It took me awhile to come around to beets. As a kid I loved the color pink. Pink anything, with the exception of beets. I was a picky kid and kept my distance from the jars of homemade pickled beets that graced our dinner table month after month. But slowly as I've grown older, I've come around to them. And once I realized that beets could be eaten raw, without baking or boiling or any other fussy preparation, I dug right in.
This salad makes a lovely first course or a perfect light lunch with a slice of toast and some fruit. And while it might look fancy, it's dead simple.
Beet Carpaccio With Goat Cheese & Mint
adapted from Sunday Suppers
3 - 4 beets, rinsed and peeled
1/8 cup crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped mint
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/8 cup olive oil
coarse sea salt
Slice your beets as thinly as possible. (I use a mandoline slicer. If you don't have one, I highly recommend this one.)
Toss into a bowl with the white wine vinegar and olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, up to four hours.
Lay beet slices on a plate. Top with goat cheese, mint, and a generous amount of sea salt. Enjoy!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Cokes & Tacos
We are back (begrudgingly) from our vacation.
I need to first say that we did not travel to Turks & Caicos (or Cokes & Tacos as we like to call it) to provide you with new images for your computer desktops. And it's hard to really grasp the place by looking at the photos because the images can be mistaken for mundane, run-of-the-mill postcards. But truly the water IS that blue, the sands that lovely, and the sunsets that incredible. No color enhancements on the beach scenes below, I swear.
It was a lovely time to be away and to revisit the place where we spent our honeymoon five years ago. We stayed at the same hotel and were surprised upon our arrival to see they had upgraded us to a suite, a space that was larger than our current apartment.
We spent the first two days mostly in awe staring at this and pinching ourselves:
It's hard to describe how amazing the water is. It is extremely salty which allows you to float along with little to no effort. When we weren't swimming or laying on the beach, we were likely eating or drinking somewhere. Notice my early sunburn and how I so thoughtfully coordinated it with my shirt.
On Sunday we ventured off the beach, rented a car, and spent the day exploring the island. We spent the morning driving around a remote part of the island (where we may or may not have been looking for Jay-Z's estate). We daydreamed about buying our own beach house and carefully navigated the roundabouts as we drove on the left side of the road.
In the afternoon we enjoyed some local food at a little beach joint popular with many tourists willing to seek it out. It was by far our best meal of the week. Conch is the specialty of the island. Most of the conch dishes are fried, but our favorite was the conch salad (fresh conch, peppers, onions, tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, and lots of lime juice).
After lunch we sought out a remote snorkeling beach. It took many wrong turns and a long, hot walk down a sandy path, but eventually we found this:
As hoped, the beach was empty and we spent a few hours swimming and snorkeling in the water. My snorkel gear was leaking so I struggled a little while Charlie swam further out. He is a far superior swimmer and expertly navigated the reefs. On his swim out he saw an eel. I only saw some fish.
One afternoon we took a sailboat out and for a second I thought we might be lost at sea. We had an extremely difficult time getting back to shore, but we made it back in one piece. I'm anxious to get our little waterproof disposable camera developed to see the look of fear on both of our faces as we moved further and further from the shore.
In the evenings we watched the sun set, chatted and relaxed on our patio, and played numerous heated games of Scrabble and Cribbage. And drank rum.
On our last day we woke early and walked down to the beach for a final swim. I was so sad and so sorry to say goodbye. We agreed that we will not let another five years pass without a return to our favorite beach.
I need to first say that we did not travel to Turks & Caicos (or Cokes & Tacos as we like to call it) to provide you with new images for your computer desktops. And it's hard to really grasp the place by looking at the photos because the images can be mistaken for mundane, run-of-the-mill postcards. But truly the water IS that blue, the sands that lovely, and the sunsets that incredible. No color enhancements on the beach scenes below, I swear.
It was a lovely time to be away and to revisit the place where we spent our honeymoon five years ago. We stayed at the same hotel and were surprised upon our arrival to see they had upgraded us to a suite, a space that was larger than our current apartment.
We spent the first two days mostly in awe staring at this and pinching ourselves:
It's hard to describe how amazing the water is. It is extremely salty which allows you to float along with little to no effort. When we weren't swimming or laying on the beach, we were likely eating or drinking somewhere. Notice my early sunburn and how I so thoughtfully coordinated it with my shirt.
On Sunday we ventured off the beach, rented a car, and spent the day exploring the island. We spent the morning driving around a remote part of the island (where we may or may not have been looking for Jay-Z's estate). We daydreamed about buying our own beach house and carefully navigated the roundabouts as we drove on the left side of the road.
In the afternoon we enjoyed some local food at a little beach joint popular with many tourists willing to seek it out. It was by far our best meal of the week. Conch is the specialty of the island. Most of the conch dishes are fried, but our favorite was the conch salad (fresh conch, peppers, onions, tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, and lots of lime juice).
After lunch we sought out a remote snorkeling beach. It took many wrong turns and a long, hot walk down a sandy path, but eventually we found this:
As hoped, the beach was empty and we spent a few hours swimming and snorkeling in the water. My snorkel gear was leaking so I struggled a little while Charlie swam further out. He is a far superior swimmer and expertly navigated the reefs. On his swim out he saw an eel. I only saw some fish.
One afternoon we took a sailboat out and for a second I thought we might be lost at sea. We had an extremely difficult time getting back to shore, but we made it back in one piece. I'm anxious to get our little waterproof disposable camera developed to see the look of fear on both of our faces as we moved further and further from the shore.
In the evenings we watched the sun set, chatted and relaxed on our patio, and played numerous heated games of Scrabble and Cribbage. And drank rum.
On our last day we woke early and walked down to the beach for a final swim. I was so sad and so sorry to say goodbye. We agreed that we will not let another five years pass without a return to our favorite beach.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
nécessité
On Thursday, we leave town for a little getaway and a whole lot of sunshine. As I've begun packing I've been thinking about vacation necessities, my favorite things to toss into my overnight bag no matter where we go. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. A classic swimsuit: I like the vintage throwback variety. A black classic one piece never goes out of style.
2. Sunglasses: As I mentioned in an earlier post, I finally invested in a quality pair. What I've realized about sunglasses that cost more than $10? They are dark enough to actually protect your eyes from the sun. Brilliant concept.
3. A mid-size tote: A tote that folds up and fits into your bag is a necessity. You never know what you might need to haul home.
4. A hat: Every time we go to the beach I inevitably get a sunburn on the top of my head. Not this time!
5. Swedish Fish: Best candy ever. Also key to fighting off potential hangry moods (hungry + tired + traveling = hangry)
6. One standout piece of jewelry: When it comes to accessories, I fall on the less is more side. One statement piece that goes with everything is a must though. One simple accessory can tie everything together.
7. Vintage silk scarf: Luckily my Nana saved some lovely ones for me. If you didn't have a Nana with a million silk scarves, I recommend picking one up at a vintage shop. Great for pulling back your hair or paired with a jacket en route to your destination.
8. A small notebook: Very important for keeping track of the little details on the trip. I love Postalco notebooks as well as Rhodia and Moleskine notebooks.
9. A pen: For obvious reasons. Be sure to take one that won't leak on the plane.
10. Nail polish: When heading off on a trip, I like to take a pale, pretty shade that goes with everything. Essie nail polish is hands down my favorite. Did you know Target now carries it?
11. Sunscreen: Everyone has a favorite. Nothing beats Kiehl's!
12. Lip gloss: Choose a pale shade that goes with everything. In my opinion, Bobbi Brown is the queen of lip gloss.
13. Perfume: This is a great tip handed down from my friend Kate's mom. On each vacation I like to pick up a scent in a small travel size option that is different from my everyday scent. Choosing a special scent and using it exclusively on a vacation will always tie that scent to the trip. Smell memory is the best.
14. A hefty book: Most people I know prefer a lighter "beach" read for trips. This makes perfect sense, but for some reason I gravitate toward the classic books. Something about reading a hefty classic on the beach makes it much more manageable.
15. A small clutch: Choose something you can throw in your carry on and use as your purse for evenings out. Go for something in a bold or metallic color.
16. A double duty shirt: No suitcase would be complete without the shirt that can be dressed up or down. I am a little obsessed with stripes and since they are having a moment right now, you can find a striped shirt like the one above just about anywhere.
17. Sandals: It's important to have a pair that you can dress up or down. I just picked up the pair pictured above and I think they will be perfect for bumming around during the day and heading to dinner at night.
18. Chocolate: This is a must. A chocolate biscuit is perfect for munching on in that down time between the afternoon and the evening. Be sure to save two biscuits in case you experience a hangry attack on the way to the airport. My favorite? LU Le Petit Ecolier Extra-Dark chocolate biscuits. You can find them just about anywhere and they fit perfectly into a carry on.
19. Travel-Size Candle: This is an easy way to cozy up your hotel room. My favorite candles are the soy candles by Kobo. They make the perfect travel candle, complete with matches all in a darling little box.
What are your vacation must haves?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Clean Up
Growing up, we spent every Saturday morning doing chores. I was in charge of cleaning my room, dusting and vacuuming the family room, and cleaning one bathroom. I would drag my feet about doing it, but I always felt accomplished after completing my checklist.
Years later, during college summers up north, my friend Elizabeth and I spent Saturday mornings cleaning cabins at one of the lakeside resorts. We worked alongside a woman (a nurse) who cleaned with a vigor and commitment I’d never seen before. “No, no, no!” she would shout, “Bathtub and sinks first, toilet last!” That same summer I picked up a few afternoons in the laundry department of a local hotel. The job was humbling and pretty filthy at times, but I did walk away with some superb folding skills, especially folding fitted sheets.
Each apartment over the years has posed its own cleaning challenges, but I’ve found a good cleaning routine and thought I’d share my tips and ask you for your own.
Supplies
What kind of supplies do you stock? Are your bottles of the homemade variety, the traditional products your parents used, some of the latest eco-friendly products? I use a combination of all of the above.
Kitchen
I use four main products in the kitchen:
Bleach Solution
In a small spray bottle I mix 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water. I use this solution once a day and spray down my sink and drains and wipe with a sponge I reserve solely for this use.
Vinegar Solution
In a small spray bottle I mix 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. I use this spray on most fruit and produce before cutting or consuming. Spraying this and rinsing with tap water removes 98 percent of surface bacteria. This is also great for wiping down your stove and refrigerator.
Mrs. Meyer's Countertop Spray
After wiping down the counters with a hot sponge or wash cloth, I spray the counters with this fantastic stuff. Cleans away any residue and leaves a lovely scent. When the spray begins to get low, I simply add a little water to keep the bottle going.
Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner
I keep this bottle in its own small bucket. I mix ¼ cup with 1 gallon of warm water. I use this on every surface in our house. Great for stove tops, floors, wiping down trash bins, bathrooms, baseboards, everything. I mix this up and drag it with me to every room of the house. Great stuff.
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
I use the Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner for everything in the bathroom, with the exception of a toilet and bathtub cleaner. I have yet to find an eco-friendly cleaner that does a proper job of cleaning the toilet and bathtub. If you have a recommendation, I’d love to hear it. I use eco-friendly products on all surfaces of our house except for the bathtub and toilet. I feel guilty using tough cleaners, but until I find one that works as well as the high-powered stuff, I’m going with what I know works. I have found Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner works best for the toilet and Kaboom Foam-Tastic Cleaner works best for the bathtub. My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathtub, and I can say that this product makes the job quite painless. Spray it on, scrub lightly with a sponge, and rinse.
Bathroom Cleaning Routine (according to the vigorous nurse that trained me):
1. Begin by removing all items from the bathroom. Then wipe down all surfaces with a dry paper towel, including the floors.
2. Place the toilet cleaner in the toilet bowl. Turn the shower on hot and spray down the tub with water. Spray on your tub cleaner and turn your attention to the bathroom counter, sinks, and mirror.
3. Finish by cleaning the tub, then the toilet, and finally the floor.
The Rest of the House
One must have tool in our house is our little Dirt Devil Kurv. Perfect for cleaning up a few crumbs on the kitchen floor and little dust bunnies in the corners.
I am on the hunt for a mop. Does anyone have a recommendation? I can’t get into the Swiffer products because they seem pretty wasteful. I’ve been shopping around for a great mop with a washable mop head. Anyone know of a good one?
Finally, for the request I receive more than any other:
How To Fold a Fitted Sheet (Apparently Martha Stewart folds her sheets like I did at the hotel, so you can thank her for the photos below):
If you have cleaning tips to add or share, please do!
Years later, during college summers up north, my friend Elizabeth and I spent Saturday mornings cleaning cabins at one of the lakeside resorts. We worked alongside a woman (a nurse) who cleaned with a vigor and commitment I’d never seen before. “No, no, no!” she would shout, “Bathtub and sinks first, toilet last!” That same summer I picked up a few afternoons in the laundry department of a local hotel. The job was humbling and pretty filthy at times, but I did walk away with some superb folding skills, especially folding fitted sheets.
Each apartment over the years has posed its own cleaning challenges, but I’ve found a good cleaning routine and thought I’d share my tips and ask you for your own.
Supplies
What kind of supplies do you stock? Are your bottles of the homemade variety, the traditional products your parents used, some of the latest eco-friendly products? I use a combination of all of the above.
Kitchen
I use four main products in the kitchen:
Bleach Solution
In a small spray bottle I mix 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water. I use this solution once a day and spray down my sink and drains and wipe with a sponge I reserve solely for this use.
Vinegar Solution
In a small spray bottle I mix 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. I use this spray on most fruit and produce before cutting or consuming. Spraying this and rinsing with tap water removes 98 percent of surface bacteria. This is also great for wiping down your stove and refrigerator.
Mrs. Meyer's Countertop Spray
After wiping down the counters with a hot sponge or wash cloth, I spray the counters with this fantastic stuff. Cleans away any residue and leaves a lovely scent. When the spray begins to get low, I simply add a little water to keep the bottle going.
Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner
I keep this bottle in its own small bucket. I mix ¼ cup with 1 gallon of warm water. I use this on every surface in our house. Great for stove tops, floors, wiping down trash bins, bathrooms, baseboards, everything. I mix this up and drag it with me to every room of the house. Great stuff.
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
- Do you keep baking soda in your freezer and refrigerator? According to America’s Test Kitchen, the baking soda does not cut down on food smells so you can stop buying boxes for your freezer and refrigerator.
- Easy way to clean your microwave? Take a coffee mug and fill it with water and a lemon slice. Heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes. After it finishes, leave the microwave shut for 5 minutes while you tidy up the rest of the kitchen. After 5 minutes is up, take the mug out and discard the water and lemon. The lemony steam helps lift stubborn splatters and cleaning the microwave is a cinch.
- Best way to disinfect a sponge? Boil some water and use tongs to boil the sponge for 5 minutes.
I use the Mrs. Meyer's All Purpose Cleaner for everything in the bathroom, with the exception of a toilet and bathtub cleaner. I have yet to find an eco-friendly cleaner that does a proper job of cleaning the toilet and bathtub. If you have a recommendation, I’d love to hear it. I use eco-friendly products on all surfaces of our house except for the bathtub and toilet. I feel guilty using tough cleaners, but until I find one that works as well as the high-powered stuff, I’m going with what I know works. I have found Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner works best for the toilet and Kaboom Foam-Tastic Cleaner works best for the bathtub. My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathtub, and I can say that this product makes the job quite painless. Spray it on, scrub lightly with a sponge, and rinse.
Bathroom Cleaning Routine (according to the vigorous nurse that trained me):
1. Begin by removing all items from the bathroom. Then wipe down all surfaces with a dry paper towel, including the floors.
2. Place the toilet cleaner in the toilet bowl. Turn the shower on hot and spray down the tub with water. Spray on your tub cleaner and turn your attention to the bathroom counter, sinks, and mirror.
3. Finish by cleaning the tub, then the toilet, and finally the floor.
The Rest of the House
One must have tool in our house is our little Dirt Devil Kurv. Perfect for cleaning up a few crumbs on the kitchen floor and little dust bunnies in the corners.
I am on the hunt for a mop. Does anyone have a recommendation? I can’t get into the Swiffer products because they seem pretty wasteful. I’ve been shopping around for a great mop with a washable mop head. Anyone know of a good one?
Finally, for the request I receive more than any other:
How To Fold a Fitted Sheet (Apparently Martha Stewart folds her sheets like I did at the hotel, so you can thank her for the photos below):
If you have cleaning tips to add or share, please do!
Monday, March 8, 2010
For the record...
- I am so ready for spring. So ready. The taste of it this weekend was not enough.
- I have taken less than ten photos since January 1st. This makes me sad. My eyes just haven't been inspired.
- Poor, poor blog. I have been out of habit posting here. I promise it will get better as the weather warms. I have started and restarted and deleted posts in the last few weeks. I swear things will turn around.
- Really enjoyed this article on John Hughes
- Running makes me feel strong. Especially when I run in the morning.
- Good apps. Which do you recommend?
- Have you heard of LaterBro? A cool site that allows you to send Twitter or Facebook status updates later.
- Essie nail polish makes me feel girly and anxious for sandal season. My favorite color of the moment is One of a Kind.
- I am dying for a little time away from icy Chicago. Good thing we're getting away soon!
- Every time I watch the Oscars, I am reminded that I want to see all of the best picture winners of the past 80 years.
- Have you tried cinnamon tea? I highly recommend it! We are hooked on Bengal Spice. A perfect way to wind down your evening.
- Last month I baked a cheese souffle. It was my first experience baking a souffle and I had terrific results. Try your hand at it with this recipe.
- Have you started spring cleaning? I have some good cleaning recommendations. Look for that later this week!
- I have taken less than ten photos since January 1st. This makes me sad. My eyes just haven't been inspired.
- Poor, poor blog. I have been out of habit posting here. I promise it will get better as the weather warms. I have started and restarted and deleted posts in the last few weeks. I swear things will turn around.
- Really enjoyed this article on John Hughes
- Running makes me feel strong. Especially when I run in the morning.
- Good apps. Which do you recommend?
- Have you heard of LaterBro? A cool site that allows you to send Twitter or Facebook status updates later.
- Essie nail polish makes me feel girly and anxious for sandal season. My favorite color of the moment is One of a Kind.
- I am dying for a little time away from icy Chicago. Good thing we're getting away soon!
- Every time I watch the Oscars, I am reminded that I want to see all of the best picture winners of the past 80 years.
- Have you tried cinnamon tea? I highly recommend it! We are hooked on Bengal Spice. A perfect way to wind down your evening.
- Last month I baked a cheese souffle. It was my first experience baking a souffle and I had terrific results. Try your hand at it with this recipe.
- Have you started spring cleaning? I have some good cleaning recommendations. Look for that later this week!
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