Here's what we're loving and living for this week.
1. We usually keep it simple on our nails, but these nail art ideas got us thinking that maybe we should branch out a little. Maybe we'll try one on our next manicure.
2. We know it's not new, but we've been addicted to Fixer Upper reruns on HGTV lately. We love Chip and Joanna's style and it inspires us to tackle some house projects of our own this summer. Stay tuned for more!
3. My husband made this One Skillet Lemon Chicken and Orzo this week and we couldn't stop eating it! It would be awesome with shrimp instead of chicken, too. Plus, who doesn't love a one-pot meal? (Especially when you're the one doing dishes like I am!) --J
4. Last night was the series finale of Scandal! So much for our Thursday tradition of wine, popcorn and Olivia Pope. If you're going to go through withdrawal without this show, then look back at this amazing retrospective of Olivia's amazing fashion sense!
5. GAP is running its Spring Sale with up to 60% off and an additional 40% off with the code HAPPY. If the forecast ever looked like it would warm up, we'd definitely be stocking up on some spring stuff!
6. If you're looking for a new comedy show to watch, try The Good Place! We recently caught up on this comedy and were sad to finish it off. It took a little while to click, but by the end, I loved the characters and was cracking up. The first season is on Netflix and you can find season two on NBC's site. --J
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend!
Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogs. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2018
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
The Easiest Blondies Ever
Hi friends, it's your favorite neighborhood baker, Jess. One of the things I'm always in search of is a quick baked dessert recipe with all pantry items. You know, sometimes you just want dessert and you don't want to have to run to the store. Enter Deb from Smitten Kitchen and her Infinitely Adaptable Blondies. Once I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it out!
Last weekend, on an uncharacteristically rainy and cold Saturday, I gathered my ingredients.
To get started, melt the butter in a small saucepan. You could just melt it, or you could be like me, and let it cook for a while and start to get brown. Nothing beats that caramely browned butter flavor, so it's worth taking the extra time.
Let the butter cool off a little bit and pour it into a large bowl. You're cooling this off just a little so that you don't get brown sugar flavored scrambled eggs. (Just typing that is gross). Then, whisk in a cup of brown sugar, vanilla and one egg.
Mix in one cup of flour and 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins. Deb mentions that you can use whatever mix-ins you have on hand. I chose chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Shout out to my Snow Bird in laws, who brought back some pecans from the winter Down South. See my notes below for other thoughts on great additions.
Press the mixture into a buttered 8x8 glass or metal tray. It's not going to pour like a usual cookie batter, so you might want to try pressing it down with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. The edges will be golden brown and it will still feel a little soft in the middle. I think that's part of what makes the good--they're still a little fudgey or doughy in the middle. I think they'd be too tough if you overbooked them, so keep an eye out. You can cool and cut them or just let them cool in the pan and cut as you eat them. Honestly, I think they would keep for about a week covered, but we finished them off within a couple of days.
Notes:
Last weekend, on an uncharacteristically rainy and cold Saturday, I gathered my ingredients.
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| Not pictured: Vanilla Extract |
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| Before |
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| After |
Let the butter cool off a little bit and pour it into a large bowl. You're cooling this off just a little so that you don't get brown sugar flavored scrambled eggs. (Just typing that is gross). Then, whisk in a cup of brown sugar, vanilla and one egg.
Mix in one cup of flour and 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins. Deb mentions that you can use whatever mix-ins you have on hand. I chose chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Shout out to my Snow Bird in laws, who brought back some pecans from the winter Down South. See my notes below for other thoughts on great additions.
Press the mixture into a buttered 8x8 glass or metal tray. It's not going to pour like a usual cookie batter, so you might want to try pressing it down with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. The edges will be golden brown and it will still feel a little soft in the middle. I think that's part of what makes the good--they're still a little fudgey or doughy in the middle. I think they'd be too tough if you overbooked them, so keep an eye out. You can cool and cut them or just let them cool in the pan and cut as you eat them. Honestly, I think they would keep for about a week covered, but we finished them off within a couple of days.
Notes:
- As I mentioned, Deb says you can mix in just about anything to these babies and create something delicious. I loved the toasted pecans and chocolate chips, but you could customize these any which way you want. Some combinations I'd love to try out--
- 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts, 1/2 cup butterscotch chips and 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup pistachios, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Overbaking is the enemy of a good blondie! Watch that they don't get too brown because they'll dry out. Even if you would consider them a little underdone, they're probably ready to go.
- These are pretty rich, so you can serve them in small pieces. They would be awesome as a quick dessert to take over to someone's house or to serve after a simple dinner party. Also, kid approved (obviously!). In fact, our preschooler woke up one morning, examined the pan and asked my husband "why did you and Mama eat two blondies because they're missing from the pan..." Busted.
- One last serving suggestion would be a blondie sundae. Quick story--I was once eating dinner at our favorite neighborhood place with my husband and Ry and were gifted a free blondie sundae by our waitress. Apparently a table had ordered it, mistaking blondies for brownies and no longer wanted it. A delicious blondie sundae on the house?! Talk about a win! We still talk about it months later! Scoop some old fashioned vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle with caramel and/or chocolate syrup and you're a hero!
Make these now and thank me later! Let us know how they are and give us your ideas for mix-in combinations in the comments below!
Friday, March 9, 2018
Friday Pick-Six: 3/9/18
Here's what we're loving and living for this week!
1. We always get excited for great Target collaborations and this week, they announced an upcoming collection with Hunter! You better believe we'll be standing in line for this one!
2. We love stripes in any season, but they're especially great in the spring and summer. Jess immediately ordered these earrings after spotting them 40% off at JCrew last week! Can't wait to rock them!
3. You guys know how much we love Smitten Kitchen and this week, we tried her black bean soup. It was awesome served up with a little avocado toast on a Meatless Monday!
4. It's time again for the GAP Friends and Family sale. Everything is 40% off and free shipping with the code FRIEND. We've got our eye on a few new arrivals for Spring including this top, and this floral dress.
5. If you're looking for a great neutral nail polish that's perfect as a spring transitional color, try Essie Mixtaupe! I tried it this week and my nails looked super professional and pretty all week! --J
6. We each pinned this recipe for Penne ala Vodka to Pinterest within minutes of one another, so it must be a good recipe! Going to have to try it out soon!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend!
1. We always get excited for great Target collaborations and this week, they announced an upcoming collection with Hunter! You better believe we'll be standing in line for this one!
2. We love stripes in any season, but they're especially great in the spring and summer. Jess immediately ordered these earrings after spotting them 40% off at JCrew last week! Can't wait to rock them!
3. You guys know how much we love Smitten Kitchen and this week, we tried her black bean soup. It was awesome served up with a little avocado toast on a Meatless Monday!
4. It's time again for the GAP Friends and Family sale. Everything is 40% off and free shipping with the code FRIEND. We've got our eye on a few new arrivals for Spring including this top, and this floral dress.
5. If you're looking for a great neutral nail polish that's perfect as a spring transitional color, try Essie Mixtaupe! I tried it this week and my nails looked super professional and pretty all week! --J
6. We each pinned this recipe for Penne ala Vodka to Pinterest within minutes of one another, so it must be a good recipe! Going to have to try it out soon!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend!
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake
Hi all, it's Jess, baking again, as usual. My kiddo loves something sweet for breakfast, so I'm always trying to find recipes for breakfast baked goods that aren't loaded with butter and sugar. After seeing this lemon blueberry cake from Real Simple pop up on Pinterest, I knew we had to try it!
First things first, we gathered all our ingredients, all of which we had in the pantry or freezer. (Mom tip--frozen berries are a freezer staple!)
Mix together your dry ingredients (I know the recipe is a little different, but I try to keep it as simple as possible on a Sunday) in a bowl. You're going to add a tablespoon of flour to mix together with the blueberries. This will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. I like to do this in my mixing bowl with the pouring spout, since it makes it easier to put into the pan.
Mix in your dry ingredients. It will look a little thick at this point. Then, stream in the oil as you whisk. It might look like it's separated at first but will come together quickly. Fold in the blueberries once it comes together. Don't overmix it!
Sprinkle on the sugar, or you can be fancy like me and add cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool a little before removing it from the pan and enjoy!
This cake is so easy and you most likely have everything in your house already! It definitely tastes like a pound cake but doesn't have that pound of butter! I was thinking that it would be super simple to substitute in other flavors to change it up, too. This summer, I'll definitely try subbing blackberries and lime for the blueberries and lemon! Also, if you want to make up a batch of lemon sugar for sprinkling on top, it would reinforce the flavors deliciously!
Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments!
First things first, we gathered all our ingredients, all of which we had in the pantry or freezer. (Mom tip--frozen berries are a freezer staple!)
Mix together your dry ingredients (I know the recipe is a little different, but I try to keep it as simple as possible on a Sunday) in a bowl. You're going to add a tablespoon of flour to mix together with the blueberries. This will keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. I like to do this in my mixing bowl with the pouring spout, since it makes it easier to put into the pan.
Mix in your dry ingredients. It will look a little thick at this point. Then, stream in the oil as you whisk. It might look like it's separated at first but will come together quickly. Fold in the blueberries once it comes together. Don't overmix it!
Sprinkle on the sugar, or you can be fancy like me and add cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool a little before removing it from the pan and enjoy!
This cake is so easy and you most likely have everything in your house already! It definitely tastes like a pound cake but doesn't have that pound of butter! I was thinking that it would be super simple to substitute in other flavors to change it up, too. This summer, I'll definitely try subbing blackberries and lime for the blueberries and lemon! Also, if you want to make up a batch of lemon sugar for sprinkling on top, it would reinforce the flavors deliciously!
Give it a try and let me know how it goes in the comments!
Friday, March 2, 2018
Friday Pick-Six: 3/2/18
Here's what we're loving and living for this week!
1. Last week, we featured a post about our favorite bright lip colors as one of the latest beauty trends. Check out this video tutorial on Popsugar featuring another adorable set of twins, Shanae and Shaniece Cole on how they rock this trend.
2. Her recipes are always amazing, but how good does Smitten Kitchen's take on the classic boxed macaroni and cheese look? We may need to give this a try soon!
3. After seeing this Lavender Salve on one of our favorite blogs, Sweet Southern Prep, this week, I knew I had to order it. I'm looking forward to comparing it to my old favorite, Smith's Rosebud salve.
4. We upped our Taco Tuesday game with these fridge pickled veggies this week and they were awesome. Next time, I think we'll add a jalapeno or two! I think they'd be great not just on tacos, but on a sandwich (pulled pork?), burger or whatever!
5. The Oscars are Sunday! Will you be watching? Ry hosts an annual party (complete with swag bags), so we'll be watching together.
6. If you love Meghan Markle (the Duchess to be)'s dress at her speaking engagement earlier this week, but the Jason Wu dress is too pricey, check out this article with some similar looks! We knew we loved her--she also rocks navy and black together, which is one of our favorite looks!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!
1. Last week, we featured a post about our favorite bright lip colors as one of the latest beauty trends. Check out this video tutorial on Popsugar featuring another adorable set of twins, Shanae and Shaniece Cole on how they rock this trend.
2. Her recipes are always amazing, but how good does Smitten Kitchen's take on the classic boxed macaroni and cheese look? We may need to give this a try soon!
3. After seeing this Lavender Salve on one of our favorite blogs, Sweet Southern Prep, this week, I knew I had to order it. I'm looking forward to comparing it to my old favorite, Smith's Rosebud salve.
4. We upped our Taco Tuesday game with these fridge pickled veggies this week and they were awesome. Next time, I think we'll add a jalapeno or two! I think they'd be great not just on tacos, but on a sandwich (pulled pork?), burger or whatever!
5. The Oscars are Sunday! Will you be watching? Ry hosts an annual party (complete with swag bags), so we'll be watching together.
6. If you love Meghan Markle (the Duchess to be)'s dress at her speaking engagement earlier this week, but the Jason Wu dress is too pricey, check out this article with some similar looks! We knew we loved her--she also rocks navy and black together, which is one of our favorite looks!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday Pick-Six: 2/23/18
Here's what we are loving and living for this week!
1. On our President's Day off, we decided to move up our usual Taco Tuesday to Monday. Jess made this crockpot barbacoa recipe and it was a total hit!
2. While making an Amazon Prime order the other day, I added these beaded tassel earrings on a whim. They're not the highest quality (hence the price point) but the color is great and they're not too heavy either. --J
3. You know how we love a good face mask. One of our recent favorites is this Pacifica Disobey Time Rose and Peptide Mask from Target.
4. As much as we all love checking all our favorite blogs, I've been thinking a lot recently about trying to quit my phone habit. I have found myself playing Monopoly with my kiddo and I mindlessly grab my phone and start to check Instagram. Not my finest mom moment, but I think we can all relate. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere blogged about it this week and she also linked to this helpful article. I'm going to give it a try this weekend and will report back! --J
5. After seeing something similar on our favorite hostess at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, we've been on the lookout for a kimono-style jacket. We may have to scoop up this one from Target. Throw under a black tank and some skinny jeans and you're date-ready.
6. This Olympics, we were totally obsessed with Canadian ice dancers, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. If you're like us and you can't get enough of them, then check out their 2014 reality show which is streaming on Amazon. We might have to marathon this weekend!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!
1. On our President's Day off, we decided to move up our usual Taco Tuesday to Monday. Jess made this crockpot barbacoa recipe and it was a total hit!
2. While making an Amazon Prime order the other day, I added these beaded tassel earrings on a whim. They're not the highest quality (hence the price point) but the color is great and they're not too heavy either. --J
3. You know how we love a good face mask. One of our recent favorites is this Pacifica Disobey Time Rose and Peptide Mask from Target.
4. As much as we all love checking all our favorite blogs, I've been thinking a lot recently about trying to quit my phone habit. I have found myself playing Monopoly with my kiddo and I mindlessly grab my phone and start to check Instagram. Not my finest mom moment, but I think we can all relate. Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere blogged about it this week and she also linked to this helpful article. I'm going to give it a try this weekend and will report back! --J
5. After seeing something similar on our favorite hostess at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, we've been on the lookout for a kimono-style jacket. We may have to scoop up this one from Target. Throw under a black tank and some skinny jeans and you're date-ready.
6. This Olympics, we were totally obsessed with Canadian ice dancers, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. If you're like us and you can't get enough of them, then check out their 2014 reality show which is streaming on Amazon. We might have to marathon this weekend!
What are you loving and living for this week? Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Thank you!
2017 was a great year for us! We've been busy! Since we launched our blog back in March, we've learned so much and had so much fun.
We wanted to take a minute to thank YOU, our faithful readers. As we move into 2018, we hope to offer you even more awesome content! Thanks for all your support and we can't wait to have a wonderful year with you in 2018!
Happy New Year, friends!
Friday, November 3, 2017
Friday Pick-Six: 11/3/17
Here's what we're loving and living for this week!
1. After seeing this jacket on one of our favorite bloggers, Eva Martino, I had to order it! I can't wait to wear it for a classic, yet edgy look! --R
2. We're tailgating with friends with this weekend again! If you're doing the same and looking for a great recipe for a crowd, try this combo of two great brisket recipes! We used the spice rub from this recipe and cooked the brisket according to this recipe with delicious results!
3. We're always looking to save a little time and eye shadow sticks help with this in the morning. I recently ordered this Laura Mercier set and it's awesome. The colors are great neutrals so they're perfect for work! What a great deal, too! --R
4. Since I've been trying to get my running game going lately, you know I had to order some new leggings. I'm a longtime fan of Old Navy's compression leggings but look at these moto ones, you guys? They're so cool and I swear I run faster with them on! --J
5. I recently tried a new-to-me gel nail brand Gelish for my gel manicure. I loved the shade (Night Reflection) and the shine. Removal was very similar to my beloved Shellac. --J
6. One of our favorite bloggers, Liz at Sequins and Stripes, is already rolling our her Holiday Guide! We'll be sharing our gift guides and hosting tips in the coming weeks, too!
What are you loving and living for this weekend? Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend, friends!
1. After seeing this jacket on one of our favorite bloggers, Eva Martino, I had to order it! I can't wait to wear it for a classic, yet edgy look! --R
2. We're tailgating with friends with this weekend again! If you're doing the same and looking for a great recipe for a crowd, try this combo of two great brisket recipes! We used the spice rub from this recipe and cooked the brisket according to this recipe with delicious results!
3. We're always looking to save a little time and eye shadow sticks help with this in the morning. I recently ordered this Laura Mercier set and it's awesome. The colors are great neutrals so they're perfect for work! What a great deal, too! --R
4. Since I've been trying to get my running game going lately, you know I had to order some new leggings. I'm a longtime fan of Old Navy's compression leggings but look at these moto ones, you guys? They're so cool and I swear I run faster with them on! --J
5. I recently tried a new-to-me gel nail brand Gelish for my gel manicure. I loved the shade (Night Reflection) and the shine. Removal was very similar to my beloved Shellac. --J
6. One of our favorite bloggers, Liz at Sequins and Stripes, is already rolling our her Holiday Guide! We'll be sharing our gift guides and hosting tips in the coming weeks, too!
What are you loving and living for this weekend? Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend, friends!
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