on the menu: quinoa, butternut squash & kale salad

I'm always looking for a few more go-to recipes. This one seems like the ideal recipe for when I find myself working late. Plus, who doesn't love butternut squash?

Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad:

Makes 4 to 6 servings as a main dish.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups quinoa
3 cups water
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups peeled, cored and diced butternut squash
1 1/2 cups roughly chopped kale (previously washed and cleaned)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
vinaigrette (recipe below)

Directions:
In a large pot, bring the quinoa and water to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until all the water has been absorbed (about 20 minutes). Remove from the heat, fluff with a for and place in a large bowl to cool for 20 minutes.

In the meantime, heat one teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet, add the onion and cook until it turns translucent. Add the garlic, butternut squash and kale. Cover with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat. Remove the lid, check that the butternut squash is tender but not mushy or hard when you poke a piece with a knife. Add the thyme and continue cooking until the all the liquid creating by the cover has evaporated.

Let cool to room temperature. Gently fold the cooked quinoa and the cooked vegetables together along with the vinaigrette.
Serve room temperature or cold.

French Vinaigrette:

Makes about 1/4 cup (60 ml), enough for one large green salad.

Ingredients:

1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon sherry or red wine vinegar
1/2 small shallot, peeled and minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3T to 4T (45 ml to 60 ml) olive oil

fresh herbs, if desired

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, vinegar, and shallot. Let stand for about ten minutes.

2. Mix in the Dijon mustard, then add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of olive oil. Stir well, then taste. If too sharp, add the additional olive oil and more salt, if necessary. Romain said one needs to add beaucoup de mustard, so feel free to add more as well.

If you wish to add fresh herbs, it’s best to chop and mix them in shortly before serving so they retain their flavor.

Salad recipe from Tartelette and Vinaigrette from David Lebovitz

simplicity at its finest . . .

This past Sunday my mom and I set out to look for condo's in San Francisco - she's in the midst of moving here. When we came across a perfect abode for her (fingers crossed everything falls into place) we started dreaming up a few renovations, especially the bathroom. We kept talking about white, white, white.

After envisioning how I would redesign the bathroom I started sifting through my stacks of glossies to pull together my vision. When I came across this stunning bathroom done by Barbara Sallick in House Beautiful the search was over. This bathroom is perfection with the white tones, stunning pedestal sink and glossy subway tiles, and to top it all off, a French tri-fold mirror. I'm madly in love with it and wishing I could do this in my rental.

Photo by Miki Duisterhof via House Beautiful December/January 2011

a brand new week . . .

Rise and shine - it's Monday! After four days off from work and my computer I'm completely rejuvenated to dive head first into a busy work schedule and holiday gatherings. This week is going to be extra hectic - friends visiting from out of town and a short work trip to LA.

A few things inspiring me this week - a stunning book I picked up at Juciy News on Fillmore street (a great gift), a checkered scarf I can't stop wearing, the calligraphy place cards my aunt put together for Thanksgiving dinner and my favorite Astier vase. What's inspiring you this week?

It's exciting having the holidays in full swing - decorations need to be hung, presents are found for the perfect person and party invitations are rolling in.

Hope all of you had a fabulous holiday weekend.

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

giving thanks . . .

Thanksgiving is truly magical - families coming together from across the country, delicious food that has been made with care, laughter, love, happiness and health. I have so much to be grateful for this year - a supportive husband, a supportive family, and a job that I can't get enough of. Thank you all for always being so incredibly supportive every single day.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving where ever you might be!

xx, Caitlin

Photos: 1. ffffound 2. Glitter Guide 3. aubrey road 4. Martha Stewart

on the menu: roast brussels sprouts

One of my favorite sides at Thanksgiving is brussels sprouts - they are heavenly. It's the perfect side to the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce. I usually roast them in the oven with a little olive oil and pepper but this recipe caught my eye so I'm going to give it a whirl.

Ingredients:

300g (10oz) brussels sprouts

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or rice wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes

small handful pinenuts, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. And get an oven-proof skillet or frying pan on a high heat.

2. Trim the bases of your sprouts and halve lengthwise.

3. Add a few tablespoons oil to the pan and add the sprouts. Cook for a few minutes or until they start to smell good.

4. Transfer to the oven and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes or until sprouts are tender and well caramelised on the side facing down.

5. Meanwhile, mix fish sauce, vinegar, chilli and 1 tablespoon water. Season to taste with a few pinches of sugar.

6. Toss hot brussels sprouts in the dressing and serve with pinenuts, if using.

Hope this recipe gives you some inspiration in the kitchen. Bon appétit everyone!

Recipe from Stone Soup

thanksgiving ensemble . . .

Thanksgiving is just a few short days away (I'm counting down the hours and minutes). Although I'm not hosting this year, I've been cooking up my families delicious cranberry sauce (recipe here). This year I made three batches - yes, I'm a cranberry sauce-aholic and I have to be sure there are leftovers for the next day.

When thinking about what to wear this year I wanted something comfy and chic. A grey knit sweater with a camel coat is one of my favorite color combinations this season - then spicing it up with a pair of Dries heels and a fur scarf makes it the perfect amount of chic.

What are all of you thinking of wearing for Thanksgiving this year? I can't wait to be on the road to my aunt and uncle's.

Photos: 1. Covet Garden 2. Sweater, Scarf, Jacket, Ring, and Heels

GIVEAWAY! $100 for Holiday Cards at Minted

Last year, Eric and I couldn't decide whether or not to send out a holiday card and by the time we wanted to send one, it was far too late. That's why when November rolled around this year I jumped at the chance to design our first holiday card. The first stop I made was Minted.

After looking through hundreds of designs, I decided to go with the design that Jenna Lyons picked out as the winner of the holiday design contest. When you purchase this design, Minted will donate 15% of gross profit from the sales of Etched to Teach For America. "Minted believes in enabling the growth, creativity, and careers of independent designers. Teach For America's mission is to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort."

There are thousands of designs to choose from and there is definitely something for everyone. I can't wait to see what all of you pick as your favorite. I'm off to go assemble and address mine!

Well, I'm incredibly excited to announce that one lucky reader will win a $100 Minted gift certificate! Just pop over to Minted and then leave a comment here telling us which holiday invitation you would purchase with the certificate.

A winner will be chosen one week from today and please be sure to leave your email address.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

a brand new week . . .

After an incredible Saturday photographing our apartment the rest of the weekend was all about enjoying some time at home due to the rainy weather. It was delightful.

A few things inspiring me this week - the first issue of Kinfolk was the perfect read before Thanksgiving, blooms for the house (anemones and paper whites), and lastly a trip to Heath Ceramics to pick up a few presents and some dish ware for the apartment.

I hope all of you have a lovely week ahead whether you're prepping for Thanksgiving, traveling to visit family or staying close to home. I can't wait for the holiday weekend - it's going to be so fun!

Cheers to a wonderful short week of work!

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday + a winner!

I can't tell you how excited I am that the weekend has finally arrived. Tonight I'll be prepping the house for a photo shoot on Saturday (very excited about this one!). Flowers have been purchased, different outfit options have been laid out and I hope that by the time I hit my pillow tonight our apartment will smell super clean.

After the shoot it's going to be all about catching up with friends, doing a little fall shopping, and since rain is in the forecast, I think snuggling up at home with a cup of tea and a good book is needed.

Before you all head into your weekend, I would be forever grateful if you pop over to Facebook to vote for my "Modern Thanksgiving" board I created for a DwellStudio contest.

Finnaly, the winner of the Designer Fluff giveaway - congrats . . . LISA from With Style & Grace! You've won two pillows of your choice. We can't wait to see what you pick out.

Hope all of you have a lovely weekend. I for one hope it goes by quickly because I cannot wait for Thanksgiving next week!

xo, Caitlin

Photos: Wit + Delight

I'm Loving . . .

Finding a cozy corner to sip tea and read my stack of magazines has been one of my favorite pastimes.

On the menu for this weekend - this yummy soup from Sprouted Kitchen. I can't wait to try it. It's been on my to-make list for a while.

These chairs have my heart. I'm madly in love with them. Aren't they divine?

There's nothing better than a well-styled chunky sweater. I've tried to master the look year after year. This one in particular is ultra chic with the skinny black belt.

One last thing I've been loving this week - putting together my Modern Thanksgiving board for the DwellStudio contest. I'm a finalist, so if you could pop over and vote for my board I would be forever grateful! Just here click to vote!

Photos: 1. The Selby 2. Sprouted Kitchen 3. 1st dibs 4. here

comfort food . . .

Since the air is growing cooler all I want to eat at night is comfort food. So, I've been turning to My Baking Addiction for inspiration in the kitchen. From soup, to pastas, to baked goods - this blog has it all and let me tell you, each recipe I've made is better than the last.

On the menu for this week, Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken, Goat Cheese, and Rosemary - I have a feeling it's going to be heavenly.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound dried rigatoni
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 clove fresh garlic, crushed
• 8 ounces goat cheese
• 2 cups shredded roasted chicken
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a rapid boil. Add the oil and rigatoni to the water and cook according to the directions on the package, 10-12 minutes.

2. While you are waiting for the water to boil, pour the cream into a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add the rosemary and garlic to the cream and bring it to a simmer - take care not to let it boil over. Allow the cream to reduce by about half.

3. Stir in the goat cheese and chicken and continue cooking it till the cream coats the back of a spoon.

4. Thoroughly drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce. Coat the pasta in the sauce and simmer over low heat for a few minutes. Serve hot.

Be sure to pop over to My Baking Addiction to get her tips on this recipe and to check out some of her other fabulous ideas.

*Photo: My Baking Addiction

dining room envy

Today, I fell head over heels for this dining room - the white walls, the beautiful chairs (be still my heart), the clean lined table, and then the beautiful branches that give the room life. Everything is perfection! Whenever I see stunning dining rooms like this one, it always gives me the urge to completely redecorate ours.

This dining room is definitely going straight to the top of my "dream house" inspiration file.

Photo via la la lovely

a brand new week . . .

After a peaceful weekend with girlfriends up in the woods - I realized how important it is to get out of the city sometimes to slow down your life to enjoy the outdoors and some downtime.

A few things inspiring me this week - I had the pleasure of reading the brand new Anthology and it's amazing (I couldn't put it down), I found this old necklace in my closet that I got at the Alameda flea market a couple years ago (it's definitely going to be making more appearances in my ensembles), with the cooling temps it means that it's scarf season (my favorite accessory), and lastly spending time at CARROTS this week got me utterly inspired - every piece of clothing in the store is on my wish list.

Hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. I've got a hectic week ahead of me, but I'm ready to take it on after this relaxing weekend.

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday!

I'm off to the Russian River for a much anticipated girls weekend. I can't wait to put on my comfies, catch up with my besties, cook hearty, cold weather meals, and lounge by the fire. It's going to be so incredibly rejuvenating!

Before you head out for the weekend be sure to enter the Designer Fluff pillow giveaway. Pop over here to enter!

See all of you back here on Monday.

xx, Caitlin

*Photos: here and here

pillow party with apartment 34!

Finding the right decorative pillows can be challenging - finding the perfect fabric, pattern, size and filling is not an easy task. You'd be amazed how pillows can pack a powerful punch in a room. Boutique pillow line Designer Fluff does it better than most. Back in May I was introduced to Designer Fluff by my New York contributor, Lauren Larson and I instantly fell in love. The fabrics and patterns were incredibly unique.

Erin and I had the opportunity meet the lovely Audra Canfield during our summer trip to NYC and her personality shines through her stunning work. This quote epitomizes her approach to her designs:

Audra has generously offered up a extra special giveaway of two of their stunning pillows to Sacramento Street and Apartment 34 readers!

Here's how you enter:

• Head over to Designer Fluff's Facebook page and show them some love.
• Leave a comment about what your dream Designer Fluff pillows would be.

That's it!

One winner will be chosen from Sacramento Street and Apartment 34 on Thursday, November 17 and announced on the Designer Fluff Facebook page.

Good luck lovelies, this is a giveaway you definitely won't want to miss out on!

I'm Loving . . .

I’m all about the classics this season – it definitely makes it easier to get ready in the morning. Grey, off white and camel are my go to colors for the entire season.

This mac & cheese w/ roasted chicken, goat cheese, and rosemary looks like a decadent winter treat for a cold night at home.
You can never have enough letterpress cards and these are stunning. I’m putting them on my Christmas wish list (hint hint).

I’ve been trying to figure out where I could put a fiddlehead fig tree in my apartment, but there just isn’t enough room – believe me I’ve looked in every corner. I love the mix of the fig branch with the tree in the background. One day I will have my own!

Photos: 1. Wit + Delight 2. My Baking Addiction 3. Stripe and Field 4. Emily Anderson

You're Invited: Celebrating CARROTS 4th Birthday!

CARROTS has been one of my favorite San Francisco shops since the day it opened four years ago. I vividly remember going by with my 7x7 coworker to write a story about the opening - back then I was an intern. Now, I'm dear friends with the two owners Melissa and Catherine. When you walk into CARROTS it's as if you're welcomed into their home. I cannot believe they are about to celebrate their four year anniversary on Thursday.

CARROTS is my go-to shop for basics every season. They have amazing lines that can handle being worn day in and day out. This year I'm coveting far too many items at CARROTS.

At the top of my wish list:

* Dean Hutchinson trench - ladies, this is the ultimate trench! You put it on and never want to take it off. I've got mine on order in a dark camel color.

* Tess Giberson's camel sweater - it's so soft I can see myself wearing it every single season.

* Jamie Josef's fabulous cocktail rings - I'm eyeing a few different stones.

There are so many fashionable treasures in the store right now. And if you're like me - I'm currently buying the essentials to keep me warm this winter. Especially with the cooler temperatures setting in.

Please come stop by CARROTS on Thursday. It's going to be one heck of a party with Taylor, Erin, Samantha, Kendall and I co-hosting! Above is a little sneak peek at my outfit ensemble for tomorrow night. Hope to see all of you tomorrow! For more details on the party - pop over here for information about rsvp'ing.

Photos by Caitlin Flemming

outfit: which one do you adore?

This week I decided that an outfit post for 'which one do you adore?' would be a fun twist to the normal interior focus. Since the weather is growing cooler and cooler every single week, I've been trying to figure out my favorite look for these chiller temps. Whether it's adding a scarf, coat, or sweater to my ensemble - I'm ready to pack on the layers. Have you started thinking about the key pieces you want in your Fall wardrobe?

So which one of these outfits do you adore? I'm loving number one for during the week and number six for weekends. Can't wait to hear what all of you think!

Photos: 1. + 6. Sartorialist 2. + 3. Vanessa Jackson 4. Everything Fab 5. Elle.com

a brand new week . . .

What a delightful weekend! With no agenda going into the weekend it ended up being extraordinary. There was a trip to the flea market with girlfriends - where I found an amazing light fixture and some treasures for Erin as well, lots of coffee dates with friends, a little shopping, and to top it off I went to a friends trunk show for her fall collection. Although I did a lot, it didn't feel hectic at all. And I'm entering a new work week rejuvenated to get my laundry list of to-do's crossed off.

A few treasures that inspired me this week were Nomad by Sibella Court - it's utterly divine (and courtesy of Chronicle Books), hydrangeas that are the most beautiful color, new John Robshaw pillow cases that I've been anxiously waiting for (ours are so faded that the brown is now taupe), a necklace that I could not stop wearing, and lastly my new Astier addition - a candle that smells so good I can't stop burning it. If you're on the hunt for a new candle I highly recommend the Mantes La Jolie.

What did all of you do this weekend? I hope you enjoyed the extra hour of sleep. I certainly did!

Cheers to a new fulfilling week!

Photo by Caitlin Flemming

it's friday + link love!

Phew! It has been one of those weeks where I keep going and going and never stop to take a breath. The design world is keeping me busy and I'm loving every minute.

This weekend I'm excited to have some time do whatever my heart desires - maybe there'll be an impromptu trip up North or a shopping date with a girlfriend. What I do know is that I'll be getting up bright and early for the flea market on Sunday morning. I've got a laundry list of essentials to buy for work and I'm hoping I'll find a few treasures of my own. I look forward to the flea market every month - I think it's one of the only things (besides the flower market) that can get me out of bed at 6am.

What are you up to this weekend? Are you going to relish that extra hour of sleep we get on Sunday night? Go out to dinner with friends? I hope all of you have some fun things planned.

If you have a few minutes, pop on over to these incredibly inspiring blogs:

* I fell in L-O-V-E with her dining room when I saw it in Dallas and now it's being featured in FD Luxe. Believe me, it's so incredibly beautiful it deserves its very own post!

* With the weather turning incredibly cold yesterday I'm going to need this guide to tying scarves.

* Love the way Elise paired watercolors with rooms.

* I'm dreaming of a trip to Hearst Castle after seeing these photos in this post.

* These muffins need to be baked this weekend. A perfect morning treat for next week's hectic work week.

Hope all of you have a lovely weekend! See you back here on Monday.

xx, Caitlin

Photo: here

I'm Loving . . .

I'm ready for long fall nights and getting toasty at home. This quaint little spot with the chalkboard framed (seems much more chic that way), a beautiful pillow and a cozy sheepskin rug is the perfect place to get cozy.

Eric and I love banana bread. So this weekend we're going to mix it up and try Banana Bread Waffles. This recipe looks delicious!

The simplicity of this wrist wear is utterly divine - a watch and one fabulous bracelet is all you really need.

Cold days call for more coffee dates with girlfriends to warm up. Plus, I'll take any excuse to plan time to catch up.

What are all of you loving this week? I'm so excited that the weekend is one day away!

Photos: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

hello november + winner!

Can you believe another month has passed? I certainly can't - I feel like October flew by since I started a new position at Kendall Wilkinson. It has been a whirlwind month. With November gracing us with beautiful, sunny and crisp days - I'm ready to dive into layering clothes and scarves, along with spending more time at home getting cozy and of course enjoying the holiday cups at Starbucks that just came out (they always put a little skip in my step).

I'd like to welcome two new November sponsors to Sacramento Street - Designer Fluff (an amazing giveaway is coming soon with them) and Michelle Drewes (my go-to photographer for just about everything). Be sure to pop over to both of their sites.

And now the moment you've all been waiting for the winner of the Graphic Image is . . . Gaby from The Vault Files! Huge CONGRATS to you! I'll be contacting you shortly with some giveaway details.

For those of you who didn't win, Graphic Image has kindly offered a discount for Sacramento Street readers. Upon checkout enter STREET to receive 20% off the entire store! This discount will be available for a month (hello, get some early Christmas shopping done!).

Photos: feminin and Design Sponge