Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Morgie the Travel Bug!
The fabulous Morgie is now the Baltimore Examiner's International Travel writer. Like this link :)
http://www.examiner.com/world-travel-insights-in-baltimore/attention-all-first-time-international-travelers
http://www.examiner.com/world-travel-insights-in-baltimore/attention-all-first-time-international-travelers
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Skinny Italian
I love cooking and The Real Housewives of New Jersey. I received the book Skinny Italian by Teresa Giudice at my bridal shower and just got around to reading it .
It's a feel good book where Teresa teaches you fresh & "skinny" recipes, italian stories and correct pronuncitaion of some words . For example Farfalle pasta = far -FALL- lay. It's hilarious and insightful just like Teresa.
If you love italian culture and cooking it's a must read. ( Kelly I'm looking at you )
I want to try the Skinny Pasta Al Burro
Ingredients3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 lb fettuccine
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Large pinch of fresh parsley, minced
1/2 c freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (aged 24 months is best)
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat the oil & butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Add the fettuccine to the water & cook according to the package directions until cooked al dente. Drain & reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Transfer the fettuccine to the saucepan with the butter mixture. Add the salt, pepper & parsley. Return the saucepan to low heat. Toss, adding enough of the pasta water to make a glossy sauce that isn't watery or gluey. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the cheese & serve immediately.
Ingredients3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 lb fettuccine
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Large pinch of fresh parsley, minced
1/2 c freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (aged 24 months is best)
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat the oil & butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Add the fettuccine to the water & cook according to the package directions until cooked al dente. Drain & reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Transfer the fettuccine to the saucepan with the butter mixture. Add the salt, pepper & parsley. Return the saucepan to low heat. Toss, adding enough of the pasta water to make a glossy sauce that isn't watery or gluey. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the cheese & serve immediately.
It's a feel good book where Teresa teaches you fresh & "skinny" recipes, italian stories and correct pronuncitaion of some words . For example Farfalle pasta = far -FALL- lay. It's hilarious and insightful just like Teresa.
If you love italian culture and cooking it's a must read. ( Kelly I'm looking at you )
I want to try the Skinny Pasta Al Burro
Ingredients3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 lb fettuccine
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Large pinch of fresh parsley, minced
1/2 c freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (aged 24 months is best)
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat the oil & butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Add the fettuccine to the water & cook according to the package directions until cooked al dente. Drain & reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Transfer the fettuccine to the saucepan with the butter mixture. Add the salt, pepper & parsley. Return the saucepan to low heat. Toss, adding enough of the pasta water to make a glossy sauce that isn't watery or gluey. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the cheese & serve immediately.
Ingredients3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 lb fettuccine
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Large pinch of fresh parsley, minced
1/2 c freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (aged 24 months is best)
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile, heat the oil & butter together in a large saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat. Add the fettuccine to the water & cook according to the package directions until cooked al dente. Drain & reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Transfer the fettuccine to the saucepan with the butter mixture. Add the salt, pepper & parsley. Return the saucepan to low heat. Toss, adding enough of the pasta water to make a glossy sauce that isn't watery or gluey. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the cheese & serve immediately.
What it means to be an Irish family
My mom fwded me this and alot of it rang true and since we are so close to St.Patrick's day, I figured I would share :)
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN AN IRISH FAMILY
1) You will never play professional basketball.
2) You swear very well.
3) At least one of your cousins is a fireman, cop, bar owner, funeral home owner or holds political office. And you have at least one aunt who is a nun or uncle who's a priest.
4) You think you sing very well.
5) You have no idea how to make a long story short!
6) There isn't a big difference between you losing your temper and killing someone.
7) Many of your childhood meals were boiled. Instant potatoes were a mortal sin.
8) You have never hit your head on a ceiling.
9) You spent a good portion of your childhood kneeling in prayer.
10) You're strangely poetic after a few beers.
11) Some punches directed at you are from legacies of past generations.
12) Many of your sisters and/or cousins are named Mary, Catherine or Eileen ..... and there is at least one member of your family with the full name of Mary Catherine Eileen
13) Someone in your family is very generous. It is more than likely you.
14) You may not know the words, but that doesn't stop you from singing.
15) You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking before you start talking.
16) You're not nearly as funny as you think you are ... but what you lack in talent, you make up for in frequency.
17) There wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last keg party.
18) You are, or know someone, named Murph.
19) If you don't know Murph, then you know Mac. If you don't know Murph or Mac, you must know Sully.
20) You are genetically incapable of keeping a secret.
21) You have Irish Alzheimer's... you forget everything but the grudges!
22) 'Irish Stew' is a euphemism for 'boiled leftovers.'
23) Your skin's ability to tan.... not so much.
24) Childhood remedies for the common cold often included some form of whiskey.
25) There's no leaving a family party without saying goodbye for at least 45 minutes.
26) At this very moment, you have at least two relatives who are not speaking to each other. Not fighting, mind you, just not speaking to each other.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN AN IRISH FAMILY
1) You will never play professional basketball.
2) You swear very well.
3) At least one of your cousins is a fireman, cop, bar owner, funeral home owner or holds political office. And you have at least one aunt who is a nun or uncle who's a priest.
4) You think you sing very well.
5) You have no idea how to make a long story short!
6) There isn't a big difference between you losing your temper and killing someone.
7) Many of your childhood meals were boiled. Instant potatoes were a mortal sin.
8) You have never hit your head on a ceiling.
9) You spent a good portion of your childhood kneeling in prayer.
10) You're strangely poetic after a few beers.
11) Some punches directed at you are from legacies of past generations.
12) Many of your sisters and/or cousins are named Mary, Catherine or Eileen ..... and there is at least one member of your family with the full name of Mary Catherine Eileen
13) Someone in your family is very generous. It is more than likely you.
14) You may not know the words, but that doesn't stop you from singing.
15) You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking before you start talking.
16) You're not nearly as funny as you think you are ... but what you lack in talent, you make up for in frequency.
17) There wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last keg party.
18) You are, or know someone, named Murph.
19) If you don't know Murph, then you know Mac. If you don't know Murph or Mac, you must know Sully.
20) You are genetically incapable of keeping a secret.
21) You have Irish Alzheimer's... you forget everything but the grudges!
22) 'Irish Stew' is a euphemism for 'boiled leftovers.'
23) Your skin's ability to tan.... not so much.
24) Childhood remedies for the common cold often included some form of whiskey.
25) There's no leaving a family party without saying goodbye for at least 45 minutes.
26) At this very moment, you have at least two relatives who are not speaking to each other. Not fighting, mind you, just not speaking to each other.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Beauty Product Review: Maybelline Great Lash and Sally Hansen Nail Stickers!
And oldie but goodie and a brand new trend!
I'm always on the hunt for a great mascara. Darkens my lashes while making them curlier and bolder without an end result of looking like a goth princess. (Ooh and won't break the bank, especially since you are supposed to update your mascara every season to avoid bacteria)
The answer Maybelline's Great Lash. You know you've seen it in a million beauty magazines , the cute pink and green tube. This mascara is fab, giving you defined sexy lashes and you can find it in your grocery store or CVS for less than $6!
They now sell it with a bigger brush
Sally Hansen Nail Effects Stickers
I have been curious to try these and they are hard to find. When I finally found them at my local CVS they were sold out of all the funky prints (leopard, houndstooth) but I opted for the bright pink glitter (shocker) .
You peel them and put the sticker on your nails using an emery board to shave off the excess pieces. A little tricky at first, it helps to pull it taut to cover your nail. They give you 12 stickers and I only ended up using about 5 , since you can easily cover your thumb and pinkie with one sticker. I have gotten alot of compliments but they have chipped after 3 days.
End result, buy the really funky patterns you can't replicate at home.
I'm always on the hunt for a great mascara. Darkens my lashes while making them curlier and bolder without an end result of looking like a goth princess. (Ooh and won't break the bank, especially since you are supposed to update your mascara every season to avoid bacteria)
The answer Maybelline's Great Lash. You know you've seen it in a million beauty magazines , the cute pink and green tube. This mascara is fab, giving you defined sexy lashes and you can find it in your grocery store or CVS for less than $6!
They now sell it with a bigger brush
Sally Hansen Nail Effects Stickers
I have been curious to try these and they are hard to find. When I finally found them at my local CVS they were sold out of all the funky prints (leopard, houndstooth) but I opted for the bright pink glitter (shocker) .
You peel them and put the sticker on your nails using an emery board to shave off the excess pieces. A little tricky at first, it helps to pull it taut to cover your nail. They give you 12 stickers and I only ended up using about 5 , since you can easily cover your thumb and pinkie with one sticker. I have gotten alot of compliments but they have chipped after 3 days.
End result, buy the really funky patterns you can't replicate at home.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Spring Wedding Gala
You’re Invited . . .
To the Second Annual Wedding Gala at
The Venues at Rockville’s Town Center
April 17, 2011
12:00 - 4:00 pm .
Come meet with D.C Metropolitan’s best wedding professionals to plan every aspect of your dream wedding.
See The latest wedding fashions
Listen to professional wedding musicians
Taste culinary delights by local caterers and bakers
Experience the Venues at Rockville’s Town Center.
Envision your dream wedding.
For vendor opportunity please e-mail katie@rockvillerooftop.com
For more information go to http://www.rockvillerooftop.com/calendar-events/2nd-annual-spring-linenbridal-showcase
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Smelia's Shrimp Dip
As always the fresher the ingredients the better!
Serve with tostitos or celery.
Smelia's Shrimp Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 4 oz. cans bumble bee shrimp (looks like can of tuna, or use fresh shrimp)
1 c. mayo
1 c. sm. onion, (to taste )
1 cup celery,
Mash with fork all ingredients
Serve with tostitos or celery.
Smelia's Shrimp Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 4 oz. cans bumble bee shrimp (looks like can of tuna, or use fresh shrimp)
1 c. mayo
1 c. sm. onion, (to taste )
1 cup celery,
Mash with fork all ingredients
Monday, February 28, 2011
Designed by the Bride - Free Trial!!
Latest DBG
Planning a wedding presents many decisions to be made. Color schemes, types of flowers, and designing your cake are just a few of the choices you will have to make. Having these ideas and communicating to your vendors can also get tricky; your idea of an elegant rose centerpiece may be executed as a Rose Bowl Parade float reject, and we can’t be having that on your big day.
Enter Designed by the Bride, an online tool that lets you decorate your cake ,bouquets and centerpieces.
Designed by the Bride was dreamed up of by two friends , who were planning their wedding and searched everywhere for a tool that would allow for virtual styling of these important wedding details.
To create the exact look you want, there is a tool bar that allows you to increase/decrease flower size and flip, rotate or move flowers front to back (with almost 250 flowers to choose from). You also have the option to change the background color, giving you the ability to envision your designs against different dress colors or tablecloths. Once you’ve finished designing, you can save your design and either print or email it for others to see. And if you have a new idea or changed your mind, you can simply go back and design another!
Designed by the Bride also prides itself on Going Green! Now you can see multiple designs without the cost, or waste of flowers.
Designing is free with a limited number of choices. But for a small fee you can become a subscriber to Bloom, where you have access to all options.
For a limited time, Designed by the Bride is giving away free 2 day trials to Bloom. Email designedbythebride@gmail.com today and mention District Bride Guide to receive your free trial!
visit Designed by the Bride at http://www.designedbythebride.com/
Happy Designing!
Katie
Planning a wedding presents many decisions to be made. Color schemes, types of flowers, and designing your cake are just a few of the choices you will have to make. Having these ideas and communicating to your vendors can also get tricky; your idea of an elegant rose centerpiece may be executed as a Rose Bowl Parade float reject, and we can’t be having that on your big day.
Enter Designed by the Bride, an online tool that lets you decorate your cake ,bouquets and centerpieces.
Designed by the Bride was dreamed up of by two friends , who were planning their wedding and searched everywhere for a tool that would allow for virtual styling of these important wedding details.
To create the exact look you want, there is a tool bar that allows you to increase/decrease flower size and flip, rotate or move flowers front to back (with almost 250 flowers to choose from). You also have the option to change the background color, giving you the ability to envision your designs against different dress colors or tablecloths. Once you’ve finished designing, you can save your design and either print or email it for others to see. And if you have a new idea or changed your mind, you can simply go back and design another!
Designed by the Bride also prides itself on Going Green! Now you can see multiple designs without the cost, or waste of flowers.
Designing is free with a limited number of choices. But for a small fee you can become a subscriber to Bloom, where you have access to all options.
For a limited time, Designed by the Bride is giving away free 2 day trials to Bloom. Email designedbythebride@gmail.com today and mention District Bride Guide to receive your free trial!
visit Designed by the Bride at http://www.designedbythebride.com/
Happy Designing!
Katie
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Rue La La - Indeed!
The always fabulous Natasha sent me a link to join Rue La La which satisfies my need for shopping for pretty things at a great deal.
They will have various designer boutiques open up with items drastically marked down. They have everything from designer clothes to houseware and goodies inbetween.
I was shopping in the Kate Spade houseware section and they even have some of my wedding china of Belle Boulevard and Larabee dot frames on sale!
If you need an invitation to join I'll send you one! ;)
Happy Shopping!
They will have various designer boutiques open up with items drastically marked down. They have everything from designer clothes to houseware and goodies inbetween.
I was shopping in the Kate Spade houseware section and they even have some of my wedding china of Belle Boulevard and Larabee dot frames on sale!
If you need an invitation to join I'll send you one! ;)
Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
BHLDN
BHLDN ( Beholden) is the whimsical sister site of Anthropologie but with party dresses and wedding delights.
There is a fun Bridal guide finder quiz on there ( I scored Romantic ) that will help aid in your dress decision making.
From accessories, shoes , gowns and everything in between it is def worth checking out. :)
Here are some of my favs
http://www.bhldn.com/
There is a fun Bridal guide finder quiz on there ( I scored Romantic ) that will help aid in your dress decision making.
From accessories, shoes , gowns and everything in between it is def worth checking out. :)
Here are some of my favs
http://www.bhldn.com/
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