Monthly Archives

October 2016

damn delicious

Recipes I’ve tried and really liked: Smitten Kitchen Pumpkin Bread

October 17, 2016

smitten-kitchen-pumpkin-bread

Here’s a question: did Fall really happen if you didn’t make a homemade Pumpkin Bread? The basic women among us, myself included, would argue with a resounding no.

Smitten Kitchen’s Pumpkin Bread is the bee’s knees. It’s everything I want in a Pumpkin Bread. It’s fluffy, flavorful, not-too-sweet Pumpkin goodness. I feel like I’ve been searching for it for years. The best part? This recipe uses a full can of Pumpkin, so you don’t need to worry waste or finding a way to use a random half-cup of pumpkin. My two cents: make sure to use butter instead of oil. I think it makes all the difference.

Get your bake on, friends! Let me know if you try it.

PS – I made a Pumpkin Bread on this site a couple of years ago, but it was just too oily. Definitely go with the Smitten Kitchen recipe instead.

fashion, Style

Black one piece, where art thou?

October 15, 2016

So, I’m heading to Cabo in 14 days. 14 days! I can’t wait for lots of sunshine, pool time and tecate. My soul needs a break from the grind.

I used to be the type to have a full wardrobe for vacation, collecting sundresses and shorts and tanks for weeks before. Not anymore. I realized that I spend 95% of the time in a swimsuit by the pool while on a tropical vacation, so all I really need is a killer, comfortable swimsuit and a couple of outfits left over from the summer. Easy peasy.

I have a cute navy one-piece that I have worn the crap out of for the past few years. I still love it, but I want to add another suit to the rotation. Specifically, I want a plunge black one-piece. I’ve combed the internet this morning for a few options. Here’s my consideration list:

black-swimsuit-nordstrom

First up, we have this crocheted lace-up number by Billabong via the Nordstrom website. It’s a bit more conservative, but still fresh with the detailing. It’s a bit pricey for me at $79.95, so I feel concerned as to whether or not the crochet can withstand the test of time.

blackswimsuit-target

Next up, we have this little ditty from Target for $39.95. I like the cut of it, but I haven’t always been in love with the quality and fit of Target swimwear. Is it worth the risk? I need to be comfortable at the swim-up bar, people!

blackswimsuit-asos

Last is this uber-plungey cutey from ASOS for a steal-of-a-deal at $30 bones.  I like the cut of this one the most. I want to be a siren by the pool in my black one-piece. I’ve never ordered swimwear from Asos, so I’m in uncharted territory going down this road, but I think I’m going to take the risk with this bad boy. The good news is that it will be here in a couple of days and I can reassess if it’s not all I’m hoping it will be. Wish me luck!

daily diary

Just a little more Jax…

October 15, 2016

Sorry for my radio silence this week, guys. I’ve been a bit consumed with bringing Jax into the family. My friend came over one night this week and captured the little guy with her great camera and photography skills. I need to post here for posterity and for anyone who loves puppies as much as I do. The next post will be back to our regularly scheduled (random) programming…

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Isn’t he just so cute you want to squeeze him!?