Shorts Story

I am so excited because I have just found my new summer nail color! For those of you who know me, I usually stick to one color for several months depending on the season. Lately, I've been quite faithful to OPI's You Don't Know Jacque but now with the warm weather, I've realized it's time to brighten up... so the new color is.... OPI's Shorts Story! You'll love this slightly warmer bubble gum pink against a fresh beach tan!

Pork Quesadillas

Lately I've been trying to make something a little more exciting for dinner than my usual casserole or spaghetti with meatballs. I think my wonderful husband deserves a little more effort than that... every once and a while atleast :). Keep in mind, I'm quite a novice in the kitchen so although this may seem simple, it's a step up for me.

So last night I put my culinary skills to work and tried a recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Great Food Fast. I love this cookbook because the majority of the recipes are quite simple and it takes the time to explain kitchen basics, like how to chop up a clove of garlic. I must admit, this was my first time using garlic not already pre-chopped! Additionally, the book is written by season which makes it very simple to find the perfect recipe for a summer night. My husband loves cubano sandwiches so I decided to attempt Martha's Pork Quesadillas.

These tasted amazing and my husband absolutely love this recipe! I served them with cilantro lime rice and black beans. It all looked so good I actually forgot to take a picture because be both started devouring them immediately off the grill so you can see the pretty picture from the cookbook. Would also be quite enjoyable with a Negra Modelo or Corona on the side...


Pork Quesadillas
Everyday Food Great Food Fast Copyright 2007

1 large garlic clove
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for grates
1 pork tenderloin, (3/4 to 1 pound)
1 large red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
4 (10-inch or burrito-size) flour tortillas
4 tablespoons spicy brown mustard, plus more for serving
6 ounces thinly sliced baked ham
3 to 4 dill pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
8 ounces provolone or Swiss cheese, coarsely shredded (about 2 cups)

Place the unpeeled garlic, clove on a cutting board, and smash with the flat side of a knife blade. Peel off the papery skin and discard; trim away the root end. Holding the tip of the blade steady on the cutting board with your free hand, and rocking the base of the blade back and forth, chop the garlic into coarse, even pieces. Gather the chopped garlic in a pile; sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Place the flat side of the knife blade on top; press firmly, pulling the knife toward you. Repeat until a paste forms. In a small bowl, combine with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the oil. Rub all over pork.

Heat grill to high; oil grates. Place pork on hottest part of grill; cover. Cook, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part registers 155 degrees. 10 to 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes; thinly slice across the grain.

Meanwhile, place onion slices on cooler part of grill; cover. Cook, turning once, until soft and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce grill to medium-low.

Spread 1 tablespoon mustard on each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Dividing evenly, layer half of each tortilla with ham, pork, onion, pickles, and cheese. Fold tortillas; press to close.

Lightly oil grates. Place quesadillas on grill; cover. Cook, turning once, until browned in spots and cheese has melted, about 4 minutes. Cut into wedges; serve immediately.

Antique China

I recently was given my Grandma's antique set of Syracuse Federal Shape china. To begin with, I am obsessed with the beauty of antique china but the sentimental value that comes along with it makes it that much more special. The delicate nature of antique china and the feminine patterns take you back into the olden days when dinner was taken seriously and made with some serious love. You can only imagine some of the conversations that china has heard.

The only caviat with this china is that the pieces left are a bit sporadic. I have like 10 dinner plates and 2 bowls. 16 teacups and 4 saucers. Where am I ever going to find the missing pieces? Thank goodness for the internet! Replacements.com (in North Carolina) has an extensive website with about every type of antique china your relatives could pass down to you. If you need it, they have it, or can find it for you. I am so excited to complete my antique china set and host a bridal shower or dinner party with it!

Marc Jacobs

A few of my friends (and myself) have a little bit of an obsession with Marc Jacobs... Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags to be exact. The leather is always perfect and will last forever (through spilled drinks and everything). Recently, I found a few treasures at one of my favorite places, Francesca's. This is a nationwide boutique but still has a local feel and great prices. Not only did I pick up some great earrings as always, but also found an amazing red leather clutch with a gold zipper trim. On my most recent trip to Lexington, one of my closest friends (and fellow Marc lover) freaked out and said, "Did you buy another Marc???" Always a great feeling when your small finds look big!

{Yoga Clutch, Francesca's}

le papier studio

i recently discovered this etsy designer and have fallen in love with her elegant yet playful silhouettes and other quirky offerings. from silhouettes to mustaches, you're bound to find something that will make you smile. also, vana has a blog, that is sure to inspire you.

custom couple silhouette, $24

smitten sticks, $35 (wedding set)

rachel leigh

oops i'm already behind a few posts! still trying to be about regular blogging... here's my latest finds...

rachel leigh--an amazing jewelry designer. i took one look at her site and instantly wanted everything. she has some pieces perfect for a cocktail party and some perfect for a concert. everything has "metal" edge to it but in a very clean and sophisticated way. some are more hardcore than others... here's a few of my favorites:

rachel leigh empire short necklace, $145

rachel leigh greta necklace, $150

rachel leigh tycoon bracelet, $195

rachel leigh fitz id bracelet, $98

j. crew-in VERY good company

j.crew has a section now where they feature products from other companies... thus, we now have j.crew in good company.

i have been dying to buy these a.r. trapp sunglasses and j.crew seems to be sold out everytime i convince myself to go for it! the green tint just does it for me and i'm already a fan of the wayfarer shape... if you have a little extra $ just laying around, i suggest you treat your eyes, just this once.

j.crew, $345

gray, sparkly, heaven.

cannot even stand it! i was trying to save money today by returning a pair of unnecessary shorts and happened to pass by banana republic when something sparkly and gray caught my eye... i don't shop at banana often but being that my favorite color is gray and i cannot resist all things sparkly, i went for it. the fact that there was only one left in a 0 petite made me realize this was "meant to be". perfect for the wedding i'm attending this weekend :)

banana republic embellished bib dress, $130

on a side note... black, sparkly, dream dress heaven...

theory, $435