Long Time, No Blog!

Okay, my lovelies, I owe everyone a great big apology! It has been far too long since I have posted, and I have missed it greatly.  Suffice to say, travel, change of season, and general life events conspired against my energy and creativity in posting blogs, but, baby, I'm BACK!


So, where to begin...Oh, yes! My fabulous trip to Portland, Oregon about a month ago!  It was foodie heaven.  If you ever have the chance to go-well, go!  I had the chance to visit a few of my favorite haunts.  Kenny and Zukes has the most amazing pastrami on rye ever along with a Hungarian mushroom soup to die for.  The best Italian food outside of Italy with the most charming, flirtatious owner (I mean, to be kissed, serenaded, and called bella-be still my beating heart!) is at Piazza Italia.  I had an osso bucco that melted in my mouth, and a chianti to rock my world! Of course, we had to make our way to Voodoo Doughnut for a voodoo dozen (assorted-they choose) and a maple bacon bar.  For those of you thinking, "Bacon? On a doughnut?!" I am here to tell you that it is a decadent, savory, sweet, smokey piece of heaven.  And I don't even like doughnuts.  Seriously, I don't.  But, these aren't doughnuts.  They are some kinda crack laced goodness.  Guess they are right- the magic is in the hole.  (Oh, and yes I did get a pair of the underwear with that slogan.  I just couldn't resist!)  For an amazingly fab brunch, we stopped by Meriwether's and indulged (yet once again) in waffles with fried chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and grilled apples.  Thank goodness Portland has lots of hills! Otherwise, my daily run wouldn't have cancelled out the extreme food. Lastly, but not least, we had a tasty lunch of manila clams sauteed in garlic and feta at Papa Haydn.  Such a tasty trip!


Now lest you think I was simply eating my way through Portland (well, actually I kinda did.) I have to share some of my favorite fashion haunts while I was there.  First, a stroll down 23rd was in order where I stopped in for Amai Unmei where they were having a sale on coats.  Did you know I adore a great trench?  So, I snagged this lovely purple short trench.

Image courtesy of Amai Unmei

Aren't the big buttons adorable?  And, purple does lovely things for gingers.

Next, I made my way to a couple of vintage stores that are fabulous.  Buffalo Exchange is not unique to Portland, but there isn't one in my neck of the woods.  Then, over to the Alberta Arts district to Billy Goat Vintage Clothing.  One of the most fun vintage stores ever!  Loads of cocktail dresses from the 50's and 60's.  Just trying them one made me feel like Joan or Betty. best part about Billy Goat? They have an etsy store, so even if you're not able to pop up to Portland, you can still shop with them!

And, then, my lovelies, I went to my land of milk and honey, or in this case, silk and lace.  Jane's Vanity is truly a luxurious experience.  Emily was an expert in her recommendations for me.  The selections were so lovely, I don't think I turned any away!  There is something so decadent about fine European lingerie.  It goes beyond the simple function of lifting and supporting and transforms the wearer into a more sensual version of herself.  One that can imagine a Bridget Bardot moment with her partner-hair tousled, eyes smokey, and clothes thrown carelessly off.

I came home with five sexy sets.  A demure pale lavender Nina Ricci, perfect for the lighter spring clothes.  A stunning royal blue Eres set that looks amazing against my pale skin and red hair.  A smokin' navy and black demi set that makes me feel all femme fatale.  And a favorite sheer red lace that is so freakin' hot I might have to call the fire department each time I wear it.  The knickers are pictured below: (just picture them in red!)

I mean how can you not love a flirty bow and a keyhole? Tres magnifique! Emily assured me that they will have an online store soon, so keep your eyes open for it!


So, lovelies, we are caught up on my Portland adventures.  Visit the sites, go to Portland if you can, and stay fashionable.  I will have my own food adventures posted again very soon!


Cheers!

Breakfast in Bed for an Early Valentine's Day

Food is romantic.  Food is sensual.  Sweating away in a hot kitchen in grimey clothes is NOT.  So, how do you have a romantic, sensual breakfast in bed wearing that sexy French lingerie without having to wake up at 4 am (therefore killing ANY mood) and not sustaining 2 degree burns to those scantily clad areas? Oh, do I have a solution for you!

First, let's talk lingerie.  I am a HUGE lingerie addict.  I can't feel well put together, much less sexy, in cotton granny panties.  In fact, I wouldn't own a pair if you gave them to me.  This doesn't mean you have to buy the European set from Jane's Vanity (although, I highly recommend it if you can!)  Target has some very nice things, not to mention Victoria's Secret. Throw your significant other a bone (pun intended!) and tap your inner sex vixen.  Start every day knowing that no matter what everyone else sees on the surface, you look HOT underneath!

Now, isn't this infinitely more alluring than a worn an tatty white bra? Now add a robe for the kitchen, and we are set to make breakfast!


Since nothing ruins the mood faster than sleep deprivation (okay, young children kill it faster.  oh, and mother in laws too-but I digress) I like a breakfast that is quick, easy, yet tasty.  Enter Baked Ham Cups.  I learned this recipe from another online foodie, Lindsay Tarquino.

Doesn't this look scrumptious? And, it's easier than scrambling eggs with an infinitely more sophisticated palette. This recipe is for a large crowd, but you can tailor it to suit just you and your honey.

Baked Ham Cups:

12 Eggs

12 thin slices of deli ham (round)

1/2 Cup of your favorite cheese (I used Parmesan)

1/2 Cup diced scallions

Fresh cracked Sea Salt and Pepper

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400.  Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.  Lay a piece of ham in each hole creating a little ham cup.  Crack one egg into each hole and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake the eggs for about 12 minutes…until the white is firm and the yolk is still nice and runny.
Carefully remove each egg from the muffin tin and top with grated cheese and scallions.  Serve hot!  Yield: 12

The best part of this recipe is the fact that all you do is pop the ham in the muffin tin with the egg and walk away until the timer goes off.  In the 12 minutes of baking you can make a pot of French press coffee, toast some crackin' rye toast, and pour the orange juice.  Add a fresh flower to the tray, saunter upstairs with your sexy self, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Cheers, my lovelies-and Happy Valentine's Day!