Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Walking with a python...

Happy Tuesday loves! There is a major heatwave in my neck of the woods. Definitely the kind of weather that makes me want to head to the beach to cool off. On hot days I don't like to do a lot and I  like to be cool and comfortable. Today I am wearing a flowy white shirt, classic pewter oxfords and a python clutch.  The shirt is light and breezy and the pewter oxfords are comfortable and add a little something extra. And of course, the perfect punctuation mark is a cute clutch!

I am ready for cute sundresses now. What do you love to wear when the weather is scorching?
 
 There is just something about oxfords that I love

I don't think you can own too many white shirts. I have a lot. How about you?
 

 White shirt: Michael Kors, Oxfords: Nordstrom, Clutch: Fashion District, Jeans: New York and Company (old)
 I really love clutches and have quite the collection. I also love all types of animal prints, which of course includes python:-) what about you?

I have a lot of reasons to smile these days:-)
 Sometimes the shoes and bag really complete the look. What do you think?

It is so darn hot that I need to sit down somewhere and have some Coldstone Creamery, Baskin Robbins, Talenti, Ben and Jerrys or anything cold and creamy. Where is the ice cream truck when you need one?

Have an amazing day!


Friday, April 25, 2014

Damn Good Cinnamelts

I am a bonafide chocolate lover, but in my heart lies a special place for cinnamon. There is nothing like the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg and brown sugar floating in the air. My son loves cinnamon too. As a matter of fact, he always has a hankering for McDonalds Cinnamelts. He actually made a bet with me that my Cinnamelts would not top the ones he always craves from McDonalds. And you know who won the bet. Right? 

If you are looking at the photo above and you want to lick the screen, go ahead and run to the store and get the ingredients. When you put these delicious treats in the oven, you might make a few new friends because the heavenly scent of cinnamon is intoxicating and might tempt your neighbors or anyone passing by your house:-)

I wanted to make this quick and delicious, so instead of my usual dough that requires yeast, mixing dough, kneading and letting it rise, I chose to use crescent rolls for a great shortcut

The finished product has lots of cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar.  These pull apart treats will tantalize your taste buds.

These are quite delicious with the cinnamon brown sugar combination, but you can further elevate the flavor by mixing a little pure maple syrup with cinnamon and melted butter and drizzling over the dough before baking. Delish!

While the cinnamelts are still warm in the pan, they get a generous blanket of cream cheese icing

You know you want this
It's ok if you lick the plate when your done. I won't tell anyone, It'll be just between me and you. I licked the plate and the frosting bowl. And since I am confessing, I also devoured the cinnamony brown sugary puddles that were left in the baking pan. Is that bad?


Ingredients
2 Cans Pillsbury Crescent rolls
3 Tablespoons cinnamon
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 cup pure maple syrup

For the glaze
1/4 cup butter softened
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 and generously grease a 12 cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray (I prefer butter). Open up the crescents and cut each triangle into approximately 3 pieces. Roll each piece of dough into small balls that are a little smaller than a golf ball.

Mix the brown sugar, white sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Roll each ball into the mixture until well coated.  Melt the butter and mix with the remaining cinnamon and maple syrup.

Put 4-5 balls in each muffin tin and drizzle with the syrup mixture until the balls are slightly covered. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

For the glaze, mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle glaze on cinnamelts while they are warm.

Bon Appetit!


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Around the corner...


 Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a wonderful Easter. I cannot believe it has been two weeks since I have done a blog post, but sometimes life happens. It has been a very busy time for me. Last week my son was on spring break and that time was devoted to having fun with him and we did so many fun activities including horseback riding and  our tradition of making resurrection rolls for Easter and since I was in a baking mood, my son challenged me to make cinnamelts better than the ones he loves to get from McDonalds. 

Excuse me? I think he forgot that mom always slays in the kitchen. I don't need to tell you who won that bet, and just to show you how good they were, their will be a blog post with the recipe later this week.

Now that spring break is over, I am back to life as usual, which includes some exciting projects:-) And I am just loving all the wonderful surprises life has been sending my way. I have a feeling that there is even more around the corner. I can't wait!

Today I am wearing a very casual look with a cobalt blue silk top, jeans and leopard pumps. You do know about my obsession with animal print, right? 

Spring weather just makes me want to be outdoors all the time. There is nothing like a drive up pacific coast highway on a beautiful spring day. What do you love the most about spring?

Silk Shirt: Vintage, Orange T-shirt: H&M, Bag: Badgley Mischka, Bracelet: F-21, Leopard Pumps: Target

I am walking into some new things! So Excited! Have an amazing Day!





Friday, April 11, 2014

Herringbone (LV's LA)

Herringbone is my kind of restaurant, swanky, beautiful and delicious food. This new seafood  restaurant  in West Hollywood  gives new meaning to the term: "Surf and Turf." This space used to be occupied by Asia de Cuba, which was one of my favorite places to dine, but this gorgeous seafood and inspired comfort food restaurant has definitely made the space their own. On each of my visits here I have enjoyed the food and the service.



Herringbone has completely transformed the space into an opulent beach house setting with  aesthetically pleasing earth tone and white interiors with pops of vibrant blue and luxurious gold. The beautiful decor includes such unique touches as chandeliers with hanging fish ropes, fish bone artwork and sleek marble. I like to come during lunch or at dusk to enjoy the amazing outdoor patio that overlooks Los Angeles.


The outdoor patio is the best spot to enjoy the California sunshine. Cozy couches, tree arches, a luxurious bar and fire pits make the space even more gorgeous. Some of my favorite dishes are the Carne Asada Fries, Lobster roll and fish tacos. The setting during the day is quiet and relaxing. Come after the sun goes down and you will be among the cooler than thou dressed in black crowd:-) After dark this is definitely a Los Angeles scene, but if you can manage to snag a seat outdoors next to a firepit, you can relax and sip and smile with your favorite libation:-)

 The gorgeous bar area


Isn't this outdoor patio gorgeous?



These terra cotta pots are beautiful to look at. So  many beautiful design elements in this restaurant. Great for a relaxing lunch and perfect for date night


This spot has amazing decor inside and out
The fish tacos are excellent


My cousin enjoyed her fish and chips. And I can definitely say that they are pretty tasty. 


The carne asada fries are a must try when you come here. Delicious!

 Did I mention how insanely delicious the lobster roll is?


My Arnold Palmer was way too tart so our delightful server whipped up this Shirley Temple and it was perfect:-)


After debating on the rocky road dessert or a platter of the chefs creations of the day, we chose to try a plate of surprise goodies


We made the perfect choice, on this plate were macaroons, white chocolate cranberry cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, homemade oreos and chocolate salted caramel bites. Everything was delectable


Can you see how much we hated everything?


It is gorgeous during the day, but when the sun goes down...


This is definitely a splurge worthy spot, but prepare your wallet

Herringbone
8440 Sunset Blvd
West Hollyhood, CA
323-848-6000






Thursday, April 10, 2014

Experience

Someone once told me that experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. I recently reflected on that statement and came across this quote. No relationship is ever a waste of time. There is always a lesson if you are willing to learn.

Knowing what you don't want brings you closer to what will bring you happiness and joy.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Easy Breezy


 Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. the past couple of weeks have been a blur. So busy, but managing to have a lot of fun too. My son turned 7 on March 30th and we had a blast by having a party with all of his friends. He was so excited! I just realized that it has been a week since I did a blog post and I have some great recipes to share. 

Lately, I have been spoiled by some of my friends treating me to some great dining experiences, so I have not been cooking quite as often as I usually do, but I am  back to whipping up delectable delights in the kitchen.  On another note, I am really enjoying the nice spring weather:-) I have been loving the way neutral colors look even though bold color has always been a part of my signature look.

white shirt: old navy, Taupe Bag: c/o Mimi Boutique, Taupe pants: Specialty Boutique, Taupe Booties: Urban Original, Bracelet: Heavenly Couture, Necklace: c/o Mimi Boutique

This beautiful necklace is one of the many gorgeous necklaces at Mimi Boutique

This gorgeous taupe bag from Mimi Boutique is the perfect color because it goes with absolutely everything! Be sure to check out the online boutique. Lots of great stuff!

So how do you like neutral colors?

Have a great week!