Monday Again

Happy Monday dear Spiral Style followers.  I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I don't know if I'm quite ready for Monday but I don't seem to have a choice.

                                               Source: camillestyles.com via Deborah on Pinterest

A little something to think about as we start our week.

The east coast was slammed with winter storms and many of us are still struggling to keep warm.  

 

Quilts and quilted clothing are essential for warmth.  As a style statement, the quilted look is not limited to the classic Chanel bag and Barbour jackets.

Quilted by spiralstyle 

designsbybette's Ideas / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Hampton Forge Flatware in Quilted Design - Design Trends 2013 - ELLE... / Trend Alert Quilted Pieces

The quilted look is finding its way into home decor.

And for those living where there is no need for quilting to keep warm, the motif can be found in sandals.

Buckwheat Pancakes

All I could think about during my workout yesterday morning was buckwheat pancakes.

I don't indulge in pancakes very often but occasionally I crave the warm, fluffy griddle cakes. Buckwheat is my favorite flavor because of the nutty, earthy taste.  Buckwheat is not a wheat or grain at all but it is actually an herb.  Buckwheat does not contain gluten so it is perfect for celiacs and those trying to avoid gluten in their diet.   

So when I got home I heated up the griddle with a bit of butter sizzling and awaiting the batter.

In no time at all I had several cakes baking.

Fantastic!  Nothing better...

...except maybe the addition of maple syrup and bacon.

Here is my recipe.

1 cup of buckwheat "flour"

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 egg, beaten

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or honey

2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil (optional)

In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients together and then add the liquid ingredient and mix just until combined.  Drop batter onto hot griddle or frying pan coated with oil or butter.  Cook until small bubbles form on the top of the cakes and then flip and cook until done, 1-2 minutes more.  

Have a lovely weekend.

Winter Wanderlust

February may be the shortest month of the year but when the weather is cold and gray it can seem like the longest month.  I was looking through vacation photos and dreaming of taking a trip.

Place de la Concorde, Paris

Ayers Rock, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Elbow Cay, Bahamas

Big Sky, Montana

Puget Sound, Seattle

Lisbon, Portugal

Source: roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Blush and Charcoal

Lately I'm drawn to the look of blush contrasted with charcoal.  

Blush and Charcoal by spiralstyle

J.Crew wedge heels / Handbag / J.Crew j crew / Givenchy perfume, $59 / Deborah Lippmann nail polish / Mikimoto / clear-frame4 / Ippolita | Rings

Soft and feminine, n'est-ce pas?

Swipe It

Are you looking for a gift that your tech savvy sweetie will love for Valentine's Day?  

This may be just the thing.

Swipe Tie $39.95

A tie, you say?  Well this is MORE than a tie.

The inside of the tie is made of a specialized microfiber cloth for swiping clean the screen of phones, ipods, ipads and other tablet devices.  

Ah, but sweetie doesn't wear a tie?  

Swipe Tee $24.95

No worries, I'll bet he wears tee shirts.

The swipe microfiber patch can be placed on either sleeve or the front inner lining of the shirt near the waist.

We all love our tech gadgets but isn't a filthy, greasy screen annoying?  That microfiber cloth is never handy when you want it.  These smart and functional garments may be a fun solution to an irritating problem.

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!  I saw this image on Pinterest and had to share.  I love the warm, gray color of the mug and the matte nail polish.

Source: this-is-glamorous.tumblr.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Speaking of color, this is the time of year I get the itch to do some interior style change and paint a room.  I'm starting out small and thinking the powder room could use a change.

I'm tired of the pistachio green.

It certainly doesn't work with my otherwise turquoise and terracotta color scheme.

Source: elledecor.com via Deborah on Pinterest

So I'm looking for other color ideas.

Source: houzz.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Sunny yellow?

Source: lonnymag.com via Deborah on Pinterest

Do I go bold?

Source: tumblr.com via Deborah on Pinterest

A little more red?

I think it will be Benjamin Moore Suntan Yellow.  

This is one of my favorite colors.  It is yellow with some orange and is evokes a sunny day in Tuscany.  It will work well with  my turquoise and terracotta hues.  

Well thanks for letting me run this by you.  Let me know what you all think about my choice.  What color is your powder room? 

Happy Monday everyone

February Already!

Wow, February 1 already and tomorrow is Ground Hog Day.  I for one, hope that the ground hog does not see his shadow and spring comes early.  It's really freezing here in Michigan and the wind has been howling. 

          I'm starting the weekend with a little indulgence, a one hour pedicure.  

                                            Source: closetcooking.com via Deborah on Pinterest

I'm thinking of trying this Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower appetizer for noshing during the Super Bowl.  A lot fewer calories than Buffalo Wings and Bleu Cheese dressing.

I just started reading the book, Dark Places.  Gillian Flynn is the author of Gone Girl, the huge hit of the summer.  Dark Places reminds me of In Cold Blood with the story told by a family member, and more contemporary.  I really like this book so far.  Give it a try.    

Happy Weekend

Relax and Enjoy