Monday, March 28, 2011

You Don't HAVE to Have That Linen Closet!




Hello, all! Hope this Monday finds you well. Today's post is like putting two and two together. Simple, classic, and rewarding. In my apartment, I only have one main closet. When I first moved in, I tried to be creative when deciding where to store things. Since I've mentioned before that I love bed linens, I wanted to have a place especially for them. So, I decided to use a piece of antique furniture that has been in my family for years as a cabinet to display my comforting textiles. By having a storage facility that is open to the wandering eye, it also forced me to organize meticulously. I love the way that it turned out. When my mom first saw what I had done with the cabinet, she loved the idea. :) Having Dr. K's approval is always a plus. So, if you don't have a linen closet, no worries! Just use a piece of furniture and fold everything as neatly as possible. I admit, I am horrible with those folded sheets! I just roll them up and shove 'em in there! Haha! Even if it does not have glass doors, you can still achieve a similar look. There is certainly something to be said for having your favorite things close at hand. Hope all of you have an excellent week!
P.S. Sorry my pictures are a little yellow. I had a couple of camera difficulties today.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Dressing for Less Than the Filet Mignon for Two!


If I've said this once, I've said it a thousand times. I love the thrill of finding awesome clothing items on clearance. People sometimes tell me they can't imagine how much I spend on clothes. Well, if we get enough into the discussion, I often surprise them with my steals and deals. I mean, I'm all about buying more expensive clothes for less than the price of ones at superstores. Not that I don't go for those clothes, as well. There is just something to be said for quality. Just because something is on clearance doesn't mean that it should be avoided. Venture over there, it really is o.k., I promise. It will help you when shopping if you go out with a positive mindset. You may find something, you may not. Always be on the lookout. This is to show you another example of thrifty shopping. I feel like I sound so boastful! Haha! I know plenty of you already have this down pat. I'm simply into friendly reminders. You deserve to feel beautiful no matter who you are or how old you are! You can and will look great on a budget if you put some effort into it.
Top: Anthropologie-100% silk-$40.00
Skirt: Banana Republic-$10.00
Tights: T.J. Maxx-$2.00
Yes, that's right, this entire outfit (excluding shoes) for a night out cost $52.00. Also, I've worn these three pieces countless times because they are either neutrals or semi-neutrals. I can't lie that it makes me feel pretty powerful. Hope all of you are inspired to get out there and dig around. You can do it, gorgeous you!

Oh Ina, We've Done It Again!



Hello, all! Life has really been crazy these past couple of weeks. Hope all of you are well. Just wanting to share another fabulous recipe of which I cannot get enough. My sweetie cooked these for me last Thursday night. This is the ONLY burger recipe we use. The recipe is courtesy of Ina Garten although I call these Billy Burgers. He has made a few modifications, the way that all recipes should be interpreted (except for disasters in baking, of course). These burgers turn out just perfectly every single time. Usually, we cook them on a flat top griddle which really helps with cooking thoroughly. I also love them with baked sweet potato fries. It makes me feel as if I am doing my body somewhat of a service when I chow down on these babies. Don't be shy, you know you want to try them!
Billy Burgers:
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground chuck
1 lb. ground sirloin
3 tbsp. Heinz 57
6 large egg yolks
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. black pepper
Small pats of cold butter
Buns
Directions:
1. Mix meats, steak sauce, egg yolks, salt, and pepper with the tines of a fork, but do not mash it. Form into patty shape lightly. While patting together, use a small piece of butter and place it in the middle before flattening out. Make sure that the butter is hidden in the meat. Then, you won't remember those calories! :)
2. Cook hamburgers to desired temperature. I always make mine well done. Move to a plate and cover over with foil for five minutes. Serve with favorite toppings. Makes five large burgers.
3. Enjoy!