Pinterest Interest - February

I've got to give a shout out to Pinterest.  I am seriously addicted to that site.  Here are some of my favorite images collected during February.  Enjoy.

Pinned via Yukako Obo from vindictive2elle.tumblr.com

Courtesy of Amy Osaba at amyosaba.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jackie O., The Colors, JFK in the background.  Perfect, courtesy of http://jcrew.tumblr.com/page/2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward. Together. Timeless.  Courtesy of Crushculdesac.tumblr

School Valentine, Idea Courtesy Of faboolous.blogspot.com

Courtesy of landeesseelandeedo.com

Courtesy of Sunday-suppers.com

Decadent. Courtesy of Epicurious.com

Perfection.  Thank you Laduree, I hope to visit you someday.  Courtesy of The Moving Beast

Chalkboard Paint!

Well, I'm in love with chalkboards.  The idea of getting to write whatever you want, in the moment...I don't know why...I just love it.   In an effort to chalkboard anything I believe is deserving, I purchased my first can of chalkboard paint.

The kids and I decided to make painting a weekend project.  We painted a vintage mirror (circa 1980 passed down from me to BG) and a big piece of pressed wood from home depot.  I am really excited about how they both turned out.

Still smudges, but you get the idea : -)

UPDATE: I finally figured out what to do with the big chalkboard, see it in the post: Hello March!

The process was super simple: 

For the mirror we sanded first:

Then applied a primer to both the mirror and the wood piece.  Let them dry. Applied two coats of  chalkboard paint.  Let dry for 4 days.  Cured the chalkboard (you know rubbing chalk all over and then off.) They work beautifully!!!!

I just need to figure out where to hang the big chalkboard.  For those of you less interested in making your own, you can always buy a framed chalkboard at:  Stuart & Grace

All the best to you!
-V

Pasta, Butter and Cheese

Growing up, one of my favorite dishes on the planet was a dish my Granny introduced me to.  I think the first time she made it for me she was trying to cheer me up....and it worked.  She "whipped up" the most amazing pasta.  Just noodles with a ton of butter, seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesean cheese.  Voila.  I was in love.  I think I ate my pasta like that...and only like that for YEARS.  As a mom, I introduced the delicacy to my kids...and they adore it.

This year we are trying to eat better, and I'm even trying to eat a Gluten free diet.  (Greg and Jessica - that's for you.)  So, I've been experimenting with pastas.  Corn and Quinoa are my favorite so far.  Last night I decided to make pasta, and was out of pasta sauce.  So,  I gave my old favorite a shot.  Instead of breadcrumbs....I added a little extra salt and pepper. It was AMAZING.  Seriously, I was standing over the stove just picking pieces out of the pot. (Surely not the best etiquette)

















Here is the super simple and yummy recipe:

• One package of Trader Joe's corn penne pasta
• 1.5 TBSP of butter (decadent, I know)
• Fresh shaved parmesean cheese (as much or as little as you like), I happen to like a lot
• Generous salt and pepper

A little pinot grigio to go with it and I was very happy.

Let me know if you give it a try!
All the best to you
-V

New Stuart & Grace Store!

So I just opened my Stuart & Grace store on Amazon! I am dipping my toe into bringing products I love to my customers. The product selection is limited for NOW, as I am being very picky about who and what I offer...you can check out the store here: StuartandGrace.com Here are a few of my product pictures:

I have purchased a new domain, stuartandgrace.com Which is very exciting, and will be even more exciting once I figure out how to hook everything up (the blog, the store, etc.) I plan to focus on that between now and this summer.

UPDATE:  I think I figured it out...Stuart & Grace (stuartandgrace.com) is up!

Thank you for following!
-V

Nina Loren Jewelry

I am officially addicted to Kickstarter! I love being exposed to great new products and being able to help small businesses. I just backed this project: Epaulettes by Nina Cortes.



I think her jewelry is so cool! Can't wait to see her new line, you can check out her site here and her facebook page here. I will post a picture of my "Everyday Necklace" when it arrives.

All the best
-V