If you are searching...

Don't you just love a great new, useful site? I love this genius "I can't find my phone" tool is & how sleek the design is... this will especially come in handy for my sweet hub, as well.

{via here.}

playful.

Brilliant! Kate Spade commissioned seven female writers to each write a short story with the phrase "She is quick & curious & playful & strong..." somewhere in their writing. This just seems so delightful & a perfect gift to give or get for Christmas. (free ground shipping, too!)

sneak peek.

Just wanted to give you a little sneak peek into our future... this is Ryan & I, & our two vizslas, Senga (& Bruiser) living up north east in our beautiful French country abode. We don't work anymore because we invented something really useful or cured cancer. We do get out, though, in our J. Crew attire for picnics, boat rides, and the like everyday.

Hey, it's Monday... a girl can dream.

{images via Wall Street Journal. ahem, might I add, the only Journalism that tends to never let me down... they unfailingly keep it real, and correct.}

photo ops?

Have any of y'all seen this blog? It is a new fav. People send in "re-created" or "re-staged" pictures from their childhood. I love this idea... I can think of a few that would be pretty awesome to retake with my brother, as well as some pretty ridiculous ones from highschool with my life-long friends. xoxo.

yummy.

This was a nice change up to the week... its got a slight kick of spicy, & a subtle sweetness all in one savory dish. Of course, I never fully stick to the recipe which is not a shock anymore to the hub... I was overly generous with the cinnamon & raisins... It was de-lish. Do try.

Spiced Couscous & Chicken:

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 cup couscous, preferably whole wheat
• 2 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie chicken (Iud
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup golden raisins (I used regular raisins.)
• 4 scallions, white and light green parts only, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
• Greek yogurt and/or harissa or other hot sauce, for topping

Directions

Bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the ginger, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the carrots and cook until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the carrots, reserving the cooking liquid.

Put the couscous and chicken in a medium bowl; pour 1 cup of the hot cooking liquid on top. Stir, then cover tightly with plastic wrapand let sit 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the almonds, raisins, scallions and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until the nuts are toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.

Divide the couscous and chicken among bowls. Top with the carrots and more of the cooking liquid. Sprinkle with the almond mixture and more cilantro. Top with yogurt and/or harissa.

{via Food Network Magazine.}

wordless wednesday.

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, & discerning if he holds his tongue. - Proverbs 17:28

love.

organized, clean chaos.

I love nothing more than stacks & stacks of dishes... and white, chic kitchens. There is something I am always drawn to when it comes to a great image of monochromatic, organized chaos. {Yes, English teachers, I am fully aware this is an oxymoron.} I love when a home looks clean & neat... but lived in & loved.

I am obviously not one for the modern or minimalistic... give me loads of texture, tons of warmth, over the top -tall stacks, homey goodness, earthy tones, bold patterns, neutral finishes, monochromatic colors, plush sofas, and a welcoming environment-- Organized, clean chaos at its finest & a place I can sigh and call home.

Happy Hump Day! I know I have been very MIA... my life has been dedicated to work & the NM Legendary Christmas Book Window Unveiling {my little baby}, as of late. Yep, Christmas starts early in retail... try early as in, last February. How I don't turn into a grinch by the time December rolls around is still a mystery to me!