Month: March 2018

Food: Carrot Cake Cheesecake with Shredded Coconut

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My family has a few birthday in March – and I mean back to back and each year I buy a ready made cake from a specialty bakery for the wow factor. This year however,  I decided to try baking at home and after searching high and low, I came across this yummy treat. I hope the family feels that way as well since I think I am the only one who appreciates carrot cake. I’ll let you know how it all worked out. INGREDIENTS CHEESECAKE LAYER 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla CARROT CAKE LAYER 1/2 cup canola oil 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of nutmeg 1 1/3 cups grated carrot 1/2 cup unsweetened or sweetened shredded coconut COCONUT CREAM TOPPING 1 (14 ounce) can cold full-fat coconut milk* 1/2 cup …

Travel: Planning Stages Have Begun

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This morning alone I noticed so many of my friends, and those in the same blogging world have planned a trip to Paris – a girls getaway is the theme of their travel. Which got me in the mood to begin my planning. I am aiming for late May-early June this year and hope I can manage a three-week getaway mostly because of logistics. Dog-sitting, care for an ailing mother, and so on. You know the drill. So, here is what’s trending in the midst of what I am considering for my getaway:

Hobbies to Consider – SkillShare

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I am always looking for a new hobby – to add to the ones that have become more of a habit of late and even a routine. So I figured if I consider a few courses in this and that, I can tap into a skill that’s been gone untapped. Or maybe even learn something new. Here’s what’s trending on Skillshare:

Boutique Hotel Pick – The Westbury – Dublin, Ireland

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For sure the travel series is about to go full-swing here on Raw Silk and Saffron, and the first up is my boutique hotel pick. First one for 2018 – The Westbury in Dublin – a centrally located property embodied with excellence, from decor to service. This property is one I’ve book for an upcoming trip to  Ireland.  

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken, Lemon Butter and Orzo

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I love cooking or coming up with a different take on the same old protein. And for tonight, I am tasting lemony chicken, and this recipe will do the trick. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound chicken breasts or small thighs kosher salt and pepper 1 Meyer lemon, sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced or grated 1 cup orzo pasta 1/3 cup white wine 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth 1/2 a bunch kale, roughly torn zest + juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill {more}

Decor: What Your Front Door Color Says About You

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I’ve been working with roofers, painters, and landscape artists for months, trying to revamp our family home. And because of this project, I have been to Benjamin Moore paint store more times than I want to admit, and visited countless Plant Nursery stores, although the later I absolutely consider therapy, the paint store exercise has stressed me out to no end.  Because what you see on a paper swatch and adore, sometimes isn’t the true colors on the walls. Just so you understand I’ve been going back and forth between gray and all sorts of neutrals for the base with a creamy trim and I have come dead-stop at the front door. Because my inner artist is aching for bold red, but my attempts to blend in the neighborhood is opting for navy-ish if not black and then of course I came across this article, now leaning towards charcoal gray.  Can you sense my struggle? Front door color meanings Black: elegant, powerful, and prestigious White: simple, crisp, and pristine Gray: timeless and classic Navy: authoritative and trustworthy Green: calm, quiet, …

Decor: Inspired By Film Set Decor

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I have to be honest, I see a film and think – I want a room just like that, or a house in that order and although some of the home decor listed here are ones I admired over the years, I have to admit, the home/set decor in Mr.& Mrs. Smith is also right up there as well as A Good Year, in terms of getting inspired. These are the film sets that inspired me over the years. Do share if there a space or two not mentioned here that you consider a solid inspiration for your decorating efforts. featured image is for the home used in Call Me By Your Name