maple-soy glazed salmon

After moving to Baltimore I made a resolution to eat more seafood, and learn to love it. I've succeeded with such gems as scallops, shrimp and crab; however, fish has made much slower progress. While I still don't choose fish over meat from dinner menus, I have started to cook it myself at home. This salmon was one of the easiest things I've ever made. A marinade of only three ingredients becomes the sauce on top, and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. I served it with some seasoned edamame, but if I hadn't accidentally eaten an entire helping of Whole Foods sushi while cooking (oops!), I would've added white rice too.

mid length skirts for summer

I hate the term "midi" and I'm not sure why. It doesn't evoke the visceral response that "jeggings" does, but I have an aversion nonetheless. While I refused to include the moniker in the post title, they are featured here anyhow because I think they're pretty nifty. They are perfect office attire for hot summer days, when the legs need to breathe, but can also be dressed up for a nice dinner (preferably outside overlooking some water). Paired with a simple tee and some great accessories, you've got yourself a summer go-to. All six of these selections came from my beloved Asos. I'm mildly obsessed with the neon lace version... must. have.

1. Plain Chiffon Tulle Midi Skirt, $55
2. Jersey Full Midi Skirt, $46
3. Premium Pleated Midi Skirt, $73
4. Neon Lace Midi Skirt, $83
5. Full Midi Skirt, $37
6. Midi Pleated Knitted Skirt, $74

summer bbq with an asian twist

At the start of summer, when the weather breaks into beautiful hot and sunny days, the last thing I want to do is miss it by preparing dinner. There's a reason summer food is usually quicker and easier than winter's: no one wants to be inside! In my search for a quick and easy meal at Whole Foods, I was delighted to find Thai marinated chicken kabobs on sale for half price, and decided to build a meal around them. I went with a pretty traditional summer BBQ menu:  kabobs, salad, and corn on the cob... but everything took on a slightly Asian theme. The influence was subtle, but made the meal interesting enough to be different from the norm. You'll find the "recipes" below.

Mixed greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, black sesame seeds, and ginger soy dressing.

Cumin-dusted corn on the cob:  butter uncooked ears of corn, and sprinkle with cumin and dried basil.  Wrap each ear in foil, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Kabobs:  what could be easier? Already marinated, already assembled. I cooked mine on a George Foreman, but if you are lucky enough to have a grill, have at it.

The Carrie Bradshaw Bun

Photo:  B. Jones Style

Lately I've been wearing my hair in a messy ballerina bun for clinic, and have had a lot of people ask me how I do it. When I say I just put it in a high ponytail then wrap the pony tail in a circle with pins, everyone looks a little skeptical... but it's true! It really is very easy. I found a video of basically the exact same style, albeit slightly more exaggerated than my school version, on the blog B. Jones Style. Considering the sound of my own voice sounds like some sort of uneducated redneck valley girl, you're better off with her tutorial. Follow the link below!

The Casual Carrie Bradshaw Bun

The author, Beth, also offers a tutorial for the "Classic Carrie Bradshaw Bun" (also linked below), which is a fancier, more polished version. I've only attempted this once:  when I realized I forgot every hair tool I own in Coventry and couldn't even shower without a blow dryer on hand. But hey, it turned out to be a pretty cute save... at least Adam's Grandma Vera thought so.

The Classic Carrie Bradshaw Bun

feta & sun-dried tomato turkey burgers with parmesan fries

I have no idea why I don't make burgers more often. They're delicious, easy, infinitely adaptable, and can be paired with approximately 13,233 different side dishes. I saw this recipe for turkey burger sliders, and it had me at "feta". I followed the recipe closely, except that I made full size burgers rather than sliders. They were so juicy and flavorful that even Adam didn't care that they were ever so slightly "fancy" or made of turkey. It's no secret that there is a soft spot in my heart the size of Texas for fried food, but I know I probably should cut back a little... enter Oven Baked Parmesan Fries. These babies were so delicious that I am 100% certain I will make them again ASAP. You know that amazingly rich taste cheese gets when it gets a little broiled and crispy? They tasted like that, and with Parmesan no less. Both of these are great recipes that I strongly, strongly recommend!!

tangerine granita with vanilla bean cream

It is H-O-T in Baltimore this week. The sun is beating down and temperatures are well into the 90s for most of the day. What a better time to make an icy, refreshing dessert? I've never made a granita before, and honestly wasn't totally sure what it was, but quickly realized that it is the easiest dessert in the world. I followed this recipe to start, but from here on out I'll probably just make up my own. I even found 100% tangerine juice in our crappy, questionable grocery store (avoiding plenty of extra time juicing the real things). All it took was less than 5 minutes of prep work, a few hands-off hours in the freezer and fridge, and the easiest assembly you can imagine.

summer color inspiration: pastels all grown up

I've been feeling pretty uninspired lately with the colors in my own wardrobe, so it's only natural that I sit and waste my time creating outfits I only wish I owned. Though I have been telling Adam that "mentally shopping" online is going to save me from making stupid rash purchases; so technically I'm just working really hard at planning. I've been stuck on the muted greyish pinks and greens that have been popular lately, even though they aren't my best colors, so when I found this cute little circular color palette I went with it. Happy mental shopping day!