Homemade Momofuku Ramen

Shamful Instagram posting (but still amazing ramen from Momofuku.)

I admit. I am shameful when it comes to Instagram food photos. I've seen eye rolls into the back of people's heads because they loathe food postings, because really, the taste will never translate through pictures. But one of my guiltiest food photo types is ramen. I seriously can't get enough good ramen and can't help but want to share it with everyone I know. My love for ramen is not to be confused with low-quality-crazy-levels-of-sodium-packaged-ramen, which can be a good hangover cure but not exactly satiating. I'm talking authentic, fireworks of flavors in your mouth, eggy gooeyness, slightly al dente noodle, sip from the bowl till there's no more kind of ramen. And since recently watching Season 1 of The Mind of Chef with David Chang, my appreciation for his savory dish went to a whole other level.

So, the next challange for me is! Making Momofuku Ramen at home. If you're up to the challenge, let's do it together and share the results! My chopsticks are ready to go. :)

For the recipe...

Dreamy Dame: Emmanuelle Alt, French Vogue

There is no doubt French Vogue editrix Emmanuelle Alt is a DOPT Dreamy Dame. Her style epitomizes French chic. She gets it right every time!  It's the perfect balance of feminine and masculine (I personally, cannot go too frilly. No polka dot tights here anytime!) So her style definitely speaks to me on a personal level. What I'd give to have this woman's wardrobe. It helps that she has legs that go for miles...but hey, that's what tailors are for. And nothing says style like a good, well-fitted blazer. On the must-have list!

Who's your dreamy dame fashion inspiration?

Hello, again.

By Anthony Burrill

 

It's been ages since either of us has posted. So, today I thought, "what's the hold up?" There's no time like the present, right? :) Because I'm constantly inspired but I will be the first to admit that I'm not always the best at record keeping these inspirations. But I truly love the world and camaraderie that blogs foster. Which is why I'd like to begin posting again and sharing what my sisters and I have been up to these days.

 

To kick off posting again, I'd love to share my latest fashion lookbook with you for Aussie label, Casper & Pearl, featuring a ton of great fashion bloggers who you can read more about here.

 

And the image paired with this post is by Anthony Burrill, whose work I've long admired. It's true, it is OK for me, all of us, to have everything we want and more. :) Now, onto posting!

Cute PJ's.

I have always wanted PJ's like these from J. Crew. I think they are incredibly cute and so comfy looking, don't you think? Just makes me want to have a pillow fight! And you can get them monogrammed, too! I think I just might have to buy myself the set as an early birthday present. :)

Image via J. Crew

Home Design Trick: Take a Picture

Frames in our home.

I spent Sunday reorganizing some picture frames around our apartment. Nothing major, just filling in a few white walls. But I discovered the best trick for taking on small to major home makeovers: take a picture! Yes, sounds strange, but I found that when you take a photo of the room you want to redesign, it somehow makes you see what's missing in the room. Framing the room helps versus looking at the room in person and seeing all the other space around it. Seeing it in a photo somehow focuses your attention to the empty space, which definitely helped me to organize my thoughts on what exactly I wanted.

Have you done this before? Have any home redesign tips?

Seattle Home.

This adorable house I saw on Design Sponge features the home of jewelry designer couple Leah Lawrence and Billy Bartels of Baleen, who live in Seattle (one of my favorite cities!) What caught my eye about their home is this very cool looking hanging bag and coat rack. I would be tempted to try it! I think it adds a dash of personality to what can usually be cast off as a bleh hallway, don't you think? Might try. Just might. 

Also, I thought this note was super sweet. Rings close to home:)

(Images and story collected from Design Sponge)

Hotel Bars

Park Hyatt bar in Tokyo feat. in the film Lost in Translation, where Bob and Scarlett fall for one another...

As you know, we are going to Tulum. Probably because the few times I have posted recently has been solely on the subject of this impending trip. All I can think about is the pillowing sands below my toes, lazying on the beach, and putting a summery dress on before dinner that sort of stings my newly sun burnt skin, one of my all time favorite feelings. But from what I have been hearing and reading about Tulum, there isn't a whole lot of nightlife and people mostly hang out at hotel bars! Which is pretty awesome.

Truthfully, anytime we travel, we're always so quick to escape our hotel in pursuit of the hot spots around town. But I am pretty excited to know that we won't have to travel far for good times and good company. We're staying at this very cute hotel called El Pez at Turtle Cove. It had great Trip Advisor reviews so we couldn't resist. And from what I hear, they have one of the best bars in town with live music and refreshing cocktails! I'll definitely report on the outcome, but if all goes well, we plan on making this a habit for future vacations, even if for one drink. Would love to try this new habit in Barcelona one day:)

How about you guys? Ever venture to your hotel bar and have a good experience? Share away!

Oh, hi.

 

For those of you who have continued to check back for updates and arrive to nothing, firstly, thank you for staying committed! And secondly, we have an explanation!

 

The seesters and I are in the process of wrapping up projects and focusing on expanding our company, Pink Forest, all the while working day jobs, like many of you. So with that, our beloved DOPT child has taken a patient backseat to the adults up front, metaphorically speaking. But I really cannot wait to start sharing all of our developments once they are further along. In the meantime, I will get back on track with posting because I definitely have some items I am dying to share with you!

 

OK. That's it for now. I'll stop talking and start sharing. Peace. :)

Tulum Lookbook

 

I'm going to Tulum next month for memorial weekend and I couldn't help myself -- I made a lookbook. I don't have all "my looks" as of yet, but I'm getting there! Bought a new pair of these today:) If you're traveling to Mexico too, feel free to peruse!

 

Also, saw this article in the Times about Tulum. Eek! I am so excited...

 

My Tulum lookbook.

Have a dreamy weekend!

 

It's Friday! Woot, woot. This week has thankfully flown by. And the weekend is jam packed, so hoping it won't go by as fast. :) Tomorrow I'm doing castings for a new film I will be directing in the spring. Yay! And hopefully, I'll watch a few Oscar contenders before the big show on Sunday night. Will you watch the Oscars? I would love for Beasts of the Southern Wild to win for anything, or Zero Dark Thirty. Both blew my mind.

 

Link time!

 

When your ex is nominated for an Oscar. Good read!

 

Very cool espresso maker.

 

Poached egg over polenta. Nom nom.

 

A sweet without the guilt.

 

Jenna Lyons pinboard. Love her!

 

I really wanna see this film (with Ryan Gosling:)

 

This had me in stitches. Can't get enough of this website.

 

I am obsessing over Emerson Fry's Spring collection. So pretty.

 

Isabel Marant's country shack. Looks like such a nice life. :)

 

(photo via The Sartorialist)

Guest Post: Youjin's Korean Cooking Night!

Me, Lori, and DOPT's Cifuentes girls, Lisa and Karina (far right)

Written by: Youjin Kim

My dad loves to tell this story about how I came home from dinner at a friend’s place when I was young and said I felt bad for my friends – compared to a typical Korean meal, the meat and potatoes I (probably) had was so simple and bland (this was in Columbus, Ohio). On the other hand, even the most simple Korean meal involves many different components (and therefore, ingredients) - rice, a soup or stew, a protein dish (meat or fish,) and a few different kinds of banchan (side dishes – often vegetables) and of course, kimchi. 

Sounds like a lot of work for every meal, right? Okay, that is probably what most families have in Korea but even as a single person like me living thousands of miles from Korea, my Korean meals must absolutely include rice, kimchi, and a soup.

Fortunately, you just need a few basic ingredients for seasoning almost everything – soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and garlic (and sometimes vinegar and alcohol/ wine/ mirin.) Soups require a meat, anchovies or soy bean paste for the base.

So, voila. Read on for the full Dreaming of Palm Trees Korean Dinner post!

We're going to Tulum!

 

We are finally doing it. We're going to Tulum! For those who know me, I've been talking and asking friends who've been about going to Tulum in Mexico for way too long. So finally, on a whim, we booked our flights! We're going for Memorial weekend, which is not close enough! There are so many yummy restaurants I want to try and things I want to do. Recommendations welcome, pretty please!



I'll see you soon, Tulum!

Book to read: Blood, Bones & Butter

I am dying to read this book! It's a memoir by chef Gabrielle Hamilton, owner of Prune. The book follows her journey through all the restuarants and kitchens she's worked in over her career and also goes back to the rural kitchen of her childhood, where her adored mother stood over the six-burner with an oily wooden spoon in hand (love that!) Even Anthony Bourdain describes it as "Magnificent. Simply the best memoir by a chef ever. Ever."

In fact, I think I'm going to buy it right after work. I don't usually post about books I haven't read before, but thought it'd be fun if I shared it and then we talk about it post-read? Oh, also, they're turning the book into a movie. And guess who's playing Hamilton? You guessed it. Gwyneth Paltrow, of course.

(photo via Blood, Bones & Butter)

You gotta try this: beet hummus

 

For those of you still on a New Years healthkick (I am, sort of...eeps) I highly recommend trying this tasty beet hummus. It'll knock your socks off. ;) And if you're anything like me, it's nice to take a break from the same ol' classic hummus. Believe it or not, but this dip is actually super tasty with melba toast! Remember those? Hope you try it!

 

(photo via A House in the Hills)

Summer T-Shirt Dress

 

Since we (Charlie and I) booked a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico, I've been on a hunt for a good t-shirt dress. Nothing too snug, but cotton-y and light feeling. Love this one by Alexander Wang, although I wouldn't pair it with black boots as pictured, but maybe a pretty wedge sandal. :)

(photo via Shop Bop)

Have a dreamy (fearless) weekend!

the Scared is scared from Bianca Giaever on Vimeo.

This cute video, by Bianca Giaever, is circulating the interwebs and it's too adorable not to share. Need some advice when you're feeling scared? Then check this out! Happy weekend, folks! Stay cozy! 

Have a dreamy weekend!

 

What are you up to this weekend? It is freezing in New York right now, in the teen degrees! So I plan on staying as warm as possible. I'm having some girlfriends over for tomorrow for a movie night, which I haven't done with them in so long! And we might order from here. Yum. And if I can muster the courage to brave the cold, I will do these exercises at the gym!

 

PS. How's everyone's resolutions going? More on that next week...

Do you cry?

 

Every now and then, I'll have a good cry. Sometimes it's from watching a heartfelt movie (yes, embarrasing!) other times it sort of a moment when I just feel sort of vulnerable and the only thing to do is shed a few tears. Oh, and of course every time I cut an onion. But anytime I do cry a little, I always feel so good afterwards. Like calmer. Do you experience this too? I recently read an interesting article that states all the benefits of crying. One, it can actually make you see better! And they say crying can lower overall stress. So squeeze hard and get those drops out! You'll sleep a tad better at night. :)

 

How often do you cry?

 

(photo via jpeg Heaven)

Doc to Watch: Inventing David Geffen

                           
           

 

For those who don't know, my sisters and I are filmmakers. We already have one feature film under our belt, written and directed by Claudia. And now, I'm stepping up to the plate to direct my first narrative short in the spring. Eeps! But I just saw this documentary on media mogul, David Geffen, and felt so invigorated after watching it! David Geffen, in short, is bold. Early on his career, he was so driven (still is) and really broke boundaries, especially when discovering new talent. His story is really inspiring for anyone who wants to be successful and rise to the top. It's on iTunes and I higly recommend watching it. :)

"Notoriously press and camera-shy, David Geffen reveals himself for the first time in this unflinching portrait of a complex and compelling man, directed, produced and written by American Masters creator Susan Lacy. Geffen’s far-reaching influence — as agent and manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and billionaire philanthropist — has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades."  - PBS

Covet: Tangerine Coat

(Photo via SheInside)

Woah, what a find! How cute is this tangerine coat? And can you believe it's only $84? I know. I usually wear black coats, but the sleek cut makes me want to try this funky color!

You gotta try this: Asparagus + Baked Eggs

Photo via The Kitchy Kitchen

If I'm at a restaurant and asparagus and baked eggs is on the menu, there's no question asked, I'm ordering it! And one of my favorite spots to order it from is Bacaro. But I've been tempted to recreate the delicious dish at home, so I finally tried a recipe found on The Kitchy Kitchen. And the result was so good! For all my fellow egg addicts, I higly suggest trying this one out. :)

Wishlist: Janus Films DVD Box Set

Photo featuring box set via Design Sponge

Recently Lisa emailed Karina and me for our recommendations on films to watch. So I sent her my ever growing films-to-watch list (I keep it on Evernote; Evernote is awesome, but that's another post :).

Now I've just come across a drool-worthy DVD box set which surely would satiate hers or anyone's important films-to-watch appetite. Behold Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus Films. This handsome box set contains 50 DVDs and cool (okay, kinda nerdy) bonus items like original notes on every film, plus a beautiful hard covered coffee table book on the history of the distribution film Janus Films. It's pricey, but your artistic thirst will thank you.

Have a dreamy weekend!

Paradise via Aubrey Road

Today is January 18th. How is everyone doing on their new year's resolutions? :) I didn't really make any resolutions this year except exercise more (hello, Equinox!), eat healthier (kale juice, anyone?) and to be more grateful. (Ok, I guess I did make resolutions.) I think its so easy to get caught up in the wanting-more track of life, and I think that's okay, but sometimes it's nice just to reflect on your present situation and find things you are grateful for. Know what I mean? Do you guys take the time to be grateful? I'm gonna try it. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

On that note, I am grateful for my family, friends and that it's a long weekend!!!! Have a great one, lovely people!

And here are a few fun links for your Friday...

----------------

The benefits of gratitude and your guide to self-help for 2013 :)

Did you guys catch the cutest video ever this week? (Seriously, it's cute.)

15 Awesomely healthy cookbooks

Tina Fey handing out Twitter licenses - yes please!

Cleaning vintage hardware. If you live in an old apt good to know!

10 Beautiful Kitchens

Cute snapshot of a 54 year old marriage. Reminds me of our marriage series from last year.

The 46 Places to Go in 2013 and What to Wear When Visiting

Have Netflix? I highly recommend watching this great documentary.

Loafers to Love.

(photo via Fab Sugar)

 

I've seen some ladies on the street sporting loafers which look so chic. And so they have inspired me to get on with the comfy yet stylish trend (as seen on Kate Moss.) Here's a roundup of a few I covet...after the jump!

You gotta try this: Rosemary + Lemon Chicken

 

On Golden Globes night, I took on the challenge of making my very first whole chicken. I was intimidated by the idea because I've only been eating meat for a little over a year, and sometimes I struggle with making chicken, uh, not dry. But we bought a whole chicken at Trader Joes, so I finally decided to give it a go. And woah -- it was the most amazing chicken I've made (thankfully!) I went with a lemon and rosemary recipe found on Food & Wine, with just a side of roasted potatoes. And we devoured every last part of it! And the cool thing which I never knew you were suppose to do is add a cup of water to the pan so the chicken is taking a little bath :) That way you can use the juices to keep it moist with tons of flavor.

 

Check out my chicken...

Hair envy

I am in one of those "I'm pretty bored with my hair, what should I do?" kind of phases right now. Now, I'm not sure if I really have it in me to rock grey hair like this beauty above, but I'm including it in my hair inspiration roundup because I think it's pretty fab. Read more after the jump to see the kind of style I am more likely to try out. 

Brooklyn Home Inspiration

Brooklyn House Hunting

Hello, DOPT friends. The 3rd sister here. Like Lisa mentioned recently, it's been eons since we've posted. (I know, lame.) Lately its just been Karina posting. (Thanks, Karina!) But it's true. Work/life events have completely overrun my schedule, most notably - house hunting!

My husband and I have been married for three years and have moved apartments four times! I know - nuts! But crazy New York circumstances (ahem, co-op board problems and our own penchant for living in trendy neighborhoods) have made it difficult to stay put.  Finally though, our game of home-musical-chairs may soon be coming to an end because we are currently looking to buy a two bedroom home in Brooklyn. As a nester, I am insanely excited. Finally, a home we will truly be able to call our own. Where we can build things, tear down walls, and customize to our liking without having to think about the property owner.

Since I'm hoping this will happen some time soon, I have begun a collection of inspiration photos, if you'd like to see. Here are a few selects and my Brooklyn board here if you'd like to follow.

I'm curious, how many times have you moved in your life? Did you know the average American moves 11.7 times in a lifetime! And other fun facts on moving.

Anyone else looking to buy right now? What's on your wish list? Here is ours...

Dancer Body

Want a dancer butt, arms legs, and a sculpted back? I recently started a new circuit of dance type exercises and I'm already feeling a difference! Check out this routine followed by Natalie Portman when she was training for Black Swan. And this one for very strong dancer legs. Hello, hot bod! 

(Photo via Vogue)

Dreamy Dame: Linda McCartney

Painting of Linda by Paul McCartney

 

Out of the many woman I find inspirational, Linda McCartney holds high rank. She was ethereal, stylish, poised, and always looked at ease even though she was married to a Beatle! And I love that she made a name for herself all on her own as a photographer and animal rights activist (and Stella McCartney, her designer daughter, followed suit.) And did you know that she also became a Lady when Sir Paul McCartney was knighted? Sadly, Linda passed away of breast cancer, but her memory lives on. As homage, here are some photos I found beautiful. 

Copenhagen Carafes

How pretty are these Copenhagen imported carafes? I love simple and elegant design like this. Makes me want to have an outdoor candlelit dinner party. :)

(photo via Lawson-Fenning)

Back from a hiatus

In case you haven't noticed, I have been terrible at blogging lately. All of our recent entries have been posted by Karina (bless her) because Claudia and I have been distracted and preoccupied with work, life, etc. But with the new year, my resolution is to return to blogging because after a long hiatus, I realized how much I missed posting on here. 

That said, for my first post back, I'd like to tell you about what's been keeping me entertained on the Internets lately. 

Brika. This is a new website, similar to Etsy, because it features all handmade artisanal goodies, but in my opinion, much better curated. Plus, they have cute Q + A's with the makers. My most recent fave items are these necklaces (all of them) by Lisa Anderson Shaffer and this tea towel by Monica Loos. 

The SALE section of West Elm. Such good deals! I just bought some very adorable and very inexpensive Christmas ornaments for next year. 

This NYT illustrated excerpt from an interview with Terry Gross and Maurice Sendak. Via Swiss-Miss.

All of the classes taught at 3rd Ward. I'm biased because I work there, but seriously, I am trying to figure out how to take every class this year during non-work hours because they are all pretty amazing. Nothing like learning new skills. 

Every recipe on The Kitchy Kitchen. Claire Thomas can do no wrong in my book. 

Alright, babes. I am off to have brunch at my fave weekday brunch spot, but I am so happy to be back on here! I hope to keep it up and hope to hear from you readers soon. How have YOU been these last few months? Any good tales? 

xo. 

Lisa

Top photo via here.

Products We Love: January

I often find new and interesting things, as many people do, and am so eager to share these findings with everyone I know. So I thought it would be fun to do a new series called 'products we love,' which will highlight some great finds for the month! The products will range from beauty to lifestyle, and anything else that enriches or makes life easier! So, here we go.

First up...

Ginger Chimes. Good for you and tasty too. Shop here.

I just signed up for Mint.com. It is awesome. If you have goals to save money this year, Mint consolidates all your bills into one place so you can get on track. Time for that trip to Tulum!

 

Us Cifuentes girls have been using this Armani foundation for years. We love and live by it. Pricey, yes. But a little goes a long way. You will have movie star skin. Seriously!

I had no idea what a good grater could do until it was gifted to us by Charlie's Mom. This zester makes you want to grate the heck out of everything! It's so finely grated, the pecorino will just melt over your pasta sauce. #nomnom

As part of an ongoing attempt to eat better this new year, I plan on signing up for a CSA program, which delivers veggies to your doorstep! You don't always know what you're going to get because it's seasonal, but it's a good way to eat new vegetables and support local agriculture. This Portlandia episode on CSA's kills me!

 



Enjoy. :) 

Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year!

 

I'm officially back to the grind and super amped to start the year off right with a few easy and realistic resolutions. One of them is to start eating a better breakfast. Usually I wake up around 6:30 or 7'ish and sluggishly work my way to the coffee machine. Once I hit the on button, I hop into the shower and it's auto pilot from there. Eventually I down my coffee and eat something light. But truthfully, I don't ever eat a big breakfast that early in the morning. I just haven't made it a habit and hunger doesn't really kick in until afternoon. And from what a former trainer I worked with told me, breakfast is the time you want to go big. So I've decided that I'm going to incorporate juices into my breakfast routine. Juices can be filling and also incredibly nutritous. And I think it would be fun to get creative with them. I did a little research and found a list of tasty looking juice ideas on Williams-Sonoma (random, I know!) I'm going grocery shopping after work and plan on making minty berry juice with a little spirulina and maybe some whey. Any other suggestions? Would love to know!

 

Also on my resolutions list: write and read more (just started this book, a gift from Charlie:), take a fun class, have some last-minute adventures, cook something really hard, and pay off my student loans! Ergh, we'll see about the last one.