Monday, March 25, 2013

Saturday Errands

Sorry for the blogging hiatus - it's been so busy with end of quater at work, wedding planning and home improvement projects.

With Khaner away in Vegas for his bachelor party, I was left to accomplish a few necessary errands I had been putting off.

I love framing different invitations and announcements from various milestones and chapters in my life. I always think in a few decades I will be able to fondly look back on the festivities and exciting times we've shared.

For anyone in Raleigh, there is a fantastic and affordable framing shop at the Flea Market, open all year called Kidd's. It's literally a mom with two of her daughters who frame on the spot, with lots of matting options and frame choices.


I also decided purchasing our first home was just as exciting as getting married, so I also opted for our moving announcement to be framed, as well.


Most people who know me can tell I have a bit of an obsession with bedding, specifically shams and Euro shams. Khaner doesn't particularly care for browsing furniture and consignment stores, so with my Saturday on my own, I stopped in Junior League's local Bargain Box store, and found these gorgeous Euro shams for the steal of the century. I am talking, the chick fil-a meal I picked up for lunch was almost the same price.

Thoughts? I loved the turquoise and mustard and beautiful fringe. For what I paid, even if I tire of them in a year, who cares, right?!

Khaner and I are getting built-ins made for the den, so we can finally put books, picture frames, away! Stay tuned :)

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Surprise Package

You know the random piece of mail that can just make your day? It erases anything unfortunate that has happened to you throughout the work hours, changes your mood upon opening it, and like today, makes a rainy Thursday much brighter!

My sweet Maid of Honor Kendall, sent out adorable invitations for my upcoming bachelorette weekend in April. I am so grateful to all my best friends who are attending, and those who wish they could be there!
Thankful for all of you each day!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Chicken Piccata

In my effort to provide more variety to our meals, I have been recording more of Ina Garten's episodes from the Food Network. Unfortunately, I am one of those cooks who will go out and get every ingredient to replicate something I've seen on television. I really am the target consumer for the advertising industry.

This chicken piccata dish was fairly simple and delicious. I served with green beans and yukon mashed potatoes.

What you will need:

Chicken breasts, thinly sliced (I find this less time-consuming)
Salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tbsp water
3/4 cup dry Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, reserve lemon halves
1/4 cup dry white wine
Sliced lemon, for serving


Arrange in three dishes the flour with salt and pepper, then the beaten egg with 1/2 tbsp water, then the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the flour, egg and breadcrumb, shaking off any excess.


Heat olive oil in a saute pan and place the chicken with enough room so they are not too crowded.  The key is to not move them around and let them cook for 2 minutes on each side before turning over. Continue this until all chicken breasts are cooked, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in oven at 350 degrees until sauce is finished.

To prepare sauce, take paper towel and wipe out the saute pan you used for chicken.  Over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and add the fresh lemon juice, white wine the reserved lemon half, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil until sauce is reduced to half, about 2 minutes.  Off the heat, add two tbsp butter and mix well. Remove the lemon half.



Take chicken breasts out of oven and spoon the sauce over the chicken on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley. Enjoy!




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Quote of the Day

One of my friends Ashley has a fabulous blog that encompasses all parts of her life - today she posted a beautiful letter John Steinbeck wrote to his then teenage son, who was in love with a girl from boarding school.

The letter, as beautifully written as it is, has one sentence that I find so true and applicable for many people in my life:

"And don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away."


So completely true. For my close friends going through challenging times right now - just remember, if  it's right, it happens. Nothing good gets away.

Thanks, Ash!


Monday, January 14, 2013

Flat Fetish

Khaner left for a week for the Consumer Electronic Show in Vegas, and surprised me with  beautiful new Tory Burch flats when he came home

LOVE them!!!


Monday, January 7, 2013

Vivace Fun

Friday was Mallory's last night in town, and luckily, Sarah was in town for an engagement party, so we all got together (me a bit later, with a long work day) at Vivace.


Khaner is on a business trip for a week - if anyone wants to get together, call me!

xoxo

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas Week

Sorry for the delay...we have had quite a week of family and friends, and now, just before going back to work tomorrow, have some time to post.

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday with both our families this year, and the house felt a bit lonely on Friday when they all left. As I grow older, I truly cherish the meaning of the season- being with those you love.

Christmas tree

Pre-Christmas Eve lunch

Some of our fun Christmas cards

Daddy during his ritual WSJ time

Mom asked me to get the chandelier in this one?

Daddy and me

Mom and I

Merry Merry!

Hosts

Merry Christmas Mom and Dad!

Man of the house taking a seat before guests arrive

Our first Christmas in our new home!

Thanks, Khaner

Christmas Eve lunch with the Walkers and Darlings

A Darling Christmas tradition - English trifle!

And more goodies after lunch, compliments of Elizabeth's family

Khaner and his Mom Christmas Day, after brunch, walk through the neighborhood

Mom and I thought it would be fun to swing

Fun dinner with the Colemans Wednesday at PF Changs

Dessert afterwards



Natalie and I Saturday night, enjoying Khaner's steaks with twice baked potatoes!



Hope everyone enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday, sharing the joy of the season with those you love. Happy New Year!