The first cool days in September are always some of my favorite days of the year. The sun is still bright with evidence of summer in the blooming flowers and green trees, but the air has that autumn chill that makes me giddy. It’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the last bits of the summer season. On a particularly lovely September day, I hit the road to check out a little-known public garden near my home in northern New Jersey. Continue reading
Chocolate Mocha Sugar Cookies
to brighten your day…
We’ve all heard the “This Little Light of Mine” song, right? The amount of times I sang this song as a kid undoubtedly surpassed my counting abilities at the time. Although I’m sure I drove my parents crazy, there was no way I could forget this catchy tune’s important message.
But as you grow up and your daily life starts to get filled with bigger problems, more stress, and less time, it can be harder to remember to let your inner light shine. So every now and again it’s nice to be reminded that you are still a bright star with oh-so-much sparkle. And what better way to remind someone than to bake some shining sugar cookies – especially if they’re chocolate.
I’ve tried to make chocolate sugar cookies a few times, but no matter what recipe I used the dough was always a little too sticky and wouldn’t stay firm long enough to cut out shapes. Sugar cookies are pretty basic, so you would think the most difficult part of the process would be decorating (especially if you’re me, and you get easily carried away with a piping bag).
After many ill-fated attempts, I finally found the perfect chocolate sugar cookie recipe. This dough stayed firm enough to make all my cutouts in one shot without having to put the dough back in the fridge before rolling it out each time. And as an added bonus, there’s espresso in the mix. Coffee and chocolate – does it get any better? Continue reading
Urban Outfitters Inspired DIY Wooden Henna Letter
When I saw these Magical Thinking Henna Letters from Urban Outfitters, I instantly knew I wanted one. When I looked at the price tag, I instantly knew I could make it myself for much cheaper. Continue reading
Healthy Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes
…with (not so healthy) blueberry syrup!
After a long week of whole grain cereal, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a real breakfast on the weekends. But breakfast foods (at least the ones I like) can be disappointingly unhealthy. As much as I love a Belgian waffle piled high with whipped cream and powdered sugar, it’s probably not the best way to start my day. So this Saturday I served up some satisfying lemon pancakes with blueberry syrup that hit the spot without making me feel like I had to hit the gym later. Continue reading
wonderfully made 