applesauce pancakes

Monday, December 9, 2013

During my relaxing iced-in day on Friday, I decided I wanted pancakes for lunch. I immediately knew I wanted to try a recipe with applesauce, so I scoured Pinterest for something that looked easy and legit. The results were fluffy and delicious. I even had enough left over to freeze and reheat for breakfast tomorrow (or dinner later?)

Applesauce Pancakes
Recipe via culinaryarts360.com

Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 tbsp. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 egg
2 tbsp. cooking oil (I used melted butter)
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup applesauce

Directions
1. Whisk together all ingredients until just combined. Don't over mix.
2. Heat up a pan on medium heat for a couple minutes.
3. Scoop a couple spoonfuls of batter onto the pan. (I used 2 ice cream scoops of batter per pancake and had enough for 8 pancakes.)
4. When bubbles start to form in the batter (after about a minute or so), flip the pancake and allow it to cook for 30 seconds or until the bottom is golden brown. This step seems to vary so just keep a close eye on the pancakes to make sure they don't burn. (I cooked according to the original recipe and my first two pancakes were burned, so I had to alter this step and use less time.)
5. Remove pancakes and serve warm with syrup! Yum!

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friday snow day

Friday, December 6, 2013


Well it's the first Snow (i.e. Ice) Day of the season here in DFW. The bad weather eluded us last year so I guess we were due for one of these days! Roads are covered in ice and an inch or so of snow, meaning many restaurants, workplaces (including mine), and schools have closed. Not going to lie--it's kind of nice having this day off to just relax and listen to Christmas music! My dogs are in heaven having me home with them today. I'm using this day to catch up on some blogging and Christmas movie-watching. And pancake eating. (Recipe to follow on another post. It's definitely good enough to share!!)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xo.


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my holiday shopping strategy

Thursday, December 5, 2013
Christmas is only 4 weeks away and I'm just now getting started on gift shopping--yikes! #procrastination

With moving into the new house still just barely on the horizon and a grad school mini session the week before Christmas, I'm trying to figure out an efficient way to cross gifts off my shopping list in the short amount of free time I have. Although I love the thrill of purchasing gifts in actual stores, I'm starting to like the idea of shopping from the comfort of home--only when it entails free shipping, of course!

I've made a list of some of my favorite online stores that offer some sort of free shipping--most, if not all, of which are also guaranteeing delivery by Christmas Eve! Happy shopping! xo.

via
PS: Feel free to comment and add some of your favorite free shipping sites that I haven't included!

Always:

Bauble Bar

Julep

Kate Spade

Nordstrom

Piperlime

Topshop

Zara


Stock up and save:

Ann Taylor (Free over $175)

Banana Republic (Free over $50 until 12/19 for 12/24 delivery)

Express (Free over $125)

Gap (Free over $50 until 12/19 for 12/24 delivery)

JustFab (Free over $39.99)

LOFT (Free over $125)

Old Navy (Free over $50 until 12/19 for 12/24 delivery)

Our World Boutique (Free over $50)

Sur La Table (Free over $59)

Target (Free over $50 or no minimum with Red Card)

Tobi (Free over $50)


Sometimes:

American Eagle

H&M

Kohl's
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gift guide for the host & hostess

Wednesday, December 4, 2013
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is all the parties and family gatherings that take place. Whether you're planning to travel to visit friends or family for an extended stay or attending a low-key dinner party, a hostess gift is a thoughtful gesture to show how much you appreciate being welcomed into someone else's home! The gifts I found below are not only great for hosts, but can also be given to loved ones that simply like entertaining/hosting. From quirky to practical to pretty, I think these gifts would please just about anyone! xo.

book / carafe / chalkboard place cards / throw blanket / wine stopper / candle holders / whiskey tasting set / tasting spoons / monogrammed soaps














































Tip: To create a truly show stopping--yet effortless--gift, consider items that would complete the gift. For example, include a mulled cider mix with the carafe or a bottle of wine with the wine stopper. The tasting spoons are a perfect pairing with a canister of tea leaves and pretty mug!



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gift guide for the kids

Monday, December 2, 2013
Not having kids of my own, I really took my time creating this guide, curating ideas that I think kids these days might like (wow, I sound old!) When I was little, I loved games and playing "pretend." I would build forts out of any and every blanket and pillow I could find to create castles; come up with plays where I was most likely the lead while my siblings played supporting roles; and dress up in the prettiest, sparkliest things from my dress up box to resemble one of my then-favorite Disney princesses.

Technology has taken away a little of the wonder kids used to find in these kind of make-believe games. Thus, I was drawn toward the more whimsical items that would ignite a child's imagination and entertain them without buttons and light-up screens (there's plenty of time for that later!) I also couldn't help but include the cutest little dinosaur hoodie that a boy--or girl!--could run amuck in and some super shimmery shoes fit for a modern day princess to keep some little tootsies warm in the winter.

xo.

shoes / sand / blocks / puppets / tent / bookhoodie / tunnel / game

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thanksgiving

Friday, November 29, 2013
I took a little break from my blog yesterday to focus on family and counting my blessings. I'm back today to share a little of how the day went--namely my first ever half marathon!

Wednesday evening, I saw the 10:30 showing of Hunger Games: Catching Fire with the hubs. Not quite sure why we thought that was a good idea, given that our race was early the next morning. Nevertheless, we had a great time and thought the movie was awesome.

We set out our race clothes when we got home and finally went to bed at nearly 2 a.m. The 6:30 wake up call came all too soon, but adrenaline helped us wake up quickly and we set out for Trinity Trails Park. Yesterday morning was VERY very very very cold. Somehow, my energy levels stayed up almost the entire time, and the only things bothering me were that a) I drank too much water before the race and really had to go to the bathroom around mile 3; and b) my hands were so cold they hurt for the first 8 miles--I couldn't warm up, even with gloves! I pushed through it, though, and felt so accomplished and relieved to finish!

Left: Tired after the race! Right: Sinking into our Thanksgiving food comas.

























My 4 week training program was totally doable, and although it's always recommended to train for a longer amount of time, it is definitely possible to prepare for a half in one month. My schedule basically consisted of one or two rest days a week, with alternating 4-6 mile runs during the week and longer runs on the weekends (8-10 miles). The weekend of the race I took it easy and didn't go over 6 miles. I set milestones for each weekend to increase distance, running a 4, 6, and 10, tapering off again before the race. 

After the race, we went home to clean up and I immediately set to work on some mini apple galettes to bring over to Thanksgiving lunch with my mother-in-law and her friends. I had only made a large galette before and was unsure how the minis would turn out. I used gluten free Pillsbury pie crust dough and prepared the filling using this recipe via Heaps of Henri, making sure to prepare the filling the night before to reduce my work (read: stress) the day of. The hubs and I tested one to make sure it turned out, which I was happy to find it did! We then headed out for lunch and some Cowboys game viewing.

At half time, we returned home with major food comas to hang out with our lonely pups and watched a few Netflix movies. We had an awesome second Thanksgiving dinner that we picked up from Central Market after the race that morning to replenish all the calories we'd burned earlier. Perfect way to end the night!

Hope you and yours had the best Thanksgiving!

xo.
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gift guide for him

Tuesday, November 26, 2013
I don't know about you, but shopping for boys is a slightly daunting task for me! Shopping for pretty, girly, sparkly things is way more fun. But finding the perfect gift for the man/men in your life can be a pretty satisfying feeling too when it's something that really fits their personality! I've found a few gifts to please anyone from the techie to the beverage connoisseur, to the adventurer and anyone in between! Even better--most are under $50! What kinds of gifts are you shopping for this year to give your dad, brother, boyfriend, or husband? xo.

socks / beer making kit / spotify gift card / scarf / travel toiletry bag / copper mug / gloves / candle / whiskey / hammock

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gift guide for her

Monday, November 25, 2013
It's my first gift guide of the season--yay! I always have so much fun browsing for the latest and greatest gift ideas to share each year. First up is a gift guide for the ladies in your life! I've found the most darling things--all under $50 I might add--that moms, sisters, friends, etc. will adore. Happy shopping!

eyeglasses strap / jewelry tray / glass water bottle / stationery set / mug / nail polish set / jeweled necklace / lip gloss set / coin purse / scarf



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it's the little things

Thursday, November 21, 2013
Is anyone else having just the slowest week ever? I know it's already Thursday (or as I like to call it: Friday Eve), but I'm already exhausted! I think the impending Thanksgiving holiday next week plus the stress and frustration of wanting to get started on house closing/moving is just a lot to handle at the moment.

However, when I focus on all the good going on in my life right now, it's hard to complain! The absolute highlight of my week thus far was the opening of Starbucks in our newly completed Sundance Square on Tuesday.

Sundance Square underwent a huge renovation over the past year or so and was unveiled earlier in the month. I am in love with the space already, especially now that all the Christmas decorations are going up! New restaurants are popping up one by one in each of the two new buildings that flank the east and west perimeter of the square.


Starbucks actually only made a move across the street from its old location, but the new set up is wayyy better. On Monday night, my Twitter newsfeed was sprinkled with several tweets about how the first 100 customers in line for Tuesday morning's opening would get free Starbucks drinks for a year. I immediately set my alarm extra early and surprisingly was able to get up and going! I waited in line an hour before the store opened and sure enough received my coupon card for my free drinks. For someone who works downtown and frequents that store a lot, I was pretty excited about it!


So you know, life can get pretty stressful at times. But I'm learning the importance of slowing down, getting outside my comfort zone, and appreciating the little things like: waiting in line for coffee before the sun comes up and making friends with strangers waiting with you; listening to Christmas music a week earlier than what is socially acceptable (and not caring); and generally feeling small in a big, wonderful world! 

xo.

PS: I'm on Bloglovin now! >> Follow my blog with Bloglovin
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reaching a milestone

Monday, November 18, 2013
Sunday marked a significant milestone in my shotgun half marathon training. I reached 10 miles! I've been told by friends and family that if I can just get to 10 miles, a half marathon will be a piece of cake. Surprisingly, I didn't have to stop once. I think my endurance was attributed to the fact that I kept a very moderate pace from the get-go, allowing me to keep my energy level up as opposed to burning out in the first 3 miles.

Unfortunately, the timing of this milestone happened to occur on one of the hottest days we've had here in Fort Worth in quite a while; running in 80 degree weather was pretty rough after I'd gotten used to running in the 40s and 50s! Despite the unseasonable heat, everyone and their dog (literally) was out running on the Trinity Trails. One thing I do love about my newfound hobby is the camaraderie. Almost every person I pass gives a knowing smile, head nod, or mouths a quick "morning!" between breaths. It's also been a fun activity to do with my husband. Even though we have different paces, one of us will occasionally either slow down or speed up so we don't get too far from one another. 

I love this quote! No matter how fast or slow you run, accomplishing a huge milestone and surpassing your own expectations of what you think you're capable of is satisfying in and of itself!


Now that my pre-race goal has been reached, I'll start tapering off leading up to the big day with 3-5 mile runs most days during the week and possibly a 5 or 6 miler next weekend. Aside from training in the week ahead, I will be wishing, hoping, and praying that we can get our house inspected early this week so we can begin closing! How wonderful it'd be to spend the holidays with family gathered around the table at our house!!

xo.
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running with style

Friday, November 8, 2013
As I mentioned in my previous really long post, I am currently training for a Thanksgiving Day half marathon. This is a huge commitment for me, y'all. My first week of training has been challenging, but I've been able to push through my mental limits and slowly build up my endurance, which is a pretty great feeling!

During the week, I run at my condo's fitness center because it gets dark so early and I don't feel completely comfortable running in the dark. However, on weekends and obviously on race day I will be running in the open air and am anticipating a steady drop in morning temps. I've got my eye on some fun new running clothes that will keep me warm without being too constrictive or hot. I love how a new brightly colored top or glittery headband can make me feel so much more motivated. Let me know if you have any recommendations for cute and comfortable workout clothes! xo.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

PS: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should stick with my current shoes, which are two year old Asics. Or is it worth getting a new pair of Nikes this close to race day? And if I get new shoes, do I go with the new ultra-conforming Nike Flyknit or the slightly more supportive Nike Free? Decisions, decisions!
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house, holidays, half-marathon, and... midterms

Monday, November 4, 2013
Can you believe it's November? Wow! I feel like this half of the year has really flown, but I think that might be attributed partly to the home building process I'm currently on the home-stretch of, and party to the fact that I started my MBA this summer. The demanding schedules of both, with the deadlines that go along with them, have made the days, weeks, and months pass like no other.

The house is getting oh so close to completion (it's already quite a few weeks behind schedule, but that's a whole other story!) and I'm so anxious to get settled and start planning for the hubs and I's first holidays in our own house! We currently live in a condo that offers significantly less square footage. Though we have loved every second of living there and will miss it dearly, it's time to expand and finally be able to have friends and family stay at our place for a change (as opposed to always traveling for the holidays.) This new chapter will be a fun source of inspiration for new blog posts in the near future, so stay tuned for more of that! From decorating, to event planning, to neighborhood discovering... words just can't really describe how excited I am to embark on this new adventure!

Additionally, school has really taken a toll on my free time and my stress levels. It's been more manageable than I anticipated, but nonetheless takes away from creative pursuits that I enjoy so much: photography, blogging, and painting. Now that it's November, midterms for my second session of classes are approaching, along with several papers and group projects. It's a lot to balance, which means a little less opportunity to blog. However, I am going to try to write at least a little something a few times a week. Namely, posts about half marathon training and holiday planning!

That's right, I just signed up for my very first half, and it's on Thanksgiving morning! If you're interested, it's the Fort Worth Thanksgiving 5000 & Half. I've participated in a number of 5Ks throughout the years and finally decided to give the half a try. It's a fun way to start off the holidays and who knows, it might become the hubs and I's new Thanksgiving tradition! Normally, people prepare for months in advance of a half. However, since this was a spontaneous decision, I obviously do not have much time to train. Consequently, I'll be focusing more on a steady pace and just enjoying the scenery and less on getting a good time. This will just help me in avoiding injuries; and if I have to take pauses to walk, I will! I'm so excited and will for sure be sharing a little on how I've trained for the race as well as anything I do or buy in preparation for race day. I already started off Sunday morning with a lovely--albeit slow--4 mile jog along the Trinity River. I am hoping to increase the distance incrementally up to 10 miles. I'm using this Women's Health 4 week half marathon training plan as a guide.



Whew--I did not know this post was going to be so long. If you made it this far, thanks for reading my ramblings! Please comment and let me know your experiences with half marathons. What you enjoy about them, how you trained, what you wore, etc. I'm soaking in any and all advice I can get!

xo.
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happy halloween!

Thursday, October 31, 2013
BOO!

Happy Halloween! I'm seriously shocked at how quickly October flew by... the holidays are officially around the corner. However, I love Halloween--mostly because of the abundance of chocolate and candy (Coworkers dump it off in the break room like crazy. Their loss is my gain!)

via

I unfortunately have class tonight but I'm crossing my fingers the professor lets us out early! Send me some positive energy, people! There are a lot of fun Halloween festivities going on in Fort Worth ranging from mellow to wild and I'd love to partake in at least one.

Here's my countdown of top 5 Halloween celebrations in town. Let me know if you end up going to one and have a Happy Halloween!

5. The Brownstone
Time: 10pm-2am. Live DJ and a haunted house. Costume contest on Friday night (this is a two day celebration, folks!) See the official event page for more info.

4. Chimy's
Time: 9pm-12am. Drink specials and costume contest with prizes for top 3 winners. RSVP to the party here!

3. Shipping & Receiving
Time: 7pm-12am. Up and coming local radio station The Pirate is throwing a Halloween Ball fundraiser. Live local music and a costume contest with a cash prize for the winner. Read more about the fundraiser on their Facebook page.

2. The Bearded Lady
Time: 6pm-2am. Live DJ, variety of pumpkin beers on tap, and a costume contest at midnight. More info here.

1. Tillman's Roadhouse
Time: 6-9pm. Live music & costume contest. First appetizer and drink free! Check out the drink menu they created especially for Halloween on their Facebook page!

More noteworthy parties: Buffalo Bros, Capital Bar, and The Live Oak.

xo.
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a weekend of firsts

Tuesday, October 29, 2013
This weekend was full of more firsts for me. I love that blogging has rejuvenated my willingness to try new things as opposed to frequenting standbys. Don't get me wrong, having a place or a few places that I become a "regular" to is pretty cool. But Fort Worth is growing at such a rapid pace these days that I can't stand the thought of missing out on something great!

On Saturday night, the hubs and I popped in at Times Ten Cellars off of West 7th. We had heard great things from friends who had been there and were excited to try it out! My expectations were blown away.

Upon entering I was immediately taken with the lofty design of the place. Exposed brick, high ceilings, and large windows instilled airiness; however, the warm colors, leather sofas, and candlelight exuded a more intimate vibe. Our server was super helpful and allowed us to try a few wines before we decided on a bottle of the 2010 Desert Red. If you like a drier red, I totally recommend it!

We posted up on one of the sofas with our wine and a cheese plate for a few hours, making for quite a relaxing date night.




Afterward, we met friends at the newish Deluxe Bar & Grille in Montgomery Plaza to watch some football and baseball. The place is already notorious for it's massive collection of televisions lining the walls. Though a little distracting for a normal night out, it was great for a group hangout. Drink prices were pretty unbeatable, even during non-happy hour. I also tried out the s'mores and was pretty smitten. I for sure want to go back again and try out something from the normal dinner menu!

Rounding out my weekend of firsts, I finally made it to the new Max's Wine Dive for brunch on Sunday. I had been to the Dallas location once before and was eager to see the Fort Worth restaurant. Unlike the bright and sunny Dallas Max's, the Fort Worth interiors gave off a moody, dive-like atmosphere. It was love at first sight! I ordered the enormous fried egg sandwich to split with a friend while the hubs got the Fort Worth Frito Pie Omelette (with a side of fried chicken, of course.) As expected, the food was fantastic and the service was perfect. I also sampled the Roasted Relleno and thought it was pretty good. If you are really hungry though, I'd definitely go for the sandwich or fried chicken! And what's brunch without mimosas? I deviated from the traditional orange juice to test the grapefruit mimosas and they pretty much rocked my world!



I had so much fun venturing out of my routine this weekend to visit places that have been on my "to-do" list for some time. I highly recommend checking them out if you live in or visit the Fort Worth area.

What's your favorite restaurant in Fort Worth? It can be new or a long-standing hole in the wall. I want to know!

xo.
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garlic parmesan kale chips

Thursday, October 24, 2013
I've had kale in smoothies but never in a chip form. Kale chips at the grocery store often come in a tiny bag with a price tag of at least $5--what a rip off! Instead, I  decided it was time to try to make my own. I went to Trader Joe's the other day and got a big bag of chopped kale (for a mere $1.99) and set to work to make my own kale chips!

The process was so simple and the results were delicious. This will definitely be a go-to snack in my house!


Ingredients
Kale, washed/dried and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
Grated parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Sea salt

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put a few handfuls of kale into a large container with a lid. Kale will shrink as it bakes so put a little more than you think you'll need.
3. Pour 1-2 tbsp of olive oil onto the kale. Put lid on container securely and shake to distribute the oil evenly throughout the kale.
4. Spread oil-coated kale evenly onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of sea salt over the leaves. Follow with a light dusting of garlic power and parmesan.
5. Bake kale in oven for 10-15 minutes, until leaves begin to brown on the edges.
6. Remove kale from oven and let cool a minute. Transfer to a paper towel-covered plate to soak up any extra oil. Enjoy!

Have you made kale chips before? What are your favorite toppings/flavors?

xo.
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weekend fun

Tuesday, October 22, 2013
This weekend was one of the most jam-packed weekends I've had in a while. Saturday, I went to a baby shower for a dear friend in Dallas. It was so great to catch up and see her absolutely glowing! I can't wait to meet her little man in a few months. 

Afterward, I headed back to Fort Worth to watch the Aggie game with the hubs before making our way to Ranch Bash. The weather was just perfect and I loved bundling up in my puffer vest. :) A birthday dinner at the T&P Tavern for one of my best friends rounded out the evening. The Tavern is such a great place to relax--the food is fantastic, drink selection and prices are great, and there's tons of seating and TV's playing all the weekend sports games. I may have to dedicate an entire post to that place pretty soon!


Sunday, we spent the morning at our favorite Starbucks and made our way out to Dallas (yep, twice in one weekend) to meet friends at the State Fair. This was the first time I'd ever been so I was pretty excited. Despite the horrendous traffic (learn to merge, people!) we made it safely and found a pretty clutch parking spot! After hearing so much buzz about this year's fried foods, I was determined to try at least one thing. I of course had to get a corn dog before setting out to hunt for the fried red velvet cupcake. Y'all... it was awesome.




We spent Sunday evening in the company of some newer friends over dinner and Walking Dead--not simultaneously, of course!


xo.
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fall weather, fair weather

Friday, October 18, 2013
TGIF!

Is it just me or did this week go super fast? I am so looking forward to a weekend that is jam-packed with fun social events. 

Sunday afternoon, I'm heading to the Texas State Fair with my husband and friends. This will be the first time I've ever been--I'm beyond excited! I've heard so many stories about the amazing fried this and that, so I'm already scoping out my options. (ahem... fried red velvet cupcake, anyone?)

I'm also so thankful the weather is going to be pleasant for the first weekend in what seems like ages. Sunny and a high of 73, I'll take it! I even planned out a potential outfit to wear to the fair. I bought some burgundy skinny cords on sale from American Eagle a while back and have been dying to incorporate them into fall ensembles. I think this weekend will be a perfect opportunity!

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / hive & honey chevron drop earrings out of stock. similar here: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo.
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classic whiskey sour

Thursday, October 17, 2013
My happy hour drink of choice has typically been a vodka soda with a splash of cranberry. However, I've been thinking of switching up my go-to drink for something a little more "grown up" and classic.

Enter the whiskey sour. I'm not talking about the kind using the sugary sweet and sour mixer you buy at the store--this recipe uses fresh lemon juice and organic agave nectar for a delicious drink that is just as simple to prepare at home.

Classic Whiskey Sour
Makes two drinks

4 oz. whiskey
1.5 oz. agave nectar
juice of 2 lemons
ice

Combine whiskey, agave, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to mix, then divide between two glasses and serve. To mellow it out a bit, I like to add a tiny splash of cold water.


This drink is the perfect nightcap after a long day and a nice alternative to the usual glass of red. Cheers!

xo.
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rustic apple galette

Wednesday, October 16, 2013
A happy accident led me to trying out this recipe for a delicious, rustic apple galette.

Backstory: I thought I grabbed gluten free pizza dough at the grocery store a few weeks ago, only to realize when I got home that I mistakenly picked up gluten free pie crust dough. In my defense, the packages were nearly identical. I immediately began to search Pinterest for a recipe that incorporated pie crust.

I came across an apple galette recipe via Food and Wine and fell in love with its rustic simplicity. The recipe was easy to follow, made even easier by the fact that I didn't have to make the dough!

The result was a glorious and delicious dessert. I love that the more imperfect it looks, the better. Even my hubs gave this recipe two thumbs up!



Note: I baked my galette for about 40 minutes as opposed to the recommended one hour mentioned in the recipe. I noticed my galette was getting quite golden brown and starting to burn just a little on the edges so I went ahead and removed it from the oven. For the pie dough, I used Pillsbury brand but I imagine any brand would work just fine.


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project cupcake | life is sweet

Monday, October 14, 2013
On my old blog, I started a self-assigned mission, called Project Cupcake, to try a cupcake from every cupcake bakery I could find in the downtown Fort Worth area.

So far, I've visited:

McKinley's

Red Jett Sweets {R.I.P.}

Cup Cakin Machine

Hummingbird Sweet Shoppe

Stir Crazy Baked Goods

Most recently, I ventured to the Fort Worth Food Park to check out one of the newest dessert food trucks in town: Life is Sweet. I ordered a strawberry cupcake and it was fantastic! The frosting was light yet decadent. The cake was moist and flavorful. It was really perfection. I'm looking forward to going back to try another flavor!



Twitter: @LifeIsSweetFTW

Address: Since Life is Sweet is a mobile bakery, check out their website to for location info.

xo.
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fort worth weekend, oct. 11-13

Friday, October 11, 2013
Here's the 411 on happenings in Fort Worth this weekend:

Friday, 10/11

Friday on the Green

This free public event promises a fun-filled evening of live music on the Magnolia Green. Bring a blanket, friends, friendly pets, and some money for food/drinks and relax for a while!

Music: Josh Weathers w/ Foxtrot Uniform & Cozy Hawks.
Food & drinks: Chadra Mezza and Grill, Gypsy Scoops, Holy Smokes BBQ, Salsa Limon, Taco Heads, Coors Distributing, and More Puffcorn Please.
Time: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: 1100 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth 76104

Saturday, 10/12

Pop-Up Market

This outdoor shopping event is set up on the Magnolia Green and features tons of vendors and artists, live music, and food trucks! It's a great way to soak in the cool fall weather.

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: 1100 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth 76104

Arts Goggle

Arts Goggle is a free semi-annual event that takes place in the Near Southside district. Join the fun and discover over 200 artists, 50 bands, and a variety of food and drink vendors while strolling down beautiful Magnolia Avenue. Visit the official website for more details.

Time: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Magnolia Village, Park Place Village, South Main Village {aka Near Southside}

The Trailhead

Visit the new riverfront Trailhead, located just off Hulen, for free classes and activities Saturday morning. From group bike rides to kite-flying, you're sure to find something to enjoy! There are usually food trucks around for breakfast and lunch so you can grab some munchies before or after your class.

Time: Classes range from 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Check out their weekend schedule for specific class/activity times.
Location: Click here for directions to the park.

More Fun


What are you doing this weekend?

xo.
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backwoods kayaking

Thursday, October 10, 2013
I'm not an outdoorsy girl at all, but fall weather makes me crave the great outdoors. The changing leaves and invigorating scent of crisp autumn air might have something to do with this uncharacteristic desire!

While you may not see me camping in a tent, on the ground, next to bugs... one outdoor activity I do love is kayaking! Backwoods Kayak & Canoe, located next to the Tarrant County College Trinity River campus, rents canoes and kayaks on an hourly basis. If you're not ready to take the plunge and invest in expensive equipment, a rental will cost you between $10-25 per hour (and trust me, if you're a beginner, an hour is all you need.)

You can choose from the south-bound route toward Lancaster Avenue or go north and curve to the west along White Settlement. It's a great way to spend some time soaking in the gorgeous North Texas fall weather. Besides enjoying the weather and scenery, kayaking is a great bonding activity for you and your significant other--it takes some patience and team work, but it's an absolute blast!

Details
Where: 480 North Taylor Street, Fort Worth 76102
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wear: Water resistant attire--water mocassins, board shorts, swim suit, etc. Bring a change of clothes and a towel because you will most likely get wet!

Me kayaking this summer. I just love the view of the Fort Worth skyline!

Have you ever been kayaking (or canoeing)? 

xo.
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west 7th tuneful tuesdays

Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Listen up! There's a new live music series going on in West 7th this year and I'm pretty stoked. West 7th's Tuneful Tuesdays brings live musicians to the courtyard next to Hacienda San Miguel every Tuesday from October 8 through December 3, from 6-8 p.m. Music styles will range from jazz to country.

I personally think this is a fantastic idea and a great way to get people outside to revel in the wonderful fall weather we've had in Fort Worth lately, all while enjoying a patio cocktail or some early Christmas shopping at Wrare, Lane-Knight, Flirt, or one of the many other retailers in the area.

On top of that, there will be trivia questions throughout the night with gift card prizes. Score! Check out the music schedule below for more details.



Need recommendations for food and drinks nearby? Check out one of these places for some of my faves:

Hacienda San Miguel has a great happy hour and delicious red tilapia ceviche, chicken enchiladas, and a to-die-for avocado & blue crab salad. Also give their pomegranate margaritas a whirl!

I love the baked goat cheese and straight pie at Fireside Pies. If you're thirsty, try the ginger vodka soda.

Tillman's has fantastic goat cheese truffle tater tots, "mac & chz", and southwest caesar salad. Wash it down with a Sassy Sara!


xo.


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a naked cake

Monday, October 7, 2013
On Sunday, my family came up for a quick visit to celebrate my sister's birthday. It was a beautiful sunny, breezy day so we decided some al fresco dining was in order. We had lunch at Clearfork Food Park, ordering from The Q {a BBQ food truck}, Salsa Limon, Shortcakes, and Good Karma Kitchen. Afterward, we did a little Fort Worth shopping before heading home for some birthday cake. I harnessed some Pinterest inspiration and baked my sister an adorable {if I do say so myself} "naked" cake topped with bunting. Naked cakes do not have frosting on the sides so each layer is clearly visible. I think it is such a charming and rustic way to make a cake!

To make this cake, all you need is:

  • 1 box cake mix (I used Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Mix)
  • 6" round cake pan {mine is Wilton's brand from Michael's. I only had one, but two would be best}
  • Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting, recipe via Real Simple (I recommend cutting the recipe down to 2/3 since you won't be frosting the sides. I did 3/4 and had a lot left over still.)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Prepare cake mix as directed on the box. Spread mix evenly between two 6" round cake pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you're done!
  2. Let cakes cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare chocolate frosting according to directions. Warning: You may be tempted to eat frosting by the spoonful right out of the bowl. This frosting is seriously the best one I have ever made.
  3. When cakes are cool, slice each in half horizontally so that you have 4 equally sized cakes.
  4. Place one cake on a plate and spoon desired amount of frosting on top, about two big spoonfuls. Spread all the way out to the edges--you'll want the frosting to be clearly visible once the other layers are added!
  5. Continue with other 3 layers and top with more frosting. Voila--an easy, delicious, and adorable cake.



What did you do this weekend?

xo.
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day in the district

Saturday, October 5, 2013
This past Saturday was Day in the District, an annual event that invites the public out to any of the ten participating museum/cultural venues for free.

I actually had no plans for the weekend or any intention to make them. The weather forecast called for unrelenting rain, so I decided a weekend-long date with my couch, Netflix, and the hubs were in order. Before settling into our lazy afternoon, we ran out to get lunch. It was on our drive home through the Cultural District that we saw people everywhere walking around our soon-to-be new 'hood. I remembered reading about Day in the District and told my husband that must be why everyone was out! To my great surprise, he pulled into the parking lot at the Modern Art Museum and we were lucky enough to score a spot. In the 4 years I've lived in Fort Worth, this was my first time to step foot in a museum (though it's been on my "to do" list for forever.)

If you haven't been to the Modern yet, I highly recommend it! The artwork was so interesting and I marveled at the emotions they were able to capture. It was the perfect rainy day activity. Many of the exhibits prohibited photography, which is unfortunate because there were some really cool ones I would have loved to photograph! Below are just a few I was able to snap during my first visit.

xo.












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reincarnated

Thursday, October 3, 2013
Welcome to Cake for Brunch! 

Though this blog is new, I'm not new to blogging. Feel free to check out my previous blog, Lancaster Laundry, for some Fort Worth reads while this page is under construction. 

xo
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