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...

Summertime and the Sangria is Easy

Summer is a great time to get your cocktail on! 

From the deck to the dinner table, one of my favorite drinks to cool down with when the weather gets hot is sangria. It's not only great for intimate dinners, but it's also a knock out for a big parties.

Sangria is fresh and fun with enough kick to ensure your night gets just a little silly (be responsible when getting silly).  The refreshing flavors are perfect for any occasion and any crowd (over the age of 21), not to mention it's super easy.  Keep the night simple with some light cupcakes and you'll be ready to entertain.

After the jump you'll get a look at one of my FAVORITE sangria recipes, with a fruity twist.

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.

(Abbreviated ) Adventures in Lc Land

Over the past month I've spent more time on the road than under my own roof.  While I had a blast be-bopping between some of my favorite places, I have completely neglected this site. 
So I thought I would catch you up on what could have possibly taken me away from you...