The Culled Closet

Lately, I've been struggling with finding the right thing to wear.  I'm not sure if it's an age thing, the move to a warmer climate or a real need to redefine my style.  In an effort to understand this, I've begun culling my closet of items that went unworn during the past year:  pieces that don't 'play well' with others and fabrics that simply never felt good.  What I realized about my most recent edits is that I tend to buy more accent pieces than basic pieces, which makes putting an outfit together a bit of a challenge.  I need to simply the routine, step it up a notch and ensure that each piece I own makes me feel and look good.

I was inspired to document this purging of sorts after coming across Cuyana's Lean Closet Movement and other related posts here and here.   Stay tuned for more updates on items I'm permanently releasing from my repertoire, the select few that will remain and the key pieces we'll go shopping for together.

Featured In Australian 'Inside Out' Magazine:

This is super exciting!  Natalia's vertical [folding screen] garden has been featured in Australia’s Inside Out Magazine's March issue.  After seeing this post, an editor contacted me for an upcoming article on creative and inspiring ways to incorporate Nature into the home.  I immediately obliged and have been patiently waiting for its release.  At last, here it is among other great indoor gardening ideas.  Congratulations, Natalia, for inspiring so many with your love for plants!

To see more of Natalia's work click here.

Off The Counter: Black Bean And Sweet Potato Chili

It's been quite some time since I've featured an Off The Counter post.  It's not that we're not cooking, it's just that we haven't been culinarily creative enough (or so it  has seemed to me).  This black bean and sweet potato chili has definitely turned that notion around.  I found the recipe here a few months back and have experimented with several versions of it since.  Garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions and avocado this hardy dish carries a lighter note than most chilis do.  The last time I took a stab at it, Alex prepared pulled pork as a companion, which took the chili to yet another level of yumminess.

It has become my favorite 'leftover'.  In the morning, I warm it up and top it off with an egg [over-easy]!

Ingredients:

•  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 small), cut into 1/2-in. dice
• 1 tablespoon New Mexico chile powder, or 1/2 to 1 tsp. cayenne or ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 can (14 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Kosher salt and pepper
• For toppings: 1 orange, 1 lime, chopped cilantro leaves, diced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

1.  Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and sweet potatoes and cook, stirring, until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Add New Mexico and chipotle chile powders, cumin, and coriander and cook until spices are fragrant, about 10 seconds. Stir in beans and broth and partially cover. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are soft and chili is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2.  Meanwhile, zest orange and lime into a small bowl (you should have about 1 tbsp. orange zest and 2 tsp. lime zest). Add cilantro. Quarter lime. Reserve orange for another use.
3.  Ladle chili into 4 bowls. Top with cilantro-zest mixture, avocado, sour cream, crushed chips, and lime wedges.

Julia Lee, Sunset 
DECEMBER 2013

Do you have an unexpected favorite dish?  If so, please share.

'Til Monday: 5 Weekend Favorites

 

1./2./3./4./5.

2 Bedrooom Inspirations: Which Is Your Favorite?

Urban Chic or

 Cobble Hill Napa Bed,  Forcarini Lumiere Table Light, Thera Silk & Wool Rug,  Glass Closet, Fremont Chocolate Swivel Chair, Gus Modern Cube,

Bohemian Flair.  Which one is for you?

   Area Home Bedding, Legato Upholstered Bed, Phillipe Desk, Tri-Arm Floor Lamp, Black Stump Tables, Rug (wish I could remember where I found it!)