Monday, July 19, 2010

fruits of labor - curried green bean and chicken salad



3/4 of a pound of green beans. trimmed and halved crosswise
2 cups of shredded roasted chicken breast (i purchased a bone in chicken breast and roasted it for about 40 minutes at 375)
1 cup of diced red onion or 4 scallions
5 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tsp of curry powder
1/3 cup of plain nonfat yogart
3 tbsp of low-fat mayo
1 fresh lime zested and juiced
2 tbsp of toasted almond slices (i toasted my own over medium heat until golden)
salt and pepper

If roasting your own chicken breast - turn oven to 374, salt and pepper chicken and roast until cooked through approx. 40 minutes or until juices run clear. shred when cool enough to handle.

Cook green beans in a pot of salted boiling water until crisp tender (5-6 mins) and plunge into ice bath to stop cooking. drain well

In a large bowl combine green beans, shredded chicken, red onion and 4 tbsp of cilantro

In a dry frying pan over medium heat toast curry powder until fragrant (approx. 2 minutes)
transfer to a small bowl and combine with yogurt, mayo and lime zest and juice. Stir together until well blended.

Add dressing mixture to chicken and green beans. Toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Just before serving sprinkle with almonds and remaining tbsp of cilantro

may be served immediately or chilled

adapted from a recipe from farmfreshtoyou.com

Saturday, July 17, 2010

take a seat


yesterday while making my thrift store rounds i spied this perfect chair in the drop-off pile on the side of the building. "Perfect" i thought, "exactly what ive been wanting" - and so off i went into the thrift store - on the way out i passed it again - still upside down in a pile with a bunch of old office rolling chairs - thinking they would never sell it to me out of the pile i just walked on by. but then 2 block away i turned around - "i at least have to ask" - and what do you know - the guy was all to happy to give it to me! After a very small charitable donation i am now the proud new owner of this "exactly what i wanted chair" .... i think it will look amazing with this pillow too!





Friday, July 16, 2010

a friday fling : things to love





i am head over heals for this dress and this room - maybe its that soft minty green dress by alberta feretti perfect and oh so 20's inspired and room found via blissfulb. oh the chairs with that table and the over sized lampshade!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

mid summer makeover

my sneaks were looking a little tired, kinda the way i like 'em but also on the edge of ratty. They are super comfy vans that ive had for ages, they have even been swimming with me in the mediterranean last summer and i just cant let them go yet...

but a new set of laces from the drug store and they are back in action! with a little boyish retro charm to boot!

Sale Sale Sale

Cottage Farm is having a summer sale!!






check out the new shop sections for up to 30% off and below items are all 10%off




>


and perhaps best of all - many items have free shipping








The sale will be running from Wed. July 14 until Wed July 21st and i will be adding new items to the sections daily so stop in often!!


Friday, July 9, 2010

outings - flora grubb


i took a little outing yesterday - to the lusciously green flora grubb gardens here in san francisco. its a perfect place to find unique plants and containers for both inside and out, but its also just lovely to stroll around among all the green


i was particularly excited to see the strawberry plants, some with fuschia colored blossoms. I grabbed a latte from the ritual coffee there and strolled around the grounds to check out some of their whimsical plantings - like this old teal sink planted with carnivorous plants.

i didnt leave empty handed of course, another little air plant to add to my collection and a little thimble vase that reminds me of a crumpled paper bag or tree bark in white porcelain.
i highly recommend making a trip to check this place out! its certainly been added to my "most favorites" list.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

New England Summer

Im feeling inspired by my time spent on the rocky maine coast already this summer and by the fact that i wake up to beautiful blue grey fog every morning here in san francisco

i made a treasury! thought i would share. hope you enjoy all these gorgeous etsy stores.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

outings - tuolumne meadows


i spent the 4th holiday in the gorgeous tuolumne meadows of yosemite national park. a bit removed from all the craziness i spent a quite weekend around the camp fire and hiking through the spectacular terrain - my kings of the world from atop fairview dome

Friday, July 2, 2010

red white and blue - a sneak peak



happy 4th eveyone!! bread is baked, chili is made, car is packed and im off the the mountains!! but before i go im going to leave you with a little red white and blue sneak peak -


nd look for these little items soon at cottagefarm
enjoy your holiday! and happy birthday america