Happy Halloween + a recipe.

Happy Halloween Lovelies! I did not dress up, but I did see many characters walking the streets of Chicago this weekend. I'll be celebrating with lots of Halloween candy today and a scary movie with yt tonight. Any recommendations? I wish we had trick-or-treaters coming to our apartment but living in a high rise in the city makes it highly unlikely. I hope everyone had a great weekend celebrating and continues to celebrate today! 

a recipe. 

I'm not sure that there are better combinations in life (especially on a rainy October day) than tomato soup and grilled cheese. yt had some friends over to watch Sunday Night Football and they helped polish off a big pot of soup and eight grilled cheese sandwiches.

Here's what you'll need...

2 pounds of tomatoes, halved

1 small yellow onion, halved 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled and halved

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

1/2 teaspoon red pepper

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

3 basil leaves chopped

2 cups of reduced sodium chicken stock

1/4 cup heavy cream

salt & pepper

Here's what to do... 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a baking sheet, place the tomato and onion cut side up and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle one tablespoon of salt over the tomatoes and onion. Roast for 50 minutes, then add garlic to the pan. Roast for an additional 10 minutes. 

In a blender or food processor, puree the roasted vegetables and pan juices until smooth. Add the thyme, oregano, peppers and basil and puree again until blended.

Pour mixture into a large pot and add chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cream and stir well to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

I used freshly baked semolina bread with both gouda and sharp cheddar for the grilled cheeses! Yum.  

throw pillow winner. 

City Girl Chicago is the winner of the Nena Von throw pillow giveaway. Congrats! 

Please email me with your selection and shipping information at lara.matos1@gmail.com

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This is what you should make for breakfast this weekend. For real. 

This is my favorite fall recipe. Hands down. It reminds me of home so very much. The recipe is technically for muffins, but I make them in mini muffin form because that's how my mom always does it (and because then you can have 8 instead of one... that's the same amount of muffin, right?).

Here's what you'll need...
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup chocolate chips

Here's what to do...
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line muffin tin. Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Beat eggs. Add pumpkin, butter, chocolate chips. Blend dry ingredients into wet. Spoon into muffin tin. Bake 20-25 minutes (slightly less for mini muffins).

So Saturday and Sunday, and then throughout the week (if you make it that long), this is what you should have. 

What are you doing to celebrate Halloween?

Halloween Fun[fetti]!

With Halloween quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to put together a post with some of the things that are currently getting me in the spirit. I'm also linking up with Danielle, who has lots of Halloween fun on her blog today. I'm not a HUGE fan of dressing up for Halloween (kind of lame, I know). It always takes so much effort to find a good costume, and then once I'm in it, I always feel so silly. Instead, I rely heavily on Halloween food and decor to get me in the spirit - and Halloween candy, of course!

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13

Who likes funfetti cupcakes? I'm pretty sure the answer is everyone. I happened to have some Halloween sprinkles that I wanted to use before October 31st. I brainstormed a bit about what I could do with them and decided that funfetti cupcakes would be perfect. Instead of using the boxed stuff, I made everything myself. The cake batter and the buttercream were so easy and the Halloween sprinkles were the icing on the cake sprinkles on the cupcakes!

Here's what you'll need...

1 1/4 cups flour 

1/2 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, softened 

2 eggs 

1/2 tablespoon vanilla 

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sprinkles

Here's what to do... 

Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl. In large bowl, on high speed, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, reduce speed to medium, and beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture and milk, alternately. Add in sprinkles. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Buttercream Frosting 

1 stick butter softened 

1 tsp vanilla 

Then add confectioners sugar until it becomes the consistency you want

You can also add a small amount of milk if you need to - just a drop at a time. 

Head over to Danielle's blog, Breakfast at Toast, for some more Halloween fun!

And enter my giveaway for some fun and modern throw pillows here! 

xo

I Love My City - Louisville, KY

I hope everyone is loving this series as much as I am. I'm learning so much about a great city and an equally great blogger each week! This week I have Meagan from Mo Pie Please sharing her love for her [very] new home, Louisville, KY. 

Hi everyone! This is Meagan from Mo Pie, Please.  Lara has asked me to share what it is I love about my city - Louisville, KY and I'm so honored to be sharing that with you today :: 

{image}

I've lived in Louisville for 3 whole months.  Before moving here from Chicago, we visited this great city many times, but there's still so much for me to learn and discover about the city we're going to permanently call home.

Louisville has so many amazing restaurants, but my favorite spots to dine so far are:
Bourbon's Bistro or Eiderdown for a date night
Wild Ginger for a night with the girls (hey, we all love Thai food, right?)
North End Cafe or Toast for Sunday brunch & you're likely to find bread pudding on my plate 
(I'm still exploring the culinary scene here - my wallet can't quite afford to explore all that often)

My favorite shopping spot is Bardstown Road.  If you live in Louisville, this is a no-brainer.  It's a happening strip with oodles of boutiques, record shops, restaurants and bars.

One hidden gem in Louisville is the Anchorage Trail.  I'm sure this will change the longer I live here but it's such a great spot in a city within the city (John Schnatter of Papa John's fame lives here and has donated a lot of money to this trail).  I love to go walking/jogging along the 2-mile trail that feels like you've stepped into another part of the country.  The first time I explored the trail I had a staring contest with a deer and saw so many other incredible critters along the way!

{image}

When I have visitors, three places I will insist on taking them are Bardstown Road for good food, shopping and drinks, The Actor's Theater for a brilliant performance (I want to see Dracula before Halloween is over but I don't think it's going to happen) & something else pertaining to the season of the visit.  This summer was perfect for outdoor concerts along the waterfront, al fresco dining and enjoying the beautiful parks within the city.  Last week I went to Fox Hollow Farms for a fall festival that was pretty darn cute.  I'm not sure yet about winter and spring, but I'm excited to find out.

{the drive leading to Fox Hollow Farm, charmingly named Sleepy Hollow}

If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me ..... enjoying the outdoors (weather permitting) exploring new neighborhoods (at this point, most of them are new to me!) and sipping some beverages somewhere with friends.

One neighborhood I'd love to live in is because Crescent Hill because of the cliffs and beautiful lived-in houses.  Originally, we had our hearts set on this neighborhood because of the unique land.  I'm not one bit upset over where we live now but that area is definitely my second choice. 


My favorite season in the city is seeming to be fall because our neighborhood is incredibly gorgeous right now and I don't want to blink for fear of missing it in all its colorful glory.

If I could describe Louisville in three words they would be unique, pretty & laid-back.  Keep Louisville Weird is a motto used a lot around here.  I'm totally on board.  

{image}

My favorite thing about Louisville is the cost of living.  Hah, take that, Chicago.  But really, my favorite thing about living here is the wonderful house we own and the amazing friends/family we have here with us.

{us in front of our house about 2 weeks after we moved in}

Although I love Louisville, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be Napa Valley.  It's where we were married and everything about it appeals to me, not just the wine :)
Thanks for having me, Lara!  This was fun to put together and really made me think.  I have a lot of exploring left to do but I think I'll take my time and savor it all while I can!

This sounds like such an amazing city. I peeked at a few of the menu's from Meagan's go to spots and saw Duck Fat Popcorn - I'm sure that's beyond delicious (in small quantities of course). For more city love, please click here: Dallas, Providence, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Toronto & Boston

If you want to share some love for your city please email me! 

Black & White.

I'm all for incorporating color into my wardrobe and my home, but I absolutely love the look of plain old black and white. There's something so clean, modern and chic about removing all color from a look. I would love to have a black and white room in our next home. I think that it might be difficult to actually execute (and I'd need the approval from yt), but I'm hoping I can make it happen... even if it's just a bathroom!

I'm not thinking of incorporating zebra print anywhere, but how amazing is this picture? It definitely showcases the natural beauty of black and white. Here a few other sources of inspiration:

1. Candle 2. Pillow 3. Pump 4. Clutch 5.Essie & Chanel 6. Watch 7. Mirror 8. Pillow 9. Tray 10. Glasses 11. Necklace 12. Bowl 13. Booties 14. Vase 15. Plate 16. Scarf

What are your thoughts on black and white? Do you love or hate a colorless look?

Two Soups & Savory Scones.

I've been cooking up a storm lately. I'm going to post a few recipes in sets so I can share them all! 

soup #1

Last weekend I made beef and barley soup. It's a simple and flavorful classic. I'm usually not a huge fan of red meat, but in this soup it's perfect. The trick to this soup is mincing everything into very small pieces. It takes some time but it really makes the texture of the soup. Note to self: when you bring Ritz crackers to work to eat aside soup, do not bring the entire sleeve. You do not have enough self control for that situation.

Here's what you'll need...
1 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 cups celery, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and minced
2 bay leafs
1 lb. beef stew meat, cubed
32 oz. can low sodium chicken broth
32 oz. can low sodium beef broth
2 tsp. beef broth base
1 cup medium pearl barley
1 tbsp. olive oil

Here's what to do...
Cut meat into small pieces. Place in bowl, sprinkle with salt and pepper. In large saucepan saute onion, celery and mushrooms in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add beef and saute until beef loses the pink color. Add broths, broth base, and 1 cup of water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add carrots, bay leaf and barley. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf before serving.

soup #2

This weekend I made butternut squash soup. There's no cream or milk but it's one of the creamiest soups I've ever had. The apple cider and apple give the soup so much depth and it's super healthy! I make this one over and over again. I also love it because I get to use my favorite kitchen gadget - the immersion blender! Don't laugh, these things make me happy.

Here's what you'll need...
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 lbs. butternut squash (2 med) peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 gala apple, diced
1/2 cups apple cider

Here's what to do...
Melt butter. Add onion and nutmeg and saute until onion is soft and transparent. Add all remaining ingredients. After it starts to boil, lower heat and simmer uncovered about 30 minutes or until everything is mushy. Puree in blender (or with an immersion blender) until smooth.

scones

I made these scones to go with the butternut squash soup, but they would really go with any soup. I've definitely said this before, but I'll say it again. I love scones because you can throw anything in them. Sweet or savory, they are buttery, flakey and delicious. 

Here's what you'll need...

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes

1/3 cup grated parmesan 

2 sprigs rosemary, minced

3/4 cup buttermilk

Here's what to do...

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Then using your fingers, rub in the cubes of butter until the flour and butter form into small pea like pieces. Add in the parmesan and rosemary and mix everything with your hands until a ball of dough forms (it might seem a bit dry). Pat it together and form into a ball. Press down until dough is in large circle, about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 8 triangles. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a modern and chic throw pillow here!

Decor Giveaway

Throw pillows are one of my favorite items when it comes to interior decor. I actually purchased the pillows for my current living room first, and then designed the rest of the room around them. Throw pillows are also the perfect way to transform the look of a room with a small budget. I'm sure I'll be in touch with Nena Von in May (when we're moving & decorating a new home) but for now, I'm sharing her talent with you!

The giveaway is for any one of the "18x"18 throw pillows pictured above (I don't know how the winner is going to choose!). To enter, please follow Simply Irresistible on Google Friend Connect and leave a comment letting me know which Nena Von pillow you would make yours.

For extra entries you can:
Follow me on Twitter 
Tweet about the giveaway
Mention this giveaway on your blog
Follow Nena Von on Facebook

Make sure to leave a comment for each extra entry. The winner will be announced next Monday. You have until then to enter. Good luck xo.

sunday night.

It's Sunday night, which means that Monday is almost upon us. I'm taking the next few hours to relax on the couch and soak in the end of the weekend.  This weekend I spent both nights at home, which was exactly how I wanted it. Here are a few highlights. I....

the pajamas are on sale at anthropologie here and the tyler mulled cider candle is my new favorite

cappuchino from my nescafe, butternut squash soup, parmesan rosemary scones, funfetti halloween cupcakes, individual chicken pot pies & pumpkin chocolate chip mini muffins! woah. 

I also got my seven mile run in (and didn't want to die the whole time - yay!), did a little shopping, a little brunching and started a few craft projects for our apartment. Lots of recipes coming your way this week. And a giveaway tomorrow! 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. xo 

this weekend.

Lately we have been going non stop. There's been lots of traveling, a bunch of visitors, and way too many after work activities. I'm so excited to have zero plans this weekend! 

I do have to complete a seven mile run at some point which I'm hoping won't be completely awful.

When that's done, I will be so happy... and then I will bake and cook up a storm to replace each and every calorie I burned on my run (plus some).

There will probably be a nap or two in my weekend, too. 

After the dreary weather this week,  I'm ready for some sunshine. I'm not quite ready for you, Chicago winter.

What are you up to this weekend? I'd love to hear!
P.S. Look out for a giveaway on Monday :)

a poem.

by Shel Silverstein

(just a little reminder).

Mixing Metals

Some of my friends are very loyal when it comes to their jewelry. They either only wear silver or only wear gold and refuse to consider the "other" metal. I'm the exact opposite. I love both silver and gold and I tend to wear them together. When I came across Giles and Brother, I knew that this was a designer made for me. The brother and sister designing duo creates jewelry that mixes metals and textures. Every piece is undeniably beautiful. Check it out.

Here are some of my favorites:

Bold Pieces:  necklace (on sale!), necklace, necklace,  bracelet, bracelet, bracelet, earrings
Simpler Pieces: Safety Pin Earrings, Mustache Studs, Tiered Earrings, Rope Bracelet, Archer Hoops, Horseshoe Studs

You can find the last four necklaces here! I think they would make an awesome gift (hint, hint yt)

Do you like silver, gold, or both? 

I Love My City - Boston, MA

Today, Emily from so anthro is sharing all of the reasons that she loves her city - Boston, MA. I've been there a few times, but not in the last 10 years or so. From what I remember, its a gorgeous city, filled with lots of history, amazing food ... and Red Sox fans (ew.) I will turn my cheek to the Yankee haters in exchange for some chowder. I'll leave it to Emily to share the rest!

I've lived in Boston for 4 years.

Boston has so many amazing restaurants, but my favorite spots to dine are:

The Paramount for a date night: It's very famous for its breakfasts, but what few people know is at night it turns into a very sweet and romantic little dinner place-- a totally different feel from the weekend brunch rush!
Tory Row for a night with the girls: Right in Harvard Square, cafeteria-style tables, and pitchers of sangria? Yes please.
The Friendly Toast for Sunday brunch & you're likely to find pumpkin pancakes and amazing hash browns on my plate... or two plates...

{the paramount}

My favorite shopping spot is Newbury Street. It's known as the Rodeo Drive of the East! All of the major designers line it plus some great little independent boutiques and vintage shops, and it's so beautiful around the holidays. I also love shopping in Harvard Square though, it's quieter and can be just a little easier on the wallet :)

{newbury street}

{harvard square}

One hidden gem in Boston is South Station! Or at least all of the places it can take you. As much as I adore Boston, sometimes it's nice to get out of the city for a day, and I think people are always forgetting about our awesome Commuter Rail lines that can get you to some gorgeous New England beaches in under half an hour! Not to mention apple orchards and pumpkin patches at this time of year (Salem anyone??).

{beaches}

When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are The Public Garden, the waterfront, & to see my alma mater! 

{public garden}

If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me ..... dancing or taking photos around the Boston Harbor... or both! 

One neighborhood I'd love to live in is Beacon Hill, because who doesn't love adorable old brownstones with a classic New England feel?

{beacon hill}

My favorite season in the city is fall because there is nothing like the colors in The Boston Common and Public Garden during autumn. AND it means Halloween is coming up and we can go trick-or-treating at John Kerry's house :)

If I could describe Boston in three words they would be ambitious, classic & yet eclectic.

My favorite thing about Boston is how you can walk {almost} anywhere.

Although I love Boston, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be London.

Thanks so much for sharing, Emily! I laughed so hard about trick-or-treating at John Kerry's - definitely a unique perk to living in Boston. I've never been to Public Gardens but they look so pretty! For more from this series, just click below:

Dallas

Providence

New York

San Francisco

Chicago

Toronto

Engagement Photos (two.)

My apologies for posting SO many engagement photos... but I'm only going to have these taken once in my life, so over share I will! And in case you missed part one - click away here! These photos remind me a) how much I love yt and b) how much I love Chicago.

All done sharing!