Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday!  Doesn't this pumpkin pecan cream cheese roll look fantastic! I know it's a classic but on an autumn morning this would hit the spot.  

Anyone have weekend plans?  Make and I are having a mini-break in Santa Barbara this weekend.  Until he moves up here Santa Barbra is half way between our two homes.  We're trying to see each other ever two weeks during our temporary long distance relationship.  Here's to a weekend of bike rides on the beach, french food, and wine!  Have a lovely weekend darlings!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

My niece and I love having girl's night sleepovers and we always have some kind of baking project.  The last time I gave her the option of making oatmeal cookies or pumpkin muffins in the morning. Then we thought, pumpkin oatmeal muffins...done! 

These babies turned out so moist and full of autumn joy with just the nostalgic touch of oatmeal.  If you're looking for a new treat give them a try, they'd be perfect for Thanksgiving guests!

Recipe after the jump!

Autumn Love

Everything about this picture makes me happy.  Now that I've gotten set up on the central coast I'm able to set back into the fall grove.  Apple picking, autumn leaves, and pumpkin everything!  What are your favorite things about November?  I love knowing that Christmas is on it's way, the family is about to gather for Thanksgiving, and that I still have a month of pumpkin joy! 

To top it all off I finally found a trench that I've been craving for a year and for under $50, check it out here! 

Photo via

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday!  Who wants to celebrate with some pumpkin creme brulee, doesn't this look divine?  

I am so excited, today is my first day at my new job!  While I've been busy unpacking my boxes I am already so happy with my move. I can not wait to sink my teeth in today and meet the new office.   I know this weekend will be full of more unpacking, a little champagne, and a run on the beach.  What will you lovelies be up to?  

photo via

Happy Halloween!

As most of you know October is by far my favorite month and as you can imagine I adore Halloween!  I'm so excited to pass out candy to all the little ones and see their costumes.  What are you up to this evening?  Hope you have a wonderful day filled with treats and spooky movies! 

Time To Celebrate!

 

It's time to celebrate!  After months of thinking, planning, and being very MIA Mac and I are moving.  I have found a new job that I am so excited to start and in a place that I have been dreaming of living.  

There are so many times when you hear that things happen for a reason and that hard work pays off.  I have to say that it's true.  Nothing feel so good as knowing that you've tried your hardest and accomplished the goals you set out to meet.  

In two weeks we will be residents of the California Central Coast.  It's only about four hours north of where we are now but I can't wait to wake up every morning to see the fog in the trees and spend my evenings running on the beach.  Here's to you and your goals, go out and get it baby...you deserve it!

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday darlings and happy October!  Don't these pumpkin muffins look fabulous?  I just can't get enough October.  The last three days since my birthday have been full of foggy grey mornings lasting well into the afternoon and gentle ocean breezes, it's finally starting to feel like autumn here!

Mac and I will be spending this evening watching The Shinning, if you're going to kick off October spooky movies you might as well go big.  Then Saturday is a family party to celebrate my birthday, my brother's, and my sister-in-law's.  Then it's a sleep over with my niece and I imagine Sunday morning will be hot cocoa and scrap booking with the cutie.  Have a wonderful autumn weekend loves!

photo via

28 Years Of Gratitude

 

October is here and so is my birthday!  I could not be more grateful for the year that I've had and for all the opportunities I have coming my way.  I was sitting the other day reading and just started smiling thinking about the wonderful friends, family, and man that I have in my life.  It is so easy to get stressed, disappointed, or down when we don't achieve what we had planned...but then I have to remind myself I have had 28 years of love, support, and kindness coming my way and what could be worth more than that.  Here's to those who make the years that much better! 

Now, let's go celebrate October like we mean it!  Time for that birthday PSL!

Food Porn Friday

Talk about autumn in a cup, I am drooling over this picture!  Pure joy would be this lovely hot cocoa, a fuzzy blanket, and a cozy movie right now.  

What are you lovelies up to this weekend?  I am going to be recuperating from last weeks flu and hopefully eating a little pre-birthday cake.  Something tells me pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is in my future!  Have a great weekend loves!

photo via

My New Favorite Tea for Autumn

I was shopping around Trader Joe's last weekend looking for a cozy tea for autumn evenings (and to sooth my flu symptoms) when I came across their new Harvest Blend.  Honey, it is autumn in a cup!  If you're looking for something to warm your belly chilly evenings give it a try and let me know what you think.  I curled up with a cup last night watching the new episode of Downton Abbey, who could ask for a more perfect evening?  What are your favorite teas this time of year?

Photo via

Autumn Is Here!

Autumn is here and I couldn't be happier.  The last month has been a whirlwind and I am so happy for things to get back to normal and to be back with you lovelies.  

I can't believe that September has practically gone by in the blink of an eye and that I spent the first day of Autumn in bed with the flu.  But I'm on the road to recovery and it's time for all things pumpkin!  Lots of lovely pictures, recipes,  and autumn finds coming our way. 

Loving The Blackberry Ginger Smash

A sad confession.  For the last three weeks I have given up beer, wine, and my beloved champagne.  It started as an attempt to cut out extra sugar and then I tried this baby and got hooked! Blackberries, ginger, lime, mint, and gin...whats not to love?

My sister in law and I whipped up a batch and I have to say they are delicious and so, so easy.  They would be perfect for any Labor Day get together this weekend and have a gorgeous purple ombre look when you put them together.  Cheers to Cindy at Hungry Girl for creating this fabulous cocktail!

Side Note: You can turn this cocktail into a "skinny girl" version by substituting Splenda/Truvia in the simple syrup. 

Food Porn Friday

Friday is here bring on the food porn, or at least the Ricotta Cannoli!  As a little girl I loooooved cannoli and now that I've grown up and matured a bit I want to eat all of these in one sitting.  Get in my belly!

I'm not sure if I'll have time to make these this weekend but I do know that Saturday evening Mac and I will be having dinner and drinks with friends.  Sunday I will be soaking up some sun at the beach for the first time this summer!  What are you up to this weekend?  Have a fabulous Friday and make sure to treat yourself to a cocktail...or cannoli!

Buy Yourself Flowers

 

Darlings it's Thursday and the weekend is almost here!  I think we should all take a moment today to buy ourselves flowers.  I'm a believer that even an inexpensive bouquet of daisies can brighten up a room and add pep to your step.  You work hard, so why not treat yourself?

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday!!!  The weekend is here and I want these pancakes for breakfast tomorrow!  A lazy morning in bed with pancakes sounds so much better than the morning workout I'm planning.  What are lovelies up to this weekend?

I'll be butterflying and grilling a chicken marinaded for eight hours in white wine, lemon, and rosemary.  Mac and I tried it a few weeks ago and decided it was the perfect recipe to share with friends this weekend.  After our BBQ on Saturday, Sunday will be a lazy day filled with yoga, a good book, and maybe a cocktail.  Have a fabulous weekend!

Photo via

Enjoy Today!

I am obsessed with this print!  I actually have it hanging over my desk at work as a constant reminder.  Whether your battling spreadsheets, dealing with unhappy customers, or fighting traffic take a moment to breath, relax, and enjoy today.  Remember, today will never happen again so make sure you take the time to enjoy it!

Original photo via

Food Porn Friday

Don't these look like a bowl of summer sun?  I can not believe that it's August already and am going to take the next three weeks to soak up the best of summer!  Any summer plans still left on your calendar? 

Mac and I are headed out for cocktails by the beach this evening then this weekend I will be watching my neice's new kitten.  It's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it.  Hope you all have a lovely weekend! 

Currently Craving: Leopard Flats

I have been craving leopard flats for over a year, why haven't I just bought some already?!  I just love their look and think they are so great with jeans and a black tee or even shorts in the summer.  What do you think, are you a leopard fan?

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday darlings!  I think I might need to make this heavenly apricot almond tart this weekend.  It looks perfect for a summer evening with a glass of wine, what a way cap to our BBQ!

I can't wait to spend Saturday morning at the gym, then work on our grill, and end the evening cooking with Mac.  After a busy three months I am so excited to spend a Saturday around the house and spend a little time in the back yard.  I'm also seeing if I can convince someone to get a hammock, wish me luck!  What are you lovelies up to this weekend?

photo via

Unique Snacks For This Weekend's Grill

To be honest our grill has been broken all summer and we've been so busy we're just getting time to fix it this weekend.  I could not be more excited to have are grill back, hence these fabulous snacks! 

I had never thought of grilling brie or camembert and that together with roast garlic and grilled slices of bread...heaven!  This paired with a chilled glass of white wine will be the perfect reward for fixing the grill. What are you favorite grilling treats?  

When Are You Getting Engaged?

Have you been faced with those questions you just don't know how to answer?  Mac and I are getting it all the time, seriously, every time we're with friends or family.  I know it's because they see how happy we are together but the real answer is just..."I don't know."  Sometimes I want to say "don't ask me I'm the girl!" but people might not think it's as funny as I do.  

What questions do you get asked all the time? Here are some that my friends and I have noticed as we move through life:

• "You're so pretty, why don't you have a boyfriend?"
• "Soooo, when are you getting married?" 
• "You guys have been married for a year, time for a baby?"

Refreshing Summer Cocktails

Summer here on the California coast this year has been full of overcast mornings and warm afternoons.  Which means summer cocktails to get us in the mood and keep us cool all evening long!  I've found these two gems that I can't wait to try.  Blackberry Meyer Lemon Gin and Tonics and Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas, yum! 

Currently Craving: Mint Flats

I stumbled across these beauties and I'm pretty sure they belong on my feet!  I love finding new fun flats that will dress up a pair of weekend jeans or that I can wear with a simple cocktail dress.  The best part, these are under $40!  What do you think, nice way to brighten up your closet?

We're Back!

We are back!  Well, we've been back from our Sonoma vacation for over a week but we're still on the end of a whirl wind summer.  After our Sonoma trip we went to the Hollywood Bowl last Wednesday and spent the weekend showing out of town family around LA.  

I have to say though, that my lazy Sunday this weekend was much needed and so rewarding.  After being on the go every weekend for over a month having a day to clean my apartment, organize my closet, and prep my lunches for the week made me feel amazing. How have you been while we've been gone?

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday Darlings!  What do you say we celebrate with some sangria sorbet?  We're expecting a major heatwave this weekend and this sorbet looks like heaven!

I am so excited for this weekend!  My dad is turning 71 and my brother, sister-in-law, and I are going up to visit.  Mac has to work, no martinis and treats for him...poor babe.  I can't wait to see my parents and celebrate my dad!  Here are some of the ideas we worked on to decorate for his 70th birthday last year and the treats we made for the party.  This year I'm making him a special lemon tart, recipe to come next week!  What are you up to this weekend darlings?

photo via

Breakfast In Bed

Who doesn't love breakfast in bed?  I have to say I haven't had it in a while but I'm hoping if I had this tray around, breakfast in bed might follow...hint, hint.  Mac and I are headed to Sonoma 4th of July weekend and this is exactly what I would picture a winery to have.  Love it's simple country look.  When was the last time you got breakfast in bed?

Green Goddess Smoothie

First let me say this smoothie does not taste "healthy," "green," or anything like spinach. I've had some green juices before that reminded me of the way cut grass smells, not my idea of breakfast - this is not one of those drinks.  Ok, now that's out of the way let me say that this smoothie has made my morning so much better!  This tastes delicious, keeps me full all morning, and is full of vitamins and protein! Up until about a month ago I was having a protein bar and a banana for breakfast everyday then I discovered this baby and now my friends and I are hooked.  

If you're looking to change to your morning routine give it a try! It's low fat, low sugar, and perfect for a meal or snack. This keeps me from snacking at my desk and gives me so much more energy at work.  It's fast, easy, and the ingredients are cheap.  Give it a try, it's the perfect way to cool down on hot summer mornings! 

Recipe after the jump, I can't say enough good things about my Green Goddess Smoothie!!!  I repeat, it doesn't taste healthy!

Food Porn Friday

Happy weekend darlings!  I am in love with this color palette.  I fell in love with so many photos looking for popsicle recipes and this one just looked like summer to me!  Don't the look delicious?

What are you up to this weekend?  For the first time in over a month Mac and I have no plans this weekend except for a possible lunch date with friends on Sunday.  I'm hoping for a bike ride, some time at the beach, and a margarita as big as my face!  Have a wonderful time whatever you up to this weekend!

Six Summer Popsicles

Summer is here, the days are heating up, and I can't stop thinking about ice cold popsicles.  When was the last time you made homemade popsicles?  To be honest I haven't since I was about ten but I can't wait to try some of these combinations with a more grown up palette.  The best part, most of these are low-fat/non-fat and natural sugar so you can live it up and still look good by the pool!  Which sounds best to you?

1. Blueberry Creamsicles
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberry 
3. Blueberry Orange with Coconut Milk  
4. Peach and Melon 
5. Lemon Cream   
6. Avocado Lime Tequila

photo via 

Getting Organized

Are you a planner?  The older I get the more I learn about myself and I have seen that I am a planner...to the max.  I need to feel organized about my day and month which means a desk calendar, calendar that I can write on, and a notebook to make lists in everyday.  Plus, ya know reminders in my phone.  I know I have a problem, but does anyone else make lists or organize their calendar regularly?  

Summer can get so busy with weddings, birthdays, and vacations.  So many fun things to do but I get overwhelmed if I don't keep track of when everything is happening.  And nothing gives me a sense of accomplishment like crossing something off my list!  How are your summer plans?  Mac and I are having the first weekend in over a month with no plans, lazy margaritas here we come!

Get this free printable desk calendar here!

Food Porn Friday

 

Hooray for Friday!!!  Wouldn't these sparkling little treats just make your day?  All I need tonight is these and a glass of champagne, oh happy Friday to me!

What are you darlings up to this weekend?  After spending last weekend traveling and at a wedding I can't wait to do nothing tonight.  Tonight is going to be about me, a cocktail, and Monster In Law...yes I not-so-secretly love Jenifer Lopez movies.  Tomorrow is catching up on my tap class then a day with my sister in law and a movie in the Hollywood Cemetery, something I've been wanting to do forever.  Sunday is a family BBQ for father's day.  I'll be making a tomato salad recipe that I have been dying to try, can't wait!  Have a wonderful weekend and happy Father's Day to all those dads out there!

photo via

A Love Note

This last weekend reminded me how grateful I am for all the wonderful people in my life.  Do you ever have those times that are so fabulous you want to seal them up in a bottle so that you can pull them out when those gloomy days come along?  That was this whole weekend.  

Plans to go to a wedding with my friend Blake on Saturday to see two of our college friends get married turned into the best weekend! He called me up last week to tell me that he had a big surprise and could I come out Friday night and spend the weekend on the couch.  How can you resist when the word surprise is involved?  So I kissed Mac goodbye for the weekend, grab my case, and before I knew it Blake and I were at the theatre seeing Prascilla Queen of the Dessert.  Broadway, drag queens, and disco...it was SO much fun.  If you have the chance go see it!  We decided to finished the night by sitting on his balcony eating pizza under the twinkle lights and sharing a jelly doughnut. 

Saturday Blake and I were off to the wedding in beautiful Ojai eating wedding cake, drinking pink champagne, and finishing off the night by dancing under a downpour of glittering confetti.  It felt like a dream.  And the topper was that while I was out of town my family had invited Mac over for a BBQ.  I love that my family love him as much as I do and that he spent the day playing with my niece and drinking beer with my brothers whether I was there or not. 

At this moment I can't feel more thankful to have such amazing friends and a boyfriend that really is part of the family.  Now can I just skip work and live the weekend over again?  When was the last time you had a great catch up with old friends?  Is your significant other part of the family?

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday Darlings!!!  Is there a better way to celebrate than chocolate cake with macarons?  I think not...well, maybe if we had some champagne!  

Anyone have fun weekend plans?  Mac and I are going kayaking tomorrow morning.  I am so excited to explore sand dunes and the estuary.  Then afterwards it's breakfast on the bay and hopefully a day of reading and yoga followed by cocktails with friends.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that the weather is as gorgeous for you as it has been here!

Photo via

Easy Gold Dipped Vase

Easy, quick, gold...I'm in heaven.  I've been obsessed with this look and decided to hunt down a few tutorials.  Any excuse to add flowers and gold to my casa are always a welcome addition.  

This DIY gold vase from Dream Green looks super simple.  Just a vase, masking tape, and gold spray paint.  After the spray glitter inspired champagne bottles I am all about easy crafts with a big impact.  What do you think, time to add some color to your place?  Wouldn't they be great, fast, and cheep party decor?

Photo via

Do You Plan Travel Around Food?

Do you ever start thinking about vacation and think "Ooooh yeah, that's the place that had the amazing lobster mac and cheese" or "Let's go to Tuscany, I'll start working out now."  I have realized that these are pretty much my thoughts when it comes to travel.  I was talking to a friend who's moving to Portland and before I told him all the cool things to do, I told him all the places he had to eat.  It's how my brain works.  

Talking to another friend about her trip to France was basically a discussion on cheese and pastry, then the beautiful countryside.  I found myself asking questions about what was the food like in the country compared to Paris and the regional dishes.  Then we proceeded to talk about a trip we'd taken to Cinque Terra together and the amazing pesto we had.  So I'm wondering, does food influence anyone else's travel plans?  Cuz right now I'm leaning on my next trip being Venice or the French countryside soley based on the foods I want to eat, and ya know...tourist stuff too.  

Food Porn Friday

 

Happy long weekend!!!  After the last couple of weeks I need it.  Have you ever had a week that isn't necessarily hectic but exhausting just the same?  I can't wait to curl up with a cozy treat like these gooey cinnamon rolls, wouldn't they be perfect for Sunday morning with a big cup of coffee? 

We're headed up the coast this weekend, some of our friends have never seen Cambria and want to spend the long weekend under the trees.  I'm excited to have a nice little mini break, beach runs, morning treats, and a big BBQ with friends.  What are your holiday weekend plans? 

Photo via

Our Champagne Book Club

I have always wanted to be part of a book club, so my friends and I have decided to start our own.  And of course, what book club would be complete without champagne?  This last weekend I got together with a close friend, ate my weight in cheese, drank champagne, and talked for hours about the book we'd been reading.  It was so much fun we've decided to meet monthly.  

We just finished reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, it's written like a series of letters between friends just after WWII.  So to tie our books together we have decided that our next book will be As Always Julia, the letters of Julia Child and Avis DeVoto.  We're meeting at the end of June, making one of Julia's dishes, drinking champagne, and discussing the book.  Have you ever been part of a book club?  Read along and let me know what you think of the book!

Food Porn Friday

Hooray for Friday!  Isn't this rhubarb tart gorgeous?  You have to check out the full spread, these tart photos are so pretty I had a hard time finding my favorite one.  The first time I had rhubarb I was about 15 and at an English neighbor's house, homemade rhubarb compote over fresh vanilla bean ice cream...I was hooked!  Now that it's rhubarb season it is on my brain and I want to make this tart.  The only problem, the recipe is in Spanish.  Looks like I'll be emailing it to my dad to have it translated. 

What are you lovelies up to this weekend?  Mac has been in Texas all week with a friend so tonight I'll be baking a batch of brownies and watching Crossing Delancey, have you seen it...it's a New York, '80's-tastic romantic comedy.  Saturday is my first tap dancing class and then lunch with friends, and Sunday is time for a long needed book chat and brunch!  Hope you have a lovely, sunny spring weekend!

Photo via

Gold Glitter Champagne Bottles

As if champagne wasn't fun enough, what do you say we add some gold glitter and get a little ombre with it! Isn't this photo from 100 Layer Cake great?  My uncle glittered a few champagne bottles for our last family party and it was so much fun!  It turns out it's so simple too. You can buy spray glitter here and mask off the label with painter's tape (and make shapes) or to use your own colors like above check out this great tutorial.  

What would you use glitter bottles for New Years, a bachelorette, wedding, or how about a party when you're serving slightly less expensive champagne?  Can't wait for my next girls night!

Food Porn Friday

Happy Friday darlings!  Wouldn't these Lillet Rose Cocktails be perfect for Mothers Day?  I might even add a splash of champagne to the recipe, bubbles make everything better!

I sadly wont be seeing my mamma this weekend after spending last weekend up with the padres.  But Mac and I will be seeing his family Sunday morning then joining my family for our traditional mother's day margaritas Sunday afternoon.  What are you doing for your mom this weekend?  Any of you mommies or mommies to be have plans with your little ones?  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely moms out there!

Summer Sun Totes

Is there a better way to spend a Saturday morning then walking through your farmers market taking in all the wonderful scents, touching every bright flower, bartering for artichokes, planning the perfect dinner, and savoring your morning latte from your favorite coffee stall?  

As the days get warmer and warmer I am drawn to the farmers market in my neighborhood and of course I need a new handy tote to put all my wonderful finds in.  I love the Madewell double handle tote but I've also always wanted a big straw bag, they remind me of french women walking around the daily market.  Which is your favorite?

Links to all of these and more are available here! 

How Often Do You Try Something New?

Do you ever feel the need to do something new?  My sister (in-law) and I have gotten the urge and next week we start tap dancing classes!  Have you taken dance classes before?  I've taken hip-hop and belly dancing and can't wait to try this new challenge.  We're gonna be like Fred and Ginger mixed with Gene Kelly, only probably more like cats trying to walk on an iced over driveway.  
 
I love trying something new and pushing myself out of my comfort zone and this is the perfect step.  Belly dancing was definitely out of my comfort zone and ended up being an amazing experience so lets see what happens with tap.  What new things have you tried recently?

Food Porn Friday

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Tres Leches Cake! Isn't this cake just stunning?  I made a tres leches cake years ago for a family party but it looked nothing like this, might be time to try it again.  What are you favorite Mexican dishes?  

If you need me this weekend I'll be on the central coast with a margarita in my hand.  There's a semi-annual antique fair that Mac has been dying to go to so we're headed up to find some goods, see the family, and take my newly engaged friend and her fiance out for drinks!  I am so excited to celebrate with them, have a margarita, and a fresh sope.  What are your weekend plans?

photo via

Rose Water Madeleines

I had my first madeline when I was living in London.  They were a favorite of our house "mother" Thomasina and if you were lucky enough to find her at tea time there were almost always madelines around.  To this day I can't see them without thinking of that sweet lady. It wasn't until years later when I decided to pull out one of my favorite french cookbooks and make them myself for the first time.  I couldn't believe how easy they were.

I have been craving them lately and thought what could be more perfect with tea or a glass of champagne than madelines with a hint of rose.  So I adapted a recipe and I am so happy with the results! 

So pull out that rose sugar from last week and lets get baking.  I have to say the rose flavor is very subltle but that's what I want when I'm enjoying it with a great tea.  Recipe after the jump!

Brilliant Mimosa Ice Cubes

Why haven't I thought of this before?  Champagne getting too warm or a friend brings over an un-chilled bottle but you don't want to ruin it with ice, bam!  Juice ice cubes!  I am dying to try this idea.  Nothing like fresh raspberry, peach, or orange juice frozen and waiting to chill your champagne and become a mimosas at the same time.  Have you ever tried this before?  I think I may start keeping a tray of juice in my freezer from now on.

photo via

Apron Roundup

Do you wear an apron when you cook?  To be honest half the time I end up tying a kitchen towel around my waist and come out with chocolate and flour all over my face, but I love using my aprons when I remember to.  After walking around Anthropology (lust) I've started the apron search all over again.  What do you think, any favorites?  There's links to all of these and more here, and here's an easy DIY baker's apron.