unruly things

I posted about the new Anthropologie Home Book earlier today, though I hadn’t had a chance to really click through it until just now. my heart is actually beating a little bit faster. with every turn of the page, I found something I loved even more. I especially love the bird’s eye view photography throughout the catalog.
in this image, I absolutely adore the vintage map cluttered with notes and what I only dream to be travel inspirations. the oversized letter is so perfectly nestled up against the headboard, and that bird print, floral chair….so charming! if only Anthropologie were a little more “man-friendly” {and put a slightly smaller dent in my wallet}, this catalog would simply outfit my home.
{images from Anthropologie}

I’m not sure how I’ve missed Temperley before, though I stumbled upon the loveliness of the Spring/Summer 2007 line today. filled with a palette of neutrals colors, the collection titled “Nomad” details raw fabrics, intricate details, and casual barefoot elegance. I can’t get over the delicately exotic look of this collection! it’s gorgeous.
{images from Temperley}

it’s always hard coming to work on Monday, especially after a nice weekend. I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing break from the work week!! today I’ll conquer the Monday Blues while reminiscing on the highlights from mine.
• new issue of Domino arrives in the mail.
• experimenting with new recipes (greek chicken, artichokes, and fabada).
• sushi/conversation/yummy spicy tuna/sapporo.
• craft organization.
• walks on Bayshore.
• silly forts.
• pancakes with vanilla and pumpkin pie spices.
• knowing we’re in it for the same reasons.
• a lot of R.E.L.A.X.A.T.I.O.N.

there’s nothing better than new, bright images on the Anthropologie site fresh on Monday morning. I’ve been trying to post things with lots of color to help make Mondays more cheery, but Anthropologie went ahead and surpassed my efforts!! on my usual clicks to their site, I am always drawn in by the welcome images on each category. Anthropologie has such great imagery, no wonder I’m tempted to blow every penny there. the utterly feminine details are fabulous.
bonus: Anthropologie releases their first ever Home catalog. {eeek!!!} and upholstered furniture is 25% off until April 30th!

being the aspiring cook that I am, I’ve been experimenting with food and making up new recipes. we ate a rather large lunch, so we were in the mood for something filling, but light for dinner. here’s what I cooked tonight. it was so delicious, I thought I would share:
{note: my measurements are a guesstimate.}
{side note: LH, I’m positive you’ll LOVE the second one. and it’s easy!}

-artichokes with shiitake cream sauce-
the stuff:
1 can artichoke hearts, quartered and drained.
1 tsp olive oil.
1 tbsp butter.
2 shallots, thinly sliced.
1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, de-stemmed and diced.
1 clove garlic.
1/2 cup dry white wine.
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper.
1/4 cup heavy cream.
1/4 crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
juice from half a lemon.

how to:
for artichokes…
- preheat oven to 400. line baking sheet with foil, and lightly brush artichokes hearts with olive oil.
- roast for 10-15 mins.
for sauce…
- melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
- add shallots and shiitake mushrooms.
- stir in garlic and cook until tender.
- add white wine and bring to a light boil. sprinkle in black pepper, and boil for 5 minutes. reduce heat to medium-low.
- slowly stir in cream, crumbled Gorgonzola, and lemon juice.
- simmer for up to 10 minutes.
- lightly drizzle sauce over hearts and garnish with a lemon slice.

……………………………………………

-fabada con chorizo-
the stuff:
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained.
1 cup chicken stock.
1 clove garlic, pressed.
2 cups Spicy Chorizo, sliced 1/4″ thick.
1 tsp white pepper.

how to:
- in a large saucepan, cook beans over medium high heat with chicken stock and garlic.
- add sliced Chorizo and stir while bringing liquid to a light boil.
- add white pepper and reduce heat to medium low.
- continue to cook over medium low heat for 15 mins.

ENJOY!!!

I absolutely adore this desk + hutch from west elm. ever since the posts that I made last week regarding office supplies, I’ve been thinking about buying a desk. the new west elm catalog came in the mail on Saturday, and there it was….this great little desk!! I love the roll-out extension and I especially love the little hutch. my old desk had a huge hutch, that was truly unnecessary and just added more space for clutter. I love the small hutch, it creates great wall space behind the unit.

I simply adore these tacks created by graphic designer and blogger, Jessica Jones. her blog, titled How About Orange, is very inspiring. it makes me wish I had more time to be crafty!! she’s got great ideas and wonderful tutorials.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!! I’m looking forward to relaxing, exploring, sushi/sake, and friends!

I came across russell+hazel today while browsing other blogs, and I think their office supplies are simply great! russell+hazel is committed to making the things we use each day complement and enhance our lives. they even have eco-friendly binders! I love their shop by color section of the site. with choices like Orchid and Espresso, you can coordinate to any style.
so add a little color into your workspace! I know adding a little into mine might brighten up my days! :)
{images from russel+hazel}