Turkey Burgers with Brie and Apples

Happy Friday everyone!  Hope you've all had a good week!  J.D. and I are always looking for new recipes to try for WEEKNIGHT dinners.  I honestly enjoy cooking but cooking on the weekend and cooking during the week are two totally different things for me.  After I get home from work, I cuddle and play with Virginia every moment until she goes to bed around 7:00.  I don't begin messing with dinner until around 7:15 and I'd prefer to eat just a few minutes after I get started.  We LOVE Bad Daddy's turkey burger with brie and apples.  It's seriously one of the best burgers on their menu, and we decided to try to knock it off at home.  This recipe comes together really quickly and is relatively healthy.  (A little brie goes a long way.)  We threw this together while baking some sweet potatoes fries, and it was a nice little few ingredient dinner!

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds of ground turkey (lean, but not all breast meat)

olive oil

granny smith apple, thinly sliced

wedge of brie, sliced

hamburger or sandwich buns, toasted

bacon (optional)

 

Directions:

1. Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat

2. Mix ground turkey breast with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Form ground turkey into burger patties.  Note that turkey burgers do not shrink up while they are cooking like ground beef does, so make the patties the size you prefer to eat.

3. Add a little olive oil to heated pan to coat the pan; add burger patties and cook between 3-5 minutes per side or until cooked through

4. When the burger patties are almost done, top the burger with brie and add slices of the granny smith apple to your hot pan.  Cover and cook for a minute or so longer to melt the cheese and take the chill off the apple slices

5. Add the burgers to your toasted bun, top burger with apples, a touch of mayo and enjoy! 



To make this recipe really good, add a slice of bacon as Bad Daddy's does.  Sure, the relatively healthy part goes out the window, but bacon really does take this to the next level if you're grilling on the weekend with friends.  If you give this a try, let us know what you think.  This may not be Ina level of cooking, but it gets the job done on during the week.  :)  If you have any other weeknight easy favorites, we'd love to hear!

Also, a little warning, we set off the fire alarm with this recipe.  With a sleeping baby, a fire alarm going off drives me insane! So, have your fan going and watch the high heat while this one is cooking! :)

Have a good weekend everyone! 

~Mary Keller

Southland Staple: Black Riding Boots

 

Do you guys have anything that you find yourself using or wearing over and over again? I've noticed I'm a creature of habit and tend to wear (and use) certain things time and time again. The one thing I just can't seem to get enough of right now are my black riding boots. I wear them constantly!

I find myself throwing them on to run around on the weekends. The flat heel is perfect for running errands but I never feel like a bum.

I wear them to work all the time too, especially when its chilly! They're the perfect comfortable option that still looks put together and appropriate for most situations. The lack of buckles and zippers on these make them dressier than most flat options.

My boots are super old Banana Republic, but you can find a similar option here, here and here.

Do you guys have any go to items? I'd love to hear!

- Heath

Super Bowl Wings

A few people asked about Andy's wing recipe a little while back when I posted this on Instagram. With the Superbowl this weekend, I thought it was the perfect time to share with you guys since they make the perfect big game snack. Our go to wings are a smoked and grilled dry rubbed buffalo wing.

A few things to note, we don't own a smoker. Andy wishes we did, but it's just not in the cards right now so a smoker is not necessary here. We have this smoker box that works great but you can easily make a quick smoker box using aluminum foil as well. (Or, you can skip the initial smoker step entirely.  Your wings won't be quite as good, and the smoker step is easy, but it's not totally necessary!) 

Also this rub and the instructions are a basic framework.  Add more or less cayenne depending on your tastes and the you probably know your grill better than others so adjust times as necessary.  You can make a big batch of dry rub to keep on hand and throw this recipe together easily anytime.

Dry Rub Recipe:

4 Tbsp smoked paprika
3 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp cayenne (for a mild to medium wing) 

1 Tbsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1 - soak wood chips (we use Applewood) in water

2 - in the meantime prep your wings, see full instructions here if yours are not already cut into flats and drumsticks 

3 - toss wings in canola oil (vegetable or any other oil suitable for high heat will work)

4 - toss wings in dry rub

5 - place drained wood chips in smoker box over direct medium heat until the wood begins smoking

6 - place wings over indirect heat of 350 to 400 degrees for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, flipping once

7 - finish wings on direct medium heat to crisp the wings, approximately 10 minutes

8 - serve with celery and blue cheese



We tested another recipe this weekend and weren't quite as pleased with it but I'll give you all the details in case it turns out to be your thing.  We prepped our wings and tossed them in oil, salt and pepper, baked them at 350 degree for 1 hr before finishing them on the grill for about 10 minutes to crisp. To finish the wings, we tossed in a variation of this sauce. We halved the recipe and added another tsp of Siracha (there was next to no heat in the original) and also added 1 tsp more soy because the hoisin was very prominent to us. We were aiming for a sweet and spicey wing here but this just wasn't quite it. They were still delicious though and would be a great variation on the standard wing if you want a different option.

I'm thinking these wings would be a perfect Superbowl snack. Serve with a giant veggie platter with ranch and blue cheese and you're done! Hope you enjoy!

- Heath

Virginia's Nursery

This past weekend I finally got around to taking a few pictures of Virginia's nursery.  I've been putting off taking these pictures waiting until her nursery was officially "done" but then I realized I'm so short on time these days her nursery will likely never really be done.  I may have mentioned it before, but Virginia's nursery is actually the master bedroom of our house.  You can probably tell from these pictures, but her room is huge, especially for a house as old as ours.  When we first moved in we decided we would never have enough furniture to fill the bedroom as a master bedroom, and instead decided to make it a giant nursery.  If Virginia becomes a big sister one day, our plan is for her to share this room with her sibling.  :)

I shared plans for this room here, and I think the room turned out pretty close to how it was imagined.  I really wanted this room to be colorful and full of Virginia's art and toys as the years go by.  So many pieces in the room are things we already had, but I'll share sources and tons of photos below.

The twin beds were actually my mother's childhood beds with simple matelassé bedspreads from Bed Bath and Beyond.  The splatter paint pillows are from Biscuit.  We purchased an inexpensive chest at auction to use between the beds and the gourd lamps are from a local boutique Cottage & Vine in Columbia.  The elephant and giraffe bookends are Serena and Lily (a gift from grandparents) and the art between the beds is by Michelle Armas.  (It's a print.  Wish we could have done an original but Virginia will never know the difference!)

For her rugs we decided on two Dash and Albert rugs.  In the end, two smaller rugs looked better than one huge rug.  One rug really took over the entire room.  Her crib is an inexpensive Jenny Lind, but I loved it's old fashioned classic look.  Crib splatter paint bedding by Biscuit.  Art above the crib is an old framed Spoleto poster, and the hot air balloon mobile is from Shower Me With Love in Charlotte.

We DIYed her glider (a tutorial to come!) and the blue and white garden stool I purchased to actually sell in a booth here in Charlotte.  (I purchased LOTS of stuff to sell in a booth here in Charlotte and then the next weekend I found out I was pregnant so the booth never happened.  So many of my purchases have ended up in Virginia's room.)  The pillows on the glider and crib by Kevin O'Brien Studio.  The bookcase was actually made by my grandfather for my nursery when I was a child. 

I'm using an antique buffet (another purchase that I planned to sell in my booth!) as a changing table for now.  I found the toile flower lamp at a vintage shop and the black mirror is an inexpensive piece that I painted a long time ago.  I would love something more fun like this, but it's not in the budget for now.

Right now this nursery stays nice and neat (too neat!) like this since Virginia can't yet move around, but I really look forward to the day that she has lots of room to run around in here, pull out all of her toys, invite friends (or a future sister) to have a slumber party with her, etc.  I'd love to add roman shades or some type of drapery to all of these windows to soften the room, but for now we're pretty pleased with our girl's sweet room! 

~Mary Keller

Around Here

Happy Monday!  Can't believe how quickly this weekend flew by.  It was the perfect mix of relaxation and productivity.  J.D. and I got fitted for skis for our upcoming trip, brunched at Eddie's Place and just generally enjoyed hanging out with Virginia.  We also made a major dent in our DVRed Downton Abbey episodes.  Virginia got a few early Valentine's treats from her grandparents and great grandparents.  The sweet girl is so loved!  Heath and Andy, per usual, experimented in the kitchen - homemade wings (recipe to come!) and a little chickpea snack.  They also tried out the new Tupelo Honey that just opened in Charlotte.  Loved it, but decided in the future it's probably best for brunch instead of dinner with friends. 

I also got around to doing a little shopping this weekend.  All of you Charlotte friends, Splurge on Providence is having a pretty major sale right now.  If you're in the market for jeans you may want to stop by.  We stopped in on Saturday and got a few really great jeans for about $40 after they were discounted. 

Hope everyone has a good week!

~Mary Keller

A Day on the Slopes



Happy Friday guys! We just booked a last minute ski trip to Snowshoe so I'm doing some day dreaming about being on the slopes. If I'm being honest, I'm not very athletic but skiing is one thing that I can do so I love it! There is nothing quite like a good day of skiing followed by an apres ski cocktail! My get up isn't quite this fancy but we can always dream right?!

Hope you guys have a good weekend!

- Heath

PS our ski trip last year to Park City here and here.

Marmot pants, Arcteryx jacket and mittens, Salomon boots, Volkl skis and poles, Julbo goggles

Cocktail Time

Last night after we put Virginia to bed, we decided to skip dinner and have pimento cheese and a cocktail instead.  We also threw in a DVRed episode of Downton Abbey, so it was pretty much a perfect evening. :)

We tried White Whale's Your Older Brother mixer with vodka and it was really good.  We both really enjoyed it, even though J.D. typically prefers dark liquor.  It's hard to describe, but it was almost like a gin lemonade, but really not too sweet.  (Sounds strange, especially since you make it with vodka!)  Yall, I love these mixers!  I actually prefer cocktails to wine (unlike most!) and I usually never get around to making them because wine just seems easier.  These are perfect for making an evening at home feel more special, but I really think they're more perfect for a little get together with a few friends.  Just one of these mixers makes 8 drinks, and you don't have to stand around all night mixing a creative cocktail.  Just add alcohol and a garnish and you're done.  These mixers are sold online at Furbish.  Seriously, order one for the next time you have a few girlfriends over!

p.s. Santa left these mixers in our stocking and we're just now trying the rest of them.  We tried the Auntie's Old Fashioned on Christmas and it got a thumbs up from everyone too, especially perfect for the boys. 

~Mary Keller

Starting a Collection: Convex Mirror

image via Harper's Bazaar

The idea behind the Starting a Collection Series is for us to take a look at pieces to decorate our/your home that we really will use forever; timeless pieces that will stay with you even as your style changes and evolves.  I love homes that are full of items collected over time, and talked about that here when we first kicked off this series.  A Convex Mirror fits the bill perfectly!  You can use them almost anywhere, over a dresser, bed, fireplace, lonely wall, the list goes on.  Since they are a mirrors, they don't necessarily "match" anything which means you can change your fabric and wall colors a million times and a convex mirror will still work in your decorating scheme.  They work in more formal settings as shown above, but they're also perfect in casual rooms.  They work in both traditional and super contemporary spaces so as you get older and your tastes change, it's a purchase I don't think you'll regret. 

The key when really starting a collection of pieces you want to keep forever is to buy the best you can really afford.  Splurge on a beautiful convex mirror this year, and fill in the rest of the room with less expensive Target Threshold finds.  (You'll be happy in 20 years that you're still enjoying your mirror!)  To find one you love, search ebay, craigslist and antique shops.  Another good idea is to go to a high-end local frame store in your town and ask them to make one for you.  They will often have frame styles to select from and can build a custom one for you in the style of frame that you love. 

image via House Beautiful

Image via Apartment Therapy

Image via House and Home

Image via Habitually Chic

Image source unknown

p.s. other collection pieces include a demilune table and original art

~Mary Keller



My Look, Her Look, Mom's Look

Rochelle Behrens Icon Shirt

There is nothing more classic than a white button down shirt. It can be worn with anything, literally anything. I'm betting everyone owns at least one which is why I picked it for this month's My Look, Her Look, Mom's Look. I specifically picked the Icon Shirt because I've been eyeing it for a while now. There are hidden buttons in between every one of the visible buttons on this shirt. Not only does this eliminate gapping but it helps you achieve a more casual perfectly unbuttoned look.

Henry and Belle jeans, Joie scarf, Fossil belt, Madewell handbag, Michael Kors watch, Corinne McCormack glasses, Report booties

My look is a more casual look. I tend to dress more casual but I also wanted to show the versatility of the shirt. This is the perfect example of where a little more of an unbuttoned look would fit. Jeans and a white button up is pretty old school but can feel more current with flat booties and your favorite accessories.

J.Crew skirt, Christina Jervey bracelets, TopShop handbag, Sole Society flats, Alexis Bittar earrings, Chloe sunglasses

MK's look is more feminine and would be perfect for a dinner party but with cute flats could be worn all day as well. I think the length of this skirt makes it more wearable than some of the mini's that are available today. Perfect for playing with a baby!

Kate Spade pants, glasses and earrings, Tory Burch handbag, Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace, Kurt Geiger pumps

Mom's look is a pretty classic look. I love the lack of color. I think the combination of black, white and tan is perfect here but the scallop hem on the pants keeps it playful. I'd also wear these pants to work in a heart beat.

I think this may be one of the most versatile items of clothing you can own. You can see how it can be worn from the office, to a party or even running errands around town. Since I'm keeping my closet minimal these days, these things are important!

How do you style your white button down shirt?

- Heath

Top image via de la Pen

Around Here

Good morning and happy Monday. We took it pretty easy around here this weekend. It was just what we needed to regroup and get back into the swing of things. On Saturday we did a lot errands and household chores but that made for a nice and relaxing Sunday. We made pizza dough, and eventually pizza and enjoyed a delicious new beer while watching Peyton and the Broncos win the AFC Championship!

MK and JD made the long trek up to Nashville to see JD's family. They took some time to admire the pretty rolling hills and farms of Tennessee and picked up some Jeni's ice cream too. Virginia met a lot of cousins, aunts, uncles and even some new friends.

Hope you had a nice weekend.

- Heath

Happy Friday & Our Winter List

 

Happy Friday everyone!  This week sure flew by!  Does anyone else have things that they really like to enjoy for each season?  What are some of your winter must dos?  If there is any season that needs a list of reminders of what to enjoy about it, it's absolutely winter.  It would be nice to not wish the cool weather away and actually enjoy it.  We're headed to Nashville this weekend to visit J.D.'s family.  I'm so excited for Virginia to meet all of her cousins! :)

Anyone else have any winter favorites?  Good winter meals or fun plans you recommend? 

p.s. Some of our favorite cool weather meals here, and our must-do "Fall List" here.  Some may carry over!

~Mary Keller

Winter's IT Item: Leather Pants

With Winter in full swing now I've been thinking about this season's IT item. I'm seeing leather pants everywhere these days so it was an easy decision. We talked a little about leather a while back and how it can be intimidating but I think the key is to mix these with your standard wardrobe. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. If your go to outfit is a t-shirt and jeans, throw on your t-shirt with some leather pants instead. They're really versatile and can be worn with pretty much any sweater or blouse

 Shop this look: Helmut Lang, Blank Denim, & Mother

Solid black leather pants are the classic that most people think of first. They can be worn with anything from a classic blazer and t-shirt to a feminine floral blouse. I love the updated crop versions available right now too. The key here is to keep a little bit of room in the pants, you don't want these to be too tight.  

Shop this look: Joe's jeans & DL1961

Leather accents are everywhere right now and can be the perfect entry level transition to leather pants. If you're skeptical, start with a side panel tuxedo pant. The perfect mix between your favorite black jeans and leather pants.

 Shop this look:  David Lerner, J Brand, & Koral Los Angeles

I think these colors surprised me a little. I thought black would be my first choice but after looking at these for a while I think these brown won me over. The perfect interesting pants to spice up a white collared shirt. The trick here is to stay away from bright colors, you want a deep dark color to avoid looking to costumey.



The moral of this story is to stay true to your own style. When you throw something new into your wardrobe you don't really want to come up with an entire new look. You want to keep your personal style with a fun new addition. If you're usually feminine, keep your silk blouse but add leather pants. If you're pretty classic, keep your collared shirt and add leather pants.

What do you think? Will you be trying leather pants this winter?

- Heath

PS check out Fall and Summer's IT items too!

Top image via The Sartorialist; Bottom three images unknown

Artist Spotlight: Whaley Connell

 

You guys my grandmother came up with the best surprise gift for all of us this Christmas.  At the end of our Christmas celebration, after all of the gifts had been upwrapped, she pulled out 4 more tiny little Christmas baggies and handed them to each of us.  Inside each baggie was a number.  Next she asked us to head to my aunt's living room where we discovered these beautiful small paintings.  My cousin's wife, Whaley Connell, is an artist and my grandmother asked Whaley to paint a small piece for each of us.  My grandmother didn't want to decide who got which piece so she came up with the idea of making us essentially draw a number.  Heath's baggie randomly had number 1 so she picked first, my bag had number 2 so I picked second, and we went on down the line.  It was such a fun surprise, but I was SO impressed with these beautiful paintings. 

If anyone would like us to put you in touch with Whaley, please let us know!  I think these would make beautiful bridal or anniversary gifts of a bride's bouquet, and their little size is perfect.  I think Whaley's work is very reasonable and you can fit a small painting like this just about anywhere!  Leave us a comment if you'd like us to pass along her email address.

p.s.  Heath picked the one all by its self on the back row.  I picked the one second in from the right with the big orange (go vols!) flower up front!  It was a tough decision that we of course overanalyzed the rest of the afternoon. :)

~Mary Keller