OMG U Guys: Save Money, Google TXT Your Phone

For those of you who don't yet have the iPhone, Blackberry, Boysenberry, or any other of those wi-fi media packaged phones -- here's a simple money saving trick. The next time you need directory assistance don't call the 411 -- instead, text message your search query to GOOGLE at 466453 ('GOOGLE' on most devices) and they will text message back results. In the text field, simply type the name of the place you are looking for followed by the estimated zip code. Google will then txt you back within a minute - totally FREE! Amazing when compared to the $2.50 charge from directory assistance.

Rustic Modern is IN THE HOUSE!!!

Designers are continuing to dish out the woodsy modern look of their furniture -- and thank goodness West Elm caught on!! The log cabin inspired design craze has been my most recent obsession. Check out these affordable pieces from West Elm and look forward to more posts on this amazing trend. (antler table lamp 149.00, tree-stump side table 179.00, wood plinth clock 49.00)

Recipe #4: Zesty Braised Chicken with Lemon and Capers

So I made this ridiculously tasty and easy meal the other night. Serve it with roasted carrots and garlic mash! Yummmm.

Zesty Braised Chicken with Lemon and Capers
ACTIVE TIME: 25 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 30 MIN
SERVES: 4

ingredients

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs with skin (6 ounces each)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large peeled garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
• Four 1-inch strips of lemon zest
• 4 thyme sprigs
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 
  

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and dust with flour. In a large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter in the oil. Add the chicken, skin side down, and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a large plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
2. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and boil over high heat until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, lemon zest, thyme, capers and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up. Transfer the skillet to the oven and braise for about 45 minutes, until the meat is tender.
3. Return the skillet to the stove and boil until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Discard the thyme, bay leaf and lemon zest, if desired, before serving.

Do It Yourself

So I'm just going to go ahead and assume most of you hate Rachel Ray as much as I do. She abbreives EVERYTHING from EVOO to the infamous Rachel Ray "sammy". The only props I am giving her are her really cool printable design templates that she has for place cards and candy bar wrappers. Check them out at her magazine website. Thanks a bundle Rachey Rach Rach!

Stock up on cards!

RockScissorPaper has everything you need for cards...from correspondence to gift wrap and tags, all at a very reasonable price. Be SURE to check out the sale and clearance items as most cards are marked down to around $3.50.

I can BREATHE!!!!

I don't know how the rest of you city dwellers feel, but my apartment gets DRY. And I mean Sahara dry. I think I saw a tumbleweed blow by my bedroom door one time. I've been on the lookout for a humidifier lately but they all seem to look like a hospital urine tank. Then I stumbled upon the Japanese plusminuszero Humidifier. The futuristic orb comes in a variety of different colors, ranging from bright orange to light pink. It will run you a hefty $259, but come on -- a humidifier that doubles as art. How sexy is that?

Out with the orange, in with the new!

So I need some help....
My room needs a makeover. Living in my bright bold space for over 2 years has been amazing. The colors revive and excite me and my modern/sleek furniture has given some serious edge to a very drab palette. I need a change. I have decided to tone down the room a little and go with a more masculine western vintage vibe. Think branches and wood candles with glass chandeliers and floral wallpapers (see attached inspiration photos). The idea came to me when I saw a copy of Wouter Deruytter's "Cowboy Code" book at Barnes&Noble. the hard part for me is making sure I don't take this western thing to literal. I want to kind of hint at it but not shove it all over your face like a banana cream pie. Now what to do with that darn orange wall... I wish I could find some sort of faux wood wallpaper -- I'm just a little scared to paint it brown. Ideas? Please post comments yalls...

Cut and Paste!

I have been obsessed recently with the wall decal craze but have been a little shy to join in. With that being said, Harmonie Interieure has introduced a line of gorgeous easy-to-apply wall stickers that might make me change my mind. The French retailer has been the talk many design blogs lately (it's pretty easy to see why). It's as if Anthropologie and Moulin Rouge had a baby. Well, a sticker baby. **Now shipping to the US! Get on it you design freaks!

Also check out ferm LIVING from Denmark.

Applaud for PhotoStamps

PhotoStamps lets you take your photos from your computer and turn them into sexy postage. This will finally give me a chance to blackmail my cousin Dean when I send him a stamped letter containing an image of him passed out with a banana in his mouth. SOoOO priceless! PhotoStamps come in one of seven different postage denominations ranging from 26 cent postcards to 41 cent regular first class to $4.60 for packages to meet all your mailing needs.

My Open Bar = Dangerously Genious!

Need to have a night on the town but have no money to blow on booze? Have no fear, MyOpenBar is here!!!! For every day of the week, MyOpenBar lists the venues that have free (or sometimes discounted) booze and at what time. They even have a 'martini' scale that lets you know if its up to par. This is a great place to take your broke friends who come to the city and don't want to hand out $10 for a martini. Just make sure to put that trashcan by the toilet afterwards...