Outfits of the Month

What I wore in January.

all black with different textures ~ 

knit, suede, denim, leather

{sweater tank - abercrombie // jeans - abercrombie // bag - ysl, sandals - target}

plaid shacket

{shacket - nordstrom // grey sweater - gifted // jeans - target // boots - dolce vita // bag - louis vuitton}

boho blouse

{floral top - vici (also worn here) // jeans - gap // bow mules - j.crew (worn here too) // bag - chloe}

houndstooth cardigan

{cardigan - shein // sweater tank - roxy // faux leather pants - abercrombie // suede booties - target // bag - ysl}

classic with a twist

{black button down - h&m // belt - commense // ripped jeans - abercrombie // star studded boots - vici // leopard bucket bag - michael kors}

50 shades of beige

{sweater tank - abercrombie // bone colored jeans - abercrombie // sandals - target // bag - louis vuitton}

utility dress + floral boots

{dress - abercrombie // belt - commense // boots - altar'd state (also worn here) // bag - balenciaga}

birthday dinner

{white bodysuit - vici // brown and white paisley skirt - vici // block heel sandals - target // brown suede bag - rebecca minkoff}

Deconstructed Sushi Bowls

Weeknight dinners in our home go through rotations, but rice bowls remain a constant. Since I need to eat gluten free (I'm very intolerant - gut issues, skin issues, etc.), rice is the best base to build upon since it is naturally GF. I like to add a protein and veggie to make a complete and satisfying meal. Some of our favorite combos are: fajita seasoned ground chicken with green peppers, grilled teriyaki chicken with mushrooms, and shrimp with avocado.

The most recent version I made was a deconstructed sushi bowl with seared ahi tuna, jasmine rice, avocado and drizzled with sriracha mayo. So easy and delicious!

Deconstructed Sushi Bowls

serves two

ingredients

1/2 cup jasmine rice

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 pound sushi grade tuna

3 tablespoons GF soy sauce

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon italian seasoning

1 avocado

sriracha mayo, to taste

directions

{1}

Cook rice according to package instructions. Sub broth for water to add a depth of flavor.

{2}

In a shallow bowl, add soy sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the sesame seeds, salt, pepper and italian seasoning.

{3}

Pat the ahi tuna dry with a paper towel.

{4}

Dip ahi tuna in the soy sauce (this will help the sesame seeds adhere).

{5}

Generously sprinkle all sides of the ahi tuna with the sesame mix, pressing it down into the flesh.

{6}

The key to getting a nice golden sear on all sides without the tuna cooking all the through is a VERY hot pan. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very very hot. The pan is hot enough when a flick of water sizzles loudly.

{7}
Using tongs, carefully lay the tuna in the pan. Sear for 45-60 seconds - check underneath by lifting one corner to see if it is golden. When deeply golden, carefully flip. If not golden, turn the heat up. Sear the other side for 60-90 seconds. Sea each long edge using tongs to hold it upright.

{8}

Place seared tuna on a cutting board, and thinly slice. Cut avocado into chunks.

{9}

Divide the prepared rice between two bowls. Top with the seared tuna and avocado chunks, drizzle with sriracha mayo and serve!

Recently Read

I ended 2023 by finishing my 43rd book of the year! Below I'm sharing some of the novels I've enjoyed over the last few months. Always open to recs - please share your faves!

First Comes Love - Emily Giffin
As someone with an estranged sibling, the relationship of the sisters who narrate this novel resonated with me. Filled with conflict, grief, forgiveness and understanding, it's a great story about family.

The Paper Palace - Miranda Cowley Heller
Raw, honest, deep and hauntingly beautiful. Heller is an excellent writer and storyteller with detailed descriptions that invoke all of the reader's senses. This story jumps back and forth from past to present, I was so engulfed that I didn't want it to end.

Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
A thought-provoking novel about a quadriplegic and his new caregiver's journey to help him find happiness in life again.  

Meant To Be - Emily Giffin
This book was pure brain-candy - easy romantic read about overcoming your past to create a new future.

Meet Me at the Lake - Carley Fortune
Loved every word of every page! Delightful from beginning to end. An unexpected coming-of-age & love story spanning 10 years, with a second-chance romance and Dirty Dancing vibes.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris

Heartbreaking and haunting story of hope, courage and love based on interviews with a Holocaust survivor. It was especially hard to read with the current state of events, and the evil and hate that continues to happen around the world.

The Love That Split The World - Emily Henry

Complex and time-bending story about self-discovery, with romance & suspense mixed in.