Avocado Pesto Pasta

I work late. A lot. Like leaving the office at 8 - 8:30 regularly. When I'm getting home and its after 9:00, sometimes cooking a decent dinner seems like more than I can muster.  This dinner literally came together from the odds and ends of my refrigerator, inspired by a couple of different recipes I've seen on the internet (via Chef Chloe and Noriko Burky).  If you can imagine all the best aspects of pesto and guacamole, that's what this pasta was.  Light, creamy, filling, fresh, rich, fruity, salty, tangy - it was unexpectedly AMAZING.

Luckily, it's easily customizable depending on what you can scrounge together out the depths of your fridge at the end of a long day.  Here's what I came up with (but lets be honest - most of these measurements are approximations - start with this and see what tastes right to you!

Avocado Pesto Pasta
Adapted from Chef Chloe

1 serving pasta (I used whole wheat penne)
1/2 ripe avocado
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp grated parmesan
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp pesto (preferably homemade, or fresh pesto)
juice of 1/2 lime
1-2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach
Salt & Pepper to taste

Cook the pasta (don't forget to salt the water!).  While the pasta is cooking, grate the parmesan and combine it in a food processor with the avocado, garlic pesto and lime juice.  Pulse to combine.  Add enough EVOO so that the mixture becomes smooth and creamy (1 tsp to 1 tbsp should do it.)

As the pasta is just al dente, add the spinach and wilt (about 20 seconds in the pasta water.) Drain, and add the sauce mixture to the pasta.  The heat from the pasta will warm the sauce through - and dinner is served!

This was quite literally one of the most delicious dinners I've had, and it was so quick and easy, it will definitely be making it into heavy rotation around here.  Enjoy (and may I recommend a nice Chardonnay to accompany!)

Maxi Skirt @ Work

Yesterday after work I caved and did a little shopping for some fall updates to my wardrobe.  I was really on the lookout for a new blazer - as my new rule is that new additions to my (already overflowing) closet must be practical both for my work life and my days off.  If they don't fit the bill, they don't fit my life.

Now that I work in a highly professional (read: suits, or minimum suit separates) every day, the jeans, and even khakis of my former life have been all but forgotten at the back of my closet.  As a woman who once thought I would die without my denim, it's interesting that I really don't mind.

While suits make me feel more professional and put-together at work, its still important to mix it up every once in a while.  That's why I was so psyched to find this maxi skirt at Forever 21 last night - so psyched, that I had to wear it to work today!  While the skirt below isn't an exact match, its pretty close (and looks a bit nicer in the Polyvlore set.)
As someone who previously thought maxi-skirts would overwhelm my 5'4" frame, I realized its all about shape and proportion. Since this skirt comes right to my ankles, it doesn't cut off my legs awkwardly, and pumpkin color is bright without being overwhelming (and still appropriate). I knew that this piece could go well for days off and fall brunches, but had no idea it would be such a hit with the office. Stay tuned for how I wear it next (hint: lace tee and a jean jacket for a Halloween excursion to an NC pumpkin patch!)

Unanimous Decisions

Holiday season gives me anxiety - not Christmas gift-giving, roasting the Thanksgiving turkey (especially since Mr. Lincoln is a vegetarian) - but All Hallows Eve.  Halloween is one of my very favorite holidays, and each year I agonize over the perfect costume.

Over the years I've come up with some real winners; last year's skunk costume was a particular favorite, and typified the type of costumes I make.  Yes, make.  Don't worry, no complicated sewing crafts here, just hot glue, iron-on tape, and a few staples here and there to make sure things really stay put.

This year, thanks to a few friends, I am sure my costume will be no different.  I've never done a group costume together, but plan to give it a go as:

Mount Rushmore! See, that's me, on the left!  Mr. Lincoln decided he wanted to be Abe Lincoln this year for Halloween(big surprise there), and we wanted to do something thematic since its our first Halloween together (in 2.5 years).  Clearly GW is another great presidential choice, and when a couple other friends were looking for ideas (and admiring ours), the Mt. Rushmore costume was conceived.  Now, properly I guess this isn't a Mount Rushmore costume, but more of an interpretation as we'll all be dressing up as the flesh and blood heads of state, not stone faces, but I think the concept is solid.

This weekend will be spent thrifting a crafting a couple of the crucial pieces (namely, a longer navy jacket) and ruffled shirt, but I think I can create a sold base out of existing wardrobe pieces.  Realistically though, creating a costume with hot glue and stapling it on at the last minute is a tradition I always enjoy!   Jessica of What I Wore has already done some of the heavy lifting in envisioning a great interpretation of Washington here.

Favorite costumes? Ideas?

Into the Swing of Things

Some people do well flying by the seat of their pants all the time, but for me, routines are important.  It's generally hard for me to incorporate something new into my life (i.e. starting a blog) and make it a part of everyday, and nearly impossible when life seems to keep getting in the way.  No matter - here I am, back in the swing of things, and into a new routine.

The weather is changing here in the District; its currently 69 and raining, a cool front is coming in.  This fall has been seemingly rainy, and my poor knees have been feeling it.  For being 26, I swear I have the joints of someone at least 62!

But with the rain and achy joints, the change of season brings great and glorious things - the return of jackets and proper scarves, pumpkin baked goods (and pumpkin spiced lattes!), boots, soups, heavy blankets on the bed, and beautiful changing leaves.

I have always loved fall - Halloween, my birthday, Thanksgiving - so many good times and warm memories are packed into this short season.  The light seems to be just right, and the air is crisp, fall is a welcome relief after the stifling summers of D.C. and the oppressive heat of my childhood in Texas. The change in seasons is a good time to change up my routine, to re-imagine the norm, and to make some edits to your life (and wardrobe!).  Time to not only get back into the swing of things, but to get into something new!

Missing in Action

Sometimes in this life, things just don't go your way. Not only do things not go your way, but they seem to be stuck in a vortex of negative energy.  In times like these, sometimes the best plan seems to be to get away, turn off the computers, blackberries, iPhones, etc. and just be.

I spent the extended Columbus Day weekend with my other-half Mr. Lincoln hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail outside of Roanoke, VA.  And while on this trip the powers that be seemed to still be against us, it was nice to isolate the background noise as much as possible.
Its nice to put everything you'll need for a few days into a pack on your back, and walk hand in hand with the one you love into the woods together.  Its good to find someone who is by your side when you've hiked 27 miles and haven't showered in 3 days the going gets tough.  While my weekend was not as relaxing as I had planned, being  without all the extraneous things helps me remember who I am at my very core, and why it is I do what I do.
Despite misread trail maps, additional miles, animal encounters, water shortages, and being recorded as "missing persons" by the Virginia State Police, I returned feeling more grounded and ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Realizing that you can be out of service for a few days puts into perspective that they're all just modern conveniences rather than necessities.

For the Love of Leopard

While animal prints are by their very nature bold, statement pieces, they are surprisingly neutral and versatile pieces which can be wardrobe staples. This fall leopard print is everywhere – shoes to hats, even manicures. While the boldest looks aren't for all, it's a look anyone can incorporate.

The easiest way to incorporate leopard into your wardrobe this fall is through accessories. Scarves, belts, and shoes are all great ways to add a pop of print to your outfit. Look at the particular print's color, size, and intensity.While leopard is not necessarily simple, it is absolutely chic.  If you feel more daring, a blouse or dress is also an easy piece to incorporate when paired with a neutral cardigan or blazer, and accessories.
























Polyvlore set here.

Welcome!

I've been toying with the idea of blogging for a while now... there are so many things that I want to remember and record for the future.  Without being overly dramatic, reading blogs has inspired me to challenge myself and be more creative.  Even if no one else ever reads this, it would be nice to at least document my accomplishments for myself.

That brings me to Zedonked – my blogging experiment.  Why Zedonked?  For a few years, I have loved zedonks, zebra/donkey hybrids. Zedonks are a little awkward, to be sure, but they remind me of this 20-something phase; wild and domestic, embracing both the advantages of youth and full-fledged adulthood.

I'm a 20-something lawyer working and living in Washington D.C. Rather than letting the rat race get me down, I'm attempting to better myself (and those around me) by taking advantage of all the District has to offer. I'm checking things off my "someday" list: visiting all the Smithsonian museums (there are 20!), scratch cooking, and remixing my wardrobe.

Join me as I document my journey into more "grown up" pursuits: food, fashion and fun!