Tuesday Tip: Lengthen the Life of Celery

I despise having to throw out wasted food - especially fresh produce - because I haven't eaten it in time.  My husband gets on me for going to the grocery store too many times in a week but it is because I'd rather do that then put perfectly good food and money down the drain.  One trick that I do to extend the life of celery (isn't it gross when it becomes all flexible and bendy instead of nice and crunchy?) is to cut the base of the stalks off and store it upright in a cup of water in the fridge.  You'll need to change the water every few days because you'll see how much the celery slurps up.  It is also great if you go ahead and wash and clean it so you are more motivated to grab an easy, healthy snack!

Pet Pop Art

Applegate Gallery offers services to turn one of your photos into pop art.  They do it with pictures of people too but I love the way the pet ones turned out.

You send them an original picture of your pet such as this:

And they turn it into a really cool piece of pop art like this:

Here are some other samples that they did:

More info at info@applegateframing.com.

Sunday Supper: Braised Short Ribs

I felt oh so very Julia Childs with this dish tonight.  WARNING: this is NOT a quick weeknight supper.  But man oh man, is it deeeeelish.  Jack said it was the best thing I've ever made.  I can't really take credit.  I used Anne Burrell's recipe from the Food Network. 

Here are some of the highlights of the process since you can get the recipe directly from the Food Network:

I started the process this morning by using this awesome food processor my friend Leslie gave me.  I pureed carrots, onion, garlic and celery and then refrigerated it until later. 

This afternoon I got out the beautiful short ribs that we got on sale at Harris Teeter.  I also pulled fresh thyme from the garden and made a little thyme bundle for the dish.

I browned the short ribs in olive oil and removed and drained the fat.

I cooked down the pureed vegetables in olive oil and added tomato paste and then deglazed the pot with red wine.

I added the spare ribs back in and covered with water to the top of the meat.  I added bay leaves and the fresh thyme bundle.

It cooks for about 3 hours at 375 degrees, covered up.  Half way through you remove the lid, turn the ribs and then return to heat.

Here they are just finished and out of the oven:

And on the plate with lesueur peas and homemade mashed potatoes (two of my favorite sides!)

Heart of the Matter

If you haven't read Emily Giffin and you are looking for an entertaining end of summer beach read then look no further.  My friend Reeves introduced me to Emily Giffin's books.  The first one was Something Borrowed, Something Blue.  By far the best one.  But her other ones have all been page turners.  My friend Liz has named all of Emily Giffin's books by the color of their jacket.  "Greenie", "Pinky" and "Blue" were all good.  She just lent me Heart of the Matter, aka "Purple."  A really enjoyable book. 

I'm not going to mislead you and tell you this is anything other than well written chick lit but sometimes that is exactly what you need. 

A whole new look

I've gotten the Home Decorators Collection catalog for many years.  I usually flip through it, think most of what is in there looks like junk and then I throw it out.  Uh, not any more.  Don't get me wrong, there are still lots of pieces that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole but they've got some great things now at extremely reasonable prices.

Check it out!

This was one of my favorite pieces.  A simple aluminum chair and it is selling for a reasonable $99!  Look at it below set against a traditional dining room. 

Here's another aluminum option...

And they have the same chair sans arms in a wide variety of colors.  Still think the aluminum one is my favorite but can see the other colors being lots of fun in the right room. 

They've definite jumped on the industrial bandwagon.  Between the chairs above and these next couple of tables, there is a lot to choose from.  This one offers an adjustable height option which is great. 

I'm not sure which I like better - the industrial coffee table or side table, both shown below.  And honestly, for just over $700, that couch ain't bad looking either...

One thing that I really enjoy thinking about is designing for small spaces.  In the DC area where rent is so high and space is at a premium, so many people have to fit so much into a small space.  Organization is the key.  This murphy desk offers great functionality and organization for a small space at a small price - under $200.  The director's chair for this purpose is great too because it can fold away as necessary.  Theirs is only $39.

And last but not least, they've got some great rugs.  I'm seriously considering this Faux Bois one below from their Martha Stewart collection.  It is neutral but still offers great texture.

I couldn't stop looking at this Houndstooth one.  Part of it feels really 80's and part of it feels really fresh.  I think I want it to come back.  I can see this looking great in the right room.

Picture Perfect

Happy Friday!  This image has been in my inspiration file since I ripped it out of a page of Martha Stewart Living years ago.  I love the glow the candles in these shells cast on this dusky evening...perfect for the end of summer. 

I hope this is a relaxing and quiet weekend for everyone!

Artistic Tile

I saw an advertisement recently that featured this tile and I was instantly intrigued.

I can't get over the texture and just keep thinking of all of the decorative possibilities not limited to kitchens or bathrooms.  What about a fireplace?  What about an entryway?  What about a bedroom?  Ahhhh!!  My mind is reeling with ideas.

So I decided to check out the company who manufactures these beautiful tiles: Artistic Tile (aptly named, I might add).  Some seriously cool products and designs...