paper airplanes

If only the paper airplanes I made in school were as pretty as this necklace.

animal alphabet chart

There are a ton of different versions out there but i've got to say, this alphabet chart from Rifle Paper Co. is one of my faves.

spaghetti carbonara

I came across this recipe a year ago and it quickly became a family favorite. I like it not only for the flavor but because it contains ingredients I always have in my kitchen, plus it is quick and easy to make. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces uncooked spaghetti
• 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
• 4 strips bacon or 2 slices pancetta (Italian bacon), diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese  
• 1 cup water from pasta or milk (*see note at bottom)
• Crushed red pepper (optional)

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, beat the egg and egg yolk in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium high heat until it is cooked through, not crisp. Remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan and add the olive oil. Heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until you smell the aroma. Remove from the heat. Return the bacon to the pan.

4. When the spaghetti is cooked, lift it out of the water with tongs and put it in the saucepan with the bacon. Measure 1 cup of pasta water (or milk) and discard the rest. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour the hot pasta water over the spaghetti and use tongs to turn the spaghetti over several times. Add the beaten eggs and continue stirring quickly to cook the egg.

5. When the water is almost evaporated, add the salt, black pepper, and cheese. Continue to stir until well-mixed. When the cheese is mostly melted, take the pan off the heat.

6. Plate and serve immediately. Pass the crushed red pepper.

Variation: You may use 1 cup of milk in place of the water (this is what I prefer). But the dish will have more egg flavor if you use water.

Ashley Whittaker Design

Pretty interiors from Ashley Whittaker Design

getting organized

I'm notorious for hanging onto magazine articles, photos or other random things but doing nothing with them but let them collect dust. It drives my husband crazy (don't blame him). I finally decided to do something about it and have been scanning in the tear sheets I've pulled from my design mags. I've also decided to write down what aspects of the room appeal to me in an effort to try and hone in my design style. I've also been using my tumblr and interior tuesday as a sort of e-file for images.

Do you pull design images (or recipes, or articles, etc.) from magazines? If so, what do you do with them?

it's a friday mashup

Wow this week has gone by fast. Good, but fast! Here are just a few links of goodies i've seen around and wanted to share.

:: Chances are you've already seen or heard about Kathleen's mad creative skills and the baby shower she recently threw. But if you haven't, might I suggest your heading over for some lovely inspiration {part one, two and three}.

:: Hip, hip hooray! The new Lonny was out yesterday!

:: Love this different take on garlands from I Still Love You.

:: I would've loved to play in a shed as chic as this when i was little.

Have a fabulous weekend my friends!

olive & a shop update

Just a quick note to say that as summer is winding up, my shop will be winding down. I've had a lot of fun keeping my shop and it has been much more successful than I dreamed. Thank you! Sadly though I am just too busy with school, family and life in general to give it my full attention.   So for the moment I don't plan to keep it open much longer.  Don't be surprised though if sometime down the road it pops open again! If you've had your eye on something I'd suggest heading over.

photo by Jackie Norris

on my wishlist...

i want a coat rack. is it too Grandma-ish? i don't know... my parents had one while i was growing up and i loved it. it was tall and brassy and pretty cool. they don't have it anymore, otherwise i'd snatch it up for myself. urban outfitters has one but i want a gold one so i've been searching on craigslist. no luck yet though...

what's on your wishlist right now?

currently loving...

these looks from Tulle

a little help

Hey guys! Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the expedit bookcase from IKEA? We are looking for a bookcase to house toys and books for my little one but haven't had much luck. The price of the expedit bookcase is right, I'm just not sure of its quality. I'd love to hear if you have any opinions, good or bad! Thanks!

{photo via elements of style}

modern family digs

I'm liking this modern house from Style at Home. Especially the pops of yellow found throughout.

oh to have my own dressing room!

i think this little girls room is my fave!

take a chance

What a wall! Kate Spade collaborated with graphic designer Cheree Berry to create an interactive installation in their St. Louis store. Tucked inside each envelope was a card encouraging the reader to take a chance with ideas such as crash a party, embrace color or improvise. Such a fun idea! If only I lived in St. Louis I'd love to pick a card.

p.s. can you think of any ways to use this idea for a party?