Pictures from Tulum

November 7, 2013 by

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I’m so excited to share some pictures from Tulum! It was an incredible trip and I’m trying my hardest to hold on to all the relaxing elements of the vacation. You’ll be pleased to know I fulfilled my goal of not bringing my laptop or looking at my email for four whole days! You know what happened when I did venture into my inbox Tuesday morning? Nothing. The world kept spinning and everything was absolutely fine. Forever searing that lesson into my brain!

But back to the trip. So Tulum itself is located about 90 miles south of Cancun. And in comparison to Cancun, it’s the complete opposite. It’s definitely got a strong bohemian chic vibe. The beach itself is quiet and intimate, with small hotels dotting the coast and people lounging or swimming. [Read more...]

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Citrus Roasted Olives

November 5, 2013 by

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I feel it in my bones, it is that time of year. Largely because it’s cold, and things feel especially cold when you’re no longer in Mexico. But also because my neighborhood grocery store is raffling off a turkey and suddenly my desire to throw holiday gatherings is literally bubbling over. Twinkling lights! Cheese plates! Sparkly accessories! I want it all. Since our home is oh so terribly small, a full on holiday party isn’t really feasible. So instead of having a big fête, I’m planning on doing exactly what I did last year- throwing a handful of intimate dinner parties across the season to welcome friends into our home and stuff them full of food. On the menu will most definitely be these roasted olives, a simple way to kick off dinner and lighten the load of a cheese plate (please tell me I’m not the only one who always overdoes it on the cheese plate!). I really like the look of  a mix of olives, especially those big red ones. Aren’t they festive?

I love a good, simple app around the holidays. Have any recommendations? Let’s dish!

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[Read more...]

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Cranberry Margarita

November 4, 2013 by

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Bon Appétit takes the cake for my favorite food magazine. I love the mix of recipes in each issue, and often share them here (case in point). But clearly it’s impossible for me to make and share every recipe in each issue with you. A few weeks back, though, it dawned on me that even if I can’t physically make them, or really, photograph them all for you, I can still share! Happy dance. Especially the ones that really catch my eye, like this Cranberry Margarita from the November issue. I love the concept of the cranberry jam for the cocktail, isn’t that brilliant? I’m thinking this one needs to be the signature drink for our holiday party. This is the holiday party I’ve yet to plan or schedule, but I’m hoping by putting it in writing, this means it will actually happen. Isn’t that how it works?

Full fledged party or not, I’ll definitely be making these babies this season. Cheers!

Cranberry Margarita from Bon Appétit
 Makes 4 drinks

For the jam:

  • ¾ cup fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Assembly:

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 lime wedge, plus 2 oz. fresh juice
  • 4 oz. fresh orange juice
  • 6 oz. tequila

Make the jam: Bring cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy, 30–40 minutes. Mix in orange zest; let cool. Jam can be made up to five days ahead; cover and chill.

Assembly:
Mix salt, sugar, and five-spice powder on a small plate. Rub rims of Old Fashioned glasses with lime wedge; dip in salt mixture and fill glasses with ice. For each cocktail, combine ½ oz. lime juice, 1 oz. orange juice, 1½ oz. tequila, and 2 Tbsp. cranberry jam in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice. Cover and shake until outside is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into prepared glass.
Image via Bon Appétit
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Weekend Wishes

November 3, 2013 by Sarah

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Admire: Folk Fibers (I found this company after it was recently named a Martha Stewart American Made honoree. Since looking through the patterns, I’ve suddenly found myself in dire need of a quilt! My mom is happens to be a sewer, so I think I know what to ask for for Christmas.)

Add: a camel scarf (I love this one from Cuyana, and as a bonus the brand uses local materials and fair practices. I’m also kind of in love with their oversized sweater – the perfect layering piece.)

Make: soup with a twist (I live for soup season, and this soup was a recent favorite. The only change I made was to roast the sweet potatoes before adding them in. Yum!)

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Life Lately | November 1st |

November 1, 2013 by

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 {stunning picture of Paris by Danielle Moss}

Hello November! Today is the day friends! In fact, I’m currently in the air, deep in a book (errrr… or watching Jet Blue TV), taking my little worn out self to Tulum. I’m going to stop talking about how tired or busy I feel, or how excited I am about this trip. Ya’ll know that already! I’ve talked your ear off about it. I also just said ya’ll, so clearly my mind and body is a little out of sorts…

In any event, thanks for bearing with me on the light posting this week. I’m going to take a few days to do a whole lot of nothing, and then I’ll be back here next week with lots of good stuff for you, including the next edition of my NYC Eats series! It’s gonna be  a good one. In the mean, here are some things you should be cooking this weekend… [Read more...]

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