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)