how sweet it is

2011-04-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

So another color combo that I have been toying with is Navy and Peach.

Yellow

2011-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

One concept I am struggling with for the wedding is color. Which to use, how much of what.
The wonderful site Style My Pretty has these great inspiration broads that you can play around with, mix and match. I've been using these to work with images and find colors that work for me. I really love flowers Yellow and here I love the yellow with the contrast of the dark woods. Thoughts or any other color suggestions?

Oh sweet Dallas.

2011-03-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dallas is a city like no other.

April's issue of D Magazine has a list of the top 52 things you must do in Dallas. "You're not a true local unless you've done them all."

I'll list some of my favorites, but really and truly this list is great so take time to explore yourself.

(in no particular order, with no great rhyme or reason)

1. Eat Bob Armstrong Dip at Mattio's - Done. Its great.
2. Eat frozen grapes at the pool by the Joule - Never have I done this at the Joule.
3. Get fake boobs - Yes, so Dallas. me however, not so Dallas.
4. Go to the Plano Balloon Festival - every year growing up

These are just a few that either made me laugh or brought back memories. There is so much to love about Dallas and according to this list I have to get busy!

Better Late Than Never... Right?

2011-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

So Ive really fallen off the blog radar, but I'm back! AND ENGAGED!!! It happened a few months ago, but I figured it is a pretty big, monumental moment and how dare I with hold this from my blog!

It was my birthday and I new that Douglas had a whole day of activities planned. I made me french toast for breakfast, got my car detailed (may not seem like a big deal but oh, how I was grateful!), went to a movie, went on a Segway tour of downtown Dallas (we look like huge dorks but it was so fun!)
After the tour we were going to dinner at our favorite restaurant, Momo's.
But before dinner I would get my third birthday present. This was really the perfect day. Since we've been engaged I've learned that my love language is quality time... he really hit the nail on the head with this day.

We had dessert at my parents after dinner with both families.

I still just stare at it...

And the fun and smiles just continued because the next night we had an awesome NYE party with only the best friends ever! So much for fun and happy memories to come!!!

Stuffed Squash

2010-11-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

While Fall is my favorite season, Halloween has never been my favorite holiday. So I more than welcomed Douglas' idea to cook a fun fall dinner, pass out candy, and watch the Rangers.
Now this recipe below is seriously so easy, delicious, and great presentation (great if you are having people over)

Stuffed Squash (thanks to Mr. Alton Brown)

4 small acorn squash, 1 to 1 1/4 pounds each
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
1/2 pound ground pork
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup white wine
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach , completely thawed, drained and chopped
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Generous pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper

(Next time I might use more veggies and less rice and add thyme or rosemary)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Cut 1-inch off the top of each acorn squash and scoop out the seeds. If necessary in order for the squash to sit upright, cut off a small portion of the bottom. Put 1 of the 4 pieces of butter in the cavity of each squash. Set squash on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, brown the ground pork until no longer pink. Remove the meat from the pan, add the olive oil and saute the onion, celery, and carrot until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine.

Return the pork to the pan along with the cooked rice, spinach, pine nuts, oregano and salt and pepper, to taste. Stirring constantly, heat mixture thoroughly, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Divide the mixture evenly among the squash, top each squash with its lid and bake for 1 hour or until the squash is tender. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Gotta Get Away

2010-09-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am the kind of person who is always planning my next trip. I love returning from a trip and sleeping in my own bed as much as the next guy, but there is nothing, nothing like being in a new city with new sites, smells and tastes!

I have at least 100 places on my "must see" list. Most everywhere I have been I want to be sure to go back at least once. In my mind it is silly, crazy, dare I say selfish to have all of this world - every bit of it so different to all of our senses - and not take advantage of as much as we can.

(Disclaimer- I am a dreamer. It is a blessing and a curse. My mind never stops working. I think up wild, beautiful ideas and most often do what I can to make them happen- within reason)

I'm not sure what I'm getting at with this entry, other than the fact that I am itching beyond reason to get AWAY! It has barely been a month since I have been back from a weekend trip to New Orleans, and I could not get back to that city any sooner!

Not even a month before that I got to spend a week in Santa Fe. It is not the least expensive hobby of "cultural research" but ohhh so rich are the rewards!

What's not to love??

2010-09-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

I say it every year, but I love fall. Technically it is here, but in Texas we have to be patient... or use our imagination. But really, what is not to love??
Fall flavors.
Maybe there something in the air that makes the spices taste better this time of year

The State Fair of Texas.
From the fried [anything] to the pig races and of course Big Tex, none other can compair.What else can I say? It's Boot Season.

Who doesn't love game day?! Sic 'em.

adulthood

2010-09-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

Lots has been going on I'll be sure to fill you in on soon but first....
Dwellinggawker?!?! I know these people are just full of all the good stuff!

Oh. and I moved. Hello Adulthood! (as Americans we get to say that many times. when we vote, graduate college, get a job, PAY BILLS!!! and probably once more when we get married,... and have baby) Funny, I think. Some of us take it in more stages than others but we are all working to get to our own "Adulthood" Well, I'm excited and ready for this stage! And who knows what is next. The Lord has been doing lots of really great things lately. Really taking charge, surprising me in awesome fun ways, and reminding me I'm HIS.

Tasty Menus

2010-08-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

I really don't even know what to say for this post. Yep, that is a menu card. Made of CHOCOLATE. If you love chocolate like I do, there is not much that completes an event quite with the same unique, tasty, elegance that chocolate does.
To top it all of this chocolatier is from Texas!
(yet another great find from weddinggawker)

A Great Find

2010-08-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I discovered a horribly wonderful website. Horrible because it sucks me in and I could spend hours on it. Wonderful because... it is wonderful! (If you already knew about it, we all know I can be a little behind the curve.)

Foodgawker is a beautiful site of other blogger's beautiful pictures and wonderful recipes. I've made several recipes from this site already, but most recently I made Chicken Pesto Meatballs this weekend while my grandma was in town. It was a hectic evening and we didn't really get to start cooking until about 7 (which I'm sure my grandma wished she was already getting ready for bed). Luckily this was the perfect dish. They were so easy and so delicious!

You should also know Foodgawker has a sister site for weddings (AWESOME!) and crafts (not my greatest love, but still really cool)

Hear me out...

2010-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

You love chocolate, right? That cake looks awesome, right? It is super moist and yummy and good for you... kinda.
Okay, now don't go running when I tell you it is a Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cake (no, I'm not vegan, but never hurts to cut fat where you can). I was hesitant too but please trust me, and if you don't go to Joy the Baker and read her blog and all of the raving comments.

Here is the recipe if you are up for it, I promise it will not disappoint:

The Cake
3 cups of flour
6 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup soft avocado, well mashed (about 1 medium avocado)
2 cups water
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Sift together all dry ingredients except the sugar. Set aside
Mix all wet ingredients (including super mashed avocado). Stir sugar into wet ingredients.
Add wet and dry together and mix with whisk (by hand).
Pour into two (greased) 8 or 9-inch rounds. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before frosting

Avocado Butter cream Frosting (Alton Brown)
2 small to medium avocados
2 tsp lemon juice
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mash avocados very well. Put in stand mixer (using whisk attachment) with lemon juice and whisk until smooth and color is slightly lightened.
Add powdered sugar a little at a time (adjust to the sweetness you like). Add vanilla.
Put in refrigerator if not using right away. Don't worry, It won't brown.
Enjoy!

I've been cooking up a storm lately so there is more to come, but I had to share this!

Detox in Santa Fe

2010-08-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

(I'm really struggling and this is the only picture it will let me up load)

I am a horrible relaxer. I've never been able to sleep in (9 o'clock is pushing it and I truly can't tell you the last time I slept that late). I have trouble enjoying just sitting when I know there are things (laundry, errands, baking, yoga) that need to be done. I constantly need to be doing or at least thinking about doing something.

This past week I relaxed. refreshed. and reloaded. I spent the week in beautiful Glorieta, New Mexico. My friend's band was leading worship at the collegiate week and in between morning and evening services but I had no real schedule. We ate many great meals. This place, featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, was so great that we made sure to go 3 separate occasions (one dinner, one breakfast, and maybe just to take pie back to the hotel)

Some mornings I read at the lake with a coffee. Some mornings I went to service. One day I actually think I slept in.

We spent some time at the square at Santa Fe. Reading, listening to an awesome cute old band play folk music and watching the couples dance. I was on a mission for the perfect turquoise ring. I had the color, size and shape in my mind and I was not really willing to settle when I was a city covered with the stuff. I ended up finding a stone I love and I am going to have a family friend back home make my ring.

We went to an art gallery that a local man told Jenny about. My words mean little here. Go to her website. I have so many favorites and so many that just took my breath away.

I spent a lot of time a several tucked away coffee shops or one of a kind book stores.

We spent a day just driving up a mountain stopping at different looking points... once to eat a piece of pie :)... but also just to sit and be still and talk about anything, hiking a little, reading some more.

So no, maybe I didn't completely stop. I think for me to do that I would have to go to a monastery. But I did slow down. People in the city move so quickly, always aware of the time. Last week, I had no agenda and wore no watch. I haven't been able to really enjoy a book in forever. I had about 10 great meals which is always counted as success. Lots of good conversations, but also lots of good quiet. I am refreshed and trying to retain some bit of that piece of mind.

The perfect noncolor

2010-08-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

I love a beautiful crisp white wedding.
It is not for every venue or personality type, but when done right it is one of my very favorites.

Clean, classic, and even whimsical.
Thanks to the wonderful StyleMePretty

Baking therapy

2010-07-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

I've said before that after long day nothing helps better than a little baking. Well this has been a long week so I was for sure in need of some baking therapy.
I came across a recipe for Kara's "Bikini" Muffins. Apparently when I was little I loved these muffins, but I couldn't quite say zucchini.Here is my somewhat altered recipe for Zucchini muffins
2 cups of zucchini grated
3 eggs
3 cups of flour -- I used 1/2 wheat 1/2 all purpose
2 cups of sugar-- I used about 1 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of honey
1/2 t of baking powder
1 t of baking soda
1/2 t of salt
1 cup of oil-- I used oragnic applesauce
3 t cinnamon
3 t vanilla
a cup of chopped nuts
zest of a lemon
1 cup of craisins or raisins
Mix everything together except the flour and zucchini. Then add the flour and zucchini to the mixture alternating a little at a time. Bake at 350. The recipe makes 24 muffins or 2 loafs of bread. For muffins cook about 15-2o. For bread cook 40-45.
Now I'm not releasing this post like these are the best zucchini muffins I've ever had, so if you have another recipe or suggestions for tweaking this one I'm 100% open to them!

4 in 3 weekends...

2010-07-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

One down 3 to go. I love weddings, but when they fall so close together it can get a little repetitive. The last week's bride (and a wonderful friend since I was about 5) was creative and added great little touches to make it "their" day. I look forward to seeing what else is in store these next few weeks!

Dinner In

2010-07-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Ok I feel better. I was not loving the look of the blog lately so I was just staying way. So now that I've cleaned up we can move on. Just like cleaning your room or taking a shower. kind of.

Well now, As much as I love to food, it is great that Douglas and I can share that love. We don't get to cook together much right now because we are both living with our parents, but last night we stayed in and made a delicious chicken parmigiana. Its simple, for sure nothing fancy, but oh so yummy! Thanks B. Flay
You may be wondering why the pasta is black. Its squid ink! One of our favorite things is trying fun different things. We new it would look cool on the plate and we see them make it on Iron Chef so why not try?! The meal was awesome and I must say, we make a great team in the kitchen!

Everything is great about this Pie.

2010-06-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Easy.
Probably not too bad for you.
Soo Delicious. (so worth whatever calories)

(sorry for the crappy iphone pic)

Strawberry Pie with Balsamic Glaze.

Now I kind of combined a couple recipes and ended up having to make a few alterations because I was not going to go to the third store to find mascarpone cheese, so I made it work with what was in the fridge and again I must say it is delicious. (next time hopefully I can try the macsarpone)

Here is the recipe that I started with and followed most closely:

A pre-made graham cracker pie crust

2 lbs. fresh strawberries (sliced or quartered)

1/2 cup regular sugar

zest of 1 orange

1/2 a small lemon juiced

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

8 oz. mascarpone cheese

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Mix well with the regular sugar, orange zest and half the lemon juice. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Whip the whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt and remaining lemon juice, with an electric mixer. Once it’s good and whipped, add in the mascarpone cheese and whip again just until it’s well blended.

--This is the part where I strayed. I used organic vanilla yogurt, sour cream, whipping cream and powdered sugar. I don't have measurements because I was just working to get the consistency right.

Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly into the pie crust. Now stick it in the refrigerator.

Your 30 minutes should almost be up now. Strain the juice from the strawberries into a saucepan. Put the strained strawberries on top of the pie and put it back into the refrigerator. Add the balsamic vinegar to the strawberry juices and boil it until it becomes a syrup. Take a pastry brush and brush the syrup over the strawberries until they are all glazed. You may not use all the syrup. Put that pie back in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

The orange zest and lemon juice make it fresh. You can't go wrong with strawberries and the balsamic vinegar adds the perfect flavor.

Summer Challenge

2010-06-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

While I do still hope to be satisfied with my "swimsuit body" this summer, there are two things I plan to do that might make that a little more of a challenge: cooking and eating. More adventurously. I want to cook things I haven't cooked and eat at places I don't usually eat.
Keller's Drive-in is one eatery on my list is one that I have been to, but it has been ages. I didn't provide the link because it is the kind of local goodness that doesn't have a website. Unfortunately, I have a horrible memory so I can't sit here and tell you I remember the burgers are great and they have the best fries in town. The thing I do remember is sitting in the back of the car and enjoying the atmosphere (it's an old drive in, nothing fancy).
As far as cooking goes, who knows where I will start there. That's always the tough part for me. I always want to make desserts, but that's not always the smartest option. I've been reading tons of food blogs lately (and welcome any suggestions). I will let you know where it leads. Adventure is the key.

It's Complicated

2010-05-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's Complicated was one of those movies I wanted to wait and watch on my couch rather than the theater so I might be a little behind in posting this. The plot was cute but I think what I was really drawn to about the movie was the set and Meryl Streep's character, Jane.

It opened with a gorgeous birds-eye-view of California and the Spanish tile roofs. Jane's house is Spanish style ranch home. A perfect kitchen. For some reason Meryl's character thought it needed remodeling, but I would take it 100% as is. Pot hangers on the wall, open shelving for dishes, window overlooking plentiful herb garden, marble island, viking oven. No, nothing to change.

But I guess if you are a french trained chef you might have higher expectations. This is the bakery she owns. I think here will be something like this in heaven.

Good movie. Great set design.

In Your Dreams

2010-05-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

It must be bad when your body knows you need a vacation so badly that night after night it takes you on one in your dreams. Thanks brain. Its been a good year since I left Texas.

Last night I got to go back to what is probably my favorite place on earth. Florence, Italy. I went there 3 summers ago and had the time of my life. My dream was so vivid that I recognized the cobble stone streets and buildings, smelled the cheese and bread, and tasted the gelato. I even took the same short cut that I used to take when I walked to school. It was pretty great

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately... turns out I just need to go back to Italy. Well, I may not be going back tomorrow but until then I will keep dreaming because a wise friend once told me that it is important to dream.

2010-05-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Shameful Guilty Pleasure... Very Wholesome television

May 24... New Season of Bachelorette!
We'll see if this season I can go without reading or hearing all the spoilers

Have my cake and eat it too.

2010-04-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks the beginning of one of my very favorite seasons. Tomorrow is the first day of wedding season (for me at least). Of all the thousands of things that I love about weddings, I'll never turned down a slice of wedding cake. I love that people are thinking out side of the box these days so you ever know what to expect when you arrive to the reception. I'm kind of a girl who is torn between tradition and contemporary ideas... So I think a beautiful wedding cake along side an assortment of mini desserts is the best of both worlds.

Off to breakfast and then South bound 35 for wedding number 1!

Amy Atlas

Daydreaming

2010-04-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
love the hammocks. and pocket doors. and the view.

2010-04-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a few weeks ago about Monday night dinners with my wonderful friends. Well week before last there was a discussion about my love of cooking but parallel intimidation of it. They decided this week I would be the cook! Here is a little documentation thanks to the photographer of the group Caroline:

Pre-feast prepping

Chicken with prosciutto and spinach

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Dressing

And don't worry we ate just about all of the dark chocolate mentioned in the previous post.
It was a successful Monday night dinner!

2010-04-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

All my life my mom has had some artistic form of escape forget her day or stresses for the time being. I've always wanted to be crafty enough to use painting or jewelry making as my escape, but I think I figure mine out (for this season at least)

Lately Nothing calms me/makes me happier/makes me forget any stress other than cooking or baking.
Lately I have been super pensive about anything and everything. Its been nice to use the kitchen as a safe haven and stress free zone.
Here is a little taste of how blissful this evening was.

Quick and Easy Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bark. Basically nutella deconstructed. I'm going to cheat and use the professional ones because mine don't compare but this is so good and its off a healthy food website so if that's your thing there that too.

Dark chocolate (1lb)
Hazelnuts
Cinnamon (1 tsp)
Vanilla (1 tsp)
(i didn't use the rice cereal but I'm sure thats good too)

I love:

2010-04-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I love all things wedding. I love a reception with long rectangle tables. It is quaint and elegant at the same time. I am obsessed with the lighting in both pictures.

Personally, I think chandeliers rock-- put 15 at a wedding and you can't go wrong. (Anyone want to donate to my fund?) Much wedding blogging to come. This came far to easily.

2010-04-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

I love Spring.

There is nothing like dining alfresco with great friends in great weather.

Christmas in March!

2010-03-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Douglas and I like to pretend that we are foodies. We watch the iron chef every Sunday night and try to guess what they are cooking before Alton announces the dish or ingredients. We try to be adventurous in our cooking and eating as much as possible. So for Christmas my parents paid for us to go to a cooking class where ever, when ever, whatever style.
This past Wednesday we cashed it in for a Tapas class at Sur La Table. (Can I add an aside that this was the week after I had gotten my wisdom teeth out and up to this point I had eaten soup and ice cream) The class was a huge success!! We had so much fun learning little knife tricks and the science of why certain things work where. AND I could eat! We made 7 different tapas (Salt Cod Fritters with Allioli and Meatballs in Saffron Tomato Sauce were my favs!) and I left completely satisfied. These are dishes we would make again for any party or gathering.
I highly recommend something like this to anyone who has any interest in cooking!

namaste

2010-03-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

Lately I feel like I've been going 90 to nothing physically and mentally. Tonight was the first night I have been home in the evening in about a week and I was really excited to just have a good home cooked meal. Well that didn't go as planned because my parents had a meeting and I had zero energy or will power to cook a real meal so Mr. Wok sounded just fine as long as I could eat it on my couch and watch Parenthood.
The greatest remedy that I have found to this crazyhecticness has been yoga.... on demand. I'm telling you don't knock it till you've tried it. Yes, of course I would rather be in a class with humans to do this or be rich like ellen and have my own yogi come teach me every morning when I wake up. These are not luxuries I have. My luxury is that I can practice the are of yoga in my living room whenever I want.
Also I think It should be mentioned that hollywood lies. I do not feel a Jennifer Anniston body developing in any kind of future.

Pot Luck

2010-02-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

Man I've been slacking on posts. I'm not even going to try to catch up... nor will I say it won't happen again. Things have been wonderful in the past few months, that can serve as a catch up.
One thing that has been great are my Monday nights. I'm blessed to have moved have to the same city as my friends and roommates from school. As crazy as our schedules are, we mark our calendars to get together once a week and catch up on life, eat lots of calories together (I'm sure they don't count because we are just laughing the whole time), pray for each other, talk about the bachelor... you know all the necessaries. It is one of my favorite nights of the week. It is the kind of thing I really hope we are still doing 60 years from now.

2009-12-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

ok I figured it out! It hit me just like that this morning and I have to get it out really quickly hopefully before church! My giving for Christmas needs to be to someone I know, I have been praying for so much and who really needs it.
My friend Jenny has meant so much to me, taught me sooo much over the years and now her family is in need. She is giving her life to the Lord through her beautiful gift of music but it is not always easy. They have had soo may things in their way this year. They just canceled a few shows for the first time ever due to family emergencies in the band.
Again I don't know exactly what I'll give, but now I know who. They had a wonderful baby girl this year and she deserves a perfect Christmas. Jenny and Ryan are a great cute and they deserve a date night or two. Ohhh I cannot wait!!! I don't want to ask for anything but if anyone (of my 3 little readers) wants to help bless this amazing family let me know! They are so deserving! If anything would you join me in praying for Jenny, Ryan, little Annie, and the rest of the amazing band or Addison Road.

2009-12-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does all the gift giving take some of the joy out of the holidays?
Don't get me wrong, maybe I should explain a little. One of my favorite parts about Christmas is a day that my mom and I spend baking pies and breads and fudge and pecan clusters and whatever else we think up that year. We put them in baskets and on plates and give them to neighbors and friends. Love it. So fun! The kinds of gift giving I don't really get a whole lot of joy out of: It is 2 weeks before Christmas, life is busy, I don't have a "list" to give my parents, Douglas doesn't know what I want, I don't know what I want (if we are honest it is because life would be just as great and just the same if we didnt get as much stuff).

It is just something that has really been on my heart lately. I know that gift giving should not be out of necessity, but for so many at this time it is right now. And often, at times like Christmas and birthdays we feel like we are owed something. I don't feel right spending $100s on gifts just to add to a blue ray collection of 57 or a shoe collection of 32. In just the same I don't feel right receiving that much. This is not to say that I won't give gifts to those I love... or accept some. Lets just scale down and spread the wealth!

To be honest, a lot of this has selfish motives. The stress of finding "the perfect gift" or deciding just what you want has taken a little from what I loved about Christmas as a child. And really and truly to think of the joy I could bring to someone who might get nothing. I might be a little late on this whole thing, but there is always need somewhere.

Basically won the lottery.

2009-11-30T14:56:00.000-08:00

Okay if you don't have an item of clothing you would be willing to part with and love cupcakes you may stop reading now. For all the rest of you normal humans this is big!
Never going to turn down easy cash, I went to Buffalo Exchange (off Greenville) today with one of my friends this afternoon to try to exchange some clothes (note to self- take current fashion). After she insisted that we go next door to get "the best cupcakes ever" (also a claim by Ellen DeGeneres). Well twist my arm! This little bakery had the best deal EVER. If you live in Dallas, you are crazy to pass this up! Bring in one clothing item and get two free cupcakes! I had left all my clothes next door for them to donate over there, but my wonderful friend had her rejects from Buffalo Exchange. Four Free cupcakes!!!! Thank you Society Bakery! Jenny called her husband to tell him about our exciting news and he thought we had won the lottery or something. We sure felt like it!

Grateful

2009-11-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

I spend all of my work day on the phone. I'm grateful when someone answers at the other end, even more so when they are friendly. After today I'm grateful for my job.
I call churches all over to gather information on salaries. In this crazy economy we all know that can be... crazy. This afternoon I spoke to a man on what seemed to be his cell phone (usually they are in the office). I should mention this was the senior pastor of a church. He was willing to help with the information. He answered some of my questions and when I asked about his salary he answered "as of this month, zero." I was speechless. This man's heart was so full. He has been the pastor at the church for 16 years and saw no reason to leave. wow.
He is looking for other work at the time, but will continue his 65 hr work week at the church. I'll be praying for Pastor G. and his family. It is neat to see someone with such trust and faith in the work of the Lord. I know he'll be blessed.

update...

2009-09-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, and by the way, God is so faithful.
I was rereading the post that I wrote last Sunday.
About not worrying.
Well this has been a whirlwind of a week.
But God is so faithful.
On tuesday I got the glimpse of a new job possibility
So with that I quit my job at Francesca's later that day
Wednesday, the new job was confirmed.
God is so faithful.

2009-09-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had to take a little trip back to Italy... in a sense.

Our family friends are housing a foreign exchange student from Milan for the year, so they came over and we did a little cooking!
Made stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, and stuffed tomatoes to snack on, and for the main course... Tiramisu.

Why didn't know how easy it was to make?! If you love tiramisu like I do, or just want an easy, impressive dessert here it is

Expresso Syrup-
1/3 cup water
1/2 c sugar
2/3 c espresso
1/4 c Brandy or Dark Rum
Mascarpone Filling-
1 1/2 c heavy whipping cream
1/3 sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 pound Mascarpone cheese (softened to room temp)
Ladyfingers or pound cake

Espresso syrup- combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring to until dissolved. Remove from heat, cool and add coffee and brandy.

Filling- whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold cream into softened mascarpone.

Assemble- ladyfingers or sponge cake slices in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart dish. Pour 1/2 syrup over. Spread with 1/2 filling. Repeat. ladyfingers.. syrup.. filling. cover and put in fridge...Wait 24 hours. bad news, i know. but so worth it! We shaved dark chocolate on top for a little

2009-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

I've spent way too much time lately in the future. Thoughts very consumed with the whole job thing. Even though I have a job, its more something to bridge the gap until I find something more full-time.
I went to Starbucks this morning to read some before church. The devotional that I was reading had me looking at an earlier verse in Matthew, but my eyes wondered a page over to Matthew 6:25-34. Do not worry. huh. funny. Cause I know that. I know that I'm supposed to trust and have faith. I know that God's plans are bigger and better than mine. I know I have no control over it and if I tried to take control I'd just mess up His perfect plan. Right, I know that.

I've always claimed not to worry about things, to be carefree and not to stress, so really usually this isnt something I struggle with. But this time I've not been so great. Its hard when people are constantly asking so, did you find a job yet? Where'd you apply today? Any progress? People are constantly giving advice (which is great and VERY welcome) but at the same time it adds a little pressure (esp when it is coming from my mom... who pays my rent and other bills :/)
I needed this reminder. A reminder that no, I don't have my ideal job right now. I do have an income. I do actually like my job, just not long term. I do have parents that are letting me live at their house and eat their food. for free. so just breathe
A reminder that He is in control. my stressing and fretting and worrying is Satan. Yes, I need to fill out applications and send emails, but to stress and worry over it does zero good. so just breathe
So thank you Mr. Chambers. Hopefully I can get better again about pairing those books with my coffee.. and a little less Regis and Kelly.

Playtime!

2009-09-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

a weekend off! Working in retail I don't get many weekends off, and really this one I'm not off off, but I'm not working at the store.... I'm hanging these two little girls that I started babysitting before the youngest was born and now she is in 4th grade! They are so great! We are just going to watch movies, play wii, and make cookies! Ohh and the thing I'm maybe (secretly) most excited about... We are going to have brunch at the American Girl Bistro. Yeah, be jealous.

Well, I hope your weekends are as great as mine! And if you need anything to help move your Friday along- I found this video a while back, its just a fun one to make you smile. And really its a neat, simple idea to bring people together! ENJOY :)

In town Vacay!

2009-09-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

It is always great when friends visit and help you remember the great things your city has to offer. This past weekend two of my friends from my study abroad trip last summer came to play!
Carolyn actually had an interview Friday morning in Dallas so we met at Northpark and Laura and I just shopped and caught up until Carolyn was done. We had lunch at La Madeline, got our nails done; I ended up having to work that evening, but of course they had to meet me after work so we could get some gelato!

Satuarday morning we grabbed a little coffee and headed out to the DMA. AND bonus- because it was the first weekend of the month we got into the Nasher Sculpture Museum for free! I love these places! You dont have to be an art snob or really know anything at all to go. Its just to do something fun a little out of the norm (and really I'd like to make it a little more norm). I also loved seeing all the families that had their kids and there were activities for kids at both places! So great!
It wasnt quite the Uffizi, but it was so fun to catch up with these girls and show them my hometown. These are friends that I shared a once in a lifetime experience with and will always have such fun memories of!

2009-09-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I know that life is not measured by productivity... how many errands we run, papers we write, hours we work. As I'm still adjusting to this whole not being in school and not having a full time job, I'm struggling with satisfying my productivity meter (yeah I just made that up)

I've never been one to be able to just lay around on a Saturday, or any day really. So These days when I'm not working my four hours a day, which I'm grateful to even have that, I find myself needing to fill it with something. I go to the grocery store for my parents. I bake dessert at 10 in the morning, Learned how to use our espresso machine. OnDemand workouts are great!
I read a lot, which gives me a sense of productivity. The only problem there is the distractions at home. Namely my dad.. he works from home and is on the phone most of the time and is yet to figure out the whole inside voice thing. He is trying.

There are lots of ways that I feel productive, but the truth is it doesnt always have to be measured. No I shouldn't just lay on the couch all day. But I would go crazy doing that anyway. I will also go crazy if I keep asking myself how "productive" I've been. Yes, I was put here to do more and make something of myself. and I'm going to.

Go Green

2009-08-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

On the Today Show the other day my favorite chef showed how to make the perfect summer salad. So of course I tried it. With grilled shrimp, corn, and zucchini tossed with fresh avocado and tomato and really anything you want it really is the perfect summer salad... and even more perfect for the night that our air conditioner had gone out!!

It could be worse

2009-08-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to stay positive. July was the most perfect month I have had in a long time.
Douglas and I had one summer month together so we did not miss a beat. There was lots of sushi eating, rangers game attending, movie watching, family time, mall time, breakfast dates (my favorite meal). I was beyond spoiled.
After an amazing dinner last night, leaving me so full I dont know how I had room for our breakfast this morning at La Madeline, Douglas was off to finish his last semester of undergrad.
Of course I had my own little pity party for a while. The only good that came from that was a head ache and my eyes are still burning. So pity party over, I'm staying positive.
3 months with 2 hours between us. piece of cake! hundreds of people have done way worse
So now I have more time for girl time. more time to read the stack of books sitting on my desk. I can really focus on getting a real job. I dont have to go out to eat all the time and can start eating better.
I never said I was looking forward to it, but I'm being positive and finding the good in it.

Beets me?!

2009-08-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

So I went out on a limb and tried a new recipe for red velvet cupcakes... using beets. I know right?! I'd never even had a beet, much less baked with one! I was curious so I had to try...
I like knowing that I'm not putting junk into my body so I was all about a recipe without oil or butter but really when you take those out it makes sense it would be hard as a rock...
I can't say that I would brag about my beet cupcakes... :/ They were a for sure lacking in moisture and flavor. But we all learn from our mistakes, yeah? Good kitchen practice time? So I won't count this as a total failure and who knows what I'll try next!

So I'm not just leaving you thinking I'm a horrible cook- Last night I made and awesome quick and easy tilapia that my friend Alyssa found on another blog. Seriously 30 seconds to prep and 15 min in the oven. So good! I also made stuffed shells from the cook yourself thin website last week. A little more than 15 min but at 331 calories for 4 shells (I was stuffed at 2) I think they were very worth it.

Stupid New York

2009-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

When I was little I think I was really literally mad at my parents for not "giving" me a sister. I didn't have imaginary friends, I had imaginary sisters. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother a lot and I would not change him for the world but there are a lot of things you cant do or talk about with an older brother. Even when you have to wait God always provides and He never lets us down. Thats something I'm constantly reminded of.

After having imaginary sisters until I was too old to be imagining, I found the kind of friend that... was so much more than a friend. You dont have to feel sorry for me or anything I was never really short on friends, but here I just kind of hit the friend jackpot!

I've never really liked that term "best friend," even though I use it. As girls we tend to waay over use it and it hardly means anything. Jordan really is like a sister to me (sorry if thats cheesy).

She is the friend that I can laugh for hours with about nothing (in sweet harmony),
the friend that doesnt mind if I raid her Texas closet and take her summer clothes that she wont need while she is living in stupid New York,
the friend that can just look at you and know what you are thinking,
better yet now that she is living in stupid New York she doesnt even have to look at me to know when I need a little extra encouragement
She is the friend that would never turn down a trip for ice cream or cupcakes!
the friend you can spend hours in Barnes and Nobel or bed bath and beyond doing God knows what :)
The friend that will always take self timed pictures with you like you were some kind of famous people just so you have those memories.

Meet Nicole

2009-08-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I still haven't figured out how to link the blogs I read to the side of my blog (feel free to fill me in!) but I thought until then I'd share one of my favorite daily reads. Nicole is the big sister of a good friend of mine from elementary school. Her blog is filled with awesome decorating ideas and some fashion pics with her own fun touches each day. Check her out

The Best...

2009-08-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

I love "Best" lists. so of course I needed August's D Magazine- The Best of Big D. It talks about dozens of great places to eat and things to do in Dallas.
My favorite was a cheese class. You go and learn about cheese, and eat cheese and drink wine. Sounds pretty awesome! May not be your thing but I'm going!

Last night I found more lists. I'm not a big "dieter" but I do like to eat healthy for the most part and know what I'm eating. Here I found a ton of best and worst lists.
So now for those interested I thought I'd try one of my own. Its just a random collaboration of Bests:

Best breakfast spot: Dream Cafe. the best homemade granola and everything I tried from everyone else's plate was awesome too. I love going out to breakfast. Since its not something I do all the time when you do it right (savor the time and company, sit out on the patio, get an extra cup of coffee at the end to stay long) I almost feel like I'm on vacation

Best Date night in Dallas: dinner at Momo's, a little walking through the shops on Knox till you have room for Wild about Harry's coffee frozen custard with hot fudge. If you have never been to Momo's go. now. It is amazing Italian food, perfect atmosphere and nothing too fancy. I cant say enough great things about this place!

Best happy hour: Gloria's. I'm a mojitos girl but they also have great margaritas and sangria. And their food is pretty awesome too.

Best diet ice cream: Skinny cow. I know I said I don't diet. And I really don't. This stuff is just so good and I just get so happy eating them because I know they aren't 500 calories.

Best movie I have seen this summer: 500 days of Summer. I don't want to say too much about it and I don't even know if I would recommend watching the whole trailer before you see it. I love Zoey Deschanel and that may be a big reason for my loving this movie. But its really cute and lots of good laughs. I knew too much going into it so thats why I'm saying little to nothing now. You can blame me if you hate it but I promise you wont

Best guilty pleasure TV show: I'm not a big celebrity la-ti-da follower but I think Tori and Dean something about Hollywood show is so entertaining! They are a fun couple who get to surprise each other with $$$$ jewelry and vacations. But they also seem semi-normal when they really look forward to and cherish family dinner and time at the park with their kids. Oh and I could just laugh at their kids for an hour because they are so cute.

Okay I think that is all of my "bests" for now. I told you it was random, feel free to dispute or fill me in on anything I might be missing out on! Happy Weekend

2009-08-03T04:18:00.000-07:00

22 years I had been deprived of Amish Friendship Bread. Luckily I finally found some friends!
I made one loaf with apples, craisins, and pecans and the other with chocolate chips and pecans. I was taking a risk was the chocolate one... while its good the apple craisin one is amazzzzing.
My next batch will be ready to be cooked Saturday. Maybe I'll just be Amish and help them make bread forever. I'm kind of on cloud 9 in the kitchen. Some people cringe at the sound of an Amish Friendship Bread starter but people.... you mush a bag for 10 days and then get this little treasure! Let me know if you want a starter because I'm not letting this baby die!

Ft Worth

2009-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a Dallas girl through and through.. Plano if you want to get specific. any shopping, eating, playing, driving takes place east. But yesterday we headed west to Ft. Worth's Sundance Square for the evening. This place is so cool! Maybe I'm the only one who hasn't been out there since I was a small child but I loved it! So many great places to eat, awesome atmosphere, good little shops, HUGE Barnes and Noble. All things I love.

We started with dinner at Reata's. Amazing. It was just what I imagined for a perfect Ft Worth restaurant- nothing fancy, cowboy hats, rope and rod iron. I could go on forever about everything I ate- pecan biscuits, an appetizer platter with so much greatness on it I could have stopped there (best calamari I have ever put in my face), and finally stuffed salmon stuffed with so much seafood I couldnt even tell you. But best of all the company of old roommates, husbands and boyfriends. It was a perfect meal. We walked the streets for a while... long enough for me to make room for ice cream. It was a perfect little change of scenery.

a little glimpse

2009-07-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Okay if I'm going to let you into my life through this blog, which I feel like blogging can a personal thing sometimes, there are somethings that you just need to know about me.
Today we'll start with one thing that I really love. The food network. Does that make me an old lady or momish? I have to say I don't care. I love the food network! Giada, Bobby Flay, Paula Dean- Its great! I've always thought that in another life time I would go to culinary school and be a pastry chef. I love all that is food!
I also love it because its sometimes it just makes for great white noise while I'm reading or working on something else. the food network never fails me!

Life after college

2009-07-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

So I wasn't sure if or when I was going to start one of these for a variety of reasons or excuses or something, but now I think if nothing else I just need the outlet.

Life after college is weird.

I'm living with my parents and they are amazingly gracious to even allow me to come back here, eat their meals, use their washer and drier, and just hang out with them. But sometimes it would really be nice to feel a little more....accomplished. And that would come with a job! ohhh a job. Right now I'm working at Francesca's, wonderful little boutique-like shop. yes, wonderful. It really is great for a retail job, but again I cannot afford rent or really many extras with that income yet. I'm grateful to have any income right now but I'd like to have something a little more full time. I'm constantly searching the internet and just thinking about things that I could do that I would be happier in a more real world setting. I've always wanted to do wedding planning or events, but other creative design jobs are appealing as well. Then there are the more philanthropic jobs that I would love. And then there is teaching...

Oh whyyy I'm I having this soul searching crisis at 22?! Or maybe this is the best time to have it?! All I know is I'm constantly on my knees right now so that it is not me making the decisions because clearly I'm not the one for that job.