Antiquing

Want to know something i thought I’d never say?

I went antiquing today and it was – wait for it – fun. 🙂 < — somewhere out there my 10 year old self’s jaw just dropped.

The empty walls in my apartment have been driving me crazy lately, CR-A-ZY. They’ve been blank for months and I’m no closer to knowing what I want up there then I was when i first moved in.

Why is it to hard to fill in the blank walls? The people on HGTV and DIY network make it look so easy! Perhaps they shall teach me their ways? Before March I always wondered why people would hire interior decorators to come do their space, now I understand. In fact, I would happily hand someone, anyone, a blank check and tell them to go to town.

I had high hopes for shopping today. My friend Val and I were each on our own missions – I wanted some new art and she wanted a table for her couch. We loaded up and headed to a few antique shops she knew of in the area that were known for having great deals on one of a kind pieces.

The first place was a miss..

But the second was a hit!

So many, beautiful pieces I could have easily walked away with if I had the money or the space.

I fell in love with this beautiful mirror, but it was a little heavy and I was afraid to pull the trigger on something that was so much $$ and I wasn’t 100% positive on.

The third stop was even better than the last.

Inspiration leaked from every corner. I kept finding pieces that I knew were unique and beautiful, but I wasn’t 100% sure how to make them work outside of the store.

One day I hope to have a big house where I can characterize each room with elegant, tailored pieces. I also hope to have ‘the eye’ to make it work. Again – the TV makes that skill look so easy!

I did find one piece I found worthy enough of pulling the wallet out.

I plan to hang the shelf up in my closet and hang necklaces on it. Pretty, no?

I never thought I would have fun antiquing, but all the beautiful pieces of art left me wandering the stores for hours. You just never knew what you were going to find around each corner!

Our tummies began to grumble around 2:00, so we headed to Panne Rustica for lunch.

I ordered the Roasted Vegetable Sandwich as a salad.

The herbed goat cheese was the best part. So rich and salty – no dressing needed.

Val and I picked Chrissie up after lunch and headed to Homegoods for our final stop of the day.

The treasures in Homegoods weren’t nearly as elegant or rich in history as the antique store from earlier in the day, but I did find something that caught my eye.

Only $25 and it’s just big enough that it might work in the space. Fingers crossed!

I bid adieu to the girls and headed straight to Whole Foods to pick up some goods for dinner.

We’re having a lazy Saturday night around here and a lazy Saturday night means I get to have some fun in the kitchen.

Tonight’s inspiration? The fresh pasta sheets I found near the gourmet cheeses.

As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to try them.

The plan was for homemade cannellonis. In true Meghann fashion, there was no recipe – just winging it.

Starting with the sheets that had to be pre-boiled.

30 seconds in the water was all they needed.

The filling was a mix of ricotta, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, italian sausage, salt, and lots of pepper.

Just a big glob of filling on an end of the pasta sheet.

And rolled into a tube.

Easy peasy.

Topped with marinara sauce

fresh grated parmesan and basil

The pasta baked for 30 minutes at 375.

Now, that’s what I call a Saturday night meal!

I had two of the stuffed cannelloni with a side spinach salad of spinach, tomatoes, and fresh parmesan cheese.

The fresh pasta was like cutting into butter. It melted in your mouth in a ‘oh my god this is what food is suppose to take like’ way. I’m never going back to boxed again. Ever.

Derek’s mouth moaned in pleasure after each bite. I’ll take that as a good sign. 🙂

My pat on the back for a killer meal was an outing to Frozen Yogurt.

I make food. He buys the fro-yo. 🙂

They had all my favorites tonight: peanut butter, cake batter, red velvet, and rocky road – oh my!

<3

Pre-4th of July firework displays are engulfing our neighborhood and Maddie is NOT a fan. I’ve never seen a dog scramble to a front door so fast. Poor pups. Don’t worry Maddie – it will all be over soon. (I hope)

Good Night!