Story of my life

I feel like whoever is writing these is following me. With the exception of number 1 and number 6.

My problems with number 1: If you have a job, you can find an envelope, and a pen, and a piece of paper. If you live in any sort of city, you can find a Duane Reade or a CVS, and they sell stamps. And if you live in America, there is a mail box on every street corner. If you wanted to accomplish all of those things at once, you could just find a post office. I might be wrong, but I've heard each town has one.

As far as number 6 goes, I just mock people who WrITe LiKE tHiS. iT dRiVeS mE nUtS. As a matter of facts, R used to have to do a publication for work every month and the title of the publication was written like that. It drove the both of us nuts. And with abreviations, I'm ok with them, as long as its not in your verbal conversations. You sound like a moron if you're talking (out loud) to someone and are all "like totes, that would obvi be fine." Don't get me wrong, it's in my daily g-chat convo's, but I totes wouldn't be caught dead speaking in person to someone like that. (See what I did there).

peaceloveandtwentysomething.

C

Happy Happy!

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the #1 Mom out there! (Seriously, she's the best). Happy bday ML!

peaceloveandML.

C

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

You're only a day away!!!!!!!!!!!

The day has finally come! Tomorrow after work I am heading to Newark airport, and hopping on a plane to Scotland.

First stop, Edinburgh.


Next, we're heading to Inverness.

And ending our trip in London.


I know nothing about Scotland, except that it is the Home of Golf and the Loch Ness Monster.

And having been to London a handfull of times already, I am excited to explore the city with the family and not have to worry about hitting up the essential tourist spots (or riding on The Original Tour sightseeing bus for the 6th time). I will, however, be stopping in Buckingham Palace to dote over Kate Middleton's wedding gown. And my ginger radar will be kicked into full gear as I go on the hunt for Prince Harry.

So, here's to hoping I get a hole in one, meet Nessie, and come home a Royal (or never leave!).

peaceloveandUK.

C

YOLO

This old lady YOLO's with the best of 'em...



I can only hope to live to 90 and still be as active as she is! More power to ya, Estelle.

peaceloveandYOLO.

C

I swear it's cute!

Next weekend I am headed to Maine for my friends CS and DF's wedding! I am super pumped. Obviously, it was time to buy a new party dress. Planning on wearing this awesome purple Shoshanna dress to the wedding. Personally, I don't think the model looks too hot in this pic (no offense), but I swear the dress is cute.

peaceloveandweddings.

R

You can never have too many bags.

I'm jetting off to Michigan for the weekend on Saturday morning (quick trip!) and would love to be able to pack in this J.McLaughlin bag!

Monogrammed, obviously. So cute.

peaceloveandbags.

R

The new planking?

Looks like we've taken planking to a more seasonal activity. The Leisure Dive.

I'd love to see C-Mac take this past time into action!

peaceloveandleisure.

C

This was surprising.

J.Lo and Marc Anthony split - was not expecting that actually.


peaceloveandbye.

R

Switz

A few snapshots from our INCREDIBLE trip in Switzerland.







peaceloveandfamily.

R

Fresh Start !

I will definitely post a few pics this week from my family's amazing trip to Switzerland, but for now I am focused on getting organized for the week. Grocery, laundry, preparing lunch for tomorrow and a good workout were all on the agenda today and I am happy to say I can check all of them off and it's not even 4 p.m. yet! I love productive Sundays. Hah.

I have been wanting to try Gwyneth's Detox for a while now, but was a little intimidated by it - even just the word "detox" kinda freaks me out. While eating breakfast at Whole Foods this morning, I decided I would make a few recipes from her detox, while not adhering to it religiously.

So!

Lunch for the next two days will be the Salad with Ginger and Carrot Dressing. I made it earlier today and tasted the dressing - YUM - it's really really good with lots of flavor.

Dressing:

• 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 large shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon sweet white miso
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seed oil
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Salad:

head of baby gem lettuce (or any greens), roughly cut

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 avocado, diced

Pulse the carrot, shallot and ginger in a blender until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides, add the miso, vinegar and sesame seed oil and whiz together. While the blender is going, slowly drizzle in the grapeseed oil and the water.

Combine the lettuce, onion and avocado in a bowl, drizzle with plenty of dressing and serve.

Bringing this salad for lunch to work is going to help with the Monday-back-from-vacation blues I think (or at least I hope. . .). We'll see!

peaceloveandkindadetox.

R

The big 2-5 part deux.

Since R is not here to obnoxiously post the word "twAAAAAAAns" all over this page, I thought I would take the privelege of wishing HHS the happiest of 25th birthdays!

And since HHS took my request seriously last year about moving to NYC so she could celebrate her bday with me, I will be celebrating on Saturday with the questionable child in the above picture (she maybe have been going through an identity crisis at the time...not quite sure!).

peaceloveandhappy!

C

The big 2-5!

Our little R crosses over into the second quarter of her life! Happy Happy Birthday R! (R will see this in a week since she has rudely left the country to go on a biking trip in Switzerland...and didn't invite me.)

Hope you have a fabulous day, and your butt doesn't hurt too much from the bike seat!

peaceloveandR.

C

pocket change.

No big deal. Just a $520.00 Missoni four-wick candle for your coffee table.

And if that doesn't satisfy you, you could always get Missoni's Gomitolo set of three candles for only $55.00 more!

And the best part? They're scentless! It's like melting money!

peaceloveandabsurd.

C

Long time no see.

Um HI.

I know I have been totally MIA this past month (or two). Moved, started a new job, travels, etc. etc. etc. SORRS !

I am back for a sec to bring you the delicious dinner I made with P last night! Hah. This recipe has been on my mind for quite some time (I meannnn look at that picture!) and I finally made it last night.

Mozzarella with Prociutto and Broccoli Rabe.

Ingredients

8 thin slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup olive oil
12 ounces broccoli rabe (about 1 bunch) I used arugula.

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 sandwich-size slices Italian bread (or use pain au levain or sourdough)
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced if water-packed; otherwise coarsely grated

Directions

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and line a plate with paper towels.
2. Add the prosciutto slices to the skillet (you made need to do this in batches) and cook until browned and crisp, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to the paper towels to drain. The prosciutto will become crisper as it cools.
3. Use the same pan to sautee the arugula - just a few minutes on the heat will do the trick.
4. To assemble: Brush the remaining oil on one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices of bread, oil side down, on your work surface. Distribute the broccoli rabe and follow with the prosciutto. Pile the cheese on top, compressing it with your hand if necessary, and top with the remaining bread slices, oil side up.
5. For stovetop method: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are well browned.
6. Remove the cover, turn the sandwiches once more, and press firmly with the spatula once again. Cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted completely. Remove from the pan and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut in half and serve.

Obviously a grilled cheese needs a little soup on the side. HLR sent me Giada's Asparagus Soup recipe a while back, so I decided to pair that with our deeeelsih grilled cheese. Since it was just the two of us, I cut the recipe in half (the recipe below is the full serving).

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large leek (white and light green part only), thinly sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 pounds medium asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Special equipment: a 1/2-ounce cookie or ice cream scoop

Directions

Soup: In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring constantly until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the broth, asparagus and basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 15 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Keep the soup warm over low heat.

To serve: Ladle the soup into shallow bowls and garnish with goat cheese.

Cook's Note: The soup can also be pureed by ladling, in batches, into a food processor or blender and blended until smooth. That's what I did.

I would say that I am back in action on COTPG, but I am off to Switzerland tomorrow with the fam!

Back in a week. . .

peaceloveandgchat.

R

So dumb.

A little Antoine Dobson throwback thanks to Casey Anthony (and her 1990's comparison).

peaceloveandrunandtellthat.

C&R

Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

For those of you that know me, you know that my all time favorite holiday is the Fourth of July! And with it coming up in ONE week, I have been thinking about all of the Red, White and Blue options to pack in my suitcase. While most of my wardrobe for summer is navy/white, it hasn't been too difficult to come up with some things to wear, but there are some great patriotic/nautical ensembles out there this summer that cannot go without noticing!

Some fun, cocktail dresses:

Young Fabulous & Broke

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Thread

And we all know my suitcase will not be without a maxi dress or two (or 5):

Milly

J. Crew

Velvet

This Marc by Marc Jacobs swimsuit is great. Not only is it one-shouldered (love it!), but it is reversible!:



Just bought this beach bag at Anthro! It's enormous and perfect for fitting everything one would need for the beach:

And I have been DYING for these Tory Burch shoes since I first saw them on Habitually Chic back in Feburary! ACW bought them, and while I am still obsessed, I legitimately wouldn't make it out of my room in them. They are easily 5 inches tall. More like stilts than shoes. So envious of those that can handle this shoe. Perhaps I could saw a few inches off?

peaceloveandgodblessamerica.


C

Summer Lovin'

It's hard to believe that it's that time of year again. Time for pool parties, BBQ's and beaches.

Let the fun begin (slash continue)!

peaceloveandsummer.

C

Can't Come Soon Enough

Gov Ball is in 24 hours. I feel like it's Christmas. HLR (and GPG) are heading up for the weekend for the concert. We are fully prepared to be decked out in neon flare to the max, and look as ridiculous as we possibly can (nothing a few drinks can't accomplish).

We forgot to invite R out for the weekend. Now it's awkward. Sorry, R.

I have a feeling we will easily get lost, so I plan on spending my afternoon printing out the following map and laminating it to have with me at all times. C-Mac, I suggest you get it tattooed to your wrist. Just a thought.

peaceloveandkillinit.

C

Can she be more perf??

A-P.

peaceloveandstyle.

R

Mini Lamb

After a busy busy first day at work, I was excited to get home and cook a yummy dinner. I invited P over for Real Simple's Spiced Mini Burgers with Couscous. (I love the cous.)

I actually substituted the ground beef with ground lamb (my favorite meat!) and instead of hummus, whipped up Real Simple's Tzatziki to go with our lamb. So good and SO easy!

For the lamb burgers:

Ingredients
1 10-ounce box couscous (1 1/2 cups)
1 pound ground lamb
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
kosher salt and black pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 scallions, sliced
4 plum tomatoes, quartered
1 seedless cucumber, cut into half-moons
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Tzatziki

Directions
- Place the couscous in a large bowl and pour 1½ cups hot tap water over the top. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
- Form the beef into 12 small ½-inch-thick patties. Sprinkle with the cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook to the desired doneness, 4 minutes per side for medium.
- Toss the couscous with the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, lemon juice, remaining oil, 1¼ teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

For the tzatziki:

Ingredients
1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup grated cucumber
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped

Directions
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, dill, cucumber, and garlic.

We clearly had leftovers. . .lunch tomorrow! Woohoo.

peaceloveandgchat.

R

:(

C speaks the truth. For the next two weeks, I will be totally out of commission.

SAD FACE.

I have alerted C and HLR that they better be saving links to clothes, funny articles, facebook news and overall amazing things I am missing on the world wide web for when I'm in BACK IN ACTION!

Until then. . .

peaceloveandgchat.

R

MIZ.

R just started a new job today. And for the next two weeks is shadowing the person she is replacing. Shadowing=no computer. For two weeks. I wonder if she will survive....

peaceloveandnogchatforR.

C

happy birthday gals!

MK&A.

Twans!

peaceloveandgchat.

R

These shoes were made for walking

In 12 days I start my new job (! ! ! !). This means the end of commuting via car, and the beginning of 30 minute walks to work (cannot wait). This also means I have been looking for walking shoes. Most days I think I'll be ok in flats or Jack's, but on the days I want to wear wedges or something, I think I'll want to slip into something a little more comfortable.

C would really like to see me sporting these:

Typical.

OBVIOUSLY that's not happening. Maybe these are some good options?

Puma Speeder.

Nike Tenkay.

Asics Gel Spree.

Keds Champions. Good ol' Keds.

Keds Slip-Ons. Hah, take me back to my youth.

I just don't know if I'm going to look like a turd walking to work in a dress or skirt with tennies. . .

Thoughts?

peaceloveandwalking.

R

Hmm. Zara this weekend?

Might have to.

Strapless Dress.

Striped Tunic.

Skinny Trousers.

Jump-Suit with Stars. Random, but I weirdly love this. . .

Then again, might have to wait til my next paycheck.

peaceloveandgchat.

R