currently cooking: grilled flank steak with tomato salad

Something about the summery temps (90 degrees can not be considered spring I'm afraid...) of late had us craving something fresh and grilled for dinner.

We rarely prepare or even eat beef, but found the sound of this recipe too yummy to deny.

First, we picked up a lovely flank steak and the vegetable ingredients for the tomato salad. The salad recipe suggests a variety of fresh herbs that can be used to add another level of flavor to the tomato mixture. We went with oregano!

After chopping and mixing up the tomato, onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and oregano, we popped the salad into the refrigerator to chill. Next, we marinated the steak while we dashed over to the gym.

After about an hour, the flavors of tomato salad had set nicely. We grilled up the steak and then let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing up and serving. One note? I'd cook the steak for a little less time than the recipe suggests to make sure this cut of meat stays super tender.

Verdict? A great warm weather meal that was both fresh and delicious.

 

(original top two images via skinnytaste)

pants that POP

I have a fear of pants. It's true. I wear dresses and skirts almost every day. Why? Pants are hard.

Trying them on can be a drag. Then there's the whole problem of then deciding on what to wear on top. Please. I'll take a dress any day. Wham. Bam. Ready!

Sadly, years of this approach to shopping has left me with a closet filled to the brim with dresses, but containing only two wearable pairs of pants. Unacceptable.

This renewed commitment to shaking it up led me to purchase these pink pants from Zara a few weeks back, and the adorable ensemble above has left me lusting after that popping polka dot style. Also, how cute is the model's mismatched look?

Buy them here.

(images via j.crew)

it's monday, but...

After a wonderful, sunny weekend, here we are back to the grind. Maybe I should order the banner above from Etsy to hang in my office. It's a nice message to keep in mind.

Daydreaming about the awesomeness of the last  few days also helps. On that note, here are a few happy snaps from the weekend.

New shoes on Friday before...

dinner on the LES with O and C.

 Central Park was popping on a Saturday afternoon.

 

Trees in bloom!

 

Brunch with friends (and their adorable new addition) in Tribeca...

where S ordered weiner schnitzel!

 Next, came a ferry ride across the East River

to Greenpoint 

for a splash of rosé, a dinner party and a killer game of Win, Lose or Draw.

(top image via what anna loves)

"and everybody here would know what i was talking about..."

Happy Friday, dears!

Is there anything better than good weather and the promise of a whole wide weekend to enjoy it?

Heading out on a double date night with some pals in town from the ATL. Museums, brunches and as much time spent outside as possible are also on tap.

Here's a tune to get you jazzed.

Now, get outside and drink in this weather (and maybe something else too...) ASAP!

nerd boyfriend

Have you guys seen the website Nerd Boyfriend?

Roxana Altamirano matches classic male looks (from Jagger to Colombo) with her own current shopping guide for recreating their styles. A truly genius idea!

Here are a few of my fave looks. I must say that Roxana has excellent taste in men/man clothes.

 Hanks working a striped tie.

Jack does jeans.

 Mick has an apple. Moves like Jagger.

Well, hello David Byrne.

Bean.

Nautical John Lennon

Robert Smith of The Cure goes for it in a sweater vest.

And, always and forever, Jake Ryan.

(images via nerd boyfriend)

colorful cords

How nifty are these vintage lamps? Their cords have all been replaced with the colorful options you see above.

Available in EarthSeaWarrior's Etsy shop.

(images via b is for bonni/earth sea warrior)

Stone Barns

Aren't these snaps of Stone Barns lovely?

Spring had begun to turn everything green when S and I stopped by this weekend. We met up with some friends in town from London at the Blue Hill Cafe for coffee and sandwiches before wandering (hiking?) the farm's grounds.

In addition to the Cafe, Stone Barns is also home to Blue Hill Restaurant which is supposed to be quite the culinary experience. Stone Barns also provides all the ingredients used at Blue Hill Restaurant in the Village (a fave of the Obamas).

This four season farm focuses on creating healthy and sustainable food systems. All the food served and sold comes directly from the farm. We even caught sight of the famed Chef Barber picking veggies to cook for that evening's menu at Blue Hill.

If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend stopping by. It's only about half an hour outside of NYC.

P.S. We saw the biggest pigs. Ever. Click here to see an example.