Enough Said. This little boy is most certainly my whole world.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thoughts For Friday
A little over a week til Christmas! Yikes. I feel like I have so much left to do. I will say I work best under pressure though and this week is crunch time.
I finally got our Christmas cards addressed and mailed. I went with the solo picture of Sterling trying to open the door, it was too cute not to use! I am very old fashioned and traditional when comes to cards. I like the kind where you attach the picture yourself and hand write a message. Time consuming yes, but I love a gorgeous Christmas card. This year our cards came from Crane and Co and the photo was taken by the fabulously talented Julia Ryan.
Sterling and I baked a batch of these Christmas Tree Sugar cookies this week, how cute are they? Although I have to say mine did not look nearly as cute as Martha Stewart's- how does that woman do everything perfectly?? I will say by accident I bought regular M&M's instead of minis so that was part of the problem-lesson learned.
Have y'all seen this Tory Burch Blanket? I want it so bad!
Around this time of the year when I am Christmas Shopping, I start to get a little selfish. As I am buying gifts for others I start to look for things for myself. This quote really put things in perspective for me and helps me to realize I have more than enough! That's not to say I still don't browse for myself- I just try not to buy!
Sterling's school had a holiday fundraiser this week. They had a bunch of different companies come and set up booths with proceeds going to his day school. I picked up this Stella and Dot Serpent Bracelet. I absolutely love it. I thought it would be a piece I could wear daily. and I am not going to lie the fact that Kelly Ripa has one and wears it all the time made me want it even more!
Sterling and I baked a batch of these Christmas Tree Sugar cookies this week, how cute are they? Although I have to say mine did not look nearly as cute as Martha Stewart's- how does that woman do everything perfectly?? I will say by accident I bought regular M&M's instead of minis so that was part of the problem-lesson learned.
Have y'all seen this Tory Burch Blanket? I want it so bad!
Have a wonderful and festive weekend Loves!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday Five
The New list of Pantone Colors for 2012. Love everyone of them. Tangerine Tango is the color of the year.
Marble Islands.
Hygge and West Petal Pusher Wallpaper
Ashley Stark's Dining Room. I love every detail in here. How amazing are the lamps and table not to mention the chandelier!
Amazing Use of Color
Stylish Bunk Beds. I couldn't stop at 5 had to add one more beauty to the list today.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Chicken Pot Pie With Puff Pastry Crust
Last week the weather was cool and I was looking for something comforting to make for dinner, enter this pot pie. I have mentioned my love for Katie Lee Joel's Cookbook "The Comfort Table" many times. It really is an excellent cookbook, I have used mine so often the pages are falling out! Who knew Billy Joel's ex was such an amazing cook?
I found this Chicken Pot Pie Recipe in there and was sold. It really was easy to make and even reheated well the next night. I love the twist of using Puff Pastry instead of regular crust.
**A few notes- I just roasted 3 chicken breasts in the oven and shredded them vs her method of boiling them in the broth. I also just made one big pot pie instead of 4 mini ones. For one large pot pie you just need one sheet of puff pastry rolled out. I actually used a rectangle baking dish so I didn't need to cut the puff pastry at all. Make sure you don't skip brushing the puff pastry with the egg this helps it brown nicely.**
Chicken Pot Pie
One 14 to 17 ounce good quality puff pastry (such as Dufour), thawed according to package instructions
1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup peeled fresh pearl onions
2 medium diced carrots
1 cup sliced white mushrooms
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
5 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough with a floured rolling pin. Transfer to the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing pie filling.
Combine the broth, quartered onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme sprigs in a large pot over high heat. Bring to boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the chicken breasts. Raise the heat and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Strain the stock and set aside 2 1/2 cups. Reserve the remaining stock for another use. When the chicken is cool to the touch, cut it into bite-size chunks and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and peas and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute more. Add the reserved stock and the milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the chicken, the chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and set out four 2-cup individual oven proof bowls. Using one of the empty bowls as a guide, cut the pastry into four circles. Spoon the filling into each bowl and place one circle on each pot pie, pressing around the edges to seal the pastry to the bowl. Cut a vent in the center. Using a pastry brush, brush the entire surface of each pie with egg.
Bake until the pastry is puffed and dark golden brown, about 35 minutes. 4 Servings, 1 hour prep time, 35 minutes cook time.
Recipe and Photo from the Comfort Table by Katie Lee Joel, Simon Spotlight Entertainment,2008
1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
1 large yellow onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup peeled fresh pearl onions
2 medium diced carrots
1 cup sliced white mushrooms
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
5 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough with a floured rolling pin. Transfer to the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing pie filling.
Combine the broth, quartered onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme sprigs in a large pot over high heat. Bring to boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the chicken breasts. Raise the heat and return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. Strain the stock and set aside 2 1/2 cups. Reserve the remaining stock for another use. When the chicken is cool to the touch, cut it into bite-size chunks and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375 F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and peas and cook another 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute more. Add the reserved stock and the milk, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the chicken, the chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Remove the pastry from the refrigerator and set out four 2-cup individual oven proof bowls. Using one of the empty bowls as a guide, cut the pastry into four circles. Spoon the filling into each bowl and place one circle on each pot pie, pressing around the edges to seal the pastry to the bowl. Cut a vent in the center. Using a pastry brush, brush the entire surface of each pie with egg.
Bake until the pastry is puffed and dark golden brown, about 35 minutes. 4 Servings, 1 hour prep time, 35 minutes cook time.
Recipe and Photo from the Comfort Table by Katie Lee Joel, Simon Spotlight Entertainment,2008
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Obsessions- Christmas Wish List
Today I thought I would share a few things I am hoping to find under the tree this year!
PYTHON TRAYS
I have wanted one of these forever. The Zhush has such incredible stuff at her online store including these beauties. (side note- I may have just ordered one for myself who has time to wait for Santa).
PYTHON TRAYS
I have wanted one of these forever. The Zhush has such incredible stuff at her online store including these beauties. (side note- I may have just ordered one for myself who has time to wait for Santa).
MINT JULEP CUPS
This may totally be a Southern thing but I really want a set of Mint Julep Cups. Not just for boozing purposes but I love them for flowers too. I saw these at the Zhush online store too. For those of you in Charlotte Elizabeth Bruns has beautiful Mint Julep cups too.
This may totally be a Southern thing but I really want a set of Mint Julep Cups. Not just for boozing purposes but I love them for flowers too. I saw these at the Zhush online store too. For those of you in Charlotte Elizabeth Bruns has beautiful Mint Julep cups too.
TBAGS PRINT BLOUSE
It is no secret I freaking love blouses. They are my standard daily outfit. Love this T-Bags one. The pattern is gorgeous.
It is no secret I freaking love blouses. They are my standard daily outfit. Love this T-Bags one. The pattern is gorgeous.
ALEXIS BITTAR CRYSTAL ENCRUSTED EARRINGS AND RING
I Love Alexis Bittar jewelry. He makes such unique stand out pieces!
I Love Alexis Bittar jewelry. He makes such unique stand out pieces!
BREVILLE JUICER
This is top on my list of things I want. I always buy myself clothes but never want to spend my money on gadgets. I have been wanting a juicer forever and I heard this is the best one around.
This is top on my list of things I want. I always buy myself clothes but never want to spend my money on gadgets. I have been wanting a juicer forever and I heard this is the best one around.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tween Love
Normally I don't browse on Pottery Barn Teen. However, while I was reading House Beautiful they had an online article about personalized gifts and I fell in love with these Needlepoint Pillows from PBTeen. They remind me so much of the Jonathan Adler pillows but for a fraction of the price. I am pretty sure a few of these will be ordered for our home.
While browsing I also came across these POM-POM blankets. Love them. Would love the pink or white one for our den!
and this Kilm rug is divine. Who would have thought PBTeen rocked out so many wonderful things?
DIAMOND KILM RUG, $199
DIAMOND KILM RUG, $199
And while we are talking tween stuff I still have not seen the new Twilight Movie, it is driving me crazy! I need my Edward fix. Who has seen it and is it good? dish!
Lastly, two of my dear friends have teamed together for a fabulous art sale you don't want to miss. My friend Chassity from Look Linger Love is doing an art sale with Katie Long Stevenson. I know you must remember me talking about my friend Katie and how talented she is and how amazing her artwork is. Well, now is your chance to own a piece! The prices are ridic, I wanted every single painting. Check out the sale HERE!
Happy Monday Dolls. Less than two weeks til Christmas, yikes!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Damn You Auto-Correct
I had to share these. A few had me laughing so hard I may have peed my pants a little. These were revealed as the 9 funniest texts of the year from the website Damn You Auto Correct. Enjoy:)
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