Sit down. Are your kids running around screaming? Hush them. You, little missy, need to focus for the next 4.5 minutes. You are about to watch one of the best YouTube videos of. all. time.
The Muses have been waiting for a video like this for years - it definitely rocked our worlds. Twenty-five different ways to wear a scarf, and compiled into a campy, super cute little video. We are definitely inspired! We can't wait to try the "DIY-Infinity," "The Celebrity," "The Braid", and "The Bunny Ears." Perhaps we'll use the month of January to try all 25.
Prepare to be inspired, and enjoy!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Leggings (as pants) not permitted after Labor Day....or during any other season
As you are well aware, the Muses have long raged against fellow fashionistas sporting leggings as pants. In fact, we regularly chant to one another, “Leggings are not pants!” and can be heard muttering the same when walking behind anyone wearing a short shirt with a pair of leggings. Though we love, love, love Joanna Goddard, the goddess behind A Cup of Jo, we happily disagree with her recent praise of leggings as pants, and her patronage of the $68 EmersonMade bag o’leggings. We wholeheartedly stand by our original battle cry of, “Leggings are not pants!” VPLs* abound in leggings, and many leggings do not offer the coverage you need. Don’t believe us? Don your beloved leggings and stand next to an open window while the natural light streams in and take another peek at your derrière.
However, being the reasonable gals that we are, we’re here to say that there is something behind the slim, sleek, silhouette of black pants – and we agree, this is something to crave! Audrey Hepburn, anyone? The sight of that little pixie prancing around in her slim black pants and flats is something we all adore and aspire to. But the answer is not leggings. The original name for these pants is “cigarette pants,” and while that name is a bit antiquated, the look is not.
Take a peek at J.Crew, for example (another brand that Jo frequently plugs). The “Minnie” pant offers the look that we all desire, but gives us an actual pants version of them in both wool and twill.
Bottom line (pun totally intended), save the butt-bearing leggings for under tunics and dresses, and score a pair of slim, figure-hugging pants like the ones from J.Crew. Your rear-end, your figure, and your mother will thank you (and us).
End rant.
*VPL – visible panty line.
However, being the reasonable gals that we are, we’re here to say that there is something behind the slim, sleek, silhouette of black pants – and we agree, this is something to crave! Audrey Hepburn, anyone? The sight of that little pixie prancing around in her slim black pants and flats is something we all adore and aspire to. But the answer is not leggings. The original name for these pants is “cigarette pants,” and while that name is a bit antiquated, the look is not.
Take a peek at J.Crew, for example (another brand that Jo frequently plugs). The “Minnie” pant offers the look that we all desire, but gives us an actual pants version of them in both wool and twill.
End rant.
*VPL – visible panty line.
Monday, October 17, 2011
meatless monday: noodle bowl
It's finally feeling like fall on the east coast! I love slurping warm soup on a cool day out of a big bowl. I made this soup the other night and it was positively delish. It contains udon noodles (Japanese buckwheat noodles) and tofu, as well as plenty of veggies, so it's super satisfying and hearty.
Things to note: this recipe does call for oyster sauce and chicken broth, which do not make this meal entirely meatless if you're being strict. Feel free to substitute veggie broth. Oyster sauce does contain fermented dried oyster - again, if you're not comfortable using this, there are vegetarian options available (for example, Sin Tai Hing Vegetarian Oyster Sauce or Soy Sauce with Mushroom by Healthy Boy Brand).
Udon with Tofu and Stir-Fried Vegetables
Kosher salt
3/4 lb. dried udon noodles
3 cups lower-salt chicken broth
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. oyster sauce
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. rice vinegar
4 tsp. Asian sesame oil
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
2 Tbs. canola oil
3/4 lb. bok choy, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces (4 cups)
3-1/2 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (1-1/2 cups)
1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks
3 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook, stirring, until tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander and run under cold water to cool slightly. Drain well.
In a medium bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, vinegar, and 2 tsp. of the sesame oil.
Heat the ginger and canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the ginger sizzles steadily for about 30 seconds. Add the bok choy and mushrooms, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsp. sesame oil and 3/4 tsp. salt and cook, tossing after 1 minute, until the bok choy turns dark green and begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth mixture, tofu, and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are soft and the tofu is heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.
Distribute the noodles among 4 bowls. Spoon the vegetables, tofu, and broth over the noodles. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.
Enjoy!
Love,
The East Coast Muse
Things to note: this recipe does call for oyster sauce and chicken broth, which do not make this meal entirely meatless if you're being strict. Feel free to substitute veggie broth. Oyster sauce does contain fermented dried oyster - again, if you're not comfortable using this, there are vegetarian options available (for example, Sin Tai Hing Vegetarian Oyster Sauce or Soy Sauce with Mushroom by Healthy Boy Brand).
Udon with Tofu and Stir-Fried Vegetables
Kosher salt
3/4 lb. dried udon noodles
3 cups lower-salt chicken broth
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. oyster sauce
1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. rice vinegar
4 tsp. Asian sesame oil
1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
2 Tbs. canola oil
3/4 lb. bok choy, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch pieces (4 cups)
3-1/2 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced (1-1/2 cups)
1/2 lb. extra-firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium carrots, cut into matchsticks
3 medium scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, for garnish
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| photo courtesy of Fine Cooking |
In a medium bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, vinegar, and 2 tsp. of the sesame oil.
Heat the ginger and canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the ginger sizzles steadily for about 30 seconds. Add the bok choy and mushrooms, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsp. sesame oil and 3/4 tsp. salt and cook, tossing after 1 minute, until the bok choy turns dark green and begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth mixture, tofu, and carrots and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until the carrots are soft and the tofu is heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.
Distribute the noodles among 4 bowls. Spoon the vegetables, tofu, and broth over the noodles. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve.
Enjoy!
Love,
The East Coast Muse
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Real Sukkah: West Coast Style
Last year we shared some inspirations for classy Sukkah decorations.
This year we thought we would show a few pictures of our real Sukkot feast that were inspired by that post.
This year we thought we would show a few pictures of our real Sukkot feast that were inspired by that post.
First of all, there was the construction of the Sukkah. We had a former architect and a number of musical theatre geeks (read: set design) in our group so this was no small sukkah with a couple twigs and a blanket. It was framed out and built up like a serious Californian earthquake proof building....ok maybe not earthquake proof, but it was intense.
For the roof, we added some rolled bamboo fencing material which is easily found at your local hardware store. The group had a number of light weight tapestries that had been collected from international travels that were tacked on to three sides.
We had a few Ikea lanterns (featured in last years post) that we attached to the 2x4 roof structure. Tea lights were placed in the lanterns as well as scattered around the table to give some beautiful ambient lighting. There was also a standing light outside behind the white sheet for added visibility.
We covered our mismatched tables with one long tablecloth and bam....a beautiful and classy sukkah.
Happy feasting, friends.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Meatless Monday: let's poach an egg
A poached egg, they are like bacon, everything is better when covered with it.
Ok so now that you're all master egg poachers, let's check out some recipes.
When you are going for a Meatless Monday sometimes salad and pasta can get tired if you are just tossing some vegetables in. A whole bunch of vegetables on pasta, a whole bunch of vegetables on spinach, a whole bunch of vegetables on quinoa, a whole bunch of...blah blah. It gets old, right? So throw an egg on it! The richness of that runny yoke will not only add decadence to your otherwise yawn-worthy dinner but they are also loaded with protein and a decent amount of iron.
Now we realize that many people fear the poached egg. The West Coast Muse sure did until the sweet East Coaster told her how simple it is. We prefer the swirl technique. Take it away Brandon Jew...
Ok so now that you're all master egg poachers, let's check out some recipes.
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| Fall Vegetable Quinoa Hash with Poached Egg |
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| Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes and Portabellas |
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| Poached Egg over Polenta with Olive-Herb Pesto |
Monday, September 26, 2011
Meatless Monday: Soup Roundup
Fall - as of Friday, it was official. What a fabulous season! We are looking forward to sipping mulled wine, wearing tights and boots, finding persimmons at the market, watching leaves turn bright shades of red and orange, and eating warm comfort food.
So this week we are taking a look at all kinds of soup from vegetarian pho (the traditional Vietnamese noodle dish) to cornmeal soup from everyone's favorite rustic Italian chef Lidia Bastianich. Soup is a simple way to make any meal meatless. There are so many options from straight veggie to soups loaded with noodles or rice. If you find a delicious looking recipe made with chicken or beef stock, just sub in some great quality veg stock and you're in business.
So this week we are taking a look at all kinds of soup from vegetarian pho (the traditional Vietnamese noodle dish) to cornmeal soup from everyone's favorite rustic Italian chef Lidia Bastianich. Soup is a simple way to make any meal meatless. There are so many options from straight veggie to soups loaded with noodles or rice. If you find a delicious looking recipe made with chicken or beef stock, just sub in some great quality veg stock and you're in business.
Swede Soup with pickled hazelnuts and turnips (fyi a "swede" is a rutabaga)
Monday, September 19, 2011
A Stylish iPhone Case - the perfect accessory
Bags, shoes, earrings - check, check and check. Of course we all have those quintessential accessories down pat - they complete our look. But let's say you're one of the millions of iPhone users - you want something that matches your style as far as that goes too, yes?
We've all seen the same, tired iPhone cases you can get at the Apple Store, or the cheap-o ones that you can purchase at a mall kiosk with your fave sports team logo. But what's a girl to do if she wants something unique and stylish - something that catches admiring looks from passers-by when you pull it out to text or schedule your next hair appointment?
Of course, the Muses have a few suggestions for you:
1) Go totally unique -- Society 6 is a venue for artists to sell their creations. Browse more than 12,000 pieces of artwork to find something that speaks to you...or speaks about you. The best part, they will turn any painting, picture, or print from their website into a case or skin for your iPhone, iPod, or even your computer.
2) Support individual vendors & their creativity -- you can find almost anything to suit your fancy on Etsy.com. Soft cloth covers, cute little pockets, hard covers that look like retro Nintendo holders or phones - if you want it, chances are you can find it on Etsy - or commission a vendor to create it for you.
3) As if we need to tell you -- two little words that make any girl happy: Kate Spade.
We've all seen the same, tired iPhone cases you can get at the Apple Store, or the cheap-o ones that you can purchase at a mall kiosk with your fave sports team logo. But what's a girl to do if she wants something unique and stylish - something that catches admiring looks from passers-by when you pull it out to text or schedule your next hair appointment?
Of course, the Muses have a few suggestions for you:
1) Go totally unique -- Society 6 is a venue for artists to sell their creations. Browse more than 12,000 pieces of artwork to find something that speaks to you...or speaks about you. The best part, they will turn any painting, picture, or print from their website into a case or skin for your iPhone, iPod, or even your computer.
2) Support individual vendors & their creativity -- you can find almost anything to suit your fancy on Etsy.com. Soft cloth covers, cute little pockets, hard covers that look like retro Nintendo holders or phones - if you want it, chances are you can find it on Etsy - or commission a vendor to create it for you.
3) As if we need to tell you -- two little words that make any girl happy: Kate Spade.
Mandala by Peter Patrick Barreda
Personalized Cases from Etsy
Because for at least one of the Muses the dream of being a Mermaid never died
Oh Kate, how we love thee
Cell Phone Envelope from Etsy
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