Constantly fascinated by the world around me. I've got the dreamer's disease... and I believe that a truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

I spend most of my time reading, writing, cooking & planning my life on Post-It notes. Music, wine, food, art & travel are my favorite fuel; spending time well wasted.
I began writing this blog because I think that every day we have something to be celebrated, shared, something that sparks creativity, inspiration & ideation.
Although I'm quite optimistic, I'm more judgmental than I'd like to admit. Here's to overturning assumptions.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

René of the Day // 5.31.11 // She's Crafty

You may have seen these posted on my Facebook or previous blog on Tumblr, "Small Girl: Big World" but I wanted them to be featured here because I enjoyed them today as I ate dinner at my kitchen table.

My mom hosted a Willow House party this spring and I fell in love with the little glass thimble dome set. They reminded me of "Alice in Wonderland" and I knew I could make a cute and whimsical little series to decorate my apartment for the coming months of sunshine!

I went to JoAnn Fabrics and purchased bright green moss balls, a little nest and eggs, a bird and a butterfly and also pulled from some loose moss I have in a hurricane from Pottery Barn on a bookcase. Below are photos of the completed work. It was fun to do something crafty (hopefully you can see this is a different manner of "crafty" than the Beastie Boys bump about) and they look lovely on my table.





Monday, May 30, 2011

René of the Day // 5.30.11 // In Memoriam

On Memorial Day, I'd like to pay tribute to my deceased family members who served our fine country.

Roland Edward Brunelle, grandfather
Served in the Navy in WWII; he was shot in an aircraft carrier, the USS Randolf, in Okinawa, Japan yet he returned home safely to our family.

David Roland Brunelle, uncle
Served in the army in Greece in the early 70s; he returned home safely but died in a motorcycle accident after he returned home.

Clifford Ronald Lotz, grandfather
Served in the Korean War in Washington, DC, Hawaii and San Francisco from 1950-1954.
[Pictured below on the black sand beaches in Hawaii.]
















Thank you to all of the men and women who have and who currently do provide service to the United States of America.

Did you know... Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, which was first recorded to have been observed by Freedmen (freed enslaved southern blacks) in Charleston, South Carolina in 1865, at the Washington Race Course, to remember the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Today, what is now known as Memorial Day, is a day of reflection and recognition of ordinary people who sometimes visit cemeteries and graves to honor their deceased relatives while also commemorating all U.S. Service Members who died while in military service.

René of the Day // 5.29.11 // 2001 Silver Oak

I've been treasuring this bottle for years... I was waiting for the right time to enjoy it and decided I'd share it with my oenophile mom & aunt to celebrate my 26th birthday and my aunt's new job at ConAgra. We were concerned it may have turned, as I've kept it on a wine rack in my kitchen against a wall that gets quite warm when I cook and half of the cork was broken off...

But it did not. It was wonderful! It shared a nice profile of smooth, rich chocolate and leather with faded fruit and tannins. I'm glad we didn't wait any longer; decanting it was a fantastic idea to bring out the full mid-palate of spice box, lavender and licorice. Very pleased that I waited for a nice evening to share this wine with special people.


Released August 1, 2005, availability has decreased.  Bottle sells for $95 retail. 

Saturday, May 28, 2011

René of the Day // 5.27.11 // The BEST Pad Thai Recipe

It is my FAVORITE. Okay, one of my favs. Usually when I go to dinner, I always try something new and rarely get the same thing twice. But, when I go to Thai restaurants, I have trouble straying from this simple and wonderful classic dish. The lime makes it tart, the peanuts make it salty and the bean sprouts lend to get crunch - I can't get enough - and it has to be spicy! (Pour on the Sriracha.)

When my parents go on vacation and I housesit, I take over their great kitchen and I combined a few different recipes I'd found for Pad Thai and created my own. I've been asked for the recipe numerous times so I'm sharing it with y'all. Enjoy!


René’s Pad Thai

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg. bean sprouts
1 box (6 oz.) pad Thai rice noodles
1 pkg. firm tofu (or chicken, shrimp or calamari)*
3 eggs
2 large carrots
1 bunch green onions (scallions)
1 tbsp. minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup chopped peanuts or cashews
3 tbsp. peanut oil
2 limes, 1 sliced into wedges & 1 for juice
1 bunch fresh cilantro
Salt

Sauce:
½ cup lime juice
½ cup ketchup
¼ cup fish sauce**
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. ground ginger

Note:  need numerous small bowls to separate ingredients until you incorporate them in the wok.

  1. Prepare fresh ingredients: grate the 2 carrots; use scissors to snip scallions into 1-inch pieces; put peanuts in baggie & crush with rolling pin. Chop tofu into small cubes. Set aside in bowls.  

  1. Stir together lime juice, ketchup, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, peanut butter & ground ginger in a separate bowl; set aside. Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Also set aside.

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the bean sprouts in boiling water for 30 seconds, remove, and drain well. Set aside. Refill pot with water and add noodles when water returns to a boil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until tender but firm; drain & rinse noodles under cold water. Set aside.

  1. Heat oil in the wok (or large frying pan) over medium-high heat. Fry garlic for a few seconds. Add carrots & pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute, then remove. Add tofu and fry for 5 minutes. Remove. Add beaten egg, gently scramble. When eggs have set, pour in carrots, sauce, bean sprouts, noodles, green onions & ½ the peanuts. Toss together & heat through.
    (*If using chicken, shrimp or calamari, cook separately & add at same step as tofu to warm & fry in the oil & pepper).

  1. Serve on a large plate and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges & remaining peanuts. Squirt on some bright red sriracha sauce (or Rooster sauce - very hot Thai chili sauce.)
    Best with sake, pinot noir or a sweet white like Moscato.
            **May add extra ¼ cup soy sauce to substitute fish sauce





Thursday, May 26, 2011

René of the Day // 5.26.11 // A Bottle or Two

Or three... usually four is how things go when my aunt Chrissy AKA Kiki comes home from Chicago. Our favorite wine shop, A Bottle or Two, hosts Thirsty Thursday. We decided to meet there for our traditional tasting to celebrate her trip home and enjoy the sips and swirls with savings!

For $5 you receive 6 tastings (see image of list below); this week's selections were "Patio Pounders" - great light wines for pairing with Memorial Day munchies. The pinot noir was quite unique for the varietal, which happens to be one of my favorites, and it was my top choice in this tasting. Bright flavor with dark red fruit notes.

We always have a great time at A Bottle or Two; the selection of wine is fabulous and uncommon - so many wine shops have the same selection, over and over - and they have an exciting beer section, as well. The small room in the back is great for exclusive tastings which we've loved and the cheese and other savories they serve are always divine.

I highly encourage any Cincy oneophiles or those interested in learning more about wine to visit ABOT; the owner, David, will be happy to walk you through options, tasting profiles and pairings. Become a Fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Cheers!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

René of the Day // 5.25.11 // René's Book Club

I've been a bookworm since I was a babe. My grandmother started teaching me to read when I was 4 with "Stuart Little" and I was more excited about visiting the library than the ice cream shop. And my passion has gone in waves... it inspired my love of writing and I whizzed through books in grade school. Loathed them during AP courses in high school and text books were the majority of my college reading, of course.

I read over 30 books my first year out of college. Two years ago "Santa" brought a Kindle and I've become addicted. Although at the moment my nightstand is stacked with "The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama, the Bible, "True Prep," "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius," "The Art of Client Service," "The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and "Wine and War," I recently have spent the last half hour of my evenings lying in bed reading "The Social Climber's Handbook" - not quite a trashy love novel but a theme I love losing myself in - rich NYC wives. This weaves the story of wealthy women whose husbands are running the prop desk during the market mayhem in 2008. I've cut out an excerpt - so fun how Kindle let's you steal little snacks to remember, since you cannot dog-ear a page or highlight, underline and annotate the pages:


How telling is that? I can certainly relate.

Friends, if you'd ever like to do a mini book club style session, let me know! I'd be all over it. I'm no Oprah (bless, today was her last show!) but reading and talking are among my favorite things, as you likely know. I'd love to share them with you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

René of the Day // 5.24.11 // Bye Bye, Beluga

Oh how I will miss this restaurant/club/martini mecca/sushi shrine. Say what you will about the overtly trendy decor, the overpriced cocktails and the music that bumped so loud it would likely spill that pricey punchy drink. But, Toon is an impeccably creative chef and all pretentiousness aside, Beluga always offered an evening unmatched in Cincinnati.

I will forever be grateful to Cindy, who for two years ensured that I was always fed and my financial and academic obligations were always met. She taught me to work smarter and harder (she reminded me tonight how high octane I was -am- and how much I learned and grew) and great tidbits about countless things, and honestly, my time there definitely influenced my passion for food. Hostessing in college at this oft-acclaimed and equally criticized restaurant was perhaps one of the most demanding but fun jobs I have ever had. The parties were absolutely fabulous and it was a wonderful place for networking and learning the value and importance of gracious customer service.

I am happy to see Charlie return to the space and to still have the opportunity to walk around the corner for delicious sushi (half price at that)! Although he created some of the original and amazing maki on Beluga's sushi list, you honestly cannot beat Beluga's fresh sushi. I will miss treating myself but will also enjoy indulging in the new Dancing Wasabi 2 space where it may just be a little softer on the pocket.

Best of luck to Cindy, Mike & Toon and their next adventures. Thank you for everything!

Enjoying sushi with the British bestie, Summer 2006

Monday, May 23, 2011

René of the Day // 5.23.11 // Bathroom Makeover

It's hard to believe I've lived in "The Studio" for almost 5 years (in August)! It's well-known that I truly adore this space, even if it's small and lacks closet space... The beautiful hardwood floors, the charming built-in desk and the location a block away from Hyde Park Square is unbeatable. I plan to live here until I either buy and move into a house or move out of Cincinnati - neither of which will be happening for at least a year. Thus, it needs a little bit of a facelift. I still love the tan Ralph Lauren walls in the main living space. So I've decided to revamp the restroom.

I painted the walls a deep red about three years ago to match the fashion-inspired LIFE magazine cover shower curtain - I needed a creative outlet and a friend had leftover paint. But I'm short and was impatient so there are strips of white wall left above the shower - it looks janky. And although it was all quite cute at some point, I've grown of out the French fashion artwork and dark walls. It needs to be lightened up!

MR said he'd be happy to help so I've started pulling ideas together. I'm liking the idea of light gray walls - this may not have to be painted over when I move so it's deposit-return safe, which the red is not! I've found a few light, airy shower curtains and would like two simple pieces of work for the walls, above the toilet and across the wall from it above the towel rack.

I put together this "mood board" with some of the paint colors (left blocks), shower curtains (right blocks) and art (bottom blocks) that have caught my eye as I've been browsing. Feel free to leave a comment and note your favorites! I'm going to ponder them for a few weeks then hopefully make it happen... MR, get your paint brush ready buddy ;)



Sunday, May 22, 2011

René of the Day // 5.22 // Birthday Cake!

I have been away for 2 days celebrating my birth with wonderful friends and family! I'll post more on the festivities later - it deserves it's own - but looking forward to the big celebration, my birthday party with the family over Memorial Day weekend... 


HELP! I'm not much of a cake eater (watch it!) but a group birthday dessert is necessary for the fun family par-tay. I've scoured Martha Stewart's delectable list of her favorite cake recipes and have decided upon 3 potential pasteries. I share my party with my Uncle Jay who is the ultimate chocoaholic so we must keep him in mind! (Click the cakes for full recipes.)


Carrot Ginger Layer Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting














Ruffle Tower Cake















White Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake














Obviously, they all look beautiful! But... the key point is, which would taste the best? Leave a comment with your vote. I'll post a photo after the party Memorial Day weekend so you can see the gorgeous final product which will be made by mom or possibly my Aunt Cathy, who are both fabulous bakers!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

René of the Day // 5.18.11 // Featured Friend: Kristin


Today I'd like to send love to one of my dearest friends, Kristin. We just spent the evening together shopping for outfits for the weekend - I hate shopping but Kris has fabulous taste and is the best personal shopper. I can't wait to wear everything she picked out for me... 
We met in high school; she actually graduated 2 years before me, with my sister. At the time, everyone thought *we* were sisters. Petite, long blond curly hair, big smiles... the little girls at cheer camp swore we were twins. She drove me to school every day and we'd sing Jewel & J. Lo at the top of our lungs :) I always adored her and loved visiting her at OSU when she went off to college. I was thrilled when she moved back to Cincinnati from Florida 2 years ago and even more so when she was an hour late after her birthday dinner because the handsome love of her life, René (that is Mr. René - naturally I am referred to as Ms. René) proposed!!! 
Now I'm counting down the days until I wear my pretty purple dress and stand at her side as they exchange vows in October. It's really special to have a friend with whom I've grown up and shared so many experiences with. Even her family members have become my good friends. She always makes me laugh (see photo), is a fantastic listener, has great taste in wine and has a heart that is plump with love. And that is why she is my first "Featured Friend" post!

René of the Day // 5.17.11 // Burgess Falls

I’ve contemplated doing this for months… a quick daily post to share a thought, link, photo, recipe or any part of my day or life that feels fun, unique or worthy of sharing. Last night I had dinner with three friends I’ve known since grade school and I mentioned the idea for my “René of the Day” posts and they encouraged me to go for it - thanks gals! I’ll do my best to post a tidbit every day. And so it begins…

My first “RoD” is a photo of Burgess Falls in middle Tennessee. I hiked there this weekend with my boyfriend Matt (to be referred to from here out as MR, his initials) . It was a fairly challenging hike on a cool, misty Sunday morning. 

I’m sharing this because, besides showcasing it’s natural beauty, Matt and I were intrigued by the the anti-climactic end to the falls. You hike for 3 miles past a strong, rushing river and three large falls (the largest, last pictured here), swollen from the recent rain and floods, but the pool at the bottom just billows and swirls and ends… it didn’t continue into the river beyond. 

This made me mindful of something I despise but seems to happen often: hurrying up to wait. I always have to be early, I rush to make something happen or look forward to something and then when it’s time, expectations aren’t met or appreciation is lost in impatience. It’s a one-off thought, but it reminded me to appreciate the moment - the fall - and not worry about where the water is running to next.

NOTE: I have switched from Tumblr back to Blogger. Although Tumblr has dynamite themes, it doesn't easily allow for sharing or comments and it was being a punk about loading photos. Blogger performs these tricks without trouble. We're back!