Mojito Bread, 'nuf said

Not to sound like a lush, but one of my favorite things about summer is the cocktails.  They are all so light and fresh.  They just put that extra bounce in any meal.  Being an over-achiever, I decided I to take my love of libations a step further and I found this delicious Mojito bread recipe.  It's surprisingly easy and I think you'll love the results...

courtesy; TasteSpotting.com

My version, which turns out more like a cake, is after the jump...

Topping it off (for about $15)

Since the move I've been trying to make the place feel a little more like me, starting with my room.  After painting the walls and bringing life back to the nightstands I felt like I was in the home stretch.  I am obviously using most of my own furniture, but I still needed a headboard.  I wanted something that would take up a large section of the wall, all the while allowing the vibrant blue to peek out. The size of the piece was also key.  It's a big wall and I didn't want to fuss with lots of extra art.   Keeping with the natural pallet was important to keep the room flowing well.  After looking for a few weeks I couldn't find the headboard of my dreams, so i made one... 

I really like the way the lace pops against the bright blue!

This is what I came up with, and here's how I did it for about $15!

I'm feeling fancy & French

I, like most women, am obsessed with how I look.  I can't tell you how many times I've read "French Women Don't Get Fat" in the hopes of becoming skinny by osmosis.  While I haven't reached the point of control where three bites of a brownie will suffice any craving, I have picked up on a few fun French foods, which aren't as calorie laden as a burger and are just as delicious...like the crepe.

This fete of culinary skill is very intimidating, but can easily be conquered with practice.  The light texture and versatility makes it the perfect dish for any time of day.  Bring out your favorite fruit and you've got a delicious breakfast.  Saute some thinly sliced veggies and there is dinner.

Here is a simple recipe for crepes from food.com; it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

If you're feeling a little intimidated by the task at hand take a few tips from the master!

Know Your Place (Settings)

I love dinner parties.  There are few things better than gathering friends and family around a table to enjoying great food.  I recently went to a friend's home and she did an amazing job; I would almost say it was over the top.  It was way more than just salad, dinner and dessert.  She was absolutely showing her appreciation for us through food and ambiance.  The only issue was that many of us weren't expecting this and hadn't brushed up on our table manners, including how to dissect a formal table setting.

Don't let this be your Everest

Most of us just played "Follow the Leader" when it came time to choose a utensil, but it got me thinking that a quick recap on place settings could be in order...

Twice Half Baked Potato

Forget the confusing name of the dish, it's DELICIOUS!  This healthier choice to a half baked potato cuts the calories and amps up the taste, while keeping the texture and flavors on point.

I substituted most of the potato with cauliflower giving a great veggie substitute that you barely notice because the potato is still there.

Clothing by the Classics

I love old movies.  I love the storyline.  I love the music.  I love the dialogue.  Most of all, I love the fashion.

Vogue, cover circa 1940

Watching films like West Side Story, High Society & Gilda, I can't help but to be inspired to alter my wardrobe.  While I don't have a costume crew or J. Crew's Jenna Lyons on call, it's still pretty easy to get that old Hollywood feel without a time machine.

Take a look at some of my favorite looks, updated...

Nothing Fancy, just AMAZING Sausage & Peppers

I have really been trying to hone in my culinary skills.  It seems that most of the women in my family were blessed with the gift of culinary consciousness.  I, on the other hand, was given a rudimentary knowledge of how the microwave works.  I have been working to try and bring my food resume to hold more that just pizza rolls and toast.

So, I was scavenging the fridge when I found some Italian sausages and I was hit by a flavor memory.  I had the sudden urge to make Sausage & Peppers.

WARNING; This isn't low calorie, but it is delicious.

Having no idea how to do this I consulted my old friend the Internet.  I found the BEST and easiest recipe for this classic dish. It was three easy steps, which took under an hour to one of the tastiest meals I've ever made.

One More Project with my Dad (Part 2)

The nightstands are well on their way and I love them already.  Now to the details so you can do this too, if you are so inclined.

Cross your fingers, this is going surprisingly well.

One More Project with my Dad (Part 1)

I decided to take on a project.
My dad had two old nightstands; they aren't anything special.  They are tired, old, spattered with paint and I love them.  He hated to throw things away so he used them for years.  At first during college, then in my parents first home, after the family's big move they became a staple in the garage for his tools.  Now they sit idle in the basement of our home and have become my obsession. 

This guy could make anything work, let's see if it's genetic.
Circa: 1994

My father passed away a few months ago and for some reason these dirty old nightstands are tethered to my memory of him.  My dad picked them out years ago and this leads me to believe a part of his spirit, his personality, his beautiful aura is attached to them.  I decided he and I would have one more project together.  One he started decades before I was born and has left me to finish.

So here is the story of how his treasure and my tears will make the most amazing pieces of furniture I will ever own.

Nailed It!

"You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression"

Recently this adage has really been ringing true.  I have been meeting with a lot of people to talk about how I can work with them on some upcoming projects.  This has led to me notice how important every detail of a person's appearance really does matter, including nails. 

I couldn't find a long stem rose like in all those sketchy/amazing nail salons, so this is what you get.

When I want to turn up the interest on my digits, I have a couple easy nail tricks which allow me to seem carefully put together with a little bit of an edge.  They are surprisingly easy with a little patience and a steady hand.

I Can Rule Out Professional Painter

I've been obsessed with making my new home more "me" since I moved.  Naturally, I started with my room.  Most design shows say the easiest/cheapest way to customize a room is to paint.  To that I say, cheapest, yes; easiest, no.

Making my house a home

While doing a completely sub-par paint job, I did come up with a few fun tricks to cover my mistakes.

Because Everyone Loves Cupcakes!

Spring has sprung and invitations are flying for garden parties, spring soiree and fresh air fetes, and a girl can't arrive empty handed. 

I'm pleased to share with you the perfect homemade spring cupcake. With less than 100 calories and little sugar you can enjoy every bite without guilt...not to mention this cupcake has the consistency of angel food cake, holding up to the great outdoors.

I picked up the recipe for the "Sunshine Cupcake" on diabetic living online...

The Sunshine Cupcake

Here Comes Peter "CottonSale"

We are just a few days away from one of my FAVORITE holidays of the year...EASTER!
This bunny-laden holiday didn't break into the top three by chance; it scored big in a number of categories ranging from bringing some of the people I love most in the world together, to the fact that I binge on so  many marshmallow chicks "Colonel" Sanders" himself would tell me to pump the brakes on the poultry punishment (thanks dad).

Super Food Stuffed Peppers

My first shared adventure is in cooking.  I'll be honest, I am decent in the kitchen, but not so great online...hence I started off easy.

                                                                                            (Doesn't look too shabby)