you suggested, we listened

we can't get enough of you guys and your suggestions for our little project here.

a few times now, you've recommended that we narrow down our 'labels' so it's easier to reference recipes, art, meal planners, design ideas, and more good stuff.  the advice made perfect sense and the excess of tags were getting out of contol.  it took a bit of clean up but we should be set now.  keep the ideas rollin' in, friends.

(photo credit - thepoopjourney.blogspot.com)

don't rain on our parade

not exactly the way we wanted to start today. but good things are coming to because sis said so this week.  we hope to bring you a little sunshine.  love, sisses

p.s. this cheery little print, even for a rainy day, is on sale here.

taking my own advice: chili rubbed steak tacos

earlier this week, i gave all of our male readers healthy eating advice and suggested some recipes to try. i ended up trying one of them last night but, of course, put a "because sis said so" spin on it. the flavor combination was absolutely perfect. the smokiness from the steak rub paired perfectly with a cool, yet spicy avocado salsa i whipped up.

ingredients:

2 tablespoons chili powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 pinches cayenne pepper

s&p

evoo

1 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
small whole wheat tortillas
juice of half a lime
1 ripe avocado, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 jalapeno, minced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken stock
1 can black beans

directions:

heat small drizzle of evoo, 1 garlic clove and rice in saucepan over medium heat. let rice get toasty for about 5 minutes. add chicken stock and let come to boil. cover, turn heat down to simmer and cook for 30 to 40 minutes (depending on what directions on package say). stir in black beans and s&p when rice has finished cooking. if you have cilantro - throw that in too.

meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together chili powder, 2 cloves of garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks. preheat grill pan to medium high and cook steaks for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, turning once. remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. cut into thin slices.

combine avocado, tomato, remaining garlic clove, onion, jalapeno, lime juice and s&p in serving bowl. lightly mash together until it resembles guacamole, but you should still see chunks of avocado.

to serve, warm tortillas for about 30 seconds in microwave. top with rice and beans, steak, avocado salsa and then sprinkle of cheddar cheese. you can add any toppings you like - cheese, sour cream, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes - anything that suites your fancy. olé!

the bridge between real and make believe

it's hard to believe this print is this place.  rather, i like to believe at the end of the bridge, there are palm trees and ferris wheels and pixie flags and lollipops and red-checkered tablecloths and cute couples walking hand and hand.  sounds much better to me. 

(photo credit - 20x200.com)

business call

not sure if you're in the market for business cards, but i stumbled across these little gems. nothing says social grace like your very own calling card.

(photo credits - cambriacove.com)

biggest loser dinner: chicken cacciatore

peg and i were watching biggest loser the other night and saw curtis stone make a healthier version of chicken cacciatore, ringing in at only 300 calories per serving. i played with the ingredients a little bit and was somewhat pleased with the results. something did seem to be missing - i think next i might add some red pepper flakes for more heat or maybe fresh herbs to bring out more flavors.  all in all, its a great recipe to keep on hand when you've overindulged for the day and need something light for dinner.

ingredients:

evoo
s&p
4 4-ounce boneless chicken breasts
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 cups sodium free diced fire roasted tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons capers
1 cup steamed brown rice to serve

directions:

heat evoo in large saucepot over medium high heat. season the chicken with s&p and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. remove the chicken from pan and add more evoo. saute the onions, garlic and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes, until onion becomes translucent. add chicken stock and allow to reduce until almost dry. add the tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, oregano and more s&p. bring to the simmer and reduce heat to low.

add the chicken back to the sauce and simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. stir in capers.

to serve, spoon 1/4 cup of brown rice onto the center of a serving plate. place one portion of chicken on top of the rice and spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the chicken.

click here for curtis stone's original recipe and nutritional information.

rachel + sisses = BFFE

so many beautiful rachels out there. and we crush all of them.

and what ever happened to her??

oh and of course, we love rachel ray.  but those pictures make us raise an eyebrow or two.

(photo credits - 25park.com, chicagonow.com, cocoecomag.com, fanpop.com, penhittingpaper.com, rachel-mcadams.net)

the bachelor's guide to eating healthy

a little bachelor friend of mine came to me with a dilemma.  he wants to eat healthier and enjoys cooking, but doesn't know what ingredients to keep on hand so he can whip something up quickly after work. fear no more, sis is here to help.  i've come up with a list of ingredients you should always keep in your pantry and a few recipes to get you started.  the key to making quick, easy and healthy dinners is to plan ahead and try new flavors to change things up a bit.

ingredients:
evoo
balsamic vinegar
dijon mustard
canned tomatoes
canned beans (chick peas, black beans, white beans)
grains and pasta (brown rice, couscous, quinoa, whole wheat pasta)
fresh and frozen vegetables (spinach, sugar snap peas, broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, bell peppers)
dried herbs (garlic and onion powder, oregano, basil, chicken seasoning, steak seasoning)
chicken broth
chicken, fish, and steak

recipes to try:
steak and pasta salad
this is a great meal to throw in anything you have in the fridge. switch up the veggies and cheese to your liking.

chili rubbed steak tacos
these tacos would be great served with simple mixture of rice, black beans and cilantro.

baked salmon with dill
serve with roasted asparagus and couscous.  mix couscous with chick peas, evoo, lemon juice and s&p.

balsamic poached chicken
this recipe takes a little bit longer, but it would great for a weekend or even a date night.  its elegant, easy and certainly tasty.

tomato soup with chick peas and pasta
serve with hearty, crusty whole wheat baguette to soak up the juices. throw in a simple side salad to round this meal out.

garlic shrimp in tomato sauce
utilize canned tomatoes and fresh herbs to create a delicious homemade sauce.  serve over whole wheat pasta.

(photo credit - vi.sualize.us)

baby bear cub

like you didn't already want to squeeze the life out of your little teddy bear. preciousness.

available here.

and yes, that's a doll baby...for a second, i thought, "wow, those blue eyes."

(photo credit - etsy.com)

pizza pizza!

if you recall, last week i was slated to make a delicious meal up of 3 different side dishes. i had very good intentions to actually make this dinner, but when friday rolled around, i was tired, stressed, and plain lazy.  all day, i daydreamed of gooey cheesy deliciousness that is pizza. there is something about fridays, pizza, and diet cokes that go so well together.

us chantilly folks know the only place to get a decent pizza pie is pomodoro. this isn't just any pizza we're talking about.  this is ken fagan-approved pizza. our dad grew up in queens and has had his fair share of ny pies.  he even he swears by this pizza. i might even go as far to say it is the best pizza i've ever had.

i can't pinpoint what makes it so special. perhaps it's the perfect balance of a sweet and savory sauce. or the perfectly cooked pepperonis.  or the soft cornmeal crust. oe how the first bite always melts in your mouth.  it could be the quality of the mozzarella - how it melts so heavenly and bubbles and browns in just the right spots. undoubtedly, it's the generous portions - eating two slices is really like eating four. whatever it is, well done guys. 

do you tastebuds a favor.  please go try this pizza. oh and invite me along.

(photo credit - flickr.com)

a year in review and a look ahead

one of my favorite parts about a new year is getting a new planner.  it really gets me going.  when i was checking the back of my 2009 planner for important numbers, dates, and all that good stuff to transfer to my new shiny 2010 version, i found a list of things i wrote down titled, '2009 goals.'  lets see how i did:

1. start a blog by march 2009.  ok, so it didn't happen by march, but it did happen.
2. wear high heels more.  oh yes, this one i accomplished.  good friends will understand why this one happened.
3. pay off debt.  surely paying it down but not nearly paying it off.  i live in nyc...it's a valid excuse.
4. be more thankful and let people know it.  i hope you felt this one, friends.  
5. get a new job. i say this one every year.  but working from home has gotten really nice. but expect some changes in 2010.
6. save two months salary.  another good one.  yeah, not much adding up but we're getting there.
7. go on two trips...one relaxing destination and one random location.  i always seem to check off the travel-related resolutions.  dominican republic and niagara falls/st. catherine's, canada.
8. walk or subway more around the city. skip cabs.  this is one is a work on progress and will stay on the 2010 list.
9. get a white couch. i got a soft gray couch.  and it's even better than the white one i had my eye on. i got a white chair!
10. read 15 books.  hmmm, definitely read more but not 15 books.  highlights include eat, pray, love...something borrowed...baby proof...love the one you're with...the lovely bones...i hope they serve beer in hell (stay away from this one, girls)...90 minutes in heaven...are you there vodka? it's me, chelsea...family tree.  so i'm more than halfway there.  i'll knock the rest out in 2010. 
11. get a bike.  i was very close to getting a bike.  had my huffy picked out and everything.  but then i realized i had no place to store it.  maybe this summer.
12. tone muscles.  they call me 'muscles' these days....riiiight.

so with that recap, it's time to make the 2010 list.  sis and i each put together one.  keep us on our toes, people!

1. try a new recipe every week...shoot for two.
2. make a detailed family tree
3. go on two trips - stamp my passport on one and travel to a us city i've never visited
4. read 15 total books
5. go to church at least once a month
6. gym visits at least 4 times per week.  unless out of town but still make an effort
7. pick up the phone more.  it takes such little effort to call and catch up.
8. pay off debt - seriously. no excuses this year. 
9. don't miss moments to do something nice for a stranger
10. keep date night alive. our requirements include a random night of the week and it must be a new place (can't return to an old favorite)
11. get a fancy-schmancy slr camera and maybe even take a photography class
12. live the good life - light candles for no reason, open the windows more, try new foods, take naps when needed, be proud of myself for little accomplishments, be proud of myself for big accomplishments, pick up fresh flowers, you get it

1. take cooking classes...an obvious one
2. get over my fear of flying or find a doc that will give me xanax
3. convince dad to take us to ireland to find our fellow fagans
4. plan a girls trip to vegas
5. talk to strangers more. you never know who you just might meet
6. get abs like britney - circa 2002
7. keep a journal of 2010’s events and memories
8. take advantage of my backyard - try new dc restaurants, visit museums, tour the white house, attend more concerts
9. cater at least 5 events
10. curb my spending habits on dresses. i’m eventually gonna run out of monies 
11. run a 10k and try not to die
12. live in the moment - laugh harder, smile longer, forgive faster, go confidently more

can you guess whose list is whose??

(photo credit - vi.sualize.us)

shiver me timbers

oo lala.

i'm loving the lumberjack look for the gents in our lives.  dress 'em up, girls...they'll thank you and you'll like what you see. 

gungho for gap 

llbean will last a lifetime

loving landsend

and some are even on sale.

(photo credits - gap.com, landends.com, llbean.com)

the ultimate fake out: garlic and herb tilapia, cauliflower mash and roasted broccoli

i call this meal the great fake out, because well, that's what it is.  take one look at this picture and it looks like you're eating fried chicken and mashed potatoes. but in fact, you're eating a nice healthy piece of fish and mashed cauliflower.  i found the recipes from cooking light and food network, but ended up tweaking it a little bit based on what we had at home.

ingredients:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon herbs de provence
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 teaspoons garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons flour
4 6-ounce tilapia fillets
1 medium head of cauliflower
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup grated asiago cheese
1/4 cup chicken stock, more if needed
3 cups of broccoli florets
s&p
evoo

directions:

preheat oven to 450 degrees.  mix broccoli, evoo, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and s&p on baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes.

combine panko, herbs de provence, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a shallow dish. place egg in a shallow dish and place flour in another shallow dish. season fish with s&p and dredge fish in flour. next dip into egg mixture and dredge again in panko mixture.

heat evoo in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. add fish fillets and cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side or until browned. place fish on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. bake at 450° for 6 minutes or until fish flakes easily or until desired degree of doneness.

meanwhile, clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. cook in boiling water for about 10 minutes, until fork tender. drain and pat dry and place in food processor.  add cream cheese, asiago, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (or more depending on how much you like garlic), chicken stock and s&p.  puree until smooth, with no lumps.

i promise this meal won't disappoint you.  the fish had a wonderful crunchy crust that made you feel like you were eating something bad and the cauliflower had a nice garlic taste with just a hint of sweetness.

a toast to our brides

the same exciting thing happend to us sisses this week. 
our two favorite brides asked us to be a part of their weddings.

when sis told me that one of her oldest friends, kim, asked her, she couldn't have been more elated. she was over-the-moon-excited for the fun parties leading up to the wedding, dresses, pictures, bachelorette weekend, makeup, hair, flowers, all that lovely bridesmaid stuff.  and i couldn't agree with her more - all those moments are so awesome.  but i have to tell you, sis, and i shared this with my darling bride, ashley, last night - nothing compares to the moments you share with the bride leading up to the wedding itself. 

watching them barely eat breakfast because deep down they're nervous nellies and won't admit it. seeing them step into their perfect dress. asking you a 100 times, "do i look ok?" when they couldn't look more angelic, more lovely, or more perfect.  riding in the limo or down the elevator together to the ceremony.  holding each other's hands while 1000 photographs are snapped away. watching them kiss their mom before walking down the aisle. there really is nothing like these precious moments so soak it up.

kim and ash - thank you again...we can't wait for your big days.

head of the class

i'm in the market for a headboard this year.  can't say when i will have all my pennies saved up but one will crown my bed before year's end.  i'm all about mix and match and don't believe in bedroom sets that look like they walked right off the sales floor.  so i'm thinking one of these will add a fun punch to my lair.

west elm's nailhead upholstered headboard

west elm's modern-weave headboard

west elm's handwoven rope headboard

(this one is sold out in a queen...if you ever happen to come across one in the sale section, please help a sista out.)

pottery barn's seagrass headboard

 have you graduated to headboard yet?  i think most of us twenty-somethings are still rocking the naked bed (a.k.a. simple box frame and mattress).  am i right?  anyway, i've found lots of other similar and cheaper options, here. the website just didn't have as pretty pictures. and that's important.


(photo credits - potterybarn.com, west elm.com)