Gobble Gobble

Can you guys believe that next week is Thanksgiving? I literally cannot wrap my head around how quickly yet another month has passed us by! It feels like just yesterday I was bemoaning the end of August and 10 seconds ago I was picking out a Halloween costume... whoa. Thankfully, because my dining room table ("dining room" used interchangeably with "only food-eating-height" table) seats just four people, it is not my responsibility to host Turkey Day. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to sleep in, watch the parade on tv and then show up with a bottle of wine in hand and eat until I pass out on my cousin's couch (#murica) But this complete lack of responsibility hasn't stopped me from collecting a TON of awesome Thanksgiving recipes and ideas from around the web for all of you to enjoy... 

So, with 1 weekend left to shop, here's everything you need to be declared Queen of the Pilgrims at your Thanksgiving Feast.

Even though people love their classic Thanksgiving side dishes, if you think your crew is willing to live on the wild side (literally hehe), these 12 Classic Thanksgiving Sides with a Twist like Buttermilk Biscuit Stuffing, Fully Loaded Smashed Potatoes and Sriracha Green Beans with Candied Bacon (good lawd YES!) are sure to be a hit.

If you are ready to channel your inner baking Goddess this Thanksgiving, these Sweet Potato Pumpkin Rolls with adorable little "gratitude scrolls" inside are for you! The recipe sounds absolutely delicious, the finished product looks wonderful and when guests crack open their rolls to find a little parchment paper note of gratitude (or some other message... know your audience:) inside, everyone will be blown away by your craftiness for sure!

Nothing welcomes guests like a home that smells of holiday sweetness. Whip up some of this Thanksgiving Stovetop Potpourri if you've got a stovetop burner to spare next Thursday!

Holiday eating doesn't have to be horrible for your waist line to be delicious (they claim) which is why I was excited to stumble upon this collection of Ten Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes including that delicious looking Farro, Cranberry and Goat Cheese Salad or maybe a Pumpkin Cheesecake Bite is more your "healthy" style!?

Thanksgiving inspires a lot of great crafting ideas, from the food, to the colors to the theme of thankfulness. Click HERE for an awesome list of "Best Ever Thanksgiving DIYs" from Style Me Pretty Living (my personal favorites are the leftover pie slice printables and the gourd candles (above)) and click HERE for 30 table-decor specific ideas. 

Finally, pick one of the many takes on Turkey Cupcakes and wow your guests with an easy to make dessert that will be (almost) too adorable to eat. Options HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Some things I want to eat right now.

I swear I'd cook every night if I could do it here!

I thought I would kick off today and the week with a few tasty looking recipes that have made it onto my cooking to-do list recently. Nothin too complicated, everything so yummy. Enjoy!

A Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich with Guacamole and Chipotle Mayo is pretty much the stuff my dreams are made of and the great news is that recipe is not nearly as complex as you might think! And though in my expert(!?) opinion a freshly baked bun from your favorite local bakery is (definitely) the way to go, you could also forgo the bun and serve this chicken/cheese/bacon/guac mountain with a side of beans or veggies for a slightly last carb-tastic meal. Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

This recipe is so simple that it's pretty much begging to be a part of your next Sunday brunch. Simply combine in an oven-safe dish 1-2 eggs (depending on the size of your dish), sauteed spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, a dollop (official term) of goat cheese and a few torn pieces of proscuitto. Sprinkle with pepper and a little sea/kosher salt and bake in the oven until the egg starts to firm up (but not all the way). Serve and enjoy!! Pin it HERE.

I always get afraid of recipes which call for shredded brussel sprouts because they seem like so much work, but this Bacon and Brussels Salad looks so tasty that I think I'm going to have to overcome my fears (and purchase a mandoline!) Using the age old trick of improving veggies with bacon, the 40 minutes of prep time will definitely be time well spent. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

And because there should never be a post about food that doesn't show a little love to dessert, check out these adorable Mini "Ice Cream Cone" Cake Pops! The recipe is just my speed (a pre-made glazed munchkin is the main ingredient) but those of you with more of a Betty Crocker inclination could certainly make your own "ice cream scoop" cake pop. Pin it HERE or check out the full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Disney and vodka, my two favorite things!

The day may be almost over, but my feeling is better late than never... Yes!? Hhere are your Hump Day Distractions!

* Something all ladies need to know - how to get that perfect messy bun.

* SHUT UP and get in my belly you salty and sweet and ridiculously good looking treat!!

* Definitely going to use some of these small space decorating/cleaning tips.

* Thoughts on why "Grandma Hillary" is spun negative but "Grandpa Mitt" was a selling point.

* So Dr. H, where are we going for dinner!?

* Who'dve thunk snails could look so freakin adorable!?

* Those swings! OMG!

* Say cheese :)

Pinterest-ing Lately.

I needed to pin this. Obviously.

I am a Pinterest addict. I absolutely LOVE the site as a source of inspiration, information and mindless entertainment (not to mention crucial to my blog content!) and I actually get stressed if more than a day or 2 goes by without time to scroll through my feed (how will I catch up on all those pins!? What if I miss something epic-ly awesome that I NEEDED to re-pin!?) Some of my pins have a clear purpose (recipe, craft idea, decor or fashion inspiration) while others are just because they make me smile (I have an entire board dedicated to "Disney Dreams" and another simply for things that are "Beautiful to Look At"!) So here for your Thursday clicking pleasure are some of my favorite Pins from lately:

How simple/sexy/chic is this look!? I have all the pieces in my closet (black blazer, ripped boyfriend jeans, grey t and black clutch).Add some strappy heels for additional polish... Friday night are you here yet!? Pin it HERE.

OMG this is brilliant. Perfect for road trips, tailgating or general ready-for-anythingness! Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

So true.

I keep my sunnies collection balanced on the top of my bedroom mirror, but this storage/display solution is pretty cool (plus I always find that keeping all my options visible is key to remembering all my options!) $50 to buy for those of you that aren't craft-inclined, but I think you could easily DIY this with some ingenuity and assistance from Home Depot. Pin it HERE, buy it HERE.

This dessert... this Nutella, berry bruschetta dessert, must get in my BELLY! Pin it HERE, full recipe HERE.

Hump Day Distractions

Happy Allergy Season!

And then it was springtime and Merry Meri awoke, so puffy and stuffy from her allergies that she almost resented the beautiful blooming flowers... almost:) Anybody else suddenly TOTALLY socked in the face by seasonal allergies this week!? While I invest in a lifetime supply of Zyrtec and debate life in a bubble, here are some delightful distractions from around the web. Enjoy!

* I'm either ridiculously on trend or ridiculously typical. I prefer to think the former.

* Shut up with this beautiful/adorable/royal perfection. (those cheeks, I can't even!!)

* This kid is the man.

* I hate myself for desperately wanting to eat THIS. It looks So. Damn. Good.

* And obviously I'll be having some Wonuts for dessert (#FatKidForLife)

* "Condom truck tips, spills load"... and other brilliantly cringe worthy headlines!

* I absolutely love THIS story. Totally worth five minutes of your time. (via exPress-o)

* Brooklyn is in bloom!! Track the cherry blossoms HERE.

* I still love Queen Bey, but THIS made me un-follow her Instagram account.

* I could stare at pictures of this adorable duo all. day. long.

* This is in fact that cutest party ever.

Spring Attack

Who's ready for tulips!?

It is approximately 9:30am as I type this and I think I have wished at least 25 people a "happy first day of spring" already. HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING!! From the moment I peeled my eyes open I've been in spring "attack mode" - mint green pants with gold flats (no socks!!!) my beloved striped trench coat, enthusiastic spring wishes to everyone from the doorman to the chick pouring my iced coffee (ICED coffee!) and even though temps are still a bit low, the official arrival of spring means the relentless cold of our snow-tastic winter MUST be behind us... right!? There is just something so refreshing, invigorating even, about this season. Here to celebrate spring are a few spring-a-licious goodies from around the web. Enjoy!!

After years of faithfully sporting black Converse, this weekend I'm going white. Chucks with a casual dress, with shorts or with cropped pants are an excellent uniform for spring (or if Converse aren't your speed, I adore my Keds and Toms and I've heard great things about Bensimon.)

Something about this "chicken bake" feels decidedly springy to me... Simply combine chopped tomatoes, a jar of artichoke hearts and ricotta cheese in a bowl (season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic, etc), then place in a casserole dish with lightly seasoned chicken breasts, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 350 until chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted (it's not an exact timing science since thickness of your chicken breast may vary!) Top with basil and perhaps serve with a side of tasty, healthy Shirataki noodles for a delicious and easy spring dinner!

How absolutely adorable are these Spring Chocolate Flower treats!? And even better is that they're beyond easy to create - all you need are pretzels, spring colored M&Ms and Hershey kisses! Click HERE to Pin it or HERE to go straight to the step by step instructions from The Frugal Gals.

Hello lover!

Lastly, click HERE for everything you need to know about what's going on in NYC this spring.

Seasonal Eats and Treats

Tis the season!

Brrrrr! Baby it's cooold outside!! A crisp 23 degrees here in NYC with a forecast of more snow for the weekend, winter has most certainly arrived! Since the weather outside is frightful, this is the perfect time to share some of the seasonal goodies I've been curating and collecting. Here's hoping these fun eats and treats help make the next two weeks extra merry and bright :)

What a ridiculously adorable way to add a bit of cheer to your holiday table!! This festive "snow globe" (but actually salt shaker) craft is sure to have your guests smiling while the season their food so click HERE to Pin it, click HERE for original post (via Country Living).

Santa Claus is coming to town and my oh my does he look tasty! Click HERE to Pin this tasty treat or click HERE for this cupcake and a few other Santa inspired sweet treats (via Kids Kubby)

Salty and sweet make the perfect seasonal treat!! Though finding circle shaped pretzels may be a bit tricky (or maybe that's just in the tiny grocery stores we have here in NYC!?) these treats are super easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your holiday party crew. Pin it HERE or click HERE for step by step instructions. (via Shugary Sweets)

Want your house to smell like Christmas cheer!? Keep this pot of fresh winter wonder boiling during your holiday get together as the perfect compliment to your holiday tunes and treats! Pin it HERE.

The perfect bite-sized holiday themed dessert! Easy to prepare and adorable to display, these Dipped Minty Marshmallow Pops are an awesome low maintenance sweet treat to put out after the big meal. Pin it HERE, full instructions HERE (via Liv Life)

A Foodie's Farewell

Preach!

Last night Dr. H and I went out to dinner with a bestest friend who is moving to Costa Rica for several months. A mutual bff between the two of us, Q is about as special a friend as you can get, so when his departing flight got delayed (for 2 days!) due to weather, we were honored that he and his lovely lady wanted to share his last, last supper, with us. We told him to pick anything he wanted for his "Farewell to NYC" meal and Q went to work thinking about what would be the perfect thing to hold him over until he comes back this summer. The following is a summary of the epic NYC culinary adventure my boy Q took us on last night... hats off to you Q, you definitely know how to eat :)

Located at the corner of Ludlow and Houston since 1888 (though across the street and not called "Katz's Delicatessen" until 1917) Katz's is a New York City institution. If you do deli, you must do Katz's... if you don't do deli, you still must do Katz's (their matzoh ball and split pea soups and knishes are BEYOND). Made even more famous by THIS iconic scene from (my most favorite movie) When Harry Met Sally, Katz's is one of those wonderful places that absolutely refuses to change - the atmosphere is only rivaled by the pastrami.

At Katz's, you order at the counter from a deli guy (ranging from younger than you to as old as your Grandpa), a hot foods guy and a drink guy, all of whom stamp your ticket with what you get and you pay on the way out (unless you want to use credit card; the knish/latke guy can help you with that!) When I go to Katz's, I'm tempted by the brisket and corned beef no doubt, but in my opinion, the pastrami is a no brainer.

Get. In. My. Belly.

When you order your sandwich, the guy fresh slices the meat right from a giant hunk. He even gives you a slice on a little bread plate to nosh while he constructs your masterpiece. Naturally that monstrosity of meat on rye was not enough for this fatty (<-- actual endearingly used high school nickname) so I ordered a side of potato latkes (I miss you Channuka!) Everyone also gets two huge pickles on the side (and you know how Dr. H and I feel about pickles).

We ate until we could eat no more (along with a latke, I packed up 1/4 of a half sour pickle because I was so at my limit, but clearly couldn't leave it behind) and then Q informed us that it was time to move on to dessert. Good lord. "We have to you guys... before I go I need tiramisu." How could we deny that plea? So we cabbed it west to Mezzogiorno for "the best tiramisu in the WORLD" (as declared by Q).

Turns out, Q has been going to Mezzogiorno (Spring at Sullivan St) since he was a little dude visiting NYC with his family so I wondered if the deliciousness he felt was actually nostalgia until I took a bite... You guys, this tiramisu is NO JOKE. Light and sweet, perfectly combining flavors, I'm not even a big tiramisu person and this thing was just... Wow. We also enjoyed a ricotta cheesecake and sweet pudding (both the bees knees). Then we rolled ourselves out the door into the wintery night.

Q, thank you for reminding me just how much I love New York City... and food... and you! Good luck in Costa Rica and come home soon!!

Back on track!

Sounds about right...

Do you ever find yourself in a mental place where you can just feel that change is on the horizon? There's been something of a slow build for Dr. H and I lately, tons of moving parts, aspirations, travel and juggling and I just have this sense that the winds of change are set to start blowin... I wonder? Oh fall, you are so transitional and contemplative!!!

Anywaysss, since I've been a bit distant from you all lately, I thought I'd take today to catch you up on some very important things:

1) I made a haircut appointment for the end of this month and I'm planning to go for something kinda like THIS cut in THESE colors (no pink this time!). Or do I get brave and chop straight to THIS!?

2) I have been the worstest healthy habit keeper on the planet. I don't think I've made my own lunch in like 2 weeks and I'm not doing much better when it comes to dinner. Time to get back to the basics am I right? Looking forward to cooking THIS and THIS soon.

3) From Pinterest, to the website, coming soon to my closet (all on my phone!) I'm envisioning it with army green skinny jeans and ankle booties.

4) Just how "off" are things? There's been no toilet paper or paper towels in my apartment for the past 24 hours. Let's just say it was a tissue-ful morning for me and the Mister.

5) I think you need to stop everything you're doing and make THESE right now.

6) Today is Friday the 13th!!! Be careful out there my friends!!!

Dessert makes everything better...

So empty.

          "Hello August, nice to see you again!"

                    - Said no one, ever

And as if the start of Summer's Sunday wasn't icky enough, today's weather is grey, chilly and rainy. So I wondered to myself... "what could make today better?" and I realized the answer was simple. Dessert. Decadent, creative, sugary desserts could make today better. So here for your taste bud's pleasure is some delicious dessert inspiration!

Inside Out Caramel Apples!! These bite sized treats are way easier to snack on than their full-apple counterparts and the recipe (from A Cup of Sugar... A Pinch of Salt) seems pretty simple. I love that the finished product will allow you to boast that the treat is totally "from scratch", but if you're looking for a short cut, maybe store-bought caramel sauce will suffice?

OH.MY.Gaaaaaawd. For those of you not interested in messing around with anything vaguely nutritious like an apple (ding ding!) I've found these insanely decadent Salted Pretzel Caramel Brownies from 24/7 Moms (via Tablespoon). Simple enough for ANYONE to prepare, I might have to make a batch of these over the weekend "just because". 

No-bake desserts are awesome for summer because if you live in an apartment like mine, your window-unit air conditioner in the living room doesn't stand a chance against the heat of the oven in the kitchen. This No-Bake Oreo Layer Dessert from Brown Eyed Baker has 4 main steps and can even be slightly "healthy-ified" if you sub in light pudding and Cool Whip (I'd recommend leaving the cream cheese alone though, light or fat free cream cheese can really change the taste of a sweet treat). So who wants to invite me over and request I bring dessert!?

Hump Day Distractions

Poor Abe.

I spent most of this morning in a full fledged U.S. Supreme Court geek-out sesh, so I'm just gonna get right to the distractions (so you can get right to your humping:) Happy Wednesday my friends!!

* Hey Mike! When can I move in!?

* A yummy looking pasta salad for your next BBQ

* And for dessert...

* When smart people sneakily outsmart the rest of us...

* A thought provoking piece on new motherhood for all you Moms and Mommies-to-be.

* Move over Kate, there's another lovely lady absolutely NAILING this royal wedding thing (via exPress-o)

* Creative advertising makes me smile.

* An inside look at something you probably never thought much about, but will be amazed by.

* Few things more fabulous than an outdoor movie in NYC.

* Don't be hatin on comic sans people.

* Does THIS product actually work? Because I have a real problem with spilling chocolate syrup on my sneakers...

* And in honor of today's historic SCOTUS decision, THIS Dad's letter will warm your heart.

Time to get green!

Lucky? 

Can you believe St. Patrick's Day is less than 1 week away!? As we discussed last year, I'm a big fan of pretending to be Irish every March 17th, if for no other reason than to wear one of my favorite colors, embellish things with rainbows and drink a bit of extra beer. If you live in NYC, we put on a pretty fantastic parade and there's no shortage of Irish Pubs for you to go celebrate at, but no matter where you are, it's easy to bring some luck 'o the Irish into your day!

Holy adorable!

This simple "marble" method of shaping your cupcakes into little shamrocks is too cute for words. Simply add some green food coloring to your cupcake batter, follow the "shape" picture tutorial above and frost with green frosting (purchased or vanilla, again colored with green food coloring). Add Mentos eyes and a little hand-drawn smile to complete this shamrock treat!

I want to eat you. NOW.

I am salivating just looking at this delicious dish. Easy enough to execute for even the most elementary of dessert chefs, this Oreo and pudding based treat will no doubt be a hit at your St. Patty's party. Click HERE for the full recipe and free printable "toppers" to embellish your sweet green creation!  

Taste the rainbow!

What a brilliantly simple way to gift the rainbow (and a "pot of gold"!) You really can't go wrong with Skittles and Rolos adorably packaged, so bust these out for your friends at the bar and brace yourself for a free round! Click HERE to download the hang tags in the picture.

Winter Blahs.

Spring, I'm packed, dressed & ready for your arrival.

Today I've got a serious case of the Winter Blahs. It's not quite the "ho hums", because I'm not feeling glum or hrumphy, but I'm completely uninspired, super unmotivated and mostly looking for an excuse to curl up in sweatpants and avoid mirrors which reflect my pasty-pale complexion. Winter Blahs for sure.

Since nothing soothes the soul like a sweet treat and a cocktail (and because it's already noon and I remain completely unprepared to share any of my writing, rants or musings!!) here are some of my latest favorite finds of the sweet and alcoholic variety.

Cookie monsters, literally!

These cookie treats look RIDICULOUS and so easy to make that they're a no brainer for your next "I'll bring dessert" moment (or maybe your kid's school birthday celebration?) Cookies on the outside, frosting covered with sprinkes in the middle and then two dabs on top plus m&ms for the eyes (and a nose if you feel so inclined)... Something tells me kiddies and grownups alike will be fans of these monsters.

YUM.

This sweet and savory treat is made of bread, brie, berries and chocolate. That's my kind of sandwich! Full recipe with a few simple details (pinch of salt!?) HERE. Stop reading, go to the grocery store... toaster... mouth... belly. YUM.

The Salty Chihuahua.

Low in calories, sweet and boozy, just how I like em. Try this combo of grapefruit juice, tequila, and orange liqueur for a refreshing Margarita alternative.

The Dirty Shirley

Another sweet one for the ladies! Combine cherry vodka, grenadine and diet sprite. I think this one will have my mind at the beach in no time.