YOU are my VERY favorite

This Saturday, I sat around a table with 13 incredible individuals. We looked like the United Nations. with people from every cultural background you could imagine filling up the seats. There was a nurse, web designer, a few graduate students, 2 teachers, a pharmacist, a couple business professionals, 2 people in fashion and a band tour manager. We met at the Le Pain Quotidien in Flat Iron which is always a convenient option for meetings with its' healthy delicious food at a reasonable price. The purpose of our brunch was to talk about the team we all serve on at our church. For those of you who don't know, I attend the amazing HillsongNYC. After staking out the perfect table, we nestled in and people slowly arrived. 

I am never without a good journal. This one is incredible from The Colour Sisterhood.  

(Church in the Wild Hat - Panda Sal)

It was one of those mornings where I felt like I couldn't function properly before having coffee. I was excited when it arrive in its own little Pot-o-Coffee...so precious.

Some people didn't want their picture taken...that's ok cause I still love them :) 

These people are changing the world. 

Soft boiled eggs are NOT easy to eat. They taste great but I'm pretty sure I ate more shell than I did egg. Never again. 

Le Pain's tartines are to die for! This is the Roasted Turkey Avocado that Lance got. I'm in love with the Prosciutto, Pear, & Fig.

Fresh pressed Warm Belgium Waffle with fruit and whipped cream? sounds great. 

If I had to pick one food to eat the rest of my life it would probably be smoked salmon. 

My sweet friend E sent me this lovely card in the mail, it makes me smile so I keep it in my journal to remind me I am loved. NOTE TO ALL...letter writing is a lost art form, consider the value you place on a person when you take time to handwrite a note and mail it to them?! It's an easy way to let people know you really care. I challenge you to think about writing a note this week to someone special in your life, to let them know they are appreciated. 

The weather was wacky today. Rain/snow in the morning and then freezing! I knew I was going to be out and about most of the day, so I went for comfortable and classic. Ladies, if I can recommend one wardrobe staple it is a cashmere sweater. I got this J.Crew cardigan at the end of the season on sale and I wear it so often! Cashmere makes everything elegant.

This hat was an amazing find. It's actually from Forever 21 about 3 seasons ago. I'm doing all I can to keep it intact. A hat is a great option for those unpredictable weather days to make sure your locks stay protected; I'm also convinced everyone loves a hat. The jacket is from Oasis. 

The sun made a brief appearance. I wore my sunglasses for about 10 blocks. 

Ended the day celebrating the departure of two dear friends Danny and Stephanie Peters at Wilfie and Nell. I've known them for about 3 years and have had the honor to watch their relationship start, grow and eventually lead to marriage. Life is now taking them to Northern California. For those of you at Hillsong, you may know Danny as the friendly British guy at the front door shaking hands and saying "Welcome to Church". Their presence will be missed and my welcome to church will never quite be the same. 

XOXO

d.eileen

Like I said...On Mondays We Have Family Dinner

As I mentioned a few posts back, on Mondays we have Family Dinner. The last couple weeks it has been REALLY cold in NYC. Due to the weather, the family has been in the mood for hearty meals that warm the soul. Last week, Meredith whipped up an amazing Chicken Stew. This week I threw together a pasta dish on a budget. We all have expensive pallets but small bank accounts, so every night can't be truffles and pate (at least for now). I also like to monitor what goes into my body, so we always try to cook with fresh ingredients.

Usually it's just the Family for dinner, but the last couple weeks we have had guests! We celebrated the beautiful Jessica on her birthday, and had our sweet friend Megan join this past week. Here are a few snapshots from the evenings as well as the recipes for Chicken Stew & Orecchiette on a Budget.

Sometimes, when you're friends, you end up dressing alike. 

(Shirt - J.Crew)

Meredith's Chicken Stew

It was melt in your mouth dreamy...I actually ate it on Wednesday too and it was even better!

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Chicken Stew by Meredith

Serving Size: 6

4 whole chicken breasts

1 cup flour

Season to taste

3 springs of thyme

2 bay leaves

2 cups white wine

3 cups chicken broth

3 carrots

2 russet potatoes

1 large onion

Optional: white rice and crescent rolls

• Cut your chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. Lightly toss them in some flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Shaking off the excess flour, brown them in a pot using a bit of Olive oil. You may have to do it in 2 batches to ensure each piece is evenly browned. Then sit the browned chicken aside. 
• Dice your onion and add that to the pan, cook until the onions are translucent. Add 1 cup of white wine to the pot to deglaze the pan. As the little brown bits loosen, add the browned chicken back into the pan. Add thyme and bay leaves. 
• In a small cup or mug whisk together a 1/4 cup of flour and the remaining cup of white wine. Then add that to the pot. 
• Add chicken broth and any additional seasoning that you like (I added salt, pepper, garlic powder, a small dash of cumin and cinnamon). Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer with the lid off. 
• Cut the carrots and potatoes into bite sized pieces. After simmering for an hour add carrots and potatoes. Id taste test then and potentially re-season. Simmer another hour or until you're ready to eat. The more you simmer the softer and more shredded the chicken becomes. 
• We served it over rice with a little crescent roll on the side! 

I do what I can to buy a majority of my ingredients from Trader Joe's. They are the best bang for your buck and the product is generlaly pretty high in quality. For vegetables and fruit, I prefer Fairway Market. Their shelves are overflowing with vibrant goodness, it makes me want to buy it all!

No family dinner is complete without a little sing-a-long. 

Side salad with Kale, Spring Mix, Radish, Cucumber, and Tomato was the perfect side for this pasta treat. I love Trader Joe's Light Champagne Vinaigrette as a dressing.  

Orecchiette on a Budget by Deirdre 

Serving Size: 6

12 oz bag Orecchiette pasta

1 jar pasta sauce of your choice (we did a creamy tomato)

4 sweet Italian sausages

2 garlic cloves

1 small white onion

1 bag of frozen peas defrosted

3 handfuls of mushrooms chopped

• Chop the onion into small pieces and the garlic. Add to hot pan with olive oil. Saute until translucent and then add mushrooms. Once mushrooms start to soften add peas and cook. You can't cook these too long, I think they get better the longer they cook. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
• Boil water for pasta. Put pasta in boiling water for about 12 minutes
• De-case the sausages and chop, cook over medium heat.
• Heat sauce in sauce pan until hot, shouldn't take very long.
• Once the pasta and sausage are cooked, strain the pasta and then combine everything together. 
• Serve with a salad on the side for extra veggies

What are you making for dinner this week? Please comment with a favorite recipe and maybe I'll try it out at a Family Dinner!

Bon Appetite

d.eileen

Coffee with a World Changer - Gracie Gordon

I'm excited to introduce a new post series titled "Coffee with a World Changer"! Living in New York City you have the opportunity to brush up against and stumble upon people doing such unique and interesting things with their lives. I'm in awe sometimes of the visions and goals people have for themselves. I hope this series will show you that you yourself are a World Changer. You don't have to discover the cure to cancer or invent the next hot social media platform to be considered a World Changer in my eyes. We all occupy different streets, you are where you are for a purpose so own it!

Here is my definition of a World Changer: Someone who lives their life to the full each and every day with purpose.

Qualities of a World Changer:

Has vision for their future.

Thinks of others.

Knows what they do is bigger than themselves.

Does not seek recognition.

Desires to influence some sphere of life in a positive way.

I hope these posts will inspire and encourage you to occupy your road of life in the best way possible!

Today I would like to introduce you to Gracie Gordon. I met Gracie about 3 years ago through my friend Jessi (Check out her Blog - Modern Wonderland). We worked together to brainstorm the beginnings of the organization FreelyBe, and have remained friends since. She is the author of the Blog Girl Meets Life and just launch her jewelry line Speakable. I chose to highlight Gracie as a "World Changer" because she is a great example of seeing vision for your life and going after it. I am a huge fan of her Blog and love the heart behind Speakable. Here are some snapshots from our chat at Irving Farm Coffee Roasters.

Name 3 words to describe your life right now. 

Adventure, Faith, Love

One word to describe what you do for a living.

Hustle. 

Tell me about Girl Meets Life.

I have been blogging for 4 years. I started blogging in college because I loved writing and getting my voice out there. It was a hobby and I did not think it would last. But, I started gaining followers and decided to stick with it. It is a lifestyle blog and I cover healthy living, fashion, relationship, beauty, and NYC. 

What is your favorite thing to write about?

I love writing about life lessons. They come to me at the most random times, they are a bit God inspired. I'll sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and know I'm supposed to write about certain topics. 

What is the vision behind Speakable?

I love how much power words can hold...I'm fascinated about how they change the way we feel and think about something. 

How do you come up with the words that go on the necklaces?

I come up with the different themes for the collections...I keep a running list of words that are on my mind and on my heart. I'll then go to my closest friends and ask them which words resonate with them the most and why. Without even trying the words come together with certain themes. These themes are the collections which will be coming out every couple of months. I really want Speakable to be almost a lifestyle; for people to really embrace and identify with the words that they choose. I want the necklaces to start a conversation. 

 

(Photos c/o Speakable)

What is a goal you have for the next 6-12months?

I want to see more collaborations. I think networking and partnering with people is the best way to do business and life - I just love sharing vision and ideas with other people. I would also love to see Speakable necklace being worn all over the world. 

What is the best advice you've been given recently?

A quote I saw on Pinterest..."Create the things you wish existed." Creating something new can be scary, to create something new you really have to put yourself out there and you might fail. I really had to overcome that fear in both my Blog and Speakable...but I realized that if I don't create these things, who else will? 

Favorite shopping spot currently? 

TopShop, Zara, ASOS, Intermix

Favorite restaurant in NYC?

I have so many! For dinner I love Alta, Beauty & Essex, Feast, Pure Food and Wines. For brunch Freeman's, Extra Virgin, and Prune. And then there's my favorite secret find/hole in the wall Empanada Mama. 

What do you like to do in NYC?

I love walking around or riding my bike exploring the city. During the day, when it's warmer out, I like going to Smorgasborg in Brooklyn. At night, I love Comedy Cellar in the Village...never gets old. Lately, I've been loving speakeasies (like Apotheke) and good old dive bars. 

Thank you so much Gracie for taking time to talk about Girl Meets Life and Speakable. Naturally Ginger is 100% you and excited to see your goals become a reality in the near future! 

d.eileen