Monday Moodlifter: Deck the Halls!

Christmas is one week from tomorrow!  Kind of crazy really, it seems like December just started.  Every year we tell ourselves: "This is the year we'll really be on top of things and really decorate for the holidays!"  And typically we manage to do the basics, like put up a tree (even a table top one counts), and string around a few lights, H even gets as far as stockings.  We still never manage to go as all out as we would like, though, because before we know it the holidays have come and gone.  So, this post is really to help us prepare for next year.  Here are five adorable holiday decor ideas we love, and hope to use as a guide when we hit-up Target post Dec. 25 to snag some great decor items on sale.  Enjoy!

This adorable table set-up includes a sweet winter terrarium, which is actually super easy to make.  In fact there's no reason we couldn't put one of these together by next Monday for ourselves (assuming we can manage a trip to Michael's before then).  The tutorial can be found over on Kelle Hampton's blog Enjoying the Small Things.

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What a festive mantel!  Everything from the hanging stars, to the greenery and red and silver accents just shouts "JOY".  Even if you don't have a fireplace mantel, you could probably still create a similar look across a wall shelf, or even a console table.  There's no rule that stockings have to be hung from a fireplace.

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Again, this is such a simple idea we can't believe we haven't taken the time to put something like this together ourselves yet.  Simply use a large empty vase, or other glass container, and drop in extra ornaments that didn't fit on the tree.  You can use whatever color scheme you want, and place these anywhere around your home to add some extra cheer.

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Who doesn't love presents?  So why not use some for decoration!?  Just wrap up a few empty boxes with pretty paper and ribbon and place them in various spots around your home, but maybe not under your tree, that could get confusing.

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This idea actually has us a little teary-eyed, in a good way though.  How special and personal to use old family holiday photos to decorate at this time of year.  This is an especially sweet idea if your family can't all be together for the holiday.

Hopefully these have sparked some ideas for you guys!  We know we plan to pick up some extra ornaments and cheap vases once the sales start on Dec. 26 so we can actually be prepared next year. 

How do you decorate for the holidays?  Do you go all out, or are you more like us and are simply happy if you get the basics up in time?

It's Not Delivery, It's Homemade

Some nights there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a movie, a beer, and good slice of pizza.  However the excess grease that typically comes with delivery pizza can be less than appetizing.  As a result I eventually started making my own pizza.  There are several ways you can vary this recipe, for one you can choose whatever toppings you like, I just show you green peppers because that is my favorite.  Additionally at the bottom of this post I include my recipe for simple homemade pizza sauce if you prefer to use that rather than diced tomatoes.  

With a Trader Joe's up the street from my building I usually cheat and buy their pre-made dough.  Personally I like the whole wheat kind.  If you want to make your own dough here is a great, fast dough recipe that I have had great success with.  My one word of advice is to make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.

Ingredients:
Pizza dough (store bought or homemade, if store bought bring to room temperature)
2 Cans Petite Diced Tomatoes
1 Bag Part Skim Shredded Mozzarella (you can use fresh, but it does not melt quite as well or as fast)
1 Green Bell Pepper
1Tbs Olive Oil
Pinch of Oregano
Pinch of Parmesan

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Cover your pizza pan or stone with the dough by pressing from the center of the dough out towards the edges.  Once you have the dough all spread out drizzle the olive oil over the top, use your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure the oil covers the dough.  Sprinkle oregano and Parmesan lightly over the dough.  Place the pan in the oven and cook for 8 minutes.

Step 2:

While the dough is cooking slice the green bell pepper and drain both cans of diced tomatoes.

Step 3:

Remove the dough from the oven.  Spread the diced tomatoes over the dough, leaving the edges clear to form your crust.

Step 4:

Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the tomatoes, you can use as much or as little as you like.

Step 5:

Lay the slices of green bell pepper out on top of the cheese.  This is also where you change up and use whatever other toppings you prefer.

Step 6:

Place the pizza back in the oven and cook until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown in the center, approximately 18-20 minutes.

Step 7:

Slice and ENJOY!

Homemade Pizza Sauce:

This sauce is really quick and easy to make, I just prefer chunkier tomatoes to sauce for my pizzas.

Ingredients:
1 14.5oz Can Crushed Tomatoes
2 Cloves of Garlic Diced
1 Tbs Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Oregano
1 Tsp. Dried Basil Flakes
Pinch of Parmesan

Heat the oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add the diced garlic and saute until fragrant.  Add the can of crushed tomatoes, stir in oregano and basil and Parmesan, bring to a light bubble, reduce heat and let simmer for at least 5-10 minutes.  You should still pre-cook your dough for the 8 minutes, once ready spoon and spread the sauce over the dough, add cheese and toppings and cook as directed above.

Do any of you have any great pizza making tips?  What are your favorite pizza toppings?  Also, considering my now lactose intolerance does anyone have a good non-lactose containing cheese option for pizzas?

The Members Club

Last week I had the pleasure of getting together with one of my friends who I unfortunately had not seen for a while.  When making our plans she suggested we go to a little event at the Phillips Collection up in Dupont Circle called Phillips after 5.  This is apparently a fairly regular event the Phillips Collection holds on Thursday evenings.  Because my friend is a member and had a pass for me there was no need for a reservation and entry was completely free.

I have never been to the Phillips Collection before, even though I do love a good art museum.  As we were walking through a hallway to get to the refreshment area, I turned to my right and was stunned to see this amazing original Renoir painting staring back at me across a small room...

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And then I made a 180 degree turn and saw this Degas beauty on the opposite side...

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Now I have been to the Smithsonians, and I have seen original works by these two artists before, but I have never been as floored by the experience as I was right then.  I think the reason is that the Phillips Collection is much smaller and more intimate, it does not feel like a large sterile space.  In fact, it almost feels as if you are viewing one of these pieces hanging on your own wall in your own home.  And this was when I realized how special this space is and I began asking my friend about her membership. 

Memberships to arts organizations such as the Phillips Collection are essential to helping these organizations thrive.  The money allows the organizations to pay their staff, maintain their facilities, and obviously share their artworks and talents with the public.  I know, it may sound like a pricey thing to become a "member", but when you actually look into it there is virtually always a very affordable option which typically include some very good perks.  For example, a base membership for an individual at the Phillips Collection is only $60 for the year (which is fully tax deductible).  This membership offers unlimited free admission to view the collection and exhibits, discounts on events including their Sunday music series, and free entry for events like the Phillips After 5, among many other perks.

I recently became a member of the Kennedy Center, which only cost $60 for the year.  In return I have access to pre-sale tickets for all performances, Book of Mormon summer 2013 here I come!

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Another wonderful arts organization that my husband and I are seriously considering a subscription for is the Folger Shakespeare Theater.  This is such an impressive little theater.  It is in the style of an Elizabethan era theater, it's small and intimate, and the actors regularly use the audience area as part of the performance.  I have seen three shows in this theater so far, a Winter's Tale, Othello, and Cyrano.  All of these shows were superb, Cyrano was particularly well done.  A subscription will get you tickets to three shows, and you get to select your preferred seating area and night of the week for your tickets.  There is a young professional option if you are under 35 which only costs $105, not bad for three amazing shows a year.  If you don't want the full commitment of a subscription you can choose to be a member instead.  An individual membership is $75 and will provide you discounts on tickets, access to exclusive programs as well as behind the scenes events.

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I love the arts, and I am at a point in my life where I feel I can and should support these organizations that provide such wonderful and unique experiences.  I also have friends who have devoted their lives to the arts and whose jobs depend on donations and memberships.  It might seem like an indulgence to have memberships and subscriptions to these places, but I feel what I will get in return will be worth much more than I will give.  

I admit that until now I myself did not actually realize how inexpensive and easy it can be to support one of these places, so I am assuming many of you may not have realized either.  I strongly encourage you, if there are any organizations or programs that you are interested in, to look into the different ways you can support it.  You might be surprised at how little they ask for and what benefits they might offer in return. I know I now fully intend to purchase a Phillips Collection membership for myself so that I can view those masterful works anytime I wish.  

Are any of you members of an arts or theater organization?  What perks do you get?  What other organizations do you donate to?

Wednesday Perk: Ooooh, Sparkly!

With Christmas just around the cornor, it's time to start figuring out your New Year's Eve plans.  Ok, we'll admit, we've both reached that point in life where NYE consists of dinner with friends and watching the countdown in pjs from the comfort of our couches (if we even make it to countdown, sigh).  However, we still remember our days of excitedly getting dressed up and paying waaaaaaay too much for a ticket for some "fancy" party, and, being the girls we are, we still completely appreciate the sparkles that come out front and center on this one night.  So, for all of you who have plans to get dressed to the nines searching for a glittery look, or for those like us who simply like to admire shiny things, here are some sparkly dresses and accessories to make you a star this New Year's Eve!



We don't know about you, but we would never pay more than $100 for a NYE dress.  Luckily this Zara dress is only $89.  If silver isn't your thing, it also comes in black.  Also, if you are curious how this dress actually looks on check out the review over on Extra Petite, she includes actual pictures of her wearing it.

If you have the legs to wear a mini-dress, then NYE is definitely the night to rock it!  We love how this Arden B. dress balances the short hemline with the longer sleeves, it even has a cute keyhole cutout on the back.  This dress also follows our under $100 rule, coming in at $89 as well.

Not everyone is comfortable trying to pull off a fully sequined dress, so here's a classic pencil skirt alternative.  We love the simplicity and the length, and currently it's on sale for $64.99.

If sequined clothes just aren't your thing, but you still want some sparkle try these lovely gold shoes.  These would be great for a cocktail party, or even to spice up a more casual jeans outfit; so really there is no excuse not to wear them, even for us.

If you really only want just a tiny touch of sparkle, this clutch is perfect.  It's not totally bedazzled like everything else here, plus the coloring means it will go with just about anything you decide to wear.

What are your NYE plans?  Do you just admire glittery outfits like us, or do you actually have plans to don some sequins?

A Not So Dairy Queen

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Sigh, I do love myself some cheese.  A nice creamy brie, particularly if it's been baked en croute; a good sharp Cheddar; and oh goat cheese, how do I love you.  But alas, our affair can be no more.  After dealing with digestive issues off and on for about a year, I finally made an appointment with my doctor this last summer.  I had a strong suspicion that I knew what the problem was, I just didn't want to admit it, and then she confirmed my fear "you're probably lactose intolerant".  In order to be sure though, she advised me to cut out all dairy for a week or so to see if I felt better.  If that didn't work I could come back and talk about other potential causes. 

So I did as told and completely cut out all dairy successfully for about two weeks.  The difference was dramatic, I felt so much better and no longer experienced digestive discomfort.  I was shocked at how quickly I was able to feel the difference.  Unfortunately, though, this meant that the diagnosis I had dreaded was accurate, I had developed lactose intolerance.  (After reading some articles I have discovered this may not be that uncommon in adult women.)

So now, faced with this new truth about my body, I have been trying to figure out the best ways to adapt my diet.  Why oh why does something I love so much have to cause so much pain and discomfort?  Luckily, after doing some online research I've discovered that there are still some dairy items I can, or might be able to, eat without issue.  First, I learned that Greek yogurt is A.OK because of the cultures, but unfortunately frozen yogurt not so much.  Additionally, harder, aged cheeses tend to have lower levels of lactose and therefore are less likely to cause an issue than say a fresh whole milk mozzarella (bye bye my beloved caprese salads).  Through trial and error I have so far determined that I can handle small amounts of parmesan, however provolone is definitely not in the cards for me.  I have also made the decision to switch to almond milk for my cereal, a change I surprisingly liked.

Figuring out what dairy items I can and cannot enjoy has been quite an experience, and has not been easy.  In fact, I have to admit that after about 2 months of really trying to be careful about what went into my mouth at each meal, I started getting lazy and sloppy.  I reasoned that, well, it's not like the lactose is going to kill me.  I just have to be willing to accept the uncomfortable consequences that go along with it, and sometimes the cheese is worth the discomfort.  This is not a healthy frame of mind, though; sure, the lactose isn't going to kill me, but I should value my body enough to respect when it's telling me that something isn't working.

I need recognize that I am lucky, there are people suffering from conditions such as Crohn's that wish it was just lactose intolerance.  I have a simple solution to my problem, so I need to take charge and actually do the work to weed the negative products out of my diet.  And that right there folks seems to be the issue for me, cutting out dairy (or specifically dairy containing lactose) is work, or at least for me it's work. 

I am so used to being able to generally eat whatever I want, I had no food allergies or anything growing up.  If I didn't want to eat meat or dairy at a particular meal, fine, but I could limit that decision to when I felt like it and I only needed a small number of recipes to accommodate those days.  If I found a recipe I really wanted to try I didn't have to think twice about whether it called for cheese or milk or not.  I do really prefer to eat limited amounts of meat, so over several years I have cultivated a wide range of tried and true vegetarian recipes, however virtually all of them rely on some form of dairy for flavor.  So now, I feel like I am starting from scratch.  Cooking without meat has become easy (I am not a full vegetarian however, I simply eat limited amounts of meat), but I now need to learn to make dairy-free cooking just as easy.  Unfortunately, now many of my go-to recipes can no longer be in rotation, at least not without modifications.  This means I have to put a lot more thought into meal planning.  Until living without dairy becomes second nature I can't just go to the grocery store and figure things out there, everything related to my meals will have to be thought and planned out ahead of time, which will require significant effort on my part.

I know what I need to do, I just need to actually do it.  I need to take the time to plan out all meals a week at a time.  I need to reevaluate my pantry to ensure that I have it stocked to be friendly for a no-dairy household.  I need to make the effort to find and try out new recipes, and I need to experiment to determine which current recipes can be modified.  I need to do a lot, and it will be work, and it does feel daunting but it is necessary to ensure my body is healthy.  So as I make progress with this process I promise to share any great recipes I come across, or maybe even create on my own, as well as any tips I learn to make such a complete dietary overhaul easier.  Oh, and if anyone has a good vegan pizza recipe (not using soy cheese) please, please, pass it along!  Pizza is something I don't want to have to give up on completely.

Are any of you struggling with late in life dietary changes?  Was it as hard to modify your diet as it seems to be for me?

Monday Moodlifer : A Walk on the Wild Side

It is that time of year where our weekends are full of various holiday gatherings.  Some are casual, and some are more formal.  Typically at these types of events the common colors we see women wearing are blacks, reds, and some lovely jewel toned blues, greens, and burgandies.  We thought for today's Monday Moodlifter we would offer some different accessory options, all in the same theme, that will go with any of these colors, and that can either make a casual outfit a little more cool or a cocktail dress a little more daring.  So what is this universal theme, why leopard print of course!  So enjoy these wild animal print items we are completely in love with right now!

This J.Crew bangle is just beautiful and classic, with the leopard giving it that little bit of an edge.  This would be a great addition to a casual outfit adding just that hint of interest without going over the top.

These block heeled shoes from Ann Taylor would be the perfect addition to your outfit if you have a work holiday happy hour to attend.  They are fun without being offensive, and bonus, you can probably get away with wearing them through out the year in the office as well.

A scarf like this will help take your outfit from running errands to brunch or dinner or friends.  It will also keep you warm as you rush along to your destination from the metro.

This haircalf belt is super versitile.  It could wrap around a sheath dress or a pencil skirt at work.  You could toss it on over a long sweater and skinny jeans, or if you are daring, you could even try it out over a simple black cocktail dress.

 Lastly, this little box clutch is so lovely and would be a fabulous statement piece to add some sass to a more formal outfit.  It's also great because it will work with more casual outfits as well, which makes the $120 price a little more palatable.

Do you have any go to accessories for the holidays?  H has a lovely pair of onyx and gold teardrop earrings she regulary pulls out this time of year, and M likes to pair crisp cream/white tops with bright, sparkly jewelry. 

One Dish Fish

Fish can be an intimidating protein to cook.  If done well it will be a star dish, but if done wrong it can be disastrous.  I like to incorporate fish into my diet as much as healthily possible.  I also like to ensure I  am getting plenty of vegetables, and not just green ones.  So having a recipe that incorporates both of these elements, as well as being fast and easy, and only using one cooking dish is my own personal miracle.

I have to say up front this recipe is not 100% my own creation.  I found the base of this recipe years ago online.  I no longer remember where, in fact I have since thrown away the printed recipe.  Over the years, though, I have added my own modifications, mostly to include more vegetables.  This dish is a great simple, healthy meal that also makes for a quick clean-up.  The original recipe called for Tilapia, however I have found that any light white fish will work.  The photos in this post are using European Plaice which just happened to be the fish on sale at my store this week.

Ingredients:
1 Bag Ready to Eat Leaf Spinach (I do not recommend using frozen spinach)
3-4 White Fish Fillets (Tilapia or similar)
1 Can Petit Diced Tomatoes (you can dice your own, you would probably need 4-5 tomatoes)
1 Can Vacuum Packed Corn
3-4 Scallions
2 Tbs Vegetable or Chicken Stock
Cajun or Creole Seasoning
Onion Powder
Garlic Salt  

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Empty the bag of spinach into a large baking dish.  I use my large lasagna pan.  Sprinkle the spinach with onion powder and garlic salt.

Step 2:

Season the fillets with the Cajun or Creole seasoning to your liking.  If you prefer you may also skip this step, but I do recommend at least a little salt and pepper seasoning.

Step 3:

Drain the can of tomatoes and distribute the tomatoes and corn over the top of the fillets.

Step 4:

Dice the scallions and sprinkle on top of everything.

Step 5:

Add 2 Tbs of vegetable or chicken stock to the pan. It might seem like you should add more, but trust me this will be enough to create steam to wilt the spinach.

Step 6:

Cover your baking dish with foil and place in the oven for 20-30 minutes, when the fish flakes easily with a fork it is done.

Step 7:

Enjoy!  I like to serve with a couple pieces of garlic bread.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, if you try it please drop by and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!