Here are some of the things I’ll be looking for to round out my closet…
Pink Coat/Fisherman Sweater/Comfy PJs/Fur Throw/Leather Watch/Motorcycle Boots/Leather Coated Jeans
One of my college roommates started a Bunco group and I was excited to host this month!
First I had to give our house a little Halloween flair (orange colored bottles in the bar, pumpkins, orange and black books) and tweak our furniture layout. With a 900 square foot house, and our living room being pretty much the only accessible room in the house, I had to get creative with seating, but it all worked out!
This week was a little crazy (helped coordinating my boss’s major house move, planned two parties and worked a normal work week), so prep was VERY important. Here was my menu:
- Cornbread
- Turkey, Four Bean and Sweet Potato Chili*
- Chili Toppings: Avocado, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro, Sliced Jalapenos, Corn Tortilla Chips
- Bread Bowls (for the chili)
- Brownies
- Snacks: Guacamole, Salsa and Chips; Edamame Hummus and Rice Crackers, various crackers/chips/treats
* I subbed their beans with 2 cans black, 1 kidney and 1 white bean. I prepped everything the night before and stored in a crock pot (sans chicken stock and water) in the fridge overnight, and then added the stock/water the morning of and cooked on low for 8 hours while at work.
The key is prepping as much as you can ahead of time (you never know when your last meeting is going to run late), and to serve food that requires as little of your attention the day of (ie you don’t want to be frying chicken or plating food last minute). A party like this needs food that can be served at any time and at your guests leisure. Also little snacks at each table doesn’t hurt! Competition can make a person hungry!
For a bunco “How To Guide” check out this link. My friend Sarah has also created a “Bunco box” filled with all of the necessary forms, pens, dice (or die?!), bell, etc. It’s a great thing to have if you plan on mixing up the host home. You also will need a fun item (something small – usually a mini stuffed animal), for those that roll 3 of a kind. I went a festive route and used a small pumpkin (not the safest thing in retrospect, because it will be tossed around from table to table – not ideal with wine glasses around 🙂 ).
Overall it was a blast and such a fun night! I highly recommend you start your own Bunco night if you don’t play in one already! Thank you Sarz for starting the fun!
After going to Hard Water (an American Whiskey Bar) this past weekend, I’ve been inspired to whip up some bourbon based drinks. With the 80 degree temps it was important to find a drink that was also refreshing, introduce the – Ginger Bourbon Fizz.
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 splash (about a Tablespoon) of ginger simple syrup
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup of Club Soda
Fill a glass with ice and add bourbon, syrup and lemon juice. Stir and top with club soda. Enjoy!
One of my favorite gifts of all time? My cashmere robe. It is one of the most decedent items I own and feel so luxurious every morning I get to put it on. (tip: gentlemen – take note with the holidays coming up wink wink).
The only downside with cashmere is it is slightly high maintenance… or so I thought. But look no further! You don’t have to shell out $$ to dry clean your cashmere robe (or sweaters/socks/tops)… you actually can clean it at home. Here is how to:
1. Wash out your sink or bathtub so that it is clean. Fill with cold water.
2. Fill up water with a cashmere washing agent or mild detergent – ie Woolite or The Laundress Cashmere Wash (I used 3 cap-fulls).
3. Place garment in tub and fully submerge into water.
4. Gently knead and work detergent into the fabric. Make sure not to stretch or pull (cashmere is very delicate and you don’t want to disfigure it).
5. Let soak for 15 minutes.
6. Drain bathtub and refill with fresh, cold water (I used the showerhead attachment to rinse out the fabric).
7. Let soak in clean water and swish fabric to fully remove any soap.
8. Drain tub again and gently ball material to squeeze excess water out. Layout robe between towels on a drying rack or table (I did this outside, because a lot of water was still in the fabric).
9. Let robe fully dry… then cozy up in it with your favorite cup of tea… happy fall!
One of my guilty pleasures? Salt and vinegar chips!
I have been into baking my own chips for sometime, but wanted to take things to the next level and figure out how to make flavored baked chips… here is what I did:
1. Used a mandolin to thinly slice 3 russet potatoes (thinness is to your liking, I prefer on the thinner side).
2. Immediately submerge potato slices in ice water, while you continue to slice the rest of the potatoes.
3. Drain potatoes and transfer to a large pot. Fill pot with white vinegar, until potatoes are completely covered.
4. Bring potato slices to a boil over medium high heat, let boil for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to let the vinegar flavor marinate.
6. Gently remove potatoes from vinegar and dry on paper towels.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet (coated with cooking spray) and spray top side of potato slices with oil or cooking spray as well. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
8. Cook for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
9. Enjoy!
