{Inspired Thursday} Blog Aids

I cannot say enough about the incredible community of bloggers out there. It's so wonderful to know that there are dozens of folks who are willing to rally around and encourage me, for no other reason than they read my words and choose to care. And vice versa! I'm sure to some it seems strange when I refer to my bloggy buddies as "friends" considering I've yet to meet most of y'all in person (though I'm still trying to figure out the whole teleportation thing so we can have that garden party). But any other title just wouldn't do justice. (My next giveaway: friendship bracelets. Just kidding. Kinda.)

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But today I've got to give a little love to the friends, family and/or significant others who support us bloggers "in real life." My heart just swells with happiness when I hear that a near and dear friend or family member reads my posts, or when M mentions something I've written. I so enjoy seeing the same sort of support on others' blogs, reading comments from loved ones who know the blogger in a different way and champion their words and perspectives.

My favorite? The husbands and boyfriends who take photos for their gal's blog, or help with design or some other aspect of the site. I am sure they are wondering what in tarnation their crazy ladies are up to when they're twirling about in a perfectly coordinating outfit in front of the house, or staging vignettes of cooking utensils and whole foods for recipe posts. But they humor us and contribute to something about which we are all clearly passionate, without full understanding or explanation. It's beautiful, really.

Whether blogging for us is a lifetime commitment to creating content or primarily a means of efficiently recording our day-to-day, it takes a lot to share one's thoughts and words with the interwebs. Regardless of goal or intent, it's a fortunate thing, indeed, to be blessed with friends who are in your corner and encourage your endeavors...IRL or otherwise.

Lentil Soup: The Ugly Yum

Since the first time my college rommate's mama came to visit us in NYC with some homemade lentil soup, I have absolutely loved this dish. Admittedly, it took some cajoling to get me to try it at first because, well, let's face it: it's not pretty. And I didn't even know what a lentil was. (I'm from Southern California, people.) But it was crazy good and I've been inclined to order this hearty delight whenever I see it on a menu.

As I've become more confident in the kitchen (or at least more willing to make an epic mess and/or less-than-stellar meal), it made sense to explore some of my favorite dishes in hopes of finding my own recipe to enjoy over and over again. It wasn't long before lentil soup crossed my mind and made it onto my must-make list. Now I just needed a basic recipe to get me on the right track. Enter, Angela and OSG.

I have followed Angela over at Oh She Glows for a while now, and her recipes always inspire me. Her ingredients are fresh, organic and vegan, and the breakdowns make me feel like I can tackle her creative fare with authority and a better chance of making something edible my first go 'around. (Side note: she recently announced that she'll be releasing a cookbook in early 2014. I'm so excited to work my way through it.)

I used her Curried Lentil Soup recipe as my foundation, sticking pretty closely to her directions minus the curry. (Yes, I realize that's a fairly crucial omission for Curried Lentil Soup, but I was ascared. I didn't even know in what form you buy curry. Me: "Is it in a jar? What aisle would it be on? What the what?" But, as I learned to correctly prepare lentils, I'm sure cooking with curry isn't far behind. I even know what forms it comes in now.* Growth, peeps.)

The result:

A bowl full o' yum

So good and so easy. I've actually made this several times since first trying it, and I like the texture better when I made it the first time. I didn't so much measure my lentils (oops) so I had to keep adding water to keep them covered, but they still softened up just right and it wasn't too runny (though I did still blend some of the mixture in a blender and stir it back in to thicken it up a bit, which is a great tip). The second time (photo above) I got broth happy because I was using some of M's delicious homemade veggie stock, so it was less dense. But this version was prettier, so that's the pic you get. I, per usual, also added some shredded Parm to top it off.

This is now one of our favorite dishes and I love making a big batch to enjoy for leftovers. I keep lentils stocked in my pantry so that this protein-packed meal is just a few chops and simmer away. (More lentil love here and here.) Next round: curry me!

Have you attempted a new recipe lately? Tell me about it (good, bad or ugly...).

*FYI, it's available as a powder, a paste and a sauce. It's typically found in the Asian or Indian section, usually in a small jar or bottle. Could I have come to this conclusion by following Angela's recipe? Yes. Yes, I could've.

Lookbook: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is just a week away, and though I imagine M and I will stay in or do something low key (that's how we roll...plus, crowds make me stabby), I still ponder the perfect outfit for a Valentine's date. While most nights in generally consist of me curling up under a blanket in PJ pants, a giant sweatshirt and my hair in a ragamuffin bun (poor M...), I think it's nice to dress up for a proper date, even if you're just cooking together and dining quietly as a couple. My rule of thumb: if we're eating at the table, comfies can wait; if we're eating in front of the TV, bring on the stretchy pants! 

I typically avoid looks that are too cutesy or precious (because I'm petite and want to avoid pats on the head and cheek pinches), so in the spirit of V-day, this ensemble captures the flirtiness of the occasion while still managing to be simple and appropriate for a domestic date...

Lancome Juicy Tubes // Alice and Olivia tunic // 1928 vintage heart necklace
Feather wrap ring // DSW Crown Vintage wedge // Mademoiselle body oil

No-nonsense pieces, kissable lips and shimmery skin...all good things. Valentine's Day is a romantic day, indeed, and tasteful styling can still be incorporated into an ensemble fit for gazing into each others eyes and holding hands over candlelight. (Such a girl, seriously.) This dress is romantic while providing coverage, and these wedges will do wonders for the legs. There is more than enough going on here to convey feminine beauty without flashing too much skin, especially if you couple this look with a heartfelt love letter (to your man, your bestie, your parents, whoever you chose to love on this year!) and an environment cultivated with care and warmth. Now that's sexy, y'all.

Side note: if y'all haven't already, be sure to check out Anna's weekly installments of True Beauty Files over at In Honor of Design. It's so encouraging to see her adorable looks (as well as those of the many gals who link up with their creations) and reminder that you can be classy and fashionable. 

What will you be wearing this V-day? (Sweat pants and a tee is a perfectly acceptable answer, yo.)

One Year and Counting...

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of M and I embarking on a committed relationship together. I have grown so much over the past year, as a woman and as a child of God, and he has played such a huge role in that process. God has loved on me so much through M, and though our path hasn't always been rainbows and sunshine, I am so thankful for every laugh and every tear.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Cheesecake Factory, unabashedly one of my favorite places to grub down. We've been eating pretty healthy and staying active, so I didn't feel at all bad about celebrating our love for food with some decadent noms...

Mushroom lettuce wraps and mojito

Fettuccine with sun-dried tomatoes

White chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake

Nothing says romance like having your loved one witness you splatter parmesan cream sauce all over your sweater and make ridiculous noises as you indulge in a little slice of whipped-cream-covered heaven. But he seems to love me despite all that. He's a keeper, y'all.

The day was relaxing and lovely, and we capped it off by watching the last half of the Super Bowl with his family at his brother's house. It was a fantastic anniversary and I hope it's the first of many together.

I love you, baby.

Friday, I'm in Love, v.15

It's Friday and I'm in love with...

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I now realize that taking daily walks in a shopping center with an Anthropologie is highly dangerous. During my perusing earlier this week, I spotted this railroad spike cuff and nearly knocked over a rack of earrings trying to grab one. I was surprised at how great it looks with my MK watch, particularly with the spike side up. (Sadly, I didn't buy it. The reason for that has eluded me at the moment...) Heart.

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Get it? Man, do I love me a play on words. This cheeky card is one of several I found on Etsy that would be perfect for my cerebral cutie. (I'm a nerd. I own it.)

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Want. Waaaaant. Wednesday's debut of the TOMS ballet flats was every bit as exciting as I thought it would be. The prices? Not so much. But could these be any more perfect? Great color, great material, great support/comfort...I mean, this style is called "Natalia." Coincidence? Me thinks not!

Your eyes are not deceiving you; that is a salad. Yes, I'm loving salad. Well, I'm loving all things healthy at the moment, really. M and I got back on our walking/jogging routine (praying my knee allows that to continue), and it never ceases to amaze me how physical fitness inspires healthier choices when it comes to eating and drinking. I think less about taste and more about nutrition (though, rest assured, this salad was every bit as good as it looks).

Have a great weekend, friends!