Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce

One of the things I miss about living in the city is the vast choices of restaurants. It was great being able to walk out our apartment door and have every possible cuisine only a few steps away. 

Pio Pio was a favorite "go-to" of ours. We would get the rotisserie chicken, bowl of rice and beans with the spicy green sauce on the side. Lot's of spicy green sauce. 

I have been craving that famous green sauce ever since we moved and finally decided to attempt to make it on my own. I don't know if it is quite as delicious as the famous Pio Pio but a good second place. You can pretty much dip anything in this stuff!

recipe below.

Peruvian Aji Verde Sauce 

Ingredients

1 heaping handful of cilantro
4 scallions 

2 jalapeños, seeded and diced

1 garlic clove, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt (you may want more after tasting it)
pinch of pepper

1/2 cup extra light olive oil

2 tablespoons mayonaise 

Directions

Roughly chop the cilantro and scallions and set aside. De-seed and chop the jalapeños. (make sure to wear gloves and throughly wash your hands after)

Throw all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until a smooth consistency. Taste as you may need to tweak and add some additional salt and pepper. 

coffee table decor

A coffee table is an essential piece of accent furniture in any entertaining space. Centrally located in the seating area, its contents are often the focus of the room once everyone is seated. Below are some of my tips and tricks to creating the perfect chic coffee table decor. 

The first step is of course the coffee table itself. I'm really loving free form wooden tables right now. This walnut one from chairish.com is a perfect starting off point. Chairish is a great online vintage marketplace. I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't already. Everything is one of a kind and at really great price points.

My first "go-to" when accessorizing a coffee table is always a great tray.  West Elm has a great selection in various sizes and finishes. 

Large Rectangular Lacquer Tray

Unique objects are a great addition to any coffee table. I like to stack one or two on top of some coffee table books.

Gold Urchin Antique Objet

Which brings me to my next must. A stack of chic coffee table books. Tailor these to your taste. Decor, fashion, travel... 

Amazon is a great source with competitive prices. 

Big Book of Chic

I can never get enough candles. Pick your favorite scent and light it up.

The BAIES scent from diptyque is my all time favorite. 

diptyqueparis baies

A chic box of matches will take it to the next level.

I love these Hot Hot Hot ones from Lulu and Georgia.

hot-hot-hot-matches

You can't go wrong with a ceramic vase. I am in love with this stoneware set by NY based artist Judy Jackson.

jury-jackson-vase-set

Another option is a potted succulent plant. If you are like me and can't keep an orchid alive for the life of you this is the way to go. Super low maintenance and great looking. 

The below one is from target but believe it or not Trader Joe's has a great selection in fun, bright colored pots.

succulent

And here is a snap shot of my own coffee table. My biggest piece of advice is have fun with it! 

Hazel turns ONE

It's been close to a year since I have written on here so it seemed only fitting to "get back into it" with a post on Hazel's 1st Birthday. Not quite sure how a whole year has flown by but here I am a year later and ready to get back to it. That being said i'm excited to start with Hazel's first birthday.

We had our family over for a "Woodlands Brunch" to celebrate. Mimosas and Bloody Mary's for the adults, hot chocolate for the kids. Lot's of yummy brunch foods on the table including deviled eggs, smoked salmon, quiche, a blueberry strata and a winter salad. For dessert I made "s'mores on a stick, Magnolia's famous banana pudding,  a "woodlands" birthday cake and fresh berries.  I also made a "bear hugs" trail mix for everyone to take home with them. 

And of course the celebration wouldn't be complete without cute "fox socks" on Hazel's cute chubby legs. I could kiss those "foxy" legs all day!

Below are some pictures from the special day.