On to happier things

...like Tec Petaja and his stunning wedding photography.

Tec spent a couple decades residing in my home state of Michigan prior to traveling throughout Asia, briefly nesting in Indiana and Hawaii then settling down in Nashville. His wedding photographs capture the traditions and emotions surrounding weddings but through a more delicate and detailed eye. They evoke an almost editorial and distinctly refined Southern feel.

Check out his portfolio at:http://www.tecpetajaphoto.com
and for the non anti-blog folks: http://tecpetaja.bigfolioblog.com/

Anonymity gives strength

Lately I've been receiving some rather interesting anonymous posts commenting on the blog, my life, me personally, my writing, etc.  Now, while I am open to hearing feedback, the first thing that should be noted is that I write this for my friends, family and my friends' families.  (We hug the western coast while most of our families reside in the midwest or on the east coast) I am not looking to become the next Dooce or Mighty Girl but rather keeping an online journal of the things I enjoy, activities with my friends, foods I encounter, yadda yadda.  For those of you taking personal digs, your anonymous comments mean nothing to me since, as far as I know, you're just another random out there scouring Blogger in the wee hours of the morning.  If you really have something you'd like to say, email me (michelle.czarka@gmail.com) or leave a name so maybe I can contemplate what's behind your over-the-top negativity.  If my blog is so terrible that it makes you want to vomit, then stop reading it.  The fact that you take the time to check the blog (obviously multiple times), then comment on how horrible it is tells me that you are a little more interested in my life that you are letting on.  If you are bitter with me for one reason or another, tell me why.  Hiding being crypitc anonymous posts really gets you nowhere and hurts me in no way.  Take off the mask before you pick up the gloves.

blog:  an online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page.

And I did do it my way!

We kicked off a great weekend Friday evening with the crew all heading down to Kings Beach to try out Caliente's Southwest offerings. We snagged a couple tables on the upstairs deck and caught the last few minutes of the sun over Tahoe. We spent nearly 15 minutes pouring over their extensive margarita list before taking another 15 to comment on their food prices. Note: While somethings seemed reasonable, others were not so much. We're not a cheap bunch but $17 tacos and tamales needed to be commented on.

We selected our drinks, selected our entrees and dug into some appetizers. Everyone has varying opinions on the place...the margaritas were a bit sweet but all guests are given a free shot of tequila, my tamales were incredibly dry but we couldn't keep Christine out of Kenon's Crab Chimichanga, the servers were friendly, the atmosphere was perfect for large or small groups and we were right across from the lake. One thing nobody denied was the tastiness of their tortilla chips. They were as delicate as tissue paper with just the right dusting of salt. In the end, I don't think I would head back there for dinner but definitely a spot for drinks and light snacks with my crew.

Saturday was all about getting prettied up by Jessica at The Balcony. My stylist for over a year now, she is a goddess and I really don't know what state my hair would be in if Karen hadn't pushed me into her chair. After snipping and coloring, I met up with C & Danny for a shopping excursion to Reno. Then a viewing of Maverick at my house.

Sunday was the day we'd all been looking forward to the whole weekend. I packed my bags and directed the Saabaru to Christine's. Once there we started in on breakfast...the must-anticipated ricotta pancakes with fresh fruit syrup, savory sausage and of course, bacon.

This is what happens when I leave C to watch the pancakes for 5 minutes. We made her eat those ones. ;)


After digesting, we loaded into Danny's truck and hit our favorite beach. Where I proceeded to dig for more breakfast inspiration...

While Reno swam,

C & Keelan played and Danny paddled...

While we couldn't have asked for better weather, the best part about the whole day was that everyone came out to soak up the rays and relax in the sand. Thanks all for another memorable day (and weekend)...it all was exactly what I needed.

Next weekend: Boat camping at Bullards!

After today, it's Saturday & Sunday my way!

I'm really looking forward to sleeping in, taking my time, whipping up ricotta pancakes, getting through a good number of pages in The Red Tent and flopping on the beach. Of course, laundry will have to be done at one point or another but that just gives me a reason to stay home for a few.

'Til Monday, I hope you find yourself doing things Sinatra-style!

All pics courtesy of my new favorite site: We Heart It

Ode to Fall

Mr. Tom meandered over last night and whipped up a savory dinner in honor of fall's arrival. He kept me at bay by first shaking up some prickly pear margaritas and once I was successfully distracted, he started in on dinner. Like Santa arriving a few months too soon, he swiftly unloaded his bag of goodness. I couldn't help but get giddy...pumpkins, Heirloom tomatoes, a woody chunk of ginger, sourdough bread, cream, Chevre, arugula, oh my!

Usually not one who can sit by idly and watch someone else cook, I was fully entertained by my chef for evening as he sliced, grated, stirred, sniffed and seasoned. I perched in a chair or atop the counter so as to have the best view of the action (my prickly pear libation not far from reach).

As the soup came together, it was time to start the sandwiches. Heirlooms, goat cheese, arugula all grilled up between two crusty pieces of sourdough. The sight of these sitting open-faced in the pan was beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that I couldn’t peel my eyes away to grab the camera. (Bad Meesh!). But trust me, the green and beet red tomatoes with their signature swirls, laid out over creamy cheese and soon topped with zesty arugula was truly picture worthy. Alas, I couldn’t stand and admire the food all night. Tom nudged me out of my trance by handing me the “lids” to the sandwiches. A few more minutes of toasting, a ladling of creamy pumpkin goodness in the gourd shells, a little cream, seeds and nutmeg/cinnamon sprinkling and it was time to eat.

Now, I shouldn’t have to tell you how amazing this was ‘cause, if you know me, you know I wouldn’t write about it unless I couldn’t get my mind off of it. But let me take a few to relive the flavors…smooth pumpkin taken a notch up on the richness scale by the heavy cream whipped into a frenzy and dolloped on top.Salty, crunchy pumpkin seeds mingling with little chunks of pumpkin flesh scraped carefully from the sides. Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon coming in to finish it off and leaving behind a unique yet nostalgic taste.

While leaning back in my chair and praising the pumpkins, I glanced down to see the sandwich glancing up at me.

I was so overtaken by the soup that I had forgotten there was more to this autumnalmeal. I took a breath and then I took a bite…and then nearly shed a tear. Really, what is more perfect that warm Chevre let alone warm goat cheese crowned with moist, juicy tomatoes all mixing together to coat the surface of sour bread? (Aside from the aforementioned soup, that is). Tom couldn’t help but break into smile at my apparent proximity to food nirvana and I couldn't blame him. Being a happy eater all my life, it’s not hard to tell when I am really enjoying something. And this I was loving!

A few more nibbles on my sandwich and a dozen or so more teaspoons of soup and I could eat no more. I tucked the sandwich and pumpkin bowl aside so that C could have a wee sample of the dishes and know that I haven’t flipped my lid over just any ol’ meal nor put aside my kitchen control issues for any old chef.

Sarah Jane's Wednesday Web Wares

I can't quite remember where or when I stumbled across Sarah Jane's illustrations but I have loved them since first sight.

Their delicate, sweet, images and display of simply love and joy always have a calming nature. According to her Etsy site, Sarah Jane has been illustrating the world around her since she can remember. And now, as a Mommy of two, her children are her world. Thus, Sarah Jane: Illustrating Childhood™ was born. While her works are obviously perfect suited to children's rooms, they are also sweet enough to share between friends or frame for a special spot in your home. Here are the ones that make me most gushy:

October in Polka-Dot Wellies

Little Visitor/ Mistletoe Kiss

Sarah Jane's Calendar Images


January's Fresh Start

Christmas Post


Three Bears Revisited

You Spook Me

Visit Sarah Jane's Etsy shop to browse, awww, and purchase up her goodies. Also, check out her blog to read and see her creatures of inspiration.

Happy 1st day of my favorite season!

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made.  The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."   -Eric Sloane

The entrance of fall has me mourning summer yet eager to lace up boots, don a sweatshirt and walk out into the trees.  To view their display, smell their decay and bid them adieu...

Autumn Walk photograph by Sameli

P to the O to the S to the H

In 1997 P.O.S.H. opened its doors in Chicago, determined to offer something unique to the consumer that was tired of the "sameness" that had crept into the marketplace of home & table decor. The small shop was met with a warm reception as the search for pieces that haven't been mass-produced for coast-to-coast consumption was shared by many.

"At some in your life, you want something that is real!" That thought is what drives P.O.S.H to search high & low for the items that stock its shelves- an eclectic assortment of vintage Hotel Silver, Restaurant China & Flea Market finds. Found in such disparate places as old American china warehouses to the antique markets and auctions houses of Europe, the items sold at P.O.S.H are often one-of-a-kind or limited in quantity.

I must admit that I am smitten with their selection of items and return to browse quite often. Here are some of my current favorites:

Bistro Pads
Unused, vintage Bistro Order Pads found at market in the city of Blois, France. Supplied by beverage companies, they were a popular form of advertising in the café culture of France. These would be perfect for jotting down recipes, shopping lists or Rummy scores.

Baker's Twine
I would prefer to use these in their intended manner: tying up baked goods and packages. However, I know Elliot & Emma would find their own pleasure in batting them about the house.

Vintage Czech Shoulder Bag

Vintage Chicago Athletic Association Plate and Boullion Cup & Saucers

Acquired at auction, china produced exclusively for the Chicago Athletic Association (CAA), one of Chicago's oldest and most distinguished private social clubs. Reflecting the gracious heritage of the now-shuttered club, it is a reminder of a simpler time and of a proud era in our city's history. The club's distinctive Cherry Circle logo is probably one of the most famous cases of mistaken identity. First appearing in 1915, the unmistakable cherry red C within a blue circle later went on to also become the logo for a certain beloved local baseball team. Indeed when CAA member William Wrigley purchased the Chicago Cubs in 1925, the team adopted the Association's logo and continues to use a variation to this day.

French Gnome Creamer

Set of 3 Bon Appetit tea towels

French soap/ Wrapped Sugar Cubes

This store is on my ever-growing list of must-visits in the Windy City. If you are ever there or have ever gone, let me know what you think.

P.O.S.H Chicago
613 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-1602
http://www.poshchicago.com

i heart weekends

Especially ones that are blank pages upon which I can write the days as they come.  This is one such weekend and I am so anticipating filling the nothingness with all that I love.  It has started out perfectly with my favorite t-shirt (Judge Hensley), fleece (orange and huge) and tennies (ahhh)and it can only go up from here.  

I am also sharing my heart with We Heart It and have commenced to creating a mini collection using my desire to nestle into my couch and/or bed with a book and the meows as my inspiration.  I Heart These.

photograph i heart by dana neibert