The Birthday Suit

Okay, so my birthday outfit was a little boring, but it had been a long week. ...a really long week.  Having a Friday birthday was the one thing that got me through the past few days, and I couldn't have been happier with the day.  At work, I directed the most darling little musical, and the kids were amazing  (and nothing in the world beats a handmade birthday card and 20 kids surprising you with a joyful rendition of "Happy Birthday")!  

After planning a night of bowling with friends, I knew I had to find a comfy outfit.  I stuck with some menswear and polka dots.... and called it a day.  I bowled 2 terrible games, but had a fantastic time at turning 28 (YIIIIIIIKES).

 Shirt and Shoes: UO // Cropped Pants: Gap // Glasses: Warby Parker

Chicken Guac Sandwiches & Corn Cob Lovin'

This giant sandwich has quickly become a household favorite! It's our, "guacamole marinated chicken-thingy" dish, and we can't get enough of it!  I use Quorn (vegetarian) chicken and marinate it in some chopped onion, olive oil, hot sauce, cilantro, s&p, and anything else that seems yummy.

After marinating the "chicken" for an hour or so, we grill it, top it with monterey or provolone cheese, and put it on some grilled crusty bread with homemade guacamole.  It's so tasty!  These pics also include my favorite way to grill mixed vegetables... I toss zucchini, onions, chopped garlic, mushrooms and anything else that we really like with some olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill it on tin foil.



Our favorite part of outdoor eating always involves corn on the cob.  I always buy 5 pieces: 2 for E, 2 for me, and 1 more piece for our big Browny.

Brown's faaaaavorite thing about summer is definitely eating corn on the cob on our deck.

I've never seen anything like it!  He takes his time and eats every kernal.... with just his front teeth.

Maybe I'm just a crazy doggy mom, but I think it's absolutely adorable!

Happy grilling!

EBEW: Lace

While I think it's a lot of fun to share photos on Everybody Everywhere, I have to admit that I cringed a little when I saw that lace was the pick for June.  I realized today that I have exactly 2 items with lace.  

1. this top and 

2. a bathing suit cover-up (that I admittedly sport as a dress from time to time.)  

With limited options and little patience for lace (I'm just being dramatic), I came up with this flowy shirt and a pencil skirt.  I think I actually prefer this short as it is worn in this old photo.

Happy Tuesday, Happy June, Happy EBEW Day!

Shirt, Earrings, Black Bracelet: H&M // 

Skirt: Ann Taylor // Shoes: Franco Sarto 

Like a Vampire

(wow, wrinkes!)

 

I often receive lots of comments from my students.  I teach many classes each week, so knowing hundreds of kids results in a lot of compliments and criticisms each day.

Today was particularly great because a first grader told me that I look like a vampire.  I asked him why and he said it was because I'm so pale.  Another student chimed in to tell me that I also had fangs.

Thanks, guys. 

Blazer: UO // Pants and Tank: Gap // Necklace: F21 // Sandals: Anne Klein

BBQ Seitan & Pea Pesto Pasta

One evening last week I spent the night on the couch.  Typically E and I watch some Cops, some Seinfeld, and a little bit of the Food Network.  On this particular night, Erik went to bed, and I couldn't force myself to budge off of the couch... so I watched a Food Network show that I usually avoid.  It's the most un-vegetarian show that I've ever seen on that channel, Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

This particular episode was the most meat-intense show possible: barbecuing.  Now, watching those crazies roast an entire pig was practically painful, but even though I'm an 8-year vegetarian, I'm also quick to admit that meat tasted good.  In fact, I was a huge meat eater until college, and I will never deny the tastiness of all the meat that is out there.  Nevertheless, I whole-heartily believe that it is morally wrong to consume it.  Call it my beliefs, my religion, my annoying rant... call it what you will.  The point is that I watched this show and couldn't wait to make a veggie bbq sandwich!

I picked up a package of seitan, covered it in some bottled bbq sauce, and stuck it in the oven for about an hour.  I think it would be much better grilled, or marinated in a unique bbq sauce, but let's face it folks.. I was lazy.

In the mean time, I started the pesto by combining the following ingredients in the food processor:

           -- 25 leaves of fresh basil
            -- handful of fresh parsley
            -- 2 cloves of garlic
            -- 1/2 cup of Pecorino Romano
            -- juice of 1 lemon
            -- 1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts
            -- 3/4 cup of olive oil 
               (added slowly as the food processor runs)

I mixed the pesto into a pound of cooked pasta, and stirred in:

   -- a ladle full of starchy pasta water

   -- a bag of frozen peas (about 10 oz)

   -- a handful of chopped scallions

   -- 4 full stocks of celery

   -- lots of salt and pepper, and a little celery seed

   -- some more Pecorino (who can resist?)

The barbecued seitan came out of the oven looking (and tasting) lovely, but the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives TV show taught me that if I were a good ol' southern gal, I'd know the importance of adding some slaw to the sandwhich.  So, I added some fresh coleslaw.  (Buy the pre-shredded mix at the store, and all of you have to do is stir in some slaw dressing!)

Voila!  Definitely satisfied my urge for BBQ!

Spring Work Uniform

Back to the irresistable white blazer, I paired it with my favorite pants in the world, these Audrey Hepburn-esque black ankle pants.  They are just formal enough for work, yet so much better than boring traditional black pants.  I also had to give the cream/white combo another try, so I wore this new top that I found on an Urban Outfitters sale rack.  To sum it up, this is how I like to go to work on a beautiful spring day!

Blazer & Shirt: UO // Green bag: Target // 

Pants: Gap // Shoes: JCrew // Necklace: Macy's