Cook: Slow Cooker Tikka Masala

I am by no means an expert when it comes to Tikka Masala, but I'm an expert at satisfying my tummy.  I ran across this recipe on the kitchn recently.  I haven't had Indian food for awhile (no more late night stops at Naan n' Curry in SF), so I pretty much had to wipe the drool from my chin when my eyes came across this.

For this Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala recipe I ended up using chicken breast, and chose to use the coconut milk. I also added sweet potatoes to the pot for an even heartier meal.  This definitely hits the spot, especially as the weather starts to cool down.

Thanks for dropping by today!
<3, Roe

Walk the Line

There’s something about Fall that makes everything feel oh so right.  However, it’s likely attributed to my new favorite shoes of the season.

I LOVE d’orsay style pumps and flats, and what I love about these Louise Et Cie pumps, is 1. They’re in navy and 2. They have that calf hair detail.  Talk about taking a classic and adding some interest.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be living in these this season.

[Outfit]

Top: Loft

Pants: Banana Republic

Shoes: Louise et Cie via Nordstrom (similar here and here)

Necklace: House of Harlow

Bracelets: Kate Spade & O.Co

Thanks for dropping by today!

<3, Roe

Cook: Thai Style Chicken Stir-Fry

I'm always looking for new ways to eat chicken breast.  Lately, I've just been marinating it in a combination of simple seasoning and pan frying or grilling it.  However, on this particular day I was craving a different way, just didn't know which way.  I sat through my cookbooks and browsed online, trying to find that perfect recipe that would tickle my taste buds.  As I was browsing through Thai & South-East Asian Cooking and Far Eastern Classics, I came across the Stir-Fried Chicken with Basil and Chili, and my eyes widened.  I adapted the recipe slightly to my taste buds and with what I had on hand.

Thai Style Chicken Breast [serves 4]

Prep Time: 15 mins    Cooke Time: 15 mins

• 3 tbsp vegetable, just enough to coat your pan
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 fresh thai chilis, finely chopped
• 1/4 of an onion, chopped
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp light soy sauce
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 10 sweet basil leaves

1. Add oil, garlic, thai chilis, and onions to a pan on medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic has browned and onions are a little bit translucent.
2. Add chicken to pan and stir-fry until chicken starts to change color.  
3. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.  Stir to make sure you're incorporating all the flavors.  Continue to stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the fresh basil, and give it a quick toss to incorporate it into your chicken.

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy meal as much as I did!

<3 Roe

New York: leisure walks

Couple of weeks ago, BF and I headed out to the East Coast and enjoyed a non-work vacation.  Just kidding, there was still work involved via remote access, but the convention that brought us out there was no longer on the agenda.  I've been here a few times before, so I wasn't quite sure what we'd do while we waited for our friend to get off work.  We started by the World Trade Center, and just kept walking West toward the Hudson, and along the water.  We saw all the visitors anxiously awaiting their turn on the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by Battery Park.  We stumbled on a community garden filled with leafy greens and little tomatoes, and lots of other vegetables I couldn't quickly identify.

We kept walking until we happened to cross paths with a bar, we weren't going to pass without a fight.  Think we won.  It's 5pm somewhere right?  So we had our first vacation drinks with an awesome view of Brooklyn.

After a couple of drinks at South Street Seaport, our friends were finally off work, so we met them up to enjoy some good company with a great view.  I was able to catch all three bridges from the view here (Williamsburg is a little difficult to see).

Three Bridges: Williamsburg . Manhattan . Brooklyn Bridge

[Outfit]

Top: H&M (old)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters (old)

Sandals: Zara Kids (old)

Sunnies: Kate Spade (similar)
Necklace: House of Harlow
Watch: Michael Kors

Thanks for joining me on my journey today!

<3,

Roe

Nordstrom Fall Anniversary Sale - Picks & Wishes

It's that time of the year, again! I combed through the Pre-Sale magazine.  Dog-eared top picks. Browsed the online pre-sale. And roamed the floors of Nordstrom until I was sure I went through every white curtain to check out the new selections for Fall.

There were sooo many things I wanted (what's new), but I tried to limit myself to items that were versatile, would be put to good use, and would not be duplicates from previous purchases.

1. ASICS Gel Kayano 20 - I'm in training right now, and have put hundreds of miles on my current running shoes, so a new pair was in order.  My training and running friends recommended these, all saying "it feels like you're running on clouds."  As soon as I saw it on sale, I picked up a pair.  Haven't received them in the mail yet, but will let you know if it's true.

2. Nike Free TR Connect 2 Training Shoes - New trainers for gym workouts were in order.  Who can resist this cute leopard print to add some oomph to your every day workout gear.

3. Louise et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat - Always in need of a new pair of black flats for work and every day life.  As soon as I tried these on I knew they were a keeper.  There's lots of cushion that will help keep your feet comfy after long days of walking.

3. Rebecca Minkoff 'Avery' Convertible Crossbody Bag - It was time to replace my black crossbody that was just a tad bit too small for my belongings, and had a rip in the lining that was swallowing my change and small items.  The black doesn't seem to be available anymore, and the 'Latte' isn't included in the sale, but here's a similar Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip black crossbody bag on the Anniversary Sale.

4. Topshop Textured Crop Top & Full Midi Skirt & Topshop Colorblocked Jacquard Shell & Skirt - I fell in love with the mint pattern online, and love the conservative, yet fresh look of the navy set.  I plan to mix and match these sets, and wear them as separates giving them plenty of use and life.

6. BP Slubbed Dolman Sleeve Sweater - Every Fall season needs a cozy comfy sweater.  This relaxing fit Dolman Sleeve sweater fit the bill for me.

Don't need, but look great!

1. kate spade new york 'halsey' 57mm polarized sunglasses

2. BaubleBar 'Drama' Stone Statement Necklace

3. kate spade new york 'metro grand' round leather strap watch

4. Wildfox 'La Femme Deluxe' 55mm Sunglasses

Still currently on the Wish List

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Zarita' Lace Sheath Dress - I've been coveting this dress for years, but never pulled the trigger, as I had 2 white/cream lace dresses already in my closet.  But this is Plum, right?

2 &3. Over the Knee Boots:  Louise et Cie 'Andora' Over the Knee Boot or Stuart Weitzman 'Highway' Over the Knee Boot - I just bought 2 pairs of boots last year that are in great condition, and still have miles left in them, but they're not over the knee....

What have you bought or have on your wish list for this Fall?

Drink With Me: Mojito

I always want to entertain, but my current home has horrible parking.  That, however, doesn't mean I can't entertain myself.  To kick off this hot summer, I talked myself into pulling the trigger on buying a bar cart. Hah, let's face it, it didn't take that much persuasion.  The style and functionality of being able to lift the top tray off to carry around was perfect, however, the color is a little drab for me, but that's for a future project.

I was anxious to stock my bar, but buying several bottles of alcohol at once, isn't quite in my budget, or even realistic for me.  So, while browsing my Instagram feed, I was instantly inspired by a friend's drink of choice that evening, the mojito.  How simple and refreshing!  I ran to the store, bought myself some rum, mint, and a couple of limes.  Only a couple of limes, since they're so expensive! I cheated a little bit, and bought sparkling lime water to get that lime flavor infused.

Mojito [serves 2]

• mint leaves
• half lime, cut into wedges
• 3 oz rum
• 1 TBS mint infused simple syrup
• ice
• sparkling lime water

1. Prepare to drinking glasses filled with ice.
2. In a quart mason jar, since I don't have a shaker, add your mint leaves, lime wedges, and if you want any other fruit flavors, now would be the time to add a couple chunks of watermelon, slices of orange, etc.  Muddle these guys together.
3. Add your rum and the mint infused simple syrup, and fill with ice to the top. 
4. Top of your drink with the sparkling lime water.
5. Cover, shake, and pour into your glass of choice.

*NOTE: if you like it sweeter, add more simple syrup, if you don't like it as sweet, add less simple syrup.

I made a classic mojito for BF, and did a refreshing watermelon for myself. This definitely hit the spot during our heat wave.

Get on this!  What kind of flavors will you be infusing in your mojito??

<3 roe

Karlie Kloss X Warby Parker

What's greater than an eyewear company that lets you try on glasses at home for free and gives a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair bought?

A collaboration between Warby Parker and a graceful model, Karlie Kloss, that does not only give to someone in need of a pair of glasses, but also donates to Edible Schoolyard NYC.

That is a triple threat if you ask me: Functionality, Fashion, and Philanthropy.

Functionality: Helps people see more clearly and protect our eyes from the harsh UV rays. Need I say more?

Fashion:  Karlie Kloss has taken the staple aviator sunnies and updated them ever so slightly to give them more personality. They're classic and playful, and will add that finishing touch to any outfit.  I'm loving the Clara in the Heirloom Silver with Sepia wash lenses.  Can't wait until they're resting on my face this summer!

Philanthropy: I grew up with the idea that if you want to live in a better world, you need to do your part in making it that way.  Whether it's city clean ups, building houses, or making donations to help others.  Our future lies in our own hands, and in the hands of the children that will soon run this world. Edible Schoolyard partners with public schools location in low-income areas.  They take the initiative to build gardens and kitchen classrooms right on the school grounds.  This is an amazing way for children to learn skills and habits for organic eating.  The organization sets these children up for success in health and self-sufficiency.  I love that Karlie Kloss X Warby Parker are giving back to this organization that will greatly shape the future.

Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry and head over to Warby Parker, and add your favorite Karlie Kloss sunnies to your collection!