USA!

Anyone else watch the USA/Algeria game?? I missed the first half, but tuned in for the ending, and what an ending it was! Suspense down to the 93rd minute and GOAL! It's moments like these when I love the patriotic energy our country displays! Way to go Landon Donovan!

Who's Ready?

World Cup 2010 kicks off today in South Africa! Can't wait to wake up at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning, bloody Mary in hand, and watch some soccer! Any soccer fans out there? If so, who are you rooting for?

image/southern-africa.co.uk

Olympic Fare

While it seems Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I admittedly am more excited about the Winter Olymics. Not that I don't love my special someone, I just love the camaraderie, competition, and blending of cultures that comes 'round every couple of years for the games.

Being in Seattle, we aren't too far from the hype - Vancouver, B.C. is just a few short hours North. One thing that has me intrigued about the Olympic Village is the cuisine! Seattle Times had an article in the Sunday paper entitled - Gold-Medal dining in Vancouver. One of the Vancouver native's favorite eats: Japadog - Japanese inspired hotdogs. In lieu of ketchup and mustard, try grated relish, special soy, and green onion. Here's a pic of the famous "Oroshi" dog at Japadog. When in Vancouver...

images/seattletimes

Hats Off To The Kentucky Derby

In the ultimate hat-off of the year, who wore it best? If I ever have the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby, I think I'll be more enthralled with the fashionable hats than the actual horse race! Personally, I think Kim Kardashian takes the cake, her hat is fantastically fab, modern, while still maintaining a chic and stylish elegance. Leanne Rimes went for the classic floppy topper, a true Southern girl. I do like the red ribbon, it goes well with her Springy dress.I'm not such a fan of Brooke Shields' hat though...

images/glamour

Mint Julep

I learned something new this weekend. Apparently mint juleps are the drink du jour for the Kentucky Derby. Having just learned this longstanding tradition, I didn't have a chance to enjoy one on Derby Day. But, I figure it I can whip one up as a sweet beverage to ring in Cinco de Mayo Eve.

image/mardigrasday

Candy Colored

Love this print, the candy colored Ferris wheel is perfection. This reminds me of a summer day at the fair. Makes me feel like I should be nibbling cotton candy and an elephant ear simultaneously, while wearing cutoff shorts in line for the roller coaster.

Note to self - remember...summer is just around the corner!

image/etsy-patriciao

Totally Tulips

Saturday was a gorgeous day in the greater Seattle area, and the tulip festival was fabulous. Turns out we sought out the tulip fields a week too early, but the daffodils bright and lovely, and in full bloom. My boyfriend was wonderful and obligingly took many photos of our Spring day in the fields. (Going for a funny picture, hiding in the daffodil fields).

images/myphotos

08.08.08

It's a big day! Not only is it Friday, but it's the luckiest day of the century, 08-08-08, as well as the official kick off to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, at exactly 8:08 am. Spend your time wisely and make sure you make the best of this auspicious day!

images/flickr

Fireworks!

Happy 4th of July!

image/flickr

Flashback to the Jazz Age

A few of my favorite shots via the Sartorialist, from the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island, New York. I adore themed events, and this shindig looks like it was a kick-up-your- knee-socks rockin' good time. My favorite shot of the 3 is the man with the tattoos - a literal blending of modern and vintage - with the inked sleeves accented with the navy ascot, poor boy hat, and Model A parked out back.

images/thesartorialist

March Madness Munchies

With the NCAA Final 4 just around the corner, I'm anticipating get-togethers with friends to watch the final big games (my money is on underdog UCLA). Since sporting matches always call for comfort, stick-to-your-ribs fare, I scouted out some killer recipes that go hand-in-hand with an edge-of-your-seat evening.

Kicked Up Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Emeril Lagasse, 2002

Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and cut in half at joint, rinsed and wiped dry

1/2 cup red hot pepper sauce

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce, recipe follows

Directions:
In a large shallow, non-reactive bowl combine the chicken, hot sauce, pepper, and salt, and toss well to combine. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and let marinate, for at least 1 hour, and up to 3 hours. In a heavy pot, heat the oil to 360 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and 2 tablespoons Essence. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add to the flour 1 at a time, tossing to coat evenly. Add the chicken in 2 batches to the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken wings from the fryer with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with the remaining Essence and serve immediately with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container. Yield: about 2/3 cup

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

8 ounces blue cheese

1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire

1/2 teaspoon salt

Place all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process on high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour into a decorative bowl.

Enjoy with friends!

recipe/foodnetwork-emeril

image/recipecottage