Polka Dots!

Aren't these pink polka-dotted Easter eggs adorable!  There is just something about polka-dots that is so happy.  It is such a simple pattern, and we've all seen it done a million times in a million ways, but we cannot deny... We love Polka Dots!

This little lamp is whimsical and fun.

Look at all the ways polka-dots can adorn cakes!

I love all the cheerful colors of these polka-dot demitasse cups.

Easter dessert would be perfect served on these dishes.

How cute would it be to carry this while wearing a yellow rain slicker!

This vintage-inspired dress is perfectly polka-dotted.

Black or Red... I'll take them in both colors!

Cute bangles!

Every girl needs some polka-dot socks!

You cannot help but feel happy when you put them on.

Maybe not for everyday, but this Easter egg inspired manicure is pretty fun.

Add a few polka-dots to your wardrobe or home decor.  They are youthful, happy and classic!

-The Panther



Daydreaming of Portland

As the panther continues to prowl around amazing New York City this week, she cannot help but feel a little homesick for little old Portland.  The city of bridges, bicycles, book stores, coffee shops, microbreweries, and spectacular mountains, rivers, and forests, Portland is home.  Today our daydreams are of Portland

Happy Daydreaming, and Happy Weekend!

-The Panther

The Panther Takes NYC

The Panther is off to prowl the streets of bustling New York City for a few days.  She may be checking in between her prowls but will for sure be back next week with new inspiration and ideas.

Have a great week!

-The Panther



Garden Gear

The weather has been slow to warm up this year, but the panther is itching to get out in the garden.  Gardening is such a therapeutic activity.  There is the actual physicality of gardening which is satisfying and the transformation and growth of a garden is very gratifying.  Are you prepared to get out and garden?  Here are some of the panther's favorite garden gear.

Galoshes:  These are a necessity, at least in Oregon, where the grass is wet and the ground is muddy through the entire spring season.  Galoshes are big now and you can find such cute and fun patterns everywhere.  I have darling black and white houndstooth galoshes that I picked up at Target for around $20 and I love them!
Here are some other cute galoshes.

pink Burberry-inspired plaid

leopard print, of course!

Gloves:  You've got to protect those hands and those fingernails ladies.  Like galoshes, there are so many cute garden glove patterns these days.

Hat:  Protect your face from the sun (or the rain) with a cute wide-brimmed hat.  Not just for weather protection, wearing a hat will also prevent tree debris from collecting in your hair.

Kneeling Pad:  Kneeling pads not only prevent you from having to kneel in the dirt, but offer some cushioning to your knees as you garden.  They're good to sit on too when the ground is damp.

We love this pink kneeling pad and tool set.

Garden Tote:  You need a way to haul your garden tools around and also a place to stash your water bottle and ipad.  I was tired of using a big ol' orange Home Depot bucket and picked up this cute shopping tote.  It is all plastic and can be hosed out if needed and it has lots of pockets for all my tools.

The cavas totes are cute too, but much harder to keep clean.

Watering  Can:  Even if you have a sprinkler or drip system, you always need a watering can on hand.  This aluminum can in bright sunshiney orange is so cheerful.

Happy gardening!  We hope to post pictures of some of our favorite gardens soon.

-The Panther

Daydreaming of Florence

The panther loves all things Italian and it has been way too long since her last visit.  Fabulous Florence is on her mind today.  Florence is the heart of the most amazing architecture, art, and history.

Happy Daydreaming!

-The Panther

Friday Favorites: Spring Jackets

The panther loves Spring.  The flowers, the colors, and the longer days are cheerful signs that summer is on the way.  There is still a chill in the air though.  It is time to retire your winter wool coats and change to something lighter and a little more colorful.  Here are some of the panther's favorite coats for spring.

Crushed Stretch Metallic Twill Jacket by Donna Karan Collection

Isn't this a pretty little jacket!

"Singing-In-The-Showers" slicker by Anthropologie

Cute and playful and perfect for running around town in.

Asymetric Jacket by Firetrap

I am a sucker for motorcycle-inspired jackets and this one is adorable!

The white is perfect for spring.

Tulip Trench by Top Shop

Love the fun print on the classic styling.

"Femme Trench" by Anthropologie

The ruffled collar adds such a feminite touch to this trench.

This would be adorable with dark jeans

Pink Prorsum Trench by Burberry

This is my all-time favorite jacket.  The color, the styling.... perfect!

You may remember this one from our Pale Pink post last month.

Warmer days are ahead, but in the meantime, rock one of these cute spring jackets!

-The Panther



Home Made Char Siu

Chinese barbecue pork or Char Siu is one of those foods I get cravings for.  It is so full of flavor and just so tasty!  After fearing I was becoming a Chinese take-out junkie, I decided to try learning to make this yummy dish for myself.  I researched several recipes and compared and finally came up with this one for myself and let me tell you, it is delicious!

Sometimes restaurant char siu, even though having lovely outer flavor, can be a little dry and bland in the middle.  Traditional char siu is made with either pork loin or pork butt.  I like to use pork tenderloin because it is so moist and flavorful.  Pork tenderloin is probably my all time favorite piece of meat.

Making char siu is a three part process.  First the meat is marinated, secondly it is cooked, then finally glazed and charred.

Marinade
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup rice wine
1/4 tsp. finely ground pepper
1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
2 minced garlic cloves

Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.  Reserve 1/3 cup of marinate.
Pierce  the pork tenderloin several times on each side with a fork. 
Pour the marinade over the meat, cover well and refrigerate 3 hours - overnight.

Glaze
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
reserved marinade
red food color

In small sauce pan, mix all glaze ingredients.  Stir over medium heat until thickened.

Yummy sauce for glazing

Directions

Place marinated meat on broiler pan and cover tightly with foil.  Cook on middle rack of 300 degree oven for twenty minutes.  After 20 minutes remove foil and cook for another 40 minutes.

Take pork out turn broiler on. Brush one side of tenderloin generously with glaze.  Return to oven (still on middle rack) and broil for 5 minutes.  Turn tenderoin over and brush the other side generously with glaze.  Broil for 5 minutes.  Turn, glaze, and broil each side again.  A thick red glaze should be built up all around and edges should be slightly charred.

Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Fresh from the oven, waiting to be sliced

Slice and serve with Chinese hot mustard and toasted sesame seeds.

necessary condiments

Goes perfectly with fried rice.



  

Try this out.  It is a little time consuming but it is easy and so delicious.

Enjoy!

-The Panther