Nili Stevens Blog

Earth Day 2013.10 Easy Things You Can Do To Make A Difference Everyday

Sunday, April 21, 2013 Posted in Everyday Fabulous

“EARTH DAY IS A DAY THAT IS INTENDED TO INSPIRE AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION FOR THE EARTH’S NATURAL ENVIORNMENT“

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Tomorrow is EARTH DAY so I thought it would be appropriate to share “TEN EASY THINGS” that you can do to make a difference everyday.

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THE RUNNING FAUCET- Do you leave the water running while you brush your teeth for 2 minutes ? That is nearly ten gallons of water going down the drain. Guess what ? You pay for that!

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EVER-READY- Never throw used batteries in the trash. They contain mercury, a hazardous substance that will leak into groundwater or be burned and released into the air. Who knew ?? Either switch to rechargeable batteries or collect used batteries and store in a clearly marked box the garage. Then once or twice a year drop off them to your local recycling facility with your other toxic items (pesticides, oven cleaners, old paint, pool chemicals etc). Click here for a center near you.

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NO FOAM- Styrofoam stays with us forever (like 500 years or more). Think about the millions of packing peanuts, egg cartons and take-out containers sitting in landfills, not biodegrading. Buy cardboard, rather than Styrofoam containers. Start with your eggs.

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CURB YOUR JUNK MAIL- This will save tons of paper, and you will not have to fish through a sea of junk mail to find your personal mail. Pull out the pre-paid stamped envelopes in your junk mail and write “PLEASE REMOVE” on the envelope and send it back to them – on their dime. It’s a winning situation for everyone! They won’t have to pay for future mailings and you don’t have to receive their junk mail. YIPPEE!!!

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CONSCIOUS LAUNDRY- Instead of saving those piles of laundry for Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Do your laundry at night when energy costs are lower.

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WATER BOTTLES-Whenever possible, reduce the amount of plastic water bottle waste in the world by carrying your own water bottle. Have them filled up and ready to go. This way it will be your first choice. When at home, use a glass.

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SHOP LOCAL - Food sold in American supermarkets has to travel an average of 1500 miles to get from the farm to your plate. Buying locally not only supports your local economy, but cuts out the massive amounts of energy used to store and transport the products across the planet.

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LESSONS LEARNED-Teach your kids about Reusing, Reducing, and Recycling. Lessons today will turn to action tomorrow! Lead by example.

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UNPLUG - When you are done using your blow dryer or other electronics unplug them. Even though they aren’t in use, electronics still use up energy if they’re plugged in.

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BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag. According to the Natural Resource Defense Council the United States is consuming 30 billion plastic bags and 10 billion paper grocery bags. That translates to about 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil. Holy Moly !!! Start by putting the bags in your car so you don’t forget. Buy stylish ones to take to the mall. They even make adorable bags that roll up and fit in your purse or backpack. You can do this!

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Sometimes just being aware can make all the difference in our world.

HAPPY EARTH DAY ! xo Nili

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Sources: The Daily Green, The Huffington Post, About.com, Natural Resource Defense Council, Environmental Media Association, & Your Guide To Green

Opening Image: Earthday Activites

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Roger’s Gardens Spring Opening

Saturday, March 23, 2013 Posted in Everyday Fabulous, Oh, the places you will go...

Yesterday was the opening day of “Spring” at Roger’s Gardens, one of Orange County’s Premiere garden shops. Naturally I beelined it over there knowing it would be the perfect way to start my day. Wait until you see….

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They have a learning arena that is set up for weekend gardening seminars and classes. They also have different food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays in case you want to grab a bite while you shop. Brilliant!

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In addition to the garden being filled with amazing flowers and plants, the various garden rooms are loaded with beautiful table top creations and interesting vessels that are all available for purchase.

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This is just a little taste of what is on display this weekend. Stop by and enjoy it all !

If you can’t make it this weekend, come when you can.

I know it will make you as happy as it made me.

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The Scoop

Roger’s Gardens

2301 San Joaquin Hills Road * Corona Del Mar CA

949.640.5800

Open Daily

9:00am-6:00pm

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Tell them Nili sent you !

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Molly Wood Spring Inspiration

Friday, March 15, 2013 Posted in Cream of the Crop, Everyday Fabulous, Oh, the places you will go...

With the first day of Spring five days away, and Easter just around the corner I felt like I need a burst of inspiration. It just so happened that one of my favorite local garden shops Molly Wood Garden Designs was having a SPRING HOLIDAY WORKSHOP. So naturally, I thought of you and decided to head over to see what was on display.

TABLES FILLED WITH PLANTS, CONTAINERS & EGGS TO GET US IN THE MOOD FOR SPRING

YOUR TABLE SHOULD BE A GATHERING OF THINGS YOU LOVE

KEEPING IT FRESH AND SIMPLE

A SINGLE BUTTERFLY MAKES A LOVELY STATEMENT * I LOVE PINK & GREEN TOGETHER

HANDEMADE PLACECARDS MADE WITH A TWIG & KRAFT PAPER * LITTLE TOUCHES OF SPRING

I LOVE SEEING TREASURES IN THE GARDEN

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Molly has a nice selection of plants, containers and vintage finds. Like many of us she is drawn to things from the past and the stories they bring with them. She has a great eye and a casual style. I always enjoy stopping by.

I never know what I will find !

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Molly Wood Garden Design

1660 Orange Ave

Costa Mesa. California

949.548.1611

Tell them Nili sent you !

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Braised Pork With Lemon Pepper Pappardelle for Oscar Night

Thursday, February 21, 2013 Posted in In My Kitchen

2013 OSCARS * SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24TH

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This Sunday is Oscar Night, my favorite TV night of the year. I literally hunker down with champagne in hand and let the night unfold. Since we have to eat, I thought Braised Pork with Lemon Pepper Pappardelle (from Trader Joe’s) would be the perfect meal. I love this dish with roasted vegetables, a salad and crusty bread. If this is too much for Oscar Night then save it for another day. Whatever you decide to do, this one’s a keeper!

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It goes something like this:

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THE CAST OF CHARACTERS

STARRING A 21/2 POUND PORK SHOULDER

SEASONED WITH SALT & PEPPER

BROWNED ON EACH SIDE

SAUTEED GARLIC, ONIONS & CELERY

DRIED OREGANO

A LITTLE CABERNET OR MERLOT

INTO A CROCK POT * MY VINTAGE RIVAL CROCK POT * IT STILL WORKS !

EVERYTHING ON TOP OF THE MEAT

COOKED 8 HOURS ON LOW

UNTIL FORK TENDER

PASTA SUPPLIES

WITH FRESH PARSLEY & LEMON ZEST

EVERYTHING ON TOP

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Here’s what you will need :

2-1/2 pound boneless pork shoulder * trimmed

1 large onion diced

4 cloves of garlic minced

2 stalks of celery diced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup wine Cabernet or Merlot

1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes

sea salt & fresh ground pepper

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 package of Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper Pappardelle Pasta

zest of one lemon

chopped fresh parsley to taste

fresh parsley sprigs to garnish

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Put it together:

The Meat

Season roast on all sides with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high, add pork and brown on all sides. Place into a crock pot or slow cooker.

Reduce heat and add onions, garlic and celery. Cook until softened. About 3 minutes.

Add dried oregano and wine. Scrape up the brown bits. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

Pour on top of the meat along with crushed tomatoes.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until meat is fork tender.

Once meat is ready, use your fork and shred into medium pieces. Allow meat to sit in the sauce and soak up the flavors. Discard any pieces of fat.

This can be made in advance.

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The Pasta

Cook pasta according to the directions. Toss with a little olive oil, fresh lemon zest and parsley. Add sauce and chunks of braised pork. Garnish with a fresh parsley.

Serves 4

Note: This dish can be made the day before and would be a fantastic meal for a group (just double the recipe). It would be delicious on creamy polenta, mashed potatoes or on a bed of greens. I personally loved the lemon finish of the pasta with these flavors. But feel free to get creative. Soak it all up with some crusty bread and you will be soooo happy.

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Enjoy the festivites this Sunday. I will be thinking of you. xo Nili

Go here to print out your Oscar ballot.

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Inspired by “Everyday Food” a Martha Stewart publication.

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St Helena Olive Oil Company

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 Posted in Everyday Fabulous, In My Kitchen, Oh, the places you will go...

ST HELENA OLIVE OIL COMPANY

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I first visited St. Helena Olive Oil Company in Napa Valley this past November. I absolutely loved the the shop, the products and the simple stylish packaging. Unfortunately the first time I didn’t really have time to spend tasting and studying. So last week when I was in Napa again (I will fill you in on that later) I made a second visit and really checked it all out.

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TASTE & ENJOY

THE PASTA SAUCES CAUGHT MY EYE * ESPECIALLY THE BUTTERNUT SQUASH BLEND

SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL BOTTLES * THEY SHIP TOO!

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After much contemplation I settled on a bottle of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar. The taste was surprising and bottle was soooo pretty! While I was making my purchase the shop keeper mentioned a simple little recipe that involved my new purchase and a basket of strawberries. I could not wait to get home and try it out.

I jacked up the recipe a bit because I love you.

It goes something like this.

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HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED

CLEAN AND QUARTER

A GOOD QUALITY BALSAMIC VINEGAR

A LITTLE BALSAMIC * A LITTLE AGAVE OR HONEY

A LITTLE SEA SALT * I LIKE THIS ONE

FRESH GROUND PEPPER

WHISK IT UP

POUR ONTO THE BERRIES & LET THEM MINGLE

STORE BOUGHT POUND CAKE

INTO A HOT PAN WITH A LITTLE BUTTER

FLIP IT WHEN IT’S GOLDEN

BRING ON THE ICE CREAM

BERRIES & SAUCE ON TOP * I AM STARTING TO SWEAT !

WHEN YOU TASTE THIS YOU MIGHT CRY

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Here’s what you need:

1 basket of strawberries cleaned and quartered

2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar * Trader Joe’s makes a nice barreled aged one

1 tablespoon of Agave nectar or honey

1 pinch of sea salt

1 pinch of freshly ground pepper

store bought or homemade pound cake

1 pint vanilla ice cream

fresh basil or mint to garnish

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Put it together:

Wash and quarter your strawberries. Place in a bowl.

In a separate bowl add balsamic, honey, salt & pepper. Whisk it together.

Pour the sauce on top of the berries five to ten minutes before serving. While it’s resting start browning your cake.

Heat pan and add a little butter ( just enough to coat the pan). Add your pound cake slices.

Flip when they are golden brown.

Layer pound cake, ice cream and finish with berries on sauce on top.

Garnish with fresh mint or slivered basil

Serves 4

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I think this one is a winner.

XOXO Nili

PS: If you enjoy the blog please share the site with your friends and as always I love hearing from you.

150 Love Notes by Sugarboo Designs

Saturday, February 9, 2013 Posted in Cream of the Crop, Everyday Fabulous

A LITTLE BOOK WITH A WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

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I first laid eyes on 150 Love Notes by Sugarboo Designs this past December at our annual Favorite Things Dinner (with my high school girlfriends). This was my friend Christine’s favorite thing and after one peek inside it has become mine too! Each page is more charming than the last. They are words of encouragement, love and positive thoughts for all walks of life. The pages are perforated so you can tear them out easily and share your message. They are perfect in your child’s lunch box, on a present, on the frig for inspiration or even on the windshield of your sweetie’s car. The possibilities are endless!

Here is a peek at what you can expect.

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THIS ONE STOLE MY HEART

THERE IS A LITTLE NOTE FOR EVERY SENTIMENT

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Sugarboo Designs is the brainchild of artist Rebecca Puig. She and her husband Rick formed the company in 2002. She has an extensive collection of products from art prints and antique signs to engraved love letters. The love notes are part of the paper collection. The price will vary depending on where you buy it. I just bought a slew of these for $20 at Paper Source to use as a party favor for an event. It happens to be a charming gift for Valentine’s Day but heck, I think it’s perfect for any day.

XOX NILI

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This Week At Trader Joe’s * Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Salted Caramel Truffles

Thursday, January 24, 2013 Posted in Everyday Fabulous

This week at Trader Joe’s I stumbled across these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Salted Caramel Truffles. I really did not want to drop these into my cart, but I knew you were counting on me. So, in the name of Nili Stevens Inspired Living, I made the sacrifice. All I can say is, MEMORIZE THE PACKAGE and pray that they don’t run out !

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TAKE A GOOD LOOK

15 INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED BEAUTIES

CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER & SALTED CARAMEL GOODNESS !

A LOVELY VALENTINE’S DAY WARM UP

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Give them a try. You won’t be sorry. Tell them Nili sent you ! xox

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