An Epic Candle

On Friday night Jason and I went to one of our favorite restaurant's Ra Sushi.  It just so happens to be right next door to my favorite store, Anthropologie so my kind husband usually offers to walk throught it with me after dinner!  We never buy anything because he usually rolls his eyes at each and every price tag.  But this night was different...as I was trying on a few tops, Jason discovered a candle that he fell in love with.  The term he used was epic! 

We ended up leaving empty handed (even when I offered to buy it for him) because of the $32.00 pricetag.  But, while I waited for the car to come back from valet, Jason ran in and quickly bought it!  It now sits in our living room and smells amazing. 

Royal Apothic makes the candle in 4 scents.  All are great, but we fell in love with "Edwardian Fireplace."  The packaging is pictured below so it is ready to give as a great hostess or birthday gift.  The scent we purchased comes in an even cuter plaid ribbon! 

Royal Apothic Candle from Anthropologie

The Perfect Catch Necklace

I L-O-V-E this necklace from Anthropologie!  How fitting for me since the blog is called "The Perfect Catch" and my hubbie and I love to fish.  I think I need it.  Have a great weekend! 

Fish-Out-Of-Water Necklace, $38.00: Anthropologie

New Coach Handbags for Spring

Coach just introduced some hot new bags for Spring!  I love the floral print!  I will have to see them in person...the gold seems a little questionable.  I am not a fan of super-shiny gold.  I will keep you posted, but please let me know if you happen to scope them before I do. 

Madison Floral Carryall, $358.00

Madison Floral Swingpack, $138.00

This is more of a practical Spring bag that will go with so many outfits!  I would buy this tomorrow if it were only half the price. 

Madison Leather Spectator Carryall, $398.00

Finally, this is my love, love!  I saw this one in person a few weeks ago, tried it on and fell in bag love.  Again, don't really have $350 to throw around, but if I did, this is my fave bag!

Peyton Signature Sateen Large Carryall, $348.00

Are there any new bags that you are eyeing for the Spring? 

La Torretta Lake Resort Wedding Shoot

Many of you know already that my husband works for an amazing resort in Conroe, TX: La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa.  It is beautiful, luxurious and a great weekend getaway...especially as a romantic getaway for couples! 

It is also an ideal wedding venue since they have "one-stop shopping" onsite: a spa, fine dining restuarants, lake, golf course, pools, lazy river, waterpark, ballrooms, terraces, suites in their tower and golf cottages! 

They recently had a bridal shoot on their property and the pics turned out great!  Hop on over to their blog to read all about it!

La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa Blog

Hope you are having great day,
Chelsea

P.S.  Did you hear about the new iPad?  Blog post coming soon...

More Than You Can Imagine on Today Show

My aunt's store was featured on The Today Show this morning on a piece about consignment stores.  More Than You Can Image is MORE than just a consignment store.  It focuses on designer consignment pieces: clothes, bags and shoes: Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, oh my!  MTYCI also has new gift items, jewelry, and unique gifts. 

If you are in Houston, you need to check it out:  More Than You Can Image

Watch MTYCI on The Today Show! 

Linguine with Peas, Pancetta & Sage

I got adventurous on this one!  Not because it was hard, but because it used lots of ingrediants that I don't normally keep stocked in the house.  Overall- great dish!  Jason loved it and we even ate the leftovers the next night and it was just a yummy (and we don't normally eat leftovers)! 

This dish comes from The Newlywed's Cookbook.  We registered for this at Crate & Barrel, $24.95.  I highly recommend picking it up. 

I was off my "blogging" game the night I made it so I didn't take any pics, but the finished product looks colorful and clean on the plate. 

You will need:
2 cups of peas (I used 1 bag of frozen peas- 10oz.)
5 tablespoons EVOO
1/3 cup fresh bread crumbs
16 oz. linguine
3 oz. thinly sliced pancetta, chopped...(I used a little more than this)
3 garlic cloves, crushed
few springs of fresh sage, finely chopped
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
handful of fresh chopped parsley
salt and pepper

1.  Lightly blanch the peas in a saucepan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes.  Drain and set aside.
2.  Heat 2 tablespoons fo oil in a skillet and brown the breadcrumbs until golden (3 minutes).  Season with salt and pepper
3.  Cook pasta and drain
4.  Heat 1 tablspoon of oil in a saucepan (large enough to hold the pasta later) and cook the chopped pancetta until browned (2-3 minutes).  Add in garlic, cook for 1 minute.
5.  Stir in the sage, wine for about 1 minute.  Set aside.
6.  Add the pasta to the pan of pancetta/garlic/etc.  Add peas, 1-2 tablespoons of oil and cook over low heat while tossing well to mix. 
7.  Stir in cheese, parsley, pepper, salt. 
8.  Sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs adn serve hot.


Enjoy!  Tell me how you liked it! 

Ground Beef 'n' Biscuits

Since I am no longer in school at nights, I have been trying to branch out with my cooking.  Before you get too impressed...don't!  I only attempt really easy recipes, so you can feel confident that if you try one the dishes I post, you can do it!

I found this recipe in the Taste of Home: Dinner on a Dime cookbook that I got for Christmas from my friend Sarah of One Stitch Short. 

It turned out great (it's definitely not diet) but it is very filling so Jason loved it and I didn't eat that much before I was stuffed.  Enjoy!


You will need:
1.5 pounds of ground beed (I only used 1 pound of extra lean beef and I thought it was plenty)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper (J and I love pepper so I used way more than that!)
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomoto sauce
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
1 tube (7-1/2 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded  cheddar cheese

1.  In a large skillet, cook the beef, celery and onions (medium heat) until meat is no longer pink.  Drain.  Stir in flour, salt, oregano, and pepper until blended.  Add tomato sauce and peas.  Simmer for 5 minutes.

2.  Pour in a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish.  Separate biscuits; arrange over beed mixture (don't let the biscuits touch).  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and cheese is melted.  Yield:  6 servings.

Before the oven

The finished product

Marching Band Jacket

I fell in LOVE with this jacket last night when I was watching the latest episode of One Tree Hill.  Sophia Bush's character, Brooke Davis, who happens to be a fashion designer rocked it.  I love how quirky and different it is while still looking comfy.  Plus it is in my fave colors to wear: gray, back and white.

I searched hard to find who made this fabulous jacket with my credit card itching in my hand.  You can understand how disappointed I was to learn the jacket retails for $695.00! 

If anyone ever finds a great knockoff or a steal on Ebay - let me know! 

3.1 Phillip Lam Marching Band Jacket, Gray

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House of Harlow 1960

House of Harlow is a brilliant line of accessories by Nicole Richie.  She has everything from cocktail rings to lockets to headpieces.  Very funky, hippie and happy! 

Even better, Richie has a line of Peacock inspirsed pices that I love!  I have been dropping hints to Jason that I would LOVE the Peacock Feather Locket for Valentines Day...hint, hint!

Women's Long Peacock Feathered Locket, $98.00 at Kitson

Other great pieces:

Women's Large Key Cocktail Ring, $45.00 at Kitson

Peacock Cuff, $185.00 at Piperlime

Pacock Cocktail Ring, $46.00 at Piperlime

Gold plated Peacock bangle, $89.00 at The Trend Boutique

Vera Bradley Must-Have Piece

I always get a lot of response on my blog when I post about Vera Bradley pieces so here is yet another review!  My husband bought me the "Turn Lock Wallet" in Paprika by Vera Bradley for Christmas.  I loved the look of it online, but it is even better in person! 

It is larger than I thought it would be so it holds a lot of items without looking overstuffed or bulky.  There are two seperate sections, a side zipper for coins, and 14 card pockets.  The wallet fits nicely in all of my purses, but I often carry it around like a clutch because my car keys will fit inside of it.  Whenever I carry it around, I get lots of compliments.  I wear a lot of black, gray and dark brown so the Paprika pattern adds some pop to my look! 

Trust me, you will love this piece!  $44.00 at Vera Bradley. 

Dress like an Anthropologist - Tops Edition

I would describe my day to day style as classic and preppy.  I wear a lot of black, white and gray with pops of color.  I keep classic staples in my closest like dark turtlenecks, crisp white button downs, black pants, blazers, etc.  Pearls are usually in my ears...you get the idea! 

Although classic pieces are a must-have for me, I love to mix in more funky and unusual items.  I have been hunting unusal pieces since Junior High...my mom, who is the best shopping partner in the world, and I would look for fun things that were different or stop the random girl on the street and ask her where she bought her unusal outfit.  That is why I love Anthropologie so much!  I wish it was more affordable, but that is probably why you don't see their pieces walking down the street everyday like I do with another regular of mine, Ann Taylor Loft. 


A lot of Anthropologie pieces are hippie-esque or have a vintage feel that I just love.  Here are some Anthro tops that I am drooling over right now:

Swirled Azita Tunic

Lemon and Chocolate Tank

Dancing Twill Tunic

Happy Hour Cardigan

Hydrandea Flurry Vest

Embroidered Fleur Tee

Upcoming Anthropologie editions will cover bags, jewelry and home accessories! 

Vera Bradley - New 2010 Patterns

Vera Bradley just announced 4 new patterns!  Which one is your favorite? 

Poppy Fields (Angle Tote, $68.00)

Loves Me... (Alice Tote, $71.00)

Totally Turq (Alice tote, $71.00)

Sittin' in a Tree (Alice Tote, $71.00)

Finally, I love this new stationary piece (On That Note, $18.00) in this pattern!  Loo at those sweet birds on the paper.  I think this set is a steal at $18...it includes paper, sticky note pad, pen and holder.

Bridal Extravaganza Show - Houston, TX

What is wrong with this picture?  I wait until AFTER I'm married to attend a bridal show.  This past weekend Jason and I attended the Bridal Extravangza in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.  Jason's resort, La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa, had a booth. 

Shameless plug - Brides looking for a destination: La Torretta would be a great place for your wedding and reception.  The resort is on Lake Conroe and has wonderful restaurants, an amazing spa, and beautiful rooms.  The resort would also be ideal for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid days, or day-after brunches!   

Back to the show.  It was actually really fun because J and I could walk around enjoying the flowers, cakes, and photos without feeling stressed or pressured.  We even had on vendor nametags so no one really bothered us. 

Here are some highlights:

Loved this cake from La Torretta...it looked so cute and smelled even better!

Stress brides!  Love it...I needed one of those during the planning process.

The beautiful La Torretta Booth! 

And finally...my fave!  It's a floral peacock!!!  It was so stunning in person.  This pic was taken on my phone so the quality is terrible.  Why didn't I have this at my wedding?  Now that's a centerpiece!

New Year, New Look!

Happy New Year from The Perfect Catch!  I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday.  I am back at work today and am loving the fact that I don't have any classes looming over my head. 

Can't wait to post this week about my Christmas vacation, a December wedding I attended, new things around the house and other happenings I am excited about for 2010! 

If you are reading this post on your Google Reader, hop on over so you can see my new blog design!  What do you think?  Ashley from Newlyweds and Nesting designed it! 

Happy Monday,
Chelsea