Autumn Sustenance

With the dawn of a new season comes the emergence of seasonal fruits and vegetables, among them figs. For the longest time I never knew what a fig actually was. While "Fig Newtons" was in my realm of schema, I knew it as merely the brand of cookie, rather than a component of the favorite treat.

Figs are sweet, juicy, and pair incredibly well with fresh pungent cheeses like blue cheese and Gorgonzola. Prosciutto wrapped, blue cheese stuffed figs are one of my absolute favorite autumn appetizers. Try the recipe today, you won't regret it!

Prosciutto Wrapped Figs & Blue Cheese
  • 8 Black Mission figs
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, cut into cubes
  • 8 prosciutto (thinly sliced, cut in half lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat grill. You will need medium to high heat for grilling. The key is to crisp the prosciutto quickly and leave the blue cheese just melted with the inner part of the fig cool in temperature.
Cut the figs in half and place a piece of blue cheese on each fig half. Wrap the prosciutto around each fig half, covering the cheese. The ends of the prosciutto should overlap.
Grill each piece until the prosciutto begins to color and crisp, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from grill, lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper. Serve warm.
image+recipe/foodnetwork

Vintage Rose

Love these vintage rose cabochons! Perfect for the kit and caboodler. One of these rosebuds would be a lovely way to embellish a headband or a piece of jewelry.

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Butch Cassidy

In case you hadn't heard, Paul Newman passed away this weekend. I always thought Paul Newman was dreamy in his younger years, and continued to possess a certain rugged sex appeal as he aged. I remember watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when I was little, singing along with my dad and sisters to "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." R.I.P.

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There's Something in the Milk

"MOM, There's a kid swimming in my milk!" In search of an avenue to entertain your kids? Invest in fisheddy for a uniquely original morning beverage experience.

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Autumn Welcome

Today marks the first weekend of autumn. As if to welcome the new season, we were pleasantly surprised with a crisp, clear, beautiful Autumn day in my lovely city. Happy weekend everyone! image/infinitygoods

Paint By Number

Feeling bold? Liven up your life (and living space) with a splash of vibrant color. Jazz up a wall that's never been more than simple "vanilla," with a burst of "key lime pie." I'm loving the color palette in these featured rooms, color definitely makes a statement, but without overpowering the dynamic of the space.

And don't assume that just because you add color, it must dictate your furniture. As Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work!"

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Jimbo

Anyone watch The Office last night?!? I hate to be a blog spoiler so I'll just summarize that if you didn't, go fast and furiously to your DVR...BIG NEWS... image/officetally

Ho Hum

Remember this scene from the SATC finale? Carrie is overwhelmed by change, aimlessly wandering the streets of Paris...well, I'm sorta having one of those days...

Have a big day at school tonight, meeting & greeting & informing the parents (which I'm getting nervous for) to top off an already busy and tiring week. Hoping everything goes well...wish me luck!

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Alphabet Soup

My friend Baillie (of the lovely blog Mrs. Bliss) introduced me to this A-Z survey of sorts. Yes, we've all done this a thousand times, but one more little quiz never hurt anyone... A. Attached or single? Attached B. Best friend? my girls C. Cake or pie? toss up...apple or strawberry-rhubarb pie or German chocolate cake D. Dog or cat? love big dogs, love cats too E. Essential item? bobby pins, lip gloss F. Favorite color? kelly green G. Gummy bears or worms? gummy cherries H. Hometown? originally Glendale, California I. Favorite indulgence? french fries or any chocolate chunk ice cream J. January or July? January (my birthday) but July has better weather K. Kids? My class of 2nd graders at the moment L. Life isn’t complete without? Laughter and love M. Marriage date? n/a N. Number of brothers and sisters? 2 sisters O. Oranges or apples? Pink Lady apples P. Phobias? big spiders, creepy-crawly snakes, walking alone in the woods Q. Quote? "Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. and "If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!" - Katharine Hepburn R. Reasons to smile? My family, my friends, and the life I lead S. Season of choice? Summer or Autumn T. Travel dreams? Machu Picchu, Greece & Croatia, Thailand U. Unknown fact about me? My parents almost named me Monique, don't think that suits me.. V. Vegetable? Corn, asparagus, artichokes, I love vegetables W. Worst habit? forgetting to close drawers or cabinets X. X-ray or ultrasound? neither, but X-Ray I guess Y. Your favorite restaurants? too many to count, read my yelp! Z. Zodiac sign? Capricorn I elect Anna, Sara, and Carol to do this next! image/etsy survey via mrs. bliss

Berrylicious

How good does this look? If only I had the time, the energy, or the patience to endeavor as decadent a dessert as this toasted coconut and berry charlotte...

image via tartelette

Happy Birthday Katie

My middle sister, Katie, is 23 today! Cheers to another year of being absolutely fabulous! Wish I could be there with you to celebrate!

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On the Shelf

In case you forgot...Sex and the City - the Movie - is out on DVD today! Make a mad dash and pick up this modern classic in the making for some quality time with the girls!

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XOXO

For all you lovers of Gossip Girl...it is a my ultimate guilty pleasure. If you haven't yet had the privilege, it is frivolous, fabulous, and full of...well, gossip. After a long day at work, this is the perfect TV show to take my mind off reality.

Anyone excited for next week? Looks like S is back to steal B's reign. This gossip is getting juicier by the season. Love it! XOXO.

image/theinquirer

Wallpaper du Jour

I never really considered myself a wallpaper person...until I came across this fantastic beyond belief room in Domino magazine. I love the taupe and white stripes paired with the clean lines of the white moldings. Wallpaper can often appear "busy" in my mind, though this pattern adds a stately elegance to this chic yet comfortable living room. It's times (and photographs) like these that make me long for a house of my own to decorate. Renting just isn't compatible with my creative aspirations... images/domino via absolutelybeautifulthings

Someday...

Someday, when I'm fabulously wealthy (I'm not holding my breath, as I am in the education profession)...I want to have a dinner party like this one. Perhaps not quite so many guests, but all the essentials of this photograph; lovely lighting, simple centerpieces, and glowing lanterns. All I need now is the finances to back it up, and a special occasion. It will be fabulous! Want to come? image via youaremyfave

Looking Up

Things are looking up. Looking forward to another great week with my wonderful new class!

Sweet

I simply love this photo! Nothing sweeter than sweet red raspberries!

Rumor Has It

According to US Weekly, talks of a Sex & the City movie sequel are buzzing! Oh, how I adored the movie! How excited would you be if Carrie and our fave girls returned for one last hurrah??

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Whose Got Mussels?

I've often ordered mussels at a restaurant, but never attempted to cook them myself. Anyone had a successful mussel experience? Care to share a recipe?

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Floor It

I love, love, love the look of the over-sized floor mirror. Every time I venture into a furniture store (which is oh-so-often) I've been eyeballing these babies hoping, just hoping, that when I go to glance at the price tag I might avoid an "out-of-my-price-range" cringe.

Once upon a time, IKEA had some tasteful floor mirrors in stock, but those days are long gone. Anybody find a good bargain on this essential living room piece, please, let me know!

image via pleasesir
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image/homebody

Canopy Crush

When I was little, I always wanted a bed canopy. In elementary school, one of my good friends was privileged in our eyes to have one of those white mosquito net canopies hung above her bed. All of our girlfriends were envious of this coveted bedroom accessory. There seemed to be something inherently feminine and magical about this gauzy net that could completely surround your sleeping space.

While cruising blogs today, I came across an adult version of our childhood envy. This bedroom feel very Marie Antoinette to me, decadent but ethereal feel. What a lovely place to rest your head.

image via {this is glamorous}

You Smell!

This line of detergents called “Tabula Rossa" seems to be a perfect gift for a sibling or a friend who you can't help but tease. "Tabula Rossa, Latin for “clean slate” is an immediate eye-catcher, as it is eloquently presented, yet is initially insulting until the reverse side of the product is read. It continues to say 'Like a Lemon!...Thanks to us!'"

My middle sister's birthday next week, I'm thinking this might be a hilarious gift to send via mail...I can picture her sarcastic groan upon opening a neatly wrapped package, only to find a collection of products proclaiming "YOU SMELL!"

image+quote/dieline

Fall Festivals

Summer ending got you down? In need of a chance of pace? I've got just the ticket. Check out some of these unusual, unique festivals across the US, that are sure to add a little zip to your weekend! Bummer I don't leave close enough to actually attend ANY of these festivities!

Arrr matey! Rally up ye buccaneers and scalleywags, the Portland Pirate Festival is almost here! Walk the plank on down to the marauder's market to loot some buried treasure Sept 20th & 21st!

Anyone want to build a sand castle? Bring your shovels and buckets and join in the festivities at the Neptune Festival for the North American Sand-Sculpting Championship, Sept. 26-28 in Virginia Beach, VA.

For the balloon enthusiast, who can't get enough hot air, hit up the Albequerque International Balloon Fiesta - October 4-12.

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Queen Anne

Check out Anne Hathaway in the latest issue of W Magazine, she looks positively regal, hence the article title "Queen Anne." Kudos to this lovely lady for displaying unending grace and poise in light of the recent turmoil in her personal life.

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via everyday delights

Summer Turn Fall

It appears that fall is settling in. With the nights are growing shorter, dusk is descending quicker by the day. This is supposedly our last Seattle "summer" day...let's hope otherwise. So make the most of it, get out, splash around, and make it count!

image via {this is glamorous}

Whose Got Spirit?

While I don't consider myself a "hard-core" football fan, I definitely have school spirit. Granted, I may not know every player's name, jersey number, or yards rushing, but I do enjoy a good tailgate, and I definitely sport my purple and gold on Game Day.

Hence, my next point. My beloved Huskies (University of Washington) got crushed this weekend (concluding their 3rd straight loss with a depressing final score of 55-14). Granted they played #3 Oklahoma, but still, it was a brutal beating - let's just leave it at that.

While I'm optimistic for the rest of the season, I'm not gonna lie, it doesn't look good. So while I fully intend to be rooting my little heart out for the next 10 or so Saturdays, I sought out some inspiration via the Food Network.

When your team is losing, what do you do...EAT!! Comfort food queen Paula Deen has been cooking up some hearty dishes worthy of a Game Day victory (or defeat), including this Chili in a Biscuit bowl recipe that already has my stomach growling. Ideal for watching the game - you can even eat the bowl!Chili in a Biscuit Bowl

Vegetable oil cooking spray
2 cups biscuit baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
2/3 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Flour, for dusting the work surface
1 pound ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 (14-ounce) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt

Toppings:
Shredded sharp Cheddar
Sour cream
Sliced green onions (white and green parts)
Corn chips

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Invert a muffin tin and spray the underside with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Stir together the baking mix, milk, and cayenne. Shape into a ball. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 3 or 4 times. Divide the ball into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Place a dough circle over the back of each muffin cup. Press around the cup to form a bowl shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool slightly. Remove the biscuit bowls and reserve.

Brown the ground chuck over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the onion and green pepper and continue to cook until the meat is completely browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any fat and discard. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 35 minutes.

When ready to serve, spoon the hot chili into the biscuit bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and corn chips

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images+recipe/foodnetwork

Happy Friday

It's going to be a gorgeous weekend in Seattle. Highs of 82 degrees, sunny, cloudless skies all this week. Excited for some hiking, boating, and soaking up the sun! ENJOY!

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World's Strangest Spa Treatments

This month in Travel and Leisure magazine, an article was featured about "World's Strangest Spa Treatments." Curious to see what people consider "strange," I took a look, and low and behold, some people are just plain crazy. Check out a few of these bizarre spa treatments, again, to supposedly relax... When in Venice, get a gondola massage...as if having a massage is not awkward enough, being naked and rubbed down by a stranger. Why not go for a naked gondola ride while someone works out your kinks!
Chocolate facial. Hmm...Question, if the concoction accidentally gets on your lips are you supposed to lick it off?
This one is by far the strangest, weirdest, and grossest in my opinion. Fish nibbling. Yes, you heard me correctly. For those too lazy to exfoliate, step into this bath in Malaysia where hundreds of tiny flesh-nibbling fish will eat away at rough skin spots and deep-clean your pores. Eew!! Makes me cringe just to think about. No thank you, I can be bothered to take the time to exfoliate.
Sake bath. Ever thought you liked a type of alcohol so much you'd want to bathe in it? Yeah...not so much. But if that happens to sound appealing, trek on out to Japan for a sake soak. (By the way this spa also offers green tea, coffee, and red wine soaks if you have a fave alternative beverage of choice...).

So, what will it be? If you HAD to pick one of these strange treatments, which one would you go for?

images/travelandleisure

Chalkies

As my high school friend and fellow blogger Sara of Miss Jane pointed out to me, I have a minor obsession with chalkboard accessories. Yes, yes, okay...I guess I do. But quite fitting for an elementary school teacher, don't you think?

In case you didn't know, chalkboards (the originals we grew up with), are becoming obsolete. There education community is in mad rush to update, replacing the old-fashioned black & green chalk variety with white boards or interactive technology boards. So in regards to chalkboards, I'll take what remaining goods I can get!! How about these apple chalkies, chalkboard stickers if you will - that you can cut and shape at your leisure. Darling! Thanks Sara for the great find!

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Rah Rah

Loving these cards for every occasion via thebeautifulproject. Too bad none of my friends are former cheerleaders, I think a cheerleader or someone of equal rah-rah demeanor would truly appreciate a card proclaiming "RAH RAH SIS BOOM BAH."

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