Capital "C" is for Craving.

So. I started my detox diet last Monday. And I am so craving EVERYTHING right now. I've definitely made a few delicious dishes on this diet, but, who am I kidding? I'm not a dieter. This is really the first time I've ever carried out a diet, as I've only tried once before.

In particular, I'd love to eat...

A Terry's Turf Club Burger with duck fat fries. If you're in the Cincinnati area and haven't yet been, you must! My favorite... standard burger with Burgundy Wine Mushroom Sauce, extra mushrooms (can't remember if I got portabella or shitake,) Gouda cheese and caramelized onions. YUM.

A jelly-filled donut, fine with me if it's by Emeril!

Accompanied by a Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte ...

Chicken Pot Pie. I'd love to try this recipe by Sweet Paul ...

Followed by a Salted Caramel and Chocolate Cake (whaaat?)

And finally, a nice glass of red wine ...

And now, as they just aired a Share our Strength: end childhood hunger in America commercial on Food Network, I'm feeling a little guilty for this post. I have it pretty good, I know. Eat something delicious. Tell me about it. And help out a good cause if you can.

Images: Terry's Turf Club, Food Network, Starbucks, Sweet Paul, Sunday Suppers

shine on

I was browsing Home Decorators Collection the other day and looky at what I found. The long lost twin of my birthday lamp. I assumed that it was a bit older (though I don't know how long they've carried this) because I bought it second-hand. I'm feeling pretty good about my purchase, as I paid around $70 and they sell it for $130. Now I know just where to go if she needs a friend!

Some other lovelies I spotted ...

Clara ...

Mimic ...

Raquel ...

Glover ...

... and finally, Roxie ...  (yes, we're still talking about lamps. We didn't transport to a Gentleman's Club)

images: Home Decorators

loving (the roo)

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

And being even more celebrated in our household, our one-year anniversary with Duncan (on 2-13)

Yay for Duncan. He has gone from this little 11 pound puppy to a big boy at 71 pounds. We're lucky to have such a good pup.

Valentine's image: Martha Stewart

attack of the processed food

I have been trying to eat healthier recently, and amidst my serious stack of unread mags, I plucked out the most recent issue of Whole Living to see a detox challenge. Their 2011 action plan is a 28-day mind + body challenge. I've tried to detox in the past with no success.

But, I can do this one! First of all, I'm not getting any younger, and would love to feel better overall and about myself. Also, Whole Living supplies so many recipes! Last time I got lost in the same ingredients and meals, but I don't think that will be possible with the list and itinerary they provide. And if that isn't reason enough, this is what happened to our brand new cookie sheets after one use.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls! That shiznit cannot be good for you! Shiznit? I don't know....

Anyway, more on that when I actually start THE PLAN. You see, we're going to Gatlinburg in the next couple weeks and I would much prefer to not feel guilty when I slip and have some chips & dip with a glass of wine while not meditating. I'm off to heat up some leftover carrot ginger soup. Happy healthy eating!

twenty-six

I celebrated my twenty-sixth birthday this weekend with LOTS of delicious food. I was too busy devouring it to take any pics, but for you Cinci folk, here is where I went and my top recommendations:

Friday dinner with the fam: La Poste : Mussels and Clams, Mushroom Ravioli, and Cherry & White Chocolate Bread Pudding

Saturday brunch, post-massage, with my momma and sisters: Annabel's : Scramble Du Jour

Saturday dinner: Otto's : Crostini Sampler, Iceberg Wedge, and Sea Scallops

ALL DELIC!

In the midst of gorging, I stopped at a local consignment shop and gifted myself this little beauty. Not on my "shopping list," but I definitely couldn't leave it behind!

inspiring nook

I'm in love. Seriously. How gorgeous is this?

Everything about it is just so right. My favorite part about this area has to be the use of one beautiful, awesome piece of art. Love. To see more of this beautiful home, check out the gallery on Apartment Therapy.

image: Apartment Therapy