1. 31 Jan


    sundaynightmasterpiece: I am terrified of and for this couple.

    sundaynightmasterpiece:

    I am terrified of and for this couple.

     

  2. 31 Jan


    (Source: heydowntonlady)

     

  3. 4 Jan



    Check out the new blog over HERE

     

  4. 31 Dec


    Happy Birthday Minnie!

    Happy Birthday Minnie!

     

  5. 22 Dec


    Happy Holidays! It’s officially the holidays for me as Friday is my last day of work until next year (I love saying that ;) )  Anyways, what better way to celebrate then with friends and family. I’m excited to catch up on movies, books and more importantly sleep. I also have some exciting news to share about the evolution of The Twitter Book Club - so stay tuned!  In the spirit of the holidays I have compiled a list of my favorite bloggers’ holiday posts! I love Susan’s wish list - especially the classic Jane Austen book cover. Skye is my crafty role model. Seriously I wish I was half the crafty person she is. Check out her fantastic gift wrap suggestions. Ashley visited Strasbourg, Germany which is like the capitol for Christmas. I love, love, love her photos. Definitely adding it to my bucket list. Kayla’s December’s Joy post will most certainly put you in the holiday mood, such wonderful photos. Krista is spending her first Christmas in Australia after moving there recently.  I can’t wait for the follow up post to this one where I hope to see her Christmas day photos out and about in the sunshine and warmth.

    Happy Holidays! It’s officially the holidays for me as Friday is my last day of work until next year (I love saying that ;) )  Anyways, what better way to celebrate then with friends and family. I’m excited to catch up on movies, books and more importantly sleep. I also have some exciting news to share about the evolution of The Twitter Book Club - so stay tuned! 

    In the spirit of the holidays I have compiled a list of my favorite bloggers’ holiday posts!

    1. I love Susan’s wish list - especially the classic Jane Austen book cover.
    2. Skye is my crafty role model. Seriously I wish I was half the crafty person she is. Check out her fantastic gift wrap suggestions.
    3. Ashley visited Strasbourg, Germany which is like the capitol for Christmas. I love, love, love her photos. Definitely adding it to my bucket list.
    4. Kayla’s December’s Joy post will most certainly put you in the holiday mood, such wonderful photos.
    5. Krista is spending her first Christmas in Australia after moving there recently.  I can’t wait for the follow up post to this one where I hope to see her Christmas day photos out and about in the sunshine and warmth.
     

  6. 21 Dec


    It’s that time of year!  All of these items above I have been coveting for sometime now.  So for those of you who are still searching for that special something I hope this list helps you out. PS. Next year I will not be asking for any gifts but rather setting up a wish list for those less fortunate via OXFAM. Check it out!  What could be better than spending $15 on a chicken and changing some one’s life for the better? 1. Canon PowerShot Point & Shoot. I love my SLR but sometimes I don’t feel like lugging it around on trips. This handy Canon point and shoot would do just the trick. 2. Goodies Gourmet Soaps Cupcake Soap & Bath Bomb. I love cupcakes and I love baths. I have been coveting these for sometime now, so I really hope they are in my stocking come Christmas morning. If not, Steph I will be putting in an order asap. ;) 3. Cuptakes iPhone cover I’m a big fan of the cuptakes wallpaper apps for iPhone. So when I found out they make covers I knew I would need one stat! 4. Cookbooks, enough said. 5 Ingredient Fix by Claire Robinson, Everyday Food Light & The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond 5. Swarovski Mickey Bracelet. As you know I am a HUGE Disney fan. I think this bracelet is the perfect match between grown-up jewellery with a youthful twist. What’s on your Christmas wish list?

    It’s that time of year!  All of these items above I have been coveting for sometime now.  So for those of you who are still searching for that special something I hope this list helps you out.

    PS. Next year I will not be asking for any gifts but rather setting up a wish list for those less fortunate via OXFAM. Check it out!  What could be better than spending $15 on a chicken and changing some one’s life for the better?

    1. Canon PowerShot Point & Shoot. I love my SLR but sometimes I don’t feel like lugging it around on trips. This handy Canon point and shoot would do just the trick.

    2. Goodies Gourmet Soaps Cupcake Soap & Bath Bomb. I love cupcakes and I love baths. I have been coveting these for sometime now, so I really hope they are in my stocking come Christmas morning. If not, Steph I will be putting in an order asap. ;)

    3. Cuptakes iPhone cover I’m a big fan of the cuptakes wallpaper apps for iPhone. So when I found out they make covers I knew I would need one stat!

    4. Cookbooks, enough said. 5 Ingredient Fix by Claire Robinson, Everyday Food Light & The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

    5. Swarovski Mickey Bracelet. As you know I am a HUGE Disney fan. I think this bracelet is the perfect match between grown-up jewellery with a youthful twist.

    What’s on your Christmas wish list?

     

  7. 19 Dec


    I made this a couple years ago, as hostess gifts for when we were invited to dinner parties.  It is too easy to make and the slow cooker allows for everything to cook in one pot! I love giving this to coworkers and friends — and I’ve never received a complaint - it’s THAT good. Slow Cooker Pear & Apple Butter Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds Bartlett or Anjou pears (about 5) 2 1/2 pounds McIntosh or Gala apples (about 5) 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1 cinnamon stick Directions Peel, quarter, and core pears and apples. In a food processor, finely grate fruit (in batches if necessary), then transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in dark-brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook on high, 4 hours. Remove cinnamon stick and reserve. Transfer mixture to processor (in batches if necessary) and process until smooth. Return to slow cooker, along with cinnamon stick, and cook on high, uncovered, until mixture is thick and browned, 4 hours. Discard cinnamon stick and let mixture cool. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate, up to 3 weeks, or freeze, up to 3 months. Source: Martha Stewart

    I made this a couple years ago, as hostess gifts for when we were invited to dinner parties.  It is too easy to make and the slow cooker allows for everything to cook in one pot! I love giving this to coworkers and friends — and I’ve never received a complaint - it’s THAT good.

    Slow Cooker Pear & Apple Butter

    Ingredients

    • 2 1/2 pounds Bartlett or Anjou pears (about 5)
    • 2 1/2 pounds McIntosh or Gala apples (about 5)
    • 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
    • 1 cinnamon stick

    Directions

    1. Peel, quarter, and core pears and apples. In a food processor, finely grate fruit (in batches if necessary), then transfer to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in dark-brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook on high, 4 hours.
    2. Remove cinnamon stick and reserve. Transfer mixture to processor (in batches if necessary) and process until smooth. Return to slow cooker, along with cinnamon stick, and cook on high, uncovered, until mixture is thick and browned, 4 hours. Discard cinnamon stick and let mixture cool. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate, up to 3 weeks, or freeze, up to 3 months.
    Source: Martha Stewart
     

  8. 15 Dec


    If there is one thing I like to read more than books it’s magazines. You tell me, what’s not to love? I anxiously await the delivery of a new issue each month. The four magazines above are my yearly staples, although I must admit that last year I didn’t renew Martha Stewart Living because I got bored of the content and high end ingredients in the recipes.  However, I did miss it - so I will be renewing my subscription this year. What are your favorite magazines? 1. Real Simple is a wonderful magazine. I love the recipes, especially the tips and tricks that are sprinkled throughout. 2. Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food. I LOVE this magazine. I cannot say enough good things about it. Every month it’s chocked full of quick, easy and flavourful recipes. It’s a must for any cook or food enthusiast. 3. Conde Nast Traveler. I love this magazines for all the obvious reasons. Although the articles and information are catered to someone who is probably more affluent than me, I do appreciate the travel writing articles and hotel recommendations. 4. Lastly, Martha Stewart Living. As mentioned previously I did have a subscription for a couple years but cancelled it last year because I felt that the recipes were too high end for me and ingredients that were inaccessible. I’ve realized that I do miss the craft articles as well as the home decor content, so I will be renewing it this year.

    If there is one thing I like to read more than books it’s magazines. You tell me, what’s not to love? I anxiously await the delivery of a new issue each month. The four magazines above are my yearly staples, although I must admit that last year I didn’t renew Martha Stewart Living because I got bored of the content and high end ingredients in the recipes.  However, I did miss it - so I will be renewing my subscription this year.

    What are your favorite magazines?

    1. Real Simple is a wonderful magazine. I love the recipes, especially the tips and tricks that are sprinkled throughout.

    2. Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food. I LOVE this magazine. I cannot say enough good things about it. Every month it’s chocked full of quick, easy and flavourful recipes. It’s a must for any cook or food enthusiast.

    3. Conde Nast Traveler. I love this magazines for all the obvious reasons. Although the articles and information are catered to someone who is probably more affluent than me, I do appreciate the travel writing articles and hotel recommendations.

    4. Lastly, Martha Stewart Living. As mentioned previously I did have a subscription for a couple years but cancelled it last year because I felt that the recipes were too high end for me and ingredients that were inaccessible. I’ve realized that I do miss the craft articles as well as the home decor content, so I will be renewing it this year.

     

  9. 13 Dec


    This month’s Across The Cafe Table question from The Travel Belles is “If someone said you had to go visit another country for Christmas, where would you go and why?” Of course, my first answer would be of course to opt out and kindly decline and choose spend it with my family. But say this person was like no, the fate of mankind rests in you spending Christmas abroad I would probably choose a beach somewhere warm and sunny.  Specifically Turks & Caicos or maybe Jamaica. Let’s admit it, the holidays can be stressful so what better way to rest and enjoy the season then a beach and an umbrella drink. It might be selfish, but sometimes we all just need to getaway from it all.  So, my question for you is - Where would you go? Check out other Belles’ responses by heading on over to The Travel Belles!

    This month’s Across The Cafe Table question from The Travel Belles is “If someone said you had to go visit another country for Christmas, where would you go and why?”

    Of course, my first answer would be of course to opt out and kindly decline and choose spend it with my family. But say this person was like no, the fate of mankind rests in you spending Christmas abroad I would probably choose a beach somewhere warm and sunny.  Specifically Turks & Caicos or maybe Jamaica. Let’s admit it, the holidays can be stressful so what better way to rest and enjoy the season then a beach and an umbrella drink. It might be selfish, but sometimes we all just need to getaway from it all.  So, my question for you is - Where would you go?

    Check out other Belles’ responses by heading on over to The Travel Belles!

     

  10. 12 Dec


    It’s that time of year, and of course just like Christmas is synonymous with presents and Santa Claus it is also synonymous in mind with baking. My mom has been making a variation of these fruit drop cookies for years. I always request a special batch for myself — they are THAT good. Just like the Peppermint Bark, these cookies also make a great gift for a friend and even better - a hostess gift. Try them today.  These cookies will definitely bring out the Holiday spirit in any kitchen! Ingredients: 2 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour 1  teaspoon(s) baking soda 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt 1 cup(s) (2 sticks) butter, softened 3/4 cup(s) granulated sugar 1/2 cup(s) (packed) dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract 3 large eggs 2 cup(s) toasted rice cereal 1 cup(s) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 1/2 cup(s) red candied cheries, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup(s) green candied cherries, coarsely chopped 1 1/2 cup(s) white chocolate chips Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease large cookie sheet. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in vanilla, then eggs, 1 at a time. At low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl. With spoon, stir in cereal, walnuts, cherries, and 1 cup chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, 1 inch apart, onto cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 11 minutes or until golden. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips in small microwave-safe-bowl; heat in microwave on Medium (50% power) about 2 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring once. Stir until smooth. Place cookies on waxed paper; drizzle with melted chocolate. When chocolate is set, store cookies, with waxed paper between layers, in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week, or in freezer up to 3 months. Source: Good Housekeeping

    It’s that time of year, and of course just like Christmas is synonymous with presents and Santa Claus it is also synonymous in mind with baking. My mom has been making a variation of these fruit drop cookies for years. I always request a special batch for myself — they are THAT good. Just like the Peppermint Bark, these cookies also make a great gift for a friend and even better - a hostess gift. Try them today.  These cookies will definitely bring out the Holiday spirit in any kitchen!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
    • 1  teaspoon(s) baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
    • 1 cup(s) (2 sticks) butter, softened
    • 3/4 cup(s) granulated sugar
    • 1/2 cup(s) (packed) dark brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 cup(s) toasted rice cereal
    • 1 cup(s) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
    • 1/2 cup(s) red candied cheries, coarsely chopped
    • 1/2 cup(s) green candied cherries, coarsely chopped
    • 1 1/2 cup(s) white chocolate chips

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease large cookie sheet.
    2. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Beat in vanilla, then eggs, 1 at a time. At low speed, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until blended, occasionally scraping bowl. With spoon, stir in cereal, walnuts, cherries, and 1 cup chocolate chips.
    3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, 1 inch apart, onto cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 11 minutes or until golden. Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.
    4. Place remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips in small microwave-safe-bowl; heat in microwave on Medium (50% power) about 2 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring once. Stir until smooth. Place cookies on waxed paper; drizzle with melted chocolate. When chocolate is set, store cookies, with waxed paper between layers, in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week, or in freezer up to 3 months.

    Source: Good Housekeeping