Happy Halloween
Jen and Elena dressed as Snooki (x 2) at last night's Halloween Party, that's me in the middle gettin' snook-ified. I hope everyone is enjoying their Halloween weekend.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Your Mission
Your weekend mission,
should you choose to accept
1) Write a letter to a loved one.
2) What are five things you want to do in this lifetime. (please share)
3) There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is. -Albert Einstein
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Early fall is a marvelous time to watch the leaves change colors and go apple picking in Yucaipa with friends. Just in the last few weeks there's been a change in the air, I absolutely LOVE being outside soaking up the cool crisp air of autumn. Click here to view more photos of this weekend apple pickin' adventures at Parrish Pioneer Ranch and Oak Glen, California.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Your Mission
Your weekend mission,
should you choose to accept
1) Draw, paint or sculpt with the one you love this weekend.
2) To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. - Oscar Wilde
3) Light a candle, just before you blow it out -- close your eyes and wish for whatever makes you happy.
Ingredients
2 cups packed dark brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks, preferably Mexican
1 29-ounce can pure pumpkin (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 limes
Splash of rum (optional)
Pineapple chunks and/or pecans, for serving (optional)
4 cinnamon sticks, preferably Mexican
1 29-ounce can pure pumpkin (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 limes
Splash of rum (optional)
Pineapple chunks and/or pecans, for serving (optional)
Directions
Combine 12 cups water, the brown sugar and cinnamon sticks in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the pumpkin and return to a simmer. Meanwhile, remove the zest from the limes in wide strips using avegetable peeler; add the zest to the pot and simmer 15 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate until the liquid is cold and the pumpkinpulp settles to the bottom, 2 to 3 hours.
Working in batches, ladle the liquid into a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher (repeat if necessary to strain out all the pumpkin pulp). Discard the pulp and lime zest. Return the cinnamon sticks to the punch and refrigerate until ready to serve.Pour the punch into ice-filled glasses. Add rum, pineapple and/or pecans, if desired. Serve with the cinnamon sticks.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pumpkins
Not all pumpkins are orange, nor are they necessarily destined to become leering jack-o'-lanterns. The designs used on these pumpkins, carved freehand, mimic the lacelike openwork of 18th-century pierced creamware dishes, and turn any pumpkin (especially a pale Lumina) into an intricately patterned lamp.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday at dusk a few friends and I started our descent into the Big Santa Anita Canyon, Angeles National Forest. Hiking at night (probably not the smartest) we were rewarded with the most breathtaking views of the canyon blanketed in fog, illuminated by the moonlight. After 4.5 miles hiking in the dark we reached our campsite. I was the only one not haunted by the thought of bears, and slept soundly. Between the five of us for protection we had 2 tasers, mace and a machete. Ridiculous, I know. I’m shocked we didn’t hurt ourselves. The next morning, we packed up camp and explored the near by Sturtevant’s Camp built in the late 1800’s, where we found the most charming cabins, a tree swing and thousands of ladybugs huddle together to keep warm. Click here to view more photos of this weekend.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Your Mission
Your weekend mission,
should you choose to accept
1) Do something kind for someone, only to see them smile.
2) Look up at the stars, pick one, and make a wish.
3) I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Photo by Simon Filip
Thursday, October 14, 2010
I am completely smitten over this adorable guest book from Pearls Events recent artistic wedding shoot. Colorful thumb prints + your guests doodles is pure perfection and not just for a whimsical wedding detail- this would be great at a kids birthday, a holiday party, even a family reunion. My mind is spinning with possibilities.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Your Mission
Your weekend mission,
should you choose to accept
1) Bubbles - Pick-up a bottle and see what happens.
2) Write a list of 5 things you're thankful for.
3) I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." - Maya Angelou
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cup of Pie
serves 4
serves 4
6 granny smith apples, reserve 1 for pastry topping
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons brandy
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg, mixed with water for egg wash
1/2 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
4 ramekins, about 3 1/2-inch diameter
confectioners sugar for dusting
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons brandy
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg, mixed with water for egg wash
1/2 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed
4 ramekins, about 3 1/2-inch diameter
confectioners sugar for dusting
Preheat oven 375 degrees F. Peel and cut 5 apples in a medium dice and place in a large bowl. Add lemon juice and brandy to diced apples; toss to combine and set aside. In a large saucepan over moderate heat combine white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, butter and cornstarch. Add in diced apples to sugar mixture and stir until well combined, cook for 15-20 minutes until apples start to become soft. Meanwhile on a floured surface roll out pastry sheet to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter or bottom of a glass, cut out four 4-inch circles.Transfer pastry to a lined baking sheet and using a fork prick pastry circles, brush with egg wash and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Using remaining apple cut 4 rounds of 1/4-inch think. Fill ramekins with apple filling, top with pastry circle and then apple round. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry is golden brown. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve.
via opening ceremony
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
kate spade: occasions
I picked up this book by kate spade 6 years ago, and I love it. It's a simple book all about parties and how to be a good host (or guest). It also includes the sweetest little illustrations by Virginia Johnson.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
1) Place butter in bowl of food processor with ingredients of desired flavor combination. Blend until butter is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
2) Place butter in parchment paper and roll into a log shape, securely wrapping ends; or press into ramekins or molds. Chill for at least one hour before serving. Butter will keep for one week.
Orange Mint Butter
1/2 Cup butter at room temperature
2 T honey
1T finely chopped fresh mint
1 t orange zest
1/4 t salt
-
Lemon Cranberry Butter
1 Stick (1/2 c) butter at room temperature
2 T honey
1 T dried cranberries or dried
cherries, roughly chopped
1 t lemon zest
1/4 t salt
-
Lemon Herb Butter
1 stick (1/2 c) butter at room temperature
2 T any chopped herb combo, such as parsley, oregano, dill and chives
1 t lemon zest
1/2 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
-
Chili Citrus Butter
1 stick (1/2 c) butter at room temperature
1 T sriracha or any spicy chili sauce
1 chopped scallion
1/2 t lime zest
1/4 t salt
via ready made
HAPPY SUNDAY
I hope you all are dining with the ones you love, that's what Sunday are for. via Dai Due supper club
Friday, October 1, 2010
Your Mission
Your weekend mission,
should you choose to accept
1) This weekend make it your habit not to be critical about small things.
2) Write a list of 10 things you enjoy, and make time for two of 'em.
3) Make a tent out of blankets, climb in, read a book, listen to music and think about what made you happy as a kid (those things most likely ring true today).
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