Spring is for Suckers...

I think we can safely say that Spring has Sprung!  At the start of Passover, its time to head into the busy and beautiful season of rebirth and beginnings.  Life, in all of its forms and ways, is busy growing and in that whirlwind sort of way that I feel Spring comes and goes.  There is just so much going on, its both refreshing and intimidating to try and capture it all with such a short breath into summer.

I can't help but feel compelled to talk about Passover just a bit.  In Jewish tradition, Passover is remembering the events in the Biblical book of Exodus, specifically celebrating the freeing of the Israelites from ancient Egypt.  The term Passover refers to the 10 plagues unleashed on Egypt to persuade the release of the Jews, the final and worst being the death of each families' first born.  The Israelites were instructed to smear the blood of a spring lamb on the doors of their homes so that the spirit of death would pass over their home.

 I am, in many forms, a sucker for tradition, even if they aren't mine per se.  As you may have also guessed, I am a sucker for reasons to throw dinner parties.  As I am not Jewish, and celebrate Easter, I like to prepare Lamb for Easter dinner in the spirit of both Traditions and bring the Biblical stories together.  My Grandmother on my father's side has always done this meal, and I am happy to carry on that tradition.  Look for the recipe and photos over the weekend.

What else am I a springtime sucker for?  Who doesn't love all of the colors and aromas that spring brings us in the form of Flowers??  If you aim to resist, you are only cheating yourself of the most vibrant and eclectic mix of paint-worthy muses.  So I choose to indulge every year.  This year I have been really chomping at the bit to get out in the dirt, but the weather has been so sporadic it has made me wary.  A few weeks ago I cleaned out my front flower beds and the wreckage winter left all throughout the yard from our trees.  I planted a few choice annuals, and purchased some heartier plants to put out back, and I waited to plant the more delicate ones.  I was fortunate to hold off on the snapdragons and stock because we got one last (fingers crossed) blast of snow a few days later.  I know the 'Don't plant until Mother's day' rule of thumb, but that's a safe-guard for the lot to ensure no danger of frost.  I like to start early and get the most out of the garden, even if I have to start them indoors.  I, for the first time ever, started my seeds indoors and we are ever so ready to get into the dirt.  This will also be the first year of my Organic Veggie garden which I cannot wait to build this weekend!

I am a huge sucker for Bulbs, namely Tulips and Ranunculus, I just love the bold variations of color, and the strong heavy weight they carry alone.  I never find the need to put either in an arrangement with other flowers.  Tulips I love simply by themselves cut in a clear vase.  The thick green stems and leaves with the large bright head stand perfectly on their own.  I particularly love to arrange cut tulips in a rectangular vase for a modern look.

Ranunculus are what I refer to as "Like Roses, only better".  They are such stable hearty flowers, yet their ruffled petals have a dainty and romantic quality to them all the same.  They resemble the underskirts of 'Can Can' dancers as they kick their gams towards the sky.  These lovely ladies are also available in a variation of colors, one of my favorites being the bright pink with an equally bright green center.  I found them to be the definition for perfection in a bridal bouquet, as they are equally as beautiful in white.  I started a group of these indoors and cannot wait to plant and see those beautiful blooms come to life.

Brightly colored Ranunculus

My bridal party flowers (by Mom) Ranunculus, Hydrangea & Green Hypercum Berries 

I will never feel that my garden is ever complete no matter where I may live without Irises lining the sides of my house.  My mother effortlessly spread her Japanese and Siberian Iris throughout the shadier parts of the pathways to our backyard.  This is a surprisingly shade tolerant Iris with full blooms in deep purples and sometimes white.  By next year, I vow to have a hearty selection of these wrapping around the side of the house and along our fence.

Siberian Iris

I also planted a few of my husband's favorites.  Also another staple in my Mother's expansive garden and one she liked to also use in salads when we had guests for dinner.  Pansies!  Fun and adorable, the pansy is a vibrant inexpensive way to perk up any flower bed.  I cannot help but picture the taunting and singing pansies in Disney's Alice in Wonderland - I still see the little faces every time I see this flower.  With the thousands of variations, one can get really creative in planting a painterly mix of sizes and colors.

I was able to plant another of my favorites for the first time this year, I strategically placed a few hot pink Stock plants in pots by the front steps of the house, and intermittently throughout the patio area.  Stock is an extremely fragrant flower, and it just begs you to draw near and indulge in a good whiff!  I love Stock and Lavender near any sitting area, however I keep in mind that both do draw bees near, it is a sort of balancing act one must do in order to enjoy the sweet benefits minus the sting.

Pale pink and purple Stock

Hearty Heather another bee favorite I planted this year

And finally.... Poppies!!  I am hands down the world's biggest sucker for Poppies.  Everything about them is in my opinion, fantastic.  The bright, slender stem that almost comically balances its disproportionate head,  not exactly straight up to the sky with a whimsical detour just before the flower bud.  Its like when I try to draw a straight line, what an artfully playful path up to that large, vivid red top.  I love the depth and character of the red poppy, though I do enjoy the white, yellow and orange almost as much.  There is something about that shade, its a shade of red that I believe inspired the color for Superman's cape, Wonder Woman's corset, and Iron Man's armor.  Its spectacular! Simultaneously the petals are so dainty with such a definitive stance.  When the wind blows slightly they wobble about on their stilt-like stems with all of the characteristics of a flamingo in its proportion.  Then you have the contrast of ebony in the middle with striking specks of white.  The poppy is without a doubt, something I would put on a list of top ten favorite things.  Some Day One Day, I will live where I can have a field of them of my very own.

On days when it is lovely enough to stop and smell the flowers, I suggest taking a leisurely lunch when you can.  Get outside, go for a little stroll.  If you can't, roll down the windows and let the air in, enjoy the sunshine and get out there and break up your workday.  If you work near the city limits or have a day off and want to break up some window shopping, there is a little secret slice of smiles you can give yourself near one of the busiest shopping districts in Philadelphia.  Chestnut Park is like a little hideaway refuge that is just made for brown-bagging your lunch or sipping on coffee and tea while enjoying the outdoors. 

Starting tomorrow and continuing through June you can enjoy live music from 12 - 1:30 pm.  I would encourage anyone who wants to get a jump start on enjoying spring to meander by for a much welcomed interruption from the ordinary.

Check out the details here .

Speaking of smelling the flowers, I recently went on a mission to liven up my Spring and Summer scent selections.  I came across some really nice scents for spring.  I've always been an avid fan of Betsey Johnson's scent, which I will probably always wear until they stop making it.

  I also found myself loving Romance by Ralph Lauren, and
Daisy by Marc Jacobs.  I feel that perfume is an incredibly personal choice so I won't try to sway you, your nose has to be your guide here, but I will say that Daisy is absolutely marketed for spring and with good reason!

Love the new bottle and the bright yellow daisy :)

Those that know me, already know that I'm a sucker for Art, and the Arts in general.  I am also a sucker for fashion, in a very particular way.  I appreciate fashion, I know from experience the pitfalls of overindulgence in it, and I absolutely try to seek out the true artisans when I look for fashion to pay homage to.  Now through June 5th the Philadelphia Art Museum has an exhibit that I am very excited to see, which blends the worlds of Art and Fashion together more so than they already are.

 

Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fashion, promises to be edgy, bold and full of all the things I love about spring as mentioned above including color and vibrancy.  Capucci, an Italian couturier and artist, creates pieces of art that have graced the frames of Marylin Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Gloria Swanson and more than a few Noblewomen including Princess Maria Pace Odescalchi, who owns the castle where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married.  Some of his more abstract pieces might resemble something our current lover of the bizarre, Lady GaGa, might suit up in.  For more info check out The Philadelphia Art Museum's website.

 I couldn't wait to plant my garden almost as much as I couldn't wait to get my bike out this year.  I have done 2 rides into work already, and am happy to welcome many more rain free days to do the same.  Whether you mount up for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, a challenging trek through the woods, or because you got pumped up listening to Queen, this is the weather for Biking!  Not too hot and warming up enough to take the chill out, this is literally a fun for the whole family kind of thing to do.  I am looking forward to taking mine to Assateague Island for some beach rides!

Pledge to ride and check out peopleforbikes.org devoted to "Safer and more convenient bicycling options for everybody".

 And finally, I wouldn't be a well-rounded sucker if I wasn't a sucker for all things cute.  When it comes to spring and cooking, I came across a new, and adorable ingredient that has until now, never been invited to my table.  The radish is a root I am very unfamiliar with, this week my Dad stopped over and handed a bag to me with "Here, no idea what to do with these, maybe you can use them."  I didn't bother to ask for a back story, and tossed them in the fridge.  I decided to do some research and experiment, turns out radishes were very highly regarded in ancient Greece, the patients of Androcydes were often directed to eat them as a preservative against intoxication.  High in vitamin C and antioxidants, the little Super Mario-like vegetables looked like they were ready to come out of the fridge.

 I found staying simple was the best way to acquaint myself with the cute lil red heads.  Most root-vegetables mellow in flavor after baking so I decided to do roasted radishes and see how it went.  Turns out, this is a great low-carb alternative side to roasted potatoes, and you can add any type of flare you like to liven it up and pair it with another entree.  What's really fun about radishes is they also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and you can toss a mix of them together for a really exciting presentation like the one below tossed with thyme, olive oil and fennel seed.

Simple Roasted Radish
Preheat Oven to 450F Degrees. Clean thoroughly.
If smaller radishes, slice through center of stem into halves, if using a larger variety can quarter much like a roasted potato.
Toss with extra virgin olive oil  and season with coarse sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Line on baking sheet cut side down and roast for 15 minutes stirring once midway through.
Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve with watercress, or fresh chopped parsley.

 And if you find you don't like roasted radish, you can always get creative with them and toss them in a salad or give them to your kids to play with.

And now, fellow suckers, I leave you with a 1UP to kickoff your spring!

Feelin' Fruity on a Friday

I've got big ambitious plans this weekend, plans which I really do not want to fall through for any reason.  I've got to get a big run in to be on schedule to do well in the Broad Street Run on May 1st.  I want to take advantage of my Anjali Yoga class card on Saturday, then my regular Vinyasa Yoga  for Sunday. 

Scheduled Challenge!

I've been feeling a little sluggish this week so I pondered a bit this morning what I haven't had a good dose of that might be the reason.  As I spent my usual Thursday night doing laundry and housework to free up my weekend time, I caught a whiff of a perfectly ripened, and nearly forgotten about Pineapple sitting on my counter and it came to me:  my efforts this week were quite literally fruitless!
  A cup of green tea,  steel cut oats with berries for breakfast, and a heaping helping of fresh pineapple and kiwi later ... I am feeling energized and optimistic about my weekend agenda!

Let's talk Fruit for a minute here.  We all can probably name 3-4 fruits we really enjoy, and I think we can all agree that fruit is widely accepted as a key part of nutrition and well being and yet we probably can all admit to not getting enough of it in our daily routine.  Why is that?

I could wax on and on philosophical about the ways in which our western palettes have been torched and manipulated over the decades into sugar and salt craving lunatics.  Or how the mass production and genetic engineering of our produce leaves us with bland, malformed, and immature vegetation.  Alas, it is Friday and I do believe that information a bit heavy for the last stretch before the 'aaaaaahhhhhhhhh' moment of the weekend finally arriving.  Instead let's discuss the benefits and beauty that is, Fruit.

Talk about having it all, sweet, juicy, pleasing to the eye and substantial in significant vital nutrients, Fruit is like the perfect mate.  If you were to make a list of characteristics for what you're looking for in a spouse, most of the descriptions could probably apply to fruit.  Good for you, deliciously indulgent and not bad on the eyes, or the waistline?  I'm in Love!!

I sometimes eat cherries even though I'm allergic and have to stop when my throat itches.  They are just that yummy ! xo

I think if non-fruit eating folks would take one day and pick some new and interesting produce up to try, and then look up how to tell when the best time to eat it, that is, when it will be at peak ripeness, we would each find ourselves running for fruit as a snack more often than we do.

In European countries such as France, the locals shop fresh in outdoor markets most of the time, and they are buying from local growers and farmers.  They shop more frequently and are just a bit more knowledgeable about how to pick a ripe fruit or plan for when it will be.  I cannot tell you the remarkable difference between a strawberry grown naturally and yielded at its perfect ripeness when compared to the tasteless, sour monstrosities being pedaled as such with their white spongy insides at the grocery store.  You have to go out and seek it yourself to really understand what fruit in its natural and organically grown splendor really is like.

Notice the deep red color and not a white spongy center.

A strawberry should be small, deep red, and slightly juicy to the touch.  The large, waxy pink-orange nonsense we are accustomed to, are usually only enjoyed in a cake, covered in cream or submerged in milk and cereal.  I dare you to seek out a true wild, organic strawberry farm and enjoy a little taste of perfection.

Wild Organic Strawberries

You have to figure out what fruit you really love and enjoy to truly find yourself reaching for it instead of the gummi-bears or chips when you want a satisfying snack or light meal to munch on.  I can tell you I absolutely am not a melon person, I won't eat them if I buy them because I don't prefer them to anything no matter how exotic or commonly used in fruit salad they may be.  I know that I love Kiwi, Pineapple, just about any kind of juicy ripe Berry, and Pears.  I love a good Bartlett Pear and the mention of said specimen brings me to elaborate on the importance of learning how to tell if something is actually ripe not only for the picking, but for the eating.

I never thought I liked pears.  I would buy them in the grocery store and take a bite and think "Good Lord why would anyone eat this grainy, sandpaper-like thing with zero flavor save a bite of tart at the end?"  Yet if I would go to a restaurant and order a salad sprinkled with lovely slices of pears, dried cranberries, walnuts and a bite of Gorgonzola I was quite certain I had found the salad I would order if I were dining within the gardens surrounded by the pearly gates of heaven.  I eventually realized that I had no idea what I was doing when I plucked pears from the grocer's and I simply asked the wise wizard of Google for advice.  I learned that a pear needs to be deep in color, and slightly soft to the touch yet still firm.  Meaning, if I press my thumb into the pear, it will leave a slight indent and have a good amount of give.  If the pear is rock hard, its going to be that way when I bite into it.  The difference was instantly recognized and appreciated to this day!  This is why I say, if you like a fruit that you haven't gone out to stock up on yourself, find out how to tell if its ripe and get the best one you can find.  You will find yourself looking forward to it, rather than forcing yourself to switch to fruit simply because its a healthier choice.

Keeping it simple I will also suggest you reach out of your comfort zone and enjoy some exotic fruits, some you will love, others you'll hate but its kind of fun to look for different fruit.  Especially when they all come in the most interesting shapes, sizes and colors!  If anything, they might inspire your next wall color choice!

Star Fruit

Dragon Fruit

Kiwi

Passion Fruit

Dragon Fruit (uncut)

If I haven't wet your appetite to get your fruit on, i will leave you with some deliciously colorful fruit graphics as well as a suggestion to waste some desk time playing an interesting game to say the least.

Enjoy Your Weekend!!



Meatless Monday and Music

Woke up this morning with music ringing in my head, and happily turned the thermostat to Off mode.  Forecast for today high of 75°F and sunny!  Time to take advantage and get up and running after indulging in a workout free weekend of musical escapades.

If you haven’t already I have to insist that you check out A Silent Film, a truly inspired band of merry men who hail from Oxford, England and have the fantastic accents to prove it!  I had the fortunate happenstance to pick up a pair of tickets and took a friend and favorite photographer who I feel I am forever giving free plugs to, Dennis (check out his work, top notch!).  The band is wrapping up a short tour with Civil Twilight, known for their single Letters From the Sky.  While often mistaken for fellow Brits, Civil Twilight is a band of two brothers and a lifelong friend all from South Africa.  You can hear the influences clearly as they come across immediately a youthful U2 incarnate with hints of The Verve, The Police, Radiohead and Muse.  Certainly this trio spent the majority of their youth listening and learning from the sounds of the UK.  The clever choosing of the name, and the haunting vampish looks of the lead vocalist have provided Civil Twilight with a marketability that crosses over with the Tween Vampire lovers (as well as their moms) whom could be seen and heard squealing whenever Steven McKellar (lead vocals) thrust himself into the audience for an ‘intimate song’.  The talent of the trio was quite impressive I have to say, as they’re stylings are identical whether listening to the album or from the back of the concert hall.  I personally found kid brother Andrew really impressive, he starts out playing his guitar with the bow of a cello and evolved later into speed thrashings and a gentle non-chalant toss of the instrument in true ‘rockstar’ fashion.  The drummer, Richard Wouters, in his proper sportscoat and Dapper Dan hairstyle seemed a bit stifled during the more mellow numbers, but really let himself at it by the end of the show.  He reminded me of a young Charleton Heston and I have to say, I think frontman Steven could let us all have a little more face time with Richard.

Richard Wouters doing his thing

I got a really cool surprise after seeing both bands at the TLA on Saturday night.  You would think a light dinner and margaritas at Xochitl followed by a great show around the corner would be a killer weekend right there.

Located @ 2nd & South Street

Turns out the same bands were touring and playing a teenie tiny venue in Annapolis, Maryland called Ram’s Head, voted Worlds #1 music venue for under 500 people.  Today is the hubby's birthday and he was a little bummed he didn’t get to see A Silent Film on Saturday, since he and I rarely ever find ourselves liking the same band without really trying to talk the other one into it.  John and his best friend usually celebrate their birthdays together and had plans to do so Saturday.  I suggested that maybe they would be playing somewhere nearby since they are touring, in the next few days.  We had already planned on Sunday brunch, and since Ram’s Head has just about the best Brunch and Bloody Mary bar in Annapolis, it was a no brainer. 

After a light run in the morning, we were off to the quaint little harbor city of Annapolis.  I fell in love with this little port last summer with my best girlfriend, we went for a wine festival and stayed the night enjoying some live music, ice cream on a bench, and some really interesting conversation with our water taxi-driver.  I was so sad I didn’t have my camera with me on that trip, the colorful beachy townhomes and storefronts just lit up my eyeballs, and I could wait to show John the little treasures I had come across then.

I knew this show was going to be intimate, but I wasn’t ready for just how so!  There were a total of 115 tables to wine and dine at while enjoying the show.  There were 3 tables between us and the band.  It was amazing!  I even got the guts to approach them and tell the lead singer how impressed I was with both shows!  A Silent Film is definitely my favorite of the two, though they have some work to do on perfecting their live sound, the lead Robert Stevenson more than makes up for this with his Broadway style stage presence.  His vocal range was all over the board, and the piano oh the piano, truly magical.  I really recommend buying their album The City that Sleeps, you can hear some influence of Coldplay, Radiohead in that you hear the classic styles of Piano and Jazz mixed with almost psychedelic modern melodies.  I again, was impressed by the drummer, it was impossible to keep up with the speed and precision of Spence Walker.  If I wasn’t a fan before this weekend, they had me at ‘Ello’!  John even scored an autograph from Robert. 

It was a bit peculiar to leave a rock concert brunch in a dim venue into the bright midst of Sunday, however it was a good kind of peculiar.  The weather was just perfect for a walk around the main strip of shops and restaurants.

From a tasting tour of microbrews from Ram’s Head Tavern on the heated patio, to a Tea Tasting at one of cutest tea shops I have ever been to, we really just meandered around soaking in the day.

John couldn’t resist doing some bike tricks with the local BMX bike teens by the water, and was quite proud of himself for not ‘biting it’ in front of the local youth. 

Of course I found the local comic book store, but didn’t venture in this time, as I spent a good amount of time last trip much to Kati’s dismay and annoyance!

All in all I haven’t had such a picture perfect day of impulsive fun in a while lately, with so much going on.  It was very much welcomed and appreciated, and I wasn’t even the birthday girl!

So today, I am just a bit lazy in the kitchen department, so I decided to make myself a simple favorite for Meatless Monday.  This also is wetting my appetite to gear up for Cinco De Mayo in Faith’s Kitchen.  Details are coming this week  so stay tuned!!!!!

Faith’s Festive Black Bean Tortilla Wrap

1 Cup Canned Black Beans, rinsed and drained

1 Haas Avocado, Cubed

1/3 Cup Diced Red Onion

½ Cup Diced Tomatoes

½ Cup Toasted Yellow Corn (I use frozen organic and toast on dry hot pan for 1-2 minutes)

¼ Cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Juice from half of Lime

2 Flour Tortillas Toasted on both sides lightly so warm but still bends easily.

Mix together Black Beans, Avacado, Onion, Tomatoes, Corn, Cilantro and Lime gently in medium bowl.  Add Salt or Pepper to taste.  Spoon mixture into Tortillas and fold sides and roll into a closed wrap or can leave one side open. 

Can serve with light sour cream if you like.  This mixture is bursting with flavor and fiber and if you eat one, wait before indulging in a second as you should feel full from the first if you let yourself digest.  Share with a friend for lunch!!