Author: MS

valentine’s day: red velvet cupcakes

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Although in my household, we seldom celebrate Valentines Day, this year I decided to surprise my hubby with a dozen red velvet homemade cupcakes, just to get a chuckle or two out of him.  It’s always fun seeing your partner be caught off guard, when they least expect something. RED VELVET CUPCAKES 1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 fluid ounce red food coloring 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon salt Directions   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring and vanilla. Stir in the baking soda and vinegar. Combine the flour, cocoa powder and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Spoon the batter into the prepared …

inspiring luxury living

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One of my favorite things to do, on Saturday mornings, is to walk my dog through predominant neighborhoods in San Francisco and imagine how it would be to own one of those properties. In light of that fact, I often am inspired by the decor associated with luxury living. Here are some of my recent favorites.

how do you make your cake?

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I love cupcakes and occasionally a slice of cake and although I consume either in moderation, I often wonder what is the best fat to add to my recipe.  Just to clarify the confusion, I am referring to butter, oil, shortening or margarine. It was interesting, when I came across this amazing blog and while scrolling through the contents, I found  the answer or perhaps not. You be the judge and please do share  – how do you make your cake? {Click here for photo and article credit}

healthy snacking: cherry-almond power bar

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I love dried cherries and will probably eat them by the pound, almost on a daily basis. I also love almonds, not as much as dried cherries, but will reach for them more than any other nut. So, I couldn’t have been happier to discover this recipe and I have to tell you, it is probably one of the best recipes for anyone with a sweet tooth and on a health kick. Cherry-Almond Power Bars *makes 8 large bars 2 ½ cups unblanched slivered almonds 1/3 cup flaxseed meal 2/3 cup dried cherries 1/3 cup dried cranberries 2-3 tablespoon raw hemp seeds (optional) 8 drops liquid stevia 1 pinch of sea salt 2 tablespoon water Place almonds, flax meal, cherries, cranberries, hemp seeds, stevia and salt in food processor. Pulse until ground and then pulse in water until the mixture begins to form a solid ball. Press mixture firmly into an 8 x 8 inch baking dish lined with wax paper. Slice into bars and serve.

superbowl sunday: 49ers on my mind

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I realized this past week, that I had been exceptionally anxious, but it didn’t dawn on me until today, while I walked to work from Muni, that it’s because of the big game on Sunday.  I normally don’t get this riled up about a game, unless of course, my team is playing and of course they are. So, to ward off the anxiety, I have included some  Superbowl party treats which I plan to surprise my guests with. Go 49ers!!!  

interior decor: areal rugs in full bloom

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Ever since I’ve been on the kick to redecorate my studio apartment, I have fallen in love with everything available to make my dwelling my very own work of art.  I had forgotten how wonderful it is to decorate, revamp, recharge, redo and since I finally got my very own kitchen, I am slowly piecing the place together to make it a permanent home for a while. Areal rugs are  a must in my opinion, it not only ties in your room’s decor, but also feels good against, well in this case, my feet. Here are some of my favorites to ponder over while I decide on re-arranging the space.