mi fai felice - Feb 2012 {Part II}

mi fai felice = you make me happy

 In case you missed it... January 2012 photos.  On to February 2012...

It's a little grainy, but whatev.  Saturday morning "Kick-ity Ball" in our entryway

 Somebody felt like dancing in their Valentine's Day outfit

One of our anti social parakeets trying his best to ignore me

I made vanilla bean ice cream with mangoes swirled into the custard just before freezing. YUM!

-Shelly

mi fai felice - Jan 2012 {Part I}

mi fai felice = you make me happy

When I was pregnant I overheard 'You Are My Sunshine' playing in a children's boutique.  I adored this particular version because it was sung in Italian.  That day, I bought a copy of the CD determined to learn the words.  I figured I'd sing it to my daughter once she was born... But, I never learned the words! 

However, 'mi fai felice' stuck with me... Maybe it was the way the woman sang it, I dunno. 

I'd intended to post a monthly review of five things I adored captured in photo.  I kinda missed the opportunity for January and today is now the last day of February (Happy Birthday Leap Year babies!). Since I'm participating in the daily photo challenge for March... I guess 'better late than never' to get in those missed photos!  

Here's a compilation of mi fai felice photos for January 2012.  February is up next!

Reserved for yogurt-berries-and-honey or cereal or soup... it's too big for coffee 

After dinner glasses of wine with my mom

Just like mom and dad, loves a good nap!  I think she may end up with the best bits from both of us... 

An early evening sky while out with the hubs and Dally

A necklace I should have bought, but left it on the shelf and my pennies in my pocket

-Shelly

Corn and Cheese Chowder

 Honey cornbread on the side is a must

I recently discovered Food Network's Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman).  I watched Ree make the most delicious looking Corn and Cheese Chowder and knew I had to try it.  It's great comfort food no doubt.  Pictures and recipe are below...  

Enjoy!

Why do all good dishes start with butter? 4 Tablespoons/Half a Stick in the photo...

Diced red/yellow/orange bell peppers, green onions, fresh corn cut off the cob and yellow onions

Veggies simmering with pancetta and butter

Corn and Cheese Chowder 

Ingredients

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
2/3 whole onion, chopped
3 oz of pancetta

1 clove of garlic
3 whole bell peppers, finely diced (red, yellow, orange)
4 ears corn, kernels sliced off
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock or broth
2 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 heaping cups grated Monterey Jack
1 1/2 heaping cups grated pepper Jack
1/3 cup sliced green onions
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the pancetta and garlic.  Cook for another minute or so, and then add the bell peppers and cook for a couple of minutes. Finally, add the corn and cook for a minute.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the top and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock and stir well. Allow this to thicken for 3 or 4 minutes, and then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the half-and-half, and then cover and allow to simmer and thicken for 15 minutes or so.

Stir in the cheeses and green onions. When the cheese is melted and the soup is hot, check seasonings. Add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Linking up with Tasty Tuesday's

Weekend Snapshots

How was your weekend?  I spent some time doing what most suburban women love doing: bargain hunting at my local TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc...

Here's a few visuals from the weekend...

I thought these were an interesting spin on hurricane vases.  They were the last two on the shelf in their respective sizes.  And would you look at that? I saved you the trouble if you're interested: small and large

If you throw a linen-esque shade on a lamp I'm a sucker for it.  This one could have been a handsome addition to the bedside table in one of our spare bedrooms.  But, I left it on the shelf.

Lovely stamps, stationary and paper products.  I'm 'cooking up' something for a dear friend and needed some items from an arts and crafts store.  I'll share what I'm up to in a week or so...

A couple of years ago my BFF came over to help me start a mini-veggie garden in my backyard.  While I'm great at keeping houseplants alive, my Jolly Green Giant skills aren't on the same level as hers.  Simply put, my garden yielded an abundant harvest of NADA.  Since I can keep stuff alive IN the house, maybe windowsill herbs will work for me?  Meehhhh, we'll see.  I'm trying my hand at:

Peppers: Anaheim Chilies, Jalepeno and Cayenne

and Herbs: Basil, Chives and Parsley.  

Happy Monday! -Shelly

Shake it Like a Polaroid Picture...

While blog surfin' I found a fun blog: Fat Mum Slim.  The blog owner, Chantelle, has hosted a 'photo a day' challenge for quite a while now (yeah, I'm late... I know).  Anywho, the photo challenge inspired me and countless others to snap away using our iPhones.



During the month of March I'm taking Chantelle up on her photo a day challenge.  Simply take a photo using the daily word as inspiration and upload it to your favorite social media platform (Twitter, Instagram, your blog, etc).  If you're using Twitter/Instagram use the hashtag: #marchphotoaday so others can find your pictures.

While I won't dedicate an entire post to 'a photo a day,' I might add it to each post in March just for fun.  Will you participate too? Or heck, have you been participating and keeping the fun to yourself? {lol}

Enjoy the remainder of your week and have a great weekend everyone.  See you on Monday!

-Shelly

Glam Files - Kate Lanphear

 Androgynous. Punked out. Slick street style.

Last week I posted a collage paying homage to stars who inspire my fashion sense.  While I borrow random styling cues from 'my glam squad,' there are only two women in the collage who's overall style I admire.  Kate Lanphear is one of those women.  The haircut, black and gray fashion palette and punk accessories are a stone-cold giveaway that I low key think I'm Kate Lanphear on my most fashionable day.

I spotted Kate after spending entirely too much time on my favorite street fashion sites The Satorialist and  Jak&Jill about a year ago.  I recall thinking, 'who is this cool a** broad??'  And the inspiration turned into a full-on fashion obsession.

I guarantee Rihanna's handlers used pieces of Kate's styling to take her image into the international rockstar stratosphere.  Below is a Kate inspired look I could get with.  The Alexander McQueen skull bracelet, Chanel bag and M. Kors boots are right up my alley!

Top / Tuxedo Jacket / Jeans / Watch / Skull bracelet / Leather bracelet / Boots / Handbag

The next fashion profile from the glam squad... Solange Knowles

-Shelly

  

Beef Stroganoff

During the winter months, we REALLY enjoy hearty slow cooked meals.  I was in the mood for something beefy with a enough gravy to dip crusty bread into.  Mmmmm!

While searching the internet for recipes I found Paula Deen's take on a classic Russian dish: Beef Stroganoff.  I immediately thought about the sodium-laden, Hamburger Helper meals of my childhood and shuddered a bit.  Then I thought, why not give this dish a go from scratch.  I'm glad I gave it a try.

I will never, ever make boxed Stroganoff again.  I used Paula's recipe as a baseline...

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds round chuck roast, cut into 1 inch thick strips
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cups of beef broth
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and black pepper

1 tablespoon of oregano

1 tablespoon of thyme
1 cup sour cream

1 cup of red wine (pinot noir works well)
Cooked egg noodles

Directions

Season the steak strips with salt, pepper, oregano and thyme, then dust with flour (seasoned lightly with salt and pepper). In a large skillet, quickly brown them on both sides in the olive oil and butter. Remove the steak from the pan. Add the onion slices and mushrooms to the pan drippings. Saute for a few minutes, until the onion is tender. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon flour. Put the steak back into the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Add the mushroom soup, beef broth and red wine. Cook over low heat for about 3 hours, covered and stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper, as needed. Stir in the sour cream the last few minutes, right before you serve. Serve over cooked noodles.  
Linking up with 33 Shades of Green for Tasty Tuesdays!  Spreading the love...

Weekend Snapshots

Hi Friends!  I had a wonderful weekend, how about you?  

I get SO excited when I find a restaurant that leaves me wanting more.  Serpas True Food, located in the historic Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta, is a new favorite.  Chef Scott Serpas brilliantly uses the menu to play with sweet & spicy, Southern/Louisiana flavors.   

Recommendations: the Lemon Cream Cheese & Crab Fritters, Jumbo Sea Scallops and Banana Creme Pie

Serpas Restaurant - Double Beef Patti

I usually cook a big breakfast on Sunday mornings.  Yesterday, I used our panini press for French Toast.  I topped it with diced mangoes, strawberries and powdered sugar.  YUM!

 

 OK... so I did more than just eat the weekend away. :)  I made time for a relaxing  mani/pedi... 

Color: Sally Hansen #160 'Hardcore Party'

... and caught Safe House at the theater.  It was an action packed movie that my husband and I agreed reminds us of the Bourne franchise of flicks.  Happy Monday.  Let the week begin!

-Shelly

Racks on Racks [Stocking the Pantry]

I'll admit it... on occasion, I spend entirely TOO much time in grocery store.  The truth is, while most people abhor grocery shopping, I LOVE it.  When I tell my friends what amazing finds I discovered in the supermarket, it yields the following reactions:

OMG? But, why?

Well, girrrl you can do my grocery shopping any day! I hate it... (my BFF, lol)

WOW, you're pretty weird Shelly.

I enjoy strolling down each aisle discovering what's new.  It keeps our pantry stocked and I find things that can be used in the event Atlanta has another ice storm: "Well, would you look at that.  **puts Quinoa in the cart** I might need that if I can't get to the store."  

Hey, it could happen!  I might be in the mood for Tabbouleh in the middle of a blizzard.

Recently, a trip to the store led me to Dorot.  It's a cool company that makes tiny frozen trays of herbs like garlic, basil, ginger, etc.  They're SUPER convenient.  No more buying a BUSHEL of parsley for only 2 teaspoons needed in a recipe (then wasting the rest).  You just pop a cube out the tray into your pan or pot.  The cooking process melts and blends it right into the food.

 

1 cube = 1 clove of garlic

The more you know....

-Shelly

Glam Squad

Glam Squad: Kate Lanphear (Style Director - Elle USA magazine), Nicole Ritchie, Tika Sumpter, Kourtney Kardashian, Solange, Lala Anthony, Kate Moss, Beyonce, Kelly Rowand, Rihanna and Cassie

 I draw fashion inspiration from many places and it changes frequently.  Sometimes it's arbitrary things I adore: hipster sunglasses, boyfriend watches, blazers, maxi skirts, vintage jewelry, etc.  Other times, I'm inspired by celebrities whose closets I would LOVE to raid. The celebs in the collage above inspire my fashion sense the most.  They always look so effortless and rarely miss the fashion mark (thanks largely to an army of stylists and handlers).  But whatev.  These women are my personal glam squad.  Over the next few weeks I'll profile each explaining what about their style inspires me.  I may even throw in a few 'looks for less.'  You might realize our tastes aren't so different after all.

I'm interested to know who inspires you?

xoxo,

Shelly

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Happy Valentine's Day Friends! 

This year I'm expressing my love to the hubby in the form of [homemade] DOUBLE CHOCOLATE peanut butter ice cream.  Some of the best gifts are made from scratch.  Besides, blending two classics into a creamy, buttery batch of ice cream is good for the soul... 

I found this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs, JoyTheBaker.  I cracked up laughing when she said, "This chocolate ice cream is proof God loves us."  Seriously though, she ain't lying.  For realz.

The double chocolate pudding-like-consistency ice cream base

 It was SO good that I felt sad after stopping the ice cream maker and realizing the contents barely equaled a pint. :( Next time I'll just double the recipe.  Next time being THIS weekend.  Because it's that damn good.

Adding the mixture to the ice cream maker

 Making ice cream is like baking from scratch--it's a mini chemistry experiment and lots of fun.  I hadn't pulled out my ice cream attachment since the holidays.
  

Tip: Make the ice cream base a day ahead so it's nice and chilly before dumping it in the ice cream maker. 

-Shelly

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups whole milk

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

pinch of salt

3 Tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup smooth salted NATURAL peanut butter

Directions

In a sauce pan over medium heat, stir together 2 cups whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Heat until the milk start to steam, but before it starts to boil.

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk and the cornstarch. Stir until no lumps remain.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the heated milk and chocolate mixture and bring to a low boil. Boil until thickened. The mixture will look the consistency of chocolate pudding. Remove from flame.

In a small sauce pan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Once boiling, remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir the cream and chocolate mixture until incorporated.

Stir the cream and chocolate mixture into the cooling chocolate ice cream base. Place in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap or a lid, and put in the fridge until cool.

Once cool, follow the manufacturers instructions on the ice cream maker to churn ice cream. Once the mixture has chilled and thickened in the ice cream maker, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Don’t over mix. You want a nice ribbon of peanut butter running through the ice cream.

Transfer the ice cream into a freezer safe container and fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Cover and freeze until solid.

Linking up with 33 Shades of Green for Tasty Tuesdays!  Spread the love :)

Money in the Bank

I know it's a little late in the day for a post but better late than never!

How was your weekend?  I spent time attending a 1st birthday party for an adorable little girl, tidying my home, spending waaaay too much time in the grocery store and reading.  The temperature in Atlanta took a swan-dive so I didn't do too much outside.  SURPRISINGLY, I didn't even make it to Starbucks.  I'm shocked I made it an entire weekend without making a single stop.  Anywho, I wanted to share the picture below.  It looks dangerous, but don't worry.  It was snapped while sitting in commuter traffic last week.....

 
A $310 MILLION lottery jackpot.  Good grief Charlie Brown.  The damage I could do.  Someone in Rhode Island won the entire thing.  Whenever the lottery jackpot reaches ridiculous heights, I daydream about being the lucky winner.  Here's a few things I came up with....

The SHORT LIST

Immediately retire my hard-working mother
 Hire a financial planner
 Hire an architect/contractor/landscaper for renovations to my home
Give to the charities I support: here, here and here 
Purchase one of these
Take a trip with my hubby here
Girlfriend vacation here
Take our daughter here

I love daydreaming, don't you?

-Shelly
 

Moisturizing Organic Argan Oil

Last night I said a prayer for the confused tulips blooming in my yard.  Poor things.  This mild Winter has them believing Spring came early this year.  Unfortunately, my UBER dry skin didn't get the same memo.  **Looks at hands**  Yeaaaa, it's definitely winter.  I received a free trial size of Josie Maran's Argan Oil the last time I popped in Sephora and I'm impressed.  It's lightweight and SUPER moisturizing.  Since it's an all natural product I use it on my little one's eczema and this stuff really clears her rough patches.  

I've tried it on my cuticles and face as well.  No breakouts.  It just leaves behind a soft, moisturized glow.  Once this tiny vial is empty, I wouldn't mind copping another bottle.

-Shelly

bucket list trip {bora bora}

 Who doesn't love travel?  The thought of visiting somewhere new makes me feel all ooey gooey inside.  I fantasize about travel in the way a pubescent boy might think about... well you get the point.  Like most overworked adults, I take at least one trip annually (not counting the travel my job requires).  I've even compiled a bucket list of trips that will happen come hell or high water!  One of the many destinations on that list is nestled amongst the other islands of French Polynesia: Bora Bora 

I can feel the warm, salty Pacific Ocean air caressing my skin now!  See what I mean about fantasizing?  The thought of Bora Bora sends me into an ultimate swoon-fest.  Give me an over-the-water bungalow where I can sip cocktails, work on the perfect tan and rest my early-thirties bones.  Throw in a swim-up porch, warm oil massages at dusk and delicious food and I just might turn into an expat.  Or at least I'd be a happy woman for the rest of my days!

If I have it my way I'll stay here: Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort and Spa

Peep the pics of the Thalasso Resort and Spa below... isn't it amaaaaaaaazing? Ah...

Glass-floor bungalows for "admiring the marine wildlife"

I would love to trade my current bathroom window for the one above. :)

-Shelly

Hustler's Chic

Work day swagger.  Every modern woman needs a few staples that mean business.  The classics: a quality black leather pump, well constructed blazers/cardigans, a few pairs of tailored pants.  

You can't lose.

Once you've got the classics in place it's OK to add a dash of fun, no?  Throw in some sharp details (like beading, bows or a few ruffles here and there) to spice things up.  Pops of color can make a ho hum corporate outfit sparkle too. If color concerns you, just anchor it with structured silhouettes in navy, nude or black.

Business minded details below...

Double-Serge Wool Structured Blazer - JCrew

White Ruffle Top - Banana Republic

Add a blazer/cardigan - Rebecca Taylor Jumpsuit

Have some fashion fun - These blush pants are dope! - Rachel Roy Mandarin Pant

Basic Black Pump - Zara

-Shelly

Chicken Marsala

Over the weekend I tried a VERY flavorful recipe.  What's not to like about Chicken Marsala?  Boneless chicken breast fillets are pounded until 1/4 in thick, then lightly dusted in seasoned flour and browned in a pan with a wee bit of oil.  Next, baby portabella mushrooms, diced onions and garlic are sauteed until all of those yummy drippings are deglazed using Marsala cooking wine.  

Is your mouth watering yet? 

To continue the mushroom theme, I served the Chicken Marsala with mushroom orzo.  It was magic.

Chicken Marsala

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour (for dredging)

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon thyme

salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces diced pancetta
8 baby portabello mushrooms, stemmed and halved

1 clove of garlic, diced

1/2 cup of diced yellow onion
1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.  Lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick.  Next, directly season the chicken with oregano and thyme.  Place flour in a shallow dish and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.

Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.  Place the cutlets in the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden.  Only turn the chicken once.  You may need to brown the chicken in batches.  Remove the chicken, set to the side.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and pancetta to the drippings in the pan.  Saute for 1 minute to render some of the fat.  Next, add the mushrooms and saute until they are browned and their moisture has evaporated (about 5 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala Wine in the pan and boil for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. 

Enjoy!

-Shelly