Although the black beans got top billing, the olives are really key here. They add a surprising pop of saltiness that pairs well with the richness of the beans.
Jeffrey Campbell aka Shoe Genius
July 15th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments » 
What began as a small operation in 2000, inside his LA garage has since morphed into a shoe phenomenon.
Kashi Potato Balls
July 13th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
I bought this Kashi cereal recently and completely fell in love with it! The slightly sweet, nutty flavor adds a whole new dimension to plain old potatoes. » Read more: Kashi Potato Balls
Kasil X Taylor Jacobson
July 9th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
Taylor Jacobson
Rachel Zoe’s former assistant can now add designer to her resume. Since leaving Camp Zoe last Fall, Tay has been a busy little bee. Her first design project is a collaboration with Kasil denim that is being sold online at Revolveclothing.com and Tobi.com. Taylor created two unique styles; the Minx, which is ultra skinny and the Geek which is more of a loose, trouser fit.
[inside look] Taylor@Tobi.com from Scott Hammel on Vimeo.
Says Taylor “All of my jeans have matte black hardware and very little detail because I like clean lines.”
I can so appreciate this! If the design is spot-on, it doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles.
Faux Pho
July 1st, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
Residing in Northern VA, we have access to some of the most amazing Vietnamese cuisine you could ever imagine. I’ve been introduced to so many wonderful dishes thanks to all of the local restaurants in the area. Most people are familiar with Pho, the traditional Vietnamese soup that is known for it’s aromatic broth. The broth begins with marrow rich bones and includes spices such as cinnamon, clove, anise and ginger. It is then simmered for hours to achieve just the right balance of flavors. My version calls for beef broth and a heaping teaspoon of Chinese Five Spice which hits all of these notes but doesn’t require hours to achieve an intensely flavorful broth.
Desire vs. Acquire
June 30th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »I’ve been LUSTING after a pair of Brian Atwood nude pumps forever but sadly, my husband nor my bank account will permit me to purchase them.
Desire: Brian Atwood Hidden Platform Pump
Papas Arrugadas
June 21st, 2010 by James 1 comment »
Papas Arrugadas, Canarian wrinkly potatoes.
I think of myself as a foodie most of the time, but I admit that I’ve become quite jaded with the concept of a celebrity chef restaurant. The general public is gladly lapping up the fame food craze,but I find myself wondering how a person who calls themselves a chef can appear in multiple television series, run several different food properties (often in different states) and still find the time to ever get dirty in a kitchen. When you add in the rampant trend jumping of middle-end dining, you can quickly become disappointed with almost any dining experience. When’s the last time you saw a menu without some kind of miso-glazed sea bass or a shaved fennel salad?
That being said, I’ve got to give credit to Jose Andres and his restaurant Jaleo for introducing me to Papas Arrugadas, an unexpectedly unique and simple side dish you should try today.
Precious Cargo
June 8th, 2010 by Gretchen 1 comment »
J Brand Houlihan Cargo in Vintage Olive
Skinny cargos are all the rage right now and they’re a great way to tap into that utilitarian vibe without looking like you’re ready for battle. These ain’t your mamas cargos ladies! The look still embodies that relaxed, reversed silhouette but it’s been updated with an even more edged out vibe.
Thai Salmon Wrapped in Banana Leaf
May 27th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
James and I are huge fans of Thai food and we have a regular place that we order from. I always get their Thai style salmon wrapped in banana leaf and I absolutely love it! So, I decided to give it a go at home….
The Genetics of Denim
May 19th, 2010 by Gretchen 1 comment »
Hilary Duff rockin' the Davis in Ol' Vintage
One of my favorite go to brands when it comes to denim is Genetic. Their cuts are always spot on and the fit is ahhhhmazing.
Veggie Burgers with Nectarines & Peppers
April 22nd, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
This is the ultimate vegetarian burger! It’s so hearty and satisfying that even you die hard carnivores won’t miss the meat.
H&M Fashion Against AIDS
April 16th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
May 20 will launch the third annual H&M Fashion Against AIDS collection in stores nationwide supporting youth HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
Weeknight Gnocchi
April 13th, 2010 by Gretchen 1 comment »
Gnocchi is one of James’ favorite dishes but on a busy weeknight, making fresh gnocchi just isn’t an option. Luckily, there are a ton of great prepared ones on the store shelves these days. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the awesomeness that is gnocchi, they are basically little potato filled pasta pillows of yumminess. If you’ve never had it, or even if you have, go pick yourself up a bag and try out this easy, deliciously satisfying meal tonight!
Jeggings!
April 7th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »Jeggings are the hybrid child of jeans and leggings. These two classic forms of comfort have collided into one of-the-moment fashion piece!
William Rast Sienna Jegging in Monet
Bleu Cheese Mousse
March 17th, 2010 by Gretchen No comments »
This is the perfect appetizer to whip up for guests. It’s quite impressive but only takes about 5 minutes to make.
