05/17/2013  

Double Duty Dining Area

Double Duty Dining Room

I just love this dining room. Why? Because it has 2 equally great eating areas in the same space.  The long dining table with the fun mid-century modern chairs is perfect for a big gathering of family and friends.  Behind the table, though, is a cozy, comfy space for more casual dining. This would be perfect for a few friends to chat the night away over dinner and cocktails.

The spaces blend so well together in the room, and it doesn’t look over-full, in my opinion.  The mirror really helps the space feel much more open.

What do you think?

I hope you have a great weekend! It is a wedding extravaganza for us this weekend with one tonight and one tomorrow.

{Image via Decorista Daydream}

05/15/2013  

Inspired by Lemons

There is something so inspiring about lemons. The color is bright and cheerful. The little leaves are cute. They invoke a feeling of freshness. I personally love lemons for anything related to the kitchen and tabletop – cleaning products, candles, art, or as a centerpiece. Plus, lemon zest adds a great flavor to baked goods.

Here are a couple of my favorite ways to use lemons around the home.

Inspired by Lemons

1. A little boat place card / 2. Meyer Lemon Macarons / 3. Piled in a bowl as a centerpiece / 4. Un Citron art print

05/14/2013  

Quinoa Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp Bowl

This is a great summer meal to pull together for a quick dinner and satisfying lunch the next day. I got the idea from Iowa Girl Eats.

Quinoa Shrimp Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/3 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 lb uncooked, deveined shrimp
  • salt & pepper
  • 2 limes, juiced (need 1/4 cup juice)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • dash of sugar
  • 8 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 avocados, chopped {for serving}
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped {for serving}
  • cheddar cheese {for serving}
  • sour cream {for serving}
  • salsa {for serving}

Directions

  • Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Use a little extra water, and during the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the corn and black beans. Set aside when done.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice, garlic, sugar, and 6 tablespoons of the olive oil in a bowl.
  • In a skillet or grill pan, saute the red onion. Remove from pan and stir into quinoa mixture.
  • Add shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the grill pan. Cook for a couple of minutes per side. The shrimp pink-up as they are done.
  • Spoon the quinoa into bowls, top with avocado, shrimp, cilantro, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Drizzle lime-oil dressing over the top. If desired, add a little salsa to mix in for added flavor.

{Recipe adapted from Iowa Girl Eats; Images are my own.}

05/13/2013  

What’s on the Menu {5/13 – 5/17}

Jane Packer Flowers

What a wonderful but full weekend. We went to visit my parents. It was great to see them and hang out with my sister and her fiance as well. We had dinner on Saturday at my parent’s favorite tapas restaurant. Oh man! I wish we lived close enough to go there more often. That would be a regular dinner date place for Dylan and I. It is so, so good. One of my favorite dishes was a seafood gumbo. I am going to try to find a similar recipe because it was phenomenal.

Here’s what we’ll be having this week.

Breakfast

Lunch

  • Turkey sandwiches
  • Pork wraps
  • Leftover burgers

Dinner

Monday – Turkey Gouda Sandwiches

Tuesday – Chili-Crusted Scallops with Cucumber Salad

Wednesday – Pork Souvlaki with a Pineapple and Cucumber Salsa

Thursday – Pineapple-Jalapeño Burgers

Friday – Wedding time for friends

{Image via Design My Way from Jane Packer’s Guide to Flower Arranging.}

05/10/2013  

Mint Julep Patio Party

The Kentucky Derby feels like the kick-off to summer in many ways. In the spirit of the day, gather up a few friends to enjoy a mint julep on your patio.  It needn’t be formal.  Just grab a few snacks from the grocery store to nibble on and mix up a batch of mint julep cocktails.

I’ve pulled together a little moodboard to help set the scene.

Mint Julep Patio Party1. Bridgehampton Placemat / 2. Handwoven Fulcrum Napkin / 3. Mint Julep Recipe / 4. Allegra Hicks Dinnerware

Relax and sip away on the patio…maybe even tonight. Happy Friday!

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