Oops

Looks like I should have extended my blogging hiatus a bit longer. Sorry for the lack of new posts this week...I've been visiting friends in Maryland and D.C. since Sunday. I'll be back on Monday with some fun things, including what I did (and ate) in our nation's capital. Have a beautiful weekend!

"Whatever's in the Fridge" Pasta for One

As the name suggests, I threw this pasta together last night with whatever I could find in the fridge and pantry. It actually turned out pretty tasty and satisfying (plus it's quick and nutritious) so I thought I would share it here with you. Happy weekend!

Ingredients:

-2 oz. dry organic whole wheat rigatoni (or short pasta of your choice)
-1/3 cup canned Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
-1/2 cup of broccoli and cauliflower, cut into florets
-1 clove of garlic, minced
-pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
-1 Tbsp. olive oil
-salt and pepper
-grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and then the pasta. Stir occasionally.

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Add the crushed red pepper and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring. Add the beans and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the beans hang out and cook for a few minutes.

When the pasta is about half done, add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Continue cooking until both pasta and veggies are al dente. Drain pasta and veggies (but not too thoroughly, you want a little bit of the cooking water) and add to the skillet with the beans, stirring until combined. Season with more salt and pepper if desired, add a splash more olive oil if the pasta seems dry, and serve with grated Parmesan.

Buon appetito!

Green Light: Baggu

In honor of Earth Day, I've decided to start a new recurring feature here on littlebits that I am calling "Green Light," in which I will highlight earth-friendly brands, products, and ideas. Today's featured brand is Baggu, maker of stylish reusable shopping bags, totes, produce bags, and now backpacks. I just ordered a couple of Baggu shopping bags last week, and already I am loving them. They come in a ton of fun colors (I chose the navy stripe), and they fold flat into a small pouch--just toss into your purse (or keep them in your glove compartment, gents) and go! Baggus are made of durable rip-stop nylon, and even though I thought that perhaps I should purchase reusable totes made of a greener material like organic cotton or hemp, I ultimately decided that the ultra-portability and style factor of the Baggus meant that I would be more likely to actually use them. Plus, when your bags wear out, you can send them back to Baggu and they will recycle them and give you a $1 credit per bag toward a future purchase! If you still need more convincing, Baggu is offering free shipping on all orders until midnight tonight with promo code "earth10"...happy shopping!

(Image via baggubag.com)

Maria Kitano

I'm seriously loving the work of German artist Maria Kitano. Her abstract oil paintings are inspired by nature--frozen lakes, waterfalls, trees, the night sky. Aren't they beautiful? (They're reasonably priced, too!)

(Clockwise from top left: Abstract 21, Forest 2, Waterfall, and Winter Reflections 2)

More Poufs!

Because there's more to poufs than Moroccan leather...

Calypso Home "Jodphur" Pouf, $375

Pier 1 Fat Stool, $29.98



CB2 Knitted Pouf, $79.95

Target Cube Storage Ottoman, $59.99

Pier 1 Round Rattan Pouf, $29.98

Missoni Home "Vevey" Cylindrical Pouf, $340
Anthropologie "Julah" Ottoman, $198

Inspiration Folder: Moroccan Poufs

I have been spending a lot of time lately daydreaming about my next apartment. I'm beyond ready to have my own space again, and I've been bookmarking all sorts of furniture and decor items that I would love to surround myself with. Even though Moroccan poufs have been quite popular for a few years now, my desire for one was recently rekindled when I acquired a couple of back issues of Blueprint (thanks, Jess!) and saw the turquoise pouf in the fourth photo below...so fun! I also love the pastel versions, because they make me think of candy :)

Candace Bushnell's apartment (Elle Decor)

Lonny editor Michelle Adams' apartment (Lonny)

Alexandra Wentworth's apartment (Elle Decor)

Editor Sarah Humphreys' NYC apartment (Martha Stewart)

Poufs as coffee tables (Domino)

If (or should I say when?) I get my own pouf, I think I will take a cue from Lonny editor-in-chief Michelle Adams and use it as a sort of side table and pull it out for use as occasional seating or an ottoman as needed. Color-wise, I really do love the turquoise, but I think yellow or red might be easier to incorporate into a room. And even though it's waaaaayyyy out of my price range, I can still fantasize about this super glamorous metallic version. Love.

Dear Readers,

littlebits will be on hiatus for a bit. I need to devote all of my energy to real-world things right now...I hope you understand. I still like you, I promise.

xo,
Rachael