Below is my new recipe for Vegan Potato Chorizo Pizza. & if you just said that picture looks to good to be vegan, then shame on you!

Vegan Potato Chorizo Pizza

4 small or medium red potatoes
1 package of soy chorizo, Trader Joe’s brand
2 tsp of grapeseed oil
1 sweet onion
2 TBS. of Earth Balance non dairy butter
1 package of pizza dough
1/4 cup of Red Mill ground polenta (optional)
3 chopped cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
dash of sugar
salt & pepper
graded parmesan soy topping (optional)

As a member of the bridal party I was unable to get all the photos that I wanted for my blog. These are from the photographer Jesse Boone from Finest Moments Photography. The Above photo was taken on the East 9th Pier looking over Lake Erie. Below, the cameo on the bride’s bouquet was from her grandmother, a fantastic was to incorporate something old or borrowed. Enjoy these photos of the most beautiful fall wedding.

Riki & Brien were married November 1st on a beautiful fall day in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The outdoor ceremony was framed by an industrial landscape and the colorful fall leaves. Guests were warmed by bon fires & vowes written by the bride & groom.

The reception took place in the adjacent warehouse converted loft where the bridal party spent the weekend. The fall theme carried through the entire event; centerpieces made of cheery tree twigs, chocolate brown table cloths, and bouquets made of cabbage, mint, vibrant lillies & wrapped in feathers. Instead of a cake, the couple constructed a multi tiered tower of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts & the food was made from local ingredients purchased at the West Side Market.

*see below has moved!

*Follow this link to my new home: http://www.see-below.net/

Ice Melts. Whiskey Rocks.
A good scotch needs no diluting. These Whiskey Stones require just a few hours in the freezer and they are ready for chilling your favorite beverage. For centuries granite has been used in Scandinavia for such purposes. However, these are made with natural Vermont soapstone, a very soft material so as not to scratch the glass. Best of all they are completely reusable. Just rinse and return back to the freezer before your next soiree. A set of nine retails for around $20. Read more about the designer & the manufacturing process here.

Here is an except from the 1958 edition of Good Housekeeping’s Book of Breads & Sandwiches. Not only does it serve as some good party or picnic inspiration, it is an adorable illustration.

Make a seasonal center piece with fruit, greenery and flowers from your yard. (or your neighbor’s.) Simply place your findings in a bowl of water and arrange the way you like. When styling the center piece remember to group things in threes or odd numbers. Symmetry is not always pleasing to eye! Floral foam & picks are ideal but not necessary, as the life expectancy of your clippings may be short. 

Living in small city apartments has always inspried creative uses for conserving and creating more space. The best method I believe is converting rooftops into patios and outdoor living areas. In Hong Kong, an apartment with roof access is usually considered the crown jewel of real estate. With warmer temperatures all year long, a great rooftop is a wonderful place to entertain friends and familys, hold bbqs and just step away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city streets. Out of my bedroom window I can view my neighbors rooftop (see below) which is absolutely breathtaking.

(For the record, I have never ONCE seen them use said rooftop which is just a shame). Note the built in stone bench, the Large Potted plants. The enclosed space to shield from rain (as Hong Kong is also known for its overcast skys during typhoon season), is made out of bamboo a favorite building material in this country. If I were the owner of this rooftop not only would I be throwing a lot more rooftop parties and all out shindigs, I would also spice up the plants with more color. On my own rooftop I have a beautiful bougainvillea bush which is easy to maintain and blooms with these spectacular pink blossoms all summer long. Sunflowers, daisies, or a lilac bush are also great ideas for some cheerful color. For the green thumb, a small garden is also an idea, even if it is just herbs. Or for the un-green thumb, maybe a rock garden. Most importantly these ideas don’t require a rooftop and can easily be translated to a more suburban tradition of a patio. No matter what you choose … Happy Roofing!

—Stephanie Hauk

Ms. Hauk is a native Clevelander, but is guest bloging from Hong Honk. She is obsessed with all things beautiful. See her blog here http://vicioushawk.blogspot.com/

This is my favorite summer dish and like most of my recipes, its conception stems from what’s on hand. This is something you can make very quickly so keep this recipe in mind when you get that last minute invite. It makes a great side to grilled veggies and burgers. It is also satisfying enough to be a main dish. The leftovers pack up well for a lunch for the next day.

1 cup of prepared whole wheat couscous (I prefer Trader Joe’s Brand)
the juice of 2 lemons
2 carrots
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1/2 of an english cucumber
1 tomato
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
1/8 cup of chopped fresh dill
1 Tbs. dried dill
1 Tbs. sea salt

Chop all veggies into nickel sized pieces. Add the lemon juice directly to the couscous as it fluffs. When it is cool to the touch and fluffy combine it with the veggies and chopped herbs. Mix well and add dried dill, salt and pepper to taste. refrigerate for 30 min. Serves 4 as a main dish & 6 as a side.