Green on Green on Green

Sometimes.... your fridge is hodge-podge.

Sometimes.... you have three different vegetables all going bad at the same time.

Sometimes... you have small amounts of leftovers that barely make a snack.

This meal was created because of all of these reasons. But I've made it on purpose several other times now, because it was a random success. It's also a winner in my book because it takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Which means I can cook this and eat it faster than a pizza would be delivered to my house.

I call it Green on Green on Green because it's just that - Brussels sprouts with broccoli, on top of a bed of mixed greens (I like turnip greens and arugula!).

see what I mean?

Green on Green on Green

Ingredients

4 servings

1 lb Brussels Sprouts, halved

1 head of broccoli, cut into florets

2 TBSP grape seed oil (or other high heat oil)

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/4 tsp sea salt (to taste)

1/4 tsp pepper (to taste)

8 cups your choice of greens (2 per person)

Optional: 1 cup cooked lentils, rice, black beans, chick peas.... whatever you might have around. It just adds nice texture to have a third non-green element.

Directions

1. Cut brussels and broccoli, then place in bowl with 1TBSP oil and salt + pepper. Toss.

2. Place large skillet (that has a lid!) over medium high heat and add additional 1TBSP of oil with your minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add brussels/broccoli mix, leave uncovered for now, stir occasionally.

3. While those are cooking, fill each bowl with the greens and add your extra beans/rice/additional filler if desired.

4. After about 5 minutes, place the lid on your skillet. This will make the broccoli get reeeeeeally green and tasty. Allow to cook for another 3-5 minutes, brussels should start to get nice char marks.

5. Remove from heat and add a scoop to each bed of greens. No need for dressing, as the B+B mix takes care of that.

See the tiny bit of rice in there? Probably not even 1/4 cup.

The crazy thing about this meal is how filling it is. I usually find myself a little hungry after a salad, but this was so satisfying in a great way! Plus, greens are SO GOOD for you :)

Also, this is excellent as a leftover. Just stow the B+B mix on it's own and add to greens after you reheat them for lunch the next day. BOOM.

Enjoy ;)

xo

Girly Home Office

As of a few months ago, the job I loved so much at Rhetorik was no longer available for me. My friends and co-workers were moving in different directions, and as I was SO HAPPY for them, I was so sad to leave this little office and company I've found so endearing.

But change is life, and it's usually for the best.

I dabbled over what to do with my newfound free time, and wasn't sure if I should find a job or freelance? Were there cool start ups out there? Was I destined for a trousers and a 9-5? Was freelancing an option for me? It's such an interesting place to be at. And my interesting, I mean overwhelming :)

I interviewed at a few companies, but was offered some freelance work by a few different friends, and took them up on it.

Turns out, it works for me. So as of a week ago, I officially am doing Freelance PR, Social Media, Copywriting, Marketing and Producing. Exciting!

With this development, it gives me the need for a home office. Since Matt already works from home and is occupying one room as an office, I get a corner of the guest room (which totally works for me!).

It's this cute little nook with great natural light (a major perk!) with a desk already built in. It has all these shelves above the desk and next to it, but I'm going to take some of them out.

obviously these are high quality iPhone shots ;)

Right now, the "nook" (as I call it), has been a serious catch-all during the remodel process we are going through. It has serious potential but is pretty blah right now! Luckily, we are (FINGERS CROSSED) a few weeks out from being all done with that, so these random items will have a home.... and the Nook will be my little work corner!

Here's what I'm kind of envisioning.

- Less of the shelves/add a few drawers for hidden storage
- Pretty little details
- A better light (i hate that lamp!)
- Simple, well used decor

Here is some of my inspiration I've been found on Pinterest

Love the two shelves and the pin board next to it. Simple, but fills the space nicely.
via The Everygirl

Love these colors. Neutrals with some gold. Also love the plant on the side of the desk! Which leads me to....
via The Everygirl

I love the storage aspect here - two drawers and two cubbies - perfect! Aiming for something practical like this.
Photo via In Honor of Design

Succulents for my windowsill! Indoor plants make me happy. And succulents are hard(er) to kill.
via Pinterest

gold details. Love all of these so much!

Mini Geodesic Table Lamp via West Elm. Dream a Little Bigger print via Counter Co. Desk styling via The Everygirl.

Green accents to go with my succulents, and keep with the neutral pallet. 

candle via Anthropologie. Large teardrop vase via Pinterest.

I'm excited for this project and a space to call my own. I'm also thankful for a handy husband who can actually help me create the kind of space I want! I'm pretty dang lucky.

Any input? Any suggestions of decor that might accent this space? I'm all ears!

xo

for the (music) lovers...

When I moved to Nashville, the thing that changed the most was my accessibility to music. Love ya, Fort Myers - but you always made me drive to Orlando for shows!

The other thing that changed is how many talented people I'm surrounded by. I have so many friends who can play instruments, sing, write songs or some combination of the above. I tried to write songs once... it was awful. I can play the flute (at least I could in 8th grade) and I love me some karaoke, but that's about as 'good' at music as I get... it's best left to the professionals.

I have a friend named Amy who is super talented. She plays multiple instruments, sings beautifully, and writes all of her own stuff... and some of other people's stuff. She's got a solo project and a sweet side project (band).... and she manages to co-own a design firm called Milkglass Creative (they literally have the coolest office).

Her name is Amy Stroup, and her record, TUNNEL comes out today. If you're not excited, you should be. Here's a little preview:

recognize anyone in there?

You might have heard some of Amy's stuff on Pretty Little Liars or Grey's Anatomy, but this album really mixes it up!

If you like Tegan and Sara and other music i would consider SUPER FUN, check out "Finally Found Our Way".

Need a song for your First Dance at your wedding? Check out "Say You Won't" (the strings! so pretty). Or at least just PROMISE you won't have Butterfly Kisses anywhere in that mix. Pinky swear?

Hosting a dance party anytime soon? "Falling" should be your go-to. Followed by "Back Burner" (grab a tambourine - you'll need it).

And with a strong finish.... "Dark Runs Out" has some of the best lyrics. There's something magical about the last song being the longest, and being kind of dreamy.... and Dark Runs Out NAILS it. Gets me every time!

I could describe the entire album to you, but I honestly think you should check it out for yourself!

All the songs can be found at this link or by a search on iTunes. Or if you feel so inclined, tell Amy which song is YOUR favorite, perhaps in haiku form? :)

Any other albums I should check out? #NewMusicTuesday is probably my favorite day of the week.

xo

Ps - other awesome music.