Stick Pops
I don’t really consider myself a dessert kind of gal. When I go out to eat I’m not the one clamoring for the dessert menu at the end of the meal. That’s not to say I don’t have a sweet tooth, I just tend to prefer cocktails over cupcakes. When I become obsessed with a sweet treat (you might recall this) I can’t help but share.
My recent dessert obsession does not involve some expensive rare chocolate found in darkest Peru. Nor is it an egregiously priced confection wrapped in edible gold leaf that will set you back a day’s pay. Nope, it is neither of those thing. This sweet treat involves cake and a stick and will set you back $3.00. I wish I could follow this description with some really mouth watering adjectives to lure you into trying one but all I can really say is that it is a ball of some damn good cake on top of a stick. Simple and sweet.
These wonderful cake pops (Johnny Cake is my current favorite flavor) can be found at Stick&Pop a new shop located in Chelsea, NYC. The owners are equally as sweet as their desserts and I guarantee you will not be disappointed with whichever flavor you choose!
Stick&Pop Shop
Sweet Treats
At Least There’s Ice Cream
I woke up to read the headline “World Markets down sharply” and started feeling the beginnings of agita, so I decided to keep this post SUPER light (not that this blog usually features hard hitting news) and write about something that I find super comforting–Ice Cream.
While a scoop of chocolate ice cream is always a nice treat and a classic standby, when I really want to indulge I go a little gourmet and go searching for the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream Truck. The sight of this pastel yellow truck serving some of the best organic ice cream around town, always sets my heart aflutter. I usually make a visit to the VL ice cream truck while it’s parked in front of the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing district. While hordes of 20-somethings line up in all their “fabulousness” to get inside The Standard Beer Garden to “see and be seen”, I line up in front of the VL truck to get my cup of Earl Grey Ice Cream. For a brief moment, as I savor the taste of my first spoonful, I do not have a care in the world. With their truck parked in several locations all throughout the city, and shops in the East Village and 2 more in Brooklyn, it’s easy to get a taste of their delicious ice cream. The Early Grey (which is currently not listed on their site) is my all time favorite flavor and definitely worth trying. Check out their website for more information about their process, flavors, and locations (http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com/). When the news of the world gets you a little down and out, just scream for Ice Cream.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream TruckThe VL TruckThe delicious Earl Grey Ice Cream
The delicious Earl Grey Ice Cream
Sometimes I even share with the Hubby
The Elsa Peretti Bone Cuff
As you may have gathered from my Ring-spiration posts, I’m a sucker for jewelry, especially any piece that is “chunky” and stands out as a statement piece. For me, the right jewelry can really make or break an outfit. As a typical New Yorker who’s closet color palette consists of lots of Black, White and Grey ensembles, I rely heavily on great jewelry to really make my outfits stand out (that and belts, but that’s a subject I’ll touch on in a future post). I’ll continue to share some of my new and favorite ring acquisitions, but I thought I’d switch jewelry gears today and share the recent addition to my jewelry box: The Esla Peretti Bone Cuff from Tiffany & Co.
Elsa Peretti® Bone Cuff via Tiffany.com
Sensuos curves and bone detailing on the Elsa Peretti Cuff
The DH surprised me with this beautiful cuff for our 5 Year wedding anniversary. As much as I told him not to get me anything, I must admit that finding a beautiful Tiffany blue box with this majestic piece of jewelry inside made me VERY happy. This cuff is definitely going to be my go-to piece this fall and winter.
The cuff sits beautifully on the wrist
Iconic Piece
H2O on the Go–The Water Bobble
I am by no means “Ms. Conservationist” but I do try and help the environmental movement in my own capacity. I recycle, I try to conserve water and electricity, and I try not to be wasteful. This is after all the only planet we’ve got, which is why I wanted to share with you a really cool product that makes me feel all earthy-crunchy inside. Not only is its design sleek and modern but it helps us use one of our greatest natural resources-Water.
This is the Bobble. The what you ask? The water bobble. Big deal–a water bottle. (Go pull the wool over someone else’s eyes Lady L). However this is not just a water bottle. Sure, at first sight it looks that way, but this cool bottle contains a portable filter that purifies any water source while you’re on the go. In my home, we try not to buy water bottles when we don’t have to. We have a great Brita Carafe that we use religiously but there was never a way to take this filtered water around and have it last all day. This water bottle lets you refill your bottle from any good water source and does the job of filtering it while you drink it. You can continue refilling and drinking while you’re out and about without having to buy those pesky plastic water bottles and pollute the earth.
So how did I stumble upon the Bobble? The DH (darling husband) and I were walking through Washington Square Park one summer afternoon when we saw two really eager people with bright shirts and a cart showing someone the Bobble. Curious old me decided to inobtrusively make my way into the conversation (the DH proceeded to shake his head). One of the bright shirts saw my interest and asked me if I knew what I was looking at. I told him I thought it was one of those bottles where you can fill water in the middle and freeze it to make ice. He told me that was not the case and began to extoll the virtues of this new found object. And then he told me something which made me just HAVE to try it. He said, “Here take one. Take one and try it out.” Then he looked at my DH who was standing a few feet away trying to look like he was not with me and said “Here, you can have one too.” His and Hers—how could I resist?
I love a free gift, but I really love a free gift that works and I can actually utilize. I pride myself on writing about things and sharing things that I actually like and use. The Bobble people don’t know me (aside from that sweet bright shirt guy that gave me this bobble), nor do I know them, but I wanted to share with you this great product because I feel it is definitely worth getting. I used the Bobble while spending the day at Hudson River Park the other day. It was an intensely hot day and the DH and I were drinking away from our Bobbles. As soon as we finished we simply went to the nearest water fountain and refilled.
If you want to learn more about the Bobble, check out their story here. And if you want to learn more about the negative effects that water bottles have on our environment please check out these frightening facts.
Next stop for me…Birkenstocks. Actually,no, not really ; )
To France With Love
Happy Bastille Day mes amis! On France’s special day it seems only appropriate that I share some French things that I really j’adore!
My pair of Christian Louboutin heels which I don’t have the opportunity to wear as much as I would like to. They sure are beautiful and slipping them on makes me feel spectacular!
Beautiful drinking glasses from Paris that we received as a wedding gift. Any drink tastes delightful in these colorful glasses. À votre santé!
Scrumptious and amazingly decadent French Macarons. I’ve already raved about them here
- Image via www.davidlebovitz.com
And of course le fromage, especially Brie! Check out my Brie and Caramelized Onion panini recipe here. Perfect meal to celebrate Bastille Day!
Lager, Lather, Rinse & Repeat
Sometimes men can be so hard to shop for. Take for example my husband. He never asks for anything and the things he has asked for are usually things he “needs”. Every year for birthdays, Christmas, Anniversaries I find it hard to find something that is fun, thoughtful, and just plain cool. So it’s always great when you find something that is a really creative gift idea. I stumbled upon these great beer soaps that will make a fantastic gift for any man in your life: brother, husband, dad, cousin, friend.
- Image via The Beer Soap Company
These ingenious soaps made by The Beer Soap Company are made with natural oils and butter- pure Olive oil, Unrefined Cocoa and Shea Butter, Jojoba, Sweet Almond oil and of course, BEER! They carry 95 varieties of beer…er, soap ranging from Ales, Lagers, Pilsners and Stouts. The soap featured here is the Black Pepper and Lime-made with Corona! Perhaps you’re interested in a Sam Adams or a Sierra Nevada? Don’t worry they have those too. Can’t decide which beer that man in your life likes? No prob, you can pick and choose in their “6 Pack” set (so awesome!)
Now, let’s be honest here, these soaps are not just for the man in your life. They are great for yourself, your mother, sister and any other woman you know who likes a nice cold brewski every now and then. Check them out: www.thebeersoapcompany.com. I guarantee that anyone receiving these as a gift will be drunk with happiness!
Brie and Caramelized Onion Panini
There are some dishes you prepare that make you take your own hand, extend it over your shoulder, and sweetly pat yourself on the back. Such was the case with Sunday night’s dinner for me and the hubster. After a few days of going out to eat, we were both in the mood to eat some home cooking. In my home that means preparing one of my “oldie but goodie” recipes that have left a lasting impression on both of our taste buds, or flipping through one of the countless cook books stacked in the bookshelf. On this day I decided to make something we both would enjoy but that would also help me clean out my fridge. Nothing bugs me more than spending money on groceries that I promise myself I will make something delicious with and then having it go bad. In an effort to prevent this from happening I decided to use some Brie cheese that I had purchased a couple of weeks prior. As I looked through the cupboards and refrigerator to see what would pair nicely with this rich, soft cow’s cheese, I finally decided on the following recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
I pulled some basic ingredients from my pantry which I’m sure you all have: Honey, Butter, and white onions
I then cut two panini worthy pieces of bread. I had a French baguette on hand but you can use any type of good quality, fresh bread
Using 1 or 2 white onions, thinly slice into rings. I used 2 onions-0ne for each panini. They cook down when caramelizing and I wanted enough to complement the Brie
Add about 2 tbsp of one of the most decadent ingredients to a hot skillet or pot….that’s right, Butter (said in a sweet, Southern Paula Deen voice…natch)
Let the butter melt and add the onions to the skillet. Add 1 tsp of sugar to add some sweetness and to aid in the caramelization process
(May I also recommend using one of my favorite kitchen tools: The Wooden Spoon)
While the onions are caramelizing, cut the Brie into slices and add honey to both sides of the bread
Yes, that is a big chunk of bread missing from the end of that bread…Sorry, I was hungry, sue me.
Add the Brie slices to one side of the bread
Once the onions are fully caramelized, add them to the brie and bread
While all of this is happening you should begin heating your panini press. I have a wonderful Breville Panini press from Williams-Sonoma that I received as a gift a few year back. Don’t fret if you don’t have one. Use an old George Foreman grill (I’m sure you all have one of the “lean, mean, grilling machines” collecting dust somewhere), or simply grill it on a skillet using another heavy pan to weigh it down. Once whatever contraption you’re using is hot enough, load ‘em up and press ‘em good!
Et Voila! You have a yummy and decadent brie and caramelized onion panini that is Oh.So.Good. Serve with a light salad and just surrender.
Mint Cucumber Orzo
**UPDATE: For the life of me, I couldn’t remember where I adapted this recipe from. I go through countless recipes everday trying to find something inventive that will please the palate of me and my husband. Upon going through a stack of papers today I found the recipe and couldn’t go without giving it a recipe ”shoutout.” This recipe will provide you with actual measuring but like I stated in my adaptation free feel to eyeball ingredients to suit your tastes! xo
When summer comes around I always try to make dishes that are flavorful and light but that also utilize ingredients that are in season. I had stocked up on cucumbers - 8 for $1 at the Korean market- (you really can’t beat that) and was trying to get creative with some of my summertimes recipes. Here’s a great summertime pasta salad that makes a large quantity to last you through the week or to serve at a barbeque or dinner party. For a cucumber cocktail, make sure to check out one of my earlier posts on Cucumber Martini’s here. Enjoy!
- Mint Cucumber Orzo Salad
Ingredients
-1 box of Orzo
-a handful of fresh Mint leaves, chopped (enough to really flavor the salad)
-3 scallions (green and white parts)
-1-2 cucumbers chopped into small pieces
-2 Tbs Olive Oil
-Juice of 1 Lemon
-Salt and Pepper to taste
Boil the Orzo until it’s “Al Dente”-about 8-10 minutes. Aside from the box of Orzo, use as much of the ingredients listed to suit your tastes. I just gave you a ballpark but I pretty much eyeball everything. I really love the flavor that the scallions bring to this dish so I tend to add a bit more. If it looks like there is too much Orzo and not enough of the other ingredients, simply add more of the scallions and cucumbers. The mint should be a welcome flavor suprise, but don’t let it overpower your dish. I found that a “handful” of leaves does the trick. It’s probably 1/4 cup, so just make sure it’s finely chopped.
Tulips and Juleps
My Recent Tulip Acquisition
I love Tulips. March, April, and May should be your go-to months for Tulips. They are in season, fairly inexpensive, and will add some color and Spring pizazz to any room. These spring time flowers always bring a smile to my face reminding me of Easter and the upcoming warm months that await us here in NYC. I met a friend for a glass of vino the other evening and on my way back to the subway I picked up a bouquet of Tulips at a nearby deli. For $7 bucks I bought the most beautiful dark pink tulips to adorn my apartment. What I love about Tulips is that they continue to grow even when they’ve been cut and put into a vase. They tend to grow and direct their growth towards sunlight so you’ll always be surprised by the shape and form they take on. Since I only had 10 stems in my bouquet, I put them in one of my smaller, narrower square vases to maintain a beautiful balance. For me, when making any arrangement, balance is always key. This will help you choose the correct vase for your floral design. Depending on the size of your bouquet choose a vase whose mouth compliments the size and shape of your arrangement.
In addition to Tulips, the other Springtime function that brings a smile to my face is the Kentucky Derby. I have never been to the infamous Churchill Downs, but I fondly remember taping (yes, taping…as in VHS/VCR taping) the Kentucky Derby for my dad. Let me take this opportunity to give a big ‘ol HELLO to Pop’s. He has this blog as one of his “favorites” as any father should ; – )
My dad loves his equine races and would often enlist me to tape the races for him. While I love a good race, my desire to attend the actual Kentucky Derby probably probably has more to do with wearing an AMAZING hat and drinking one of their famous Mint Juleps. The Mint Julep, an alcoholic drink associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States, has been associated with the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Each year almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are sold at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks races. Traditionally, the mint julep was served in a silver or pewter cup which is why I sooooo coveted one for my home. But they don’t come cheap. The other day I was out shopping and saw one for $65. I contemplated purchasing it because it was just so beautiful but then I came back to reality. Luckily, on recent trip to my favorite floral shop in Manhattan’s flower district I was able to purchase one for $10. Naturally, I added one of my tulip stems to create my “Tulip and Julep” arrangement.
- Tulip and Julep
This cup is beautiful as a vase for your flowers, as a stand alone piece on your coffee table or nightstand, or on your office desk to hold pens and pencils. Here are some more of myTulip and Julep photos.
- Tulips Everywhere
Simple, Sweet…and Addictive Snacks
When I find something new that I like I tend to become a little bit obsessive about it (yes, the entire Adele album is still on repeat). Such is the case with two of my current favorite desserts/snacks: Yogurt with honey and sliced almonds and Dark Chocoalate Acai with Blueberry. I’m more of a savory foods person but every now and then I like a little something sweet and sugary to satisfy my sweet tooth.
- Yogurt with Honey and Sliced Almonds
The first is super simple to make and is a great afternoon dessert or after-dinner dessert. Simply buy a container of plain yogurt, a bag of sliced almonds, and honey. Fill a dessert bowl with as much yogurt as you like, then layer it with a good amount of honey (the amount of honey you add depends on how sweet you want it. I usually like it med-sweet), and finally layer it with sliced almonds to temper all the flavors and give it some much needed texture and crunch. Voila! Super simple and super delish. For those of you who are constantly hitting up the office vending machine for a mid afternoon snack, you can quickly and easily do this at work instead.
- Dark Chocolate Açai with Blueberry
The next snack are little nuggets of goodness and are my recent discovery. I have always loved Raisinets and these are like uber-gourmet Raisinets, but instead of raisins this company Brookside Foods creates fruit pieces blending the juices of Açai berries and blueberries. Delicious! These are super addictive and the first time I ate them I must admit I overindulged! I bought this bag at Costco and as with most portions from Costco, it is sure to last you a while. You can also have this as a mid-afternoon snack or keep a bowl of them on the coffee table. I guarantee you guests will love them. Apparently Brookside Foods also has Dark Chocolate Pomegranate and Goji berries as well….yum. Must try those ASAP.
