Simmer Pot {Easy Breezy Air Freshener}

Fried food is TASTY!!  Bacon is an oinky hug.  Curry, it is the bees knees!  Besides being delicious, what do all of these things have in common?  They stink up the house! But I love to make and eat them.  Solution??  The simmer pot!



A simmer pot can contain anything you want!  All you need is a pot, water, a stove and the produce of your choice.  Apples.  Oranges.  Rosemary.  Mint.  Limes. Cinnamon Sticks.  Rhubarb.  You get the point!  If Mrs. Meyers makes it, chances are you can too!  Or, just pick what is on sale.  Even better, grab what is on the verge of going bad in your kitchen.  Better than that, the scraps from the food you are using elsewhere in the kitchen.

Ok, you get the point.  This is versatile and easy.  You may call it a lot of bang for your buck.  Two birds, one stone.  Reduce, Reuse Recycle.  Honestly, I just call it simmer pot!



Grapefruit, Lemon and Moro Orange Rinds

Moro Oranges, Lemon, Grapefruit, Oranges

For this simmer pot I used fruit that was on the verge of going bad and no longer edible {Moro Oranges and Lemons} and the rinds from citrus fruit {Oranges and Grapefruit} which I juice in my NutriBullet.


In a large pot, I added all of the rinds and filled it with water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low-medium. 


As the pot reduces, add water and additional produce if you have any.


 Heat up your simmer pot any time during the day that your home needs a freshening scent.  Pots last about one week.  I recommend covering the pot with a lid when not in use.   
When disposing of the reduction send it down the disposal, a great way to clean the garbage disposal.









An Ode to Authenticity

When I started this blog I knew that I wanted it to be authentic.  Authentically Mere..errr... Martha Chartreuse.  I want it to include great recipes, craft projects and home decor.  But, I also want to share things outside of those interests.  Like beauty posts or reflections on life.  And, I always want this to be honest and attainable.  I want to be realistic about budget and time constraints.  Souv vide duck just isn't going to happen right now.  Roast chicken, now that is a regular thing here!

Via

I never want anything to feel forced.  I also do not want to put out an image of "perfection" or have anyone leaving with the "OMG. WHY  ISN'T MY LIFE SO PRETTY?!?  What is wrong with me?  I need to go out and buy everything from Sur La Table?  BLEGH.  LIFE IS HORRIBLE."  Instead, when stopping by (and hopefully staying awhile) you leave thinking, "Wow!  I can do that!  I just need to grab one thing!  Let's throw a dinner party this weekend!  It will be fun and easy!  YAY!"

So, why this ramble about me! me! me! and all of my wants and desires?

Well, I have several different posts in draft mode and they just don't feel authentic.  Maybe they will get there, but, my voice is absent from these posts.  So, instead, I am going to share a few teasers and spoilers about these pending posts.  Or, better described as, the voices in my head.  Hang tight.

Spring Cleaning

Why are my baseboards so dirty?  
How do I get historic aka banged up wood floors clean and shiny?  
Is there a way to make my closet more functional without putting money and labor into it?  
Why are mops so expensive?  
How much is a cleaning service?  
Pinterest, you are so overwhelming!!!
Pinterest, I LOVE YOU!!!
Bah!  I still haven't cleaned!


This is hard!!!  The evening news has made it clear Kimye is on the cover of Vogue.
This is so calming!!!  I love not being caught up in other people's drama.  My conversation is so meaningful.
What is the difference between gossip and venting?
Is talking about Bono's path to being an advocate to eradicate AIDS gossip?!?!?!
Ooooh!  Chocolate bunnies are so yummy.

Hot Rollers Tutorial

My cousin suggested I do hot roller tutorial.
Should I?
Who would photograph?
Or, should I film?
Would anyone like that?
Would I need to be in an apron to make this work with the rest of the blog?
Does anyone want to see this?


WHY????????????????????????

Friday Five {What I've Been Eating}

Portland is a food city!  There are so many amazing restaurants and creative people.  The Food Carts, restaurants and bloggers always bring so much to the table.  It is inspiring.

It can also be a bit unhealthy.  Which is why I try to follow a rule of thumb that I cannot eat out more than three times a week.  This includes coffee runs, lunches, etc.  Because of this rule, I cook a majority of my meals at home.  Shocking!  I know.  I eat more than three meals a week.  And, I write a food blog.  BUT, for me, that is still a lot of at home cooking.  Especially when trying to keep it original, tasty and healthy-ish!



If you are following me on Instagram you already saw my version of pepperoni pizza.  I stopped by City Market and grabbed a few cheeses and spicy salami options.  I then pan crisped the dough in EVOO on the stove , assembled the pizza and finished it off in a 475 oven.  Best part... it cost less than $10 to make!



This week, I was able to have coffee with the lovely Jane from In The Pink and Green!  The conversation was delightful, the weather gorgeous, and, the drip coffee with steamed hazelnut milk was magical!



Remember Portland Dining Month?  Well, it is still happening!  And, I was able to eat at Genoa.  It was a truly memorable experience.  The service was top notch and the food was so delicious.  It was also an incredible deal.


I made this Pinkberry Original Fro-Yo Copycat recipe this week!  It tastes like the real thing!



I also sauteed cabbage in lemon juice and dijon mustard this week.  It was crunchy, tangy and very filling.

I'd DATE you, sweetheart!

No, this is not a want add for a boyfriend.

Nor is this a relationship status update.

This is a recipe post.

A post that involves two really easy recipes.

One a side dish.

The other, a breakfast/dessert/snack.

Both involve dates.

Those dates help curb sugar cravings.

This is all very, very easy.


Roasted Asparagus With Dates


1 lb Fresh Asparagus
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Medjool Dates
Citrus Champagne Vinegar
Salt & Pepper


Preheat oven to 350
Trim, wash and prep the asparagus.  Pit and chop the medjool dates
On a large, non-stick cookie sheet toss the asparagus and dates with a light drizzle of EVOO.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Remove from oven and splash with vinegar.
Salt & Pepper to taste.





Strawberry Date Smoothie


 1/2 Ripe Avocado
6-8 Medium Frozen Strawberries
3/4 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 Medjool Date, pitted

In your mixer, I have a NutriBullet, place all of the ingredients.  
Blend until smooth.
Enjoy.

Also, enjoy the many photos below.  In case the instructions were confusing or unclear.

Or, you are kind.  Mostly, because you are kind.




















Irish Christmas

St. Patrick's Day is most certainly one of my favorite holidays!  I rank it only after Christmas.  For me, this holiday is about much more than binge drinking, pinching people and wearing my favorite color.  It has always been a family affair. This year will be my third, and first in more than 5 years, St. Patrick's Day spent away from my family.  Needless to say, I am in a bit of a funk.  I feel lost without the routine and tradition.  I am missing those people.  So, clearly, the best solution is to share a play-by-play of the day with you, my sweet friends, and hear all about your traditions and plans!!!    


The day usually starts with Mass, followed by brunch with the AOH and LAOH communities.  From there, the entire town turns out for the parade, rain or shine.  And many times, snow.  Following the parade, the Irish Hall is opened up to the entire community for dancing, celebrating and several toasts.  My favorite part of the entire parade, and the day as a whole, is the Irish Washer Women.  My mom happens to be one!    The Irish Washer Women specialize in traditional Irish dances, party starting, and marching.  All while utilizing a washboard as an accessory!  The women range in age from 22 to 72.  It is truly impressive.

At the Hall party songs are sang, dances are danced, stories are shared, and drinks are drank.

The people disperse and my family & friends often wind up at my favorite bar.  Corned Beef is consumed, I take a few more spins around the dance floor, and, the Irish Christmas comes to a close.

Slainte!


My mother, the Washboard Woman!

I call him father.  He calls me daughter. 

My father making Irish Flag Shots!

Irish Flag Shots

My LAOH Sisters and Irish Washer Women.  
These ladies dance, march and full on Irish Jazzercise, often in the snow, for more than 6 hours on 
St. Patrick's Day.  
They are my fitness idols.  
And my life of the party idols.
And, my people idols.
They are, without a doubt, the best of the best!


Friday Five {Spring, is that you??}


Happy Friday!!  The sun is shining in Portland, OR and the temps have been in the mid-to-high-60's.  Needless to say, happiness is in the air.

Today is Pi Day!  The nerdy person's holiday to celebrate the mathematical constant.  Kristi pulled together her Top 5 Places to get a slice of pie in Portland!

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, Jana compiled a list of Irish inspired cocktails to try out. 

If you haven't started watching "About a Boy" I highly recommend you tune in.  I have discussed Jason Katmis' other triumphs, Parenthood and Friday Night Lights, several times on the blog.  While the half-hour-sitcom will not have you in tears every week, but, will leave a giant smile on your face.  It is truly heartwarming.  

Rachel has partnered with Izze for a Springtime Giveaway.  Be sure to check out her fun and easy sunshiny recipes.

One of my favorite blogs, The Beauty Department, just put up an ingenious tutorial using a blow dryer to heat up a lash curler for the best lashes ever.  I tried this last night and my lashes were still curled in the morning!  

Portland Dining Month + Songbird

Amazing service.  Phenomenal food.  A charming neighborhood. A singing bathroom!

All for the price of $29!!



The 2014 Portland Dining Month has something for just about everyone.  With nearly 100 restaurants all across the city, the list can be a bit daunting.  While I would love to eat at all of the restaurants, it would require visiting three spots every day for the month of March.  A delightful thought, but highly improbable.  I will file that under eventual life goals.

Lucky for me, PDX Bloggers and Watershed Communications partnered up so 12 local bloggers could experience Portland Dining Month.  I was pleasantly surprised when a gift certificate to Songbird arrived in my mail last week!  Since I am a creature of convenience, I tend to pick restaurants that are in my neighborhood or Streetcar-able.  Anyone who knows me, knows parking is one of my least favorite activities.  So, when I found out I would be dining at the Mt. Tabor spot I immediately started researching the cafe.  Every review I came across was top notch, and, I was assured parking would be a breeze.  Going in, my expectations were extremely high...   

Donate a Photo

If you're like me, you are constantly taking pictures and documenting your life!  My roommate's dog, Athena, kindly tolerates all of my paparazzi tendencies.  At times, she will even pose and work a scarf and sunnies to no end.  More often than not, I share these photos on social media.




Well, now we all have the opportunity to use our Anne Lebovitz skills for good.  Johnson & Johnson has teamed up with several really amazing organizations for the #donateaphoto campaign.  By simply uploading a daily photo through their app and "donating" it, Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to your chosen cause.

Step 1.  Download the App
Step 2.  Start an Account
Step 3.  Snap Pictures
Step 4.  Pick your favorite and upload.
Step 5.  Pick a program to support and donate.
Step 6.  Repeat the following day.  

Personally, I will be committing a majority of my donations to helping students start careers in healthcare.  Why this program over all of the other incredibly valuable and worthwhile programs?    Well, at every phase of life we all need and deserve quality healthcare. Be that when you are going in for routine blood work, have a catastrophic accident, or are in any way a participate in the business of being born.  The Bridge to Employment program works with youth aged 14-18 from disadvantaged communities and encourages them to excel academically and elevate their career aspirations.  

The BTE students have the opportunity to work in labs and have hands on experience before they ever take the SAT or begin the daunting college application process.  They learn by doing.  These scholars are mentored by Johnson & Johnson employees.  One of the largest and most successful corporations in the world.  And if it weren't for BTE, most of these teens would never have that opportunity.  An overwhelming number of participants will be first generation college graduates.  That takes a lot of drive, passion and hunger!  

I'm not sure about you, but when it is time for me to go in for my annual checkup, or, I ever have a major medical crisis, I would feel very safe in the hands of a BTE alum.  I want my parents, sisters, brother-in-law, cousins, friends, neighbors, and, strangers down the street, to receive medical care from the best and the brightest.  I want them treated by professionals who started training when they were 14.  And, I want all of our daily photo donations to help ensure that happens!  

After all, we are all very precious cargo.   




For every photo you donate, Johnson & Johnson gives $1 to FHI 360. That $1 helps provide a college scholarship to a graduating Bridge to Employment high school student, helping them start a career in healthcare. It takes 1,000 photos to provide 1 college scholarship to a student in need.


Hello Hello + Salt Scrub


This weekend I attended the PDX Bloggers Speed Networking Event.  It was held at the awe inspiring Cyrel's @ Clay Pigeon Winery and brought together over 30 bloggers who are on top of their game.  We are talking creative, talented, funny, smart, and sparkly people!

Phenomenal Charcuterie
A beautiful cheese board

I knew I wanted to have a business card that really represented what Martha Chartreuse is all about.  Something easy, affordable and gender neutral.  Something that respected everyone's dietary restrictions and would not go bad.  A takeaway that would inspire everyone I met to not only stop by Martha Chartreuse, but, to actually love it so much they would make it at home!

I came across these mini-containers at the Dollar Tree and instantly knew what I would be doing to introduce the blog to others.


Salt Scrubs!!

They are a perfect addition to any shower, bath or home pedicure!  They can be made using pantry ingredients and are a great way to take the extra step and make things just a bit more special.  The scrubs also make a wonderful gift and party take away.  I can't wait for the next shower I throw or ladies party I pull together.  These will certainly be repeated!

Friday Five {Recipe Edition}

We are only a few days into Lent and I am already thinking about Easter.  Specifically, the menu!  While the star of the show is always the ham, I like to give special attention and extra love to the sides.   While I don't think all of these will be incorporated into my Easter festivities, they will be made and consumed this Spring.  The Carrot Lemon Risotto may need to happen this week!  

What are your favorite Spring celebration sides? 






All images from Martha Stewart Living

Rumor Has It + A Lenten Journey

Whether you know me in real life or follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you probably know that I am Catholic.  Or, maybe all of the Pope Frankie shout outs tipped you off.  Throughout my life I have really struggled with Lent.  I have tried giving up candy, coffee, tv, etc.  I almost always fail.  The years I have added something to my life have proven to be significantly more effective and rewarding.

Well, this year I am going to try and give something up.  And I already know it is going to be a challenge.  Which is why I am sharing it on the blog.  In hopes that those in my life will hold me accountable.


I am giving up GOSSIP!!

That means no celebrity gossip!  No real life gossip!  No mean spirited or unkind conversation.
While I am ashamed to admit I partake in all of the above, I do.  It is a truth of who I am.  
Good. Bad. Ugly.

Celebrity Gossip

I will be deleting some of my favorite celebrity focused applications on my phone.  
I will also be unfollowing a few Twitter accounts.   
I cannot read any tabloids.
 I can't talk about celebrities.
Not even about the fashion.
The really cute, darling babies that I don't know?
Nope, can't chat about that either.
I can discuss a film. I can discuss the art.  Can't discuss the beings behind the characters.  

Real Life Gossip

I can't have conversations about people who aren't actually in my life.
If I haven't spoken to a person in years, I probably shouldn't be discussing them with other people.
I can still share kind, thoughtful stories about a person.
Hopefully, it will inspire me to call them up and say hello.
If I am sharing information about one person to another person, it needs to be thoughtful and well intentioned.
Rule of thumb: if I wouldn't say it to their face, I shouldn't say it to anyone else.
If I feel like other people around me are gossiping I need to step out of the conversation.
Can I still discuss world events?  Sure thing.
Can I make snarky comments about the world leaders?  Nope!
Am I allowed to have gossipy thoughts?  While I can't control this, I hope the count will reduce dramatically come Easter.  



I hope this will make me a more thoughtful, kind, and, sincere person.  
I am hopeful this will make me a better friend, help clean out the clutter, and, stick with me long term.
I am hopeful this will let me let go of a few things.

What will you be doing for Lent?  Do you prefer to add or remove something from your life?  I would love to hear your thoughts!


These are a few of my favorite things....

A very sweet reader and friend, Kathleen, suggested I share some of my favorite kitchen gadgets.  While I have many wonderful items, mostly thanks to very generous friends and family, these are the tools I use multiple times a week.  

Image via Macy's


Since lemons and cheese are two of my favorite ingredients it only makes sense that this microplane zester is on the list.  It ensures my poached eggs are extra fancy with no-extra-effort!


Image via Martha Stewart Weddings


Continuing my passion for citrus products the juicer has been a real life saver.  While most recipes can be accomplished by hand squeezing, this juicer is fast, easy and makes sure nothing is wasted.  It also helps avoid seeds getting mixed into the food.


Image via Sur La Table


While it may not be the most glamorous kitchen gadget purchases it may be one of the most effective tools.  I prefer my whisks be stainless steel, have a heavy handle, and, have thick threads.  I have found all of these factors to contribute to a better hollandaise sauce, fluffy frittata , and 


Image via Amazon


Perhaps the most versatile kitchen gadget; my ice scream scoop collection earns its keep far beyond dishing up frozen balls of churned goodness!  I have several different sizes and use them when making cookies, meatballs, falafels, and fritters.  I'm particularly attached to the spring-loaded style that cleanly releases the food to ensure equal portions and easy cleanup.