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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

because i keeps my promises...

Here is the recipe for the strawberry pie we talked about last week…lots and lots of you seemed to want to get your grubby little paws on this recipe and so, ask and ye shall receive is what I always say…

Actually, I don’t ever say that…

And truth be told, I’m pretty lazy, so most times, if you ask, I’ll tell you to go get it yourself and bring me one too while you’re up….

But all that aside, kids, this recipe is the bomb.com! I wish I could take credit for inventing it, but in fact it is straight out of an old issue of gourmet magazine…and thank god I saw it and was all “ZOMG!%#^&^ GET IN MY FACE” or else we never would have known….never know of the magic that this pie could conjure…seriously. You think I am exaggerating again, but I speak nothing but truths.

So here’s the scoop…this pie takes more time to make than it seems like it will but most of the time is inactive time…you’ve got to do a minor amount of babysitting and “stirring occasionally” but other than that, it’s a cinch and believe you me, you are going to have stalkers lined up for the rest of your summers begging for this thing, so be prepared, ok?

Ready? GO!



FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE WITH WHIPPED CREAM
FOR CRUST
• 1 (5-oz) package shortbread cookies (I use a little less than half a package of the keebler sandies, and that’s more than 5oz, but I like a little extra crust)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

FOR FILLING
• 2 lb (1 1/2-inch) strawberries, hulled (see cooks’ note, below)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (2 1/4 tsp)

ACCOMPANIMENT
lightly sweetened whipped cream

MAKE CRUST
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
• Pulse cookies in a food processor to fine crumbs, then pulse in sugar and butter until combined. Press crumb mixture evenly onto bottom and up side of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

PREPARE FILLING AND ASSEMBLE PIE:
• Select 20 large strawberries as close to same size as possible and set aside. Cut remaining berries into 1/4-inch dice and toss with sugar and lemon juice. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Drain berries in a sieve set into a large glass measuring cup. Add enough water to measure 2 cups. Transfer liquid to a medium saucepan and reserve berries.
• Sprinkle gelatin over strawberry liquid and let soften 1 minute. Bring to a bare simmer, stirring until gelatin has dissolved. Add diced berries, then transfer to a metal bowl set into an ice bath and stir frequently until mixture begins to mound, 20 to 30 minutes. (this is a lie. It always takes mine at least an hour to start to mound.)
• Spoon 1/2 cup filling into piecrust and arrange reserved whole berries, stem ends down, on filling. Spoon remaining filling over and between berries. Chill pie until filling is set, at least 4 hours.





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Monday, June 11, 2012

do you La'Rue?

I am not a fashion blogger.

I know. That’s a shocker. I’ll wait right here while you regain your composure and pick your jaw up off the floor.

The sad truth is that these days, I’ve really lost my mojo in the “getting myself dressed and looking presentable” department….between wearing the same pair of pants to work every day and then coming home and throwing on the Costco yoga pants to chase after the wild toddler, suffice it to say I’ve been left uninspired, at best…a complete shambles at worst…

That is, until Kiki La’Rue came into my life…





Unless you have been living under a rock for the last few months, I’m sure you’ve heard of this totally rad online boutique! Kiki La’Rue has the sexiest flirty, flowy tops, killer jeans and the most amazing selection of gorgeous dresses for every shape and size…

Also, if you “like” Kiki LaRue on Facebook, you’ll be kept in the loop with all the new arrivals PLUS you’ll have the opportunity to vote and be the buyer! How cool is that? Their customer service is totally out of this world.

You just never know when you order things online, right? The fabric could be thin and cheap, the sizing could be wacky, the colors could be off and not at all what you pictured…I had heard great things about Kiki La’Rue, but I had to see for myself what all the fuss was about….and ladies? I am here today to tell you THE FUSS IS JUSTIFIED!


The day that little, sparkly pink bubble mailer arrived in my mailbox, I could barely contain my excitement….I chose the Arianna maxi, because maxi dresses are my own little version of heaven in the summertime…I mean, they’re long enough to cover up your legs if you haven’t shaved in 3 weeks have a sunburn and flowy enough that the breeze can still get up under there and cool off your bits…

Girls. Don’t look all horrified. You know you know what I am talking about. Air conditioning….


But seriously, this dress is amazeballs. The color is perfect for summer…talk about an attention getter! But the best part of all about this sexy little number is the fabric. It is cool and light for those sweltering summer days and stretchy enough to have a totally flattering drape while still tucking you in all the right spots to make you look skinny and feel SEXY…it’s slinky and cool and…well, I love it. You will too!!! Go order one! Or any of the other million cute things they offer!








Beacuse right now, I've got a BONUS for you!

If you use code: LOVEYOUMORE you get free shipping!

Love you Chikadees! Don’t say I never gave ya nothin’! Happy Monday!!!
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Friday, June 8, 2012

faves for friday!

Back again, peeps, for another round...this week, I've got some real good ones fer ya!

My Favorite New Necklace
People? I caved. I drank the Kool-Aid, I kept up with the Joneses, you guys said “jump” and I said “hell YEAH bitches! I’ve got a trampoline!”. I had to have it, all of you pretty girls in your pretty knock-off j.crew bubble necklaces from ebay via China…it was all I could do not to order every single color…in the end, I decided to go with the standard aqua…

It arrived yesterday and oh my lordy YOU GUYS WERE RIGHT! It is gorgeous and you know what? Pretty great construction for $16 and free shipping.. color me impressed! And so happy! I put in an order for 2 more this morning…..oops.



My Favorite Condiment
Come. To. MAMA!!!!!!!



My Favorite Beauty Product Right Now
I was really hesitant to try this stuff, but due to my raging case of FOMS (see also: My Favorite New Necklace, above), resistance was futile. Hopes were not high, because I really don’t wear much on my face besides moisturizer and concealer anyway (powder makes me feel like my skin is suffocating. I want to use it…I keep trying…and every time, I end up having to wash my face immediately) and also, because drugstore makeup always turns orange on me.

This stuff might not be for everyone…..in fact, I wasn’t too sure it was for me either in the beginning, but the more I use it, the more I love it. it has a great, dewy, sheer finish to it and a clean, grassy sort of scent and it really evens me out in a subtle way. hey, I dig it….and for 10 bucks, it is super affordable. Love.




My Favorite Strawberry Pie
I make this every summer guys….and I don’t want to offend, but it brings out the stalker in people….they start calling in May all “when is the pie coming? Are you making the pie? Make sure you let me know, ok? I really want some pie!”…so I whipped this bad boy up on Tuesday night and made a little side pie with the extra filling. I sent it into the city in a bag from Tiffany & Co. with it’s own little ice pack and our friend Jimmy walked all the way from Bryant Park to 59th & Lex to pick that little beauty up on his lunch break Wednesday. It’s that serious.

Want the recipe? Let me know, but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.



My Favorite New Followers
You guys want to hear something pathetic? Remember when I put my tail between my legs last month and went off muttering about penguins and pouting that I needed a break and was feeling depressed?

Right.  

That.

Well, I’ll give you the breakdown for the impetus of that little hissy fit…um….I’m not proud of this, but I’m pretty sure that was fueled by about 60% PMS hormones, 10% “oops crap I forgot to take my meds today” and 30%  that I lost 2 followers out of nowhere. I know I’m a big baby, but that really did a number on me, especially since I knew I was being such a whiny pain in the ass anyway.

But enough about that because this week, I got 2 new followers and I love them…not only because they are following this goofy, babbling hot mess of a blog, but because their blogs are awesome too…like SO good, and so pretty, and so funny….check them out and see for yourselves! Thank me later!!!  Tiffany & Elisabeth, I’m so happy to have you, girls!!!



          




So, that concludes this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, my new favorite link up…OH! Wait!!!

My New Favorite Link Up






That’s better! Now we’re done…..


I need a drink.

Happy Weekend Hot Stuffs!








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Thursday, June 7, 2012

thursday's brain vomit

That's a pretty gross title. maybe I should change it?

Warning people….I have a lot of browser windows open right now…I’m reading blogs, doing work, entering contests to win this GORGEOUS chunky gold chain bracelet from Taylor Morgan Design, that Elisabeth is giving away over at her blog La Vita e Bella...I'm leaving comments, procrastinating answering emails, brainstorming upcoming blog posts, weekend plans, dress ideas for wedding season,  toddler dinners….my brain feels ultra caffeinated, but in that strung out, crackhead way, not in the productive sort of kicking ass and taking names way. It’s exhausting.

So forgive if this is all over the map, k? cuz I think somebody slipped some pop rocks in my lean cuisine or something.

That doesn’t even make any sense.

Also? Lean Cuisines? Vom.





Hey, if you guys follow me on the twitters? Sorry for the major flood of sandwich texts last night. I've mentioned my crush on Adam Richman, and he was live tweeting last night during the first episode of his new show, and I was feeling saucy and trying to get a little twit-enntion (just made that up. like?) to no avail, so yeah….sorry. I am obviously a loser. That’s ok. I was just using him for the food porn anyway.

(just kidding Adam. You know I still want to share spaghetti with you like Lady & The Tramp. I'm just trying to look cool and aloof on my blog.)

I have to talk to you guys about my hair dryer drama. Is anybody even interested? Because it is pretty aggravating, and I am trying to stay away from the bitching on this here blog, but man oh man….so stay tuned for that. I know. You are panting with anticipation.

Escuchame! I also need to break down the latest with my Weight Watchers adventure.

Sigh.

It’s not the prettiest. I need to get my ass back on that elusive wagon. I am quitting my old gym this weekend, joining a closer gym and working hard on my list of excuses motivation. But I’ll save the gory details for another day….right now? I think I need to just have a cup of tea and do some deep breathing or something.

Peace out, sprouts.


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Monday, June 4, 2012

strawberry fields forever

We spent the sunny half of our sleepy Sunday on the North Fork, hunting for strawberries in a vast patch. We gobbled them up, right off the vine, still warm from the sun. We piled them high in a cardboard box, paid a lady in a booth and drove off with more berries than I will ever find a way to use…..









There will be strawberry pie….strawberry and spinach salad with goat cheese and pecans,….strawberry vinaigrette…..strawberry salsa….strawberry muffins....

But most of all, there will be beautiful memories. Ben was a riot out there, and my heart is full.

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Friday, June 1, 2012

friday faves

Hey all! It's Friday! And not a moment too soon right? Was this was the longest short week ever??....we all really, reeeally need to start a movement to get the work week to be 4 days every week....anyway, besides all that, and since you probably won't even see this till Monday (ugh....Monday....that is such an ugly word on Friday night...) because it's almost 9 on Friday night cuz I was trying to write this all the damn day and between people who don't know how to STFU and grabby, sweet baby hands, it honestly took me upwards of 14 hours to put this together...the 14 hour blog post. It's true.

BUT....when I saw Lindsey's link up, I knew I had to play along. I have been feeling so craptastic lately, and it was really awesome to see all of these bloggers, posting the positive, spereading the joy and sharing all of their favorite things.....

So here I am....and here are my Faves for Friday.....

My Favorite Little Brother
His 21st birthday is next week and my heart hurts that I can’t be there to give him a hug and a kiss, buy him a drink and tell him how very, very lucky I am that he is mine. He is the most amazing kid….thoughtful and smart, handsome and charming. He grew up so fast and I am so proud of him, every day. I love you, Kellen. Happy Birthday, little bro!


My Favorite Thing I Ate
This out of this world, Avocado & Watermelon Relish/Salad thing I invented the other night to go over grilled chicken…or shrimp…or just to get poured directly into your face because it is just THAT good….it couldn’t be easier either…it’s just avocado, watermelon, lemon juice, red onion, cilantro and a pinch of salt. Seriously, it took 4 minutes to throw together. This is going to be my summer staple. It is AMAZEBALLS.



My Favorite Organizational Project
Organizing my Pinterest boards…holy crap people. When did they get so out of control? It is an overwhelming endeavor, but I’d rather do this than clean bathroom grout or something so I guess it’s all good.



My Favorite Prezzie I Got For Myself
These totally adorable Steve Madden sandals! My gold gladiators are held together right now pretty much by scotch tape and staples and I needed a new, summery pair of sandals stat…I found these on zappos yesterday (LOVE zappos, BTW) and they were calling my name. They came this morning (!!!) and they are super comfy and the color is just fantastic. I can’t wait to wear them.



My Favorite “New” Boyfriend
Adam Richman….girls, I love him. I don’t know what it is, ok? His new show, "Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America”  is starting next Wednesday and to say I am counting the minutes is an understatement. I love him. Oh. I already said that.....



My Favorite Weekend Plan
Gettin' this scrungy, played gel mani soaked off - finally- yes, i know. So I'm marching right in to Nail & Relaxation Spa (do nail places where you live have crazy names? They kill me here!) with these peeling, jacked up nails and marching out wearing my favorite polish of all time, OPI "Tickle My Francey". I can't wait.


so there you have it peeps....in the 11th hour....my faves for the first ever link up of Lindsey's Friday Faves. I love this link up and I'm pretty sure I'll keep coming back for more...focus on the love!






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Thursday, May 31, 2012

This Little Boy...

This little boy…



Loves strawberries. He loves hummus and he loves ketchup, though thankfully not all together.
He loves to be outside, running through the grass with bare feet. His platinum, gossamer wisps of hair sparkle in the sunlight. He is the most beautiful thing I have ever, ever seen.
He is fearless with dogs and with danger in all forms, which does not a carefree momma make.
He says “Daddy” as clear as if he was 6, but his “Momma”s he holds back, playing hard to get till my heart might just burst from needing to hear it so badly.
He dances to Beyonce, and to the Elmo song on his sesame street mp3 player without preference.
He laughs hysterically at the jellyfish in Finding Nemo. Every. Single. Time.
He hugs his friends when he gets to school in the morning and yells “uh oh!” and runs in the other direction when I come to pick him up.
He is sweeter than a bowl of sugar drenched in syrup, covered in marshmallows and he is mine.
All mine.
This boy.
He is the love of my life.

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