Friday Five {Go for the Gold}

With the Olympics right around the corner, I've been drawn to all things gold.  Something about the yellow metal seems to feel decadent and celebratory.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Image via Nordstrom

This Essie "Good as Gold" nail polish seems like the perfect way to cheer your team on!  

Image via Guest of a Guest

Did you see that Michelle Kwan's husband is running for Governor of Rhode Island?  Of course, this made wonder what she has been up to since her days on the ice.  My goodness, that girl is accomplished!!

Image via Kalb

For the first time ever I am actually excited about the Superbowl!  The Broncos and Seahawks were both the "regional" teams growing up.  It also seems like the players for both teams have a lot of character on and off the field.

Image via Camille Styles

This Bees Knees cocktail looks refreshing and easy to make during the winter months.

Image via Read Between The Lines

I received so many nice comments about the "I Love Your Hair Will You Marry Me" print from this post.  It was actually a house warming gift from a very kind friend who happens to know that complementing my locks guarantees eternal love.  It is one of the most complimented pieces I own!!!

The ladies at Read Between The Lines were really amazing and made sure every detail was special and unique. 

Cravings + No Cream Cheese "Cheese" Cake

Desserts are not a regular part of my diet.  I love savory food.  Pastas, buttery sauces, bacon, crispy brussels sprout.   Those are the dishes I cook the most and consider comfort food.  Every now and then I get a serious hankering for sweets.  My favorite, being cheesecake.  I also happen to be picky about my cheesecake.  If I am going to indulge, it had better be for some darn good cheesecake.  The sampler platters at the grocery store just don't do it for me.

Well, last night I had a high grade, level 5 cheesecake craving.  Since getting some quality cheesecake in my body on such short notice wasn't possible, I went with my go-to cheater recipe.  Not only is it easy on the figure, it also uses ingredients that are always in my fridge.

1/2 Cup Non-Fat Cottage Cheese

1/2 Cup Fage Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

1 Egg

1 Tsp Brown Sugar

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

12 Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds {Optional}

Preheat Oven to 350.  Mix together together the cottage cheese, yogurt, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon.  Mix together thoroughly.  Fully incorporate the cottage cheese curds.  This can be mixed in the blender or food processor.

Pour into a large ramekin, or, two small ones.  This is a personal choice.  No judgement.  Ever.

Layer chocolate covered almonds on top of the mixture.  They may need a light poke to settle in.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until set.  The edges should be golden brown and the center should only slightly "Jiggle"

Let set and cool completely.  After 10 minutes of cooling, I put mine in the freezer for 10 minutes.  Just to speed up the process.

Making a House a Home:: One {Less} Candle at a Time

Nesting is in my nature.  I want my residence to be inviting and cozy. I want people to walk into my 900 Square Feet of Rented Real Estate and say, "wow, you've done such a great job making this a home!"  {Someone actually said that to me on Sunday!}  I need it to be my favorite place for weekend coffee lounging, and, Wednesday night wine drinking.

Friday Five {Fresh}

Perhaps it is the fact that I am experiencing my first winter outside of a tundra, or, that Portland is having its driest winter on record, but, I am already anticipating spring.  Queue: blizzards, rains, sleet, and the groundhogs shadow. Or, it might be something else that I can't jinx. Remember the NutriBullet I mentioned?  Well, Nellie is now part of my family. She is sleek, beautiful, and such a gem.   Every day is filled with fruity smoothies, sunshine, and, eternal happiness.  Well, not quite, but it is pretty amazing.  And makes life feel very fresh.

What are you loving this week?

Cheers,

Mere

Image via bestmakeupproducts.com

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to have my make-up done for free at Nordstrom with the ladies at Laura Mercier!!  I have been incorporating her products into my routine for over 7 years.  While I loved everything they used on me, two products really stood out. The Creme Smooth Lipstick, in Haute Red may be the perfect red for someone with my coloring.  It isn't too matte, but doesn't have a sticky lip gloss consistency.  It wasn't stuffy, but wasn't channeling a harlot.  I also really, really loved the Secret Brightening Powder they used under my eyes.  It did just that.  I had very tired, puffy eyes that day.  Not only did it waken them right up, but kept me looking fresh for a night of partying, dancing and shenanigans.

Image via People.com

You may have heard, but Frankie and Barry are getting together this Spring!  That is on a Thursday.  Spoiler Alert: March  28ths Friday 5 already has a theme!

Image via TodaysMama.com

Last night's Parenthood was painful.  We are talking gut wrenching sobs.  It wasn't pretty.  And since #Joelia won't be back until the end of February {Thanks Olympics!} I am going to sedate myself with a non-stop Friday Night Lights marathon.  Only Coach and Tami Taylor can get me through this one.

Image via SpoonForkBacon.com

Teri and Jenny just put up this mouthwatering Smoked Salmon Pizza recipe.  I may have to wait until the Farmer's Market opens back up in March to get my favorite smoked salmon for this recipe.   Until then, I will implement this fool-proof method of making the tastiest salmon in all of the land.

Image via Piperlime.com

While I rarely wear necklaces, and usually just stick to over sized studs, I am loving this necklace from Piperlime.  The lilac color is very "Spring" and the design is a nice nod to the 20's without being too costume like.

A Confession + Coconut Cream Cake

You may have missed it {insert sarcasm} but I just celebrated a birthday!  I had a cake, ice cream and cocktail party!  My goodness, it was fun, fabulous and unforgettable.

The drinks flowed.
The playlist was incredible.
My friends trumped everyone else's friends.

But the cakes.  My. Oh. My.  They were phenomenal.

My dear friend Holly made a coco feather cake that was decadent and delicious.
My lovely roommate made gluten-free carrot cake that tasted as if it were loaded with floury goodness.
Maybe if we ask nicely they will submit some guest posts and share their recipes.

And Martha Chartreuse, what did she make?  A coconut cream cake.

The Mere 27

Image via {sedaduas.tumblr.com}

I have a lot of love languages.

How I show love.  How I feel loved.  Things that fill my love tank.

Wine.  Laughter.  Texts with more than three words.

Refilling my water glass. GChatting.  Handwritten cards.

Birthday celebrations may have the most caloric and nutritional value when it comes to filling up my cup.

And let me tell you, after this birthday, my tank is full, the cup is running over, and, I am ready for the adventures this year has in store.  

While I plan on sharing recipes and details from my party in the next week or two, I wanted to kick off the series with my signature drink. The Mere 27!

Friday Five {Birthday Edition}

Image Courtesy of {une-deuxsenses.blogspot.com}

This weekend, I will be celebrating 27 trips around the sun.  I am having a cake, ice cream and cocktail party.  Since moving to Portland, I have had the opportunity to reconnect with some old pals and make some amazing new friends.   I am really looking forward to seeing how the night plays out, especially since there are so many entertaining characters in the bunch.  

Image via {TheBeautyDepartment.com}

When I moved to Portland it was a big adjustment.  Most of the changes were very fun or a good kind of hard.  Finding a person to do my hair has NOT been easy.  You see, the same woman has been doing my hair for almost 15 years.  It is the longest, healthiest and must aesthetically pleasing relationship I have ever been in.  Well, this Fall, after 6 months without a trim or glaze, I knew it was time to try someone new.  Well, that was a fail.  Instead of schwoopy bangs, I have been growing out a mullet on the right side of my head for months.  So you better believe when I was in Montana over the holidays one of my first stops involved seeing my hair therapist!  While she did an amazing job, I still have a few months of growing my hair out.  Luckily, The Beauty Department, just put up this amazing post to help style hair when growing out bangs.  Or, in my case, growing out a temple-to-ear-mullet. 

Image via EOnline.com

I am not the only girl who will be celebrating her birthday this weekend!!!  Michelle Obama turned 50 today!  My goodness, she makes 50 look GOOD!!!  Our First Lady is a pretty amazing person.  She is committed to a healthy and active lifestyle, supporting military families, and, has amazing dance moves.  It is hard to imagine why anyone would feel so down about this milestone birthday, when, MO clearly embraces it. 

Image via {teenmusic.com}

One of my all time favorite shows is Gilmore Girls.  While it is an amazing show for so many reasons, one thing I really love about those quirky girls is their love of birthday celebrations.  Though a giant pizza would not be my birthday request, it is still pretty epic.  If only were streaming on Netflix, I could transport to Stars Hollow on a regular basis. 

Image via {PortlandMercury.com}

If I were in Montana, I would most likely be having my birthday dinner at Barclay's Supper Club for the world's greatest steak.  And, since I really only eat steak in Montana, that is a tremendously biased opinion.  This year I am hoping to have some really amazing Pho at Luc Lac. The restaurant has been undergoing construction and renovation since mid-December.  It is slated to open on Monday {my actual birthday} and you better believe I will be singing this tune if that doesn't happen.  And then go to Boxer Ramen.

Image via Pinterest

It was over 50 degrees and clear blue skies more than once this week.  Not only is that unheard of for Portland, it is also in huge contrast to the rest of the country.  Due to this unexpected "dry spell" I am already starting to think about summer sandals.  I saw these Toms in the store yesterday and they are even better in person. These Kork-Ease wedges also caught my eye.  While they are different from anything I own or gravitate towards, they have quite the reputation for being incredibly comfortable.  Maybe 27 is the year to broaden my horizons.  At least in the shoe department.

Poached Eggs + Toast

Several years ago, I received Poach Pods in my Christmas stocking.  At the time, I was confused by them.  After some trial and error, and reading the instructions, I figured out how to use them.  They still were not my "go to" gadget when poaching eggs.  The traditional method was my main method of poaching.

Fast forward to last fall.  I was teaching two of my friends how to make Eggs Benedict.  Great people! Smart!!  Funny!!!  Expert martini makers!!!!  Egg poachers.... not so much.  They did a great job whisking the hollandaise {don't worry, that post is already on the calendar} and toasting the English muffins.  But the poached eggs.  Such a FAIL!  Out of 12 eggs, 6 were viable.  Only a few were runny.  Most were soft boiled.  The moment we sat down I shouted, "Damn it!!!  Poach Pods!"  I got up from the table, turned to Amazon Prime, and insisted my friend order Poach Pods.  Now, their egg poaching game is on point, and, their weekend brunches harmonious.  I have also abandoned the vinegar, water, witch craft method, and, integrated the silicone pod into my routine.

Happy Birthday Muga + Celebratory Garland

Today would have been my grandmother's 103rd birthday.  Muga, as we affectionately called her, was my mom's mother.  Parent to 3.  Grandmother to 11.  Sister to 15.  Muga was a truly remarkable person and did so much in her lifetime.

She was born before the Titanic sank and passed away after 9/11. 

Muga saw women get the right to vote, man walk on the moon and the civil rights movement.

The first car purchased in my hometown, spoiler alert, Muga!  

Lou Gehrig's Farewell Address, yup, she was there!  

The British Invasion, Madonna and CD players.  Present and accounted for!

Firsts included, microwaves, televisions and the internet.  

More than anything, she loved her family.  She taught all of us how to play card games {Rummy, Pinochle, solitaire}, made sure our Christmases were extremely special, and always made us great meals.  We all celebrate Muga in our own special way.  Be it Shirley Temples, Black Velvet Cocktails, Oxtail Soup, or getting Skunked, today we take time to remember Muga!

Photo Courtesy of the McIsaac Archives

Tonight, I will be sipping on a Shirley Temple  while finishing up my winter decorations.  I was able to use pieces I already owned, and, only added one new piece.  Paper garlands seem to be all the rage on Pinterest, Instagram and Etsy these days.  While I was tempted to order one online, none of the options I found had the color combination I was looking for.  Since my mom has a Cricut Cutter, it was very easy and inexpensive to pull this project together.  I went with the crisp white, emerald green, gold and silver motif.  Why?  Because, it is my personal obsession.

Cheers,

Mere

Celebratory Garland

Supplies

24- 3" Circles cut from card stock or scrap booking paper

24-2" Circles cut from card stock or scrap booking paper

16' Twine

Scissors

Packing Tape

Start by deciding what pattern you would like the circles to be in.  Play around with this before you get into the project. It will be harder to change.

Once you have established the pattern cut strips of tape.  It always helps to have the reserve of tape lined up on the table's edge.  Now, decide how much of a tail you will want for your garland.  Mine will be hanging on the fireplace so a long tail isn't necessary.  Think about how you will be securing the finished product.

Once you have decided where you would like the garland to begin center the string on the back of the circle.

And tape it down.  Pretty easy, yes?  This is a no sew, no glue, no hole punch kind of project.  Reduces the risk of injury.  

Be sure to rub the tape into the paper and around the twine.  Get in there with your resilient Vinylux nails. 

This is BAD!!!  Do you see all of those air bubbles?  Those circles will be falling off your twine faster than speed skaters in Sochi.

This is good!  No air bubbles.  A strong adhesion.  Forever bonded.  Just like John and Ann!  

Continue attaching the circles in the pattern you have decided on.  I spaced my circles 1.5-2" apart.  Again, think about where, and how, this will be displayed and what will look best.  

Lay out the garland to make sure it is long enough, before cutting the string, and to work out any kinks.  The above photo is 16' long, or, about 3 Mere's long.  Yes, instead of getting the ruler out I used myself to measure the garland.  Why?  No idea.  It was fun.

Now comes the tricky part, hanging the garland.  I had a very hard time attaching the string to my mantle without damaging the wood.  I settled on the trusty packing tape.  

From the left.

From the front.

From the right.

One more from the right.  For the sake of being artsy.  

All photos by Meredith Davison for Martha Chartreuse

Friday Five

I hope you all had a great first full week back post holiday madness!  In order to get back into a routine I'm planning on being very low-key this weekend.  I am attending a brunch Sunday morning then my roommate and I are going to a red carpet and Golden Globes viewing party on Sunday.  I'm also going to be working on a project that will be up on the blog next week.

Do you have any big plans this weekend? 

Cheers,

Mere

Friday Five

Here are five things I'm really loving right now!  Would love to hear any tips or suggestions you may have!

Image via Amazon

Over the Holidays I received the Vinylux Top Coat!  As a lover of Shellac manicures but a real "disliker" of all the maintenance and expense, this is the perfect solution.  I'm able to use my favorite polishes and keep them chip free for 7-10 days by using this as a top coat.  The key is to make sure each layer dries completely.

Image by Associated Press via Huffington Post

Anyone who has talked with me in the last 9 months knows I am really, really excited about Pope Frankie!  In addition to being a Jesuit, he is also fun-loving and an animal lover.   I can only hope to get a voice mail this great!

Image via {Broadwayworld.com}

I still need to watch this week's episode of Parenthood!  While most shows seem to hit a lull after Season 3 this one just keeps getting better and better.  I even picked Monica Potter to win a Golden Globe this Sunday! 

Image by Martha Stewart Living

For some reason unknown to me I have been craving fish'n'chips.  While I always enjoy a fried dinner this baked fish and chips recipe from my girl Martha may be the perfect compromise!  Afterwards, I can treat myself to the Warrior smoothie!  While avocado, strawberry, dates, maca powder, almond milk and hemp seed may sound odd, this masterpiece beats anything you can find at Orange Julius.

Image via {nutribulletblog.com}

While I love, love, love driving 15 minutes and paying $7.50 for the previously mentioned smoothie, that can only happen once every 3-5 weeks.  Which is why I really want/need a NutriBullet for all of its smoothie making powers.  I could even use fancy infused water while eating fruit out of these beautiful bowls.  A pretty idyllic picture, yes.  All for the Warrior smoothie!

Pomegranate Couscous Salad- Four Years in the Making

Well hello again!

Here I am.... over four years since my last post. My one and only post. There's no real reason I abandoned Martha Chartreuse. Perhaps it was a lack of organization. Maybe I didn't have the drive. Maybe my life just wasn't filled with "blog-able" content. 

But here I am in 2014 hoping to be a much better blogger. I have an editorial calendar, plenty of material and the real need for a creative outlet.  Because, let's admit it, after I had you all addicted in 2009 I need to earn back your readership and trust.  By telling you I have an outline and decent content you're sure to re-commit to me like that.  No flowers or candy required.

The plan is to fill this blog with recipes, crafting projects and some of my favorite things! I may even share a story or two along the way. 

This Pomegranate Couscous Salad is actually the catalyst that prompted me to bring Martha Chartreuse back from the dead.  I made this salad on New Years Day.  I had just finished cleaning up from the previous night's festivities.  I was in need of something filling, refreshing and healthy.  After a hearty holiday in Montana I truly needed a break from the oh-so-tasty beef.  I also had zero desire to visit the grocery store.  I improvised and pulled together the few ingredients in the pantry and fridge.

Voila!  A blog is reborn!

Cheers, 

 Mere

Pomegranate Couscous Salad with a Citrus Medley & Mint Vinaigrette

1 Shallot- Diced

3 Cloves of Garlic-Minced 

1 TBS Butter

EVOO {about 1 TBS}

1 package Israeli Couscous

1 3/4 Cup low-sodium non-fat chicken stock 

1 cup toasted and chopped almonds

1 package pomegranate seeds (about 1.5 cups)

1 can garbanzo beans- rinsed

 Dressing: 

 Juice from 1/2 large pink grapefruit

 Juice from 1.5 lemons

 Juice from 1 lime 

 Zest from 1 lemon 

 10-12 mint leaves chiffonade 

 EVOO- 1-2 tbs 

 Salt & Pepper 

 1. In a large pan over medium heat melt butter and olive oil. Add shallot and garlic. Cook until translucent. 

 2. Add Israeli Couscous and toast as instructed. 

 3. Add broth and cover until all liquid is absorbed and couscous is al dente. Remove from heat. 

 4. Whisk together all citrus juice, zest, mint and evoo. Salt and pepper to taste. 

 5. Add almonds, seeds and garbanzo beans to couscous and mix together. Stir in dressing. The couscous  should still be warm so it can soak up all of the flavors. 

 6. Enjoy warm or cold. Season to taste in accordance with the temperature you will be eating it at.