Key Lime Pie

I made PW's Key Lime Pie (Sorta) a few days ago, but mine was not sorta, it was the real deal as I used authentic key limes. Which I grew to regret as I was juicing the stupid things. Do you see how small they are? I had to squeeze about 20 to get the 1/2 cup of juice I needed... with my fingertips. I felt like some kind of weird giant (with a penchant for citrus). But I guess it all paid off, because the flavor is quite wonderful. It's very intense, nice and tart. The sweetened whipped cream helps to smooth out the flavor. I especially love the extra-thick graham cracker crust. This pie is a winner in my book, though next time I may cheat and use store-bought key lime juice. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, let me know if you try it with regular limes or purchased lime juice and if you approve of the results!

Blogiversary + Giveaway

Hey guys, guess what... it's my 1 year blogiversary! I can't believe it's been that long... it feels like just a short while ago I was thinking "maybe I would like this blogging thing." I didn't really expect anyone but my mom and a few friends to read it, and now I have faithful readers all over the world. Pretty crazy. 

I decided to blog for one reason: to enjoy the beauty I saw around me. Not to make money, to become a career blogger, or to promote myself... but just to focus on the pretty things that made me happy. Sometimes the beauty is a good recipe, a lovely home, a crafty project, or glamorous fashion. But whatever it is that day, it inspires me creatively and brings a smile to my face. I hope it has done a little bit of that for you too.

When I began, I challenged myself to write a post every single day (M-F), and I've managed to stick to it. Granted, sometimes that daily post came very late at night, but it was there. As I begin my second year of blogging, I'm re-thinking a few things. From this point forward, my goal is to post at around 3-4 times a week. These posts may be spread out over each day, or I may group a few together. I think this will be more manageable and enjoyable (that is the purpose, after all).

I'd love some feedback from you. Are there any features you particularly like or don't like? Sick of recipes? Want more home-decorating? Whatever it is, let me know.

In honor of this momentous occasion,  I've got a little giveaway in store. I'm working on some new designs for an upcoming craft show, and these earrings are a favorite of mine. Warm gray roses dangle gently on aged brass kidney loop earrings. The blooms are large, measuring approximately 4 cm x 3 cm. The size makes them a great statement piece, and the neutral tone keeps it from going over the top. Just leave a comment to enter! The winner will be announced Friday.

Thanks for a wonderful first year!

Weekend Glimpse

This weekend we attended a fabulous dinner party... It was with 4 other couples who we are all good friends with, so it was a laid-back and casual but oh-so-fun. The dinner was a French cuisine theme, and each couple was responsible for a course, which worked out splendidly. It was an evening of great food, music, and laughter.

Here's our menu:
Baked Brie with Bacon and Mango Chutney
French Onion Soup
Salt Crust Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Caramelized Root Vegetable Tart
Cheese Plate with Fruit and Honeycomb
Vanilla Bean Berry Tart

Amazing cheese plate... so many good pairings!

 Our host made these scrumptious mixed fruit drinks, and so pretty too!

 Lovely tablescape...

 I was in charge of the soup course, so I made PW's French Onion Soup. It was delicious, though I sadly neglected to get a photo with the bowls filled and the cheese broiled. Also, French Onion soup isn't technically French. But I made it anyways, it was a good flavor compliment to the rest of the menu.

 The brie...mmmmmmm! I could have just had a big plate of this and been happy.

The root vegetable tart was just wonderful. The chicken was baked in a traditional salt crust, which was removed just before serving to reveal ridiculously moist and tender meat.

The tarts were a masterpiece, and rivaled the sweets I enjoyed in Paris.

Not pictured:

- attack of the allergies

- sleeping in

- watching movies

- spending time with my dad

- spagetti

- not cleaning my house

- spray painting

- gorgeous weather

Happy Weekend!

Source: free.bridal-shower-themes.com via Erin on Pinterest

How much do you love this balloon party? It makes me happy. 

I wish I could jump right in the midst of it.

This weekend should be relatively restful, and that makes me happy too. 

I hope you have a lovely weekend as well!

Favorite Wedding Cakes

Even though I've been married nearly 5 years, I still devour the wedding blogs and love to see what new in the bridal world. Wedding cakes are no exception, and here's a few of my current favorites...

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: blog.weddingpaperdivas.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: citified.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: inspiredbride.net via Erin on Pinterest

Homeade Vanilla Extract

I always make my own vanilla, it's much more cost effective than buying those little bottles. With all the baking I do, I go through about a liter a year. It was time for me to make some more, so I thought I'd tell you about this simple process.

All you need are 2-3 vanilla beans and some vodka.  Just slit the beans down the center, and plunk them in your bottle. Don't cut all the way through, and don't scrape out the seeds, just cut a slit down one side. This allows all the magic inside the bean to get out and do it's thing. So once your beans are slit and in the bottle, you need to forget about it for a while. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for at least 8 weeks, giving it a shake once or twice. After 8 weeks (mark it on your calendar so you don't forget), your vanilla is ready to use! It should be a nice dark amber tone and smell heavenly. Please resist drinking it... your baked goods will thank you.

I chose this vodka simply because I liked the bottle. That's a good reason, right? This brand came in various infusions, so I thought I'd try the vanilla, maybe it'll give it a stronger flavor. I'll let you know how it compares. I like the simple look, so a little careful peeling and the label came right off.

My vanilla beans are from Penzey's, they're a great quality for the price.

 Once you make your own vanilla, it's hard to go back to store-bought. Commercial vanilla usually has some additives, including a syrup added to the extract to give it a sweet aftertaste (this is unnecessary when you're using it for baking).  Even if you don't bake as much as I do, this vanilla extract lasts for years, the flavor will only continue to strengthen.

Sunshine

It's very dreary here, and I'm still sore from painting like a fiend. But this image is so cheery, it feels like sunshine to my imagination. I love everything about it, from the yellow couch, to the wire lamps, to the framed silhouettes. Wondering how I can recreate this look someday...

photo via escapade

Weekend Glimpse

This weekend was the big move for Annie + Chris, and so our time was spent cleaning, packing, moving, and painting. The house was built in the 50's, and has a lot of charm. Annie has lots of remodeling projects planned for the future, so it's going to be fun to see it evolve.

 Moved a few things into the living room... isn't that fireplace fabulous!

 The new homeowner, putting a fresh coat of white paint on.

 A battle between a little superhero and a vacuum.

My dad, cleaning the light with an xacto knife (this is after he scrubbed the crystals). He cracks me up.

Not pictured:

- extremely sore muscles and joints

- my little sister's senior graphic design show

- too exhausted to remember anything else

Happy Weekend!

photo source unknown, please comment if you know it. via An Apple A Day

Happy Friday! My sister is closing on their new house today, so this weekend will be packed to the hilt with cleaning, painting, and moving. We've got some lovely colors picked out... lots of whites, grays (of course), a little hint of mint, and maybe a black wall or two. I'll be sure to share photos of the progress!

Anything exciting planned for your weekend?

Salted Caramel Brownies

Just thought you should know that my salted caramel frosting tastes AMAZING on brownies.

Salted Caramel Buttercream, recipe here

 Double Chocolate Brownies, Ghirardelli mix

Fruit + Herb Soaps

Check out these gorgeous soaps! When I was at the Martha Stewart show, she demonstrated how to make these using fruits and herbs. It looks like a fun and simple project, the only supply you'll probably have to buy is glycerin soap base, available at most craft stores. I love the variations in color from using more or less of your fruit, these would be so pretty packaged up as a gift! The soaps are molded using recycled food containers we all have lying around, such as water bottles, milk jugs, pudding cups, etc. These soaps are supposed to smell amazing. I'll definitely be trying this one!

DIY instructions here

Photos and Packaging ideas here

ABC Carpet & Home

I have heard people sing the praises of ABC Carpet & Home for years, but never had a chance to see it for myself. While we were in NYC, Heather and I spent an entire afternoon drooling over the 6 floors (!!!) of goodies. Here's a little peek of what we saw...

And that's just a glimpse of it. I have never seen such a fantastic selection in so many different styles, it was truly a visual overload. If you ever get a chance to visit ABC Carpet & Home yourself, do it!

NYC Glimpse

Here's a few photos from our trip last week! We went to NYC with Cory's agent, Matt Silver, his wife + my BFF, Heather, and their most adorable baby, Elsa.

First up, the whole reason for the trip: the premiere of The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. Here's the gang looking unintentionally cool outside the Walter Reade Theater at the Lincoln Center. The premiere was completely exhilarating. I am so proud of my hubby, and it was wonderful to see him recognized for his amazing work. I just about cried when the theater went dark and the huge screen lit up with his art. This was a dream project for him, and I can't wait to see where it's going to take us.

Cory and I at Rockefeller Center, this was the only really cold day.

At the Martha Stewart show! As soon as I knew we were going to NYC, I secured tickets for Heather and I to attend. It was sooooo much fun! The set is gorgeous, Martha is completely fantastic, and the experience is a blast. If you watched the show last Wednesday, March 15th, it was a live taping and I was in the audience.

Lovely cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.....mmmmm.

We stayed on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, and there was a H&M right around the corner. We girls spent an afternoon there, and brought home some goodies.

Elsa and I in Union Square... we stumbled on a little market there, and had some delicious treats.

Heather and I on the Staten Island Ferry... this was so relaxing and enjoyable, and free! What a great view we had, and even in the early evening it was incredibly warm.

Gorgeous sunset view of Lady Liberty.

Cold and windy on the way back, but so fun to see the city lit up!

*****

So all in all, a marvelous trip. Not much sleep, but lots of good food, wonderful friends, and memorable times. I'd love to visit again soon.

Check out the full photo album on Facebook!

Happy Weekend!

photography by Oliver Schwarzwald, image via blue pool road

Unfortunately, I won't be returning from NYC laden down with lovely packages such as these, but I'll share some photos of our little trip next week. 

Have a happy weekend! 

Food on Sticks

We're probably all familiar with craze of cake pops, but here's some other foods that look adorable on a stick!

Cinnamon Rolls by Zoe Bakes

Cookie Sandwiches by Pen n' Papers

Pie Pops by Luxirare

Mini Cupcakes by Sweet Paul