is 2 1/2 so I have had just enough time in between to forget all the trying times the future still holds) 

Well, in any event, this little boy is getting older every second and it scares the beejeebies out of me.  (yes, I think I just made up that word. Get used to it.)  

Places to Go

 Ketchum/Stanley, Idaho

Venice, CA

 Kipahulu, Maui, HI

 Point Reyes, CA

NYC, NY

It is vacation day dreaming time.  You see, here in the PNW, this season we are embarking on is called grey-rain-dark-cold season otherwise known as fall.  So this is the time I like to day dream about my favorite places to visit.  I'll keep it within the country.

Basically anywhere between Point Reyes and Venice, CA are go-to sites. LOVE them. The eucalyptus smell, the palm trees, sunshine against clay walls, the OCEAN.  Every time I go to Cali, I feel so healthy and pretty.  It has something to do with that sun I think.

Ketchum and Stanley Idaho are soooo pretty.  The land goes out forever until, bonk, it hits up against these beautiful mountains.  The air is fresh, the rivers are cold and the snow is awesome.

New York City.  The best city really to visit.  I am not sure I could live here but a few days here and there are so fun.  So much life and creative inspiration.

Kipahulu, Maui - HEAVEN on earth. Truly. Walking off the airplane in Hawaii is like wrapping up in your favorite lost blanket...the warmth and humidity are so comforting.  The birds, the fragrance, the guri-guri...magical.  

Saying Goodbye to Summer

 from vanessa jackman

 jakandjill

 turnedout

 malia mills

 ilana kohn

from nina garcia

As we say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall, lets take a minute and look back on some exquisite summer yumminess in the clothing department.  The perfect white dress...I am still on the lookout for my perfect white summer dress.  I'll need one for my college reunion next year so the hunt is on!  And here is my new fav etsy shop selling Mogul dresses...so pretty.

Let's Get Organized

I am a BIG believer in lists.  I have lists for everything: stores, menus, things to do, things to do in your garden, things to buy for ski season...you get the idea.  But I don't like looking at my lists all over the place.  So, in walks the handy dandy dry-eraser board!!  I bought some stick-on sheets that I am able to apply on the inside of my kitchen cabinet - that way you don't see them but they are easy to access and browse.  I know, it's genius.  Thank you.