Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  Over the weekend, I made a double-batch of this French Apple Tart at the request of a friend.  I forgot how easy the recipe is to follow - mostly because the pastry portion is phyllo dough (from the frozen food section).  The decadent dessert looks like a labor of love, but it requires little more than peeling and coring apples.  Perfect for a weeknight indulgence.

II.  Ever since Beyonce debuted her slimmed-down frame while crooning about surfborts at the Grammys, I’ve been curious about Vegan fare.  To satisfy my curiosity, I’ll be attending the Vegan Iron Chef competition on March 23rd at SOMArts.  Each competing chef will be tasked with putting together an “Impromptu Sunday Dinner” (right up my alley!) with surprise ingredients.  I can’t wait to share my Vegan finds with you - we’ll all be looking like queen of hip hop in no time.

III.  I can say, without hesitation, that the word most often used to describe me as a child was “bossy."  Sheryl Sandberg’s recent celebrity-laden campaign to end the term forced me to think about what the descriptor meant to me.  To be completely honest, I don’t recall interpreting "bossy” as a negative.  How could a word containing “boss” be a bad thing?  The author of this New Yorker article shares a similar sentiment.  Where do you land on the bossy debate?

IV.  St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Monday prompted me to reach outside my typical beer-drinking uniform of a sheer shamrock-hued v-neck and jeans in favor of something more suitable for work.  I settled on this Halston Heritage satin-crepe dress, rationalizing that I will be able to wear the frock to everything from summer weddings (with these) to lazy Sunday brunches (with these).

V.  On the topic of going green, this morning my mom took me to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.  If, like me, you haven’t heard of it - you’ve been missing out!  The shops sell new and gently used furniture, decor, appliances, and building materials (hardware, kitchen cabinets, chandeliers) donated from high-end interior designers and contractors at a fraction of the price.  Best part - all proceeds go to an amazing cause!  Find a ReStore near you here.

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt