Thursday, October 31, 2013

10.31.13

Happy Halloween!




Tuesday, October 29, 2013

10.29.13

Weekend Recap.

Finally, a weekend all to myself! With midterms being over, I jumped at the chance to go to Nantucket. I know what you must be thinking, "summer's over." But friends, Nantucket is not only for summer. We had the best time hanging out on the beach (bundled up), watching seals swim by, going to a clam chowder contest (to be repeated), and walking around the beautiful downtown. At times it was freezing but we also got a good bit of sun in - which we enjoyed while wearing scarves and jackets, ha! Here's to another beautiful New England fall!

When we arrived we found that the house was stocked
 with great props, obviously we went for the hats.

When we found out there was a clam chowder contest we beelined it there 
and tried about 10 different kinds. No complaints about any of them.

Happy clam chowder tasters.


Most beautiful beach day.


A fire to keep us warm.

I wish this picture would have come out better, 
but how great is this Lilly Pulitzer covered Jeep?




Friday, October 25, 2013

10.25.13

Not Your Nonna's Spaghetti and Meatballs.


The other day I was in the mood for a "light" meal but had no desire for a salad. Don't get me wrong, I love salads but sometimes they just don't cut it as a dinner. Per usual, I referred back to Pinterest for some inspiration. Looking through my boards, I came across one of my favorite recipes. I realize turkey and spinach meatballs don't sound amazing, but they are! Since I was not feeling like pasta, I began scouring for alternatives. I thought about the whole spaghetti squash situation but I didn't feel like putting in the work in addition to the meatball making (so lazy!). That's when I came across zoodles. Zucchini Noodles. I was SOLD. Most of the recipes I saw seemed fairly simple so I went rogue and decided to make them the way that seemed right to me. Topped off with some good ole Trader Joe's pasta sauce, the meal turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.






Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground turkey meat
  • 5 oz. fresh spinach (the original recipe called for frozen but I prefer fresh)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • S & P
Zoodle Ingredients
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 tbsp. EVOO
  • Your favorite pasta sauce
Steps:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients using your hands.
  • Roll meatballs (about the size of golf balls) and put them onto a parchment lined baking pan.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes (mine usually take 40).
  • While the meatballs are baking, wash your zucchini.
  • Using a vegetable peeler, peel your zucchini to make the "pasta." Stop when you hit the seeds!
  • In a medium pan, heat the EVOO over medium high heat.
  • Add zucchini ... Only cook it until it becomes slightly tender - about 3-5 minutes. Just like pasta, you don't want it to get mushy.
  • To serve, put about 3/4 cup warmed pasta sauce in a bowl, add zoodles, and meatballs! YUM.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

10.23.13

I finally did it.


Thats right, I finally pulled the trigger and bought my long sought after bar cart. I am literally giddy with excitement and canNOT wait for it to get here. To help pass the time (and when I'm not studying for midterms), I have been making a list of bar cart essentials. Mom, if you're out there, you can start my Christmas list now!


Metallic glassware to add a little jazz.

How cute is this bar tool set
I've never seen one like it!

 Coasters that say it for you.


Silver tray to keep things tidy.
(I know, I know, my OCD is out of control!)

Loving the shape of this wine rack.


Cocktail Book because my bar tending skills are non-existant.


I can't wait to show you all once I get it together!










Monday, October 21, 2013

10.21.13

Month Recap.


Have I mentioned how much I love California? I promise that I do love New England, but California is my old faithful. I am lucky to have grown up in near San Francisco and to have gone to college in Los Angeles, and experience the best of two totally different worlds... In case you haven't heard, the north and south of California have a little rivalry going on. I try not to be biased but sometimes it's hard! For example, I am currently pulled in the direction of Los Angeles due to my recent trip out there. It was the most beautiful weekend weather wise plus I attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. Champagne and Polo players, can it get any better? It can. LA is also home to some of my best friends and some of the best Mexican food ever! It made for one happy girl.


Pretty Woman moment - Stomping of the Divots
Wearing: Dolce Vita dress, Fendi aviators (old)



Nacho. 

I never tire of this view.

Local Manhattan Beach art. 

Friends!

How much of a babe is Lana?
Wearing: Madewell top (no longer in stores), Fendi aviators (old)

I'd like to say I ate less than half but then I'd be lying to you. 

So to recap, champagne + sunshine + friends + mexican food = happy Kristtyn.







Thursday, October 17, 2013

10.18.13

On My Mind ... Celine. Not Dion.

I have been told (by Patty, nonetheless) that I have expensive taste. We usually walk into the store, divide to conquer, and when we meet back up, I will ALWAYS be holding a full priced item while Patty is holding a 50% plus additional 20% off item. Every. Single. Time. I thought for sure that by the time I hit 25 I'd be able to by myself anything I wanted... Well, I'm 26 and am literally watching my nonexistent money deplete (thank you very much, school loans). Therefore, I've been trying to be much more conscious of my money spending ways. This sometimes includes waiting weeks for my beloved - insert item here - to go on sale or scavenger for a more affordable option. Thus is the case with the Celine Phantom Bag. You've probably seen it around, even if you don't know it. It's big, beautiful, and luxurious. It also costs about 3 times my rent. Since I'll just have to wait until I: a. graduate, b. do my fieldwork hours, c. pass my license exam, d. get a job, and e. work for a few years before I can get it, I've started looking for other options.

The original. My heart will go on for you.


The more realistic options for my grad-school self:





3.1 Phillip Lim for Target (already sold out :( )



What is your dream item?

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

10.16.13

Stuffed Sweet Potato

Lately, my cooking has been reduced to throwing a sandwich together or boiling some pasta. Luckily, I came across an extra couple of hours last week and was able to experiment a little. Using some left over onions, peppers, chicken, and sweet potato, I came up with a pretty delicious and healthy meal. Plus, I used some Mexican seasoning, which always puts a smile on my face. Happy cooking!

Ingredients:



  • 4 sweet potatoes
  • 3 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • S&P 
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Cilantro (optional)

Steps:
  • Heat oven to 400° F. 
  • Place potatoes on the rack and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender
  • Meanwhile, chop your veggies (and cook your chicken if needed)
  • Heat canola oil in medium sized skillet 
  • Season veggies with taco seasoning and S&P
  • Cook onions for about 10 minutes, then add peppers and garlic
  • Lastly, add chicken to to veggie mixture
  • When potatoes are ready, let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing them down the middle
  • Scoop mixture into potatoes
  • Top with sour cream and cilantro






Monday, October 14, 2013

10.14.13

Month Recap.

It has been a crazy start to my second and last year of grad school. As much as I love school and Boston, I do miss my California home. A few weeks ago I got the chance to go home and surprise my family. It was way too short but I loved every moment of it, especially getting to see my cousins. Being the eldest of the bunch, it's always fun to see how much everyone is changing and growing. I am close to all my cousins but I have to say I just love my girls. Even though we're family and have grown up together, we could not be more different. This is especially evident in the way we dress. It's been said before, but what you put on your body is so much more than fabric. It's a reflection of who you are and who you want to be in that moment. I thought it would be fun to share a few snap shots of my beautiful cousins showing off their personal style.

All of us together.


Aryana. She is a true chameleon. Whether its changing her hair color or her style, she has fun trying out different looks. I love that she topped off her simple dress with these amazing ankle strapped heels.


Stephanie. This girl never passes up an opportunity to be glam. Her beautiful skin color makes her a great canvas for a wide range of colors, hello shoes & lips! If I could have, I would have stolen this LBD (shhh).

Karina. I don't get to see her often (she's a Texan now) but when I do I am reminded of her sweet disposition which comes out in her style. This flowy top was made extra special by these delicate details.

Alexis. She's my bad a** chick. What I love about her is that although she exudes toughness, she manages to balance her look by adding feminine touches. Also, she has the best eyes in the family. 


* I just want to give a big thank you to my uncle for providing us with a great opportunity to get together. You should definitely do this every year! I couldn't resist adding a few more photos, so enjoy!




Almost (almost) all of my cousins. 



Friday, October 11, 2013

10.11.13

Home is where the work never ends.


As I've mentioned, we moved apartments ... and I started graduate school again, thus the long absence. Back to my home. At first I was thrilled with the idea because our old place didn't feel like ours. We lived there and brought most of our stuff but something about the space didn't quite fit us. I think it's because we always knew that it would not be a permanent place (the landlord went traveling for a year and we were just keeping it warm for him). After two months of many IKEA and Home Goods trips, we are finally feeling right at home in our new place. There's still more to do but so far I think it's looking really good. Heres a sneak peak!

The living room. I am obsessed with our Lulu and Georgia rug.


And from the other side (excuse the fan). 
Also, I'm in the market for an overstuffed arm chair. Preferably in a deep blue.

Explaining what a gallery wall is to Colin is finally paying off! 
Just need a few more pieces.

At first we just threw the bookcases up. 
I spent an hour the other night styling them up and they look A LOT better:


I'm dying for a bar cart, but for now this will do.


The fireplace doesn't work but these candles add ambience.

Every dinner of my childhood was around a table. 
Even though we don't have the biggest kitchen, I could not bear the thought of not having one.

My new fall centerpiece that currently lives on our coffee table. 
I picked the leaves and pinecones from a tree on campus (shhhh!).

Up next on my list are the bathroom & our bedroom. 
Hopefully, they won't take as long!