Book Club Monday

Since we are still reeling from our run in with the Beverly Hills Housewives, I thought I would highlight some of the ladies’ other achievements outside of the reality show.  Both Lisa Vanderpump and Kyle Richards have written books.  I have not read them yet but I am really leaning towards adding them to my list, especially Lisa’s entertaining book, since the holiday’s a just around the corner!!!  You can buy both books HERE and HERE

images Amazon.com

Real Estate Stalking

I thought this week I would bring you a home closer to us in Westchester!!!  This house is a real slice of Americana.  I love the wrap around porch.  Its a throwback to nostalgia but with modern touches. For more information please click here http://www.raveis.com/conniestetler/ Enjoy!!!

Fashionable Friend Friday

The week’s Fashionable Friend Friday are The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!!!  Yes, I had a major run in earlier this week with these fabulous ladies.  They were so beautiful and gracious.  Here’s the scoop…my girls are obsessed with Kyle’s store Kyle By Alene Too in Southamton.  We literally visit the store once a day to window shop.  Monday, yet again, we were in the shop browsing when in ran Lisa Rinna, Eileen Davidson and Kyle Richards.  They were going to be filming later that day.  They came in to do some shopping.   Of course, I could not let this moment go by without documenting it for my readers!!  A little while later, we walked down the street and in one of our favorite restaurants 75 Main, there was Lisa Vanderpump, Ken and GIGGY!!!!!   Poor Lisa right in the middle of her tea time, I went right up to her table told her about my blog and asked if I could take her photo.  We chatted for a bit, she was really kind and just so stunning in person, Giggy was pretty cute too.  Here is a roundup of this really cool day!!  Bon Weekend!!!

 Image Bravo


Image Bravo

Panzanella

Spending time in the Hamptons this summer, around all of the local farm stands and colorful fresh produce, motivated me to look out side the box for salad recipes.  I first saw this recipe once used for a chicken dish but upon further searching, I found the salad version, which is suppose to really bring out all the flavors in the vegetables.  I am off to the farmer’s market now to pick up the ingredients needed to make this yummy feast!
image Hamptons.com
image and recipe chow.com


Ingredients:

For the vinaigrette:
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 to 2 med. lemons)
6 anchovies finely chopped
3 medium garlic cloves finely chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (the best you can find!!)

For the salad:
8 ozs of day old italian bread (about 1/2 loaf), torn into pieces
2 lbs ripe tomatoes, large, dice
1/2 cup thinly sliced Tropea (red torpedo) onions or a sweet onion such as Maui or Vadalia
1 pound English cucumbers halved lengthwise and cut into large dice
1 packed cup basil leaves torn into large pieces
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

For the lemon-garlic vinaigrette:

Place all of the ingredients, except for the oil in a medium non reactive bowl stir to combine and let sit for 15 minutes.  Then, while whisking continuously, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, until it is fully incorporated.

For the salad:

Place the bread in a large bowl and add half of the vinaigrette.  Toss to coat well, then set aside at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the tomatoes, onions, and cucumber in a separate large bowl and add the remaining vinaigrette.  Toss to coat well, then set aside at room temp for about 10 minutes.

Add the vegetables and the basil to the bread mix until evenly combined.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.  Let sit at room temperature at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve at room temperature.







Wish List Wednesday

I recently discovered the brand Nami flip flops.  They have the comfort and versatility of a rubber flip flop but come in stylish prints that can take you from the beach, to town, to a night out.  All of the styles are so gorgeous its hard to choose just one.  But, since the price tag is less than $30, you really don’t have to.  To order these amazing shoes, click HERE

Summer in the City

Who’s ready for Summer in the City?  Chase and Radio City are offering an amazing sweepstakes.  You can win 10 tickets to a live screening to America’s Got Talent.  10 tickets to the Radio City Side Door Tour, 10 tickets to a Classic Harbor Cruise, 10 tickets to Madame Tussaud’s Museum and 10 tickets for a Grey Line Bus Tour!  To Enter click HERE.  PS If you win, will you take me with you?