Inspiration from Sweet Paul and the weekend

This weekend I read through the latest online Fall issue of Sweet Paul. I was really inspired to try a new recipe when I saw the above submitted by one of Paul's readers. I also feel the need to tell anybody out there interested in making a delicious stew to give butternut squash and white beans a shot..SO GOOD! Also why pursuing Sweet Paul's latest issue I came across the styling for the below table setting. Loved the concept and many of the simple ideas that went into creating this little set-up.

Then in between church, sick kids and painting I was most inspired by my little girl who got up in front of our church congregation and stated the following by heart:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I don't know about you...but sometimes the whole everlasting life thing scares me..haha. Lets be honest though, doesn't everlasting life sound well just that..EVER LASTINGGG at times..and there are just some things should not last longer than a shake of a lambs tail. Good thing I am not basing everlasting life on kids who are puking for a living. Bless their hearts.

As for the boysie's room, we painted it and I picked up some handsome fabric for $1.00 a yrd to make duvet covers. I really love the concept of built in beds or three single beds but we either do not have the space or the budget. Funny thing about that bunk bed....we bought one from IKEA and got it all put together & painted only to find a warning sticker saying it was not recommended for kids under 6, nice. Anyway I think we might be able pull this room together if I can get over mixing navy blue with black because I really want to use that sweet trim. Anybody else have issues with mixing navy and black?

P.S. Just a side note but Modern Manor in Phoenix is awesome. I almost bought the above desk there a few weeks ago.

{bottom photo via elle decor}

Sometimes I feel like a DILL WEED....

Especially when I want to make a chilled cucumber soup with smoked salmon and dill recipe.

So wish this dill weed luck in helping to make our soup good:-)

Recipe found here.

Do you like the smell of dill? I do & I initially had a pre-package bunch of dill in my cart until I saw the above sitting right next to all of the veggies @ my local Sprouts and had to get that one as well because I thought it was just beautiful.

There is a reason I wanted to cook something a little different and it has to do with a wonderful daydream. Come back & I will share it with you later.

Have a fine Tuesday evening.

fleur de sel

When I saw that my foodie friend GiGi Momma busted out her fleur de sel to put on top of her brownies I had to copy cat. The brownies were a hit. In fact I left for 2 seconds only to come back and find about 4 out of the 5 kids fighting for their piece after they had pulled chairs over to the counter. Above is what I salvaged from the cute little savages. I'm guessing we should make brownies more often.

This is not a joke....putting either grey salt or fleur de sel salt on a brownie is HUGE. Go here for more ideas (like adding caramel vanilla sauce & ice cream) and the recipes.

Penne with Marinated Tomatoes, Basil and Mascarpone

I've been blogging for almost a year now, and for some reason, I've never posted a recipe of something I cooked myself. Ok, I do know the reason why. I like cooking and consider myself decent at it, but I'm certainly no wunderkind in the kitchen. I forget crucial steps, mess up measurements, and often add chunks of butter at the last minute because my "healthy" approach has left the dish tasting like kitchen counter.

So when I make something that is not only good, but revelatory, it means I have one damn good, idiot-proof recipe. I adapted this recipe from Martha Stewart Living, and it is hands down one of the tastiest things I've ever made. It's best to make in late summer, when you can get colorful and super-ripe heirloom tomatoes from a local market, but even now, in the dead of winter, it leaves me with a glorious summery feeling. Bon Appetit!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes (depending on how much heat you like)
* 1 bunch asparagus, cut into penne-size pieces, spears removed
* 3/4 to 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
* 3/4 cup fresh basil
* Sea salt to taste
* 1 pound dried penne (rigatoni works too)
* 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Cook oil, garlic, and red-pepper flakes in a small skillet over low heat. After 3 minutes, add chopped asparagus and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
2. Place tomatoes, 1/2 cup basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir in asparagus-garlic mixture. Cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours, tossing occasionally.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water, and drain. Meanwhile, mix mascarpone and pepper in a small bowl. Add pasta to asparagus mixture. Stir in remaining basil, and serve with peppered mascarpone on the side or mixed in.