The little Apple.

It's always makes me chuckle when I hear born and raised New Yorkers say they have never been to the Statue of Liberty. I know this north eastern nook of Ohio certainly isn't a metropolis, but I think that typical truth repeats in all apples, big and small. There are plenty of nooks and crannies I have not yet explored in my home town. Last week I had the pleasure of exploring one of those hidden gems. I wondered in to Magnolia's On The Green to get some Moroccan Oil (duh) and came out with not only a great bottle of hair treatment(seriously try it), but a pleasantly surprised experience.

Placed perfectly in the core of our little apple, this adorable salon offers all the salon extras, but is nestled in a historical building with each of its technicians in their own unique room. While I cannot give up my most favorite hair queen at another salon(shhh!), I certainly will be back to Magnolia's for all their extras! The staff was wonderful and even though they were in the middle of prepping for a charity fashion show, they were all eager to help me out. (not to mention I was mistaken for one of the models upon arrival-even if this was a lie, it was great marketing).  I loved this little bite of history in our tiny town, and I only had to drive down the street!
 Now, how 'bout them apples! ;o)

Magnolias on the Green

79 North Broad Street

Canfield, OH 44406

330-286-5173

Soup Season

Soup season has officially arrived folks! (I hate the word folks). Let's say friends. 

Chilly days, hearty warm soup, crusty bread and a house filled with the mouth watering combination of all those scents. While in Italy last week, I had a soup I couldn't stop thinking about. It fit all the things I love about about food. Smelled amazing, looked beautiful, and had a great name. When I arrived home, (to 5 straight days of rain) a sweet acquaintance (thanks Miss Taylor!) had a recipe posted for this very soup! I took that (and the rain) as a sign. I should kick off soup season with this recipe.....and I should have stayed in Italy. 

So, as the sun decided to come out of exile, I decided it was time to get back in the swing of things. 

Meet RIBOLLITA! Say that 5 times fast. Anyways, here is the How To for this great dish. 


First things first. Get some of that great bread you're not supposed to eat in today's multigrain world. 

Then I followed Giada De Laurentiis' Ribollita Recipe from http://www.thekitchn.com/ with a few changes. I omitted the Pancetta because red meat is not welcome here, and I also added half a box of orzo I found in the cupboard(because what the heck else do you do with 1/2 a box of orzo). The ingredients are all pretty common, though I was a bit unfamiliar with Herbs De Provence, but it was at my local grocery store. And really, it's another fun one to say and cooking with something that sounds so prestigious made me feel a pinch like Julia Child (for a second). 

So chop, add, simmer, and toast up that fabulous bread in the oven. Serve over a piece of crusty bread and it will look something like this:

Sprinkle with some fresh parmesan cheese and your husband will look something like this:

Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. I of course, remembered. 

But if I hadn't, it would have prompted my husband to ask what the crunchy leaf was in his bowl. 

Happy Soup Season! Get cookin' folks. 

If the Hat Fits.

Do you look good in hats? You either do or you don't, right?  I love hats. What a great, yet simple accessory. So many of us are afraid of looking silly. I don't think anyone can look bad in that adorable find from Anthropologie, but perhaps we just haven't found the right fit....yet.

I think most of us have an energy that needs to be harnessed. When I worked a regular job- and I say regular depicting a predictable, in office, 9-5, structured, cubicle, type job- I was underwhelmed, and underworked to say the least. My "regular" job did not fulfill my creative energy, in fact, it put a cap on it.

This year has been a bit different. I threw the 9-5er to the curb and began doing things I love. All those creative outlets began to open doors. The truth is, this year, I will be wearing many hats and I'm just as intoxicated with each and every one of them. And perhaps looking a bit silly at times got me there. No one should go through life doing anything other than what they love. This changes everything. And change is  good  great. Period.


We should be inspired every day. And if you're not, maybe it's time to look a bit silly in a giant sombrero. (Kidding-find something flattering please.)  All the pieces will fall into place and we realize all that really matters is having people we love and somewhere to hang your hat. And if you've already found this, a pat on that back, and well,

Hats off to you. 

You, Me, & D.C.

My hubby has never seen D.C.

So, off we went, just him & me. 

At 103, we melted in the heat,

but, I was so happy to see my friend Julia, Bon Appetit!

Seeing her kitchen made me feel like I was going to starve,

Where was my husband? Outside talking to a stranger about Brett Favre.

I was in awe of her display of history, my husband, not so much.

So we decided to treat ourselves to some refreshing lunch.

Her kitchen was by far my favorite exhibit,

but this little green guy was pretty cute too, ribbit!

Then we marched on to see the Constitution and Declaration,

but the child in David was more excited about the old train station.

An afternoon of more history, museums, and some very famous bling,

How would you like to have the legendary Hope Diamond on a ring?

After a balmy day in the heat, we were spent.

One last stop to see the Washington Monument.

We strolled back talking about how nice it was, just us,

and suddenly this passed : a love bus :o)

A hip little dinner at Birch and Barley then bed

Resting up for a trip to the Baltimore Harbor for the day ahead!

The harbor was so hot we thought we'd die,

we decided to give the aquarium a try.

Fish, jellies, and a dolphin show,

I didn't want to see this happy guy go!

But the crowd and screaming kids were taking their toll,

Lesson: the aquarium on a Saturday is the best birth control.

A day at the Harbor was beautiful as can be,

so back we headed for some dining in D.C.

The next day we were headed home happy but tired

one last stop in Georgetown at Baked & Wired

I find myself to be a bit of a snob with this type of confection,

but I must say, these cupcakes were sweet perfection.

It seemed this trip ended as fast as it began 

Home happy of course, we missed the kitties and this little man ;o)

All's fair in Love and Homeowners' Associations.

HOA's. ugh.

Being a new homeowner opens the door to so many lessons learned. Here's the short of it:
We bought a place.
We bought a dog.
We bought a battle.

"Did you know there are no pets allowed? No dogs, no cats, no fish." Says the emphysema stricken voice across the street.

No FISH??? Really.

Our neighborhood is old. Scratch that. Our neighbors are old.  Some of them are wonderful, some of them are just old. I think no smoking should be enforced before no fish, but that's just me (the naive new home owner who wasn't given the "updated documents" that states no dogs, no cats, no fish). 

So this was a catastrophe in our neighborhood, a place where battles are fought over where to get blacktop for the driveways, and what color to paint the fences. We were practically committing treason here. Our options given to us by the king: get rid of our French bully, sell our place, or tar and feathering.

Okay, I made that last one up. But really, that's what it felt like. We had committed a crime that truly divided the seas. Secret alliances were formed. Lawsuits were in the works. And rumors were spreading like wild fire about our viscous "80lb" canine:

I know. Scary right? And besides the fact he is the friendliest pup on earth, you have to admit, he looks phenom for 80lbs, right?

I was beginning to wonder who the real "bully" was in all of this. We were not made aware of the laws, and we were certainly not getting rid of our 20 pound pup. So what happened?

War was declared. A meeting had been set with all of the congregation. We were put on the chopping block, talked down to, (because we don't know anything being new home owners right?), and expected to bow down to the king.

I was astonished by the unfairness that was circulating around us. So what did I do? Without giving the trivial details, I embarrassed the king. Other pheasants abruptly began to speak up, and suddenly, it was guerrilla warfare. Our bully had opened a can of worms (which I'm sure are not allowed either). Turns out, they were waiting to overthrow the king. They just needed a voice to get there. Our bully had given rise to a world of complaints and without knowing, helped us win the war, (and no one had to be tar and feathered).

We gained a lot out of going through this experience. We found neighbors that define kindness, power that was misused, and a very important lesson:

At any age, don't be a bully.

......or a cat, or a fish.

iGet it.

I've been living under a rock. I just joined the iTeam and got an iphone. 

iknow. 

Though, it's only been one day, I'm not quite sure how I managed so long without it. It's all the things I've been looking for in a phone. Smooth functionality, a million gazillion apps, great camera, facetime, easy to sync and oh yeah, you can talk on it too! (I'm convinced this feature may soon be extinct).

I realize iphones are really starting to take over the world and usually conforming is not my speciality. But really, this team's got it figured out. This telly really does use everything it has to work together. There's no i in team? Ironic metaphor. 

While I've filled the last day with set up and app searching, I was SO excited to fill my first app folder with my very own iLikeys (can you tell iLikey that you can name your own folders??). Composed of Etsy, Rue la la, and a handful of fashion blogs, I am ixcited. 

So as I fill the inside of my new little ifriend, I realize she needs some clothes. How cute are these telly pouches?? Not just for the iphone, they are idorable. 

Ok, I'm starting to innoy myslef. And I'm pretty confident if my spell check could speak, she would be icursing at me now. 

So really, get the phone. Then dress it in cute clothes. 

All in favor?? ...... say i. 

wife and...... ??

oh yeah... Man!
Today is a day to celebrate those men! And while our family doesn't have a dad just yet, we do have this wild man:

and these guys:

So our dad is only one to fuzz faces, he still is our daddio in training. And I'm the first to admit. Dad always gets the short end of the stick.
Sometimes I forget about that hard workin' handsome male figure in this house. Can't wait to share what our Sandman's been up to!

gross. I know.

This has been our kitchen for the past 2 months. Filled with unattractive pickled oak (let's admit, thats a nicer way of saying PINK) cabinets, plastic, stain, and a healthy layer of sand dust over everything. Not to mention we look like an episode of hoarders.

While I wanted new cabinets(shocking), this project was much greener and much more pride filled for the man. As we speak, my house is filled with sounds of drilling as doors are being hung again! I am elated. Maybe I'll have a guest blogger hubby to share our end results.

Happy Daddio's day to all the dads out there!  (even if your kids are furry and have 4 legs) :o)

Not a food blog.

Alright, I'm trying not to make this a food blog, but you have to make these.

Really, you have to. 

Ever see someone after not seeing them for years? You come to realize they are all grown up and fabulous and you just can't believe it?! That's this sandwich. Let's get you two reacquainted.

Without further ado, I'd like to REintroduce you to.... (drum roll..?)

The grilled cheese and 'mato soup duo:

I know, don't they look fabulous?!

While 'mato soup hasn't changed much, (let's admit, she was boarding perfection just the way she was), you may have a hard time recognizing this Grilled Cheese sammy all grown up. 

I made these last night at our normal perfect dinner time of 10 o'clock (eye roll).

Here's how:

Get a giant loaf of that awesome Italian bread (the kind you aren't supposed to eat in today's organic society). Cut it into think slices, if it didn't already come sliced. Butter each side (or Pam). 

In a pan sauté a bit of sweet onion, some chopped garlic, and a pinch of basil, if you wish. Once the onions are transparent, put in a can of stewed tomatoes (no, I didn't stew my own tomatoes). Normally, I would have put in some spinach at this point. But, I didn't have any, so I used Arugula because that's what I found lingering in the veggie drawer. Let it get all yummy and fill the house with amazingness smelly goods until it looks like this:

Next, put that giant guilt stricken Italian bread in the skillet and let it start doing its thing. Now, cheese is key here. I used Jarlsberg because that's what Anne Hathaway eats in The Devil Wears Prada and she gets to wear Chanel boots everyday and well.....every little bit helps. 

Once it starts getting all melty melty spoon some of your 'mato goodness over the Jarlsberg. Lastly, I added a bit of Grey Poupon to the other side of the bread, just because it added a bit of tang and it's fun to say. Flip, flip, flip, until they are all suntanned up on both sides. Place on plate, cut them diagonally, and stack accordingly so you feel like you are in a cute little cafe in Italy. 

Done! You have to admit.... Grilled cheese sammy is all grown up and lookin' smokin' hot.

Now, go eat her before she gets old and wrinkly. And don't forget your 'mato soup.

Bare wall syndrome. Cure: canvas, tape, paint & a beret.

So let me first make something clear. I am not an artist. Not even a little. Awhile back when I discovered ETSY, I was on cloud nine. It fit my mold perfectly of believing I can make anything. Well, some failed projects later, I know I can make anything....in my head.

With that being said, I find myself in the same place as many newlyweds, (or new home owners for that matter). We get married, buy a house (or reverse order), stack it full of stolen furniture from our parents, get a dog, have kids, yada, yada, yada.... (Seinfeld fans, where ya at?). If you're anything like me, your newlywed brain wants an original Vettriano big enough to cover your newly bare wall. Blank walls make me itch. And I like to have all my ducks in a row before I can really breathe in a new place. Well, Mr. I won't buy a pepper for $3.99 married Mrs. I think I can make anything. So what did I do? I cleaned my brushes and hand-painted a Vettriano replica, better than his I might add.

Of course not!

Gosh. But I did come up with something that was easy and filled our wall...for now. I'll share.

I got these:  (the canvas, not a painter's easel.)

  I used 1in. tape, but really, do what you want. 

Next step is a bit complicated:

Ready? Start taping away on your blank canvas. Yes, literally start at one end and tape in big lines, small lines, whatever. And don't forget to wear a beret during this process. It will help.

Then, pick some colors that go with your house. Or that don't go with your house. Really, you can do anything. I just snagged a few of these little soldiers:

Paint, paint, paint. No rhyme or reason. Then Peel your tape and poof! There you have it.






ok, so it's not a Monet, but it does give us a punch of color on a giant, previously bare wall and I'm sure if you're more talented, yours will be better. 


Inexpensive, easy, a cure for the common blank wall and you get to feel like an artist.....(because you're wearing a beret, obviously). 


Get Painting, Picasso's! 

Face Lift

I'm not a strong advocate of plastic surgery but really, wife&man needed some serious work. I like this little lady to my left. She's cute, and sassy, and resembles how I hope to be. I like her for now. I find I love something, until I don't. Isn't that how it always goes though. Anyways, (or is it "anyway"? I don't know.) Either way! a one day lift and she's not puffy at all, ready to go and awaiting her next tid bit to share with the world. What do we think blog world??

Fine in Moderation.

Guess what I'm doing right now?

I'm eating a gluten-free sandwich.

Complete on gluten-free bread, with gluten-free cheese, gluten-free lettuce, and double gluten-free meat...

on a shiny gluten-free plate. And I'm also listening to gluten-free music just to be extra chic.



Ok, no I'm not. And even if I was, it doesn't make me better than you.

I'm not knocking a gluten-free lifestyle- to each his own, but really it's getting a bit out of control. The market has turned gluten into a spiraling evil force. And really, it seems no one did a background check on gluten.

As Americans, we love these trends. How else are we supposed be one up on each other? Trends, fads, whatever they are, they seem to pop up faster than we can say gluten-free (which I think I've reached my quota of, today). Few take the time to find out WHY they are spending their life savings to be suddenly eating everything gluten-free (crap).

Let's examine:

Gluten. Yes, very good. It does sound like glucose. Which is essentially sugar, which America has taught us is the worst thing on the planet ever and we all should do serious time for even uttering the word.... unless you're a high fructose corn syrup commercial, and then of course you know it's, "fine in moderation." Or at least that's what I've learned from these fabulously informative commercials. Gluten is not sugar. In fact, cute little gluten is the marriage of two baby proteins. And frankly, gluten doesn't understand why she deserves this bad rap. So really, unless you have Celiac Disease, or other health digestive issues, she won't kill you. Well, unless, you keep talking shit about her, and then you're on your own. And you're certainly not cooler for excluding her from your lunch table.

So before you start making your loved ones only eat crumbly, dry, gluten-free, rice bread, that you paid $9.50 for at the health food store, tell the band wagon to pull over at the next stop so you can do your research.

Now, if you'll excuse me, my gluten free Pandora station seems to have stopped.

Jumpsuit Jealousy.

I wish I was a little bit taller.

..... "I wish I was a baller" ?     Said it, didn't you?

If not, you have no idea who Skee-lo or Too Short are and you definitely didn't grow up in the early 90's. (and it's safe to say you are thoroughly confused right now)

There's nothing wrong with a bit of healthy fashion drooling. At least for me. Too much can be toxic, and I definitely know people that live a toxic life because of it, but for me, it gives me something to strive for- a bit of a driving force.

Ahh.....Manolos. Some day...

In this life, I can never be taller, not even a little bit. BUT I can invest in killer wedges, stilettos, d'Orsays, what have you. In fact, I use this as my stake to claim of the coveted growing collection in my closet. Err..our closet. The hub gets a tiny space on the left, while I brought in backup shoe throne's for the lovely ladies to sit. And no, they aren't those plastic ones you put together where the shoes are set up one by one. They are a pair, and they sit together.

I'm really getting off track. Which brings me to them:

I know. No one really looks like that.

But really, I thought the jumpsuit romper thing was a bit juvenile when first introduced, and frankly, I don't need help looking any younger than I already do. But I think if you can pull it off like these ladies, it's a crime not to rock it. I can't. And I know that. And nothing irks me more than when people outfit themselves head to toe in trends to fit the mold. This goes for fashion, food, family, and further. We are all different, and what looks good one may be a hot mess on another. Next time you're buying, make sure you're buying what's best for you, because you say so.....not because the runways do.

Here, Marie Claire shares some good summer looks across the board so you're not caught in a baby doll flowered appliqué mini dress, jeggings (yes, jean leggings- I know), paired with laced up gladiator sandals, 20 bangles on each arm, a collar necklace, and some sweet school girl readers (think Lisa Loeb).

Wouldn't that be a sight.

Oh, and here's a few of my bookmarked Sunday fashion musings to share: (last one's a killer)
Omiru

frugal fashionista

fashion hippo

gofugyourself

Happy summer shopping, romper readers.

Dinner winner.

We are in a TERRIBLE habit of eating dinner at 10 o'clock every single night. I hate that we do this. It's bad on a number of levels, but we just can't seem to get it going any earlier. Tonight was a miracle that we're done and it's only 9:42 as I type this and the hub is cleaning dishes. Well, I guess there are TWO miracles there! Ha, Anyhoo! Great dinner tonight that I absolutely must share. Uber easy and uberly as  yummy.

Creamy shrimpy yummyness

I made this with Greek yogurt instead of regular, because well Greek yogurt is all the rage and I like to keep it trendy. Kidding. More protein. 

Also, my husband threw a mini fit when I tried to buy a red pepper on the ingredient list because it was $3.99 per pepper. (This is why I prefer to shop alone) Admittedly, that is a bit outrageous so I subbed in artichokes. I love them and they go well with shrimpys. One more add in... my weaknesses... shoes, plum colored things of all sorts, and capers. All meals are better with capers. (The ones that look like sweet peas, not the other kind that are bigger and resemble eye balls).

Moral of the story: this was delish and easy. Make it for supper. 

I hate the word supper, just seeing if you're still paying attention ;o) 

Don't move a Mussel.

There are some days I wish would never end. There are some days I wish would end faster. And there are some days, I simply forget. Sometimes we move just fast enough to blur all around us. Caught up in posting our nonsense to the world, making plans, returning calls, solving the ever daunting question, "what's for dinner?"....every so often, I skim right over the good stuff. This past weekend, we took a break. No work, no plan, no routine. And we. had. fun.
Big things are happening all over. Some wonderful, some life changing, some that will be etched into our memories forever. And we're human, what do we do? We break out the bubbly! But, what about the little joys. Life has so many mini triumphs that are almost impossible to see in all this commotion. Every so often, we need to take a break, stand still, and see what these moments are saying.

These yummy guys and some little neck clam friends hitched a ride home from our getaway and were promptly put into a lovely steam bath the next day. Subbing out your traditional hot dogs and burgers, these tasty shelled guys were the perfect way to kick off the summer holiday. A great recommendation from a friend, this easy tomato broth recipe was a hit at our house! Enjoy.....leisurely! ;o)

I bet you think this blog is about you, don't you?

Don’t you think this is all a bit indulgent? I don’t know if I have just switched gears or what, but lately I feel even the least “me me me” people are diving in head first to this ego pool. And they seem to be splashing all those around them with every pointless thought running through their heads. I feel a bit hypocritical blogging about this, (clearly there is a certain irony there), but in all fairness, it’s a tidal wave. 

I have my handful of pointless thoughts, absolutely. But as of late, for the most part, I try and share only the ones that might be of some small benefit to another human. This social media monsoon is drowning us in opportunities to tell everyone about how our day is going, how we can’t believe it snowed, how we can’t wait for work to be over...blah blah blah. Who are we talking TO anyways?! I believe the point of all this was to share and connect. Instead, it’s becoming a pedestal to rest our tired tweeting fingers upon. And frankly, we all look a little silly sitting on throwns. 

I love social media. And I love where it’s going. And I love the opportunities it can bring. But I think we need to be building ourselves in another way. Who really is dying to tune into our updates to see how our shopping trip went or what we had for dinner. The mere peasants below us?! No. We are all in such a rush to do everything now that we don’t seem to even have time to think anymore. Ever hear ‘think before you speak?’ Let’s twenty ten it to Think before you tweet. Help someone. Share the location of your fab shopping trip, or the great recipe you had for dinner. Be worthwhile, valuable. Share and connect so it matters. Step off the self made thrown and dry off. After all, you can only build yourself so high before it’s time to come down anyway. So before you drown in your own mindless monsoon, give up your vain reign and find yourself a pleasant peasant. Now,  who “likes this”?   ;o)

Fly me to the Moon, Frank.

I am an astronaut.

Did you know that? Yep, I blast off about twice a year. It's such an exhilarating and rewarding profession. I get to see things few get to experience, and I absolutely adore my stylish outer-space duds.

Ok, clearly a silly intro to get to where I'm going, (which consequently is not the moon). Right now, it seems anyone who can type has a blog. These blabbing bloggers cover all sorts of topics from politics to crafting, cooking and beyond. As the reader, if you do so choose to be, you have a job. Do you believe everything you read? Let's be honest; we bloggers are not all credible writers or even plausible resources. We aren't "published" or often even read by anyone who would challenge our nonsense. If we were published, where would you find us in a library? Most likely there would be a spill over in the fiction section.

Now I'm guessing not to many people really believe I am a wife by day and astronaut by night, but what if what you're reading doesn't seem so 'out of this world'? Honesty may be a thing of the past and it is easier than ever to spit out anything that sounds better than our reality. We have so many opportunities in front of us to stretch our truths. Twitter, blogs, facebook, email, what have you. They all fuel our opportunity to get off track. My only mission is to hope we all make the choice to be surrounded by enough people that will bring us back where we belong. Are you finding yourself living, writing, blogging, speaking, a reality that is not your own? If you are "seeing what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars" perhaps it's time to return to planet Earth. And as your neighborhood astronaut, I'd be happy to help you get there.