Perfect Swiss Design

It doesn't look like much, but this Zyliss Silicone Stir Fry Spatula is tops in design and function.  A tapered edge on the spatula gets under foods quickly and easily.  The angled silicone head and rigid silicone core make this spatula perfect for vegetables, omelets, sauces and more.  The high grade silicone is heat resistant to 600 degrees F.  The bright red color (or orange or lime green) makes it easy to find in the drawer and basically it just feels good in your hand.  It's about $8 at specialty kitchen stores or on-line.  Trust me, you will reach for this over and over again.

Ina Garten = Barefoot Contessa

The Barefoot Contessa cookbooks are far and above my favorite cookbooks.  Beautiful pictures, delicious recipes, simple directions.  The recipes turn out consistently good.  Ina uses minimal basic ingredients in her recipes, with an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients.  I have discovered at least one recipe in each book that I felt justified the cost of the book.  Some of our favorites are the Carmelized Butternut Squash, Tequila Lime Chicken and the Sun-Dried Tomato Dip.  Pictured above are the original Barefoot Contessa Cookbook and the latest release, Barefoot Contessa, How Easy is That?  Mmmmmm......

Soft Skin ~ Soft Scent

It's like magic!  Add a capful or two of Boots Bath Oil in Rose and Lavender added to your bath, soak for a few minutes, and you will have the softest and sweetest-smelling skin.  Don't be scared away by this if you are not a big floral fan, the rose and lavender scent is light and refreshing.  As an added bonus, it comes in such a pretty bottle!  Target carries the Boots line of products.

Rosle, Rosle

If the cutting board and chef's knife is already out, it's usually just quicker and easier to mince a clove of garlic with the knife.  But other times, like tonight when the recipe called for 9 cloves of minced garlic, I turn to this gadget.  It's a Rosle Garlic Press from Williams Sonoma.  And let me tell you, this little guy can really press the garlic.  The first time I used it, after struggling with an inferior brand for several years, I applied the usual amount of pressure and Woohoo! , the garlic went flying out and splattered all across the back splash.  I soon learned that you don't need a lot of pressure to use this style.  Just aim carefully and give it a gentle squeeze.  When you're done, you can flip the screen up for easy cleaning or toss it in the dish washer.  Yes, it's a bit more expensive than some brands, but it is quite possibly the last garlic press you will ever buy!

A Fun Surprise!

A surprise package was waiting for me on the steps last week - the Pearl and Chain Necklace Tee from Ann Taylor Loft!  It was an early birthday present from my thoughtful daughter, who seems to think I need to add a little more bling to my wardrobe.  I paired this with a black ruffled cardigan for a birthday dinner at the Bistro.  So cute, and so fun!  Thank you, Heike!

I don't know how to dance the Flamenco, but this skirt makes me want to learn!

A new favorite - the Knit Flamenco Skirt from Garnet Hill.  It is a soft comfortable knit, hits just below the knee and is topped with layers of soft ruffles that lay flat.  Cute with a dark red floral embroidered T, or a soft pink cardigan, or a simple black T - with sandals, flats, or boots - the combinations are limitless. Comfort, style, and just a bit of sass!

Lime, Basil & Mandarin

No, not a recipe for a new Thai favorite, but one of my favorite scents ~ Lime, Basil, Mandarin from Jo Malone.  A hint of citrus, a bit of herbal; not too heavy, somehow just right.  Fresh.