Thursday, September 27, 2012

LBD + A Skinny Margarita

dress {nordstrom rack - similar}; earrings {cache}; shoes {gianni bini - similar}; ring {F21 - similar}; clutch {loft - similar}

I wore this on a date night a couple weeks ago. I kept the jewelry kind of simple so as not to compete with all the lace on my dress and sparkly for a night out. It was the last night I remember being warm enough to venture out without a jacket! Fall weather will mean many more ways to style this up, but for now I'm enjoying the faces my hubby captured in his haste to end picture taking right before we left :)



While were were out I tried a strawberry-mint tequila martini concoction, it was good but I prefer a margarita.

I love margaritas.. LOVE THEM. But as we all know, they are not waistline friendly. I've tried out a few different ways to make skinny ritas, and even purchased many bottles of the {Bethany Frankel} version but none of them tickled my taste buds, ya know? So one night after this date I mixed this up on a whim, and its my new FAV concoction:

Rach.E.Cakes Skinny Rita
1 oz silver Tequila
3 oz (or more) lime seltzer
splash of simple syrup **
splash of OJ

Shake the tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice to get it really cold - and the mixings and enjoy.

TIP: Tequila cocktails make laundry day more enjoyable... jokes jokes... well sort of...

** We keep simple syrup on hand because its great to sweeten iced coffee. If you dont have any pre-made, make a batch quick and keep it around (fridge)! Its just equal parts sugar to water, heat on the stove until dissolved and let cool!

Also try: coconut tequila with {raspberry-lime seltzer}

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Pumpkin Scones


These scones - so yummy, so fall, so full of pumpkin delicious-ness. I think I literally squealed with delight when they were finally ready to eat, but its hard to know because of the resulting food coma...
Before I tried this recipe I was really intimidated by the idea of making scones, but its not just for serious bakers! This recipe was not too bad - give it a try you wont be disappointed.

They even pass the 'Kitchen Test' so you can add it to your fall menu if you are doing the October Unprocessed Challenge!
Kitchen Test (from the site): Unprocessed food is any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with whole-food ingredients.
 I'm taking the pledge, will you?!


So here's what you do (full recipe at the bottom):
Gather all ingredients: Flour, pumpkin, sugars, spices, etc.
 Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
 
In the bowl of a large food processor (or in a large bowl) combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Pulse or whisk to combine. 
 
Add cold butter and pulse until well incorporated and mixture is the texture of cornmeal. Alternatively, use your fingertips or a pastry butter to blend butter in.
 
In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, half & half, and egg. 
 
 Consider inviting a friend over to finish the pumpkin for you right out of the can :)
 
Add to flour mixture and pulse until just combined. Alternatively, stir until the dough comes together in a ball. 
 
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4 or 5 times to bring the dough together, then flatten into a circle 1″ thick. 
 
Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough in half, then cut each half into thirds.
Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden brown. 
 
 Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
 
When scones are cool, whisk together the plain glaze ingredients, then spoon on top and spread slightly. 
 

 Let harden for 10 minutes, then whisk together the spiced drizzle ingredients and drizzle on top. Let harden completely, before serving, or do as i did and gobble them right up! 




Pumpkin Scones
Makes 6 Scones
recipe from IGE

Ingredients:
 

2 cups flour
7 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 Tablespoons half & half
1 egg
6 Tablespoons cold butter, cubed


For the plain glaze:
1 cup + 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons half & half


For the spiced drizzle:
1 cup + 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons half & half
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch ground ground ginger
pinch ground ground cloves


Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees then line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a large food processor (or in a large bowl) combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Pulse or whisk to combine. Add cold butter and pulse until well incorporated and mixture is the texture of cornmeal. Alternatively, use your fingertips or a pastry butter to blend butter in.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, half & half, and egg. Add to flour mixture and pulse until just combined. Alternatively, stir until the dough comes together in a ball. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4 or 5 times to bring the dough together, then flatten into a circle 1″ thick. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough in half, then cut each half into thirds.
  4. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until just starting to turn golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  5. When scones are cool, whisk together the plain glaze ingredients, then spoon on top and spread slightly. Let harden for 10 minutes, then whisk together the spiced drizzle ingredients and drizzle on top. Let harden completely, about 1 hour, before serving. Store in an air-tight container for 1 day

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Day to Night

 Both outfits: blouse {franchesca's}; necklaces {limited}{limited}; earrings {limited}; bracelets {loft}{nordstroms}; Day Outfit: pants {loft}; belt {nordstroms}; flats {old navy}; Night Outfit: shorts {bebe}; belt {banana}; shoes {guess via TJMaxx}; clutch {dsw}

I love finding pieces that are versatile and transition from day to night. This blouse was perfect going from a casual Friday at the office to martinis with some friends. I kept the top and jewelry, and just switched my pants and shoes - a little makeup refreshment and I was ready to go!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Little Moments

a new friday morning tradition with my sis - coffee and people watching

I love the little moments every Monday because it sets a positive tone for the week. Its really nice to take a step back and be grateful for the everyday happenings that make me smile.
Anyway, how was everyone's weekend?? We laid low and enjoyed catching up with people. I haven't stayed in my PJs for so long on Saturday morning in years and it was fantastic!

spontaneous game night

sparkling water at sunset

 cute puppies in jerseys

enjoying the results of a Saturday morning baking sesh (recipe this week!)

Friday, September 21, 2012

A Different Kind of Wish List!


So the weekend wish list is slightly different today. Instead of things I want to buy, there are some things I want to do!!
I saw a lot of summer to do lists floating around, and recently {emily} posted a fall version. I thought I'd do the same! I can't wait to start crossing these off!


1. Go apple picking and use the apples in a new recipe.

2. Pack up our picnic kit, and bundle up with blankets and hoodies for lunch on the beach.

3. Successfully carve a pumpkin - mine always look like i tried to murder rather than carve the pumpkin.

4. Make a cinnamon-sugar snack of the seeds from my carved pumpkin.

5. Take some time for a little {leaf peeping} - the technical term for admiring fall foliage - Specifically, drive the {Kancamagus Highway}.

6. Attend one of the many Oktoberfest celebrations happening in Boston.

7. Come up with a really funny costume for Halloween and a "scary" treat to share with friends.

8. Go to a haunted house around Halloween and not pee my pants this year - yeeep that really happened, lets just say life sized porcelain dolls scare me a little.

9. Visit a local, New England winery.. or two!

10. Savor Sundays with football, friends, and {pumpkinhead} beer.



What do ya'll have planned for this fall??

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Cook Out Part 2: Shades of Brown


sweatshirt {banana republic - old}; jeans {banana republic}; sandals {bakers - similar}; earrings {F21 - similar}; bracelets {loft - similar}{nordstroms - similar}

So this is outfit number two {see one here}! It was a bit cooler on this day, so I opted for sleeves to stay a little warmer.
I'm super happy because we were off to celebrate a buddy graduating the police academy. Its so awesome when you see your friends accomplishing their dreams. We're really proud of him! :)

Have a fantastic day!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Cook-Outs Part 1: Simply Striped

Shirt {F21 - old}; Jeans {banana republic}; sandals {shoe dazzle}; bracelets {nyc&co - old}{alex&ani}; ring {vintage}

We've been soaking up the very last bits of summer at some cook-outs the past few weekends. I find back yard parties can be hard to dress for since you want to be equal parts pulled together and comfortable with the ability to adjust to temperature change. This is what I wore to one party. A cardigan or wrap in your bag would keep this comfortable long into a cool evening. Stay tuned tomorrow for another outfit! 

Fall Pinning

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

They say admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.. well folks, I am a pinterest addict. 
Ok, so that's a joke (probably a bad one) but I have been obsessed with all the awesome fall ideas out there. I know its hard to tell really obvious, but fall is my favorite season here in New England! Here are some of my favorites I plan to try out as soon as possible!

Follow me on Pinterest {here}

Monday, September 17, 2012

Jalapeno Poppers



This recipe (courtesy of my girl Bri) was too quick and easy not to share, and its such a crowd-pleaser! 3 ingredients, 3 simple steps:

Ingredients (adjust quantity to however many you plan to make)
 - jalapenos - halved and seeded
 - cream cheese, about 1/2 tbsp per jalapeno half
 - 1/2 slices of bacon

Directions
 - Fill the hollowed out jalapenos level with cream cheese.
 - Wrap with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick
 - Bake on a jelly roll pan (to contain bacon grease) in a 375 degree oven until the bacon is crispy (time will depend on how thick your bacon is)

I couldn't stop eating them. Good luck!

Little Moments

fall flowers

Although it was a fantastic weekend - date night with the hubby, cookout, sunday funday - I'm still a little grumpy from yesterday's {loss}.. but here are some of the things cheering me up this morning! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

{jalapeno poppers} for game day

cooking with {onion goggles}

cute note {pads}

trying out {new} restaurants for date night

Friday, September 14, 2012

Weekend Wish List: Faux Fur Vest


vest {bebe}; shirt {american vintage}; jeans {guess}; boots {charlotte russe}; clutch {asos}; necklace {pilgrim}; cuff {fashion union}; hoops {michael kors}

Faux fur vests are big this fall. I love it on other people (read: models), but cant quite bring myself to wear a big furry vest. I'd feel a little too dances-with-wolves. But what I love about this vest from Bebe is its right on trend without being over the top.

My wish-list outfit here follows a couple universal rules for styling a faux fur vest, be it big and furry or more sleek like this one: 
Keep it simple,
keep it casual, and 
keep it layered. 
The faux fur vest is a statement on its own, no need to over accessorize. Its also meant as a layering piece, which is great to glam up the casual jean-and-a-tee outfit.

TGIF!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

DIY: Fall Balls


Fall Balls? ha yeah I know, but how else would you describe these?

I had a serious hankering for a fall craft last weekend. Seeing as gourds and pumpkins aren't readily available yet, I found myself wandering the craft store trying to come up with something. I saw {this} on {pinterest}, and came home with some fake white pumpkins intending to modge-podge some fake leaves onto them (even as I type that it sounds terrible). Well that was a big ole' pinterest FAIL. 

The other thing I came home with were grapevine balls which I wanted to make pumpkin-like with ribbons. Well I'm not sure I'd call them pumpkins, but they are pretty cute! I have one hanging in my window now :)



Materials
 - Variety of ribbons - I used some wide, thin, sparkling and yarn
 - Grapevine Balls
 - Sparkle tape to finish

Instructions
 - Weave ribbons and yarn through the grapevines.
 - Add some curling ribbon hanging down inside
 - Tie a big bow on top, hold the center together with sparkle tape.

And that's it!

 

Summa Cum Laude

blouse {kohls - similar}; shorts {F21}; scarf {kohls - similar}; sandals {AE - similar}; belt {target}; earrings {unknown}; ring {bought in Ireland}; sunnies {TJMaxx}

You caught me, I'm bragging... about my sister-in-law! This long legged-beauty graduated at the top of her class back in May. She's a super talented artist and designer. And now, a blog model (probably not adding that one to her resume lol)

This is what she wore to her graduation party last weekend. Perfectly chic for a late-summer backyard cookout with family and friends.

Congratulations Sis! So proud of you!