A Change in the Rotation

I have a rotation of three work lunches: egg salad, chicken salad and arugula salad. So it was a welcomed change today when coworker Daniela offered me some of her Tuna and White Bean Salad to go on top of my arugula. I happen to love canned tuna, but I think you'd like this recipe even if you don't like canned tuna because the lemon/capers neutralize the fishy taste. It's just delicious!

2 6 oz. cans tuna, drained

1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 12 oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

2 tbsp. capers

3 tbsp. lemon juice (Daniela suggested more)

1 tbsp. EVOO

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

In large bowl, combine tuna, beans, red peppers, capers. In separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, salt, and black pepper.

Pour the vinaigrette over the tuna mixture and toss. Chill.

Recipe and image via A Big Mouthful

On another note

I was having a little bit of a moral hangover for being so hard on Houston in my last post. Soooo, in an effort to make up for it, I am posting some photos of this sunny, rustic and inspirational home in Nimes, France. It's just perfect.

Images via Light Locations

Houston, We Have a Problem (that was too easy)

I've ranted about this before, but Houston has the ugliest homes I've ever seen. For proof, I've attached some homes that are for sale in Houston. And these are in "nice" neighborhoods!! Anyway, what sparked this post is that I just read that the "McMansion Era is Over" (go here to read the full article), but I am just concerned that Houstonians actually just like the look.

Images via HAR

Weekend shopping

After one particularly heinous car repair bill, I put myself on probation from buying. This lasted for about 2 weeks, and now I am ready to start spending. But I am approaching this new buying with a thrifty (-ish) attitude (see choices below). Because let me tell you, if you spend your whole paycheck on clothes and food, you will be punished by a $2000 car bill, and you will have to sell your soul for a new Motor Mount.

Leopard Blanket Scarf

Grey Booties

Airy Shirt (sidenote: I already have this, and I am ordering it in two new colors. Best purchase of the summer. Its so cute with out the belt under cardigans, etc. I recommend.)

Clog-like Shoes

Mexican Border Necklace

Maybe If My Shirt Says It, I'll Start to Believe It

Fool's Farewell (to summer)

Dream apartment

To be completely happy with my living space, all I would need would be this 850 sq foot apartment (I know that probably sounds TINY to a non NY'er, but it's actually quite big for a 1 bedroom). Maybe it's attainable...one day?

Pictures via Apartment Therapy...click here for the full slideshow

Ed Note: My dream apt has no windows in the living room (that I can see); it really is realistic!

la valise! la valise!

Lately I've been really wanting a great overnight bag (une valise!), and it's been quite a search to find one that I like. It seems the vast majority of bags out there are overpriced and tacky...or wonderful and expensive. No thanks Tory, I don't need a $500 nylon gym bag. I don't understand why more companies do not make a practical, reasonably priced LEATHER tote.

The J Crew Leather Suitcase - if this bag wasn't so beyond my price point I think I would really like it ($$$$$)

The J Crew Trunk - so impractical, but I have to admit...I love. ($$$$$)

The LV Travel Bag...chic or tacky? Can go both ways if you ask me, depending on who is carrying it (and if there's a dog/rat inside).

Mulberry Large Clipper - my favorite duffel for sure, still a bit out of my price range

Brics Travel Bag - My compromise to the Mulberry, looks similar and at a much better price point

All pictures courtesy respective websites

Elbow Patches

I love them - for boys and girls. Thus, I think this DVF jacket is awesome and a really great piece for any closet.

On a less practical note...I think this jacket is pretty awesome too. (Try and imagine it without the army green shorts...could be versatile, maybe?)

In summary, I'm liking the DVF collection a lot. Thanks.

All images courtesy Saks

Oh I hope I win

If you sign up to "follow" South of Market's blog, you are entered to win this awesome light fixture. It matches my white living room just perfectly. Please please PLEASE let me win! (The blog is actually fabulous, so it's totally worth it).

Rural Intelligence

Lovely renovated home in Columbia County, NY that I saw in Rural Intelligence. "A shed across the back now houses the kitchen, where on the weekends they play with the fabulous, fresh ingredients they pick up at Guido's and nearby Sir William Farm. In winter, when they are there, the entire structure is heated with a Vermont Castings stove that Edmund keeps fed with firewood culled from their own property." That's my kind of second home.

Images via Rural Intelligence

Pending trip

My sister just sent me these photos of Austin to get me prepared for my vacation tomorrow - wooohoooo! Can you believe this is Austin, Texas and not Italy or Santa Barbara or the Mediterranean?

I work with French antiques all day. I came from a background where I worked with mid-century modern all day. This house by Betty Burgess appeals to both sides of my taste. This is actually Derek Lowe's house (Atlanta Brave), so it's nice to know that they aren't all living OTP. It also is the same house that featured those wonderful blue glass bottles. And craziest of all, this was a spec house! Go here for the full article.

Images via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Photography by Erica George Dines