Wednesday, February 29

Small Kitchen Fix

If you are like me your kitchen is too small.
No counter space, odd shaped cabinets, and no chance you ever have a kitchen island.
I love to bake and it's a little difficult in my current kitchen.
I stumbled upon a possible solution and was amazed to learn it was an Ikea re-do project:
Let me introduce you to The Bekvam Kitchen Cart.
A small mobile cart with endless possibilities.
And for $60 ... I'm sold!






Interested in this look?
Check out the step-by-step process here.

There is a good chance that on my planned trip to Ikea this guy comes home with me!

Tuesday, February 28

A Birthday Dessert

This past Friday was my mother's birthday.
I'm always the baker when it comes to a birthday for one of my parents, mother's day and fathers' day.
Usually for my mother I go for some variation of a cheesecake since it's her favorite
However this year, I wanted something different.
I remembered that around the holidays Liz of Sequins & Stripes had posted a blueberry dessert.
Being a dear friend she was eagerly willing to share this yummy recipe:
And trust me, it's delicious!
This will be made many more times and I definitely recommend trying it out.



Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cups cold margarine
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • Cold water

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup soft goat cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
  • 5 cups fresh blueberries

Topping:

  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted margarine

Directions

For the crust:
Combine the flour, margarine, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Work with your fingers
gathering and crumbling until you have a crumbly mixture, about the size of peas.
In small amounts, slowly add cold water, gently incorporating by hand. As soon as the dough comes together in a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
For the filling: Mix the goat cheese, heavy cream, egg, sugar, flour, salt and basil together in a bowl. Add the blueberries and mix to desired texture.
For the topping: Mix the almonds, sugar and margarine in bowl, set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out the dough and place in a 10-inch pie pan. Pour the filling into the crust and sprinkle the topping over the top. Bake 25 minutes, rotating at the pie halfway through.

{recipe via Food Network}

Monday, February 27

Oscar Favorite: Michelle Williams


Award shows are on of my favorite things. 
I love to see who wins but I really watch for the fashion {I think this is what we all do!}
Last night there was no surprise that my best dressed was the always lovely Michelle Williams.
The color was amazing and the detailing of the bow at her waist was such a beautiful touch.

Who had your vote for best dressed?
I'd love to hear!

Thursday, February 23

Dressing A Nook










I've always been a huge fan of a breakfast nook.
Especially ones that consist of a banquette, round table, fun chairs and eclectic accessories. 
So I was beyond thrilled when my mom passed along the weekly Houzz newsletter that had a feature titled "11 Ways to Dress Up Your Breakfast Nook".
The 11 tips that you'll find in the article are:
hang drapery
opt for a table that seats six
take note of your table's material
swap your chairs for something more sophisticated
ground the space with a rug
create a luxe banquette
or opt for a contemporary banquette
consider the style of your light fixture
paint the space a different color than the rest of the kitchen
and
accessorize!
All great tips if you ask me.
{To read the full article go here.}
One thing is for sure, a breakfast nook has been added to my list of must have items when searching for a home.


{images via Pinterest}

Wednesday, February 22

Just What The Doctor Ordered


Today one of my best guy friends is having surgery on his ankle.... again.
Since he will spend the whole day {and probably days to come} on the couch I decided to put together a list of neccessities.
On the top of the list is a pair of super comfy pants and a huge blanket.
A few movies and good magazines for when he's awake.
Being from Cincinnati I couldn't leave out the Graeter's Ice Cream ... his go to is cookies & cream.
And of course lots of water to stay hydrated.
I realized as I added the tylenol that his doctor will probably prescribe something much stronger .. which usually leads to him being pretty comical.
And even though I wanted to leave off the iPad, he owns his own company so it's inevitable that a few work emails will have to be answered.


I'll be stopping by after work to check on him and make sure everything went as planned.
We'll see tomorrow if he even remembers I was there!


Tuesday, February 21

Tuesday's Tune

One of my favorite shows on tv is The Voice.
Ever since last season I have been obsessed.
The concept is genious.
Decisions are made solely on the persons voice, not appearance.
Last night was by far the best night in regards to talent.
One person particularly wow'd me:
Jamie Lono, a Potbelly sandwich maker from Chicago IL.
His version of a well-known Johnny Cash record was too amazing not to share.
It's good ... really good ...

Monday, February 20

Life Lately: Instagram



Well it's Monday again!
Thought I'd take the time to share a few snippets of my life recently.
So you can find me linking up with a {little} dash of ash for another instagram party.


Friday, February 17

Fly Away...In Color


I'm so happy it's Friday .... this week was never-ending!
This weekend is already full of plans but nothing too crazy.
So I'm anticipating a fun but relaxing weekend!

But on to business ....

This week {av} gave us the theme of "Fly Away".
I couldn't decide where I would go.
Other than somewhere warm {so over winter}.
But what really inspired me were the bag and shoes I chose.
Something about the fun pop of color + the worn leather....love.
So for my Fly Away outfit I imagined I was somewhere on vacay enjoying a lunch with friends.

To get a peak of all the other fly away outfits head on over to Long Distance Loving!

Enjoy the weekend my dears!

Tuesday, February 14

Be Mine ....


Happy Valentines Day everyone!
I hope however you may be celebrating it's something you love!

xoxo
Amanda

Thursday, February 9

Mission: Clean Room


Today's mission: CLEAN MY ROOM.
I'm usually an extremely clean and organized person.
But lately, my bedroom has looked like a bomb went off somewhere inside.
Don't get my wrong - my room isn't "dirty". 
Just piles of folded clean clothes, shoes everywhere, an unmade bed, you know, those kinds of things.
So today is all about getting organized ~ wish me luck!

{image via Pinterest}

Wednesday, February 8

Sweet Treats {Chocolate}






Here's a few sweet {chocolate} treats to share next week with friends family or even that special some one.
For more recipes go here.

Tuesday, February 7

Inspiration: Workspace






My focus right now is on my workspace at here at home.
I currently work on a desk my grandfather built me as child.
It's a piece that is close to my heart and one I could never re-do.
I've always dreamed of an all white desk {with fun hardware}.
That is why this past weekend at an antique mall I found my newest project: a new desk.
The plan is to bring it home with me this weekend and start working as soon as it's warm enough.
Until then these images will leave me with plenty of inspiration!

{images via Pinterest}

Saturday, February 4

Friday's Fancies: Spring Fever



Being the first week of February {av} gave us a very appropriate theme to get us dreaming of spring:
Spring Fever
Even though we've skipped winter and went right to spring [I'll admit I miss the snow] I'm very ready for the warmer temperatures, sunny days and flip flops.

I'm loving the way this outfit came together.
A mix of color, stripes, neutrals and metallics.
A few of these items can be found on my list of spring must haves.

To see the rest of the fabulous spring fever inspired outfits head on over to Long Distance Loving.
I promise you will be inspired and left dreaming of spring!


{images via Pinterest}

Friday, February 3

Happy Tune

Just wanted to share a happy tune to start off the weekend!
Which happens to be perfect for the warm sunny day we are expecting here in Cincinnati.
{Train: Drive By}


Happy Friday Everyone!
Check back later for a fabulous spring fever Friday's Fancies post!

Thursday, February 2

Wednesday, February 1

Etsy Shop Love

I love Etsy.
If I didn't have to work I think I could spend all day searching the site for fabulous new items.
So I thought I would share with you a few of my favorite shops.
 {I've made a recent purchase from each}

Shop Three: TooSis Jewelry


Oh, and Happy February!