Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Projects in progress...

(all iPhone photos... yikes!)

DIY headboard



the BEST chocolate butter cream frosting



and.... helen h. press print orders galore!


Though, my real job keeps me sup-biz these days, I can't wait to share these fun projects with you!

xxoo

Thursday, November 17, 2011

POP! A baby shower for Levi

Last weekend some good friends and I had the absolute JOY of hosting a baby shower for our dear friend and her baby boy-to-be. The lady I've been BFFs with since age two is now about to be a mother - it's crazy how carpools turn into proms turn into graduations turn into weddings turn into baby showers... as they say, it is true: time flies.

To honor the mommy-to-be, we went with a POP theme to give a fun and festive air. From decor to food to drinks, we tried to incorporate a little POP wherever possible!

It was amazing to see the pieces of the puzzle come together -  and it was of course a pleasure to collaborate with such talented and gracious friends. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed the planning and partying!



Like the paper? It's all by helen h. press :) 


Just let me know how I can help with your paper needs! Cards, invites, labels, you name it - I'd love to help you create the perfect accents for your special celebrations and occasions.

helenhpress at gmail dot com



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A day in the life...

... of Dixie.

She just found out about "Boo the Dog" and was feeling a little jealous. She wanted me to post her best glamour shots to make up for it:





























PS - did you see Tory Burch's genius puppy accessories campaign featuring Boo?! Adorbs - almost makes me want to justify spending $85 on a new collar or $95 on a new leash for Dixie! Sorry, Dixie, emphasis on almost :)



Via the Tory blog

Friday, November 11, 2011

Secrets....

Here's a surprise peek at a special shower for a special someone and her special little man-to-be...


But I can't tell you everything today because the shower is on Saturday! Stay tuned for full details after the weekend :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

My run-in with RR

The only thing better than knowing Ryan Reynolds is in your town filming an upcoming movie is actually running into Ryan Reynolds on your way home from work!

Let me set the scene:

It is Monday and I decide to stick around the office slightly longer than usual so my next morning will run smoothly, but at about 6:45, I decide it is time to begin the journey home.

I head down my usual route, call my dad and we begin to discuss our latest recipe tries and successes. I note to him that "oh, they're filming again" as I plow toward Park Street and and make my way. However, this time something is different. Silent. I can't help but notice a determined looking fellow wearing a Red Sox hat guiding two confident men across the street - the two men and I exchange glances and smiles - and as soon as I have the good sense to understand what was going on he had passed. I JUST RAN INTO RYAN REYNOLDS! Oh, and Jeff Bridges, too.

Clearly, I didn't have the good sense to snap photos ASAP, however, my Dad can attest to my instant loss for words and teenager-like drooling over this superstar who just locked eyes with me.

The next day, I and a pal from the office returned to the scene with the hope of catching just one more glimpse, but alas, producers heeded us away. 

We: giddy girls with iPhone cameras

They: serious security men clearly enjoying their sudden authority

I got what I could, so here are some day-after shots from the fortuitous location - my for-sure new favorite intersection in Boston:



Case in point, I'm not good at recognizing celebrities, so I'm glad you can share in this small milestone with me. Also, the movie they are filming is called RIPD, scheduled to premiere in 2013. Thought it seems an eternity away, I have no doubt it will be here basically tomorrow. Until then, I'll keep scouting and bringing you updates as necessary. Over and out.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Chile Verde Pulled Pork Tacos

Here's one of those little recipes that helps us overcome our Tex-Mex withdrawal blues. Those of you who haven't developed such an addiction are sure to be in for a treat as well because this dish checks so many crucial boxes otherwise: savory = check, slow-cooked = check, slight spice = check, can-eat-it-from-a-bowl = check... there are many more qualities but, I'll let you discover for yourself. These good-as-street-style tacos are sure to please, be it by bowl or tortilla, and I guarantee they'll leave your posse begging for more.





Chile Verde Pulled Pork Tacos (original Lewis recipe)


Ingredients
2-3 lb pork shoulder roast
2 large white onions, finely chopped
1 lb tomatillos, washed and roasted
3-4 poblano peppers, washed and roasted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 C chicken broth
Oregano
Cumin
Salt, pepper
Kosher salt
Queso fresco for topping
Flour
Corn tortillas
Tortilla chips (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 500

Place tomatillos/poblanos directly on wire rack for roasting; place foil below to catch any drippings; roast for 10-12 minutes or until roasted, turning a few times.
Once roasted, remove stems and seeds from peppers and chop finely; set aside. (Need help remembering how to roast? Check my crash course here)



Pour a few Tsp canola or vegetable oil into medium-medium-high Dutch oven.
Season pork shoulder with kosher salt and pepper and lightly coat with flour.
Once Dutch oven is fully heated, sear pork roast 2 min/side until dark golden brown coating forms. Then remove pork and set aside on a plate. Discard oil from Dutch oven.

Add into Dutch oven 3 Tsp vegetable oil and bring it back to medium heat. Add onion, saute. Add minced garlic once onions are almost sauteed. Stir a few minutes and turn heat down to medium-low. Add finely chopped tomatilos and poblanos. Add salt, pepper, oregano and cumin to taste. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture reduces.



Add pork shoulder back into Dutch oven. Pour in chicken broth until it covers 3/4 pork shoulder. Turn down heat to a low simmer and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 3 hours, turning the pork every 45 minutes/hour; add broth when the liquid gets low.

Remove the roast and it should be fork tender at this point. Turn up heat on green chile sauce to medium and stir and reduce for 10-15 minutes. Pull pork shoulder using forks and add back into chile sauce.



Serve in corn tortillas with yummy queso fresco and a squeeze of lime! Also delicious in a bowl atop tortilla chips - you won't be disappointed :)








Monday, November 7, 2011

Favorite Sale


Don't you love the Nordstrom half-yearly sale? So many cute items at such reasonable prices... perfect for this business school wife! I am basically obsessed and find it a great opportunity to stock up on basics and well, some fun stuff too :)

Here are my top picks for this season - do you have yours yet?




Nordstrom half-yearly sale picks


Classiques Entier silk bow blouse
$79 - nordstrom.com

Vince Camuto fake fur vest
$87 - nordstrom.com

Barbour short jacket
$99 - nordstrom.com

Natori Sleepwear pink sleepwear
$93 - nordstrom.com

Vince Camuto bootie boots
$93 - nordstrom.com

Cuff jewelry
$38 - nordstrom.com

Mitten glove
$69 - nordstrom.com

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