the kernel

shop: Orla Kiely (for Target!)

I recently got a new job which is fantastic news excpet for the stress of interviewing/replacing/training/wrapping up/starting over, etc.  I have been on the hunt for a very very long time. So long that, when I go shopping and see a great but overpriced bag, I will say in my head: "That will be my reward for getting a new job."  Afterall, I have to carry all the new work papers in something!  Luckily for my budget though, this hasn't happened very quickly.

This morning I was fantasizing about said new work bag and was looking at these amazing leather bags by Orla Kiely:

And while I tell myself that the classic shape and color is practical, $700 simply is not. Which is too bad, because I've always loved this brand for it's bright pops of color and happy style.  Her signature patterns just put a smile on face. Check out these amazing coffee mugs:

 

I could use a cute mug for the new desk at least right! But while $22 is not $700, this is still on the silly side to me.  So now we are at a very long post about things I can't afford right? But then I remembered, Orla is doing a line for Target! Her limited-time collection includes trays (including a 2-tier one perfect for cupcakes!), tumblers, and yes...mugs! The selection is getting a little slim online but with the whole line starting at $8 (and mugs in pairs), you can bet I'll be headed to my local store for a few items.

read: The Moment

The Moment is a great blog by the New York Times that focuses on fashion, design, travel and food.  For me it's mainly an aspirational blog, as I'm not in the bracket to buy Chanel or fly to New York for fancy dinners.  The photography is great though (i particularly love their behind the scenes shots at fashion shoes) and every once in a while they post a lew budget gem: take a peak at today's article "Cheap Wine? We'll Drink to That."  It's a great list for when you want something a little more impressive than Trader Joe's but are spending less than $20.  They even included a favorite Prosecco.

Cheers!

wear: Shamrock Boutonierres

This Martha Stewart craft is the perfect little spot of green for today and a lot classier than green beer.  Martha makes hers with starched fabric, but for one day use, colored paper would be just as cute....and a lot easier to scrounge up in the office.  Full directions here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

celebrate!: Pi Day (March 14)

That's right, the mathematical constant pi.  If you're serious about Pi Day, you won't just celebrate on 3/14, you'll start at 1:59pm:  3.14159.....

Check out PiDay.org for the official holiday lowdown and then get into the spirit by finding a celebration near you.  In Los Angeles, head over to Machine Project for Pi + Pie.  And yes, really, there are events all over.  For example, the Exploratorium in San Francisco is on it's 21st annual celebration.

And what does one do on Pi Day?  Recite as many places as you can and then have a piece of pie! 

wear: True Shimmer chapstick

Winter weather is really drying me out.  I know all the beauty magazines will tell you to moisturize, exfoliate, re-moisturize, and then put on lipstick, but not all of us have the time for that.  Hence my new favorite: sparkly Chapstick!

I found Botanical Berry at CVS.  It has a berry flavor that is kind of like the LipSmackers you had as a kid. And the pinkish tint is light enough that you won't have to worry about skin tone or needing a mirror to use.  Just put on a little anytime you need.

It turns out there is also a Tropical which looks to have more of a gold than pink tint...I might have to hunt that down if this winter weather is going to persist.

read: Molly and Mel

Yes, We Can? is my new favorite blog to brighten up the work day.  Though it's a blog of chats, it reads the same as a comic strip and will have you laughing with two friends daily banter about their favorite subject: Barack Obama.  The fun is in their predisposition to non-sequitirs and word association:

• molly: so big bar signed the omnibus spending bill
• molly: but he didn't like it.
• mel: i'm going to start doing that for rent checks.
• mel: "I'll sign this over to you, landlord person, but I DON'T LIKE IT."
• molly: the moral victory is really important for you, isn't it?
• mel: it's all i've got these days.
• molly: wow, way to bring it down, eeyore.
• molly: let's talk about the omnibus!
• mel: it's a bus that goes EVERYWHERE!!!

celebrate!: This American Life (March 3)

Ira Glass is 50 today!  Print out a pair of Ira Glass glasses and listen to your favorite segment online or on NPR.

Really want to get in the spirit?  Consider a retro This American Life t-shirt or a donation to your local station.

celebrate!: Dr. Seuss (March 2)

It's Dr. Seuss' birthday!  This is just the happy fact I needed for Monday.  Reread your favorite...if you can pick only one.  I have several but there's a special spot in my heart for the Sneetches.

Still a kid at heart? Play with a crochet Lorax from Reform School (sadly in-store only).  If you're feeling crafty, make your own.

Read more about his life, whether online or his biography.

Should you be a Florida girl, go ride the Seuss Carousel at Islands of Adventure in Orlando.  I love all carousels but this one is a definite highlight, not to mention photographer's dream.  Check out this great happy shot from Lessa Weaver's flickr.

His characters just can't help but make me smile.  Even Google is getting in the spirit of brightening up your computer:

wear: Anthropologie (Beverly Hills only!)

I took a little work-related hiatus and now I am back with a very limited post.  However, this is too good not to share with the local ladies!  I love Anthropologie's clothes and home goods but I frequently fall in love with things that are well over $100.

However, the Beverly Hills store is moving 2 blocks this weekend from 320 N. Beverly Drive to just south of Wilshire.  In anticipation of moving all the inventory they're having a one-store only sale of 40% off of sale items!

I snagged a great little work dress for only $25...a first for Anthropologie for me.  There are also assorted picture frames and tea cup and saucer sets for under $10. Get over there while it lasts!

make: easy Italian

I was fortunate to go on a family trip to Sicily this summer and you better believe I brought some souvenirs home with me.  My lovely bottle of Grillo has been languishing in my fridge while I made plans for an authentic Italian dinner.  I finally called friends this weekend and I should have ages ago: the dinner was so good, and it was also so easy. Note to self: do this again soon!

My souvenir Grillo!  For a full dinner we started with a simple salad (herb mix greens, romano cheese, dressing--all Trader Joe's)

No matter where you are buying your wine, this is a dinner you can impress with without going too far out of your way (or out of the country!).  Your guests will be impressed but you'll barely spend more effort than making Kraft macaroni: boil water, cook pasta, stir in extras.

 

Artichokes, Capers, Olives, Lemon Zest and Italian Tuna on Pasta Shells

While the ingredients sound fancy (artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives), I found everything I needed just at Trader Joe's which means this is a nice dinner that won't break the bank. For some reason mine was out of pasta shells, so we substituted fusili and that worked just fine.  Almost any pasta will do but a thick shape (shells, penne or pennette, fusili, etc) will scoop up the toppings better than a thin one (spaghetti, etc).  One last positive: everything except the lemons are not perishable items.  Keep the jars in your pantry and you can whip up a meal whenever you get the urge or have impromptu company.  Here's the recipe, posted on Epicurious:

Artichokes, Capers, Olives, Lemon Zest and Italian Tuna on Pasta Shells

1 lb small pasta shells

Salsa Cruda:

• 1 (6-ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/4 cup drained and rinsed capers
• 1/2 cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 (6 1/2 ounce) cans imported Italian tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a 10-quart pot, bring water to a brisk boil. Add salt and stir in the pasta shells. When the water returns to a boil, begin timing and cook al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. Transfer the shells to a large serving bowl. Stir in the reserved pasta water to keep the pasta from sticking to itself. Pasta continues to cook and absorb water even when it has been drained. Add in the salsa cruda ingredients and toss.

Epicurious took the recipe from a book called Stylish One-Dish Dinners which sounds like something I'll definitely need to look for on my next library trip.

Note: cooking for yourself?  Make a full batch and you'll have some great lunch leftovers.  Otherwise, the recipe is pretty easy to half.  Use only one can of tuna and keep the remaining artichoke hearts and olives in the fridge for use in salads, omelets, etc.

Advanced:Use extra lemons to make a cake for dessert.  I added lemon zest to a simple poundcake and it was the perfect match for Italian lemoncello.