It Doesn't Take Much

It doesn't take much to make me feel utterly content.  Scrumptious mini cupcakes topped with wild violets from our yard, the most exquisite custom swan soft sculpture created for me by Lemmikkiapina, a stack of inspiring magazines...and a fair dose of ambient light.  Ahhhhhh.....

Inspiration Daily: 04. 14. 10

Untitled by Kim Ludy.  Also be sure to visit her beautiful shop: Trampoline.

Sesame Rice and Soy-Glazed Salmon

About a month ago I decided that I wanted to try and put more effort into cooking.  I was really sick of eating the same rote meals over and over again, so I turned to my favorite food publication Everyday Food for help.  I've been saving up back issues for years so I had a lot of recipes to choose from (most of them are available online...so don't worry if you don't have a stockpile of your own).

One of the first I tried was this simple and delicious (it turns out) Sesame Rice.  I'm not a huge fan of raw onion flavor, but it really works to pull the whole dish together in this case.  My daughter who is also notoriously picky has begun requesting it on a regular basis!  Woo-hoo!  Of course it is intended as a side dish and not a full meal...so I tried out this Soy-Glazed Salmon recipe and was not disappointed.  In fact is is another favorite that I've made for friends and family (with great reviews).

What I'm re-learning is that it's easy (and fun) to cook delicious food.  All it takes is a few more minutes of prep time for a meal that will really make you feel like you accomplished something good for yourself (and your family) at the end of the day.  I hope you'll give these dishes a try and then let me know what you think of them.  : )

Today I Love: L.L.Bean Signature

I've just recently discovered the Signature line from L.L.Bean.  All their pieces look really chic...like instant classics for your wardrobe that you'll want to wear for more than just one season.  Even better they are reasonably priced!  For more, take a peek right here.  xo Ez

One Good Thing: Crochet Butterfly Specimens

These beautiful framed "specimens" of hand-crocheted butterflies are so lovely.  A perfect (and animal-friendly) way to add a spark of magic to your home.  It think they would also make a splendid gift for any butterfly lover!  Available at Oeuf (there are many more treasures to be seen on their site as well...so don't miss out). xo Ez