Cinco de Mayo Carnitas

With Cinco de Mayo just five days away, I wanted to share one of my favorite (and easy) Mexican recipes. This takes just a few steps and produces the most melt in your mouth carnitas I have ever made. It is the perfect base for a taco bar and a night of margaritas. I like to set out warm tortillas, crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese, pickled red onions (recipe here), lots of chopped fresh cilantro and a variety of hot sauces. The recipe makes quite a bit, but you can certainly make even more for a large crowd. I like leftovers, as the carnitas are amazing the next day with fried eggs and tortillas. 


Carnitas
Epicurious April 2011
serves 8, 24-32 tacos


4 lbs pork shoulder (also called Boston butt, I know not a great moniker), cut into two inch cubes
3 cups water
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 navel orange, halved
8 cloves of garlic, smashed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons dried oregano, Mexican if you have it
1 tablespoon salt


Put all the ingredients in a wide 6 to 7 quart heavy pot (don't worry if the pork is not completely covered) and bring the water to a boil, skimming the surface and discarding any froth that comes to the top. Lower the heat and simmer vigorously, stirring occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender. About 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Discard the orange pieces and bay leaves. If the liquid hasn't evaporated, leaving just the fat, after two hours, transfer the pork pieces to a bowl and let the liquid continue to bubble away, stirring often until it has. 


Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Transfer the pork and fat to an ovenproof dish and brown, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the pork that nice crisp on the outside. 


Carnitas keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. 


Note: If you want to make half a batch, cut the amount of pork, salt and oregano in half, but use the same amount of remaining ingredients and water. 


xo
Erin 

Weekend Wish: Summer Shoe Love

I have been looking for a middle of the road height wedge for a couple of months. I love my super high wedges, but they just are not practical for every day and for carrying around a baby. 

I have looked everywhere and most wedges fall in two categories, sky high platforms or barely a wedge for the women of a certain age. 

This morning I found the perfect medium from Madewell... 

Love the tan leather and that they have a back strap. Just enough height to make me feel better about showing some leg, but not so high it looks like I am trying too hard when I go run errands. 

My weekend wish is that when they arrive I am just as happy with them. 

And while I was browsing the Madewell site, I could not resist these Bensimon sneakers. 

Oh so French and the color makes me happy. Only a couple sizes left in each color, so hop to it if you want a pair for summer. 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Get Glowing

People keep talking about something called "Fifty Shades of Grey," and I can only assume they have had a peek at my beyond pale skin.


I wish I had pretty pale skin, like the porcelain faces of Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett, but bottom line is this girl looks better with a glow. 


With the lines on my face starting to form from years in the sun, I have to look for other measures. I have been using these wipes from Dr. Dennis Gross for awhile and he recently made them even better by adding Anti-Aging ingredients and Vitamin D. 


Alpha Beta Glow Pads are my favorite way to get some (artificial) sun and look a lot less like I spent the winter in a cave. The best part is they travel very well, so it is the perfect way to swipe some glow on your face that you have been hiding under a hat. 


xo
Erin 

If I Had a I Do Re-Do

Just a quick post today to say that I can't stop thinking of this wedding dress...

photo: Chicago Social Brides

The draped tulle encircling the bride as an alternative to a veil is gorgeous. If I was dress shopping, this would be at the top of the list. Can you imagine how beautiful the movement must be? Dramatic, yet simple and an easy piece to remove for the reception to enveil a beautiful gown underneath. 

Obsessed. 

xo

Erin 

Lemon, Avocado, and Bacon Salad

When I do have the chance to make a meal these days, especially when I am home alone with the little guy, it makes me feel like I just conquered the world. Timing is everything in the kitchen and let's just say when Tommy needs to eat or burp or one of the other things that make him happy, I am not too worried about getting much else done. Plus, let's not forget that once you make it, you must have the time to eat it. 


Ditto goes for blogging, so in the meantime I am going to be posting recipes (when I actually cook something) on Imperfect Polish. But you can always search Forks & Amusement for recipe ideas. 


I saw a version of this recipe pinned a few times on Pinterest, and one day when he went done for what seemed like a long nap I went for it. I used what I had and got a fresh, satisfying and delicious lunch that I even got to enjoy after nap time. Just a few ingredients that could be substituted easily with what you have, this makes a great lunch or dinner. Add some grilled chicken and it would be perfect for a summer dinner out on the patio. 


Lemon, Avocado, and Bacon Salad
Forks & Amusement 2012
two large servings, multiply to make a bigger batch


half pound of pasta, such as elbows, wheels, anything you want

juice of one juicy lemon

pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

teaspoon of Dijon mustard

a couple good gluts of olive oil

salt and pepper
4 slices of good quality bacon, cooked and crumbled
avocado, diced
chopped cilantro, parsley or basil, whichever you have on hand
grated Parmesan cheese, although any cheese you love would be delicious




Cook pasta according to instructions on the box. 


Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon juice, chili flakes, mustard, olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add to a large bowl. 


Once pasta is done, rinse with some cold water and drain well. Toss in to the bowl with the dressing and add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine and season to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve. 


Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 

Orange You Glad

This is always the time of year when the weather is a big tease. One warm day and you are breaking out your favorite spring dress, then a cold front hits and you are back to your warm wool coat. It is especially annoying because you started shopping Spring two months ago when you snagged the pastel denim and crazy floral print dress you could not live without. 

Do as this girl did and mix and match some warmth in a fun color with your Spring faves...

This is the perfect combination of a flirty dress you can wear all Spring and into summer with something fun to keep you warm. The jacket could be warn any season, I love pieces like that. And to think of it, all the pieces are classic and easily paired with so many items in your closet. 

I even found similar pieces to put it together...

Jacket: ASOS $63

Sunglasses: Prada $245

Dress: Melissa Odabash $230

Bag: Coach $298

Watch: Michael Kors $250

Bracelet: BaubleBar $32

Kind of obsessed over the original Coach designs. They have such a cool seventies feel and are clearly classics. 

xo

Erin 

Laundry Room Re-do

Our laundry/mud room has been an eye sore for quite some time. It is actually a large space, but was being well underutilized and looking all around sad. 

The only thing missing from this before photo is a giant pile of shoes on the floor. Clearly that closet was a catch all for everything and nothing at all. 

We knew we needed to make some changes and found lots of inspiration from Pinterest. Some images were just for dreaming about and some actually had ideas we could use. 

And so the painters and contractor went to work and while there is still some work to be done, we now have a space that we can actually use. 

The new bench with cubbies, hooks and extra storage is fantastic. I found the bead board drying rack on this site for an incredible price. The mounted rack is genius and a huge space saver. We are still thinking about getting rid of the cabinet and getting stackables, then adding a counter with more storage. But for now, we are going to live with this and see what next steps will work best for us. 

Just a little home project that has made a huge difference. 

xo

Erin 

Sweet Little Store: Leif

I stumbled across the link to Leif when on (surprise, surprise) Pinterest. I saw this geode necklace and was so excited when I saw the very small price tag. It is now on its way to my door and will be perfect to compliment the pastel tops and stripes I plan on sporting this Spring. 

The shop is filled with some fantastic jewelry, like the above, and home goods. From paper to tabletop, there is a great selection for gift giving and fun ways to treat yourself. 

The card is perfect for your Frenchie loving friend and I am obsessed with these neon serving spoons. So much more fun then the traditional silver and perfect for my white serving platters and bowls. I LOVE this sweet pitcher glazed in sky blue. The branch colored pencils are fun for your earthy, crafty friend or new nephew. 

Now that I am not as mobile as I once was, finding these boutique online stores makes shopping fun and easy. And honestly, I can find better, much more unique products. 

What are some of your favorite web finds? 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish: Anthropologie Swim Style

Even though I feel like I am far away from feeling fine in a swimsuit, I could not help but start my search for cute suits when I checked out Anthropologie's newest offerings. Honestly, their selection is amazing and colors, patterns, and cuts are flirty and chic. 

Clockwise from top left: Spotty, Print Share, Newsprint, Primrose

I love all of the bikinis. The use of different prints is so fun for summer. How sweet is the Primrose print with the ruffle? But I think I am leaning towards the newsprint or the print share. 

And dare I say that I think I am in the market for a one piece? Not that I think I am too old for a bikini, but with styles like these, I think you would be the envy of the pool deck...

From Right: Caroline $168, Palasari $148, Arvette $158

Kind of obsessed with all of them. It makes getting ready for the beach a lot easier, just throw on a cute pair of shorts or skirt. You are even ready for cocktails after. The neon reminds me of a leotard from the nineties (early), and I like it. 

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend, bathing suit shopping without tears and hopefully lots of sunny days to sport them. 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Stephanie Cross

I met Stephanie in what seems like a lifetime ago when she was a freshman pledging Alpha Phi and I was a Junior at the University of Arizona. And though college is far behind us, the blogging world keeps us connected. She is a first-time mom, who writes an uplifting blog about the many hats of motherhood, Life as I know It. Stephanie is also a Marketing Manager for luxury hotels and resorts like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection.  I love seeing the adorable pictures of her daughter and seeing how a fun, working mom juggles it all. 

She shares with us some of her favorite things and what she cannot live without. 

When I worked for Michael Kors I was immersed in style. This company taught me all about what was new and next in fashion. I adored living in this world. But, times have changed for me.

Today, I am a mom. I live in the suburbs with my husband and beautiful two-year old daughter; at the intersection where function and fashion meet. And even though I can fit all of my beauty essentials into one box, it doesn’t mean I have lost my edge completely.

I try to purchase timeless pieces. Pieces that aren’t ‘on trend’ but rather pieces that are trendless. Gold, black, silver, deep green – these are hues that do not go out the style window. As a mom, I don’t have time to hit the stores running for the latest and greatest; I need elegant classics that will take me from one stage in life to the other.

Timeless fashion items that I love:

Watch – Spend the money on a silver or gold watch that will dress up any outfit. 

Black dress (or top) – Black staple items will never (ever) let you down.

Gold accessories – Gold reminds me of riches and elegance. Paired with black, gold elevates your outfit to a more sophisticated look. 

Heels – Purchase a pair of heels and promise yourself you will take good care of them.

Under garments – Invest in a good bra. It will make every outfit fit and feel better. Once per quarter I try to visit the “Bra Specialists” at Nordstrom for a fitting.

Additionally, here are a few items I would be lost without.

Facial Cleaner – Purity by Philosophy

Lips – Vegas Volt lipstick by MAC

Perfume – Chance by Chanel (classic)

Powder – Bobbi Brown

 Eye Lashes – Maybelline, of course

Nails – OPI in nearly every shade of pink and red

    Hair – Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner

    Face Moisturizer – Hope in a Jar by Philosophy 

    Sunglasses – Kristina Aviators by Coach

    Accessories – (many) vintage pieces from my Great-Grandma and Nana

   Earrings – Marc by Marc Jacobs gold stud earrings (great gift idea!)

   Handbag – Large leather bag by Coach

xo

Erin 

E Drop Off

As I mentioned in this post during my closet organization and Kat mentioned in her Style Snapshot, E Drop Off is the best way to sell any designer items you have in your closet. Those you are willing to part with, of course. 

You can drop off your pieces if you live in Chicago, but the genius is that they will coordinate a pick up anywhere in the country. I can say as an E drop Off client, that it is the easiest way to increase your shopping budget and get organized at the same time. 

Now you do not even have to take my word for it, you can watch the girls in action on their new show House of Consignment on VH1. It is on tonight and I love seeing what happens behind the scenes. Corri McFadden, the owner, is a girl with some seriously great taste and a fantastic drive that helped her build her business. Plus, from meeting her a few times I can say she is also super sweet and fun. 

The most fun part of the show is seeing the insane loot coming in from some of Chicago's most fab closets. And let's not forget that you can bid on items on Ebay. You can get that pair of Louboutins you love or the Prada tote for a lot less than retail. Good luck bidding, ladies! 

xo

Erin 

Lucrece to the Rescue

As much as I was praying that my skin would go back to it's normal self after I had the baby, it actually only got worse. Blame it on hormones, not getting enough sleep or new mom stress, my skin has yet to recover.

Luckily, the weekend before I had him I had an amazing spa day with another mama-to-be at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago. I highly recommend you pamper yourself there. Maybe even throw in a gyrotonic session with my friend Dori, who will keep you laughing the entire time. (And kick your butt)

We both had facials while I was there and the aesthetician used this tinted moisturizer, by Lucrece, on both of us unknowingly. When we emerged, we both said "your skin looks great!" I knew for me it was this moisturizer calming and correcting what was underneath. It covers SO well and is not heavy. For those of us that need extra coverage every day, this stuff is the real deal.

Bonus is that it has SPF 30, so it is perfect for the summer. You cannot buy it online, but check out the website on where to purchase in your area. It is literally saving my face right now.


xo
Erin

Greetings from Motherhood

Six weeks later and these are my revelations so far...


There are no words to describe how amazing becoming a mom really feels like.


Smiles count even when your baby's eyes are closed.


It is totally normal to cry over spilled breast milk.


Seeing your man become a Dad is awesome.


Locking eyes with your newborn melts you from the inside out.


You have never showered and got ready so fast in your life.


Three hours of straight sleep feels like eight used to.


Diaper activity suddenly is normal conversation.


You consider yourself a baby whisperer because you can interrupt cries in an instance.


The internet is a new mom's easiest resource and worst enemy.


You are pretty much obsessed with every grunt, coo, spurt, hiccup. It is all cute.


You cannot help yourself but to post a picture on Facebook because this one has to be shared.


The one time you forget to cover up your son when changing his diaper, he will pee on you and you will crack up laughing. Every time.


Grandparents are the happiest people on the planet.


Sometimes you still cannot believe you had a baby and at the same time cannot imagine life without him.




Though I may be writing about parenthood, baby and family once a week or so, this blog is still going to be filled with frivolous fashion, style, decor and all things that make us happy.


Even in full emersion in baby land, I have had a few spare moments to keep up with style blogs, red carpet events and even done a little Spring shopping. (BTW, how amazing are the looks for Spring we have been seeing everywhere? More on that later)


So let's get back to it for a bit....


Back during NYFW I made some red carpet predictions for the Oscars, and although  only one made an appearance at the actual event....

Amazing

two more predictions popped up in the last couple weeks that looked fab. So jealous of these two girls, because these dresses were unbelievable on the runway and even better on them. 

Very similar styles and they both look gorgeous with minimal styling and a young, fresh look. Way to go Taylor Swift for not dressing for the Homecoming dance you never got to go to, but wrote a song about wanting a boy to ask you. Ever since that Vogue cover, it looks like she has gotten some great style advice. Jennifer Lawrence has been taking risks all over the globe for The Hunger Games premieres and making it work. Crushed on this Vicotoria Beckham she wore the other night for a European premiere. 

I would have picked different shoes, but the dress is amaze....

These looks feel a bit far away from my nursing bra/leggings combination I have been sporting most of my six weeks, but it gets me very excited for the weeks to come and dressing up. 

Last revelation.... Just as I am about to finish a post, the babe will start crying and make me rush it. Best part is, I don't mind at all. 

xo

Erin