Thursday, February 26, 2009

Spring Means Asparagus!



It's finally time for the lovely fresh young Asparagus shoots to start showing up at the store! We had yummy Asparagus Risotto the other night that Kelly cooked up and I thought I'd share the recipe since it's so easy and yet so delicious.
This recipe is from the book Greene on Greens by Bert Greene.

- 1/2 lb. young asparagus
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large shallots (we used a red onion since shallots are a bit strong to me)
- salt and fresh pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup white rice (or Italian rice)
- 2 1/2 - 3 cups chicken stock (I'd go low sodium)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or as much as you want really)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

1. Cut and set aside the tips of the asparagus. Cut the stems into 1/2 bits.
2. Saute the onions or shallots in the butter in a large skillet then add the asparagus stems and salt and pepper to taste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in wine and cook, stirring constantly until almost all the liquid has evaporated.
3. Stir in rice and 1 cup of the chicken stock. Cook uncovered over medium to low heat without stirring for 10 minutes or until the stock is absorbed. (reduce heat if the liquid is absorbing faster than this)
4. Pour in 1 more cup of stock. Cook without stirring for 10 more minutes.
5. Stir the asparagus tips into the rice. Add 1/2 cup of stock and cook until liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender , about 8 more minutes. Stir in cheese, sprinkle with parsley and serve!!

This is pretty delicious, and we served it with a Hendrick's and tonic which is also delicious.

xoxo,
Marion

Listening to: The Cranberries "Everybody Else is Doing it, So Why Can't We?"

Monday, February 23, 2009

More Sailor Sweaters!



Ok, so I've said it before and I'll say it again. The French sailor sweater is perfection, and totally adorable in all it's variations. Right now Creatures of Comfort here in Los Angeles has the ones I want.The first one is Rachel Comey, and the neckline and drap of the lightweigt knit is so flattering. And the fun reversal of the pattern on this sweater by A.P.C. is eyecatching.

*sigh... ok enough daydreaming... back to sketching.

xoxo,
marion

Listening to: Basia Bulat "Oh, My Darling"



Monday, February 16, 2009

spring rain!





This is the outfit I was wishing I had yesterday during the rain...
1. Classic black raincoat from Dunderdon
2. Sturdy DocMartins in a fun color
3. And this cheerful black and red confetti print umbrella to match.

xoxo,
Marion

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Classical Crush

So I've always had a huge crush on the Romantic composer Franz Liszt. And by always I mean since I was like 5 and had already been playing the piano for two years and saw this picture of him in a book. I've always had a thing for noses.

So last night Kelly and I watched the 1991 movie Impromptu staring Hugh Grant as Chopin and Julian Sands as Liszt, and my only real thought is how have I not seen this before?!?! Gorgeous Victorian costume, gorgeous music and gorgeous men (and women, god bless you Bernadette Peters, I have a crush on you too.)

So if anyone knows some rich patrons for us to stay with I say we go camp out at a country villa and picnic and play music and write and make fun of everyone we don't like.

xoxo,
marion

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Intviting Invitations

So I'll confess right now... I'm really into this whole wedding thing. Hopefully my blog wont be over-run with wedding stuff, but I'm not making any promises. Right now my mind is on invitations, and all of these have provided wonderful inspiration.


This is from HelloLucky and is called The Sophisticate. Very. I love the border and muted colors!

I love the wording of this RSVP card, and the little birds are adorable. Also from HelloLucky.

The floral pattern on this one is perfect. Interestingly this is the "Seattle" style at KenzieKate.

Kelly found this one, and I agree, the twine binding is inspired. Also at KenzieKate.

But so far my favorites are these from Milkfed Press...

The deckled-edge on this last one is a must. And since I have the feeling that we are actually going to be doing the invitations on my Dad's press we can tear a nice edge on all the invites ourselves.

xoxo,
marion

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Mignon Chocolates

I'm totally on a chocolates kick at the moment. Of course the time of year has a little something to do with that no doubt! My new favorite place for box o' chocolates style deliciousness is Mignon Chocolates. They just opened a new shop in Pasadena over the holidays, and when Kelly and I were wandering on Saturday I couldn't help but be lured in by the shinny display case filled with dark coco perfection. We tried a sample of the Cuban Mojito truffle and were sold. I want to go back for the Ginger truffel! They have a location in Glendale, and Tehran if you happen to be there! Check it: www.mignonchocolate.com

xoxo,
marion

Monday, February 9, 2009

Cupid and Catia Chien


Today is the last day to order the adorable Valentines boxes from illustrator Catia Chien and her sister. They have teamed up to create the most precious little gift set, which is a wonderfully unique and artsy take on the normal box of chocolates. Check out the details on her website!!
And happy Monday.

xoxo,
Marion

currently listening to: John Lennon - Plastic Ono Band



Monday, February 2, 2009

Socks Appeal

Pardon the groan worthy title of this blog. It's Monday (i.e. all day at school day) and my brain is still trying to figure out how to properly "true the front of a bodice on the dress form". But my hazy cognitive processes came into focus for a second when I saw these adorable thigh-highs from Hansel from Basel's Spring line! They remind me of those amazing thigh-highs at Prada in 2006. So so perfect. These are just begging to be worn.

xoxo,
Marion

currently listening to Xiu Xiu - Fabulous Muscles

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Circle of Style


As a newbie to the Los Angeles scene I am always looking around for new favorite stores, and today I found one! The Circle indie designer outlet studio in Silver Lake is happily exactly what they claim to be, a boutique style shopping environment that carries new indie labels like Dear Creatures, Porridge and Prairie Underground at a deep discount. I got a couple nice tops by Wren, and I'm planning on a return trip very soon. As a dedicated bargan hunter who almost never buys clothing at the full price this was an excellent find!

xoxo,
marion