Gettin' My Knit On

{Photo Credit: September 2009 Marie Claire}
(Courtesy of the(chloe)conspiracy)

I know what you are thinking, we barely have gotten into Spring how can I be thinking about scarves and knits? I stumbled over an inspiration pic over at the(chloe)conspiracy. Thanks Chloe! L.O.V.E. the entire look. Fashion house collections are already underway for 2011 and so is this one. The focus of the look is that lovely cowl neck scarf. I'd thought I would attempt it. To be totally honest the only reason that I am starting this project now is because it may take me until fall to finish. Life happens, besides I need the concentration of a heart surgeon to keep track of the rows, stitches etc. I still consider myself a novice knitter, maybe with my foot in the door of intermediate. Usually I pick knitting projects that are pint sized so that I can finish within a week. I'm ADD that way, I need instant gratification. I will usually work off of a pattern, but this seem simple enough to make a go at it on my own. So today I spent few hours on the couch with the Hills marathon on the boob tube and my new knitting project. I'll update as soon as I'm done.

P.S. For you knitters, this is a trinity stitch. Planning on knitting a long rectangle and stitching the ends together. It would be easier to knit in the round, but I am not that good yet. =)

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Lookbook (A Very Anthro Earth Day)

{Morgan container planting}

{Daddy & Morgan waiting while Mommy shops. "Hurry up Mom!!"}

{Shirt: Zara, Vest: Diane von Furstenberg,
Jeans: Forver 21, Boots: Via Spiga}

{Ring: Mars & Valentine}

{New Strong Should Blazer from Anthro by Lil}

How brilliant! Anthropologie celebrates Earth day with container planting for the kids and the kids at heart. But if this was some kind of ruse to get shoppers into the store, they have me pegged, I took the bait.

Those ominous clouds indeed turned out to be rain clouds. We woke up to gray skies and a light drizzle. I had no choice but to fish out the boots I thought would be packed away until next Fall. A day like today calls for layers, and typical of Colorado weather, the clouds parted for few hours of beautiful sunshine, so the trench was left a home. For the first time out of the closet, the DVF vest was a score at Neiman Marcus Last Call for $25. Is it weird that I have a photographic memory when it comes to my deals & steals? I wish I had that type of discipline during college. Any who, shortly after I bought the vest I saw Blake Lively sporting it on Gossip Girls. If this vest was worthy of one of the most fashionable shows on television, I must have some sort of style right? (Just a rhetorical question, mean comments need not apply.) Paired with my Blake Lively vest (sorry Diane) is this ultra feminine Zara ruffle blouse. My favorite pair of skinnies from Forever 21 never fail me. The Via Spiga suede slouch boots I've had forever and they are my perfect causal boot. Take a close look at my right hand ring from Mars & Valentine, can you see the floral carvings in the middle? I just love the detailing in this ring.

I tried to stay strong, but the draw of the Anthro sale racks was too much. I succumbed and left the store with a fabulous strong shoulder blazer for $30. Ugh, I wish I had more one on one time with the sale racks. We had to part ways since my husband was chaperoning the little rug rat. If it was just me and my little girl, she would have granted more time as long as I let her climb all over the dressing room couch. Until next time.

DIY: Baubles, Bling & Storage Things

BUT FIRST A BIG THANKS!


I am still new here in the blogosphere and wanted to acknowledge and give a big thanks to Not Just Another Blonde in Beijing for the "I Heart Your Blog" award. Read about Steph and her big upcoming move to Asia! Things are going to get interesting in a few short weeks! Hopefully the transition will be smooth.


Hugs and kisses to The Thing About Daisies for the "Beautiful Blogger" award. Talented and crafty, it is she who gave me the inspiration for my DIY post today.


Moving on to baubles and bling and storage things!

{DIY Jewelry Display Case}

{Little Morgan, with her zebra stamped hands, getting in on the craftiness}
(If she can do this you can do it!)

{Viola! Looks like a million bucks}

I love baubles and anything bling and as of late I have been accumulating quite a collection. My little jewelry stand is busting at the seams. I drew inspiration from The Thing About Daisies and her DIY earring holder. I like this alternative becuase my cherished pieces are displayed like artwork. It just puts a smile on my face every time I walk by.

This is probably one of the easiest DIY projects, so easy even a cave woman can do it. I purchased display boxes from Hobby Lobby (make sure to buy the kind that can swing open from the front.) FYI-these things are 50% off every other week, so check their site. Don't bother buying unless they are on sale. The boxes I bought cost $10 on sale. Pick up 1/2" screw in cup holders from the upholstery department, box 4 of cost $0.99.

Here are the directions: Open box and screw in cup holders. That's it!! Takes no more than 5 minutes. Viola! You have a nice display for your most cherished pieces.

Extras you may need: Picture hanging wire (there are hangers on the back of the box, but this will make hanging easier.) Rubber backing circles (these boxes tend to move when opened, so be careful they may swing against the wall. Place rubber backing on the lower corners, at the back of box will help prevent marks on your wall.)

Warning, make sure the surface you are working on is covered. The screws will poke through the back.

Lookbook (Out In The Field)

{Jacket: Eddie Bauer, Ruffle Tank: Forever 21
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind, Shoes: Christian Louboutin}

I know today is supposed to be Target Tuesday, but we'll give Target a little breather. I made up for it with the double posting surrounding all the hype of the Cynthia Vincent line and the upcoming Zac Posen release.

Here in the mile high state we are still in transitional seasons. It was such a beautiful and warm day yesterday, it was a bummer to wake up to an overcast sky this morning. I was tempted to unpack boots I stored away just last week. Instead I decided to layer up in a ruffle tank and field jacket, throw on a pair of jeans and call it a day.

Today's look was built around this linen field jacket from (gasp!) Eddie Bauer. I normally never shop at Eddie Bauer, but it was a find while shopping with the mother-in-law. The jacket was layered over an army green ruffled tank from Forever 21. The belt was bought many moons ago from the Gap, still love this belt. The jeans are Seven For All Mankind, shoes are Christian Louboutin. Just goes to show, fashion is what you make of it. Mix it up!

A Little Bit of Dill & A Little Bit of That

{Lemon, Dill}

{Purple Onion, Scallion, Dill, Parsley, English Cucumber}

{Roasted Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad}

I love the mild taste of dill. For such a delicate herb it can be the star of the recipe. One of my favorite and most requested dish is the Roasted Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad by the Barefoot Contessa. A friend recently had a baby and I decided to bring this dish over. The great thing about this dish is that it tastes even better the day after.

ROASTED SHRIMP & ORZO PASTA SALAD
nocoupons

• Kosher salt
• Good olive oil
• 3/4 pound orzo pasta (rice-shaped pasta)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 lemons)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds (16 to 18 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup minced scallions, white and green parts
• 1 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 hothouse cucumber, unpeeled, seeded, and medium-diced
• 1/2 cup small-diced red onion
• 3/4 pound good feta cheese, large diced

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and a splash of oil, and bring the water to a boil. Add the orzo and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked al dente. Drain and pour into a large bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour over the hot pasta and stir well.

Meanwhile, place the shrimp on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and spread out in a single layer. Roast for 5 to 6 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. Don't overcook!

Add the shrimp to the orzo and then add the scallions, dill, parsley, cucumber, onion, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Toss well. Add the feta and stir carefully. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, taste again for seasonings and bring back to room temperature before serving.

What to do with left over dill? Egg salad for brown bag lunches.

I usually have enough dill left over to prepare egg salad. I just love egg salad with smoked salmon. The Barefoot Contessa makes me look like a star chef and this recipe for Smoked Salmon & Egg Salad Tartines does not disappoint. I half the recipe, skip the food processor and mash the eggs with a fork.

SMOKED SALMON & EGG SALAD TARTINES

• 12 extra large eggs
  
• 1/3 cup good mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoons minced fresh dill, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8 slices 7-grain bread or round French bread (boule)
• 8 slices good smoked salmon

Directions

Place the eggs in a large pot and cover them with cool tap water. Bring the water to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the eggs to sit in the water for another 5 minutes. Drain, then fill the pot with cold water. To peel the eggs, tap each end on a board, then roll the egg between your hand and the board to crackle the shell. Peel under running tap water and allow the eggs to cool to room temperature.

Place the eggs in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse the processor 10 to 12 times to break up, but not puree, the eggs. Transfer the chopped eggs to a bowl and add the mayonnaise, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Combine lightly with a fork.

Toast or grill the bread. Lay 1 slice of salmon on each piece of bread, spread on the egg salad, then garnish with a sprig of dill. Serve at room temperature.

It Pays to Be on The List

Sometimes to be on "the list" requires a charge account, but when you shop at Neiman Marcus you have to have a store card to buy anything, a total marketing tactic for their credit division and perhaps for brand integrity. (They do accept Amex, check and of course cash.) One of the perks is that every year they randomly send out $50 gift cards to their clientele. I was super excited to find this waiting for me in the mail. I didn't have anything in on my wish list, but I set out to spend little over the $50 value which is extremely difficult to do at Neimans. After browsing $100 t-shirts, I came away with NARS Laguna bronzer and the new NARS Orgasm Illuminator. I paid the $12 difference, and walked away a happy camper.