The Magic Base... For every (Persian) stew

The idea of cooking used to be very daunting for me.  The idea of cooking Persian meals was even worse until my mom taught me how to make the Magic Base, which is used in almost every Persian stew.  Now I make Persian stews with ease and even add my own twists to them.  

Eggplant and Zucchini Stew ... YUM!

Beef and Green Bean Stew (recipe coming soon)

Since the Magic Base has helped me so much, I'll share the recipe with you and in future stew series posts, I will refer to it as the Magic Base instead of going over its details again.  Enjoy the recipe and stay tuned for my stew series.  [warning:  your kitchen will smell amazing by the time you're finished with this base!]

Good luck!

The "[M]BD"

We've all heard that every girl needs the perfect LBD in their closet.  As a Persian girl, large sections of my closet are taken up by black clothes.  So, I have more than a few LBDs and they really are perfect.  I have had them for a while and they're simple enough that I can wear them year round and for various occasions.  If you're over 25 years old or if you're reaching your mid 20's, you also need the perfect MBD, Medium Black Dress.  The MBD is a more appropriate choice for those times when our professional life and social life co-mingle.  I found my perfect MBD not too long ago at Cache.  It's simple but the gold accents give the dress character.  It's also very flattering.  Look for other perfect LBDs at stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and Loft.

It Smells Like Derby

One of the only things Kentucky is known for internationally is the Kentucky Derby (besides KFC, or Kentucky pollo as the Spaniards call it).  The fact that there is still snow on the ground makes it hard for me prepare for or even think about the Derby.  There is just so much to the Derby experience.  One of my friends has continued to invite me to Derby with his family.  They spend their Derby at the Jockey Suites, which is where you would touch elbows with local politicians, athletes, or maybe even a celebrity.  There are tasty cocktails, great conversations, and the chance to win (or lose) some cash.  I usually make bids based on my favorite horse names because frankly, I know nothing about all the stats in booklets.  I carry around the booklets with me like I know what I'm doing but the reason I'm really there is to people watch.  Let me rephrase:  The reason I'm really there is to outfit watch.  I love love love seeing all ladies in their pretty dresses, shoes, and hats.  Picking out a Derby outfit is serious business.  Most ladies here pick their hat first.  Last year, in honor of my alma mater, Louisville winning the basketball national championship, I wore black and red.  As the countdown to the Derby continues, I'll make a few other posts about Derby culture, Derby fashion, and Derby on a budget.  For now, I'll share a picture what I wore the past couple of years.  If you're not a local, I hope you'll consider joining us for the Derby this year!

Summer, We Miss You!

I absolutely love fall.  I love the crisp fall air, the falling leaves, the fashion (plaid of course), harvest events, fall festivals, the St. James Art Fair (a local favorite), Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (thank you Starbucks), crock pot dishes, and so on.  It's only on those very cold days (like today) and days when I'm stuck inside studying for finals (like today and the next 17 days) that I really miss our warmest season of the year.  Here is a list of things I miss about Summer:

1) Picnics (or rooftop picnics)

2) My not-so-pale and not-so-pale skin

3) Pool-side hangouts

4) White Parties

5) Colorful Summer Dresses & Sandals

6) Reading Time!!!!

7) Movie time ;)

8) Lunch dates, Dinner dates, ICE CREAM/FROYO dates, oh and brunch dates (with @pujasangoi)

9) Fourth of July and all the good things that come with

10) Me time:  this involves cooking, cleaning, organizing, professional development, spending time with loved ones, writing letters, and crafting :)  Stay tuned for DYIs for how to keep and repurpose memorabilia that you want to hold on to.

Outdoor Living: Outdoor Studying

[St. James Court:  The Pink Palace]

[studying property around some beautiful properties]

It's that time of the year again.  The beautiful signs of Autumn are also a reminder that it's time start studying.  Law school finals are less than four short weeks away.  That explains my return to this blog. I'm stressed and I need an outlet.  I'm not happy about my long hiatus from the blog.  The only good thing is that I have a lot to share.  When the weather was a little warmer, I spent a lot of time on my roof.  I studied, napped and ate meals there.  I also consumed copious amounts of tea there.  I would also walk around my neighborhood, which is filled with beautiful victorian houses.  I don't have a dog to take with me, so at times I would take my study material with me.  Here is a picture from last year (the miserable 1L year).  Sadly, the cold weather wont allow for much outdoor studying but I plan on spending my brief breaks outdoor.  The cool weather is a great way to reenergize and come back to another long marathon of studying.  If you're in school and studying, best of luck to you.  I know it's cold but do spend some time outside.