Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Today's organization inspiration...makeup.
My makeup is the last thing I do before I run out of the door in the morning.
The more visible it all is, the better (and quicker I get out of the house).
And if I can't see it, I won't use it (what a waste).
In my vanity, I have everything laid out in the order of application.
Powder/concealer {top left}
Blush {top right}
Eye shadow {top center}
Eye liner/mascara {bottom left}
Lip liner {bottom right}
Lip gloss {bottom center}
Organization...makes mornings easy.

Vintage bottles

I love vintage bottles. My husband and I rescued
these as they were on their way to the dump.

Maybe old dogs can learn new tricks...

My husband and I decided that we would make a list of things that we want to accomplish this year. A few things we decided on were:
learn to play an instrument
learn a new language
start running
learn to draw
We are on our way! My parents (my father is a brilliant musician) bought us both instruments; for my husband a guitar, for me a ukulele. While we have not mastered them, I am proud to say we have learned a number of chords and a few songs. And it's so fun! As an art student, my husband has quickly learned to draw quite well. This is my first attempt. I have painted random, abstract things before, but never have I tried to "draw". I can't take credit for the originality, as I saw this on a piece of stationery.
Maybe old dogs can learn new tricks...

Chanel Resort 2011

I love the sheer femininity juxtaposed with...is that laser cut leather? Brilliant.

Spanish Plaza

Spanish Plaza, New Orleans, LA

I went home to New Orleans recently for the French Quarter Festival. While waiting for the ferry, I took a walk to the Spanish Plaza. Having worked in the area years prior, I would often sit around the plaza and enjoy the fountain while eating lunch. However, through all that time, I had never taken the time to notice how interesting each crest is. I love being a tourist in my hometown!

Chanel Resort 2011

White whimsy, Japanese Obi belt, naked toes

Chanel Resort 2012

Tuxedo inspired swimwear. Timeless.

BR does it again

Another Chanel inspired purchase from Banana Republic.
Raw edges, Exposed zipper, tapered fit, great details.

Chanel Spring 2011 Ready to Wear
Possible inspiration?

Mmmm, Granola

Maple Pecan Granola

I love granola. But, I am particular, so I made up my own. If you favor crunchy, simple deliciousness, then you must give this recipe a try. Feel free to substitute any nuts you may have on hand. Same goes for the raisins, any dried fruit will do. I've sprinkled mine on plain yogurt (Atlanta Fresh is the best!), strawberries, and drizzled with some local honey. Now for breakfast, I feel like I am treating myself to dessert!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup flax seed
• 1/2 cup shredded sweet coconut
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup canola/vegetable oil
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil. Combine both mixtures and pour onto sheet pan. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!

Pasta Margherita

Pasta Margherita

1 TBSP Olive oil

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

2 TBSP balsamic vinegar

2 TBSP red wine

4 basil leaves, chopped

Medium ball of fresh mozzarella, cubed

Balsamic Glaze, for garnish

Salt

Fettuccine

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Add tomatoes and sprinkle with salt. Stir. Gradually add balsamic vinegar and red wine. Lower heat, toss in chopped basil. Plate serving of salted fettuccine. Top with cubed mozzarella, and cover with sauce mixture. Heat from sauce will warm the cheese. Garnish with balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Reimagined: Furniture

I purchased this storage cabinet years ago, when my tastes were entirely different. Years of moving, and a little help from my dog Rocco, left it in desperate need of some reconditioning. After a light sanding and a coat of primer, it already started to look better. I chose Martha Stewart's Aegean Blue and some adorable red and coral pulls from Anthropologie. Reimagine, success!

Beyond the Sea

Crab salad

1 package of imitation crabmeat, shredded

2 TBSP mayonnaise

1 stalk of celery, chopped

1/8 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp cider vinegar

Celery salt, salt and pepper to taste

~Mix all ingredients together. Serve with crackers.

This is a simple snack, and relatively healthy. The crab is low in fat and high in protein. I use olive oil mayonnaise to reduce calories. Enjoy!

A rose is a rose

Simple, rustic roses in my great-grandmother's vase

BR does Chanel

Chanel. Timeless. Classic. I am waiting for the day I can invest in a Chanel jacket. In the meantime, I am working to build a worthy collection of Coco-inspired pieces. I found this on the sale rack at Banana Republic. Black and white, raw edges, zipper pockets, and great details. I can't wait to wear it with shredded denim, skinny black pants...anything really, it's a classic.

Life Jackets, Life Jackets

Ferry on the Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA - French Quarter Festival

French Dressing

Some things last forever. Diamonds, Chanel quilted handbags, true love...

In an effort to simplify my life, I am making more investment purchases than I have in the past. Adopting the European philosophy of dressing has revolutionized the way I feel about my wardrobe. Maybe this is what gives Parisian women that je ne sais quoi?

There must be a 12 step program for this...

The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? After purchasing two black and white striped pieces this weekend (an adorable boatneck, three quarter sleeve top and a tank dress), I find myself longing for more. And that is when I stumbled upon the Brisa dress by DVF. Have you ever found a garment that you know was made especially for you? I have, and I am certain this DVF wrap dress was designed especially with me in mind. It marries my favorite designer, fabric pattern, and silhouette, all into one flawless garment. But, to my dismay, it's sold out in my size. How will I go on? I have moved beyond step one, admitting that I have an addiction (actually an obsession) with striped clothing, and onto to acceptance. And the eternal search goes on...

Roasted Butternut and Gala Apple Bisque

Roasted Butternut and Gala Apple Bisque

Butternut squash, roasted
Gala apple, roasted
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
3 TBSP. pumpkin butter
1 cup milk
1 cup half & half
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Cut butternut squash in half, remove seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. Place on baking sheet face down. Roast at 400 degrees for 50 minutes. Cut Gala apple in half. With 20 minutes left to roast the squash, place apple on baking sheet in oven, cut side down.
Remove and let cool.

In a large saucepan, saute onion in olive oil. Rough chop roasted squash and apple, add to saucepan. Lower heat to medium low. With metal spoon, mix and mush squash, apple, onion and pumpkin butter. Puree with a stick blender until smooth. Slowly mix in milk, then half & half, then whipped cream. Add salt and cinnamon and simmer on medium low, covered for 10 minutes. Serve topped with remaining whipped cream.

Ragu di Carne

I absolutely love the slow cooker. I cook everything I can in there. What can be easier than throwing in all of your ingredients and not doing anything until you are ready to eat? Hours later, all of the flavors are nicely married together. Perfecto!

Ragu di Carne
Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 head garlic, diced
1/2 red pepper (or 3 mini peppers), chopped
1 lb. ground meat
2 tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsp. tomato paste concentrate (from the tube)
1/2 bottle red wine
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
salt and pepper
Fresh basil, chopped

Add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the order they are listed, highest setting. Chop as you go to allow some uncovered cooking time. When all ingredients are added, cover and lower to medium heat. Let cook, 5-8 hours. Serve over pappardelle or another thick pasta with fresh Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Boho fresh

Love this look! So fresh and effortless. It's bohemian classicism where traditional meets the unexpected. (The Sartorialist)

Style Envy

I would never think to wear a leather skirt with a raffia Balenciaga bag and a silk top with raw edges, but Mademoiselle Agnes does it. Flawlessly. The combination of textures is unpredictable. The seemingly effortless conglomeration is enviable. She is my current fashion obsession.

A Taste of the Southwest

So simple to make, but the layers of flavors make it seem much more complex. Try it out at your next cookout, its sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Southwestern Pasta Salad

1 Box of Spiral Pasta
1 Can of Yellow Corn
1 Can of Black Beans
Half of an Onion
A Bunch of Cilantro
1 tsp. Chopped Jalapeño Peppers (in a jar)
Ranch Dressing (approximately ½ a bottle)
1 Tbsp. Lime Juice
¼ tsp. Coriander
¼ tsp. Chili Powder
½ tsp. Cumin
Salt (to taste)

Boil pasta. Stir all of the other ingredients together in a large boil. When pasta is cooked and cooled, mix with the rest of the ingredients. You can use homemade ranch dressing if desired. Top with more cilantro. Serve.

And the Oscar Goes to...Asian Cabbage Slaw

Poor coleslaw, always plays a forgettable supporting role next to the leading lady. But this side is tasty enough to take center stage at your next cookout. Its light and crispy, and the Siracha adds quite a kick.















Asian Cabbage Slaw

Slaw
1 bag of Shredded cabbage
2 carrots, julienned
1 cucumber, julienned
4 green onions
A bunch of cilantro

Dressing
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
15 drops fish sauce
1 bottle rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
Siracha, about 1 tbsp or to taste
½ tsp coriander
Salt to taste

Mix all of the slaw ingredients together in large bowl. Whisk all dressing ingredients together in separate bowl. Pour over slaw. Let marinate in refrigerator.

Prison Chic

Anyone who knows me knows about my addiction to black and white stripes. The Jailhouse Rock design holds some substantial real estate in my closet. Always classic and timeless, I love the casual elegance the pattern implies. This American Apparel dress is a perfect addition to my collection. It has pockets, plus, it hugs in all the right places! So arrest me, at least I won’t be committing a fashion crime.

Aubergine Batons

Eggplant, beets, cilantro, brussel sprouts. People either love them or hate them. Me, I love them all, even canned beets. This recipe for Fried Eggplant Sticks will win over even the most discriminating eaters. They are light and crispy with a soft center and the Cajun mayo offers the perfect jolt of flavor. You may want to sprinkle them with some extra cajun seasoning, such as Tony Chachere’s. And make sure to fry them over high heat to get them extra crispy, if not you run the risk of them being a little limp, which to some might be as unappealing as canned beats…

Fried Eggplant Sticks
6 cups vegetable oil
1 large, long eggplant (about 2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
Heat the oil in a large, heavy sauté pan.
Peel the eggplant and cut in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 1/4-inch thick slices (like long French fries). Toss the slices with the salt to coat evenly. Beat the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge the eggplant slices in the flour to coat, shaking off any excess. Dip the coated strips into the egg wash, then back into the flour. In batches, fry the eggplant strips in the hot oil until golden, turning with a long-handled spoon as they cook to brown evenly, about 2 minutes.

Cajun Mayo
Mayo
Lea & Perrins
Dijon Mustard
Lemon Juice
Hot Sauce
Salt
Cajun Seasonings

Nola Jane is in bloom!

Welcome to Nola Jane! The coming of spring seems like the perfect time to start this blog. I don't know about you, but when springtime is upon me, I feel like a butterfly coming out of my cocoon, shedding my wool turtlenecks and tights. I am so excited to wear cotton and color and flowy dresses. I have to admit, the changing of all of the seasons thrills me. I am equally excited with the coming of fall, the snuggly cashmere, comfy cardigans and leather boots. Maybe I just like the metamorphosis...