Thursday, March 31, 2011

Later, March

See you later, March.


{photo via inside the loop}

Wonderland Vacation Rentals

My head is in vacation mode, which is why I'm transfixed on these unique vacation homes. Welcome Beyond showcases the most outlandish and beautiful ones from around the world. After dancing through these options, I may never stay at a Hilton again.

Kolarbyn -Skinnskatteberg, Central Sweden, Sweden € 36 - € 36 /night & person



Villa Amanzi - Phuket, Phuket, Thailand € 138 - € 241 /night & person



Plasket Ridge House - Big Sur, California, United States € 112 - € 149 /night & person



Tree house - Harads, North Sweden, Sweden € 182 - € 219 /night & person



Riad Enija - Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco € 115 - € 175 /night & person



I wish everyone a little wanderlust today!
k.o

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wednesday Wisdom

Just so you know...


{photo via fabulous k}

Festival of Color

Can we please talk about this? Holi {Festival of Color} is celebrated in India at the end of the winter season by throwing colored water and powder at one another. Find more information about it here. I can't think of a better way to wash away the winter blues and splash into spring. Simply beautiful.

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring!
k.o





{photo via UPI)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Time to Fly

Finally, a nice little escape.


{photo via inside the loop}

Everyone have a nice night :)
k.o

Scandinavian Almond Bars

I'm guessing there is a more eloquent name for these bars, but sometimes simple is perfect. I used this recipe here. I truly had fun making these; all the rolling and patting and almond covering made it sheer joy.
k.o




Monday, March 28, 2011

Successful Saturday

Saturdays are remarkable. This successful Saturday was made possible by:



1. Spring is here! The sun may hide, but I do believe those are tulips trying to spring free. There is a cute boutique located in the lower east side called Tulips.

2. Scandinavian Almond Bars. This new recipe was simply fun and perfect.

3. Bindya Scarf - A new spring scarf to brighten up the weekday.

4. Gramercy Theatre Box Seat - I wish I could say this was mine, but I love how you find the most random things on the streets in NYC. I couldn't help but imagine who this belonged to and what show they saw.

5. La Follia (Gramercy Park) - A new favorite. A cute tapas restaurant to meet my friend Mieke for a late lunch/early dinner.

6. Cherry Blossoms for sale! Did you know the National Cherry Blossom Festival is going on right now in Washington, D.C?

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!
k.o

Friday, March 25, 2011

Martha Stewart Pop-Up Pie Shop - NYC

I love the trend of pop-up shops. Here's a new one this weekend:


{photo via Martha Stewart}

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! I have so much to do this weekend, my head is spinning a bit. I'm crossing my fingers for nice weather.
k.o

A Little Nookies

When I was living in Chicago, I had my favorites. One of my favorites was Nookies in Old Town (they have other locations in Lincoln Park, Boystown, and Edgewater neighborhoods). I admit, living within walking distance makes me a little biased to it, but when I think back to Chicago, I have great memories with family and friends eating and drinking (BYOB!) outside and waking up to see the forever stretching line for Sunday brunch.

Nookies (Old Town) 1746 North Wells Street, Chicago IL



I hope everyone has a little nookies in their life!
k.o

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The WCHA

Oh, hockey. If you are over the moon for hockey and can't get enough of the WCHA, I think I found your newest home decor purchase. Score it here.

Farmhouse Style

From ceramics to antique cow paintings, farmhouse style is rustically hot.

If you are a true urban breed, simple tabletop accessories may be a good start. I like these:

Anthropologie Milk Bottle Measuring Cups $24



Terrain Chalkboard Creamer $28



Jayson Home & Garden Farmers Market Baskets $20-$38


If you want to take it to the next level, and dive into your inner farmhouse style, County Living has some great decor ideas:

Antique Cow Poster above the perfect barn-wood table.



Install a hand-pump facet.{You know you want to}



Try bead-board wainscoting and an iron bed for your guest room.



Here's to your inner-farmhouse style!
k.o

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Doors

There is something enchanting about painted doors.




{photo via a few fancy things}

North Dakota & Coffee Shops

I'm not a huge coffee drinker, more a coffee shop dweller. I'm drawn to any place that has an abundance of outlets for your laptop, cozy corners, loose leaf tea, baked goods in small sizes and a chill environment. When I'm in North Dakota, I have my favorites:

Grand Forks, ND

Urban Stampede-324 Kittson Ave: I love this place. I love their rustic booths decorated with antique lamps. I love how it has an old west vibe and a dark mood set. However, what I love the most is how it presents you with an inner coolness that allows you to sit back and chill.


{photo via visit grand forks}

Coffee Company-2100 S Columbia Rd # 107: It really is a lovely place to spend your time. They have great selections of loose leaf tea and everyone is nice, homey, and helpful. It's very North Dakotan in a very good way. Here is a cool article on the owner.



Fargo, ND

Atomic Coffee: I like this place because it has everything a girl could ask for: loose leaf tea, small shaped treats, outlets, an artsy bathroom and they even sell wine.(You know, when its too late for caffeine, but too early to go home).



I'm very slowly finding my favorites in NYC, but none will ever surpass the quaintness these provide.

I wish all a good day!
k.o

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The World is Your Oyster

Just a little reminder...


{photo via inside the loop}

Mom's Tuna Hotdish

I was rummaging through my recipes and I came across my Mom's Tuna Hotdish. This particular recipe, was her Mom's, and the faint smell of it, served along with buttered bread brings back warm memories.

{I adore her way of writing the recipe!}

Mom's Tuna Hotdish
Boil 1/2 package of egg noodles ( no fat or whatever your choice) per package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles in cold water.

Add
2 cans of tuna (squish all the liquid out of the tuna)
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup (you can use low fat or regular)
1 can of peas or frozen peas (how ever much you like)
1/2 onion (chopped up to your liking)

You might like to add a little milk to make it creamier

Mix together and wallah!

Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes




*I added 1 cup of red peppers/fresh mushrooms
*I topped it with 1/8 cup of fresh grated parmashan and 1/8 cup of panko bread crumbs.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Morris the Moose Goes to School

Did any of you ever read the book Morris The Moose Goes to School while growing up? I think its one of my favorites from when I was young.







It used to make me laugh and laugh.

I hope everyone has a good memory like that!
k.o

Perspective. We Love Japan

Plans for my successful Saturday had me in Philidelphia to see my dear friend, Diana. However, I found myself staying in the city instead. I was feeling bummed and sorry for myself until I came across a Japan Fundraiser in Union Square. I immediatly felt foolish and realized how lucky I am. With this new perspective, a truly successful Saturday was born.






More information on the Influence Series Presents: We Love Japan Fundraiser

Friday, March 18, 2011

Off for the Weekend!

Off for the weekend! I hope everyone has a great one.
k.o



{photo via PlushPalate}

Kitty Litter and Schnapps

This just in: Kitty Litter and Schnapps: Winter Survival Necessities- According to North Dakotans.

North Dakotans are very proud to be North Dakotans, when it comes to winter. They have seen it, felt it and been stuck in it, when it comes to cold and snow.

They are also very willing to offer advice. Some may laugh at the advice of kitty litter and Schnapps to New Yorkers this past January, but if your tires have ever needed traction on snow and ice or you suffered a bone chill you just couldn't shake, you would understand.

New Yorkers


North Dakotans


I'm just happy this winter is almost behind us and the kitty litter and Hot Damn Schnapps can be shelved (well, maybe just the kitty litter).
k.o

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Free Coffee for North Dakotans

Spotted in the East Village, Manhattan


(photo via neighborhoodr}

Shabby Chic in NYC

I came across this article in House Beautiful and fell head over feet for components of their design. I can't think of a better way to add some shab to your chic.

I love it. It's a great catch.


This kitchen space may be unrealistic for NYC, but who cares. It's fantastic.


You have a turkey...in your foyer.


I think this is what the stairway to heaven looks like.


Faux-alarm clock. Yes, please.


Very much love to all today <3
k.o