baby on the brain

I wouldn't necessarily describe myself as maternal.  I really don't know what to do with little kids.  The husband has impressed me with his ability to make small talk and keep the interest of a small child. Despite my apparent lack of maternal instinct, I kinda want a baby.  If I were to dig a little deeper, maybe what I really want is a project... someone to shop for, a room to decorate, different types of books to read, deadlines to meet, a party to plan, someone to keep me company, and finally a free pass to not give a flip about what goes into my mouth for at least 9 months.

As I was waiting for my morning bagel at Dunkin Donuts earlier this week, the woman behind me had an arm tattoo with the name Monet scrawled across her arm.  I stared at it for awhile and wondered if it would make a good baby name.  I like the alliteration it would create with my last name, but I can't get the image of my daughter swinging upside down on a stainless steel pole in her underwear out of my head.  So maybe that name won't make it onto The List, but that's ok there are many more already on there.

In a few more years, when I've hopefully outgrown the desire to buy expensive handbags and J.Crew jewelry, I look forward to having a little mini me to share my life with.  I just hope my kid is as cool as this kid...

tumblr

Or this kid...

tumblr

Or this kid...

from @paulpierce34's twitter

Yummy, Yummy Cookbooks

I am absolutely obsessed with collecting cookbooks.  I love cooking and eating good food.  I love going to restaurants and learning about new dishes and trying to replicate them in my little New York kitchen.  When I'm looking at a potentially new cookbook, I'm looking for a book that's beautiful, offers recipes that wow but that don't require 20 different ingredients, gets great reviews, and transports me.  Here's a short list of some of the cookbooks I want to buy.


Pati's Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking, Pati Jinich
Trust me. I was definitely a little side eyed when I saw Ms. Pati on the cover of a Mexican cookbook. I like authentic and I wasn't sure about Pati Jinich, but that was until I read the first sentence of her bio: "I was born and raised in Mexico."  Ok, so you're the real thing.  To learn more about Pati, click here to visit her blog.

Meatless, Martha Stewart Living
She had me at the cover. Whatever dish that is on the cover of her book, I want to eat it now!

How to Cook Indian, Sanjeev Kapoor
I read somewhere that Mr. Kapoor is the Rachel Ray of India.  I don't know if that's a good thing, but because my husband is Indian I am constantly on the hunt for easy, delicious, and authentic Indian recipes.

Food for Friends, Fran Warde
I love entertaining and I love that this cookbook gives you a work plan, is organized around events, and offers wine suggestions.

Le Pain Quotidien Cookbook, Alain Coumount
I am a huge fan of Coumount's restaurants and spend a small fortune eating at Le Pain Quotidien for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I love, love, love their shaved vegetable salad with tofu and ponzu dressing.  Everything on their menu is seasonal and healthful.

Crazy Sexy Kitchen, Kris Carr
I actually learned about this cookbook from a colleague of mine.  She's incredibly fit and also loves to cook, which is why I added it to my list.  And who doesn't want a crazy, sexy kitchen?

It's all Good, Gwyneth Paltrow
Say what you will about her.  But if by making her "delicious, easy recipes"I too can look like her, then bring on the kale and quinoa.

What's For Dinner, Curtis Stone
Sold. I hate cookbooks that say they're for busy people and require a bunch of prep or takes forever to cook.  Curtis Stone is not only cute, but he also seems to know what he's talking about.  The recipes in this book move beyond ordinary pasta and grilled chicken.

The Little Paris Kitchen, Rachel Khoo
I love French food, but am admittedly intimidated by it.  I love that Rachel Khoo is whipping up all these wonderful dishes in a little Paris Kitchen.  I often complain about my lack of counter space, and fancy appliances, but if Rachel can do it, then so can I.