Closet/Wardrobe Reorg, Part One

One of my current projects is tackling my closet/wardrobe.

As another season approaches, I feel the need to go through and edit what I am wearing, which has me packing up multiple bags of clothing and sending them to Goodwill.

My long-term goal is still the same: to have a closet that is both functional and visually-appealing and to wear only what I love.

What I have noticed is how inefficiently I use my space. Much of my drawer space is devoted to casual wear that could easily be stored in bins to free up storage space for work wear and other everyday pieces.

I also use my closet shelf to store sweaters and sweatshirts, which is fine. Except that everything inevitably gets jumbled together. And because I'm short--if I grab a sweatshirt, three more will fall on the floor. Or, if I'm lucky, on my head. And, yes, I'm that lucky. :)

I find I am more effective tackling major projects bit by bit, so I decided to attack the closet shelf problem first.

I found these lovely containers from Target and decided that three would just about serve my purposes for now.

I divided up my top-shelf wardrobe into three parts: sweaters, sweatshirts, and sweats/painting clothes.

I labeled the baskets using pages from the Tiffany catalog. :) Just because it would make happy,

Enjoy!!

FITD love!!

xo,

B

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

FITD Folio: Eye of the Storm

One of the best things about my blog is that I get to promote and share what is important to me.

So, today, I'd like to share with you a person who exemplifies the essence of being Framed In The Doorway: she is intelligent, erudite, and as lovely on the outside as well as the inside.

I am lucky enough to call her a dear friend. She shares my love of vintage fashion and knows the importance of wearing a good hat.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce local author, Aimee Kuzenski, author of Eye of the Storm (formerly Prisoner of War). 

Aimee is truly an inspiration to me.

Planning my outfit for the LAUNCH!!

FITD love!!

xo,

B

From The Garden: Summer Food Style

One of things I really appreciate about living in Minnesota (besides the summer) is truly appreciating produce in all four seasons. Fall and winter are the best times for squash and root vegetables. Spring and summer are home to lush-colored fruits and lively greens.

This year, my Beloved and I decided to plant herbs from seed in our garden, which can be kind of hit or miss. Although some things did not take (I'm looking at you Spinach and Chives.), for the most part, we have been rewarded with a bumper crop of fresh herbs, lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes.

Which begs the question: what to do with all of this bounty?

A few recipes came to mind that I tried and thought I would share

Chimichurri Sauce

In my world, cilantro is not an herb, but a way of life. There is not much that cilantro can't fix. We have an abundance of it this year, and after trying this recipe visiting my BFF, I decided to give this it a try.

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion (I used slightly more, but I like onion)
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (again, I used slightly more b/c I like the heat)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Place the cilantro, parsley, onion, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper in the bowl of a food processor (or blender) and pulse until roughly chopped. Slowly pour in the olive oil and process until the chimichurri is semi-smooth about 4 seconds. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Awesome on steak and potatoes!

Caprese Salad

An old summer stand-by that never gets old. Our basil is sprouting like mad, and I decided to cut up one of our tomatoes and add fresh basil, mozzarella, olive oil, vinegar, and salt/ pepper.

Grilled Peaches With Blue Cheese, Prosciutto, and Basil 

Growing up, fresh fruit was not a staple in my house. Not because we didn't have access to it, but we really didn't eat it. I had only about three foods that I cared for, so much of my fruit was out of a can--let's have a collective amen for the Del Monte Canned Peaches in Light Sauce.

Over the weekend, I ran to grocery store to pick up supplies for dinner when I was assaulted by the smell of fresh peaches, and I knew I had to have them.

Ingredients

• 3 peaches, ripe (test for softness)
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil
• Blue cheese
• Basil
• Honey (optional)
• Prosciutto

Directions

I tried this recipe with both red and white peaches. The white peaches were less sweet, so I would suggest using honey. (We had some from a childhood friend who keeps bees.)

1. Slice peaches and brush with olive oil. 
2. Sprinkle with red pepper and drizzle with honey (if desired). 
3. Grill about two minutes on each side. (We have a charcoal grill and use a vegetable pan.) 
4. Line prosciutto with basil and blue cheese. 
5. Place peaches and roll up and serve.

A lovely recipe--a combination of both savory and sweet--that can be tailored to suit your taste. 

FITD love!!

xo,

B
 

FITD: Grandma Kelley's Fried Chicken

One of thing I've learned about talking about my grandmother's fried chicken recipe is that the response is visceral. Everyone has an opinion on which variation is the best: to soak in buttermilk or not? Oil versus Crisco? Deep fry or pan fry?

My response: your chicken, your way. :)

I don't know how old I was when I first learned how to make my grandma's chicken. Maybe seven?

As a kid, I used to love Kentucky Fried Chicken. Back when there was the Colonel and back before it was abbreviated.

And when my grandmother started the makings of fried chicken, I would screech at the top of my lungs, "TUCKIED chicken!!!"

Up until my grandmother died, she would always ask if I wanted Tuckied Chicken. :)

My job as assistant-tuckied chicken maker was clear: prep cook.

 My job was to coat the chicken pieces in the egg and flour mixture while Grandma heated the oil on the stove. During this time, we would talk and talk. And talk. About life. About family. And about The War. We talked a lot about The War.

Over the years, we made many batches of chicken together. And we talked a lot.

I know a few people have been asking for Grandma Kelley's Fried Chicken recipe, so here goes:

(no exact measurements--suit to taste)

Ingredients

1 whole fryer cut up

3 eggs

2 cups flour

s/p

1 cup oil

(Cayenne pepper if you want to cajun it up)

Directions

1. Heat oil in pan on medium in fry pan or cast iron skillet.

2. Beat eggs into small bowl.

3. Mix flour and seasonings into separate bowl.

4. Coat pieces in egg and dredge in lour mixture in fully-covered.

Cooking Directions

1. Let oil come to a low boil.

2. Place chicken breasts first--breast side down,

3. Keep turning until evenly browned and cooked all the way through. (About 10 minutes each side, depending on size.)

4. Transfer onto paper-towel covered plate to drain.

5. Add thighs and legs. These will take less time.

Use a meat thermometer if need be. 

Transfer all pieces to covered plates to drain.

(image courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

xoxo

FITD love,

B

Vanity Restyle

I decided to tackle a bit of spring cleaning today, which also involved another restyle of my vanity.

This is just a snapshot of all of my favorite things together.

(You can still see a glimpse of my Chanel fragrances coupled with my great-grandmother's mirror.)

FITD love!

xoxo,

Bran

Art Student Saturday

As my birthday approaches (Monday!), I thought it would be fun to share how I am spending my birthday Saturday,

One thing I have always loved about my birthday. My celebration requires nothing big or small: it just requires meaning.

Tonight, my Beloved is making lobster on the grill--and sweet corn (heaven on earth if there is such a place!). :)

Today, however, I spent doing something that is meaningful to me: sitting outside and painting and drawing.

Yesterday, I went to Michael's to pick up some canvases for my acrylic work, and on a whim, picked up a book of watercolor paper.

Last night, I decided to call upon a good friend of mine in Texas who is a talented artist and accomplished in watercolor. I decided to ask her opinion about how to actually to DO watercolor.

(For those of you artists, this exchange is actually pretty funny.)

ME: Hey Donna! I have a question. I just bought a book of watercolor paper. I thought it would be fun to start something new. But I have to ask, "What 's my watercolor vs. acrylic ratio?

Donna: Well, watercolor doesn't exactly work like that.

And she very patiently runs me through a crash course in Watercolor 101.

(Poor Donna. I think she must die a little on the inside when I ask her certain questions. Like when I asked her if it was okay to run my paintbrushes through the dishwasher in a mesh lingerie bag. Her response: an emphatic: NO!!)

This morning, I took my paints and watercolor book outside and did my best. This is what I learned: watercolor is hard.

To that end, I thought  it wouldn't be a bad idea to own a sketch pad and learn how to draw. You know. A little.

As it happened, for my birthday, I picked up a (real live) book on fashion illustration, and it is beautiful. I always thought it would be fun to make my own clothing (or at least some pieces).

Two things thwart my dream:

• I can't draw.
• I can't sew.  

One of my greatest obstacles is that if something doesn't come easily to me, I don't want do it. I assume I can't. Writing it easy--well, easy in the mechanics and grammar--often more difficult in tone and audience.

Maybe this time I can tell myself differently. :)

(And writer's block: horrible)

My birthday efforts from today:

Watercolor adventure: grapes

Inner Grace Perfume Bottle

Inner Grace Font

Jo Malone Rendering

New Book!!

Pencil Skirt Rendering

 Thanks for letting me share!!

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

Pre-birthday love.

xo,

B

Crazy for a Clambake.

Maybe it's because I'm ready for Minnesota to decided what season (or what geographic region) it would like to be...but I think it would be fun to host a good, old-fashioned New England clambake.

Since our trip to Key West. I have become obsessed with shellfish as only the truly addicted (I mean, recently converted) can be.

I might start with a fabulous setting like this one.

via

And having fabulous lobsters like these? (Except I would actually have to have someone de-shell the lobster for me since anything besides the tail grosses me out.) I also love the sweet corn!

via

Hungry for summer!! How about y'all?

xo,

B

Lifeboard and Seeds of Pearl

So, first off, I hope everyone is having a fabulous Saturday. In spite of the (continuous) rainy weather here, I am having a nice day. Spent some time with a friend and her mama scouring a local nursery for fairy garden accessories. I did not leave with any FG stuff, but I did end up with an awesome succulent called Seeds of Pearl (pictured below).

Apparently, the little seeds are roots, and you can just plant them, and they'll grow! Super excited--we'll see if I manage not to kill it.

I'd like to share one of the other personal projects I am working on called a Lifeboard (a term I made up). It's kind of like a cross between a to-do list, a bucket list, and a wanna list. In the past couple of years, I have faced tough personal choices and professional challenges, so I'm looking to explore what I am passionate about. What I love is that the list can be anything!

Creating the lifeboard reminds me a little bit of when I was a teen-ager. I would cut pictures out of my Mom's Spiegel catalog. (For the woman who has everything but time.) And I would dream about my life. I was 24 and living in Manhattan. I was studying in Paris. I was a university professor cultivating and shaping minds. I was a model. I was an actress. I was only limited to my imagination.

Part of this is the joy (and luxury) of being young. To be unencumbered by adult responsibilities. To be able to dream with a focused single-mindedness.

To some degree, I never grew out of this. I was/am always trying new things or pursuing a new hobby.

My mom was always such an advocate of things I would try. A conversation with her would often go something like this:

Mom: What's going on, sweetie?

Me: I'm auditioning for a play since I just moved here and don't know anyone.

Mom: Good for you!!

Or:

Mom: What's going on, sweetie?

Me: Going back to teaching part-time. Adjuncting.

Mom: What class?

Me: Developmental writing.

Mom: You get your English skills from me. Sentence diagramming was my favorite thing, and I was the best in the class.

(And she was, too.)

Most hobbies met with her approval: yoga (good exercise!!), bellydancing (cute outfits!), volunteer work at the hospital (find a doctor!), salsa (you're just like your grandmother!).

Others met with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.

Mom: Sweetheart, I do not like this martial arts thing you're doing. It sounds dangerous.

Me: It's not dangerous. It's fine. (I neglected to mention that one time I got into an armlock and tore cartilage/)

Mom: Do you have to wear those pajamas?

Me: Mom, it's called a gi. And yes I do.

Mom: And you have to roll around with boys?

Me: Yep.

Mom: I'm not sure that is lady-like behavior.

And:

Mom: Skiing? You went skiing!!

Me: Yeah. In Utah!!

(I neglected to mention falling off the chairlift--need-to-know basis.)

Mom: Can't you pick a safer hobby?

Me: Like popping bubble wrap?

Mom: Exactly!! You know, other moms have daughters who have SAFE hobbies. And you ski...and want to jump out of an airplane.

Me: I told you I wasn't going to do that anymore.

Mom. Promise?

Me: I promise.

Mom: I'm glad you try new things. But make sure you wear a helmet. I worry.

(I have since retired my skiing career. The world rejoices.)

************************************************************

I had often wondered if me dallying in multiple things made me flighty.

In May of 2006, my Mom flew down from Minnesota because I needed her. I missed her.

One night, we were sitting outside on my balcony. I distinctly remember this conversation.

Me: I've been sending out resume.

Mom: Okay.

Me: I think I want to leave Texas.

Mom: Okay.

Me: I've been sending out resumes to Chicago and Minnesota. But also to Redmond.

Mom: Microsoft?

Me: Yeah.

Mom: They would be lucky to have you.

(Moms rock.)

Me: But I really want to be close to you.

Me: I have a question.

Mom: Okay.

Me: Do you think it's okay that I do different things? Apply to jobs in different places?

Mom: I do.

Me: Does it make me seem flighty or...dilletantish?

Mom: No, it doesn't. It makes you adventurous. I admire you for that. You never let anything hold you back. And how can you know what you like if you don't try new things?

********************************************************************

After Mom died, some of the spark left me. It took me a bit to find my ground. Where was I going?

Apparently, my spirit didn't stray too far since I now paint, make soap and bath salts, and tried my hand at jewelry-making. (As with my botched singing lesson, I'm glad I have people for this. :) )

And now without further ado: my Lifeboard (thus far)!! (I know my mom would so do this with me.) 

My Lifeboard

1. Go to my family's bar on Lake Michigan.

2. Buy a Chanel handbag for my 40th.

3. I like to help people.

4. I like to teach.

5. I like to learn.

6. I like pretty things.

7. I like Neiman's.

8. Go to Georgia and visit Grandma.

9. Go to Vermont. (I have no idea why.)

10. Learn how to paint with oils.

11. Grow a sunflower plant.

12. Learn how to walk in high heels.

13. Get a facial.

14. Work with a literacy organization or teach ESL. (Which I have already done.)

15. Write (something)

16. Just up and drive some place. Even I don't know where I'm going.

17. Go to Italy and Greece.

18. Feel fulfilled.

19. Get organized and donate stuff to Goodwill. (A boring list item.)

20. MAYBE get a tattoo. (Maybe)

What's on your list?

Don't stop dreaming!

xo,

B

Oh My, Oh Me: It's Stella G!!

Since moving to Minnesota in 2007, I have been lucky enough to have the same stylist (whom I also call friend). We have shared many experiences over the years--not to mention that she saved me from myself in the life event I like to call Mullet 2013: Why Good People Should Stay Away From Bad Scissors (or scissors altogether). You can view her artistry here.

Today, I went to visit her for a much-needed hair/gossip session, and we started talking about our mutual craft projects. She mentioned to me that she had started an Etsy site for her line of personal hair accessories.

To which I replied, "Let me see, let me see, let me see!"

So, let me introduce you to Stella G Couture where you have the opportunity at any age to channel your inner-princess.

No tiara required because you can find your own. :)

I chose this one (which I'm currently wearing).

(image courtesy of Stella G Couture)

Enjoy, my lovelies!!

xoxo,

B

Fairy Garden Too!!

Finally, finally, after all of this time, my first fairy garden is complete!!

Remember my first post about how I couldn't wait to start my garden once the weather became warm enough?

It finally became warm enough.

Although we have a raised bed in our yard, I have opted to do container gardens because I have so many ideas, and I can move them around as I see fit.

I was extremely lucky to find, Ann, a designer at a local florist, who was as helpful and as sweet as could be.

Things I learned:

• Have good drainage. I chose to use a deep container because I like the aesthetic. Use rocks, mulch, or Styrofoam to level your container. Charcoal also works as it purifies the water. In my case, I used 1/2 charcoal and 1/2 dirt--a bit much. In hindsight, I would have used a smaller container.

• Start small. Pick a focal point--a house, a well, whatever piece you choose and work around that. Although I do have some accessories in my garden, most of the texture comes from the plants and rocks. 

• Use a mister. Keep track of but don't over water. Little plants are delicate. 

• Befriend preserved moss. Seriously. 

• Don't strive to be perfect. (I keep telling myself this.) You are only limited by your imagination. And this is fun.

So, although these pictures are not in chronological order, I hope they reflect the spirit of the garden.

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

xo,

B

Sweet Summer (Picnic) Style

So, today in the mail, I received a most fabulous gift: loot from the Bettie Page store from my cousin, Chrissy.

She (along with the rest of the female contingent in my family) shares the same Bettie Paige obsession. :)

Bettie Paige makes me think of garden parties and picnics: a chance to spread out a blanket, nibble on some fried chicken and potato salad as well as sip on some bubbly.

I thought I would pull together some looks of what inspires me.

Loving the look of the dress and how my shoes match the lining of the fab clutch!

 The clutch: perfect for the dress and shoes!!

One of my very favorite places: hoping to have a picnic here this summer (the latest addition to the backyard).

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

FITD love!

xoxo,

B

Pink Sugar Pretty

Hello My FITD Lovelies!!

I hope y'all have had a wonderful Saturday. :)

If you haven't experienced the Bettie Page clothing store, I wanted to bring it to your attention. I had family in town for a wedding, and we made our way to the Mall of America, where we embraced the awesomeness of Bettie. I ended up with with a fabulous dress with a full circle skirt coupled with a red crinoline.

I would have bought everything I tried on except that my checkbook (and closet) could ill afford it.

Regardless, I thought it would be fun to pull together a Bettie look in my favorite color. :)

1. Who wouldn't like fabulous in this awesome circle skirt?         

2. Coupled with this fab top.

3, Tied together with a pink crinoline.

4. Adorned with these fab Judith Ripka earrings.

5. Coveted heels by Kate.

6. Kept warm in pink.

7. Owned by this feminine clutch.

Sugar kisses!

FITD love!

xo,

B

Mother's Day 2013: The Gift-giving Edition

Hello my Framed In The Doorway lovelies!

I hope you have had a nice weekend and have been able to enjoy some of the nice weather we are experiencing here in Minnesota. (I can finally say that without sarcasm!) :)

It is one week until Mother's Day, and although this is the third Mother's Day without my (greatest) mom, the initial thought of, "What should I get my mom on Mother's day?" is still there. This year I even found myself looking at Mother's Day cards thinking to myself, "Mom would have really liked that one...and that one...and that one!"

I always tried to find the perfect gift for my Mom for Mother's Day and to make that day the Best Day Ever. As I got older, I learned that those gifts weren't necessarily material: one year Mother's Day was simply me bringing Potbelly sandwiches over to her place at her request.

We ate and laughed and talked, and I remember waking up that day super excited, but also thinking: "She doesn't want to go out to fancy brunch?" Nope. She wanted to hang out and eat sandwiches. :) (She did love the tarts and tart burner I got her from Yankee Candle, though. )

So in honor of my mom (and yours):

1.  Fresh flowers. I know. Trite, but there is something about flowers that just go right to the happy place. :) (image courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

2. Fab bracelet from the lovely Kate Spade

3. A nice day for a light read ...

4. For the tech-savvy mom

5. My mom was a huge collector of pretty things. It did not have to be expensive, but it did need to be meaningful. This piece by Lladro makes me think of her.

6. Something homemade. Even after the age of five, the homemade, personalized gifts are the best.

My mom saved every piece of artwork, letter, card, etc. that I made. I think she would have loved all the crafty stuff I have been doing. I painted this piece in her memory. It is called "Newborn." (image courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

Happy Mother's Day!!

FITD love!

xoxo,

B

Hues of Blue: Spring Loves 2013

A few things catching my eye this season...

1. Loving this very cute top from Anthro.I think it would look adorable with my Kate Spade clutch featured here.

2. Back in Texas, World Market was a focal point of several decorating adventures. They closed the one here in Minnesota, but reopened last year. I found this gem of a rug online. It is a wonderful place for inexpensive, unique one-of-a-kind items. (And, an amazing wine selection!)

3. ASOS: amazing, online deals. I am coveting these shoes.

4. On April 12, T-mobile came out with the iPhone 5! Naturally, I rushed right over to see if I was eligible for an upgrade--but I didn't want to fork over $500 for a new phone. (Sorry T-mobile and Apple.) Having said that, I am wanting this pineapple iphone cover. .

5. And finally, one more piece from J. CREW: scarves are definitely my go-to accessory for dressing up an outfit. The scarves don't have to be expensive or designer--most of my scarves are consignment or thrift-store finds. But I do have to love them. For me, a pair of my favorite jeans, a simple t-shirt, a scarf like this, and a favorite lipstick, and I'm good to go.

Enjoy, my lovelies!

Happy Spring to y'all--especially my Minnesota peeps. :)

FITD love!

xo.

B

FITD Food:: Key West Edition

So, as promised, another Key West update: where to eat.

In many ways, I feel that this post is superfluous--as I did not have a bad meal--everything from the orange juice at Frenchie's to breakfast at the Banana Cafe was amazing.

Oh, given this Minnesota winter, I miss, miss Key West!!

Without further ado, my favorite eats:

1. and 2: The wonderous great goodness that is the Half Shell Oh, thank you, Half Shell, for my amazing oyster experience. Until you, I had never liked them nor appreciated them. Until you. Until I had to come back three more times for oysters. (P.S.: Thanks for the fabbest crabcake sandwich. Ever.)

3. and 4. Oh, you Southernmost! Not only were you just a short jaunt away from our hotel--but you leave me salivating of the memories of your fresh tataki and flavorful mahi.

5: And number five is alive! (Okay, lame Short Circuit reference.) BUT the A & B Lobster House is divine. My filet was done medium-rare just the way I like it--and the potatoes: a proof that God loves carbs. And the mussels? They were just as amazing here.

Thank you, Key West, for feeding me!

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

FITD love!!,

xo,

Bran

Layers and Layers and Layers

Since embarking upon my painting journey, I have really enjoyed the process of creating something. It doesn't matter if it's any good--or even if no one likes it but me. What I'm really enjoying is layering and texture with the help of products like this. I'm able to create pieces that have depth and (at least to me) are interesting to look at.

Today, I placed one of my larger canvases against the sun, and it was really fantastic to see the previous layers coming through and creating the most amazing shadows.

The best part? Not having any expectation of what I'll end up with.

The beginning; not sure if I care for the end-result...

Likewise: I didn't care for how this piece started, but I love how it turned out!

This canvas is more personal for me as I'm working on a multimedia piece dedicated to my Mom. I'm not sure where I want to go with it--and this initial effort is me experimenting more than anything else. I can't wait to work more on this, and yet, I keep working on other pieces. :)

Sorry for the delayed blog post, and I know I have to post more about Key West!

FITD love!

xo,

B

FITD: Prelude

I love the Befores.

The anticipation.


The hope of something wonderful to follow.

The possibilities.

Possibilities are what I like best. Who knows what could happen?

In signing up for this painting course, I feel like I am creating a Possible--even if it's just for me.

After scurrying around today for paint supplies, I rushed home to try them out:

• Brushes
• Tiny canvas
• Paints

Initially, I joked about this piece being called "Practice" (which is really no joke) or "The Plight of the Peep." (Okay, that still really cracks me up. A lot. As in: I love Peeps so much that I will hoard them until S'more Season starts again.)

But as I am looking at what I did: I made this. And that's pretty cool.

And...so my new name is "Prelude."

A hope to many beginnings.

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

Light and Shadow

Hello my lovelies!

I hope this post finds everyone well and thriving. I still have more Key West updates, but I thought I would share something with y'all that I'm super excited about. I signed up to take a painting class! ME!!

It starts Monday, and I cannot wait. It deals with acrylics, and I had an amazing conversation on the phone today with the artist who teaches the class. I've been gathering ideas for inspiration and thought I would share some photos here.

The sun was casting shadows on the wall from one of our plants while it was setting, and I couldn't resist capturing some images.
Although I think of myself as creative, I don't necessarily think of myself as artistic. I love doing crafty stuff. I love colors. I love fashion and pulling things together, but I couldn't draw my way out of a paper bag.

I love being able to reach out of my comfort zone and try something new.

My pics for what they are!

And who knows? I may get some fairy garden inspiration!

(images courtesy of Framed In The Doorway)

Can't wait to share more!!

FITD love,

B