unabashedly uncorked: your daily dose of EPH!

Sometimes I like to pick out really intense recipes that...

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:08:27 -0400

Sometimes I like to pick out really intense recipes that challenge me as a cook. This is not one of them. In fact, I took the lazy way out with this and didn’t even make my own enchilada sauce. Shame on me. Except not because the Trader Joe’s kind is really quite delicious and it spared me at least 3 extra dirty dishes in the sink. So really, I’m the genius in this equation. If you’d like to be a true chef and come up with your own sauce, by all means! In fact, here’s a rather nice sounding recipe. As for me, I’ll stick with my jarred sauce. thankyouverymuch

Most traditional enchiladas also call for corn tortillas. But Blake has a thing against the corn tortilla. The way he turns his nose up at the sheer sight of them is almost entertaining. That man is nothing if not opinionated about his food. Don’t even get him started on turkey bacon. But if I want my family to eat, sometimes we have to make sacrifices (truth be told, I’m not a fan myself) and so flour tortillas it is.

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

The players:

1 1/2 lbs organic chicken breast
1 large container of organic chicken stock
1 medium yellow onion
10-12 6” flour tortillas
cooking spray
shredded cheese (I used a 3 cheese blend)
enchilada sauce (I used this kind)
1 jalapeno chopped (we didn’t do this but will next go round)

The play by play:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Clean and rinse chicken and then place in a large pot (you can quarter the pieces to save time) to poach.

In the meantime, dice the onion. Once chicken is cooked (and cool enough to handle) shred and toss into a large bowl. Add the diced onion, about a cup of cheese, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce (personal preference- I go with less because I don’t like super saucy enchiladas), and the chopped jalapeno. Stir to combine.

Spray a Pyrex dish with nonstick spray. For each tortilla shell, place about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture evenly into the center of the shell. Tightly wrap the shell around the filling and lay seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until you’ve used all the filling (we had about 11 enchiladas total). Top the enchiladas with a liberal coating of sauce (I just drizzled what was left in the bottle over top). The pièce de résistance is the cheese. Liberally coat these suckers with a healthy coating of cheese.

If you’re really hungry- do not cover with foil and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes [that’s what I did]. If you can wait for a bit, cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes and then uncover and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest for a minute- though if you’re like me you’ll start peeling the delicious cheese off with your fingers and you’ll wind up with a bunt thumb.

Chef’s Addendum: fancy this up with sliced avocado and a dallop of Greek yogurt. Could also spread refried beans along the tortilla before adding the chicken mixture or could throw a handful of fresh, minced cilantro in with the cheese, chicken, and sauce.

The feelings I have for this song might be one step beyond an...

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:44:00 -0400

The feelings I have for this song might be one step beyond an obsession. I’m mad about it. Can’t stop singing it [in my very flat, off-key tone]. Can’t get it out of my head. Added it to every one of my playlists. See- one step beyond obsessed.

[and now I sound looney tunes (punny!)]

So really, I’m curious as to why you haven’t hit play yet. DO IT! And thank me later.

oxo

There are few things in life that I love more than a summery,...

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:34:00 -0400

There are few things in life that I love more than a summery, light pasta dish. My favorite to date is this Silver Palate recipe with brie, basil, and tomatoes marinated in a garlic/ olive oil infusion then dumped over boiling hot, fresh linguene noodles.

god- please forgive me, folks. I’m now drooling at my desk…

Anywho. This One Pot Wonder tomato basil pasta recipe looks equally impressive. Click through for full recipe and more photos.

bon appetit! // found thanks to E’s Pinterest page

a rainy wednesday run

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:01:00 -0400

Last night as I headed out on my run I was more concerned with the heat index than the billowing...

Wednesday Wonders: Basically, my interests as of late have...

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:25:00 -0400

Wednesday Wonders:

Basically, my interests as of late have consisted of 4 things:

flowy, pleated frocks
maxi dresses (preferably with a tulip hemline)
shoes of any sort
colorful accessories

For reference, please see exhibit A above. In fact, it appears that I’ve created one subcategory by combining #’s 1 and 2 with that amazeballs green dress. Someone invite me to a fancy wedding so I have an excuse to buy that.

1- Ted Baker pleated dress // 2- Jennifer Zeuner Rayna eye lariat necklace // 3- pineapple earrings // 4- Nixon watch // 5- Target woven tote // 6- Madewell necklace // 7- Lanston dress // 8A- Sunnies // 8B- DvF lucite heel sandals (ON SALE!) // 9- Kate Spade bow bracelet // 10- twisted turban headband // 11- Ted Baker pleated maxi dress // 12- Rebecca Minkoff slide sandals // 13- Tinley Road tulip hem maxi dress // 14- C. Wonder tote (Goyard-esque shape, no?) // 15- Joie “Nice” flip flops (ON SALE! & currently en route to mi casa; size up in these) // 16- Eric Javits Fedora

& for all you deal-hunters, the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale starts today and Saks took some pretty nice discounts yesterday on their designer merchandise yesterday. Happy Shopping!

Let’s be honest with one another… does anything...

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:27:11 -0400

Let’s be honest with one another…

does anything scream summertime quite like ripe peaches? I don’t think so.

This Peach Melba recipe is certainly one I’ll be test driving soon (sans corn syrup).

[photo and recipe c/o Bon Appetit]

There are things that I’ve become rather opinionated about in the last year. I have found true...

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:41:00 -0400

There are things that I’ve become rather opinionated about in the last year. I have found true...

outfit perfection // Rihanna // via hautelikecouture

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:35:57 -0400

outfit perfection // Rihanna // via hautelikecouture

A little back-story is necessary here. I’ve known Rebecca...

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:59:00 -0400

A little back-story is necessary here. I’ve known Rebecca for some time. My high school beau (ASB) and her now husband (Mr. S) were best buddies. We spent a little time together between lake vacays and shenanigans around Greensboro and- I’ll admit- I always thought she was the absolute coolest.

but back to her question…

Good for you for jumping back into the exercise pool. I’ve had another question about running (from Miss Emily D) recently so I’ll try to kill two birds with one stone in answering this.

Let’s start here… yes, it does get easier! As you said, just keep going until it does. You have to build up the lung capacity for those deep breaths you’re taking, gal. And unfortunately that doesn’t happen overnight. When I started running, I tried to exercise without headphones in [groan. how boring] so I could play close attention to my breathing. Half the trick of running is really getting your breath down so you aren’t huffing and puffing your miles away.

My favorite tip for anyone starting off on the trails [ne ~~tread~~dreadmill] is to give yourself a goal [mine is always to run 3.1 miles without stopping to walk]. Once you get to that goal (and you will- whatever that goal is), push yourself juuuuusstt a little further. Some days, that might be just to the top of the next hill. Other days, you’ll surprise yourself and crank out another mile and a half (those are the BEST runs!). Whether it be for another step, 30 seconds, or five minutes— just dig deep and do it. I always say you’ll be surprised how much “go get ‘em” you have left buried in your hull. Plus, this will help you build endurance.

Other necessities- a great playlist on your iPod, tennis shoes that are fitted @ a running store, a great outfit (because, let’s be honest, you work harder when you feel cute), a favorite route to run (some days that path will be the only thing dragging you out of the house), and a hand-held water bottle (I have this one) for the NC heat.

A few of my tricks? Run near a road— the passers by hold me accountable (or at least that’s what I tell myself). Chase your shadow (it helps with the hilly bits). Live for the runner’s high (little else comes close to that feeling) and the endorphin’s. Oh, the endorphin’s!

Here are a few of my favorite running posts & a few other tips: Watch out for snakes (true story- that happened 3 days after I found out I was pregnant), never sell yourself short, and ask yourself the comical question- what makes you run (you’ll never have a dull moment alone with your thoughts after that).

I take from everyday experiences; I pull energy from where I can and from those around me. I’m inspired by ordinary people called to do extraordinary things. I put one foot in front of another until I’m moving, running, flying. Somethings you can talk about, write about and dream about. Other things you just have to get out there and make happen. Running is one of them.

Peace, love, and swooshing pony tails.

EPH

ps- ditto to you on the last bit (only, replace “dog” with “children”) oxo

Friday Things A DIY honeycomb bookcase? Be still my bee loving...

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:29:00 -0400

Friday Things

A DIY honeycomb bookcase? Be still my bee loving heart!

Boxwoods, glorious wide-open patio space, and vintage french doors = dream living. (photo via)

For any of you fellow beach bums, this Bobbi Brown perfume is a must have. I’ve been sporting it all week & while I’d still much rather be lying face down in the sand, it’s a rather nice alternative.

A lightened up cucumber Pimm’s cup cocktail. Lemon, orange, mint, and rosemary (which happen to be flourishing in my herb garden)? Sign me up!

Can’t wait to try this DIY gold polka-dot trick on some plain white serving pieces.

Peony season is one of my favorite times of the year and I love the single bud vases to hold the bright pink floral treasures. (photo via)

This bedding option from Serena & Lilly. While I’m normally a fan of stark white sheets, something about this gingham, chambray, toile combo is so inviting. ((plus, take 20% off all Serena & Lilly orders now through 5/20))

not pictured: the Pretty Woman theme song I downloaded and have be-bopped on down the road to over the past few days. I do this super nifty shoulder dance while I’m driving and sing far too loud for my own good. It’s quite lame and I love it.

Happy almost weekend, folks!

Wednesday Thursday Wonders: In addition to my regular loose,...

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:49:00 -0400

~~Wednesday~~ Thursday Wonders:

In addition to my regular loose, boho tops and flowy dresses for spring, apparently I’ve also fallen hard for patterns and prints. And really- I’m quite alright with that. Hopefully some of these goodies (that maxi dress is TDF) would give my regular rotation of neutrals a little more depth.

1- Leifsdottir buttondown // 2- Toms Ikat wedges // 3- Saturday “sexy back” tee (available in 5 colors; I’d go with tangerine) // 4- tiny heart ring // 5- Anthro necklace (which looks mighty fine with #7) // 6- Love & Ice Cream tee // 7- Club Monaco dress // 8- Anthro maxi dress // 9- Joie shorts // 10- Peony scented candle // 11- polka dot espadrilles

World, meet my fancy shorts. When I splurged on these suckers a...

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:06:00 -0400

World, meet my fancy shorts.

When I splurged on these suckers a few weeks ago [and yes, they were quite the splurge] my coworkers and I joked that while cute, we weren’t sure I had many places to wear them. You know, being that they aren’t work appropriate and all and that my nightlife is rather trending toward the boring to nonexistent side these days.

But fear not! I found a reason to break out the fancy shorts last weekend at the beach ((& the elastic waistband was quite appropriate given the gigantor honey glazed croissant I wolfed down in near record time)).

shorts: DvF (also here) // vegan leather jacket: Free People (a few more sizes here) // sleeveless chambray blouse: Madewell // sunnies: House of Harlow (think these are pretty slick as well) // pumps: Steven by Steve Madden // woven bag: Target

These here things are reusable “paper” towels from the Etsy...

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:22:00 -0400

These here things are reusable “paper” towels from the Etsy shop mamamade, handmade in a bunch of patterns. My inner tree-hugging hippie absolutely loves them and I just use them for nightly kitchen clean-up and toss them in the wash. I have no idea how many paper towels we have saved, but our consumption has significantly decreased. You attach them to an old cardboard roll and voila, they are “just” like what you are used to. [via linthemorning, thepreppyhippielife]

Remember way back when- I let you all in on my deep, dark secret of paper towel hoarding? Yeah, this just might be the perfect solution…

except without the chevron pattern. I can’t deal with anymore chevron.

Considering my adoration for all things bee themed, I’m...

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:42:00 -0400

Considering my adoration for all things bee themed, I’m sure these honeycomb dining chairs would be an acceptable purchase. Only- I’ve been banned from buying any more chairs much in the same manner that I’ve been banned from buying throw pillows.

drat.

Do you all remember the first time you felt like a true honest-to-goodness adult? I do (though I...

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:29:19 -0400

Do you all remember the first time you felt like a true honest-to-goodness adult? I do (though I...

In totality, this is how I feel about today:

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:36:00 -0400

Go home Monday, you’re drunk. // via haygirlhay

this weekend I’ll spare you all the gushing- it was beyond...

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:46:00 -0400

this weekend

I’ll spare you all the gushing- it was beyond perfect. I left the beach [& my parents] yesterday feeling refreshed and relaxed (though, with big fat tears in my eyes) for the first time in weeks. I was able to unwind and take it easy which I very much needed. It appears as a though the salty sea air was good for my soul and while I’m ready to tackle another week, I’m not super sure I wouldn’t rather be somewhere else…

guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles

I hope all of you Mommies out there had a very special day yesterday. While I did have a rogue “feel sorry for myself moment” I whole-heartedly realize that my Mother-in-waiting status is exactly where the good Lord intended for me to be right this second. But for the record, Windsor & Blake did treat me to an obnoxious teetering sea salted caramel ice cream cone on our way home from Sunday supper with the H’s.

Which- in my eyes- makes all right with the world.

breathe, stretch, shake, and take it easy on yourself, kid

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:25:00 -0400

This week… Where do I even start with explaining this? I had a revelation of sorts on Monday....

Scenes from the mirror… finally a sunny day in Raleigh...

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:30:00 -0400

Scenes from the mirror…

finally a sunny day in Raleigh [it’s literally been raining since we got home from Charleston 2 weeks ago] and its warm enough for appropriate Spring attire. What- being that it is May and all I don’t feel that it’s too much to ask for.

skirt // top // pumps // necklace

Question of the day: think Blake would ever forgive me for...

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:01:00 -0400

Question of the day:

think Blake would ever forgive me for recovering our ~~entire house~~ Parson’s chairs with this festive orange Greek Key print?