Thursday, May 19, 2011

Timeless Preppy





I love a little bit of preppy in any room. It feels timeless, cozy, and oh so comfortable. Natural finishes, lots of texture, and rich earth tones keep these interiors grounded and timeless.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

If I had a summer cottage...




I would love for it to look something like this. I love the fun color and playful textiles, however the rich antiques and accessories ground it and give it a more sophisticated feel. I love some fun colors, but sometimes I find myself looking at rooms loaded full of vibrant hues and think, "Wow this is cool, but.... would I not be sick of it in a few months?". I think these pictures illustrate a perfect example on how to have fun using color, without it being trendy or too juvenile.

Now if only I had a little cottage in Savannah... wouldn't that be perfect!

images from House and Garden via Fullhouse

Monday, May 16, 2011

Buffalo Chicken Casserole



I love myself some buffalo chicken, whether boneless or wings, ranch or bleu cheese, it is just plain good! So when browsing on Rachel Ray's website, I came across, "Buffalo Chicken and BlueCheese Cornbread Casserole". It is soooooooo good! Really, I want to make it again already... so if you like buffalo chicken I think you should definitely try this...

Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (add more if you want more of a kick!)
  • 1 box cornbread mix, such as Jiffy brand
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

  • Preparation:
    Preheat oven to 375º F.

    Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped chicken chunks, season with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and reserve on a plate.

    Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add another turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 5-6 minutes.

    When the veggies are tender, push them all to the edge of the pan and add the butter to the skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute. Add the stock and hot sauce to the pan and stir to combine. Bring up to a bubble, add the chicken back to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and simmer the sauce until thickened, 2-3 minutes.

    While the sauce is simmering, in a medium-size mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread according to package directions, using water as the liquid and folding in the blue cheese crumbles.

    Transfer the buffalo chicken mixture to a casserole dish and drop the blue cheese cornbread batter on top in spoonfuls. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake until the cornbread is golden brown and filling is bubbling, about 20 minutes.


    ***recipe courtesy Rachel Ray

    image from cghub

    Thursday, May 12, 2011

    Monday, May 9, 2011

    If I could...

    Go on a major shopping spree... I would definitely be heading to the local J.Crew. Whats not to love? They have everything you would need, from casual to work, from wedding to beach, they have it all! I encourage you to check out their website, here.










    all images from J.Crew

    Sunday, May 8, 2011

    Happy Mothers Day


    Wishing you a special day Mom!
    Love you