Recipe: Winter Pasta

Happy Valentine's Day!

I threw this meal together for the first time a month ago, and brings together my favorite super-foods (sweet potatoes and kale) and, pasta.

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings)
2 medium Sweet Potatoes
1/2 a bunch of kale
1/2 of a white onion
2 Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
1/2 a box of pasta
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions:

1. preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. place water into a large stockpot and set to high
3. chop sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes; toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt & pepper to taste, and bake for 35 minutes
4. dice onion and prep kale for sauteing
5. heat a non-stick skillet to medium.  add a tablespoon of olive oil and saute onions for five minutes . take casings off of the sausage and saute, constantly stirring and breaking down the sausage into small crumbles
6. cook pasta to package instructions
7. in another skillet, saute kale with a bit of olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a dash of balsamic vinegar
8. strain pasta and add to skillet with sausage and onion. add sweet potatoes. stir, lifting up bits of browning from the pan.  add more olive to to coat the pasta. 
9. serve in bowls, adding kale to the top. 

Bon Appetit!

Candle Crush

As we approach Valentine's Day, why not a post about candles that help create that romantic atmosphere? I never thought candles were worth splurging on until I received a beautiful D.L. & Company candle in a beautiful scalloped bowl (which currently resides on my coffee table holding my matchbooks.) 

I've turned to soy candles and I've recently found 2 brands which I love, and want to share!

The first brand is called KOBO Candles.  The creator Junko Kobori was inspired by the memories scents can bring to life, specifically when it comes to travel experiences (I love that!). The candles are pure soy and come in gorgeous packaging.  My favorite is Sambac Jasmot - floral, yet has substance. 

hello packaging!

The Soap and Paper Factory had a booth in the Grand Central holiday shops this December.  This is another soy candle, made by hand here in the US.  They also have body products (lotions, soaps) and definitely made for wonderful gifts!! I'm currently burning the Roland Pine scent, which was great for the holidays and winter time. 

XOXO,

The New York Newlywed

For the Home - Shopping!

Maybe it's due to being a homebody this winter and spending many weekend days and nights cozied up on the sofa, but I am getting the itch to invest in some new pieces of furniture for the apartment.

One thing I'd like to add to my home is a side chair for the living room.  We have a great white leather sectional sofa which seats about 6, but it would be nice to have a few more seating options for when guests come over.  Create & Barrel's latest catalogue had a lot of new fun things that I loved, including the Pennie Chair. It's not available for sale until April, but once it is in store I'm going to have to "take a seat" and try it out! It has a mid-century modern feel which I like, and the Linen color is a pretty neutral to add to the room. 

Crate & Barrel's Pennie Chair

The Melrose lamps (in both floor and table sizes) also caught my eye.  I'm not thrilled with the lamps I have in my living space, so I think one of these would be a nice addition.  I love the thought of bringing  in a gold accent!

Melrose Buffet Lamp

Another new furniture collection they are debuting is chevron patterned (which I pinned here.)  Doesn't quite match my decor style (well, except the floors) but I thought they were pretty new designs.

That is all!  Soon - a virtual trip to Ethan Allen. :)

XO,

The New York Newlywed

Weekend Getaway: Miami

I just returned from a great weekend getaway in Miami.  My husband travels for work quite a bit, and I finally decided to tag along on a business trip.

I consider traveling to fall into one of two categories - - - a cultural experience, where one has a desire to see all of the museums/landmarks/neighborhoods etc., and the mindless relaxation trip, where fulfillment literally comes with sitting in a lounge chair and reading a book and listening to music. I guess there can be some crossovers (my weekend in Nice tacked onto my Paris trip this year), but for the most part I think it's one or the other. And with Miami for me falling into the latter category, five highlights . . .

lounging poolside at our hotel the Fontainebleau *happy place*

the gorgeous Bleau Bar at Fontainebleau. the entire hotel is so glam! 

craft beers, gourmet burgers  at the casual Burger & Beer Joint 

raw tapas meu at the new Bar Crudo

and of course, quality time with the hubby!

We also dined at the steakhouse Prime One Twelve - delicious (too absorbed in my NY strip to take a photo!)  Now, back to the grind here in NYC.  It started raining the minute I needed to leave the pool yesterday, which I thought was a sign that Miami was sad I left!  :)

XOXO,

The New York Newlywed