5 Culinary School Secrets Everyone Should Know

I was catching up on the blogosphere today and found some great cooking advice from the site, the everygirl. Jennie lussow, the sites food editor, is a trained-chef with a culinary degree from kendall college. Her passion for food was always present but not until she honed her skills and graduated culinary school, did she learn some tips and tricks that all home-chefs could appreciate. So without further adieu...

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1. mise in place - from the french term, “things in place". This term is all about planning and prepping your meal... having all your ingredients prepped, measured and ready to use before you start cooking your dish. 

2. work flow - if you are following a recipe, read it all the way through a couple of times before you start cooking. Visualize each step, make sure you have your mise in place ready to go and know how long the recipe is going to take you to complete... before you start. 

3. knife skills - The first thing they talk about on day one at culinary school is knife skills. The most important thing to have in the kitchen is a sharp chef’s knife.  I also suggest taking a knife skills class to learn basic cutting techniques —dicing, mincing, slicing, julienne, etc. If you hone your knife skills, it will save you loads of time doing tedious prep work. 

4. seasoning - Properly seasoned food is what separates the amateurs from the pros. I keep a small bowl of kosher salt and a pepper mill right next to my stove. Start by seasoning lightly at the beginning of the cooking process (if you wait to season at the end the food will only taste salty, not seasoned) and taste as you go. Take a small pinch of salt between your fingers and season from up high to help distribute the salt evenly over the food. 

5. managing the pan - give your pan and oil enough time to reheat. If the food doesn't sizzle when you put it in the pan, take it out and give it another minute to heat up. Also, don't overcrowd the pan by putting too much food in at once. Lastly, resist the urge to constantly stir or flip your food; everything needs time to be in contact with the pan to develop the color and crust you are after.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself in 2015

A new year is all about reflection. I also find myself doing this at the end of a season or quarter. Spring is nearly here which has me excited for all things new + fresh, but also a bit nostalgic to the past. I found an article from amy c. about the 10 questions you need to ask yourself in 2015 which hit home for me as I was reflecting on the year so far. I love her thought process on evaluating our lifestyles and searching for fulfillment. 

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1. What type of human do you want to be? What values define you? How do you make people feel? The only thing people will ever remember about you - how you made them feel.

2. Will you keep your hear and mind open? Life is tough and it can be challenging to not let the hardships wear you down. The more walls you build around your vulnerability and authenticity, the further away you distance yourself from joy.

3. Is the decision you are about to make going to feed your ego or enrich your soul? Our egos have an insatiable appetite and can deplete our light; often times leaving us left feeling empty, unfulfilled or insecure.

4. Will you accept mediocrity or strive for greatness? Would you rather fall a thousand times in an attempt to achieve greatness than to walk unscathed on the road of mediocrity? Nothing great in life has been the result of minimal effort and mediocre company.

5. Will you take a risk? Indecisiveness is an apathetic habit of our culture. We live in a world of infinite options and consequently a prevailing anxiety of 'fear of missing out'. But there is a maturity and courage that comes from making a commitment. Commitments takes discipline and require integrity. 

6. Will you avoid pain, and at what cost? Life is too short and too full of potential to waste days on average experiences and meaningless interactions. Connect. Give. Go ahead, get your hopes up. If you dull your ability to feel the bad, you dull your ability to feel the good.

7. Will you allow anxiety to rule you? Would you rather live life through a lens that sees the world as one that is beautiful and kind, instead of being in a state of constant defense, layered with armor to product from what may, or may not happen. Give yourself the permission to enjoy the present.

8. Is your story serving you? We are a sum of the stories we chose to believe and if that story is negative, rooted in insecurity and a place of lack, then that is what we will take out of every experience and person we encounter. What narrative is running your life? Is the story you believe in serving you? When you change the narrative, you change the outcome.

9. Will you be a force of beauty? Be beautiful. Be a person who acts with grace and integrity even when your emotions are challenged. Put your heart fully in how you do life - your relationships, your work, your hobbies.

10. Love or fear? When in doubt, choose love. Love wins. Love always wins. 

check out the full article here.

10 Things Every Woman in Her Thirties Should Know

I hit my 30s just over a year and a half ago and leading up to my big 3-0 birthday, I did have quite a bit of fear and trepedation of what the next decade would hold. However, I can honestly say I have been loving my 30s and the sense of self I have settled into. So, when I saw lauren conrad's 10 things every woman in her thirties should know when scrolling through my pinterest, I immediately clicked to read on. And now... shocker, I am sharing her words of wisdom with you now.

1. There’s Plenty of Time. Don’t panic. You still have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do with your life. Lots of people think that by 30, you are supposed to have it all figured out. I disagree. You have so much time to figure out if your career is right for you. Or if your significant other is the one you want to walk down the aisle with. Or even if you want to have some babies with that person.

2. It’s Not All About The Money. I wish that when I was in my 20’s I knew that my happiness and friendships and love (all of those things that make life great) are more important than the number on your paycheck. But, if you’re miserable at work but are justifying it because of some sort of prestigious title or exorbitant salary, I would recommend reevaluating. And maybe even making a change.

3. Relationships Are Everything. The people you love are the most important things in your life. So keep up those friendships, call your parents, and tell your besties how much you love them regularly. They are the ones that will help you through the bad times, and party with you when there’s something to celebrate.

4. This Too Shall Pass. This is a mantra that I say to myself on a daily basis. And it’s not just when I’m going through something difficult. A good friend taught me that this saying not only helps you through the hard times, but also makes you appreciate when things are really, really good. Because knowing that something amazing is going to be over makes you appreciate that happy moment even more.

5. All You Have to Do Is Ask. Do you want a raise? Do you want to know where your relationship is going? Are you curious as to how many calories are in those glass noodles? Often times, if you simply ask for what you want, you’ll get it. And if you don’t, at least you’ll have some clarity into the situation. For more on this, read my post about asking for what you want. 

6. Give Back. It will make your life better. And it will make other people’s lives better. Being of service to someone in need is probably the most important thing that all of us can do. There is nothing more rewarding than lending a helping hand. 

7. Stop Comparing. This is a tough one to follow, but it’s important for all of us to stop comparing ourselves to others. Everyone is on a different timeline. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Everyone wishes they had something that someone else has. Comparing yourself to others is a vicious, never-ending cycle. So stop wishing you had someone else’s hair or job or boyfriend, and start loving all of the amazing things that you do have. 

8. Be Kind. It’s much more important than being right, or having the last word. What’s the point in proving to someone that you know the answers when it’s going to cause a riff between you? Why not just be kind and humble, instead of insisting that you’re right? Trust me on this one: It feels much better to be close with someone than to prove them wrong. 

9. Balance Your Budget. By the time you hit 30, it’s important to know how to manage your money. Build up your credit, start a 401k or IRA account, and check your balances on a regular basis. 

10. You are loved. This one isn’t necessarily only for those 30-somethings. It’s for every single person out there. You are loved and I hope you know it!

Quote of the Day

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Last week I shared my holiday gift guide which was the kickoff to some seasonally appropriate posts leading up to christmas. I have some great posts in the works so make sure you are checking back frequently. Today's quote is from the insanely creative, lindsay letters. Her typography is gorgeous and this print is probably one of your favorites, as well as mine, from the movie elf. 

If you are feeling extra festive today, don't forget to check out previous years' holiday posts...

my favorite christmas movies.

2013 christmas card.

diy potted trees.

2013 christmas wrap up.

what to wear on christmas.

2012 christmas wrap up.

Weekend Update

October is officially over. Halloween has come and went. The festivities of fall are drawing to a close as colder temperatures start settling in. Oh but what a glorious month it was! October finished on a high note; halloween festivities, some very good news for ryan + I (more on that this week!) and quality time with our family.

I stayed in my gretchen wieners costume for phil + sara's halloween party on friday. Ryan went as a pirate and the night was spent playing card games and having tons of fun with our friends. Saturday we went to lunch at cherry creek grill with my parents and it was just perfect; wonderful food, great company and endless conversation. The friendship I have developed with my parents as an adult is something I value so much and it makes the time we spend together that much more meaningful to me.

Sunday we  met up with ryan's brother luke at view house for sunday football. Unfortunately we watched the broncos lose to the patriots which was not the outcome we were hoping for. Nonetheless, we had a blast eating bar food, drinking beers and hanging out together. 

Steamboat // #Dreamboat

My weekend in steamboat was seriously one of the high-points of my summer. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with not only the biggest and best hug from my bestie beth but also by my favorite champagne! Beth and I had friday night to ourselves and we made the most of it by hopping around town for steamboat's first friday art walk and then cocktails + dinner at aurum... oh and also a full dose of laughs, conversation, stories and smiles.

Beth's boyfriend hunter worked late on friday but was up and ready to join us on saturday. We went to one of my favorite breakfast spots (from previous visits to steamboat) freshies to fuel-up before we hit the trail-head for a hike. Just as I remembered, freshies did not disappoint and I even got to enjoy some fresh chanterelle mushrooms in my scramble that were forged right in steamboat. Excuse me for a moment while I geek-out on this.

We headed out to sarvis creek, an off-the-beaten-path area between steamboat and stagecoach which was covered in hiking trails. Our 5 mile hike was a bit muddy starting out due to the intense rain fall in steamboat over the past few weeks but dried up after the sunshine made its way in. The trees are just starting to change colors too which got me excited for fall. Hints of orange, yellow and red were hiding all along our hike and just made me smile.

Saturday night we attended a farm-to-table dinner hosted by butcherknife brewery and harwigs, a local restaurant in the area. The 6-course dinner featured ingredients that were 100% raised or grown in steamboat and each course was perfectly paired with a brew from butcherknife. Beth, hunter and I had an amazing time and the evening was awesome, down to the smallest of detail. We even got to take the stunning flower centerpieces home with us which was an event in and of itself. After dinner we wrapped up the evening with drinks at some of beth + hunter's favorite places, the laundry and barley. Seriously, the night left me with a full belly, a smile on my face and an extremely full heart.

I didn't want sunday to come as I knew this meant my departure from not only a beautiful town that I got to see from a completely different perspective than any visit before, but it meant I would be leaving my best friend. I sat at the counter in the kitchen as beth put together an awesome breakfast and just soaked in every last minute, conversation, laugh and smile with her before I had to leave.

Friends like beth make you feel alive and whole, like when you are together, everything just makes sense; I think that is the hardest part about us not living in the same city. However, the recharge to my system after a few days together, was exactly what I needed and that is what I focused on during my drive back to denver.

Steamboat, you were good, real good and I will hold this trip near to my heart for a very long time.

Hut, Hut... Hike

Tonight kicks off the regular season for my home team, the denver broncos. The streets will be flooded in orange, navy and white as we cheer on our boys who will be taking on the colts for #sundaynightfootball. I am of course pumped for another season of tailgating, followed by watching all the games with family + friends. And, to look the part, here is a roundup of my favorite broncos gear for the season.

(clockwise from top left:  tee  /  nail lacquer  /  scarf (no longer available)  /  hair ties  /  jacket  /  convertible mittens  /  sunglasses  /  beanie  /  boots)

Also, if you have not checked out her fantasy football, you are missing out. It's an awesome weekly pod-cast hosted by some of the most well-versed and football-crazed fans I know, who just happen to be women. These ladies sure do know their shit when it comes to draft picks for fantasy football, weekly stats, teams, players, coaches... I could go on. Her fantasy football was just picked up by espnw (yep, as in ESPN!!!) so if you call yourself a football fan, you better check them out.

Let's go broncos!

Winner Winner // East Dane

Hooray to me... that sounds bad but I just had to share some exciting news in my world. I won breakfast at toast's giveaway last week from east dane (check out here post here)! For those of you who have not previously heard of east dane, they have a great curated collection of mens fashions that are sure to make any gent look modern, fresh and approachable. I cannot wait to get ryan something really nice for the summer... maybe a weekender bag, a fabulous pair of suede loafers or an extra pair of swim shorts.

(weekender bag  /  sunglasses  /  tank  /  slip on  /  dopp kit  /  candle  /  swim short)

Thank you to danielle from breakfast at toast, I am super excited and thankful for this fun giveaway!

How To // Summer

Just the other day I wrote out my top 10 summer to-do's and then guess what... this morning I stumbled across this super cute how to summer list from you are my fave. I love the idea of ryan and I writing out all the things we want to go, make, do and eat then work our way though the list... checking items off as we complete them. 

My first addition would be to sample my way though all the best ice cream shops in denver!

How to Reheat Leftovers // Bon Appetit

What is the best way to heat up last night's pasta or the cold pizza from earlier in the week? Bon appetit recently shared their the tips and tricks to heat up some of the most common leftovers in your fridge. I can honestly say I was surprised by many of them and was doing my food little justice by just throwing it in the microwave.

Pizza: heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Drop your slice in (dough side down), then cover the pan for about 3–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Then uncover and cook until the crust is crispy, about 2–3 minutes more.

Steak and chicken: you must go into reheating steak or chicken knowing that they'll never taste like they did the night before. But it can still be good—just different. Chop or tear the meat into smaller bits. Heat a skillet over medium-high with a splash of oil, then sauté the meat until it's warmed through, about 4–5 minutes. 

Pasta: honestly, we like to eat pasta cold. If you must eat it hot, gently warmed in the microwave is the way to go. If reheating lasagna, however, do as new york's del posto does: Cut it, then pan-fry the cut sides till they're crispy.

Eggs: do not reheat eggs. Repeat: DO NOT REHEAT THEM. If they're in a frittata, just slice it and eat it cold.

Veggies: as with meat, you need to know you'll never get vegetables' crispy, snappy texture back when you reheat them. Give them the same treatment as your chicken or steak: sautéed in a little oil until just hot.

For the rest bon appetit's tips on reheating leftovers, click here to read the full article. All images via bon appetit.

10 Small Ways to Improve Your Kitchen

The winter months beg for home cooked meals; slow-cooked soups, roasted dishes and savory stews that warm you up from the inside. I love staying in this time of year and cooking delicious meals while in my pj's. I feel like I test out a lot more recipes in the winter and am constantly making a mess in the process, but hey... that's part of the fun in cooking. 

I recently read a great article on the kitchn that I want to follow a bit closer to help with my kitchen's efficiency. The 10 small ways to improve your kitchen in 2014 had some great tips to stay organized, keep your tools up-to-snuff and maximizing your space. Personally, I have a decent-sized kitchen but with a horrible layout which leaves me with very little counter space and tricky storage (I guess that is part of the charm in my 1922 house). So, I am hoping these tips will calm my nerves the next time I am making an ina garten recipe that calls for chopping, sautéing, boiling and cleaning chicken all at the same time.

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1. Label your pantry jars. When the pantry becomes easier to navigate, so does your life in the kitchen.

2. Reorganize your measuring spoons. If you have more than one set of measuring spoons, don't keep them all piled up together in the drawer divider. Instead, give the teaspoons and tablespoons their own little compartment. 

3. Oil your cutting boards. Considering they're such a major workhorse in the kitchen, it's worth it to take good care of them so they last a long time.

4. Clean your knives properly. Like the cutting boards above, we wouldn't be anywhere without our knives, so it's worth learning the proper way to clean and care for them.

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5. Tiny kitchen? Maximize your counter space. if you find yourself frequently frustrated by your lack of adequate countertop space, there are diy solutions to add space such as cutting board burner covers.

6. Rethink (and maybe redo) your cookware storage. Pots, pans, cookie sheets...they're essential, but they take up a lot of room. If you're not satisfied with your current storage setup, find a new solution. 

7. Light it up! Lighting makes a huge difference. You can install under-cabinet lights or just bring in a swing-arm task lamp if nothing else. 

8. Don't be a refrigerator bag lady. I'm still not perfect, but life in the kitchen is so much better when I open my fridge and see properly washed, prepped, and packaged greens and vegetables. 

9. Buy a fire extinguisher. If you haven't done this, now is the time! 

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10. Pick one thing to prettify. January is a great time to do something a little special for your kitchen such as a big clock to hang over the door, a pretty tea towel, or some nice-smelling dish soap.

Click here to read the full article including links for diys and additional info to get your kitchen ready for your next big meal.

Weekend Update

Happy hump day. I am yet again writing my weekend recap on a wednesday, my apologies. I guess the days just escape me sometimes. You could sum up my weekend in one small word: family. I think friday through sunday was filled with all those I love so much and I could not have been happier.

On friday night my sister, ryan and I headed out to ace eat serve to enjoy some asian inspired dishes and a few cocktails. Side note, the braised short rib bao bun was out of this world and the mongolian beef was chalked full of ginger and tons of crunchy veggies... delish. After dinner we had a cocktail at the central and then braved the cold weather home for a good night's sleep.

We woke up on saturday to a blanket of snow covering everything and freezing cold temperatures. Ryan made me nespresso in bed and we lounged around for most of the morning. In the afternoon we drove over to my in-laws for a delicious german dinner made by krista, jello jigglers, card games and tons of fun with my nieces. 

Sunday we got up and headed over to our friend phil's new house to watch some football. We had a great time but had to leave after the game so ryan could get some work done. I made good use of my time and stopped into whole foods to pick up all the ingredients for our cleanse and then went home to have a night in with ryan and rocco. 

It was freezing all weekend but I hardly noticed with all the love, fun and family around me. Hope you had a good one too. Just think... only 2 days until this coming weekend. 

Cleansing

One of my 2014 goals is to do a cleanse and today is the kick-off to my week long detox. I took some time to research the type of cleanse I wanted to do because this is my first go at anything like this.

I had a couple small requirements while researching... 

 -  there needs to be some variety in what you eat each day 

 -  it cannot be an all-juice diet 

 -  it cannot require buying supplements/pills to make up for a lack of food

(clockwise from top left:  walnut + lentil dip  /  broccoli + arugula soup  /  quinoa stuffed kabocha squash  /  balsamic miso root salad)

I love to eat and I do not believe a cleanse needs to be a week of starvation. So, in the end I decided on gwyneth paltrow's winter detox from her website goop. With the help from dr. alejandro junger, who is a dietitian, the detox gwyneth created focuses on lean proteins and tons of veggies while avoiding dairy, gluten, shellfish, all things processed, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), condiments, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and soda.  Geesh! You might think... well then what are you eating?!?! Luckily I can say quite a bit.

(clockwise from top left:  poached salmon + greens  /  pan-steamed chicken and broccoli  /  chai gingerbread shake  /  teriyaki chicken  /  salad with carrot + ginger dressing  /  blueberry + almond smoothie  /  roasted + clean carrot soup) 

Over the next five days I will be filling my body with protein and produce-rich smoothies, tons of herbal tea, vibrant salads with homemade dressings, h2o, warm soup and light dinners that are primarily protein and veggies. I am going to keep up my yoga practice and aim to go every night after work. My goal with this cleanse is to reset my system and rid-myself of lingering toxins. I will update you along the way to let you know what I think. 

Wish me luck guys, I am going to need all the support I can get.

Merry and Bright

Merry christmas my lovely readers!

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I wanted to leave a quick note on my blog today to wish all of you a beautiful holiday, no matter what your plans may be. In true holiday fashion, ryan and I will be making our way around town to spend time with both of our families. It is a lot in one day but I could not be more grateful that I can watch my nieces open gifts in the morning, have christmas dinner with my family in the afternoon and then play cards and sip cocktails with ryan's family late into the evening. 

I saw this awesome diy from a beautiful mess and it instantly made me smile. Next year I might have to hit up home depot and make my very own merry and bright marquee sign for my home. Click here for the simple step-by-step instructions.

Again, merry christmas. I hope your day is merry and bright!

Guest Blogger // Cardigan Junkie

Happy friday all my lovely blog readers! I am so exited that I am guest blogging on cardigan junkie today while haley is off on an amazing european vacation. I am blogging about 5 favorites I am crushing on in a major way right now. You will want to check it out.

I hope everyone has a wonderful labor day weekend full of family/friends fun, festivals, warm weather. live music, delicious food and memories that will stick with you for years to come!

Happy Birthday // Julia Child

Happy birthday julia child! Today the iconic chef, cookbook author and tv host would have turned 101. Go check out the awesome post on william sonoma's blog, the blender, about her bday and one of her best recipes, beef bourguignon. I have made a rendition of this dish before on my dad's birthday and it was truly amazing. Just make sure you use a delicious bottle of red wine as it is a key ingredient in bringing great depth and flavor to the final dish. I hope to tackle julia child's recipe once the cooler months roll in; this would be the perfect sunday dinner to share with those you love the most.

(image via Christopher Hirsheimer)

Happy birthday julia; you truly were an icon.

Quote of the Day

to let people bring you down.
for stress from work to make its way into your home.
to get upset over job opportunities that have yet to come to fruition.
for you to doubt yourself because of outside influences.
to not enjoy the little things.


Lara casey has a beautiful website and online shop full of paintings, prints and free downloads of inspiring quotes. Check out her site here.

Poshmark // Posh Party

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Last week I was invited to attend my first ever fashion blogger event. Poshmark welcomed local bloggers to a posh party at denver's four seasons hotel. For those of you who don't know, poshmark is an online-based retail community where women buy and sell designer clothing from each other’s 'closets'. Its like the cooler and way easier version of ebay for all things fashion. 

(gina and I  //  the four season hotel)

The event featured four denver fashion bloggers, amanda from glam mandie, lia from smart n snazzy, marion from marionberry style and kim from oh, sweet joy along with representatives from poshmark. It was a beautiful evening in denver for cocktails on the pool terrace along with snacks and some great photo opps against the silver streamer backdrop. 

(beautiful planters on the pool terrace  //  drinks at the post party)

I hope you go and check out these ladies' blogs and also create a profile for poshmark. Seriously, go create an account and start filling your closet with items you want to sell because there are so many amazing things to buy as well. My sister and I had such a fun night and hopefully the first of many more opportunities in denver for local bloggers.

Weekend Update

It is crazy that just last week I was writing about the dreadful spring snow and then what happens... we have a weekend with so much warmth and sunshine.  I took full advantage by doing some outdoor spring cleaning and then pulling out the cushions for our patio furniture to have lunch in the sun with my family.  We made this delicious arugula and fennel salad from love and lemons.  

Ryan and I took rocco on a walk around the beautiful park by our house, did a little shopping (I cannot wait to show you what ryan splurged and got me from here!), and squeezed in time with some of our closest friends too.  Sadly I cannot report a huge win for my denver nuggets who are now 1-3 in the series.  They will really need to step it up tomorrow for game 5 or our playoff appearance will be a dismal one, falling out in round 1.  Go Nuggets! 

Weekend Update

Happy Monday!  Today is the kickoff to my wardrobe remix challenge so, make sure you visit the site all week to see how I remix an item from each day into the next days' outfit.

This weekend was a mix of relaxing and productive.  Between 2 workouts, a tasty dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's, a trip to home depot to get supplies for our fence (more on that later),  to some serious cuddle and play-time with my nieces and a much needed polish change, I felt like I was able to rest but also get some items checked off our list of to-do's.   

Seriously... do you see the horrible state my nails were in below and the much improved mani I did on Saturday afternoon?  I think my dear beth would appreciate those pics so I had to include them :)