Colette's Blog

Perfect Summer Recipe!

So, I LOVE tomatoes with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a little olive oil. However, I was looking to up the ante a little and then I came across this recipe I had buried in my ever growing recipe collection. You'll probably be thinking, "Peaches with tomatoes? Is this girl crazy?!!?" Trust me, I thought the same. This recipe is sweet, savory, and refreshing. I recommend romancing it a little by pulling a card table outside, add a tablecloth, candle, a great bottle of wine, and someone you love. My husband and I sat and talked the night (and the wine) away & enjoyed a delicious, relaxing meal together.

Farfalle Pasta with Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, & Mozzarella

Ingredients

1 head of fresh fennel, cut into a small dice

2 shallots, peeled & cut into a small dice

Grated lemon zest

3 T. Red Wine Vinegar

1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

4-6 white &/or yellow peaches

4-7 heirloom tomatoes, cut into a large dice

1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, cut into squares

1/2 cup fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons

1 pound farfalle pasta, cooked according to package directions

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saute pan until hot. Turn heat to low.

2. Add the fennel and shallots. Cook about 2 minutes.

3. Turn off heat. Add grated lemon zest & vinegar. Let cool.

4. Add peaches, tomatoes, mozzarella, & basil to vinaigrette mixture.

5. Toss lightly with pasta, check seasoning, and serve immediately.

Great as a cold dish too!

Summer Hair Trends via Colette's Blog

Ponytails-Keep them simple & sleek. Use a medium hold gel like Aveda's Brilliant Retexturizing Gel and slick ponytail back tight.

Side Part- Make it extreme and part from almost the end of your eyebrow all the way back. Use a smoothing serum like Moroccan Oil to soften the look.

Accessorized Updo's-This look is from Louis Vuitton. They did a very tousled updo and then added sweet, sparkly headbands (even a tiara!) to make the look extra feminine. This look is so fun for a night out with girl friends.

Glamorous Blow Outs-There is nothing better than a fabulous blowout! This was the look on the runway at Ana Sui. Blow outs are reasonably priced, starting at $25. Book an appointment before a special event. I recommend booking with Todd, his blow outs are amazing!

Wet Look-My least favorite look, but it was all over the runways. Use your favorite hard hold gel (yes, gel. Like we used in the 90's.) Apply a lot to wet hair, mold into place and voila! EHH GADS!

Braids and Twists-Braids are so hot right now, but can be difficult to do on yourself. Twists, on the other hand are easy. Pick up sections and start twisting towards the back. Do not worry if they aren't perfect, undone is best. Twist into a small bun in the middle of your crown. Spray with a light hold hold hair spray.

Volume- Become one with a pick teaser. They are inexpensive and add height to updo's and down do's. I love this look reminiscent of Bee Hives from the 1950's.

Center Part-What a great, easy, sophisticated look. Spray hair with a sea salt spray to add texture and curl the bottom sections of your hair. Run fingers through and part somewhere in the center without using a comb. If you want a sleeker look leave hair straight, run a comb straight down the center and spray with a firm hair spray. Note the foiling they did below her eye. Get your favorite silver eye shadow wet and dot below eye.

Colette's Blog

Best Commercials of 2011

Ad week recently released their list of top 10 commercials from 2011. It comes as no surprise that Volkswagen's Force Commercial took the top spot. In the video, a child dressed as Darth Vader attempts (and fails) to bend things in his home using The Force, until his Dad activates their Passat via a remote starter, making his son believe he's done it with Jedi mind tricks. However, I think that Chipotle Grill's "Back to the Start" was the most lovely, simple, tasteful commercial that I have ever seen. Proceeds from this commercial were given to Chipotles Cultivate Foundation. You've probably seen this commercial, but really pay attention to the message it sends, its a beautiful thing!

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Colette's Blog

Here's a Healthy Take on P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps

My husbands family is visiting from Boston, so I made this dish last night . I found it only appropriate to make something using Boston lettuce, :). It's light & crisp, great for hot summer dinners. There are so many variations to try with this recipe. It's great with beef & peanuts or even serve over brown rice for a more hearty meal.

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

1 can water chestnuts, diced

1 red pepper, diced

1 red onion, minced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

A sprinkle of red pepper flakes

1/2 c. toasted cashew, chopped

1-4 T. reduced sodium soy sauce

1-2 T. rice vinegar

Peanut Oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Boston Lettuce & Radicchio. cleaned and separated.

Cilantro, garnish

Directions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 T. peanut oil and add chicken. Cook completely through.

2. In a separate pan, heat 1 t. peanut oil. Cook onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes until onions are translucent. Add red pepper and cook until tender.

3. When chicken is cooked, add to onion, garlic, and red pepper mixture. Add soy sauce, flavor to your liking.

4. Remove from heat and stir in rice vinegar & cashews.

5. Just before serving, garnish with cilantro.

Place a leaf of radicchio inside of a Boston lettuce cup. Scoop a spoonful of chicken mixture into the lettuce duo and enjoy. If you like a little heat, spice it up with a squirt of sriracha hot sauce.