Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...


{photo via smokeymountainsigns}

Split Family Faces

I'm intrigued and bothered by this at the exact same time. I would love to try this with some of my "look alike" relatives.

How much do you and your family members really look alike? Quebec, Canada-based graphic designer and photographer Ulric Collette has created a shockingly cool project where he's exploring the genetic similarities between different members of the same family.


Cousins: Justine, 29, & Ulric, 29


Daughter/Mother: Veronica, 29 & Francine, 56


Son/Father, Nathan, 7, Ulric, 29


P.S - Happy Birthday, Mom!




Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Hummus

I eat a ridiculous amount of hummus. I believe its more of a staple in my diet than water. Every time I go home to N.Dakota my parents and my sister always try to have some on hand; well, that and wine. They know me so well.

I quickly realized hummus is something I need to learn how to make. I came across this recipe which is the only hummus recipe you will ever need; one taste may cause you to never buy store-bought again. The soaking and simmering process may seem tiresome, but the truth is, you’re not really doing anything except reaping the rewards.




Paula Wolfert’s Hummus

Makes 4 cups

1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3 garlic cloves, peeled
3/4 cup sesame seed paste
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and more to taste
Cayenne, hot Hungarian paprika or za’atar
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 teaspoons olive oil

1. Rinse the soaked chickpeas well and drain them before putting them in a saucepan and covering them with plenty of fresh water. Bring to a boil; skim, add one-half teaspoon salt, cover and cook over medium heat, about 1 1/2 hours, until the chickpeas are very soft (you might need to add more water).

2. Meanwhile, crush the garlic and one-half teaspoon salt in a mortar until pureed. Transfer the puree to the work bowl of a food processor, add the sesame seed paste and lemon juice and process until white and contracted. Add one-half cup water and process until completely smooth.

3. Drain the chickpeas, reserving their cooking liquid. Add the chickpeas to the sesame paste mixture and process until well-blended. For a smoother texture, press the mixture through the fine blade of a food mill. Thin to desired consistency with reserved chickpea liquid. Adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice. The hummus can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.) Serve, sprinkled with paprika (or za’atar) and parsley and drizzled with oil.


Monday, August 29, 2011

Successful Saturday

Hurricane Irene.

I started my Saturday morning very typical. I went to spin class, bought some fruit and headed over to my neighborhood coffee shop for a cappuccino. A rude awakening occurred when I noticed the sign on the door.



Yikes! I kept walking and realized this was no joke.



Luckily, a block later, I spotted a piece of art hanging out in the trees to lighten the mood.



Starting at noon, this successful Saturday was spent in doors watching the news, answering phone calls, returning texts and taste testing white wines. Thank you to everyone for their thoughtfulness.

xoxo
k.o


Friday, August 26, 2011

Rock You Like a Hurricane

Hurricane Irene, this one is for you.



Be safe!
k.o

The Rescue

I'm usually not big of email forwards. I find them very 2001 ;)

This one, however, hit close to home and warmed my heart.

On the morning of May 18, 2011, my wife noticed a deer in our yard that appeared to be frantically looking for something in the rocks that form a wall on our property line in Brush Prairie, WA...



I love at the end (3:11) where you can hear the little girl go "finally, the happy ending."

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend!
k.o

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Modern Scandinavian Beach House

There is something special about Scandinavian influenced design. With Labor Day quickly approaching, it has me thinking of the last beach weekend.

A breezy living room that is natural and elegant.




I can't resist a good map;)



Perfection.



Covered Deck- Outfitted with a rock collection and tree-stump seats. Why not?



I hope everyone is prepping to enjoy the last weekend in August or better yet, already started it.

Much love,
k.o

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...


{photo via heyamberrae}

Where the Mixed CD's Are

Last Friday night, I was discussing with my friend Kacey the death of the mixed tape/CD. What is the "new" version? I'm sure there are plenty of play lists to be created through iTunes or websites that offer the same thought process. However, the thoughtfulness and feeling will never be recreated.

Elise Morin found a new purpose for CD's (I like to think of them as old mixed CD's)

65,000 olds CDs we're laid to rest at the Centquatre art space in Paris, which was formerly a funeral home (ironic). He calls it Wastelandscape. The CDs were hand-sewn into a 500-square meter surface and draped over inflatable mounds.

The music is all around us, all you have to do is listen.
-August Rush (2007)





Dog Days are approaching...
k.o

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Earthquake

Experience an earthquake in NYC...check!



I love this story.

Grilled Corn Salsa

Lately, my mind has been stuck in margarita, salsa, and chip mode. It's all about the sweet sip,fresh taste and crisp texture.

I came across this wonderful recipe for Grilled Corn Salsa, which I will put to good use this weekend,the next and let's be honest, probably the one after that.

Cheers!
k.o



{photo via spoonforkbacon}

Monday, August 22, 2011

Successful Saturday

Oh, August. I find you bittersweet. It always feels like good-bye sounds. However, there are always the little things. This successful Saturday was brought to you by:

Yogo Truck - Such a perfect companion to a Saturday. You can track their whereabouts on Twitter.



Zumba- I try to take a spinning class on Saturday mornings. However, this past Saturday morning came a bit too soon so I defaulted to a Zumba class. It was my first and it was fabulous.



Metamorphis Signature Facial - With summer winding down, I needed some skin rejuvenation. Sun spots be gone!



I hope this past weekend brought everyone happiness.
k.o

Friday, August 19, 2011

Juicy/Jucy Lucy

While at work yesterday, I heard someone drop the J word - Juicy Lucy. My head spun and I immediately had a flashback to my Minneapolis days. Unfortunately, his Juicy Lucy was much different than mine;)



My Jucy Lucy is spelt "J-U-C-Y" and is a burger invented in a south Minneapolis bar sometime in the 1950s. There is a debate which south Minneapolis bar; Matt's or the 5-8 Club. I say Matt's and therefore continue the tradition with the misspelling.

I now have a craving.



I hope everyone has a great weekend! This week flew by way too fast. Please summer, slow down.

Much love as always,
k.o

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Hugs

When don't you need a hug?


{photo via heyamberrae}

Picture Speaks

What a lovely moment.



I want to stand in this kitchen barefoot, drinking tea.



I think this is the confidence I've been looking for.


{photos via apartment#34}

Sometimes, a picture speaks 1,000 words and sometimes, if it's right, it only says one.
k.o

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wednesday Wisdom

Just a little reminder...



{photo via insidetheloop}

Bar Carts

I really, really want a bar cart. I think I can squeeze it into my decor? I think I can, I think I can...



{photo via fabulousk}

You can check out more here and here.

Happy Wednesday!
k.o

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Crisp Flatbreads

"Crisp flatbread. Fruity olive oil. Nutty cheese. Warm honey. Faintly crunchy sea salt. Fresh thyme. I can probably skip the rest of the post, as what else is there to know? "

Such a wonderful recipe to try.





Welcome to mid-August~
k.o

Monday, August 15, 2011

Successful Saturday

This successful Saturday is dedicated to my brother who celebrated his birthday this past Saturday!

In honor, I decided to compile a list of Brother Birthday Gift Ideas:


He likes fancy beer. Bunch of Brew 12-Pack Beer Sampler



Vintage Pool Ball Bottle Stopper - I mean, cool, right?



Samurai Sword Handle Umbrella - I think this is a great way to make an umbrella more "manly". Pretty sure he would agree.



I think every baseball fan needs a reminder of home(plate). I really, honestly, love this.



Happy Birthday, J!

Love,
k.o


Friday, August 12, 2011

State of Pillow

It's Friday! Words cannot express my excitement.

I came across these kitchy state/city pillows that bring a little bit of home to your home.

I wish everyone loveliness today and always.
k.o





Thursday, August 11, 2011

Foyers

When I was growing up, I always dreamed I would someday live in a house with a cozy foyer. There is something welcoming about that little space that calms you before you enter and warms you after you leave.

Here are some future contenders:






{photos via House Beautiful}

I hope everyone enjoyed their Wednesday night! It was beautiful here in NYC and I embraced it with good wine, food and company.

k.o