the carriage house...

via The Glam Pad

via High Street Market

via The Glam Pad

The carriage house... It sounds so much more sophisticated than "the garage"... And all you have to do if you want to officially call your space "the carriage house" is have carriage house doors, a window box, and some ivy... Or, you can just start calling your garage "the carriage house" simply because you just cleaned it out for spring, which you feel has now elevated it to carriage house status. No judgement here... 

wallpaper l o v e...

 

Hello beautiful! I have an idea... Start a business that's basically exactly like fast food drive through... But Fast drive through for wallpaper. You order at the window & bam you get your new wallpaper that's off the menu. See I do come up with some amazing new ideas! haha 

Happy Wallpaper Wednesday friends! 

oscar fashion favorites...

It was quite an "eventful" night at this years Oscars... The night created a lot discussion and debate. But the one thing that I think we can all agree on is that the fashion was fabulous! Here are a few of the red carpet outfits that did not disappoint...

via Hello Magazine...

via W Magazine

via Style Caster

via Popsugar

via W Magazine

via Wall Street Journal

via W Magazine

via Style Caster

monday {menu}

 

\

mediterranean Steak Bowl

 Ingredients

• Flank steak – May substitute NY strip or sirloin steak or use your favorite cut. Chicken can also be used in place of steak if desired.
• Grape or cherry tomatoes 
• Red onion – May substitute a yellow or sweet onion
• Romaine lettuce – Any kind of salad green will work so use what you have on hand or what you like (green or red leaf, spinach, baby kale, ‘power’ greens, etc.)
• Cucumber 
• Kalamata olives – Look for pitted, sliced olives to cut down on prep time
• Hummus –  Use our homemade garlic hummus or use your favorite store-bought hummus of choice
• Feta cheese
• Oil – We recommend avocado oil or olive oil (Save 10% on all Primal Kitchen with code REALFOODRDS)
• Lemons 
• Plain yogurt – To make this dairy-free, substitute your favorite plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt or canned coconut cream (and omit the feta cheese)
• Garlic
• Oregano – Use fresh or dried
• Dill – Use fresh or dried
• Mint – Use fresh or dried
• Salt & Pepper

Other Items You’ll Need

• Skewers – If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. We love these metal skewers because they’re reusable and no soaking required!
• Grill or Oven with broiler
• Large, rimmed baking sheet

How To Make Mediterranean Steak Bowls

Step 1: Make the Herb-Yogurt Dressing by combining all of the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Preheat the grill (or broiler) and then prep the steak by patting it dry with paper towels and sprinkling both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Thread the tomatoes and onions onto the skewers. Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Grill (or broil) the steak and veggie skewers until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are lightly charred.

Step 5: While the steak and veggies are cooking, assemble the bowls by placing a dollop of hummus in each bowl then layering the salad greens, cucumbers,  olives, and feta cheese.

Step 6: While the steak rests, slide the veggies off the skewers into the bowls. Thinly slice the steak across the grain and divide it among the bowls. Drizzle with herb-yogurt dressing and enjoy.

happy sunday...

 

drink up...

 

Today is a day to drink up... Be aware of your water intake. After a lot of stress from a long work week and tons of activities you need to refuel your body with refreshing water! So with that said... I'll be drinking a lot of water today and I'm not complain about it at all! 

Happy Saturday friends! 

party like you're 16...

Seriously,  Why not! Why not go Go karting on your 16th {or any other age} birthday! It's kind of a fun & silly way to get everyone laughing and enjoying the whole driving experience together. I love this idea! FYI,  I had my 30th birthday at a K1Speed, which was a bazillion years ago. lol I had the time of my life & my friends did too! Such great memories.  

To continue the fun... It's a great idea to do dinner. This is a time to relax & laugh about the day together with your friends! It doesn't have to be fancy, but something little  to finish off your birthday. 

I think doing something different will make the best memories... So why not take that cooking class or painting class with your friends for a birthday party. Why not!  I'm in... I think its time to plan a party like its your 16th birthday party {even if your 30, 40 or 50+}! Have fun planning!

          

sweet 16 my love...

 

Oh My Gosh... How is my 1st born child 16 years old today. This truly blows my mind... It's true what they say, Time flies when you're having fun! Watching this little lady blossom into such a beautiful young woman has been incredible. Taylor really does have a heart of gold... Plus, her ability to be so open minded,  willing to go on adventures at a drop of a hat and is always wanting to help others is insane. No joke I take notes from her everyday! I remember like it was yesterday when you came into this world... You're eyes were wide open and extremely curious... Oh and that little tongue of yours that kept popping out of your mouth. So cute! You are so loved Taylor... I will always support you and be by your side for all of your wishes and wants in life. Stay classic in this ever so trendy world... I love you with all my heart Miss Taylor Michelle! Now lets get you on the road... And driving safely! 

HAPPY SWEET 16 

beautiful Taylor! 

 

 

mid-week check-in...

via Healthy Earth - Healthy Home

I am not sure who needs to hear this today, but I sure did... With everything that we have going on in our everyday lives, to the unexpected shifts and challenges that we are faced with, we need to pause and ask ourselves; Is this worth my energy? 

There are times when everything feels important. More important than even taking care of ourselves. But even during the times when you feel there isn't anything that you can let go of, there are probably still ways in which you can be more strategic and intentional about how you use your time. 

So if you are feeling drained, uninspired, or lacking clarity, take some time to assess how you are using your time and whether or not those things are serving you. Let go of anything that isn't so that you have you are able to say "yes" to new things that fill you up... Happy Wednesday! 

 

birthday gifts {sweet 16}...

SWEET 16 GIFT IDEAS

Don't laugh people these are fabulous! 

1.) Ok you need to go all out & get an adorable key chain from Tiffany's for their sweet 16. So cute!

2.) A dash cam is a must. With all the looney drivers out in the world... This will help your child if they get in an accident & the other person tries to deny causing the accident.

3.) Everyone needs a Mexican car blanket... Especially at 16. Hello... How wonderful to be able to use it when they stop at the beach for a sunset or a park for a lunch date! Perfect! 

4.) Roadside Emergency Kit is boring & practical... But so worth it. You just never know... Safety first! 

monday {menu}

 

{recipe from... here}

Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad 

      INGREDIENTS

      FOR THE MARINADE

• 1 lb sirloin steak
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

FOR THE SALAD 

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 heads endive lettuce, outer leaves removed, halved and roughly chopped into 2 inch pieces
• 6 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 corn on the cob, husk removed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling corn

FOR THE GREMOLATA

• 2 tablespoons basil leaves, minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

FOR THE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
• Dash of salt and fresh ground black pepper

1. INSTRUCTIONS
2. Marinate the steak: In a medium size bowl, stir together ingredients for the marinade. Place steaks in a large ziplock bag. Pour marinade over the steaks, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Make the gremolata: Combine the basil, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Preheat a cast iron grill pan at medium-high heat or an outdoor grill. Drizzle corn on the cob with 1 tablespoon olive oil and liberally sprinkle salt and pepper. Using tongs, place on the heated grill. Cook each side until grill marks form on the corn kernels and they are somewhat softened, about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat when done and let cool. Slice corn kernels off the cob.
5. Remove the steak from the fridge. Place on the grill or grill pan. Grill both sides 4-5 minutes for rare to medium rare. Remove steak to a plate and let rest for five minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for vinaigrette.
7. Toss together half of the vinaigrette, half of the gremolata, mixed greens, endives, tomatoes, gorgonzola, sliced corn, and red onion in a large bowl.
8. Lay sliced steak on top of salad. Drizzle steak and salad with gremolata and remaining vinaigrette as desired.

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happy sunday...

 

happy st. patrick's day...

 

Every St. Patrick's day morning I have always made my kids g r e e n pancakes... Well,  unfortunately I don't have a kitchen to do that this year... So they'll be getting Lucky Charms cereal. Ha Ha I don't think they'll complain one bit. But, how cute is this cake. Maybe next year.. I can do something like this for my kids. 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone! 

“A wish that every day for you will be happy from the start and may you always have good luck and a song within your heart.” — Irish Blessing

wandering wednesday {provincetown, massachusetts}...

Today we are going to be traveling to Provincetown, Massachusetts to the home of shopkeeper and designer, John Derian. The house, which dates back to the 18th century, has only had its plumbing and electric updated, with the rest of it left as it was when Derian purchased it about fifteen years ago. It is a wonderful example of the beauty of a perfectly imperfect home, filled with creativity and history. You can see more of this beautiful home here...

via Cup of Jo

via Cup of Jo

via Cup of Jo

via Cup of Jo

via Cup of Jo

 

get the look...

via Ali Henrie Design

This bedroom, with its alcoves and variety of prints and textures makes what used to be a dungeon-like basement bedroom warm and inviting. The classic check sheets, with the brass sconce, and the unexpected mix of a tribal print throw pillow... It just works! 

Bed Sheets                                                   Throw Pillow                                                     Sconce

 

monday {menu}

     

TOMATO POMEGRANATE 

BURRATA SALAD

    INgredients

• 8 ounces burrata cheese, torn
• 2-3 tablespoons fig jam
• 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup pomegranate arils
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons roasted pepitas
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, roughly chopped
• ½ cup mixed baby spring greens
• ½ cup microgreens
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Finishing salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Toasted baguette, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Plate spring greens, microgreens, tomatoes, almonds, pepitas, and pomegranate. Top with burrata.
2. Spoon fig jam on top of burrata. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with fresh dill, ground black pepper and garnish with finishing salt. Serve with toasted baguette as desired.