11/18/12

I could procrastinate no longer (i.e., the price increases tomorrow)… I’ve signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon! This will be my second go at 26.2 miles. I’m extremely excited for this race. I went to college in Philadelphia and running through the city will bring back plenty of happy memories.

Now, how do I fit in 20+ mile runs on a 13.4 mile long island? Central park loops? Maybe this time I’ll join a group!

What’s in my bag?

[M Missoni bag, Tommy Bahama swim top, H&M shorts, InStyle Magazine, Hope in a Jar SPF, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Yoga Mat flip-flops]

I’m off for a run followed by some beach relaxation. If you see me on Monday, I’ll be the tan New Yorker ;)

Step Four of Moving to NYC: Enjoy your favorite things but never label them “the last”.

Cincinnati Chili

I’m not one to discriminate when it comes to chili. I love it in all forms (beans/no beans, thick/thin, spicy/mild). I distinctly remember in 1st Grade saying my favorite food was “Chili Mac.” My heart has always held a special place for the combination of chili and pasta. Roughly three years later, I tasted prime rib for the first time and changed my answer. I can still see my teacher’s face when she read that answer aloud.

“Tommy likes pizza. Cindy likes ice cream. Kate’s favorite food is also pizza. Pizza. Hot dogs! Brenna likes… Prime rib?”

I had a sophisticated palate, what can I say?

Now, I’ve never been to Cincinnati but according to this recipe, this is how they eat chili. The spices include cinnamon and oregano (along with the usual chili powder and tomato bases) which give it its unique flavor. The consistency is on the thinner side allowing the spaghetti to soak up each morsel of chili. My inner first-grader can’t help going back for seconds.

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Small Space Inspiration

A friend sent me a link a couple days ago for the “Small Cool 2012″ contest currently running at Apartment Therapy. To say I was sucked in would be an understatement. I love seeing how people have maximized design in their minimal spaces. It’s a constant battle against clutter. Here is one of my favorite entries: Michelle’s 330 square foot Upper West Side studio.

(Images from Apartment Therapy)

I can’t wait to begin decorating an apartment!

Casual Dresses

I love the warmer months because I can break out my dresses. However, I often fret over whether a dress is casual enough for daytime. I think these dresses can do double-duty– dress them up with heels or make them low-key with a cross-body and cute sandals.

Theory | Dasher stretch-knit dress $345

Altruzzara for J. Crew | Patricia Dress $145

Rag & Bone | Monterrey Dress $325

T by Alexander Wang | Cotton Netting Combo Muscle Tee Dress $120

And my move to New York is still underway! I’ve booked my one-way plane ticket for next Monday. Time for serious suitcase scrutiny. Dresses that are multi-functional are a huge plus.

Step Three of Moving to NYC: Wardobe edit.

Country Quiche

Since beginning the moving process, one of the things I’ll miss the most is having a large (by New York City standards) kitchen. Therefore, every recipe I’ve had a craving for has been pushed to this week. The uncertainty of roommates providing equipment or when I’ll finally be able to ship my own means Country Quiche is in order.

If you haven’t seen the first two episodes of “Trisha’s Country Kitchen” on the Food Network I highly recommend seeking them out. Not only are the recipes sinfully delicious (if Paula Deen owns butter, Yearwood owns cheese), Trisha is personable and a joy to watch. This recipe is from her second cookbook Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood. I’m a big fan of quiche and this one is quite possibly my favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, and sweet– only the three greatest adjectives ever.

Step two of moving to NYC: Cook your way to closure.

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