thank you, sweet sis

i love them, sis.  thank you. 

and if you want your very own set, i would recommend visiting anthropologie.  sis found them there but i don't see them online anymore.

you can try here and here and here and here.

o christmas tree

i just realized i never shared my charlie brown christmas tree with you all.

light off

lights on

darling, right?  she will be with us through january. it was an adventure to get her. an adventure to decotrate her. and ultimately, i just didn't get enough time with her this christmas season so she will be sticking around for another week or so.  she was well worth it though and BE and i ran into whitney port all while snatching up our frasier fur girl. christmas success.

'tis the season: crunchy chicken spring rolls, panko crusted crab cakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, peanut chicken skewers, & mini beef tenderloin sandwiches

the holiday season is official over and sis and i can finally get back to you guys.  we've had a busy couple of weeks with an unruly snow blizzard, puppy babysitting and visitors galore.  we had to cancel peg's first annual christmas party after waking up to 20 inches of snow last saturday morning.  never one to just give up, i decided to whip up some of the appetizers i had planned to make, just in much fewer quantities.  some of the recipes can be found at the link above and the others are listed below.

crunchy chicken spring rolls

bacon-wrapped shrimp with basil garlic stuffing

peanut chicken skewers with chili mayo

panko crusted crab cakes with spicy avocado aioli

mini beef tenderloin sandwiches with mustard-horseradish sauce

crunchy chicken spring rolls
(adapted from martha)
ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup minced celery
1/4 cup grated carrot
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1/2 cup grated cabbage
1/4 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, plus more for frying
20 spring roll wrappers
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
pepper

directions:
heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat. add chicken, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, sugar snap peas, cabbage, fish sauce and soy sauce. cook for about 4 minutes and season with pepper. remove from heat and set up a work station. beat egg and water in small dish to make an egg wash. cover wonton wrappers with damp paper towels to prevent from drying out while making the spring rolls. working quickly, place about a tablespoon or more of chicken mixture in corner of wrapper. (you will need to fold this spring roll like you would fold a burrito.) roll up corner until you cannot see mixture anymore. fold up sides to meet in the middle and continue to roll into right cylinder. brush top corner with egg wash and seal. cover rolls with damp paper towel as you continue to make the others. heat oil in large skillet to 350 degrees. working in batches, fry up spring rolls for about 2 to 3 minutes, placing on paper towel to absorb left over oil. you must continually turn rolls to make sure they don't burn. serve immediately with asian duck sauce.


panko crusted crab cakes with spicy avocado aioli
(adapted from cooking light)
ingredients:
16 oz crab meat
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup diced celery

1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 egg
1 teaspoons dijon mustard
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
couple dashes of hot sauce
avocado
s&p

directions:
preheat oven to 450 degrees. combine crab, 1/2 cup panko, celery, 1/4 cup mayo, egg, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and s&p in a mixing bowl.  stir together and form into 2 inch crab cakes. place remaining panko on plate and roll each crab cake into breadcrumbs, making sure they stick.  place crab cakes on non-stick baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

combine 1/4 cup of mayo, sour cream, avocado, hot sauce and s&p in food processor and blend.  once crab crabs are finished, scoop a little of the avocado aioli on each.  serve immediately.

and don't forget the other recipes:
bacon-wrapped shrimp with basil garlic stuffing
peanut chicken skewers with chili mayo
mini beef tenderloin sandwiches with mustard-horseradish sauce

the impromptu family party was a a hit, including a round of drunken dominoes till 3 a.m. and this little pup came just in time to enjoy the holidays with us.

flossy mossy

it's official, marti moss tied one on and we can finally share it all with you! i have never in my life seen a bride with a bigger smile on her face. i think all thanks for that glow can be chalked up to you, jer man. you two outdid yourself on wedding day.  no doubt that smile is still going strong five months in.

and you, miss kate headley. you're silly talented. and couldn't have been any sweeter while snapping away.  check out more shots of wedding day.

oh and one other thing...marti moss is soooo to die for, that glow and smile of hers are clearly cover-worthy.

we clean up nice, eh?

(photo credits - kateheadley.typepad.com/photography)

fan mail

sis,

sue just introduced me to your blog yesterday. i pretty much spent my night browsing your blog for hours. it is so great. i love you and your sister's ideas, writing, and humor. really i love it. great job! just wanted to let you know you have a new follower!

p.s. i'm begging joe for the mittens made for holding hands. he is trying to fight it but i'm not going to give up on this one!

thanks so much for reading, amy.  good thing you're a newbie to our lil blog, because we've been slacking lately.  by the time you get through all the old posts, we'll be ready for you with new goods.  oh and SMITTENS are now on SALE.  tell joe you'll love him even more if he caves. go girl.

and of course, we always welcome more feedback/suggestions/comments/gripes (we suppose) at becausesissaidso@gmail.com.

 

layer up: brie chicken salad

this week i've been trying to make meals with stuff we already had in the fridge.  i saw a huge block of brie cheese and immediately knew i wanted to incorporate the gooey deliciousness into dinner.  i came up with a layered salad that was inspired by robin miller's grilled chicken with brie and baby spinach recipe.  here's what we got.

ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
2 teaspoons of garlic powder
8 slices of brie cheese
4 cups of lettuce (any kind your heart desires)
4 small red potatoes, quartered
1 bunch of asparagus (about a pound), trimmed
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
your favorite balsamic vinaigrette
evoo
s&p

directions:
preheat oven to 400 degrees.  line baking sheet with foil, season potatoes with evoo and s&p and cook for about 15 minutes.  once those are done add asapargus to baking sheet and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.

meanwhile, preheat grill pan to medium high heat.  season both sides of chicken with s&p and garlic powder.  cook chicken about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.  add two slices of brie to each chicken and cover pan with aluminum foil or the top to the pan.  let the brie melt for about 2 minutes.

to serve dish, get a large oval serving platter and add lettuce.  add roasted potatoes to one side, put the chicken in the middle and add the asapargus to the other side.  garnish with bacon and drizzle your favorite balsamic vinaigrette over it. 


this was a really simple, easy recipe.  its great for those who say they don't eat salads.  i got tony to eat a whole plateful of spinach and he didn't even realize, not to mention he gobbled up some asparagus too.

witty winter wear

miss spade and her witty winter essentials have me chuckling and grinning and hoping they end up under my tree.  how fun is this winter wear??

just in case you forget

be a true aviator

wrap around this big hug wrapped to keep warm

my personal favorite!

that's it!  the lightbulb is always on!

all available at kate the great.

(photo credits - katespade.com)

i'm moving...

...into this living room.  it's perfection in my eyes.

built-in bookcases

lanterns

serene white at its finest

visually catching art on mantle

natural light

stone fireplace

neutral matching sofas with one-off, mixmatched pillows

peekabo windows

all it needs is ME.

adding it to my style files.  someday.

(photo credit - flickr.com)

gift GURU: the hopeless romantic

christmas brings out the best in a person, including that romantic side most forget they have.  surprise your lovah with one of our suggestions.  we're thinking you might just end up being the lucky one.

1. lobster ornament - because we all know they mate for life. $5
2. smitten kitten - because sometimes you just don't want to let go. $49
3. kiss me, you fool - try this on for size and you'll be smooching all night. $32.50
4. say it, don't spray it - the perfect way to spell out how your heart feels. $6.50
5. the ultimate romantic comedy - a little bit of love for every kind of soul. $7.49
6. l.o.v.e. - a daily reminder...all spelled out. $45
   

(photo credits - amazon.com, etsy.com, madebygirlcom, restorationhardware.com, spoonsisters.com)

gift GURU: for the top chef

culinary novice or genius, here's a few ideas to knock your darling foodie's tastebuds off.

1. tag it! - great for tabbing all your favorite recipes or ones you're just dying to test out.  $5.95
2. protect the produce - mini storage containers for your pepper, onion, tomoato, garlic, lemon, and lime! $7.99 each
3. salute your state - cutting boards shaped like your home state home. $19.95-39.95
4. straight from your very own kitchen - personalized recipe box AND embosser for recipe cards. $69
5. stack 'em high - show off the cupcake skills. $29.95
6. spicey! - easy access to the spices courtest of this magentic rack. $124.99

(photo credits - crateandbarrel.com, gourmac.com, spoonsisters.com, target.com, upwoodscrafts.com, williams-sonoma.com)

good things coming to cotton top

next weekend, peg is hosting her first annual cotton top christmas bash.  she has asked me to cater the party where the guest list will be anywhere from 30 to 45 people.  my heart is filled with culinary glee as i have begun to plan out the menu.  my girl ina taught me the best way to host a successful party is to make half of your food in advance and the other half right before the party.  you'll notice half of the menu can be served at room temperature or cold. here's what i have going on so far:

1. panko crusted crab cakes with spicy avocado aioli*
2. bacon-wrapped shrimp with basil garlic stuffing
3. mini beef tenderloin sandwiches with mustard-horseradish sauce
4. vegetable spring rolls with sweet dipping sauce*
5. layered sundried tomato and basil cheese spread
6. prosciutto crostini with lemon fennel salad
7. peanut chicken skewers with chili mayo
8. spiced mixed nuts*
9. vegetable crudite platter with green goddess dressing

* these recipes are messy chef originals.  i will post the recipes the day after the bash.

is your mouth watering yet? i hope the guests are hungry. 
stay tuned for pictures.

gift GURU: for the the glamour girl

think the three g's and you've got yourself the perfect gift

for our favorite kind of girl.

gold.

glitz.

glamour.

1. glitter girl - perfect prep for an upcoming cocktail party or the big ball drop. $345. or how about this l.b.d. done right?
2. oh lola -the bottle is for the ladies. the scent is for the men. $85
3. the ultra gloss effect - preferably in draped burgundy. $25.50
4. poppy mini sparkler - this crossbody satchel is essential. $138
5. a diamond is a girl's best friend - perfect compliment to your cup 'o jo. $15.95
6. bombshell bib - the epitome of all three g's. $198

(photo credits - anthropologie.com, bloomingdales.com, coach.com, nordstrom.com, spoonsisters.com)

picture perfect

i've always loved the idea of showcasing your family's pearly whites on a long wall in your home.  it becomes a timeline of your family's history.  a showcase of all the moments in life that are most dear. and a feature of precious snippets of time that you will can always relive.

i'm working on a gallery of frames for miss peg's home.  while i was home in november, i reorganized all of our family photos...tasked her with picking out her favorites...and promised to return in december with a plan to get all the frames up on our foyer wall.

i hope you will come by, laugh at my childhood bifocals, envy sis's baby platinum curls, heart on kenneth's half moon eyes, and remind you what love is all about when looking at mom and ton's wedding photo. it's gonna be good stuff.  stay tuned for the results...

(photo credits - apartmenttheraphy.com, bellemaison23.com, curbly.com, decorpad.com, foundsanfrancisco.com, pointclickhome.com, style-files.com)

gift GURU: for the hostess with the mostest

we're sure you will be holiday party hopping over the next few weeks.  and no one likes to show up empty handed.

1. cheeky cocktail coasters - embossed coasters labled with your dirnk request. on sale for $14.50
2. a friendly reminder - a tea towel to express your sentiments. especially since everyone loves to hang out in the kitchen at the party. $14.75
3. you're welcome - personalized welcome mat for the hostess' doorstep. $59-69.
4. wines that rock - great tasting wine inspired by your favorite rock music. 3 bottles for $50
5. cork that - for the re-purposing of all those empty wine bottles post party.  $11.95
6. odor omitter - perfect and punchy for the powder room. $4.75

(photo credits - classicrockmagazine.com, etsy.com, jcrew.com, keepcalmgallery.com, potterybarn.com, spoonsisters.com)

gift GURUs

december 7th? wasn't it just thanksgiving? in honor of the oh-to-realistic fact that our favorite day of the year is just a short 18 days away, because sis said so is bringing you our version of the guide to gifting this year. stay tuned for our suggestions for every lovie in your life.

(photo credit - marthastewart.com)

making a list and checking it twice.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

sis and i are busy little elves this weekend. hoping you're looking forward to the weekend as much as we are.

brotherly love

dear brother,

you probably don't even know we still have this blog. but if you are still reading up on our little gem, well good. because then you will read this love shout out to you on your day.  you're 26 today, old man.  we love you for so many reasons.  here's the first 26 that come to mind:

1. almost 9 years out of high school and you still bleed purple and white
2. you are the only person capable of getting 'taylor' on the back of a virginia tech jersey
3. every once in awhile, you hint at your love life. and it really flatters us. our ears are open. always open. hint hint
4. you really take care of your friends.  and they take care of you
5. you sign 'love, kenny' at the end of your emails to us. we really like that
6. you paved the way in the daredevil department.  you bungey jumped and inspired us.  we can now knock off sky diving, cliff jumping, and scuba thanks to you
7. you have the cutest little half moon eyes
8. we share the same humor - you find it funny to prank call your own family members' hotel rooms while on vacation
9. we don't have to give you fashion advice, you already know. tim gunn would be proud. do you even know who tim gunn is?
10. you were never to manly to play "store" with us
11. your little curly locks - wish we got those genes
12. you were always looking out for our safety and teaching us how to fight off the bad guy with your WWF wrestling buddies  
13. you color with your tongue sticking out
14. we appreciate that you tried to teach us to golf.  sorry we've failed you in that athletic department
15. you're a simple boy - all you asked us for this birthday is 5 pounds of haribo gummy bears
16. your penmanship is perfection.  best handwriting award out of all three fagan kids?
17. no one can throw a curve in bowling like you can
18. the kid knows jewels. he loves some teal boxes with white ribbons
19. no one can rock a tacky christmas sweater like you
20. you're the freckliest one out of all of us
21. you are our hero.  guitar hero that is
22. you really do know every bartender at tots and can always get us a beer...fast
23. you wrote the entire high school yearbook your senior year. and are very proud of that accomplishment.
24. you'll make snow angels with your sis in a mexican hotel lobby.  in july.
25. you've had poison ivy over 20 times and way too many bouts with sun poisoning - and you're still the outdoorsman
26. you are our third amigo. you are our third musketeer. and you're stuck in the middle. but you're also irreplaceable.
    

so cheers to you.
get into some fun.
have a blast.
and stay out of trouble.

love,

your sisses

chalk it up

again, not a new idea but a great idea.  one day, i will have my very own home.  and when i own my very own home, i will have the freedom to paint it, texturize it, wallpaper it, spackle it, blackboard it!  mark my words, i will have blackboard-esque wall in the dreamhouse.  and it will be scribbled on with cute things like -

"welcome to my little home, dear friend."
"please, please, please. stay awhile."
"home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”
"you are the cream in my coffee."
"mi casa es su casa."
"life's a voyage that's homeward bound."
"a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine."
"me loves you. and you. and you."

so, here's what sparked the inspiration -

for now - my large, leaning chalkboard will have to do (still up there as one of my most favorite gifts ever).  surprises are the best.

(photo credits - annporter.files.wordpress.com, apartmenttherapy.com, hgtv.ca, nattymichelle.blogspot.com, style-files.com)

baked love

got a good idea. and you might've already heard of it. but this year, instead of buying presents for your 99 closest best friends, celebrate christmas with cookies. there is a baker in all of us - even if the extent of your baking is limited to the refrigerated cookie dough that you cut up in perfect little circles. 

one friend will have to volunteer to play hostess.  have all your girlfriends over, everyone bring a bottle of wine or your other favorite christmas cheer, and three-four dozen cookies each.  don't carried away at the party and starting snacking on the sweets.  instead, fill up a plate of each other's cookies to bring home with you.  you'll leave the night loving your gal pals more than ever, warm and toasty inside, and stocked in the baked goods department just in time for santa to come down your chimney.


(photo credit - flickr.com)

run away with me

is this a good idea?

i can't decide but i'm feeling a lot of pressure to get on board.

in fact, my two little friends got me a little tipsy tonight in hopes that i will actually do this thing with them.

ohhhh, the torture. it's literal torture.

and it's not even the big one.

just the half.

but still.

it seems just awful.

but rewarding.

and i think i would be really proud of myself.

come sis, i'll do it...if you do it.

(image credit - halhigdon.com)

cheese squared: potato chip crusted chicken and cheesy grits

let's call it a weak moment, shall we? by the end of "tomato week" i had had enough of eating healthy and wanted to splurge a little.  meagan shared the same sentiments as me and requested something really cheesy.  i whipped up potato chip crusted chicken and cheesy grits.  and a little broccoli so we didn't feel too guilty. 

ingredients:

chicken breast
crushed up sour cream and cheddar chips
3 cups of chicken stock
3/4 cup of 5-minute grits
1/4 cup velvetta, plus extra if you're feeling generous
broccoli
evoo
s&p

directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees. pound out chicken breasts, until about 1/2 inch thick. brush some evoo over chicken and season with s&p.  coat chicken with crushed potato chips, press down to make sure they stick.  cook for 20 minutes or until done, flipping halfway through.  this will ensure that both sides get crispy.  in another pan bring chicken stock to boil. add grits and cook for 5 minutes. stir in velvetta cheese and s&p. cook broccoli in vegetable steamer for 10 minutes.  season with evoo and s&p.

the results were well worth any self-inflicting guilt i may have imposed on myself.  next time you're having one of those days, go ahead and try this cheesy decadence. i promise you'll fall in love.

attention new yorkas.

i'm very excited for this little event.

her staffers and local artisans are selling handmade projects and crafts - perfect for everyone on your list.

not sure i will walk away with anything but might just get a glimpse of the goddess herself.

any takers?

saturday, december 5, 2009

noon to 6 p.m.

starrett-lehigh building

601 west 26th street (between eleventh and twelfth avenues)

9th floor

nyc, ny 10001

(image credit - marthastewart.com)

c'mon baby, light my fire

my soulful, cheerful, delightful friend sara, once shared with me that you can tell everything about a boy based on what kind of christmas lights he prefers.  her hubby answered rainbow mini twinklers and her heart fluttered.  for me, it's the big, 'ol chunky charlie brown christmas bulbs.  ahhh, love by light.

how do you do christmas lights?

check out how my favorite blogging twosome does their lights....they're cuteness factor almost causes a gag reflex.  but perfect to kick off the holiday season.

Holiday Love. from Naomi Davis on Vimeo.


(photo credit - vi.sualize.us)

yipeeee

....can you hear us shrieking?  it's december 1 and we're excited.  this month makes so many memories and brings out the best in everyone.  hope we get to spend the holiday in some way with....you.

nothing reminds me more of the holiday season than snowglobes. it's christmas every day inside that little world. 

(photo credit - flickr.com and deyna rashid)

lo siento

we know. we've been very bad girls. but we're working on it. we have plenty of excuses - crazy work hours, traveling, thanksgiving with the clan, a bout with the flu - but none of them are good enough. so consider us sisses back. you're gonna be sick of us when we're done with you.

jk. loves ya.


(photo credit - flickr.com)