Table For Twelve: The Royal Wedding

Happy Royal Wedding Day!  I've been scrambling all morning trying to put together this post in a timely fashion...not unlike Cinderella, come midnight a bit of the magic is gone.  Not that I expect to make it to midnight.  I'm freaking exhausted.  But the early morning (and late night, in our case) was so worth it!  We had a brilliant time celebrating the royal couple!  Here's a peek into how our festivities went down...

I was determined to make our little shindig- above all else- as authentically British as possible (minus the accents, although I suppose it would've been a nice touch).  I used various-sized blue toile candlesticks as the base for the centerpiece and topped them with "sculpted trees" (moss covered foam balls), candles and crowns I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I wanted it to look not only regal, but unmistakably English as well.  

My favorite favorite detail of the table was the paper products- not only do they look fabulous, but they're straight from the woman of the hour...lovely Princess Kate.  At least peripherally.  I ordered the plates, napkins, platters and cups from Party Pieces, the Middleton's UK based party supply store.  It doesn't get more legit than that, folks. :)

We kept round one of the menu simple and limited it to British snack foods.  I'm not gonna lie to you...locating food that was not only British but that I could- in good conscience- actually serve was all kinds of difficult.  They eat some wacko stuff over there.  After some extensive Googling and several trips to international markets, I came up with a menu that included individual traditional English trifles, crumpets, orange marmalade, English clotted cream, loganberry preserves, chocolate tea biscuits, Digestive cookies, sweet oat crisps, Bounty and Yorkie candy bars, cream crackers, Melba toast, and Double Gloucester, Cheshire Blue, Derby, Red Leicester, Lowerdale Goat, and Aged Cheddar cheeses. And it was actually quite good!

The best move of the night was making the dress code tiaras and PJ's.  Not surprisingly, everyone looked adorable.  We make pretty good princesses, don't we? :)  When it came to the champagne toast, I was forced to deviate from my England-only policy.  Come to find out, Welsh Wines aren't all that easy to come by here in the States.  Good 'ol Asti pulled through for me, though.  As much as I like to stay on theme, I can't say I was complaining. :)

After our snack and toast, we made our way to slumber party central.  I set up a few "stations" around the room and let the girls enjoy them at their leisure instead of telling them "now we're going to do this".  I figured, this is actually supposed to be fun- it's a sleepover, not a bridal shower for heavens sake. :)  And the stations were....

Manicures, magazines and bridal ware...I know...we are such girls.  I love it, though.  Not sure how well you can see our 'Guess the Dress' participants work, but they did a pretty swell job.  In case you can't tell, they were trying to predict what Kate's gown would look like.  I think Princess Catherine ended up holding the trump card on that one, but it was lovely work nonetheless :).  And did you notice anything familiar about the flowers in the mani-pedi area?  We got a little inspiration from home sweet Buckingham Palace.   

Before we went to sleep, I gave the girls their bag 'o treats.  Even though it was for a noble cause, I felt pretty bad about everyone having to get up so early to watch the wedding...sooo....I put together a few things that would help them stay up at work the next day.  I designed a little royal crest for us (fun, right?!) and used it to personalize each bag.  I also had it printed on coffee mugs which, as Nikki pointed out, means we now have 'merch'.  For some of us, this is a first.  For others...not so much.  But I digress. :)

Wedding coverage started at 3:00am (Central Time) so we were up at- you guessed it- 3:00am.  I didn't know I was capable of feeling or expressing joy that early in the morning, but the moment I saw those royal processionals I was up and at 'em, loving every second.  From start to finish, it was a fairytale...Kate was beaming, Will was smitten...just a perfect day.  Luckily, I got my hands on a Pioneer Woman make-ahead English Muffin Melt recipe for our main breakfast item.  I couldn't have achieved consciousness a moment sooner, so it pretty much saved the day.  We feasted on said Melts, Weetabix cereal, and sliced tomatoes.  Because that's what those crazy Brits eat.  I had some mercy on the girls and put together a fruit salad in lieu of the fruit cake (yuk) that was served at the wedding.  I did manage to score a recipe for Prince William's Groom's Cake, however and we chowed down on that alongside our breakfast.  For the full Groom's Cake recipe, check out yesterday's Foodie Files.

I hope you enjoyed your all access pass of our royal soiree.  If you haven't checked out our previous Table for Twelve posts, you can do that here (Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch) and here (Valentine's Day).  In closing- Prince William...if you're reading this, a billion ca-trillion congratulations to you.  Kate...you were beyond beautiful today.  Many congrats to you as well.  And Prince Harry...I don't think there's anything left to say but...call me.

The Foodie Files

Consider today's very special Foodie Files a royal herald (cue trumpets) for tomorrow's royal wedding.  We're making Chocolate Biscuit Cake- a dessert recently made famous by His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales.  Tomorrow, it will be served as his Groom's cake...so...you know we had to get in on that action.  I found the recipe on a website called The Southern and- in an unusual twist for me- didn't deviate from it very much at all.  I figured the closer I could get to the honest to goodness Grooms cake, the better.  I have to say- it was very good!  Incredibly rich...perhaps too rich, even- but definitely tasty!


Ingredients:
7-ounce package butter tea biscuits (sold in the cookie aisle)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter
16 ounces (about 2½ cups) bittersweet chocolate bits
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coat a 7- or 8-inch round springform pan with cooking spray.  With your hands, break up the tea biscuits into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces; you want chunks, not crumbs.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream, honey and butter. 

Microwave on high for 11/2 minutes, or until bubbling. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. 

Stir in the vanilla, then the crumbled biscuits. 

Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air pockets.

Refrigerate covered for 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled, then carefully remove the sides from the springform pan.  You may need to slide a paring knife around the inside upper edge to ensure the sides come away cleanly from the cake.  Now, was that simple or what?!  Check out the finished cake tomorrow on our Royal Wedding Table for Twelve post!  Eeek!  Can't wait!

Jailbird Chic

I recently saw a dress I really wanted to like, but just couldn't.  It was a maxi-dress (which I love), it was black and white (check and check), and it was striped (sign me up) but the combination screamed high security much louder than high fashion.  It was a pretty big bummer, because black and white is so classy and stripes are so stylish...you would think it'd be less risky to put those hands together.  But all's not lost, I was able to find a few dresses that are quite beautiful if you ask me (or regardless of whether you ask me, I guess).  I'm thinking multi-directional stripes must be the key.  I was on a roll, so I threw in a few other black and white striped pieces.  Good stuff, huh?

1. Nicola Striped Panel Strapless Dress, BCBG $128  2. Black and White Striped Mat, PBteen  3. Bike Mug, Etsy $16  4. Stripe Cocktail Table, YLiving $3,010  5. Black and White Throw Pillow, Tonic Living $24.95  6. Gia Striped Silk Dress, BCBG $498  7. Mcginn 'Ivy' Stripe Tank Dress, Nordstrom $295  8. Zebra Vase, Emilia Ceramics $110

Mirror, Mirror

I travel quite a bit.  If I could travel even more, I'd do it without hesitation- anywhere, anytime.  I just love it.  I put together today's Mirror, Mirror with comfortable (but cute!) travel in mind (because you never know when you'll need the nice man checking your bag to overlook the fact that it's 15 pounds over the limit).  My formula is as follows: minimal jewelry + minimal zippers + flats + layers + a bag with a shoulder strap = success.  For trips that require you to get up at an ungodly hour, sleep in an extra 15 minutes and add a hat to the mix.  Works every time.

1. Empire Waist Dress, Forever 21 $12.80  2. Fedora Hat, H&M  3. Ariella Collection Cat's Eye Ring, Nordstrom $58  4. Tricolour Scarf, Zara $39.99  5. Gold Double Up Flat Thong Sandals, LuLu's $20  6.  Well-Traveled Bag, Mod Cloth $89.99

Dinner In London

Despite the chaos of the Royal Wedding, I plan on having dinner in London this week....get it? :)  Seriously though.  These are awesome.

World Map Placemats, A+R Store $20

Get It Together: Modern Munchies

We may not have Diners in Nashville (the 24 hour breakfast!  the menu that looks like an encyclopedia! oh I miss it already...), but these Diner plates get me one step closer.  The commotion of their design set against the clean, plain table is a yes and a yes for me.  Add the coolest chair ever (is it vintage?  is it a high chair all grown up?  who knows?!) and I'm ready to chow down.

1., 2., 3., 5. Diner Plates, Redefine Home Store $40  4. Tap Water Bottle, ReForm School $14  6. Lolo Flatware, A+R Store $80  7. Saarinen Low Side Table, The Century House $558  8. Herman Miller Eames Plastic Armchair, The Century House $349  9. Wood Puzzle, General Store $49

Royal Wedding Fever!

Judge me if you must, but I'm totally psyched about the Royal Wedding.  Yes-it's has nothing to do with the country I live in, sure- people get married everyday and "one wedding isn't more special than any other", but who cares!  The fact of the matter is this: from the moment she sees her first Disney movie, every girl (or, at the very least, this girl) has thought about being a princess.  And this Friday that's actually happening for one of us.  And it kind of makes you feel like anything could happen!  That being said, this wedding has no doubt taken on a life of it's own.  Some of the memorabilia and souvenirs people are coming out with are outrageous.  I'm not gonna lie, though- on a scale from 1-10, 1 being horrified, 10 being totally entertained, I'm sitting at a solid 5.  Okay fine, maybe more like a 7.  So while I'd never be so tacky as to actually purchase any of the products below, I will mildly contribute to the hysteria by sharing them with you.  Cause they're a riot.  So file this under "Things that make you say 'I can't believe this exists'" and enjoy. :)

1. Royal Rumble Tea Towel, Culture Label £15.00 2. Keep Calm and Marry a Prince Coaster, Amazon $3.50  3. Katea and William Tea Bags, Culture Label £4.99  4. Royal Crest Phone Case, Royal Wedding Case Store $220  5. William and Kate Dress Up Dollys Book, Culture Label £5.99  6. Union Jack Phone Case, Royal Wedding Case Store $220

Design Musings

Que Bella

Here's a few scenes from the last week (and what a fabulous week it's been)...there are puppies and tea and no shortage of shots of my parents back yard.  It's hard to explain just how special each picture is to me...probably because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then pictures of home must be worth at least 5,000 a piece.  Suffice to say this- life is so beautiful, isn't it?

The Foodie Files

Since I'm still in New Jersey, I let my Mom take the lead for this week's Foodie Files.  She's an amazing cook...actually, she's an amazing everything, but that's another story all together.  The recipe below is one of her signature dishes- stuffed pork chops!  Oh they're just so...mmm!  So amazing!  If you use the portions below, you'll get 10 generous portions.  Some of you might call that a dinner party.  When you have a family like ours, it's just called a regular Thursday night :)

Ingredients:

10 pork loin chops
(1/4 inch slices) 1 block Parmesan Regiano (sharp) or Fontina (mild) Cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 TBS Pesto
4 TBS Capers
2 small shallots
2 TBS Chopped Green Olives
1 cup Chicken Stock (1/4 cup then 3/4 cup)
1/4 cup White balsamic vinegar
4 TBS butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Wash and dry pork loin chops and slice through the center without cutting all the way though.  Stuff with 1/4 inch slices of cheese.

Heat olive oil in medium high in a saute pan until it shimmers, then sear pork loins for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they're nice and brown.  Add pesto, capers, olives, shallots, 1/4 cup chicken stock, salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and let simmer for 25 minutes.  

To make the sauce, remove cooked pork loins and add your remaining chicken stock and the white balsamic vinegar to whatever is left in the pan.  Reduce (fancy way of saying boil down) for about 10 minutes and strain.

This is good stuff, ladies and gents.  Real good stuff.  Let me know if you give it a shot!

Did you see us in The Tennessean today...?

Cause we were there!  You can check out the article here...oh, and brace yourselves for next week's Royal Wedding Table for Twelve.  It's a doozy.
-Gab
p.s. Not sure what Table for Twelve is?  Why didn't you say something!?  If I was you, I'd get caught up on February and March ASAP...

Eggstra Eggcelent Eggstravaganza (shall I go on...?)

For me, the dyed egg is to Easter as the gingerbread house is to Christmas...it's juvenile, unnecessary and just plain silly.  And I want to do it every year and I want mine to be the best.  As much as I hate to admit it, my tie dyed pastel creations wouldn't stand a chance against the competition below.  I mean seriously, how cool are these eggs?!

Photo Credits (from L to R): Jeana Sohn, Nicole Bergeron, Martha Stewart,

 Nicole Bergeron, Lisa Tilse, Catnip Studio Too, Catnip Studio Too 

Busy Bees

I'm a firm believer that the most interesting man in the world character is based on my Dad.  He makes wine from grapes he grew in his vineyard.  He bakes world famous pizza in his outdoor brick oven.  He has two bee hives.  And yes, his reputation is expanding faster than the universe.  But back to the bees, cause there's an interesting story there.  I was actually terrified of bees before my Dad took up beekeeping.  The idea of inviting a few thousand to live in the backyard was...less than desirable to me.  But when I came to visit and had the opportunity to see them in action, I realized how focused and non-threatening they are.  I'm not sure what was more shocking for me, the fact that they'd let me walk right up to their hive without scaring/acknowledging me, or the fact that I was all of a sudden the type of person that walks up to beehives.  Either way, embracing a fear like that sort of made me feel like Batman (although Bee Girl doesn't have a very good ring to it).  Over the last year, I think I actually started liking the little guys (though I still consider wasps public enemy #1, for the record).  I'll put together a post about our bees sooner or later...in the meantime, enjoy these bee-inspired items.

1. Keeping Bees, Amazon $12.78  2. Hive Honey Set, A+R Store $99  3. Crocheted Bumble Bees, Etsy $19  4. Natural World Dessert Plate, Anthropologie.eu £16.00  5. Beeswax Lip Balm, Burt's Bees $3  6. Bee Brooch, Stella & Dot $39  7. Photo Credit: We Heart It.

Mirror, Mirror

Easter Sunday has always been one of my favorite days of the year.  As a child, it was because I got to dress up and eat candy (which, to this day, are still two of my favorite activities).  As an adult, I love Easter because of what it means for my faith.  No matter where you're at in your life, I hope you make church part of your plan for this Sunday.  I put together a classic little Easter ensemble in celebration of the weekend ahead.  I know, I know...the Easter "bonnet" is a bit much, but I just couldn't resist.

1. Chartreuse Shoots Dress, Anthropologie $168  2. Firebird Cloche, Anthropologie $328  3. Square Buckle Skinny Boyfriend Belt, ASOS $14.34  4. Extra Long Wrapped Vine Ring, ASOS $17.93  5. Madison Harding Casey, Piperlime $235

Get It Together: Mind Your Lines

Geometry and I are not friends.  I would like to make peace with geometric shapes, however.  Perhaps today's Get It Together can function as an olive branch of peace...

1.  Spica Light, Iacoli & McAllister $445  2. Brooklyn Print, CB2 $199  3. Rocco Silver Pillow, Bliss Living $65  4. Jonathan Adler Bargello Zig Zag Pillow, Home Remedy $145  5. Cubist Sculpture, CB2 $49.95  6. Empire Pillow, Bliss Living $50

Inner Monologue...

Photo Credits: Sunday in Bed, Flickr

Cross Body Crazed

I'm pretty monogamous when it comes to purses.  Granted, I have quite a few (okay, fine...more than quite a few) but I don't go changing them out all willy nilly.  I say find one you like, treat it well, and use it 'til it all but disintegrates (or goes out of style- whichever comes first).  Finding a purse I'm willing to commit to for the next who-knows-how-many-months isn't an easy task (I realize what that says about me...I'm working on it, folks) :), so I did a little ground work for this week's trip to the mall.  I'm thinking go cross-body or go home.  Here's a few I'm liking...I'll be sure to tweet my final decision.  Follow us at @designmuseblog for breaking updates in this very important matter. :)

1. Square Messenger Bag, Zara $79.90  2. Matt & Nat Hendrix, Piperlime $165  3. Leatherette Cross-Body Bag, Forever 21 $14.80  4. Michael Kors' Charlton Cross-Body Bag, Macy's $128  5. Textured Shoulder Bag, Forever 21 $19.80  6. Revel NY 'Nolita' Crossbody Flap Bag, Nordstrom $148  7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q-Karlie Bag, Nordstrom $248

Design Musings

Translation: Together things are easier and much more fun

Explanation: I watched a Roberto Benigni movie last night.  Plus I'm in New Jersey...land of the Italians.  It just seemed right. :)

Que Bella

Before this week even started, I was already 100% sure of what would take the Que Bella cake.  I can't really think of anything that could top it.  I flew into Philly this morning to spend a couple days with my family and get some work done.  I've made this trip about a thousand times, so here's what I knew: I knew my Dad would be waiting for me just outside the security checkpoint.  I knew he'd get in the self-checkout line in the parking garage despite the fact that it has some sort of major malfunction every time we try it.  I knew we'd go directly from the airport to one of my favorite little Mom and Pop restaraunts in the city, Mr. Joe's Cafe.  And I knew we'd sit and talk over heaping plates of pasta (Arrabiata for him, Spinach Ravioli for me) and just enjoy being together.  Cause the thing is...I have a really good Dad.  He's supportive and consistent and I've never- not for one moment- doubted the fact that he loves me a whole lot.  And the older I get, the more I realize what I always thought was normal-Dad-behavior is actually very rare.  I've bragged on him before and I guarantee you I'll brag on him again (probably sooner than later for that matter).  But it must be done...he is just that wonderful.  And I'm very, very thankful.

April Showers

I've got a few reader questions on deck but this one just so happened to fit in nicely with a post I was already working on...I figured I'd give the 'ol two birds, one stone thing a whirl.  If you sent me a question recently then be on the lookout...your answer is on it's way.  If you haven't sent me a question but have one you'd like to ask, there's no time like the present :).  Click here, or e-mail me at gabrielle.beretta@gmail.com and ask away!  Today's question reads:

I have been on the search for a cute hooded spring rain coat and have been unsucessful.  Need your help for ideas :)

Well, I'll do you one better...how about a few adorable spring rain coat ensembles?!  

1. Futai Pumpkin Shape Umbrella, Target $24.99  2. Red Pac-ApParka, Topshop $55  3. Calvin Klein Ava Rain Boots, Macy's $83.30  4. Futai Clear Bubble Umbrella, Target $19.99  5. Yellow Shiny Hooded Plastic Mac, Topshop $92  6. Cole Haan Air Tali Rain Flats, Macy's $138  7. Black and White Pinwheel, Bella Pagoda $129  8. Priorities Grass Cotton 'Phoebe' Hooded Raincoat, Bluefly $138  9. Houndstooth Boots, Amazon $35

Let The Record Show...

Party: Confetti System, Skirt: Lela Rose

The Foodie Files

I find Summer Rolls to be aptly named and synonymous with fresh, light, and yummy.  I like to keep mine simple so they're 1) a sure fire crowd pleaser and 2) easy to make.  Instead of the traditional shrimp I use chicken and instead of Thai basil (which is delicious by the way) I use lettuce.  But trust me, what these Summer Rolls lack in traditional Vietnamese flair, they more than make up for in tastiness.

Ingredients: 

(Makes 10 rolls)

1 cup shredded carrots

2 cups shredded lettuce

10 rice paper wrappers (also called Bánh tráng)

3 chicken breasts, cubed

1 shallot clove

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Dice your shallot clove and brown in extra virgin olive oil.  Add chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Set chicken aside when fully cooked (about 15 minutes).  If your veggies didn't come pre-sliced, now is the time to prep them.

Pour hot water onto a plate and soak one rice paper wrapper until it's pliable.

Remove from the water and set on another plate to be filled.  Layer lettuce, carrots and chicken in the center, then start the folding process (as follows).

Using a moderate amount of pressure, press down on the center of the roll and tightly wrap the remaining flap over.  The rice paper is delicate but it can handle more than you think.  Using the right amount of pressure is key.

Serve with a side of Thai peanut sauce for dipping and brace yourself for a super fresh meal, snack or side (depending on how many you eat). :)

Mirror, Mirror

I would like to dress up today...like...really dress up.  I don't really foresee that happening, however, which I guess makes sense.  Not a lot of formal gowns out and about on a Wednesday night.  Regardless, I've reverted to living vicariously through Mirror, Mirror.  Consider this my inner-socialite's cry for help.  Also consider how fabulous this color combination is for Spring!  

1. Purple Suede Platform Pump, Pura Lopez $321  2. Pleated Silk Dress, Halston Heritage $895  3. Brushed Metal Circle Drop Fringe Earrings, Nordstrom $28  4. Alexis Bittar 'Miss Havisham' Oversized Ring, Nordstrom $86  5. Cynthia Chain Shoulder Bag, Elie Tahari $134.10  6. Critters Large Flower Stretch Ring, Nordstrom $68  7. Agate Cuff, Jupe Boutique $36

Mini Hipster. Tell Your Friends.

I'm warning you now: this is a level of 'holy cow, that's adorable' you're ill-prepared for.  I recently discovered the website Mini Hipster and I imagine life may never be the same.  If I have any say whatsoever as to the direction my life will someday go, I can pretty much promise you my future child will be on this site.  I am beside myself, folks.  And very, very smiley.

I Love Mason Jar

By her own admission, brainstorming for the blog with my cousin Jessica is a lot like interacting with Brick of Anchorman fame.  Here's a sample convo for you:

Gabby: I'm stumped.  What should I blog about this week?
Jess: What about....(looks around the room) baskets.  Or....(browses our shelves) vases.  I love vases.  I love blankets.  I love...lamp.

She always gets an A for effort, but on occasion she also unearths a real gem.  Yesterday, for example, she mentioned Mason Jars and their many warm-weather uses.  And thus, a post was born.  Despite the fact that we're in the process of de-cluttering our house, I think we may need just a few of these for Summer.  They're so versatile and adorable!

Photo Credits working down from L to R: My Finer Consigner, Sarah Meyer Walsh, Flickr, Dunn Wedding Planning, This Young House, Paloma Images, Jessamyn Harris via Oh Lovely Day

Get It Together: Industrial Revolution

Today we balance a bit of grit with some refinement.  The lights are my very favorite!  I want to buy at least 100 and string them across an outdoor patio.  Oh, to dream. :)

1. Convertible Cage Lamp, VivaTerra $198  2. You Are My Sunshine Pillow, VivaTerra $149  3. No. 3 Pillow, Lacefield Designs $168  4. Contempo Outdoor Chair, VivaTerra $429  5. Recycled Bottle Votive, Redefine Home $18

Just What I Needed To Hear...

The start of a new week is an inopportune time to find yourself fresh out of words/ideas.  I'm not sure what the medical term for "brain cramp" is...but that's what I diagnosed myself with this morning.  I managed to work through it with an intense regiment of surfing uncharted waters of the web and I think we're just about back in business.  In the midst of my writer's block, however, I got to thinking about words and how difficult it is to successfully incorporate them into design.  Here's a few nuggets of wisdom that look and sound equally sharp.

1. Love is Everything Tee, Forever 21 $12.80  2. Be Glad For This Moment Bowl, Paloma's Nest $22  3. Letterpress Poster, Etsy $30  4. Work Hard Woodblock Poster, Anthony Burrill via ReForm School $68  5. Tank Dress, Sass & Bide $165  6. Don't Give Up the Ship Print, ReForm School $10

Design Musings

Happy Siblings Day!

In honor of 'National Siblings Day' this Sunday (it's a real thing, check it out) I put together a little gift guide.  This particular gift guide is rather specific...it's not so much highlighting items your siblings might like so much as it's highlighting items my sibling would like.  Because it just so happens I have the best sibling of them all.  So happy Siblings Day, Joey Beretta!  I'm thankful for you & love you very much. :)

1. Ninjabread Men, Fred & Friends $8.99  2. Leather Beer Holster, Red Envelope $29.95  3. Space Ice Cream, Fred Flare $5  4. Heather Henley, Urban Outfitters $28  5. Sons of Anarchy Blu-Ray, Amazon $37.99  6. Jeep Travel Mug, Amazon $20.38  7. 18-Piece Porcelain "Take Out" Chinese Food Set, Amazon  8. Phillies Hat, Lids $24.99  9. Cinnabon, $4  10. Monster Tour Water, photo via Rebekah Stearns  11. How To Speak Zombie, Fred Flare $15.95  12. Bergamot Tobacco Scented Candle, Archipelago $24.50  13. Bacon Gift Wrap, Fred Flare $8  14. iTunes Gift Card, iTunes Store

Que Bella

Not sure if you noticed, but I've got two weeks worth of Que Bella's to share today.  During that time I celebrated my grandfather's 80th birthday, put my feet in the ocean, visited Hogwarts, bought Thing 1 & Thing 2 sweatshirts w/ Jess, inexplicably beat my Dad in a shooting game, got a massage, accidentally wore the same outfit as Dawnchere whilst I visited with Dawnchere...twice, met my dear friends' sweet baby boy, made Rich's favorite meal, laughed, cried, and hugged many, many people.  And it was wonderful.

The Foodie Files

If...hypothetically speaking...I wasn't feeling great, I suppose I would...theoretically...want to make something I knew I couldn't mess up for this week's Foodie Files.  Because...from a purely conjectural standpoint...sometimes you just need to do something you know is going to work.  You know what I mean?  This morning I tackled a simple but delicious breakfast of skillet fried potatoes and eggs.  It was good and it was easy, which I'm pretty sure is just what the doctor prescribed for me today.  The recipe below would feed two people with my appetite or one person with my brother's appetite so adjust your portions accordingly.    

Ingredients:

1 Russet potato

2 eggs

1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

3 slices of turkey bacon

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Coat the bottom of a large skillet with extra virgin olive oil and set heat to medium.  Give the potato skin a good scrub, then cut into "cubes".

Toss the potato cubes into your skillet and season with salt and pepper.  Let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring and turning occasionally.  When the potatoes soften and lightly brown, turn off heat completely.  Let the skillet remain on the burner.

Microwave cook three pieces of turkey bacon and break into pieces.  Toss mozzarella cheese and bacon into your skillet and stir until the residual heat melt the cheese.  Plate in a shallow bowl.

In a separate pan, cook eggs to your taste.  The meal works best if you leave the yolk at least a little runny.  Place your egg on top of the potatoes, garnish with a touch of cheese and you're all set.  Easy breezy but yummy, too.