Houseplants and Donuts

I woke up with a huge hankering for a stroll around our neighborhood. You know...it's Sunday morning; it's cheerfully bright; it's crisp and refreshing; and....

It's blanketed in 4 inches of unexpected snow.

Ok, so no walk.

BUT instead of a Sunday morning walk, why not venture out into the winter wonderland via le Trooper and continue my hunt for a houseplant?

My thoughts exactly. There was absolutely no sound reason to stay home. Icy roads and frigid temperatures are nothing against my zealous desire to either a) build a terrarium or b) at least have a beautiful houseplant.

I lassoed Red into partnering with me on this escapade and off we went to the wonderful, marvelous, magically curated Bowood Farms Greenhouse and Gift shoppe in the Central West End.

Wandering the aisles of house plants, terrarium finds, and air plants, I was certain to find what I longed for: an Oxalis.

Didn't happen.

But, I did get to experience Bowood Farms in an excellent way. As you enter through their chartreuse front doors, you are transplanted into another world. They have an excellent selection of house plants but also carry distinctive gifts and accents for the home and garden.

It honestly felt like a special place....as if I could do anything! That terrarium is in reach, Laura! They even provided inspiration:

Although I didn't find my Oxalis (they will carry them in March in time for St. Patrick's Day), it was a rejuvenating experience to meander through their trove and get ideas for gifts in the future

One of my favorites for a young boy or girl:

Mouse in a box!

After our field-trip to Bowood Farms, Red and I headed home...

Only to be overcome by the need for donuts.

And so, we stopped at World Fair's Donuts.

And the heaven's cried Hallelujah!!

Wow--life was just made a little bit better.

For $2.86 we had 4 donuts (what just happened?!) and a small cup of coffee to wash it down.

People. These donuts are worth the drive. No matter where you are in the St. Louis area, come eat this goodness.

I highly recommend the Buttermilk Cake Donut and Red gives his highest regards to the Classic Glazed.

Now we are home recuperating from a rush of inspiration at Bowood's and a rush of sugar and  inspiration at World's Fair Donuts.

What a great start to the day. Red is reading his book and I'm focusing on getting my mind right for the SuperBowl tonight.

 Really, I'm getting my mind right for all that food.

Cheers to you!

Put some Southwest in your Corner

Camp for Red, this year, has been so very different. Hours off in the afternoon, nights at home, and days off. It has been wonderful!

We decided to take advantage of his off day last Sunday and check out a new place to eat---new to us that is...well, maybe for you too--

It's called Southwest Diner and, big surprise...it's on Southwest Ave in Ellendale (just south of Dogtown)

But the clever part of this name and location is that they also serve southwestern fare!! (whoa.)

Complete with red sauce, green sauce, or if you're from New Mexico: Christmas. Yum.

We walked in and it was packed---to the point where you were invited to sit with strangers. (Dude! why not? What a great way to meet people---over food!)

The moment we entered the restaurant I felt like I was on vacation somewhere else--I kept saying to Red that it reminded me of Colorado--the vibe is so naturally hip and relaxed that you feel immediately at ease.

We waited in line next to a girl who grew up with the owner and she happily gave us tips on ordering while pointing out the owner and his mom (who was in charge of seating).


We ended up at the end of the counter right by the kitchen---surprisingly a calm, quiet place to sit.

Our food was delicious (the breakfast burrito, cornmeal pancakes, and beef enchiladas with red sauce) and we were entertained by the the waiters behind the counter.

Breakfast Burrito--Christmas style

Enchiladas

There may or may not have been a moose noise making moment. (I had no idea that's what a moose sounds like!)

Needless to say, it was a hit. It was fresh and a delightful departure from typical breakfast. We can't wait to return and try more of the menu!

Check it out!

PS--they also serve Tacos at Tower Grove Farmers market---um, this sounds marvelous.

Southwest Diner

6803 Southwest Diner

St. Louis, MO 63143

314.260.7244

website

Staycation

Everyone needs sweet surprises from their loved one.

Red surprised me friday with the "itinerary" for our weekend. (We have been trying to be intentional with our time together.)

I had just finished getting ready to head to our friends' house ( for the best Mexican food we've ever had...ever)...and Red handed me a sheet of paper to read aloud.

It went something like this:

...3:15 pack for the night
3:50 leave for church
6:15 check into hotel ( I love you!!)...

I was floored. We had mentioned this idea in passing a couple of weeks ago but I had not imagined it actually happening!!

After a great dinner of burgers, fries, and shakes at Baileys' Range (recommended to me by my foodie friend Kara)...

We headed to check in at the Marriott at Union Station in downtown STL...it was wonderful.

A night of relaxation and enjoyment.

The weekend came to perfect closure with a pancake breakfast at Uncle Bill's...Red's favorite.

Thanks Love.

Tarts are my Fave.

I just finished spending a wonderful afternoon with my friend Sarah.

Sarah loves Paula Deen.

I love tarts.

With these powers combined----

You get wonderful Paula Deen French Fruit tarts.

Yum.

I actually made this tart a few weeks ago for some friends...well, I actually made it twice. And tweaked the recipe the 2nd time.

So, if you feel like having a little piece of heaven in your mouth...or perhaps you long for the richness of French food...or perhaps both of these things appeal to you...then here you go. It's easy peezy...and it's delicious.

Bon Apetite!

Here is the Original Recipe:

Ingredients:


  Crust:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) butter, softened
• 1.5 cup confectioners' sugar

  Filling:

• 1 (8oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  Glaze:

• 1 (6oz.) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed (I preferred using regular orange juice; less sour)
• 1/4 cup sugar (much less if using orange juice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350F
• In food processor, combine flour, butter, and con. sugar until mixture forms ball.
• Press dough evenly into 12inch tart pan with removable bottom (I used 10 inch, just fine.)
• Poke holes in crust with fork to decrease puffing up.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned; set aside to cool.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together until smooth; spread over cooled crust.
• Cut fruit and place on top of tart according to your heart's desire. Any design is perfect!
• In small saucepan, combine limeade (or oj), sugar, and cornstarch, and cook over medium heat until clear and thick (about 2 mins)... (Mine never got completely clear)
• Brush glaze over fruit. (You will not use all of glaze).
• Store in Fridge...set out 15 mins before serving.

Yum Yum. Enjoy bringing a little bit of France home with you via Paula Deen.

Jack town oh Jack town

I just returned from my final trip of the summer... and it was glorious.

The fabled setting of the book The Help, home of Eudora Welty, the quintessence of the Southern city:

Jackson, Mississippi.

I went down almost 2 weeks ago to spend time with my dear friend Amy who got married July 30th. It was a wondrous affair.

Amy and I

I tend to get very excited about any opportunity I have to return South and spend time with the folks I went to school with.

If you have never been to Jackson, you are missing out. Plain and simple.

Poor Jackson tends to be written off by people visiting there (and by those who have lived there for ages, for that matter) as a Southern  town with nothing to do and not much to offer.

But it just isn't true.

Though people may recognize some of the attributes it offers, they do not seem to give these characteristics the weight they deserve.

So here--though my tasting of the city was small on this trip, are a few highlights of things to do, places to eat, and interesting tidbits of information. (Ok, so I'm not promising anything here--these things just happen to be interesting to me, so I like to think they may be interesting to you.) Neither here, no there.

Let's get started.

My number one area for people to experience is: Fondren (pronounced: Fonderin)

"Pour quoi?" You ask?

Because it is artsy, quirky, unique, reasonable, quaint, and interesting.

It is basically an old street in Jackson that has been rehabbed and turned into a hip area filled with stores, galleries, and restaurants.

It's so cool, in fact, that several street scenes from the movie The Help were shot there.

My favorite find of a store is The Orange Peel, a sweet consignment store that is awesome to dig through---you can literally find anything here.

By anything, I truly mean anything.

They even have housewares...and cool decorating items:

They even have cool wicker beds that inspire you to hang them on the wall instead of using them as sleeping contraptions!...but whatever:

This is art people!!

Needless to say, if you are ever wandering around Jackson and would love to recharge with a great deal, The Orange Peel is an awesome mecca to seek said rejuvenation.

The Orange Peel

422 Mitchell Avenue

601.364.9977

orangepeelinc.net

Continuing on in the same neighborhood, we come to Babalu.

Yes--that's right. Ricky Ricardo's Babalu. Kind of.

(They did celebrate Lucy's 100th birthday this past weekend)

And, they serve Cuban food. Kind of.

They specialize in Tacos and Tapas...so you order lots of delicious small dishes.

Amy and I ordered the heavenly guacamole (they used sun-dried tomatos---what a sweet idea) which they made to order at our table. 

We then ordered two types of tacos--the pork being my favorite:

And the voices said: "Haaaaaaalelujah!"

The taco on the right is the pork--it has a peanut slaw on it--and this yummy cheese--and it changed my life.

(Oh--and a highlight of this eating experience was the birthday celebration next to us for a lady who must of been nearly 80. She was dressed in this gorgeous fire-engine red dress with matching red shoes and her face beautifully made up. She looked like she was out of the 50's.... Oh, and they brought a wine bottle out with a crazy shooting birthday candle in it for her to blow out. It was like having fireworks instead of the lame old regular birthday candles. Super cool...I would have taken a picture, but that would have been awkward.)

But Lucy would have been proud.

Babalu

622 Duling Avenue

601.366.5757

After the wedding on saturday, I got to go away with my dearest Sarah....to the beach!!! Some how we managed not to take any pictures which is silly. 

But I did manage one shot of the beach:

Hello boy who couldn't skinboard.

It was a sweet few days of relaxation. I praise the Lord for Orange Beach! One of our days there, we spent 5 hours on the beach!! We floated, then dried out, floated, then dried out, napped, then floated, etc. It was exactly what was needed in life.

We also got to see some family, eat crazy good crabs, do some shopping at our favorite places, sleep a lot, and of course got to enjoy each other. Every girl needs time with her closest friends.

So here is a calling card of encouragement. Where-ever you are, be there. Experience it and love it. Every place has something unique to offer--and this trip was a great reminder of that.

Sweet Solitude

Sometimes there is nothing sweeter, more refreshing, or more needed then a moment alone.

Or perhaps a few hours alone, as in my case.

Today is a glorious day. The sky fills each picture your eyes take in, and the sun is radiating in every place...if not warming everything it touches.

It's one of those days that looks the perfect 75 degrees but is actually closer to 60.

It's one of those days that needs to be enjoyed...

...by having a personal picnic.

I'm a firm believer in picnics. I feel like I'm always more grounded (no pun intended) after taking the time to prepare and enjoy this delight.

Here are a few of my fondest picnic memories:

1. The English Garden in Munich with my friend Allison. (Sometimes it's worth missing a train, when you get to loll about in a mystical place with a delicious German smorgasborg of expensive groceries that you bought because you couldn't find a more reasonable option....and you get to play with dandelions...and do interpretive movement...)                        hey. don't judge.

We joked that after you blew the dandelion,
whatever was left was how many children you would have.
Wow.

That's overwhelming.

2. Under the Eiffel Tower with Allie in 11th grade, when we were so grandly approached by a midget and his two brothers and told we could be jewelry models..haha...The pizza (Speedy Rabbit) and the ice-cream (Haa-gan Daaz) was awesome. The friendship...and story...is even better.

This is not under the Eiffel Tower.
But it is taken by Allie
And it is at the Trocadero in Paris across from the Eiffel Tower.

Oh to be 17. In Paris.

3. The September 11th memorial in Hattiesburg with Red when we were dating...playing tag and taking some ridiculously cool "action" shots.

Don't even think about asking for a close-up.

3. At my first real concert with Chrissy and her Mom...The Temptations at Wolftrap...where I discovered my love for guacamole.

4. The Blueberry Festival with Rose...where we each bought sun-dried tomato pesto and bread...and couldn't make it home before we had to eat it...so we sat down in the dirt...and got ant bites...but it was worth it because that pesto was out of this world.

5. Every pretty day that I worked in Laurel...I would go to the park and read and eat for my lunch hour...a way to rejuvenate and be energized the rest of the day...

6. And now, today... alone by the Missouri River. Just me, my books, my food, my blanket...

Life is good.

Decapitating a Lamb

Wow. Was that title too graphic?

I actually really like lambs/sheep. Don't be alarmed.

My French family raised sheep. It startled me to discover this when I peeked my head out their kitchen door, looked up, and there was a herd...

...of 3.

I fell in love.

One of my friends from the program gave me a poster of sheep. It's true.

I still have it. Also true.

So, again, let me state I love lambs.

And, well it turns out that according to someone in our small group, eating Lamb cake on Easter is a must have Chicagoan tradition.

(Can anyone out there from Chicago confirm this?)

Yeah, we were all skeptical of this tradition as well.

All said, the lamb looked delicious, and we did not decapitate it. We, instead, slayed it like we would any other cake---by simply slicing it into pieces.

I don't eat coconut, or I'd tell you how delicious it was.

I do, however, eat birds-nests...

Adorable, right? I found the recipe over at Tastykitchen and fell in love. Who says no to butterscotch and peanut-butter?

As you can see, Easter was very special...and full of unique desserts. 

It was sweet to have a group of people to celebrate Christ together.

Gratefully, no animals were hurt during this event.

Now go enjoy your Springtime desserts.

Sunny Day in The Louis

For some reason I think that St. Louis should have a nick name.

And Louis is an obvious choice. And I chose it.

So, yesterday I met up with some gals from my church small group for lunch.

We headed down to The Blues City Deli for a delicious meal in a sweet atmosphere. As the owner says "When you walk in, you're gonna hear the Blues and taste the Blues."

Located down in Soulard (An awesome area to check out if you're coming into town...lots of restaurants, shops, and an incredible farmer's market)... The Blues City Deli is rockin'.

I had an incredibly unhealthy and delicious chili dog topped with cheese and onions, some Zapps "Voodoo" potato chips (right outta Louisiana and straight to your heart...they are incredible...try them.) and an awesome Black Cherry Soda.

Don't be jealous.

After lunch, we decided to head down Cherokee Street and check out a store that Kelli recommended: Retro 101.

This place is incredible. Filled with Vintage clothing, furniture, and other household goods, it is worth taking an hour...at least...to plunder it's troves.

The clothing here seemed to be in extraordinarily good condition. Usually I find some moth holes or a few open seams. I didn't find anything of the sort.

We spent our time there talking about where we would have worn these dresses back in their hay-day...and then talked about having a party where we would rock these frocks.

My vote is for a garden party with a table scape like this one I posted before....and with dresses that make us feel like we could be Lucille Ball's other best friend (Move over Ethel).

I look forward to returning to Cherokee Street--where Antique Row is located.


The parents come into town next week...I think we might be hitting that up.


Get to know Louis real intimate-like.


Bring it.


Also, bring me your vote...garden party in party dresses? Or just garden party? You tell me.

Indulgence is a virtue too, right?

Last night, after church, Red and I met up with some new friends to show us more of St. Louis.

Locals by birth (not re-location)...they are an un-ending source of things to do...places to go...things to eat...everything right up our alley.

We started the night at Vin de Set a rooftop bar and bistro. It is an incredible location around the corner from LaFayette Square and overlooks the city including the Arch and the Brewery.

Specializing in French food, Vin de Set does an incredible job of presenting you French fare in a relaxed and "un-stuffy" way.

We spent 3 hours at dinner enjoying drinks, food, and conversation. It is such a pleasure to experience a new place and for the feeling to be just right. Vin de Set offers up the perfect ambiance for a good time.

Word on the street is that as the weather gets warmer they set up live music on the rooftop---you know just in case the atmosphere wasn't already perfect.

After an awesome dinner ( Both Red and I had the Duck Confit...but the stand-outs were the savory crepes and cheese plate we started the meal with)...we headed to Lafayette Square to the Chocolate Bar.

And, Yes. It was exactly what you think it is. A blend of drinks with dessert...and a side offering of small plates (if dinner wasn't enough)..but really the desserts are the point here.

After scarfing down the complimentary chocolate chip cookies, we had a Bailey's ice-cream Martini...man oh man...

Then for "dessert" (because the drink was not enough my friends..let's remember that we are at the Chocolate Bar)...


I had the Caramel Latte Cheesecake...and it was delectable..

We sat there happily, groggily, and fully indulged.

It was a wonderful night. Both restaurants are worth the trip into the city...and trust me you will be satisfied.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Magical Dining Experience

Do you ever imagine yourself eating a delicious meal in a place sort of like these places?

Or maybe somewhere like this...

I do. All the time. 

When I was studying in France my sophomore year in college, some of my fondest memories were created with my French family down in Nice, FR.

My French parents had a home down on the coast and we met there to spend a week together. It was incredible...we went hiking...exploring through the local markets...ate Moroccan food in a Medieval village...and laid around.

It was wonderful. 

One afternoon I had been attempting to read a French novel they had laying around while wallowing in bed...and well, in reality I just got lost staring out the open window.

When I returned to reality, I could smell the fish cooking that we had bought earlier that morning at the market...I sauntered to the kitchen, my eyes gazing around the room and taking in everything. Ma mere was cooking at the stove and ma pere had just moved the kitchen table outside.

I remember thinking--huh..why not just buy an outdoors table? But what's the point...they aren't there year round and the kitchen table works just fine...so French.

So I wandered outside and sat down with him. He continued to eat his cheese and fruit, and I sat there gazing over the foothills to the glimmer of the sea. It was a dream; truly. I feel blessed to have memories of such an experience...

Years later, eating outside has a magical feel for me. Perhaps not the normal bbq setting, but some others I imagine. 

I hope to one day have a wonderful garden that would readily embrace all al fresco diners or picnickers...I want some magic in my life all the time...

So, imagine my delight when I discovered Outstanding in the Field. 

In turns out dreams can come true...in places like this:

These photos are from outstandinginthefield

.

Outstanding in the Field basically travels all over the world (including, probably driving distance from where you live); sets up tables in beautiful places; brings in world-renowned chefs; feeds you divinely; and satisfies your soul.

To me, this is an experience of a lifetime. Too expensive to do regularly (for most of us), I think that this would be an exceptional gift for celebration.

Dining al fresco is a way to induce freshness into your eating experience...Perhaps you should consider it for this weekend...

Ooo! And perhaps you would like to share with me one of your dreamy al fresco experiences? Please leave it under comments.

Enjoy my dear friends!

Lungemente vive a'limento Italiano!

Tell me it's NOT a good day when it starts with this:

And ends with this:

Ok, so my day didn't go in that order at all, but it did include both of the above delicious food items (that you are currently salivating over right now...its ok, I won't tell)

I had early morning volunteering and was so looking forward to coffee with my new friend, Tiffany, at Shaw's Coffee at The Hill. 

So... I had heard of latte art...but I had never experienced it...

Until now.

I was standing there behind the expresso machine patiently waiting for my cup of joe when I realized that she was taking her time with the froth. Hmmm...I wondered.

I looked at my mug and realized that there was but a humble flower resting itself in my froth. (imagine a bad English accent there).

Froth art is a great start to a new friendship. Tiffany and I were officially set up for success.

We spent the next 2 hours talking about everything---the way you do when you really connect with someone

...and enjoyed our lattes...froth art demolished.

Having not really explored the Hill to its fullest, and having a stomach whose rumbling was becoming very hard to ignore, I ventured to the next door J.Viviano and Son's grocery store to see what they offered.

Dude. They had rows and rows of sauces, pasta, olive oils, spices, cheese, wine...and on and on.

I guess this is to be expected considering it IS an Italian specialty store...

I quickly felt the need to provide myself with a lunch from thus Italian specialty store and came home with these groceries:

"Hello, loves. You have found your way to my home...and no worries, you will soon find your way to my belly."

Ok...so after professing my love to the groceries I fulfilled my promise and helped them make their way to my belly. 

Cooked it. Sauced it. Ate it.

All I have to say is:

Long live Italian food!...and froth art!