Pickled Apricots

The downside of buying a huge bag of apricots from Costco? Having 3 lbs. of dried apricots sitting in your pantry. The upside of having such a large bag? You have more than enough to make this sweet-tart condiment. They suggest serving with Pork Rillettes and whisky based cocktails, such as an old-fashioned. Cooking Lessons From Bar Chefs has some mouth-watering ideas from chefs short on space.

For the record, here is where the practical side of me steps in. The condiment – easy recipe, low-fat, therefore an easy choice. The rillettes, and the thought of using a quart of rendered pork fat, gives me reason enough to skip that recipe. But I wonder if I could use olive oil (we did for tuna confit), or just slow-cook the meat until really tender and not worry about it being pate-like. Or, wait and make this for a party, and then don’t feel so guilty about the wanton decadence. I made Gale Gand’s breakfast strata the other day for a party using full-fat ingredients and it was wonderful! And I only felt a tiny bit guilty.

• ACTIVE: 15 MIN
• TOTAL TIME: 40 MIN Plus overnight pickling
• SERVINGS: Makes about 3 cups

• Make-Ahead

Ingredients

1. 3/4 cup white wine vinegar
2. 3/4 cup water
3. 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar
4. 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
5. 2 cups dried apricots (1 pound)
6. 1/4 cup dark raisins
7. 1 bay leaf

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar and mustard seeds and bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar. In a heatproof bowl or jar, cover the apricots, raisins and bay leaf with the hot brine. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 1 month. Just before serving, coarsely chop the apricots.

Recipe by Sam Filloramo and Oliver Strand

5 Keys to an Organized Workspace

I said I would share some tips from The Container Store about how to keep your workspace organized. I am currently trying to put these tips to use in all areas of my house!

The average person wastes anywhere from 55 to 90 minutes a day (according to my research) searching for things. Getting organized can help you accomplish more in a single day! 

Compartmentalize.

Since a significant amount of time is spent sitting behind a desk or in front of a computer, design your work area so that there's a place for everything and that the telephone, note pads, pens, pencils and appointment book are at your fingertips. Place additional resources – but only those that are essential – within easy reach. This will minimize movement and allow you to be more productive.

I love this Stacking Desktop System, available in frosted or smoke, and in 3 different widths for any size desk.

De-clutterize.

To prevent unnecessary clutter – and wasted time – limit the amount of items on your desk. Enter deadlines and notes directly into your PDA device, calendar or Filofax. This will prevent little scraps of paper from piling up on your desk.

Have a centralized location for calendars and message boards. Keep one erasable calendar for the current month, and one for the next month. Use colored pens for each family member. Once a day, update your calendar from your PDA or Filofax.  

Categorize.

Categorize files into two categories: active and inactive. Keep active files accessible (on your desk, in a rolling file cart or in a filing cabinet) and store inactive files in a labeled storage box. This will reduce time spent rummaging through a huge stack of files that may not be current.

The Brocade Desktop File is an example of how to keep active files within reach on your desktop.

Utilize.

Don't forget to utilize the often-wasted space available behind the door or on the wall over your desk. Using products such as wall-mounted grids or over-the-door hanging storage racks to hold desk accessories, magazines, CDs or videotapes will truly optimize limited workspace.

 Translucent Cascading Letter File Tote

 elfa Sycamore Office Solution

Minimize.

Reading a document over and over can waste valuable time. Minimize the number of times a document is read by immediately filing, discarding or placing the items in a "to do" file. The amount of paperwork on your desk will be greatly reduced by making this a part of your daily routine.

Have one can for trash and one for recycling. Shredding scissors make quick work of small items. Synchronicity Can by Umbra.

Friday Finds: 13 DIY Projects

The outpouring of creativity on the web this week has been astonishing! It almost (just almost) inspires me to try it myself!!

I was thinking about doing a stencil behind my new closet, as I really meant to paint the wall BEFORE installation. The Benjamin Moore Portico Wall Tattoo was my first choice (shown above). Thinking about a fresh green pattern (BM Cedar Green) on a white wall. However, then this week was full of wall art projects! Now I have at least three to choose from, not sure if that is good or bad.

From Hello Gorgeous, we have an Imperial Trellis Stencil How-to.

Design*Sponge featured a DIY project from Doggie Eyes using spray starch to mount images copied onto colored paper. The great thing about this idea, is that it is easy to remove when you want to change it. I could see this technique used in a children’s bedroom.

In addition, I did a post last month on “How-to Renovate Craigslist Finds” from Sunset Magazine, featuring 5 projects. Their style editor asked if I had seen the follow-up, "I Found it in My Garage?”. Thanks for the heads up Miranda, about 5 new projects! Here is a sampling.

Outdated clothing as throw pillows!

 Bedside tables become a hall console.

Here is hoping you all have a great weekend. The sun in shining in Texas; I am thrilled that the gray, gloomy weather has disappeared!

Chinese Chic

Most days, when I rip out tear sheets, it is because there is one thing on a page that I want to remember or refer to (this does not include images of rooms, those I keep for inspiration).

However, in this Food & Wine spread from December - Chinese Chic, I found myself wanting everything featured (especially the pagoda salt & pepper set)! This issue had some unique gift spreads, each with a great assortment of items, plus a recipe.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. To see a slideshow, with links for each item, visit here. 

Photo credits: Burcu Avsar, Amazon, Anouk Jansen, Home, James! East Hampton, Fissler

Designing Moms

I have been a little obsessed lately with designers who have big families. I am especially intrigued by the notion that having 5 or more children does not mean that you have to settle for a less stylish home. To me, a very large family means a different sense of style, a more relaxed type of style, as evidenced by the style of these three talented moms.

Cortney Novogratz, Sixx Design. The press loves the founders of Sixx Design, and their seven children (shown above). Cortney and Bob Novogratz are self-taught developers who take on rundown buildings and transform them into amazing spaces. They have a clean, modern sense of style showcased in their first book, Downtown Chic: Designing Your Dream Home: From Wreck to Ravishing and a TV show on Bravo this April, 9 By Design.

Anya Hindmarch. Purse designer and mom of five, Vanity Fair describes her as The Queen of Cozy Cool. Of course, we first met her on the pages of Domino (pictured below).

  Hindmarch’s London living room

Anna Marie Horner. Textile designer, book author (Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing) and mother of six, Anna Marie Horner is colorful and creative. She chronicles her life on her blog (not sure how she has time), and shares glimpses into her life, her work and occasionally, her home.

Drawing Room fabrics

One necessity for a big family is sharing bedrooms.

If you know of any stylish big families, let me know. I am keeping my eyes out for inspiration and ideas.

Photo credits: James Merrell, Sixx Design, Anna Marie Horner