London Calling

I'm off to London!

I was graciously invited to London by...someone and I'm leaving TODAY! It's going to be a fantastic trip. We're going with a few friends from NYC and we'll be staying about a week. Well...some of us will. Ryan (okay I said his name) will be there for the week for work then off to Zurich the following week. I was invited, but I get to go to a wedding in Memphis, TN. I win.

I think I'll be able to post from there...right? IDK. If so, get ready for tomorow's fashion post. If not...see you when I get back!

What's in the Box? (Walkovers)

"What's in the Box" is the newest category for TMN. Just like Jeri's corner, every so often, I am going to feature something brought to my attention by my uber-fashionable buddy, Patrick Box. Patrick is know for his exorbitant shoe collection, so I thought it would be appropriate to start there. Shoes.

As soon as he got these in and he sent me a picture, I instantly fell in love. Walkover is a super chic brand that produces some kick ass kicks and I want ALL of them. Unfortunately. I'm neither rich nor anywhere close sooo....I'll have to do like Patrick did and wait for some deals on Gilt. Totally worth the patience. These shoes are GREAT!

Friday Finds: Happy Fatz Hotdogs

In the Houston area? Hungry? Hotdogs it is. How delicious do these look? I mean...

I'm trying to post more relevant info for my out of town readers, and I think Houston is a great place to start. My friend, Michael, is a newbie to the area, and I'm so jealous because he gets to try out all of these great new eateries. He and our friend Matt recently went here, and when he sent me the pictures, my mouth instantly started watering. Yum!

Happy Fatz Specialty Dogs

All dogs are ¼ pound Hebrew National Kosher Beef
                 Served with your choice of kettle chips, slaw, or fresh fruit

Happy Fatz Dog- $7
            Tomato, onion, bacon, cheddar, dill pickle, yellow mustard & Happy Fatz Seasoning 

Texas Chili – $8
            Homemade Shiner Bock chili, onions, cheddar, fritos
Baron Van-Ratchet- $7
            Happy Fatz sauerkraut, spicy mustard, crunchy pretzel topping on soft pretzel bun
Al Capone (Chicago style)- $7
            Fresh onion, tomato, dill pickle, relish, sport pepper, yellow mustard, celery salt
Philly Dog- $7
            Grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms and melted provolone
Slaw Dog Millionaire- $7
            Coleslaw, bacon, red cabbage, celery salt
The Clucker- $8
            Hash browns, bacon, grilled onion, fried egg cooked over easy, secret clucker sauce
St. Louis- $8
            Happy Fatz special baked beans, bacon, grilled onions, basil garlic mayo
Perro De Mexico- $8
            Happy Fatz special charro beans, sour cream, fresh avocado, fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, queso fresco, salsa verde, rolled in a tortilla
Lotus Blossom - $7
            Fresh spinach, red cabbage, Happy Fatz white cheddar pimento cheese on a jalapeno bun
Ricky Ricardo- $8
            Panini style hot dog with ham, provolone, dill pickle, honey Dijon mustard
The Godfather- $8
            Panini style hot dog with roasted red pepper, purple onion, pepperoni, provolone, olive tampenade

Paper Lanterns

We've all seen them growing up. You remember - in your "girlfriend's" room in the corner hanging from the ceiling. The walls are probably a lime green with hot pink accessories here and there with one big white paper lantern. No? Well, here's a fun way to use the same concept, but with an updated and mature twist. There are so many options that it all depends on the concept you're going for. For example:

Outside Wedding Reception:
- all white
- strung romantically from trees (preferably oak)
- different lengths and sizes

Clothing Store (with a modern feel)
- all white
- same size, hung at the same height, and all the same width apart
- keep it contemporary, clean, and crisp
- ex: very clean line of lanterns to anchor a table display of jeans

Graduation Party
- depending on the formality, you could use different sizes and hang from different heights, etc
- use school colors!

Fiesta!
- multicolored
- different, vibrant colors, heights, sizes, etc

There are some similar examples here!
(Thank you, Michael, for the pictures!)

Quiona and Edamame Salad

Avocado
Edamame
Artichoke hearts
Sliced blk olives
Crumbled feta
Spicy eggplant
Quinoa

How does that sound for a super healthy summer time snack? I got this recipe from my friend, Lissa after I tried it at her house. Love at first bite. This would be perfect served with a grilled chicken breast and a glass of Chardonnay, don't you think?

Breaky

I've been staying at my friend, Michael's for the past couple of weeks in his 600 sqft apartment at Southgate....and have pretty much been having the BEST time ever! Obviously, we've been sharing a lot of meals together, and this is something that he recently introduced me to. It's just a toasted wheat bagel, with a hard fried egg. BUT, instead of adding butter. we'll add either avocado or jam as a "dressing". OMG, it's amazing! (Especially with the jam, believe it or not) Try it out!

TOMS Shades

I've always been a Ray-Ban guy. I love their Aviators, Wayfarers (original and new), and Clubmasters because they're great looking, but most of all...classic. Looking back on pictures, it's so funny to see friends in big, diva Dolce & Gabbana or Gucci glasses that look completely ridiculous now....and probably then, too. Not the point of the post, though.

Patrick, one of my close friends/former land lord (long story) bought these TOMS glasses, and I have heard him get so many compliments on them. They're similar in style to Ray-Ban's New Wayfarers, but have that awesome detailing on the tips of the arms that Ray-Bans don't. I love the orange and tortoise shell, but they come in several colors. I know Patrick got his from Nordstroms, but I believe you can either order them from the TOMS website or locally from Noelie Harmon. Check them out!