House Beautiful

Go Ahead… Mix it up!

Published on March 5, 2013 in Decor and Fashion. 3 Comments

Listen.  I love the color beige more than any human should, but lately, I can’t keep my eyes off of a good mix-up.  Some are subtle juxtapositions, others walk the tacky/genius tightrope.  You know…  I’m talking about those invigorating combos that – errr! – at first glance, don’t *seem* at all like they should go together, nor do they adhere to any traditional rules of matching or coordination…  but dang.  When you slap a few unexpected elements together, sometimes, they manage to look magically awesome. I’m talking about stuff like this:

THAT would be my über stylish, dear friend (center) and sister-from-another-mother, Caitlin (AKA Mrs. Whitey) at her rehearsal cocktail fête a few weeks ago in Charleston.  She sported the DELECTABLE Milly Simone Combo Dress, and Loren Hope earrings.  The navy demure lace top / mod black-and-white paintbrush pencil skirt / citron skinny belt combo was too chic and too regal for words.  It was seriously something out of Kate Middleton’s closet.  And speaking of a good juxtaposition…  never have you ever met such a prim, gracious little southern button who can belch and make it sound like a frog just exploded inside a megaphone.  Hearts & Stars, Sugar!

Kelly Wearstler’s Channels X chair is a sweet combo of antique bones and modern reupholstery.

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Same thing with this bold stripe on an antique bed frame.  ‘Cept I might’ve done mine in hot pink – the prettiest color in the rainbow.

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Could we please discuss these funky statement earrings?  Or not, because I’m speecless.  *COUGH* Birthday.  Sold out at J.Crew but all over the place on eBay.

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Sparkly glitter + Granny Floral with hummingbirds = heaven in a shoe.

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It’s really just one crazy piece, but how much do we love Chassity from Look Linger Love’s floral britches?  So fun.  And made so ladylike with the simple black top and nude/pink heels.

Some smart soul updated Granny’s old school, pink bathroom tile with a fresh roll of Albert Hadley’s Fireworks wallpaper.  BANGBANGBANG.

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Stripes & Florals, Florals & Stripes.  Not super novel but a classic mash-up so great for Spring, it’s worth a rehash.

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And if you really need a good kick in the tail, look no further than Furbish for a Skittles rainbow of crazy combos & candy colors.  It’s like Jamie Meares put confetti, vintage glam, ikat and good times in a blender, and then poured it all over her store.  Looks like a pretty good time to me.

Go on.  Spring’s comin!  Shake things up a little.

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xoxo,

3 Comments

Make this for dinner tonight.

Published on March 4, 2013 in Wise Words. 4 Comments Tags: , , , .

I pinned this recipe a few weeks ago and had a chance to make it last night for Matt and his Mom (aka Sunny D – the cute, spicy little thing pictured below with us). We’ve made Sunday dinners a weekly tradition here in C-bus, and since bathing suit season is now (gulp) 2-3 months away, I wanted to make something über healthy last night.

I know there’s an unwritten rule that you’re supposed to do all your own original content on your own blogs, but this recipe from Lizzy Writes is too good, too healthy and too easy not to share.  Original recipe is HERE, so open that up, and read below for what I did to tweak it:

SHRIMP (I did my own thang here):

In a food processor, blend 1 whole bunch (like, the whole bunch you get at the grocery for 89 cents) of cilantro, and a few nubs of fresh ginger (the equivalent of 3 gumballs – those nubs below will probably do it).

You’ll have to add a glug or two of Olive Oil to get the consistency right and get it to blend thoroughly.  Add just enough until it starts to mix together – not too much that it’s liquid-y.  Once you get the consistency right, squeeze about a 1/2 a lemon in there, and add a dash of salt.  Blend thoroughly.

Wash and peel 2 pounds of raw shrimp.  Pat dry, then transfer to a big Ziploc.  Pour the cilantro/ginger marinade over the shrimp, close bag, and make sure the shrimp is thoroughly coated.  Refrigerate.  This marinade is delicious and never fails.

CAULIFLOWER:

I changed nothing about this from her recipe.  It was outstanding.  How have I been steaming before I mash mine for so long when I should’ve been roasting it 1st?  Gives is so much more flavor.  Genius.  I didn’t have parmesan cheese so I used fresh grated Pecorino Romano, and probably 1/2 cup instead of the 1/4 cup it called for.  Whoops.

WILTED SPINACH:

This was made extra awesome because – per Lizzy’s instructions – I sautéed the spinach in the leftover gingery-cilantro juices from the shrimp.  Only other thing I added was the zest of 1 lemon to the spinach mix.

ALTERNATIVE (or ADDITION) TO CAULIFLOWER – GINGERED MASHED CARROTS:


Drop 2-3 gumballs worth of fresh ginger into a food processor.  Once that’s good & busted up, add boiled (drained) carrots – about 1 bag’s worth, and prob 1/4 cup of Brummel & Brown butter.  Dash of salt.  Blend thoroughly.  These were sweet and delicious.  I stole this idea from my girl Caitlin’s wedding reception last weekend, which was catered by Cru Café in Charleston.

The OTHER best part about this healthy dish is that it didn’t break the bank.  Probably $20 for 4 people.  Definitely buy raw shrimp instead of already cooked – it’s about half the price per pound, and I think it tastes better anyway.

Happy Monday!!

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