I never thought of myself as a foodie until recently. Maybe it’s the natural progression of time, but just a few years ago you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a bag of baby carrots, egg whites and a bottle of vodka in my fridge. Today’s another story – I’m stocked up on a myriad of fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and the fixings for leather pant friendly (this is a fashion segment) gourmet meals. It’s been a transition for the best as I settle into my late 20′s and focus on health and wellness instead of partying (don’t get me wrong, I still party, just not as hard or as often).

From top: fresh oysters, dinner detailed at left, and breakfast with the addition of pumpkin pancakes

When I’m not obsessing over NYFW trends, the latest fitness craze or finding the perfect casual weekend attire, I’m obsessing over food. I used to live for take-out and depended on Whole Foods, the local Greek restaurant and teriyaki joint to supply me with a seemingly healthy dinner. Now I chef up a version of these, and more – without breaking the bank.

Some of my favorite simple bikini-ready friendly meals are outlined below:

• Breakfast: prosciutto and spinach omelet with sweet potato hash
• Snack: green smoothie (my latest favorite is the perfect blend of ginger, kale, banana, mango, flax & chia seeds)
• Lunch: Mediterranean tuna (made with EVOO, dill, capers, scallions, lemon juice and cracked pepper on a bed of arugula)
• Dinner: steamed mussels and clams with seared sea scallops in a homemade tomato sauce with fresh basil and parmesan
• Dessert: flourless black bean brownies sweetened with stevia and topped with smoked sea-salt

I hope this inspired you to find your inner foodie.  Now hit the grocery store, put on that frilly apron and cook up something that would make you momma proud!

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

Photo via Plain Chicken

Technically Crack Bread can be made any time of year, but it is so awesomely unhealthy and delicious that I think it’s best to relegate it to special occasions. The Super Bowl is one such occasion given its traditional menu of cheesy, meaty, carby, generally bad for you, but oh so tasty treats. I have to warn you though. Once you’ve tasted Crack Bread, you will crave it. Hence the word “crack” in the name. It’s addictive on so many levels. Cheddar. Bacon. Ranch. Warm. Crunchy. Sourdough. Bread. I mean, c’moooon. My friend Marianne got me hooked a couple years ago when she made it for a boating trip, and I haven’t trusted myself to make it since. I honestly think I could eat a whole loaf to myself, and not regret it… Anyhoo, I could go on and on, but I suggest you whip up some Crack Bread for the Super Bowl (did I mention it’s also super easy to make?). You will be the star of the party, and probably develop a cult Crack Bread following. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread

8-12 oz. cheddar cheese, thinly sliced

3 oz bacon bits

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degress

2. Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. DO NOT cut through the bottom crust

3. Please slices of cheese between the cuts

4. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, make sure some gets in the cuts

5.Mix butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread.

6. Wrap whole loaf in foil and bake on baking sheet for 15 minutes.

7. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Weee! Presents!

I hate the mall.  I like shopping but I don’t enjoy fighting people for parking spots or listening to screaming kids present at the mall.  I would also like to avoid elbowing strangers in the face so that I can buy everyone I know the same $15 sweater as sometimes you must when you do your holiday shopping at a mall.  What I am saying is that I prefer a  less headache inducing experience.   Time is getting short for shopping and the malls are only getting crazier so I am happy to present Gift Local.  Various Seattle business including one of my personal favorites Cupcake Royale ( I may have mentioned them once or twice.  Did I mention I had their cupcakes at my wedding?) have gathered together to ask their fellow Seattlites to support local businesses with their holiday shopping.

This initiative centers on asking people to take the “Gift Local Pledge.”  This doesn’t mean that you have to swear off malls for all of eternity and wear only locally handmade everything.  I wouldn’t ask you to do that.  They only ask that in the course of your holiday shopping you shop at at least three local, independent businesses this holiday season.  That’s just one book from Elliot Bay Books or University Book Store, one fish from Pike Place Market, and one cupcake from Cupcake Royale and you will have fulfilled your duty.  It’s totally free to take the pledge and they will also send you a packet of great deals to aid in your shopping.  Also, you’ll be stimulating the local economy  and helping to keep Seattle awesome and that’s just a bonus.

I have already taken the pledge as I have already been to more than three local stores mostly because I really like shopping and but too many gifts.  Sadly I still had to go to the mall.  So, if you hate malls, go on, take the pledge and discover some new stores and maybe a get a few more unique gifts this year.  If you need some help finding places to check out you can search by category or neighborhood

over at Think Local .  I just learned that there is a store in Redmond that sells nothing but Tiramisu.  That’s what I call a good time.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Yes, I said it. And even though we would like to think we can avoid the inevitable +5 that has become one of those unwanted holiday gifts that makes its way onto our waistlines (despite regular gym sessions and countless cups of green tea), it’s about as hard to avoid as bath gel at a white elephant party. So instead of dreading it, lets embrace it – and hide it – while we selectively indulge this season. Besides, those pesky lbs will come right off when we juice in January…

From left: chiffon Froever dress, Seven bootcut denim, Nordstrom Sweater and blouse, commando tights

Christmas is fast approaching, and while there isn’t an edible centerpiece a la the Thanksgiving bird, you will be surrounded by people you may or may not like (again), with a focus on (surprise, its America) food. There will be fruitcake, glazed ham, gingerbread, and don’t even get me started on eggnog… Fortunately, there will also be a bottle (or 2) of booze to ensure all are happy and bright (at least until the hangover kicks in). The overeating and excessive drinking has become tradition for many, and this year is no exception. Instead of trading real pants for leggings, lets discuss some better ways to hide the holiday lbs:

• Commando tights – a recent discovery that will make even the most whittled waists never turn back. The patented seamless wide waistband doesn’t dig and will change your mind about hosiery forever
• A line or shift dress – the perfect pairing for commando tights, this easy piece flatters every shape. Bring the focus up to your beautiful face with a bold statement necklace or luxe silk scarf
• Dark bootcut denim – leave fading and details for the 20-something’s and stick with the classics. Wear them with a chunky knit sweater layered over a blouse or a chiffon tunic and smart blazer
• While leggings are permitted, please abide by the following rules: 1. spandex is a privilege, not a right; and 2. cover your rear, and even more importantly – your crotch. Ew, I hate that word. But ladies, seriously…

Look beyond basic black, accentuate your best features and start those get-fit resolutions! Juicing January is just around the corner – whose with me?? See you in the produce section, or at the gym!

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

Who knew pot pies were their own industry?

My very serious Monday afternoon conversation with a co-worker about the career opportunities for members of the pot pie industry has been cracking me up for almost a full day now. And since I didn’t come up with anything better to share with you, here it is, in all it’s glory:

Me: Did you know pot pies are their own category at ConAgra Foods? As in, they have their own marketing manager, buy planner, etc.

Coworker: Pot pies are disgusting.

Me: Agreed, too many carrots. But I think it’s funny that someone could be the marketing manager for pot pies. Like, that’s your title. ‘Hi, my name is Shannon, and I represent pot pies.’

Coworker: Where does the pot pie guy go next in his career? Hot Pockets would be a step down. Or would they…?

Me: I say the pot pie guy next moves on into Lean Cuisine. Much hipper frozen food group.

Coworker: Good call.

What about you? What frozen food industry do you think the pot pie guy moves into next and why? Should Lean Cuisine really beat out Hot Pockets? Is there another frozen food contender you’d root for? Winner of the most creative comment gets a shout out on next week’s blog post!

Christmas is coming, and if your family is anything like mine, menu planning is in full swing. I often think food plays a bigger role in our holiday than gifts with booze coming in a close second. Needless to say, Christmas is a fat and  tipsy jolly affair. What’s most interesting about our menu planning is which dishes are open for interpretation, and which are bound by tradition to remain exactly the same OR ELSE. Over the years various dishes have earned permanent places on the menu including beef tenderloin in a red wine demi glace and blue cheese potatoes (scalloped or mashed). However, the one dish that always changes year after year is the vegetable dish. My family has yet to find a vegetable dish worthy of a repeat performance. Until this year, that is. I am pleased to announce that my 2011 Christmas Brussels Sprouts have been requested for the 2012 Christmas menu. Oh yeeeeaaaahhh. Winning! As mentioned, I made these brussels sprouts last year and they were a huge hit! My sister, who normally hates brussels sprouts, cleaned her plate. So if you’re looking for a solid veggie dish to accompany your beef, chicken, fish or veggie entree, I highly recommend giving these a go.

Dijon-Braised Brussels Sprouts

via the Smitten Kitchen

Serves four as a side dish

Photo via Smitten Kitchen

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I’m a huge proponent of food trucks, and the latest one to hit the street got me all pumped up. Meet the Cheese Wizards, a new mobile grilled cheese and tomato truck patrolling around Ballard/Wallingford/Fremont (hat tip to myballard.com for the discovery). If you are wanting to find their specific schedule, check out the “Wizard Locator” for more info. They have regular stops at two of my favorite local microbreweries, Hilliards and Reuben’s.

I mean, YOU GUYS! Come on? This sounds amazing. Why hasn’t anyone in Seattle figured this combo out yet. Especially since it’s starting to get a little chilly outside. I’m all about comfort foods right now, and a grilled cheese sounds pretty dang good right now… I digress.

The Cheese Wizard menu includes cleverly named cheesy creationg such as the “Voldemortadella,” “The Greenseer” and “Holy Hand Grenade.” They also serve tomato basil soup and a variety of delicious dipping sauces. Check out their website for more funny wizard-themed references, including the “Wizards Creed,” a explanation of the grilled cheese magics involved in their recipes.

Well, I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Hunting down the cheese wizards!

Taste of Thanksgiving meal

Okay, so I know Halloween just happened and everyone is wrapped up in the election, but I’m hoping you can take just a few minutes to think about food. Thanksgiving food to be exact. The big day is only two-ish weeks away, you know. However, if you love Thanksgiving food as much as I do and want to do a little recon before finalizing the menu, boy oh boy, do I have the event for you. This Thursday, November 8th at any local Whole Foods Market, the Taste of Thanksgiving event will be open to the public for only $5 per person. I know, I know. It sounds to good to be true. Five dollars (benefiting Solid Ground, an organization working to end poverty) gets you access to tastings of all your Thanksgiving favorites AND a mini swag-bag. For realsies. No joke. Totes serious.

The lovely people of Whole Foods invited me to a preview last week, and I can promise you will leave the Taste of Thanksgiving with a belly full of deliciousness.  Of course, The Big Seven will be present: turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, pumpkin pie, gravy and cranberry sauce. But I found it really neat that Whole Foods also presented vegetarian and vegan alternatives, as well as a smattering of other sides we could add to the evening. I’ve listed a few below. No matter what else you have planned for this week, make sure to head to any of the local Whole Foods Markets this Thursday to get your grub on. Gobble, gobble!

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I’ve been sloughing when it comes to you, and I’m deeply sorry.  You are an integral part of my life – especially since I incorporate you into my “what I do for fun” spiel… SO in lieu of completely ignoring you like I did the week before last, I’ve put together my favorite and most recent Instagram posts.  These are my latest obsessions and quandaries – none of which are fashion related – but inspired me (and hopefully you too) nonetheless:

 From top left: the latest installment in the office - a soda machine that not only takes credit cards but solely dispenses Diet Coke and water to all like-minded skinny b****es at my place of work.

Top right: in one of my “culinary” moments I whipped up this arugula salad with pancetta, walnuts, honeycrisp apples and a homemade white balsamic vinaigrette.  A classy and delicious deviation from my typical evening fare of reduced sodium turkey breast slices and baby carrots. 

Bottom left: The fat kid moment… we all have them.  One of my coworkers brought in Mighty-o Vegan doughnuts.  When a dozen round beauties make their way into your office, its only right to try all the prettiest flavors.  I don’t discriminate.

Bottom right: Boo!! Patented as Word’s Cutest Dog, this bundle of joy has been making me smile all week.  For $20 you can experience the same joy

If this made you laugh, smile or wish I wrote about Fashion… then I’m doing my job!! Next week is all about the Watch Wardrobe, and look out for ‘hiding the Holiday Lb’s’.

Stay tuned and stay stylish.

It’s that time of year again… and even though waving goodbye to the beautiful Seattle September sunshine is bittersweet, there are a few things I am looking forward to this (and every) Fall.

Transitional look – Fall-inspired J Crew plaid shirt, leather skirt, Burberry shoes, Chanel pin and clutch, Michael Kors watch

Besides the reintroduction of boots, pants (I literally spent the entire Spring/Summer season in skirts and dresses), cozy knits and cold-weather accessories, who isn’t jazzed about the return of pumpkin?  I’ve been dreaming about this custom beverage – steamed soy, 1 chai tea bag with 1 ½ pumps pumpkin spice – for months… And in case you were wondering, yes I am that girl at Starbucks and no I’m not apologizing.  

 Here’s a few things I love about Fall:

• Pumpkin (see above) and all winter squash varieties… yum!
• Autumn colors – rustic reds, muted oranges, olive hues and shades of taupe
• Distressed leather and anything with fur
• Boots – short, tall, roughed up or shined, now is the time to break these out
• Layering – its not often when function and fashion meet, but this is a match made in heaven.  Pair lightweight fabrics with rich textures for a foolproof and chic way to fight the chill

 Swap your shorts for corduroys and tanks for turtlenecks then throw on a parka and hit the (most likely rain-soaked) ground running. Fall is in the air!

Stay tuned and stay stylish.