Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap


Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Flats: Target (similar)
Scarf: F21

It's Leap Day! I feel like it should be an Irish holiday but maybe that is just because of that silly movie "Leap Year." According to folk tradition, I should propose to Matt today. Since we are already engaged, I think I will let that one slide this year. Maybe in 4 more years I will. Instead of an engagment, he will get a dinner out of today.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

T-Minus 32 Days

Dress/Tunic: H&M (similar)
Shirt: via Kohls
Pants: F21 (similar)
Boots: UrbanOG (similar)
Glasses: Mall Kiosk (similar)
Necklace: Etsy.com

T-minus 32 days till wedding day! It is fast approaching and there is still things to do. I mean little things, but those still require time. But one good thing is that I had my final dress fitting last Friday and it fits perfect. The alterations that I had done are great and I feel wonderful in my dress for the 10 minutes I had it on. I know I won't be feeling that way after being in that dress for 6 hours. We will see! The countdown is on!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp
(recipe courtesy of my mom)

4 tart apples, such as Granny Smith
1 cup oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup butter*
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350F.
Wash and peel apple. Cut into slivers and arrange in bottom of pan.
Melt butter and stir remaining ingredients until topping mixture is moist and begins to stick together.
Spread topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.
Enjoy!

After pan is cool, store in refrigerator.

*I use less butter (1/4 cup) as I like a more crumbly topping.

20 Something

Cardigan: Target
T-shirt: Threadless
Jeans: Target
Flats: Target
Glasses: Essi Eyewear

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was great! On Friday night, Matt and I acted like the 20 somethings we should be and actually went out. Most of the time we just spend the night at home, lounging on the couch and watching tv. But this Friday was different! We met a friend of mine a local brewery for a few beers and dinner. Then we headed to the movies to see "Act of Valor," which was pretty good even though it makes your adrenalin pump the whole time. Those Navy Seals are pretty bad ass, if you ask my opinion. And those Army guys are too (for you Matt)!


Todays Two Birds Inspiration Monday look is Drew Barrymore! This is a great casual look!

Friday, February 24, 2012

The IT List 2/24/12

Happy Friday!
Take some time to enjoy these amazing links!
  • good clean fun has the key to getting your favorite Girl Scout cookies all year long - a recipe to the oft sought after Samosas!  They look amazing! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • here and now finds the perfect mint colored jeans.  She will clue you in on how she found them and  compare other options out there for you.  These are so cute! (find here and now on twitter!)
  • gs lillian scored these darling cat-eye sunglasses for a steal!  Check out where! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style is obsessed with color blocked sandals for spring.  I am loving these styles too and can't wait to add a pair to my wardrobe. Check out her picks! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • rachael really is looking just adorbs in double stripes! I love this look for spring.... (find rachael really on twitter!)
  • along abbey road pairs a pink blazer with a leopard print top!  I'm absolutely in love with this combo! (find along abbey road on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie rounds up the best kitten heels.  I love this shoe silhouette, it's perfect for a busy lady! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • one hundred inspirations recreates a classic and bold Olivia Palermo look for less!
  • the tiemann girls have another round up of Austin eats - for all you gals heading to the Texas Style Council.  Check out their picks and make note! (found the tiemann girls on twitter!)
  • live a lot sports some super cute patterned tights!  A great way to add some fun to your outfit as the winter comes to a close. (find live a lot on twitter!)
  • suze wears clothes has three great outfits featuring your favorite boots - but I love that these outfits have a hint of spring in them.  The best of both seasons! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Boston Cream Pie

Have you ever had Boston Cream Pie before? Before I made this last weekend, I have never had it but it made me think. Why is it called "pie" when it is actually a cake?


Boston Cream Pie (I used Whisk Kid's Recipe except I halved it)

2 c (278 g) cake flour*
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 c (298 g) sugar, divided
8 eggs, separated
1 Tbsp lemon juice
6 Tbsp vegetable Oil
2 tsp vanilla
Vanilla Custard (recipe follows)
Chocolate Glaze (recipe follows)

Preheat your oven to 350F. Oil and line three 9" round cake pans, then set aside.

Whisk together cake flour (see note below), baking powder and 1/2 cup (99 g) sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the yolks, lemon juice, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium-high until slightly lightened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Pour the egg whites into a very clean large bowl. Begin beating on medium-low until foamy, then turn the speed up to high and gradually add the remaining 1 cup (198 g) of sugar. Beat until moderately stiff peaks form (when lifting the beater from the bowl, the peaks should droop slightly), being very careful not to whip the whites until they are dry.

After the whites have been whipped, use a rubber spatula to gently fold 1/4 of them into the yolk mixture. Add another 1/4 of the whites and fold to combine. Repeat until all of the whites have been incorporated, then sift in 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Fold gently until few streaks remain, then add another third. Repeat, continuing to fold very gently, until the last addition of dry ingredients has been fully incorporated.

Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cake springs back when pressed lightly in the center. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from their pans and wrap them in plastic wrap then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours until they are completely cooled.

*If you don't have cake flour, combine 1 3/4 c (248 g) flour and 1/4 c (30 g) cornstarch to substitute.

Vanilla Custard

2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 c (473 ml) milk (author suggests whole, I used skim without any trouble), divided
6 egg yolks
3/4 c (149 g) sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup (59 ml) of the milk in a large heatproof bowl, whisking until smooth and free of lumps. Whisk in the egg yolks and set aside.

Pour the remaining 1 3/4 cups (414 ml) of milk into a sauce pan and stir in the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent scorching.

When the milk begins to bubble, use a ladle to pour about a cup of it into the yolks, whisking quickly and immediately to temper them. Pour the tempered yolks into the pan with the rest of the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard just begins to boil. Turn the heat down to low and boil gently, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.

Pour the cooked custard into a bowl and whisk in the vanilla (you have to add it last or it will boil off while cooking). Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard and chill until set and cool, 4-5 hours.

Chocolate Ganache

3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Assembly
Level the three cakes. Put one down on a serving platter, and top with half of the vanilla custard. Spread the filling out to the edges, then add another layer of cake. Top with the remaining custard, spreading, again, to the edge of the cake. Cover with the last round of cake, bottom side up, and pour the chocolate glaze over the top.



This cake was delicious and pretty simple to make even though it took a long time before I was able to eat it. I kept it in the fridge and it was even better super cold!



Wind Blows

 
Cardigan: Old Navy
Shirt: Old Navy (similar)
Jeans: Target (similar)
Hat: Oakley (similar)

Have a ever told you that I hate the wind? I really hate the wind when it blows a million miles an hour and wakes you up an hour before your alarm goes off . At that point you just lay there and listen to it blow against the side of your house. This of course happened this morning. Following this crazy wind was snow and white out conditions. The drive to work this morning was slow and visibility was horrible. But I made it safe and sound in one piece. So I pretty much still HATE the wind!


These were taking last week when we had the same conditions! But at least it was a Friday and I really didn't have anywhere to go.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Case of the Tuesdays

Shirt: via Kohls
Skirt: GoJane
Shoes: Target
Belt: F21
Tights: Walmart
Scarf: Street Vendor in SF

Even though yesterday was Tuesday and not Monday, I surely had a case of the Mondays. Throughout the day I forgot to do things and in turn had to complete them today. A four day weekend sure does kill my brain when it comes to work. First off, I forgot the camera when I had to make a field visit. Then I realized that I didn't have my phone or my work phone with me. When I finally set up my work equipment, I had to go back to the car 3 times to get more things that I forgot. I really don't know what my problem was, but today I am doing better.

Ever have a day when that happens to you? Just forget everything that you were meaning to get?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Moving

Blazer: Thrifted (similar)
Shirt: via Ross
Jeans: Target (similar)
Boots: via Kohls (similar)
Necklace: Modcloth

Oh back to work today! It was nice to have an extra long weekend. I am also excited to announce my big news in my Exciting News post. That's right! We are moving to Kentucky the end of April. For those who don't know, my soon-to-be husband is in the Army and we are being stationed at Fort Knox, which is outside of Louisville, in May. I am excited to explore and experience and new state and all of the surronding area. I have never really been to the south and will get to experience all of it.

Exciting News


As of May, Matt and I will be living in a new state. Here we come Kentucky if you are ready for us or not!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Ice Festival

 On Saturday, my parents, Matt, and I headed to Cripple Creek, Colorado for the Ice Festival. This small mountain town it known for it mining and gambling. It was my first year at the Ice Festival and I enjoyed every minute of it because it was a Tribute to the Military.


Hope you enjoyed the pictures and had a great weekend just like I did!

New Tights

 
Cardigan: Target
Dress: Old Navy
Tights: via Kohls
Flats: Target

Happy President's Day! I am happy to have a 4 day weekend and was able to get a lot of things done. It started out with me wearing these new tights and hanging out with my love. Matt and I even got out of the house and took a little day trip with my parents, which involved ice sculptures and slot machines. The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing as we caught up on tv shows, ate chicken enchiladas, and got some frozen yogurt.

How was your weekend?  
 

Today I am participating in Two Birds Inspiration Monday. Check out all the other bloggers that participated along with me.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Lame-o

 
Coat: Old Navy
Shirt: Thrifted (similar)
Pants: Target
Boots: UrbanOG (similar)
Necklace: Thrifted 

So, lately I feel like I have been the biggest loser ever! How do I spend my Friday night? Lets see, I baked a cake, watched tv, and took a little nap on the couch. I mean I am 25 and I feel super lame just sitting at home. Instead of being lame, I should be out with Matt and having a good time. Nope we just stay home (and Matt and Oscar were asleep by 9:30).

Hope your Friday night was more entertaining than mine.