The 1960's

I love these fashionable retro 1960's prints by Justin Skeesuck that were inspired by matchbox labels from the 1950s and 60s.
{via Design Work Life}

Kale Chips

I consider myself somewhat of a chip connoisseur (read: chip addict), so when I came across this recipe for Kale Chips that promised to be a salty alternative to real chips, you better believe I was skeptical. I would have normally just passed by this recipe, but I had a large bunch of kale slowly deteriorating in my fridge, so I thought I would give it a whirl. And I was pleasantly surprised!

Now in my books, these can't be categorized as "chips", but they are a healthy light salty snack that might help curb your salty cravings. Even my picky husband ate some!

Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
1 tbsp olive olive
1 tsp sea salt
Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top (optional)

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Tear kale into bite size pieces, removing from thick stem (wash and thoroughly dry)
3. Place on baking sheet in single layer and drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until edges are brown and crispy (but not burnt) and enjoy!

{photo and adapted recipe from the Zoe Blog}

good food = happy stomach

 I think I should have this printed and put on my fridge as a reminder not to be tempted by the yummy/bad foods that I am constantly tempted to eat but always make me feel sick. This cute design is by Kenjiro Sano for the Japanese Association of Graphic Designers Food Cloth exhibit.
{via Oh Joy Eats}

Amy Butler: rugs and other pretty things

I want ALL of these rugs designed by the lovely Amy Butler for Chandra Rugs. I can't decide which one I would want in my own home...I think I am leaning towards the one on the top row, right. Check out Amy's website for more products including bags, towels, bedding, stationery and more! She also has FREE sewing and craft patterns you can download that are equally lovely.

Kailo Chic :: Etsy Handbags

Love the funky patterns on these handmade wallet clutches by Kailo Chic. They kind of remind me of the clutches I got for my bridesmaids from Stitches Are Forever (as seen below), each with a hint of pink to go with the j. crew bridesmaid dresses. I heart Etsy!

Jeanie & Jewell: Letter Love

Loving these decorative letters created by Jeanie & Jewell.

29 things to do before I am 30

With the big 3-0 looming, I want to enjoy this last year as a 20-something- or at least get some things accomplished so I can be free to do whatever comes my way (sans guilt). This is kind of like a high list of New Year's resolutions, but hopefully putting it out there helps me get things done!

In no particular order:

1. Go tree zip lining.
2. Train or try to run a half marathon (this is going to be the hardest thing for me!) Actually, maybe I should just put down- try to run. period.
3. Go on a trip (perhaps Las Vegas with my girlfriends to celebrate our 30th birthdays)
4. Start practicing yoga at home (and continue my practice in the studio too)
5. Finish renovating the basement rec room
6. Plant our garden. (Last year, my parents were sweet enough to do it for us. I am sure they would do it again, but I would like to give it a try)
7. Sell at least one painting. Somehow.
8. Pick up some more freelance design work. Anyone need my services?
9. Pay off my credit card (This will also be hard!)
10. Go for Sunday drives with Dave. Inspired by this cute post by Things to do for Two.
11. Buy a sewing machine (second hand or on sale), and attempt to make curtains among other crafty things
12. Make a date night (at least) every two weeks with Dave
13. Make more of an effort to keep in touch with friends
14. Attempt to refinish my old childhood dresser. And if I feel confident after that:
15. Refinish our kitchen cabinets
16. Learn calligraphy
17. Refresh my web design skills (and make a portfolio website)
18. Go back to Oak Island  (where we got married) to celebrate our Anniversary.
19. Take advantage our our health benefits and treat myself to monthly massages (what is wrong with me that I haven't taken advantage of this yet?!)
20. Learn to crotchet/knit
21. Start my RRSP (I know. I know. Should have started this one looooong ago.)
22. Read more books. ( I have a hard time picking up a new book once I finish a really good read.)
23. Go indoor rock climbing (have never tried it)
24. Go to the driving range with Dave
25. Try to always have fresh flowers in the house
26. Go to a wine and food tasting at Bishops Cellar
27. Make a seafood chowder
28. Hike the Cabot Trail
29. Keep trying out this bloggin' thang

Well, there it is. Some small, some big, some fun, some not so much. Do you have a 'bucket list' or list of things to do before you are, say- 30? What does it include?

{illustration by Adam Dedman}

I made this dinner for friends the other night, and it was a hit. It looks fancier than it really is, and it is super yummy! So if you are looking for something new to do for a chicken dinner, I suggest this recipe.

Ingredients

4 shallots, thinly sliced

10 bacon slices (about 1/2 pound)

4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds total)

Lemon pepper seasoning to taste (or ground black pepper with a little lemon zest)

6 Tbsp grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)

1 Tbps olive oil

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/3 cup dry white wine

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/2 Tbsp flour

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

Method 

1. Working in batches, cook the bacon over medium heat in an ovenproof heavy skillet, until lightly brown but still flexible (not crisp). Place the bacon on paper towels to drain. Cook the shallots in the remaining bacon fat over low heat, stirring, until softened. Transfer shallots with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and leave any fat remaining in skillet. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. With smooth side of a meat pounder pound each breast to 1/8-inch thickness. Discard plastic from boned side of each breast. Sprinkle chicken with lemon pepper (or ground black pepper and a little lemon zest) and salt. Place 2 1/2 slices of bacon lengthwise (parallel with grain of flesh) along middle of each breast. Top with shallots and Parmesan. Using plastic wrap to help you, tightly roll up each breast lengthwise, tucking in the ends to enclose the filling. Secure seams with wooden toothpicks.

3. Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes. When cooked, remove chicken from oven and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

4. To make the sauce, add wine to the skillet and deglaze over medium high heat, scraping up brown bits. Boil wine until reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Add garlic and butter. Cook mixture over medium low heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Add flour and cook roux, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth and cream and bring to a boil, whisking. Simmer the sauce, whisking, 2 minutes. Keep sauce warm. Remove the wooden toothpicks from roulades and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Spoon some sauce in center of each of 4 plates and arrange roulade slices decoratively on sauce.

{photo and recipe from Simply Recipes}