lip-smacking good: orange pineapple berry smoothie

This morning I threw every fruit I'd want in a smoothie into the blender. As I expected, something very tasty came out.  Here's my recipe of sorts.

Do you create your own smoothie recipes?  What smoothie combinations have you experimented with?

navy blazer -- 3 ways

navy blazer -- 3 ways 

I love the versatility of a navy blazer.  Here are three ways I would wear mine.  Do you own a navy blazer?  How do you wear it?

before and after: bar cart

 When I moved into my new place, I had the need for more kitchen storage.  I decided a bar cart would give me the versatility and mobility and display space I wanted in my extra storage.  Not ready to drop the cash for a bar cart worthy of Domino, I settled on a cheap, but sturdy brass bar cart at a thrift store.  As you can see from the "before" photo, the bar cart was in dire need of a facelift.

After scouring the web for contact paper or wallpaper in a design I liked, I found contact paper  with a brass-colored bamboo design at TJ Maxx.  While there were a few designs I liked better, I couldn't argue with the sub $10 price tag of the bamboo paper. 

If you want to similarly change the surface look of your bar cart:

1.  Thoroughly clean your bar cart.
2.  Carefully measure the shelves to be covered. Use kraft paper to make a pattern for your surfaces.
3.  Cut kraft paper to size using measurements, and place on shelves of bar cart to ensure that pattern      fits the surface area perfectly. Modify pattern if needed.
4.  Use pattern to cut contact paper to size.
5.  Carefully place contact paper on first bar cart shelf, and press firmly with a straightedge ruler to
     create a smooth surface without air bubbles.
6.  Repeat steps 4 & 5 with second shelf.
  

I am really satisfied with the way this DIY turned out and have used my bar cart for several get-togethers since moving in.

coral pants -- 3 ways

coral pants -- 3 ways 

I can't get enough of my coral pants.  I'm always trying to think of new ways to wear them.  Here are three ideas I've had of late.  Doyou wear coral pants?  What do you pair with them?

scenes from a weekend: hot air balloons abound

out and about in st louis: balloon glow

via

The Great Forst Park Balloon Race
Friday, September 14th  7:00-8:30PM, fireworks at 9:00PM
Central Field, Forest Park
free

I cannot wait for the annual Great Forest Park Balloon Glow tonight.  It is by far my favorite event to take place in St. Louis and I look forward to it with much anticipation every year. This year 70 balloonists will inflate and their balloons across Central Field, lighting them up in unison to the sound of a horn set to go off every 15 minutes.  Standing amidst the billowing, bright synthetic fabric, illuminated by bursts of fire you have the opportunity to talk with the pilots about how they discovered ballooning and what fuels their love of the sport.  I would recommend taking the MetroLink downtown as parking can be a nightmare.  If you can't make the Glow, the next best thing might be the Balloon Race that follows on Saturday morning at the same location.

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3rd Annual Dogtown Street Musicians' Festival
Saturday, September 15th 12:00-7:00PM
1200 Tamm Ave.
free

The only competitive street musician festival in the nation, this festival allows twenty four street musicians to play in front of judges for Best of Show, Best Original Song and other awards. Come be part of the audience and listen to some of St. Louis best street musicians. 

How are you spending your weekend?

lip-smacking good: pesto, avocado, gouda, onion and tomato pizza

homemade pesto, avocado, gouda, onion and tomado pizza

I made this pizza last night and it was a winner.  After deciding we would have pizza for dinner, I discovered that I'd left the cookie sheet I usually make pizza in at Joe's house. Undaunted and unwilling to abandon our pizza plans, I improvised by using two 8" cake rounds.  While the sauce can get a little runny and spill over into unused parts of the pan, the pizzas turned out well and I'd use the method again.  Without further ado, here's what you need to make one pizza like the one pictured above:

1/2 package whole dough
3-4 tbsp of pesto
1 1/2 slices of gouda cheese (ripped into small pieces)
1/4 c red onion (chopped)
1/3 large tomato (chopped)
1/2 a medium-sized avocado (chopped)
measurements are approximate as I eyeballed all ingredients.  Adujust as it suits your fancy.



pizza described in this post is baking on the right

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Press dough into 8" cake pan, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the pan.  Spread pesto over dough.  Add ripped slices of gouda cheese, red onion, tomato and avocado as desired.  Bake pizza for 13-15 minutes.  Gouda will not melt completely.  Enjoy!