piggies.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

mad about plaid.

MOVE OVER STRIPES! I am currently obsessing over wool throws and everything plaid. I just love the masculinity and warmth that they bring to any and every room—especially the bedroom. Tartan screams winter. Though it isn't quite cold enough down south right now (in the upper 60s in January, people), the traditional Scottish pattern is majorly trending and I am dying to get my hands on it!

You just can't go wrong with plaid. End of story. 

at last.

Unfortunately, this post bears bad news: after a battle with leukemia, the legendary Etta James passed away this morning at the age of 73. If you are woman...of any age...you are most likely a fan of Etta James and her irresistible voice, but specifically her song, "At Last." It gives me chills every time I listen to it. She is a soul legend. This past fall, John and I watched were hooked on the TV show, X Factor. This may be so wrong posting Josh Krajcik's performance of "At Last" in memory of the diva, but at the same time it feels so right. Take it away, Josh...

RIP MS. JAMES. RIP.

finger lickin' good.

To all you hunting wives out there who have a freezer crammed full of deer meat like I do, I have a recipe to share with you that is sure to please the hubby's palate. Last week I went on a mad search for easy, yet delicious venison recipes and stumbled upon a recipe for "Venison Scaloppini." Holy deliciousness it was goooood. John has been ranting and raving about it ever since and can't wait to pass it along to his hunting buddies this weekend...it's too good not to share! Without further ado, get your pen and paper out and jot down this piece of foodie heaven:

Ingredients:
1 egg
1/3 cup light cream
1 cup fine bread crumbs (I used panko bread crumbs)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (I omitted this because I didn't have any)
1 1/2 pounds boneless venison roast (I actually used 6 butterfly steaks)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
1/4 cup butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry sherry or Marsala wine (I doubled and used 1 cup)
1/2 cup venison broth, beef broth, or water (I used beef broth and doubled and used 1 cup)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Stir together the eggs and cream, and set aside. Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley in a large bowl; set aside.
3. Slice venison roast into serving size portions, 3/8 inch thick (I just separated each butterfly steak on a piece of wax paper). Pound with meat mallet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Season to fast with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip the venison into the egg, then press into the bread crumbs.
4. Melt the butter in an oven-safe frying pan with lid. Cook garlic until fragrant, then add the breaded venison, and cook on both sides until browned. Pour in sherry (or Marsala wine) and broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, then transfer to the oven and bake until the venison is tender, about 45 minutes (I actually only baked the steaks for 20 minutes and they turned out PERFECT).

I served the venison with egg noodles and poured the remaining sauce concoction on top. Serve with your vegetable of choice and a crusty bread and prepare yourself for praises! Enjoy!

embrace the baby hair.

Anyone suffer from baby hair syndrome? Because I do. I have since, well, I was a baby. My mom always told me growing up that the hairs would grow out. She also told me that my arm hairs would fall out when I complained about how hairy my arms were when I reached middle school. "Oh honey, that's just peach fuzz." Peach fuzz, my bum.

Well, today I had an epiphany. Instead of curse these short little wispies that I will NEVER get rid of, I need to embrace them! And it makes me feel a whole lot better that I'm not the only one with the fly aways. Even a few celebs have them (gasp!)...

Happy Hump Day! 

his day today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big brother, Jeff. I love you very much!

right now.

Right now I have my heart set on a few items for the home. Can I just say that advertising in the way of catalogs is the way to go? This past week I received both West Elm and Pottery Barn's logs and am seriously swooning. These are my favorites at the moment:

West Elm Totem Table Lamp

West Elm Hammam Stripe Hand Towel ($8.00!)

West Elm Fez Bath Mat

West Elm Tangle Finials

West Elm Fossil Leaf Hemp Pillow

West Elm Box Frame Coffee Table

West Elm Carved Wood Side Table

West Elm Souk Rug

West Elm Strip Favorite Throw

Pottery Barn Mandalay Task Table Lamp

Pottery Barn Jasper Accordion Arm Sconce

Pottery Barn Ruffle Shower Curtain

Pottery Barn Florence Wire Hamper & Liner

Pottery Barn Vintage Washboards

I'll keep on dreaming...for more space to put these babies!