Romping Around in Pumpkin Patches

'Tis the season of the pumpkin! With only a handful of days left in October, we're in the calm before the holiday season storm. Without making this feel like the umpteenth homage to the pumpkin spice latte...it's not. It's more like giving kudos to Halloween, rompers, and pumpkins (the vegetable, not the drink) all in one hodgepodge post. For me, this time of year is synonymous with all things Halloween and hands down, it's my favorite holiday of the year. 

Must-do list for an extra creepy fun Halloween: (in no particular order)

1. Catching up on the classics - Time to cozy up with Freddy, Jason, Chucky, and Mike Myers. If you don't know these devilishly debonair guys on a first name basis, you've been living under a rock. Luckily, all week long AMC will be playing horror classics on TV like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Child's Play, and Halloween. As if that's not enough, there's always American Horror Story: Freakshow on FX on Wednesday (Twisty the clown is my fav) and The Walking Dead on Sunday. 
2. Haunted Houses - Most haunted houses in your area should probably be running nightly through Halloween. I recently went to The House of Shock and The Mortuary and highly recommend both. HOS does warn you that it's "an interactive horror show," which basically means they can grab you... but it's all in good fun. For you gals in a dry spell, who's not up for a little zombie PDA, am I right? 
3. Haunted Tours - Why go to haunted house filled with actors in makeup when you can go to the real thing? New Orleans has been labeled as one of the most haunted cities in America...and of course there's a cash cow in the form of tours and tour buses trying to milk it. But I will admit, the cemetery tours at night are pretty creepy. 
4. Playing dress up - I'm not talking about being a "sexy nurse"... I'll take humor and wit over sex appeal any day. Why worry about a boob falling out when you can see how many people you can poke in a banana costume? Side note: A couple years back my husband was a monkey and I was the banana, which explains the reference. The point is to have fun and not take yourself too seriously. Save that sexy flight attendant costume for when you're 45 and going through a mid-life crisis. It'll be more appropriate then...saggy boobs and all. 
5. Carving pumpkins - I'd say it's American as apple pie! These colors don't run...I'm proud to be a... Wait, the jack-o-lantern originates from an old pagan tradition in Ireland? Effing Wikepedia. But still - it's fun. Earlier today I was on the hunt to find my perfectly plump pumpkin prototype (say that 5x fast). 

FOUND IT! It's big, perfectly round, and rock hard... Score!

Just so we're clear, I am talking about a pumpkin. 

6. Give back to the community - This should actually be #1 on my list. Whether by donating blood or even buying a pumpkin, it's the little things that count towards a bigger picture. I've been coming to this local pumpkin patch for the last few years because 75% of the proceeds are directly donated to helping children with autism and learning disabilities in the community. They have fun activities, recreational sports, and support groups for the families and the children affected. Who would've thought a little pumpkin could do so much?

This lace romper is comfortable and could easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It comes with a leather belt and metal clasp. Since I was going for a casual daytime look, I opted for black tights, booties, and a statement necklace that would compliment the blue lace. I loveeeee this $10 necklace from H&M. Yes, $10! The delicate design of the necklace seems to go well with the lace pattern. 

Excuse me while I slice up this pumpkin (insert evil laugh), 

xoxo

Outfit Details:

Romper: Zara Lace Jumpsuit (there's a green one too)

Leggings: Topshop

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: H&M

Delish Turkey Bolognese and Squash Spaghetti

Not to brag about this dish, but it's good... and good for you too! I switched out beef for turkey and loaded the sauce with a bunch of hidden vegetables. After simmering it for 3-4 hours, it's perfection. I made it healthier by using spaghetti squash instead of pasta (Woo-hoo! No carbs!)

I have been trying to find a delicious, but healthy bolognese sauce ever since my trip to Italy last summer. I gained 10 lbs during the 2 weeks I was there, but each pound was worth it when I start to reminisce about the food (ha, what Mediterranean diet?) I'm not saying Italian food is unhealthy and fattening, it's the opposite. I just over did it and justified the extra helping(s) of pasta and gelato thinking, "When in Rome..." because I was quite literally in Rome... then Milan...Venice... Florence... Naples... Sorrento... Positano... and Capri. By the time I reached Capri, I was well beyond my bikini body, but I had better things on my mind. With each new city, came new dishes, drinks, and desserts to try: 

How cute is this restaurant in Rome? There was a violinist nearby and even in the middle of the day it was romantic and picturesque. It was here where I had authentic Bolognese sauce and could have died from happiness after eating the best pasta of my life. 

Yum!

The culprit... and inspiration behind this recipe.

The victim. See that look of euphoria on my face? If it wasn't socially unacceptable (or if no one was there to judge me), I would have licked that plate clean.With the owner of one of the best restaurants in Sorrento, Italy - Ristorante L'Antica Trattoria. From the minute you sit down to your last bite of dessert, it was an exceptional culinary experience.

Before this becomes a slideshow of food pictures from Italy, let me refocus. For this particular bolognese sauce you'll need the following: 

Ingredients:  (makes about 8-10 servings)

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 whole green bell peppers, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced or shredded
• 1 zucchini, finely diced
• 2 tbsp of minced garlic
• 1 cup low sodium beef broth
• 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes 
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 jar Arabiatta or Fra Diavolo sauce 
• 1 tsp ground oregano or 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• 4-5 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• kosher salt
• 1/4 cup of minced parsley or 3 tbsp parsley flakes
• 1 whole rind from parmesan wedge
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan 

For Spagetti Squash Noodles:

• 1 spagetti squash

Directions:

1) In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until totally browned. Remove meat from pot with a slotted spoon and put into a bowl. Set aside.

 2) Discard any grease in pot, but do not clean the pot. Drizzle in olive oil. When it is heated, throw in the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. Stir it around for about 4-5 minutes, then add the garlic. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

3) Pour in 1 cup of beef broth for about 1 1/2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine, then add oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and crushed red pepper (if using). 

4) Stir, then add cooked ground turkey and stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and allow to simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or some low-sodium broth if it needs more liquid. 

5) After an hour, add the minced parsley and the rind from a wedge of Parmesan (or grated Parmesan if you prefer). A little trick I do after I taste test the sauce is add a couple tsp of balsamic vinegar. This is optional so test your sauce to see if it needs anything. Stir to combine, then put the lid back on and allow it to simmer for another hour. 

6) At this point, work on the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat oven to 375, slice squash lengthwise and put in a cooking dish with about 1 1/2 inches of water. Cover with aluminum foil and place in oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, take out, flip the squash over, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. Take a fork and scrape squash. 

7) The sauce should be thick by this point. Discard bay leaves before serving. Top each serving with minced basil and grated Parmesan. Enjoy!! 

Make sure to finely chop your vegetables and set aside as you brown your meat first. This is a great recipe to use with kids because you can hide essential vegetables in a delicious sauce. 

Cooking tip: Make sure to use a deep pot or soup pot to cook the sauce. It is also important to use a dish that has a lid as this will need to simmer, covered, for a couple of hours. Your place will start to smell amazing as this cooks! Mmmmm!

Spaghetti squash is ridiculously easy to make and it's a great alternative to use instead of pasta. Simple take a fork, after it has baked for an hour, and scrape the squash pulp for naturally squash noodles. If you want to take it up a notch, you can always saute the noodles in olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme.  

You can't have pasta without fresh grated parm. It's sacrilegious! Even though I tried to keep this healthy, I need to have my cheese and eat it too!

From my kitchen to yours...buon appetitio! 

xoxo

Ode to the Oversized Coat

It's that time of year again when I scour the internet in search of the one. No, I'm not talking about a love interest on some dating site, but rather about finding this season's "must have" coat. A good coat usually doesn't come cheap, so its important to look at it as an investment piece...something you can hold on to for a while. 

I like my jackets to be a reflection of the current trends, while still maintaining a timeless appeal. Complicated much? Yeah. Which is why I start keeping an eye out as early as fall fashion week in February. And if there was one thing I learned from the fall 2014 runways, it's this - outerwear has taken a cue from menswear-inspired silhouettes. 

When I initially saw this coat online I didn't know what to make of it. I couldn't help but picture Michael Douglas in Wall Street (the 80's movie, not the terrible sequel from a couple years back). Yet, there was something comforting about the cocoon shape and how it hugs you when you wear it. Unlike some of the slouchy boyfriend coats out there, which feel like they're swallowing me whole, this one seems to fit perfectly. It just felt...  right. 

Style tip #1: Still not cold enough to wear a wool coat throughout the day? No sweat (literally). You can simply drape your coat over your shoulders as a perfect layering transitional piece. 

Style tip #2: Keep the accessories at a minimum. Let your statement coat shine as you keep your pieces neutral and to a minimum. It will begin to look like you're trying to hard if you have a huge statement necklace, heavy makeup, statement shoes, AND a statement coat.

Style tip #3: Pair menswear pieces like this coat with accessories that have a feminine touch. I decided to wear this with a LBD tunic and laser cut suede booties. While I kept my makeup neutral with a coral lip, something pink would have looked nice as well.

...and the little fashionista and her camel-colored oversized coat lived happily ever after. 

xoxo

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Dailylook BLQ BASIQ Casual Coat

Dress: Black shirtdress by H&M (old)

Shoes: Zara open work high-heeled sandal

Hat: Urban Outfitters felt floppy hat

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Nasty Gal

Letting Loose

There's something appealing about wide-leg pants, which can look pulled together and feel incredibly comfortable. While I wish I could be one of those girls that can travel internationally in her skinny jeans and boots, I'm not (I mean seriously - how do Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung do it?). I need a no-fuss outfit with flexibility and breathing room. Which is why I would like to introduce you to the pair of pants my husband has aptly named, "the Beetlejuice pants." For you kids that don't get the 90's reference, Google Beetlejuice and rent the movie ASAP! It's a classic and one of my favorite Tim Burton films as a child (along with Edward Scissorhands and A Nightmare Before Christmas). 

But I don't just wear these when I'm traveling, it can be transitioned to the office as well. I get giddy when I wear these to work because they feel like glorified pajama pants, but surprisingly look professional. On days when I literally have 10 minutes to get ready, I tend to gravitate towards my wide-legged pant-a-lone-es. The justification in my head is that I'm being lazy effortlessly chic. It's all very Lauren Hutton circa 1970, or Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, both of whom embody that iconic, yet laid back sensibility in style. 

In an interview conducted a couple of years back with Harpers Bazaar, Hutton shares her ultimate style advice, "You never want to look like you've spent too much time getting dressed . . . I like when things are slightly off-kilter, asymmetrical, and a little messed up" (Harpers Bazaar). You're speaking my language honey! Here's an outfit, inspired both by nonchalance and a time-crunch, which I hope would make Mrs. Hutton proud.

So stash those skinnies in favor for a proper pair of trousers for the moment! You'll thank me later. 

xoxo

Outfit Details:

Top: Banana Republic cashmere v-neck sweater (old)

Pants: Zara Striped Trousers

Shoes: Aldo "Davornik" High-heeled sandals (now on sale!)

Purse: Sunita Mukhi (both the "Ellie" eye clutch and "Diamond" clutch shown)

Curry Cravings

I have to admit that I'm always craving sushi, but a close second place goes to thai food namely because my favorite food pairing is sweet and savory. Yet, as easy as it is to order panang curry from my local thai restaurant, it isn't the healthiest option. The good thing about making your own curry (aside from getting brownie points from my husband) is the hardest part is only the prep work. After everything is chopped and ready to go, you simply add everything in one pot, mix, simmer, and let the flavors magically combine. My husband and I usually divvy up the chopping responsibilities, which allows me to make this dish in about 30-40 minutes. This particular recipe is not only easy, but it's healthy and packs MAJOR flavor. Delish!

What you'll need (makes 3-4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

1 can coconut milk

2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tsp cumin

½ large red bell pepper

½ large green bell pepper

1 thinly sliced onion

1 cup shredded carrot

1 thinly sliced zucchini

salt and pepper to taste

1 lime juiced

4-5 large basil leaves

cilantro for garnish

c

1)   In a large skillet, add oil (I used about 3 tbsp of olive oil), sliced onions, chicken breast, garlic,  cumin, and 1 tbsp of red curry paste to skillet. Cook until chicken breast turns white and is coated with the curry paste
2)  Add bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini and cook for another couple of minutes
3)  Add coconut milk and an additional tbsp of red curry paste. Lower heat and let simmer for about 10 – 15 minutes. 
4)   If the curry begins to thicken and dry out, you can always add ½ cup of chicken stock
5)   Add basil leaves and lime juice; taste curry and add salt and pepper to your liking
6)   Garnish with cilantro, sriracha sauce, and peanuts or cashews for a bit of a crunch
7)   Serve with rice or noodles
8)   Let your taste buds enjoy! 

After adding the coconut milk, mixing, and letting it simmer for 10-15 minutes, taste test the curry. If you're like me and like a bit of sweetness, add 1 tsp of brown sugar. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and let simmer for a couple minutes. 

Test taste the curry again and add the appropriate salt and pepper to your liking. I'm not a big fan of salty dishes so I add 1/2 a tsp of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of red cayenne pepper for heat. 

I'm always happy to use fresh herbs from my garden for dishes I prepare at home. It's gratifying using something you've grown yourself, even if it's just an herb. I was able to use fresh basil for this dish, which is often found in traditional thai dishes. When it is uncooked, it can be quite strong, but when cooked, it has a slightly minty note. If you're unable to get fresh basil, you could always substitute it for fresh oregano or thyme, or simply omit it altogether. 

Along with the basil, add the lime juice and mix. Serve immediately with either rice or noodles. I decided to use jasmine brown rice here because its aromatic and healthier. 

Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, and a dash of sriracha sauce and voila! 

Bon appetite...or as they say in Thailand, Gin khao! 

xoxo