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Inspired by Downton Abbey

 I love period pieces. Anything set in 19th century or Edwardian era Britain and I’m horizontal, remote in hand. I downloaded the first season of Downton Abbey on iTunes this summer and I can’t recommend it enough. If my word isn’t strong enough, the series just took home a slew of Emmy awards on Sunday. Downton Abbey follows the lives of an aristocratic family, the Crawleys, and their overabundance of servants. The first season begins after the sinking of the Titanic. The acting and writing are superb. Professor McGonagall, I mean Maggie Smith, plays the stuck-up matriarch with just the right amount of arrogance to incite humor. Creator Julian Fellowes…

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Steak Teriyaki

 Teriyaki holds a special place in my heart. In my non-adventurous days (aka before I ate sushi), teriyaki dishes were my go-to order in the unfamiliar Asian cuisine situation. I believe this has made me a connoisseur of the teriyaki. Well my friends, this is the most flavorful sauce of them all. The fresh grated ginger and perfect balance of red pepper flakes, soy, vinegar, and sugar creates a mouthwatering dish that easily surpasses any teriyaki of my past. There is one thing I seem to be unable to make: rice. One time, I managed to ruin three attempts of rice. Three. Three. How is that possible? I dropped the…

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Fall 2011 Shoe Guide

 Fall officially starts tomorrow and I feel like celebrating with a new pair of shoes. Here are the fall designer trends I’m coveting, along with more budget-friendly options. Ankle boots Go all the way/Take it slow Biker boots Go all the way/Take it slow Loafers Go all the way/Take it slow Glitter Go all the way/Take it slow Jewel-tone Go all the way/Take it slow Wedges Go all the way/Take it slow I decided to invest in the loafer. It’s a classic and versatile shoe that can carry over into spring when paired with a dress or cropped pants. Can’t wait to put these in heavy rotation. Though I really…

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The Perfect Pesto

 What’s the opposite of a green thumb? Well, whatever it is, I have it. I’ve never had a way with plants. After managing to kill bamboo, I resigned myself to a life devoid of gardening. I would live in a sky-scraping apartment in a sprawling city with no land to call my own. That all changed with this basil plant. This little thing won’t stop growing. I confess, I’ve been extra diligent in monitoring its health because of this pesto recipe. It’s absolutely fantastic and could not be easier to make. I love going outside and picking the ingredients right off the stem. Pesto is so versatile. This would be…

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Avocado-Chickpea Fresh Corn Salad

 I am ready for fall flavors but that doesn’t mean I’m primed to say goodbye to summer quite yet. I originally made this salad a couple weeks ago to accompany a Labor Day cookout. When I saw what was presumably the last crop of corn on sale, I knew it needed to have a final summer showing. It’s easy enough to make and leftovers last for about 2 days. Afterwards the avocado becomes a bit too unsightly to consume. I’m sure you’ll be finished within two days. I’ve been munching on it all day. Avocado-Chickpea Fresh Corn Salad

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