Holiday Hits: Talk Like a Pirate Day!

From 1000 Flags

Ahoy, mateys -- happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!  And what better way to practice the lingo than by watching this silent movie called "The Black Pirate" (1926) while filling in the dialogue yourself?  (Just in case you're a little rusty, here are a few helpful hints).  Now weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen, then splice the mainbrace with a bottle of rum and sing a few chanteys until you're three sheets to the wind -- but don't go walking any planks, dancing with Jack Ketch, or visiting Davey Jones' locker.  Fair winds, me buckos!  Arrrr!!!

Wish List Wednesdays: White Bird Curtain Rod Finials

Sometimes it's the little things in life that bring the greatest joy.  These White Bird Curtain Rod Finials are a good example.  Simple, attractive, and reasonably priced ($24 for a pair), they are the perfect way to bring a subtle touch of avian décor into the home.  And even though they are being sold as an accessory for a child's space, I think they would look great in just about any room!
         

Foodie Fridays: Chicken Piccata

From Perdue

Chicken Piccata is my sister's favorite chicken dish.  It is very similar to my favorite Chicken Marsala, which I featured last week.  The difference is the sauce, which is a butter sauce seasoned with lemon, white wine, capers, and parsley that gives the chicken a deliciously tart and tangy flavor.  Once again the recipe is quick and easy to make and great for casual meals or entertaining.  For a great lesson on how to make Chicken Piccata, and to see how easy it is to prepare, just watch this video.  But please, don't blame me if you suddenly become very hungry!

Chicken Piccata

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 T. olive oil
1 T. capers
1/2 C. white wine
1/4 C. lemon juice
1/4 C. water
3 T. butter
2 T. minced fresh parsley

Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.  Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a pie plate.  Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour.  Place in the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.  Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

Add the capers to the skillet and lightly crush about half of them to release their flavor.  Cook for about 30 seconds, then stir in the wine.  Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon.  Cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.  Add the lemon juice, water, and butter, then stir continuously until a thick sauce forms, about 2 minutes.  Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parsley.  Return the chicken to the skillet and heat through for about 1-2 minutes.  Serve over rice or pasta with the sauce spooned over the top.  Serves 4.
         

This 'n That Thursdays: Bird Print Wall Coverings

There are times when a flock of beautiful birds will literally fill the sky, as in the impressive photo above.  You can achieve this same look in the home with wall coverings, as there are quite a few which feature avian species!  Are you partial to parrots?  Then this wallpaper is for you:

Aimée Wilder Lovebirds Paradise

Perhaps you favor flamingoes.  Never fear, because they are right here:

Contour Flamingo Pink

If you adore owls, then look no farther than this attractive offering:

Abigail Edwards Owls of the British Isles

Or maybe you would rather opt for ostriches:

Beware the Moon Ostrich

Should your thoughts tend to turn toward the tropics, then these birds will appeal to you:

Frontier Tropical Birds

I have to admit that wallpaper is not one of my favorite design elements, but even I would consider  a giant wall mural such as this one for my home:

Birds and Birch Mural

It seems that just about everyone's favorite feathered friend has been the focus of some form of wall covering, and if not I would venture to guess it is only a matter of time before that happy day arrives (designers, I am patiently awaiting my Puffins, please)!
         

Wish List Wednesdays: Happy Bird Earrings

I don't have pierced ears, but if I did, I would get a pair of these Happy Bird Earrings post haste!  Created by Dutch designer Michiel Cornelissen, these baubles are made using a special 3D printing technology that allows the bird and swing to be formed inside the cage -- no post-production assembly required.  A wide range of colors is available from the Netherlands distributor Soonsalon, but here in the United States the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers these earrings in pink for $45.  This almost makes me wish I had pierced ears (or I could just get the same design as a necklace from Soonsalon!).

         

Foodie Fridays: Chicken Marsala

From About.com Southern Food

Since September is National Chicken Month, it seems only appropriate to feature chicken recipes, and that is exactly what I plan to do!  I will start off with one of my favorite dishes -- Chicken Marsala.  Marsala wine adds a rich, nutty flavor to the mushroom sauce that is made with the pan juices when the chicken is cooked.  I like to serve this over linguini, which soaks up any extra sauce and tastes delicious.  Chicken Marsala is very fast and easy to prepare, and is a great dish for both casual meals and entertaining.

There are many, many variations on the recipe, but I prefer a simple version.  You can add any herbs or spices you like to the dredging mixture.  Some onions, shallots, and/or garlic can be sautéed with the mushrooms, and sherry, white wine, and/or chicken broth can be used in addition to the Marsala wine.  You could also make this with chicken breasts that have not been pounded, but naturally the cooking time will be longer.  For a really frugal method, slice two chicken breasts in half lengthwise before pounding to create four servings.  If you have never made Chicken Marsala before, I suggest trying this simple recipe first, and then trying variations to see if you like them better.  Be sure to use a good quality imported Marsala wine for the best flavor, but you don't have to buy a really expensive one.  Enjoy!

Chicken Marsala

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 C. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 T. butter
3 T. olive oil
8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms (any type)
1/2 C. Marsala wine

Pound the chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.  Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a pie plate.  Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour.  Place in the skillet and cook the chicken until lightly browned on one side, about 2-3 minutes.  Turn the chicken and add the mushrooms.  Cook for another 2 minutes, then stir the mushrooms. Pour in the Marsala wine.  Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.  Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.  Serves 4.
         

This 'n That Thursdays: Birds and Interior Design

A pair of pretty Puffins (from StuffPoint)

I don't know what it is with birds, but something about them really inspires artistic creativity in people when it comes to interior design. This being the time of year when many of our fine feathered friends begin their annual migration to milder climes, I thought I would feature all things avian for the month of September.  And if perchance you are a bit skeptical of my claim that we are experiencing an ornithological obsession in the world of home décor, just take a look at some of these examples (be forewarned that if you suffer from ornithophobia it would be a good idea to close your eyes now):

In the living room with restraint (from Wall Mural Gallery)

In the living room with exuberance (from Tickle Me Vintage)

In the dining room (above from COCOCOZY; below from Casart Coverings)

In the bedroom (above from House to Home; below from Home Klondike)

In the nursery (above from Baby Nursery Decor; below from Unique Baby Gear Ideas)

And even in the bathroom! (above from HGTV; below from The Cottage Mix)

It seems that birds are everywhere in the home these days.  I can't explain this avian invasion, but I will certainly have fun taking a closer look at the trend -- and I might even find some inspiration for my own home as well!