Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Favorite Finds: 09.25.13

Not knowing whether we are having a boy or girl has thrown me for a bit of a loop, so I have found myself wandering in stores fairly aimlessly a lot lately. Here are a few of my favorite finds...

1. Basically everything on this wall I would take home if I could- specifically that white and gold portal mirror- love.
2. My first official purchase for the nursery, a gold dot quilt. If we have a boy I will just put him in a super manly outfit when he is wrapped in this sucker.
3. An awesome geometric elephant that I should have bought. Such a fun piece.

Zara Home recently opened in Canada, the first location in Toronto being at Yorkdale Mall. Pretty stuff, a lot smaller then I was expecting- but worth popping into if you are in the area. Great finds to be had in the areas of bedding, frames and table ware.

 
 
1. Seriously. Why not? Nice Underwear door mat, I think its sets the tone don't you?
2. Amazing gnome lamp. Yes, he lights up. I may have to go back for him.
3. A fun and simple toss cushion for anywhere in the house. Glasses toss cushion.

Urban Barn had some fun accessories out for fall, but I wouldn't be rushing back anytime soon. It tends to stay fairly static with its merchandise. It is a great spot for cheap and cheerful finds though!

Happy Wednesday,
x

Monday, September 23, 2013

Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

What a gorgeous fall Sunday it was yesterday. My biggest dilemma of the day was whether to add coconut milk to the soup or a bit of regular cream- life is good. I know you are dying to know, but I stuck with regular cream (just a tad!), you could totally sub in coconut milk and it would be awesome.

This soup gets a bit of a spicy note from the fresh ginger, and a touch of cider vinegar balances out the sweetness from the squash. I was doing a bit of reading last night and discovered that squash contains protective chemicals against colon and lung cancers, reduces inflammation and contains a ton of minerals such as vitamin E, C, calcium, iron and magnesium. SO, EAT UP. Don't even get me started on the benefits of ginger root... we'll go there tomorrow. (I know... a slight change from my Hunger Games obsession...)



Recipe: Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:
  • 1 medium onion (peeled & chopped)
  • 1 medium butternut squash (washed, unpeeled & cubed)
  • 2 carrots (washed & chopped)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger root (grated)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken or veg stock
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream or coconut milk
  • juice of 1 orange
  • 1 1/4 tsp cider vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste
Method:
  1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots and squash for 5 minutes in 1 tbsp of olive oil on medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 1 minute to combine.
  3. Add the stock and cover, bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the carrots and squash are tender (falling apart).
  4. Take the pot off the heat and puree the soup until completely smooth with a hand blender.
  5. Add the orange juice, vinegar and cream, stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
  6. Add up to 1 cup of water if need to thin out the soup a bit- I needed about 1/2 a cup.  
Notes: I keep my ginger root frozen in the freezer for super easy grating with a rasp- it also keeps so much longer! Also- you may think I am crazy- but you don't have to spend the time peeling your butternut squash, throw it in the with peel, it will soften and then be blended- you won't even notice it!

- sunday recipe writing -


Sources:
Nutrition Info: 100 Best Health Foods
Napkins: Ten & Co.