Month: November 2019

Food: Chai Spiced Sugar Cookies

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I don’t bake too much, but I do help my mother when she is in the mood to bake a batch of brioche and other Mediterranean pastries. But this cookie recipe is worth a share, and one I am going to bake for the office holiday party this year – or in our case, they are calling it a fall festival party at the office set for next Thursday. INGREDIENTS 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) salted butter, at room temperature 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar packed 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 eggs at room temperature 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more as needed 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground all-spice 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature 3 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup real maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract melted white chocolate, for dipping (optional) chai sugar, for …

Decor: Fall Inspired

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Every season I normally feel the need to switch up my decor, even if it means changing my throw pillow covers, and adding a few trinkets throughout the home, the need to feel the seasons indoor is in full force – especially Autumn…I mean how can anyone resists? And there is always the fall wreath collection to consider from here Ideas from Target – one of my favorite, and I am sure one of your favorite stores to walk into to buy one thing and end up with a dozen or more things you may or may not need, and doing everything in your power to hide that receipt from your hubs. 🙂    

Fashion: Autumn Wear Even For The Casual Weekends

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On Sunday I was invited to breakfast with a friend and since the weather was super cold, I opted for warm athleisure wear, tennis shoes, no makeup and hair up in a messy ponytail. And then I arrive at the restaurant, and the first thing I noticed was how chic some folk, mostly the women were dressed to the occasion. Then I felt self-conscious of course, and vowed that I would make an effort to rummage through my closet and create these looks for the holiday brunches, and shopping  I plan to do over the course of the next few weekends.  

A Lazy Saturday Topics of Interest

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This time of year, I prefer the indoors, spending most of my weekends in my pajamas craving hot chocolate, baked goods, and naps. Don’t misunderstand. I have a list of chores I need to tackle, but for some reason, the gloomy outdoors has me needing to find inspiration… {featured image source and inspiration for this topic}

Food: Carrot Cake

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This morning I had a craving for carrot cake with my coffee. But finding a tasteful slice at the early morning hours in downtown San Francisco is pretty challenging. So, I settled for a scone with the complete intention of baking tonight using this must try carrot cake recipe. INGREDIENTS For the cake mixture • 2 eggs • 125ml/4 1/2fl oz maple syrup • 75ml/3fl oz mild vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing • ¼ tsp black cardamom seeds • 4 cloves • 150g/5oz wholemeal spelt flour, plus extra for dusting • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • A pinch of grated nutmeg • 2 tsp baking powder • A pinch of salt • 300g/11oz carrots, peeled and finely grated • 60g/2 1/2oz dried apricots, chopped • Grated zest of ½ organic orange • 40g/1 1⁄4oz pumpkin seeds For the icing • 150g/5oz full-fat cream cheese • 150g/5oz yoghurt of your choice • 25g/scant 1oz acacia honey • 2-3 drops vanilla extract • 1 tbsp lemon juice  {more} {featured image source and inspiration for today’s post} …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Beef Stew Updated

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My mother is so cute. She attempted a beef stew last night and when I walked into her kitchen to check in on her after the craziness called my life, she told me she had no idea why the meal tasted bland. I took a peek into the pot and noticed, a dozen pieces of cubed beef simply boiled with a few slices of onion and peppercorn – which makes the best of broth, but not really the ideal beef stew without the veggies and some sort of sauce. I reassured her that I could salvage the boiled beef cubes by turning it into a mouth-watering meal with a side of mashed potatoes (her eyes lit up). So guess what’s happening for dinner tonight? INGREDIENTS 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed and cubed kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 shallots, thinly sliced 6 carrots, chopped 2 cups apple cider 1 cup dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon can also use beef broth 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato …

Inspired By the English Countryside

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This morning while commuting to work, bits of the film The Holiday came to mind. Particularly the English cottage where one side of the story took place. Followed by the eclectic decor of course, and then how wonderful the connection between Cameron Diaz and Jude Law’s characters were, sparkly eyes, and bright smiles, make the perfect holiday film, don’t you think? Add Cameron’s/her character’s fashion sense, and basically it is a well rounded and my favorite modern holiday film  I happen to watch every year. So you can imagine me wanting to share these beauties, and my desire to simply hibernate for the entire month of December or maybe trade places with someone itching to hang out in San Francisco. Any takers? So, here are my questions?  Have you seen the film The Holiday?  Which side of the story do you relate to?  If you had the chance to trade places, what part of the world would you consider?  Is the fact,  we are near completing the first week of November freaking you out?  I’m …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Chicken Soup, Not the Usual

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I asked my mother what she wanted me to make for dinner tonight and she said chicken soup – but not the boring one – which I get of course. I don’t like boring, but I had no idea she didn’t either. So chicken soup it is, even with our fluctuating very hot, to mild to weird cold and still hot weather. We’ll just have to wait for the sun to go down to thoroughly enjoy a cold-weather meal otherwise known as comfort food.  Just a note I won’t be using a slow cooker as suggested. I prefer hovering over a pot with a wooden spoon in hand, watching my creation taking shape. INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 1/2 cups dry wild rice blend 6 carrots, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 medium shallots, chopped 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale 2 …

Lifestyle: Anthropologie Not So In Moderation

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I walked into Anthropologie at the Stanford Shopping mall yesterday with my jaw dropped, and my eyes lit up at the sight of the most beautiful put together emporium of holiday-ish and other products ready for the best shopping season of the year. I wanted everything, and most of the displays managed to captivate and enchant me in ways I haven’t been strolling though an actual retail establishment. Good for them, I say for materializing a solid vision. So I dug deep to find out which umbrella of retail stores was this particular establishment and discovered the results here.  It’s an interesting read that I will leave you to consider. Otherwise please proceed to the fun stuff below. {featured image and inspiration for blog entry}