LSL {Thoughts & Quotes} - Friendship

This weekend I am going to a good ol' fashioned slumber party. I think the last time I uttered those words, I was in middle school?! Well, I couldn't be more excited. The plan is to have some wine, a dinner somewhere fab, more wine, check out the movie Bridesmaids (I, not so patiently have been waiting to see it with the ladies I have been bridesmaids with, a few times over) even more wine, braid each other's hair and then have pillow fights. Okay, so the last two will most likely not happen, sorry to disappoint, fellas. When I get together with these two lovelies it's like I'm back in the college dorms living with them again. I. cannot. wait.


While reading my daily fix of my favorite LSL blogs, I saw this watercolor print by Caitlin McGauley on The Lonny Blog.

via The Lonny Blog via Caitlin McGauley

I remember spending hours making friendship bracelets for my school friends, begging my mom to take me to Michael's to get bright colors of embroidery thread.  As a kid I was very fortunate to have a great group of neighborhood friends that were just steps from my house.  And as an adult, I am again fortunate to have a strong group of friends. As I have gotten older I realize just how important friends are in your life, and such support they bring. I am lucky, I have an amazing group of ladies that I feel very blessed to know, and more than a decade later we still remain close. So, thank you, this "friendship bracelet" print is for you. The ladies that I call my favorite friends, the ones that I feel fortunate in being able to share big moments of their lives, the weddings (and upcoming weddings), the starting of families, the new homes, and the weekend get-a-ways. I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I appreciate all of you.  


xo, 
L

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Zucchini Cakes

So, I know I have been a little MIA this week, but I’m back and want to wish you all a Happy Foodie Friday!  I am excited for this recipe because 1.) it sounds delicious (I do have a soft spot for zucchini) and 2.) it’s easy to make. I mean I could even conquer this one. 

Thank you Kim for this recipe, I can’t wait to put the apron on and test it out this weekend. Bon appétit!

Do you have leftover bread crumbs and Old Bay Seasoning after making those to-die-for crab cakes? If so, put those ingredients to good use with this quick and delicious side dish.

Zucchini Cakes {adapted from All Recipes website}

Prep Time: 15 Min

Cook Time:
40 Min

Ready In:
55 Min

Serves: 7 cakes

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded zucchini

1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 egg

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 teaspoon prepared mustard (Omitted this because mustard can take over the other flavors)

1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning

Optional ingredients:

1 shredded red bell pepper (for color)...carrots would be good too

1 clove garlic

Sprinkle of Italian seasoning (if you are using plain bread crumbs)

1 more egg to help hold the ingredients together

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl combine shredded zucchini (bring out that food processor!), bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and Old Bay Seasoning. Mix well and form into patties. (It's ok, get your hands dirty.) 

3. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and turn patties. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden brown. (You could fry these patties, if you prefer.)

Do you have any recipes that you’ve cooked up with left over ingredients that you would like to share?  Any favorite zucchini recipes that you could share with L? 

De-lish

xo, 

K

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Crab Cakes

I was so thrilled when I learned what Kim was making for this week. Crab cakes have to be one of my favorite appetizers, like, ever. They are just so tiny and delicious. And who knew they were that simple? Thank you Kim, I might have to get Mr. W to make these for with me. Bon appétit!


Crab Cake Appetizer {adapted from Cuisinart Original Recipes}

Serving: makes about eight crab cakes

Ingredients:
16 ounces lump crab meat
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium red bell pepper, cut into small dice 

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

3 green onions, chopped (approximately 1/3- 1/2 cup)

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs plus extra for dredging

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 ½ teaspoons homemade crab seasoning (e.g. Old Bay)
hot sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Look through crabmeat to make sure there are no shells. Reserve in refrigerator.

2. Place the olive oil in a 10” skillet and place over medium heat. Add the peppers and onion and sweat for at least 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly. Stir in the garlic and salt and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Remove the vegetables from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Once the vegetables are cool to the touch add them to the crabmeat. To the mixture add the egg, panko mayonnaise, Worcestershire, Dijon, and crab seasoning, and dash or two of hot sauce if desired. Very gently mix all ingredients together. The best way to mix the crab mixture is with clean hands however you can mix with a spoon. It is important to mix carefully to keep the crabmeat in tact.

4. From the mixture form ¼ cup oval cakes with your hands and place them on a clean plate, separating the layers of patties with wax paper. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour before sautéing.

5. Place a Cuisinart non-stick skillet over medium high heat and add the oil. Dredge the crab cakes in remaining panko crumbs. When oil is hot, sauté crab cakes in batches, approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side. Crab cakes should be a deep golden brown on each side.

6. Serve immediately. Lemon wedges make a nice accompaniment.

Before

Delicious after

What are your favorite appetizers to make? 


xo,
K

Hot off the {virtual} press

To rearrirm my love affair with online Shelter Magazines, The New York Times just wrote an article, by Steven Kurutz, featuring four of my absolute favorites: Lonny, Rue, High Gloss and Matchbook Magazines.


I recommend that you 1.) read this article. It gives a good overview of these featured four and what they are bringing to this new way of publishing magazines. However, to be honest (and a little soapbox-y), I was a tad disappointed that part of this article came off a bit snarky and competitive. I understand that in this type of industry one needs some level of competition, but I didn't love how the author seemed to pit the women against each other, when it shouldn't be about that. It should focus on how there is a very relevant need for shelter mags, much like the much missed Domino Magazine, and each have a lot to gain from each other.  As a reader and a blogger, I don't just stick to one online reading for my content. The very opposite would be true. I believe in the more the merrier, I know I have a lot to learn but I appreciate the different approaches of multiple (brilliant) women to get that from. (okay off said soapbox now)


But back to 2.) you really should subscribe to each magazine! (see past blog posts for info and/or each are linked above) There are fabulous. Chalk full of great articles, inspiring interiors, recommended products, just to name a few things.  But more than that, to me, they are a huge source of knowledge and inspiration. I know my day is going to be a good one when I see a new issue in my inbox. 

The founders of new online shelter publications include, clockwise from top left, Patrick Cline and Michelle Adams of Lonny; Paloma Contreras of High Gloss; Anne Sage and Crystal Gentilello of Rue; and Katie Armour of Matchbook
Clockwise from top left: Tony Cenicola/The New York Times; Megan Thompson Lovoi for The New York Times; Drew Kelly for The New York Times

And, not to be forgotten, Adore, TRADhome, Anthology, and Styled are also fab online reads! What are your favorite online magazines that you look forward to reading every month? Please share so that my online library can grow.


xo,
L


*Credits - The New York Times Home & Garden Section 

Nate Berkus Rules!

Yep, it's true.  Nate Berkus, you are my interior designer hero. Whenever I watch the show or see spaces he (and his team) have created, I know I will always like it. He is smart with small spaces and I like his approach, a little bit of modern mixed with function mixed with style. You know I like pretty pictures so I'll let some of his work speak for itself.

Rich wall color filled with a gallery of frames
via - Elle Decor, photo: William Waldron

Dream closet
via - Elle Decor, photo: William Waldron

Those lamps! Wowza!
via - Elle Decor, photo: Roger Davies

via - Elle Decor, photo: Simon Upton

via - Elle Decor, photo: Simon Upton

Love this bold area rug
via - Elle Decor, photo: Pieter Estersohn

What a beautiful sunroom
via - Elle Decor, photo: Roger Davies

Such pretty light
via - Elle Decor, photo: William Waldron

via - Elle Decor, photo: William Waldron

What an amazing dining area
via - Nate Berkus Associates

Why you ask am I having a Nate-fest?  Well, he complied a list of his Top Ten Design Tips and I thought they were good for someone new and very interested in interior design (me) and maybe for anyone who wanted some new ideas for decorating the home (you). 

10: Go Vertical

Living in a small area? Don't waste your precious space! Use an over-the-door organizer to maximize storage and closet space.

9: Make Storage Space

Get creative when creating storage space for a small area. Use bed risers for additional storage room beneath your bed. Visit your local home goods store for under-the-bed storage chests, preferably with wheels for easy maneuvering.

8: Dim the Lights

Showcase the beautiful design in your home with the right lighting! Lighting is one of the easiest ways to set the mood in your space. Create the right ambiance by installing dimmer units, which will allow you some versatility AND save you money!

7: Use Wallpaper in New Ways

Wallpaper isn't just for walls. Learn to use wallpaper in unexpected ways! Add it to the back of a bookshelf, use it to decorate the risers of stairs, or put it on a section of the wall behind an architectural piece to add drama to your space.

6: Add Area Rugs

Use area rugs to divide and identify a large space! If you can't install a physical barrier to section off a large room, area rugs are an affordable alternative that can help add distinction to a room with multiple functions.

5: Create Room Dividers

Create a bit of privacy in a large room with a makeshift room divider. Put up a collapsible screen, push bookcases back to back, or add a large dresser. When creating functional zones in a room, remember, a divider doesn't have to go all the way to the ceiling.

4: Float the Furniture

One of the easiest ways to make a small space feel bigger, or to create zones in a large space, is to float the furniture. Move your furniture away from the walls and put pieces on angles to add interest to your home.

3: Use Carpet Floor Tiles

Instantly update a space with carpet floor tiles. Carpet floor tiles are easy to install, and easy to replace when stained!

2: Use Double Duty Furniture

Invest in multipurpose furniture. A tufted ottoman can be used as additional seating space or a coffee table.

1: Your Home Should Tell Your Story

Your home should tell your story! Add layers, textures, and photos to personalize your space. Make your home a beautiful reflection of who you are, and what you love!


I hope this inspires you to think about your space in a new way.


xo,
L


*Credits - Elle Decor, Nate Berkus Associates and Top Ten via The Nate Show