{la la la, life and all of that}

What a summer! Since the end of May I have been all around. I spent a long while with my family and dear, dear friends in Boise and also took a little tour to Portland, Seattle and Northern Idaho...seeing friends and family along the way.  Including lots of green!!! (Which is more than I can say about the current desert I'm living in.)

{driving into my little hometown in North ID.  it had been 3 years since I saw this view!}

It was incredible.....and.....the perfect distraction for me, as Mister was away training.  But, after two months apart (yes, two months) we headed for an away vacay to Florida. 

{together!!}

It was amazing!!  We stayed in a friend's beach house.  So yes, you guessed it: beach time every day, great food and of course golf for Mister.  A great little second honeymoon.

I guess it wouldn't be a post from me, if I didn't include some food.  Well, near the beach a little place claimed to have the best hotdogs.  Mister pretty much craved them the moment we saw the stand.  Me.  Well, if you truly know me, you know I NEVER crave hotdogs and really didn't want to test the company on their proclamation (nor would I have any authority on the subject) .  But, being that I wanted to make him happy...we made our way over.  AND....luckily, they had VEGGIE DOGS! (Yay!)

{happiness for mister...}

{happiness for me....veggie dog!}

{my favorite view this summer...}

Anyway - my bad for not bringing my computer and therefore, not keeping in touch.  

It is quite nice being back home though (even if I'm still getting used to Texas).  I mean in actuality, I finished all of our moving boxes, arranged all of our furniture, hung the last of the pictures and then jetted to Idaho 2 days later.  It's sort of fun being able to enjoy our new place.  But, I'm not getting too comfortable, because in a week, it's more family fun in Arizona.  Let's just say that coming from the Northwest, this has been a HOT, HOT, HOT summer: daily living in Texas (eek!), vacation in Florida (ugh!) and then on to Arizona (yikes!).  I'm seemingly getting used to the heat (not!), but hey...I've never been so tan. ;)

Can't wait to check out everyone's booming blogs.

xx,
Tal

{vacation projects}

I'm still on the longest vacation ever!  When all is said and done, I'll have spent 5 weeks home with my parents and sisters.  It's been fun thus far...and the great thing about coming home for a visit is that I still have SO many friends in the area.  I've been here 2 weeks now and still haven't see everyone.  Every day seems scheduled, but with that said, I've still managed to do one of my favorite things.....knit! 

In typical "me" fashion, I pretty much started 3 new knitting projects at the same time.  Never mind the fact that I brought one with me (not pictured) that I still need to finish.  Oh!  And a very good friend of mine, who's local, called me up and invited me to come dye yarn with her.  So, more knitting ahead! 

Of course, I've also spent some time in the kitchen.  Though I must admit, my mom is a rock star in that area, so I'm definitely letting her work her magic.  One of the yummies, we had last week was this sweet blueberry treat (I'll provide the recipe in an upcoming post!).

I hope you are all enjoying June or at least taking time to enjoy today!

xx,
Tali

{sweet treat tuesday - on wednesday: frozen yogurt, literally}

Last week the temperature was pushing the very high 90's chez moi.  I was craving something sweet, but had a couple of stipulations: 1) no oven, 2) light and fresh dessert, 3) figure friendly, 4) easy, easy easy.  Then, all of the sudden I had remembered a snack that I used to make: frozen yogurt.  How had I forgotten about this simple, yet satisfying dessert?!  I'm sure you've tried this or heard of this...but, in case you've forgotten about it (like me)....then here's a reminder to try this the next time you want to satisfy a sweet tooth. 

What you need...

*Yoplait Whipped Yogurt - your preferred flavor

* Fresh berries

* A little dish

What you do...
*Freeze Whipped Yoplait - preferrably over night
*Take out of freezer and let set for a second (it will help when scooping out)
*Top with fresh berries
*Enjoy!

Now....of course you can eat it out of the 'carton', but do yourself a little favor and make it special by scooping your dessert into a dish.  Growing up, my grandpa would always say: "never eat breakfast at a fast food place and never put cartons on the table."  Tables are so much prettier and a meal is much more enjoyable when you take an extra moment to 'dress it up'. 

Cheers to a simple and sweet day!!

xx,

Naphtali

{ladies lunch}

Fresh Tomato Tarts

9oz fresh puff pastry
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp pesto
6 plum tomatoes, sliced
Kosher Sea Salt and Crushed Black Pepper
Fresh thyme leaves to garish (optional, but so good!!)

*On a lightly floured kitchen counter, roll out pastry dough to a rectangle about 12x10 inches.
*Cut rectangle in half and divide each half into 3 pieces to make 6 even pieces. Chill for 20 minutes (ish).
*Lightly score the edges of the dough and brush with the beaten egg.
*Spread the pesto over center, leaving a border on each side.
*Arrange tomato slices on top of pesto.

*Season well with Salt and Pepper and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
*Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes (until well risen and golden brown)

**This can also be made in one large rectangle instead of individual tarts.

In regards to the Pesto...you can choose to make it from scratch. It's supper easy by just blending (basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil...) BUT - as I don't always keep pine nuts on hand and generally like to "kick-up" the flavor with paste anyway, I use the below product. It's fantastic! Lasts for a long time. You can easily mix some good Olive Oil with it and dress pasta or simply spread out on a tart (like above).


Use this recipe as an excuse to have some friends over. They'll be impressed with the yumminess and you'll be happy with the easy preparation!! Oh -- and make sure to tell me if you try it!



{This recipe was adapted from an old recipe I had. I punched up the flavor with my own additions.}

{à table}

à table = a French term used to signify dinner time. It literally means "at [the] table".

I have many memories growing up when dinner would be ready and I'd hear my mom say (in her convincing French accent) "à table". Here I am years later, and though I don't have little children piling around the dinner table, my Mister has become quite familiar with the phrase. Since this term is so prominent in my life and since I love to express art through food, and since admittedly I get asked "what I'm making" several times a week, I've decided to start documenting certain dinners/recipes on my blog. I'm not a professional by ANY means, but I have fun exploring my way around the kitchen. If you're interested in me trying out anything in particular - let me know!

As for last night....?

Salmon, roasted potatoes and broccoli


Marinade:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
1/2 tsp Asian sesame oil
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp chopped green onion
2 medium cloves minced garlic

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer slowly for 5 minutes. Strain liquid and chill. Place Salmon (or another fish of choice - I've used halibut and talapia) in a non-reactive pan and cover with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. Remove fish and cook! I barbecued the salmon in the above photo, but generally bake it. Yum!

Potatoes:

Quarter potatoes and dress with:
Olive Oil
Garlic
Chopped parsley
Kosher Sea Salt
Crushed black pepper
Bake on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.


à table and bon appétit !

{monday...eer...I mean wednesday inspires}

What does Wednesday inspire? Well, for me: Healthy Eats. I know this book is not new, but I recently purchased it and think it's well worth it!! Of course, some of the content is common knowledge: fresh fruit is definitely a better choice than syrup saturated canned fruit. Duh. But, this book does more than that. It says, "fine - you want to buy canned fruit? Well, then choose this one..."
All-in-all my husband and I try to have pretty healthy food around the house. When possible we go organic or opt for certain alternatives (primarily because of Mister's food allergies). BUT...come on -- we definitely indulge at times. My Mister loves to "forget" his wheat/gluten/dairy allergies, etc. So, how can I help?! By purchasing a "frozen pizza" that is just a bit better than another version, or stocking up on Cheerios instead of Smart Start (What?! I know...that was a shocker for me.)






And since life seems to never slow down, I've been interested in "grocery help" services. My dear friend told me about: Amazon Fresh. She's had great success with their products. Though there's no need to have groceries delivered every week, the occasional delivery could ease a bunch of stress. I have still yet to try them. I've also heard of great local delivery services, as well. The idea of it seems a bit "out of reach" - like it would be too costly, but you would be surprised!!



Enjoy a healthy day and definitely take a little bit of time to indulge every once in awhile.


Images via here.

{la french table}

my new table, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I have managed to feel quite French this week. It's really quite spectacular. :) Actually, if I may say, I think my French friend felt a bit French too! Even though we're in an American home, I find myself doing things that are typically French. It was really just this week though that I realized it. No wonder my poor American Mister is sometimes confused by my actions. Should I elaborate?

Setting the table: In regards to silverware, I place the Fork on the left, the Knife on the right and a small spoon just above of the plate - laying across toward the cup. (My Mister has often picked up the spoon confused. I was too 'involved' to really realize before.

The dinner: I strive to have good bread for certain meals and if passing them out, often place the piece on the table by Mister's plate. Poor man. He automatically, picks it back up and sets it on his plate. Also, the salad is served last. So, I will sometimes bring it to the table after he's finished his fish, zucchini and a bit of bread. It can be confusing, but I think I was subconsciously trying to 're-train' his eating habits. (Oh goodness, the things I realize through this blog. Eek.)

The dessert: After clearing a bit of the dishes, I gather a couple of fruits and yogurts. Take your pick Mister. Ah, now he realizes the reason for the spoon.

I may not be French (even though we have to whisper that this week, as I am pretending....). But, either way, I have certain inclinations -- thanks to my dear (almost) French Mom, my travels and my desperate need to pretend to be French. *Sigh*

*P.S. I have some updates to give about drinking out of bowls! I love how blogging can bring up memories, unite traditions and create an entire world of wonder. But, that will have to come later - becuase I am heading to take my friend to do something entirely American: BBQ at a Military Base.

Lovely Vendredi my dears!

{turn your oven off}

This week has not only been hectic {notice my lack of blogging}, but it's been hot! Seattle is experiencing record breaking heat. Awesome. Ha! Luckily, it's supposed to calm down after this weekend. {fingers crossed....} Either way, people are enjoying the sun and accessible water. Speaking of, my dear Mister, even joined a bunch of his fellow soldiers today for some kayaking and biking.

Anyway....all this heat and lack of time, has me contemplating easy, fast, oven-free dinners! I'm not alone in this search, because the moment I clicked on Delish, it was their topic of choice for today too. I was happy with their selection. Click here for a selection of recipes.

{Avocado and White Bean Wrap}

{Chopped Greek Salad w/ Chicken}

{Italian Vegetable Hoagie}

{Mediterranean Antipasto Salad}


You'll have to turn the stove top on for this one, but it's worth it! Mister and I love couscous, and the fresh flavors of mint add a refreshing bite to this meal. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time.
{Feta and Mint Couscous}


Enjoy the heat where ever you are today!

{a craving for lunch}

I love tarts {as you know}. Fillings can be sweet or savory - they are all good. And, especially perfect for the summer {if made light}. It has been nearly a year, since I reminisced on a delicious memory in France...specifically Normandie. And today, the craving hit me again. I am craving a "lunch tart". Perfect flavors consisting of tomatoes and Swiss with a hint of Dijon, sitting in a delicate and flaky crust. Yes that's what I crave! Hmm...

Here's what I did last time....

I made some pate brisee.....but, maybe this weekend I'll use my other crust recipe!



Then added some {good} dijon!


Followed that with some Swiss, Tomatoes, Basil {cause I like the basil baked in...though keep some for fresh garnishing} and Parmesan.


Add my favorite plate! This French vintage beauty was passed down to my from my lovely and thoughtful maman {mom}!


After baking on 350 for about 35 minutes.....


Enjoy!


Guess I know what Mister is getting for his next meal. ;)


Happy weekend Lovelies!

{family recipe: sweet treat}

One of my favorite things to do, when visiting my sisters, is to bake! We have certain traditions that have developed over the years, including baking the most delicious coffee cake you'll ever come upon. (Or at least, we like to think so....) :) This family recipe is just too good to keep our own, so I'm going to share it with you.

Oven: 350 degrees

Cake:
1/2 C butter
1C sugar
1 unbeaten egg
3 1/2 C flour
4 1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
3/4 t brandi flavoring
1 1/4 C coffee

Topping: (please note that this makes a lot! we do not use all of the mixture for this cake along...thought it makes a lot, we like to layer the topping into our cake; however, if you prefer a 'less sweet' version, use only what you need.)
2 C brown sugar
2 t flour
8 T butter
2 T cinnamon

*Cream butter & sugar. Add egg and flavoring - blend.
*In a seperate bowl mix all of the dry ingredients. Sift half of the dry mixutre into the creamed sugar, etc. Follow by adding a 1/3 of the coffee.

Alternate dry ingrediants and coffee until mixed (trying to do this in 3 sets, as to not over mix).

*Combine topping ingredients into a small bowl. Mix with hands or fork.

*Grease 9x13 pan. Pour half of the mixture into the pan, sprinkle generously with topping, cover with remaining mixture, and sprinkle top with nearly all of topping (depending on how sweet your want your cake to be).
*Back for about 30-35 minutes. Let sit 10 minutes.
*Enjoy the most MOIST coffee cake you'll ever have!


{Thanks for some fun baking Susie and Liberty. Love you sissies!}

{button delivery!}

I love buttons and all trims for that matter. But, buttons...they're my current obsession. And though, I've been scouring for perfectly colored vintage buttons - I couldn't resist when I saw this little pack to create-your-own. Make my own? Why, yes! They could be the perfect embellishment to my homemade pillows and other such delights.


{image via: Urban Outfitters. SimplyGrove also posted about these in her recent 3 Things to Love post. Check it out here!}

**P.S. If you live in the Seattle area, check out some info here...for May's Urban Eats!

{quiche for mom}

I can't believe that Mother's Day is this weekend! Not that I'm a mother, myself...but, do I have an AMAZING mom! Flowers are sweet and would be perfect in the photo above, but what I think is even better...is a quiche. 1) I love making quiches (see here and here) and 2) my mom is always on the go and cooks the most amazing meals for everyone. So...what would I do if we lived near? I would bake a quiche, juice some oranges and set the table pretty for some one on one girl talk!

I sure love you mom!


{photo & recipe: martha}

{do I need this? no. do I want this? yes.}

This past weekend, after taking breakfast at a charming Crêperie...

Mister, Brother and my brother's GF all posied* around 23rd. I love visiting Portland. I do. We went in shop after shop, including Paper Source. Of course it's not a new shop to people, but it's a paper shop...and there's something completely wonderful about a paper shop. Be it big, or small I always delight in the little treasures that are cramped together in every little possible place imaginable.

I'm just going to say it: I've never been a big 'butterfly' person. {Well, except when it comes to the name in French. I sort of love, 'papillon'…} But, apparently I liked butterflies on Saturday. Every time I saw the reoccurring theme, my heart smiled. "Oh look at this, honey! Don't you think we need this?" ....and the rest is as you can imagine.
Do I need these? no. Do I want these? yes.




à la prochaine !

{*Yes, yes....posied may seem like a strange word to you, but I had no other way to describe the feeling of walking around. Perhaps I made up the word; I cannot be certain. All I know, is that it exists in my vocabulary...but, that's not saying much, since I apparantly make up words often.}

{may is here}

It's so strange to believe that it's already May! We had so much fun this past weekend, that I hope it's true of the entire month.

Friday night I got home from work and went straight to play tennis with Mister. Soon thereafter, he proposed we go to a Mariner's Game with our dear friends {Scott and Willow}. YAY! Of course I wanted to spend time with them. So...we rushed to get ready and headed down to the ball park. We had great seats. AND, Mister even caught a ball!!! He couldn't have been more thrilled! :)




On Saturday we packed up and went to Portland for the rest of the weekend before my bro moves. It was SO much fun seeing my "little brother" and his gf. We wish it could have been longer than just one night, but at least we had fun! Looking back it was quite "French", the weekend! We had fondue for dinner. Then woke up and went for some awesome crepes and coffee on 23rd. Yumm.


Boston is so far away, but will be sure fun to visit!