Chalk Notes

How great are these Chalkboard Jars and the Chalk Note Glassware from Pier 1 Imports . Each container has the chalk included. You can label your oatmeal cookies or corkscrew pasta... or write your name on your glass....no misplacing your lemonade. Too cute.

Ashlyn

Modern Braided Rugs

I keep going back to this photo from the current issue of Coastal Living.... I love, love, love, this braided rug. I've never used one in the bathroom...come to think of it I've never had a braided rug - but I think I might have to remedy that. I really love the pop of color. This one is a custom Diamond Baratta Design by Country Braid House. The rug below is also from Country Braid House.

Via Country Braid House

Here are a few fun braided rugs that are available on Etsy.

Via JLRutter.etsy

Via Mrs. Ginther etsy

Via farmersdaughter52.etsy

Ashlyn

Everything is better with.... Carbonara

Carbonara

Ingredients:

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound rigatoni
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 pound pancetta, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
5 to 6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 large egg yolks
Freshly grated Romano cheese, like Locatelli
Handful of finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Put a large saucepot of water on to boil. Add a liberal amount of salt, and pasta. Cook to al dente, about 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and pancetta. Brown pancetta for 2 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add wine and stir up all pan drippings.

3. In a separate bowl, beat yolks, then add 1 large ladleful (about 1/2 cup) pasta cooking water. This tempers the eggs and keeps them from scrambling when added to the pasta.

4. Drain pasta well and add directly to skillet with pancetta and oil. Pour egg mixture over pasta. Toss rapidly to coat pasta without cooking egg. Remove pan from heat and add big handful of cheese, lots of pepper, and a little salt. Continue to toss and turn pasta until soaks up egg mixture and thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra grated Romano.

If you have never had Carbonara without the heavy cream, you need to give this a try. It is a Rachael Ray recipe, and one of my favorites of hers. This recipe has so few ingredients, and it is easy to throw together when you need something quick. My whole family loves it....no leftovers with this one. We have it with a green salad from the garden and garlic bread.

Ashlyn

More Spool No. 72....

Via Design Sponge

sneak peek featured on Design Sponge

Yesterday I posted pictures from the fabulous clothing website Spool No.72. Today... are pictures of Heather Paul's (of Spool No. 72) house that is located in Eastern Washington.

I love everything about it!

Enjoy, Ashlyn

Spool No.72

Barefoot Gauze Kimono

Stitches Tote

Front Porch Tote

Sweet Tea Top

Loving the look of the stitched tops and bags over at
Spool No.72.....great detailing.

The names for the clothes and bags sound like summer too. It is hard to resist
a top called "Sweet Tea" or a bag called "Front Porch."

Spool No.72 will have a newly expanded website that will debut
on September 1st!

Ashlyn

Let's eat cake...

As I head off to Mexico with my kids, I knew I should try to write something creative. How do you do that when you have so much to do....

So, my fantasy "Leave It To Beaver" life took me to this photo taken a few months back when we started Trash Trunk. Our friend Bradie took the photo and every time I look at it I think of those old shows..... Bradie Bunch, Partridge Family, etc.

When I return I promise to "eat more cake", "hang with friends just because", "buy fresh flowers", "dress up even though I am not going anywhere", "have more impromptu parties", "tell my family and friends THEY ARE THE BEST".

That's it... plain and simple.... just have more spontaneous fun!

If I do not get a chance to write tomorrow... I'll get to it in two weeks!

Adios!

-Tracy

Colorful cookware....

via apartment therapy and flickr

I love the colors of the Le Creuset cookware.