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Strawberry Gin & Tonic

August 8, 2014

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I went a little crazy at the farmer’s market and came home with a flat of strawberries… thus needing to find a way to use them all… here was what I came up with!

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Strawberry Gin & Tonics

  • 4 strawberries
  • splash of balsamic vinegar
  • 4 basil leaves
  • 1.5 oz gin
  • tonic
  1. Muddle strawberries at the bottom of your glass.
  2. Top with a splash of balsamic vinegar and stir.
  3. Slap basil leaves between your hands (it helps release the oils) and stir into strawberry mixture.
  4. Add gin and stir.
  5. Cover with crushed ice and top with tonic.
  6. Stir and enjoy!

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Domestic

Happiness Files

August 7, 2014

Dahlia Bouquet

Obsessed with my farmer’s market finds (sorry – I couldn’t choose just one)

Florals

Dahlias

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Paparazzi pics (kidding) from the surprise anniversary party my husband threw – isn’t he the best!?

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 some of my favorite smiling faces from the party

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the yummiest chocolate cake that we jazzed up with fresh strawberries

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Going to the first game on the new Levi’s Stadium

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My FAVORITE treats from Icing on the Cake

Tasty

Luang Prabang Fusion Salad

August 6, 2014

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Please do not let the fact this doesn’t look extremely appetizing deter you. This is the best salad (ok second best) and it couldn’t be easier for those nights where you want Thai takeout (takeout salads are never good anyway).

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Luang Prabang Fusion Salad

Salad:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 large head of red butter leaf lettuce, hand torn
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cilantro springs
  • 1/4 cup parsley springs

Dressing: 

  • 1/2 Tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 serrano chili, minced
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons Thai fish sauce
  • 1 Tablespoons fresh lime sauce
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon peanut oil
  • 1/4 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons dry roasted peanuts, chopped
  1.  Put eggs in a saucepan with cold water to cover. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and cook at a gentle rolling boil for 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  2. Place salad ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.
  3. Peel hard boiled eggs and cut in half. Transfer yolks to a bowl and mash. Slice egg whites and set aside.
  4. Mix ginger, chili, fish sauce, lime juice & a clove of garlic in a mason jar and shake until combined.
  5. Heat a wok over high heat. Add oil and heat for 20 seconds, add remaining garlic and stir fry for 20 seconds more. Add pork and use your spoon to break up to small pieces. Once pork is cooked through (1-2 minutes), add salt, sugar then hot water and bring to a boil. Add vinegar, mashed egg yolks and stir to blend.
  6. Pour hot liquid and pork over the prepared greens and toss gently.  Pour the lime juice dressing and toss.
  7. Transfer to dishes and top with egg white slices and chopped peanuts.

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Looks

August 5, 2014

Fall Finds 2014

Floral Dress / Plaid Blouse / Leather Striped Tee / Chambray Anorak / Eyeliner / Boots / Bag / Candles

The dreary weather this morning (in my neck of the woods), mixed with some post Nordstrom Anniversary sale nostalgia has me thinking about fall shopping.  I am one of those people who never wants summer to end, so this is a hard thing to admit, but at least with these great sales going on, it doesn’t have to be as difficult on my credit card as it is on my soul… (drama queen much!?)