TASTE: Be Mine: French Crepes

/

Happy Friday! In celebration of this grand weekend, I wanted to share a delightful recipe with you. And with Valentines Day around the corner, this could be a fun way to surprise your love with a special brunch on that oh-so special day.

This is a super easy crepe recipe that I have indulged in at least half a dozen times. They are fairly simple to make and really, truly delicious.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (I used whole wheat)

- 4 Eggs

- 1 cup Milk

- 1 cup Water

- 1/2 teaspoon Salt

- 1/4 cup Butter, melted

*Keep in mind, this recipe yields about 16 crepes, so I usually divide it in half unless I'm cooking for hobbits.

**Cooking on a griddle makes this even easier. Don't own one? Here is a great, inexpensive option.

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and flour. Slowly add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter, beat the mixture until completely smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour the batter onto the griddle, using about 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly. (I used my spatula to spread out the batter in a large circular motion. The batter is thin, so the crepes should be thinner than a pancake on the griddle.)

3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is lightly browned. Loosen with a spatula and flip to cook the other side. Serve hot.

Here's where they get a bit fun. You can do savory or sweet ingredients in the crepes. I made two types:

*Sweet Crepes:

Filled with sliced strawberries, bananas and Nutella.

*Savory Crepes:

Filled with artichoke hummus, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes and avocado.

I also made an inpromptu brunch beverage: I combined equal parts orange juice and cranberry-pomegranate with a twist of lime. And perhaps a shot of rum. What?? Don't judge. It was afternoon by the time we actually ate...

And voila! Brunch is served. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, especially if you attempt it to impress your Valentine. Bon Appetit!

It's Official: We Are Moving!

/

"Start Spreading the News, 

I'm Leaving Today..."

Well folks, it's official. After a lot of talk, prayer and dream sessions (filled with snack breaks) we have finally decided what we will be doing after my husband graduates from business school in May...

We are moving to New York City.

NEW YORK CITY!!

My favorite city on Earth. I am sort of shell-shocked that it's even happening. Stevie accepted a job in NYC, so after May we will be relocating. To New York. I am so stoked. I'm sure you can't tell. True story: ever since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of living in New York. And becoming an actress. It's true. It might sound naive and pathetic, but I admit that I am one of the many who romanticize this city (probably more than it merits) as the mecca of all dream locales. Now I have the chance to see if it lives up to the hype in my mind. My oh my. Let the games begin.

Autumn in New York.

We took a little trip to NYC in the fall to visit friends, and I got endlessly carried away with my camera.  Like I said, I just really love this place. Everything was interesting and colorful and characteristic, so it was easy to just photograph my brains out. Here are (more than a few) photos from that lovely rendezvous.

From Left to Right, Read it Like a Book

1. Church of the Blessed Sacramen // 2. High Line Park // 3. Tom's (Seinfeld Restaurant) // 4. Strawberry Fields // 5. A.G. Kitchen // 6. High Line Park // 7. High Line Park // 8. The Dakota // 9. High Line Park // 10. Central Park // 11. High Line Park // 12. Central Park (breakfast from Aroma Espresso Bar) // 13. Central Park Lake // 14. Chelsea Market // 15. The New York Times (ever-so appropriate, right?) // 16. Bethesda Fountain

The Ukrainian Institute // The Lincoln Center with the cutie couple Warren and Meredith!// Sarabeth's Bakery, Chelsea Market

Central Park lounging

Midtown //Obnoxiously Funny Billboard// Radio City Music Hall

Fig & Olive (Meatpacking location) with dear Hostetlers// Central Park // Fig & Olive bevvys

Times Square //Yes, you are looking at Snoop Dog // Evita (starring Ricky Martin, what a baller.)

Evita

Open to Suggestions!

As you can see, we had a mega-blast and we are thrilled to be moving to such a stellar city. Even though we are ready for what the next chapter holds for us, I am a little apprehensive, too. The real estate market alone can scare you. I invite you to journey with us as we relocate from Boston to NYC. Even though I've been to New York a lot, I'm not super familiar with the different neighborhoods. Do you have any recommendations for realtors to seek out or areas to live? Restaurants to try? We want to seize this opportunity for all that it is, so I am open to your suggestions! Thanks folks!

Favorites: Pretty and Bitter + Handful of Goodies

/

Monday Mashup.

Happy Monday! I am happy to be back in my cozy apartment in Cambridge. Stevie and I went for a run last night, and I just have to say... wow. It was painful for the entire 2 miles. And not just because I was running, ha. I know that 25 degrees isn't that cold, but it was windy along the Charles River and my body just hurt the entire time. Since I practically got frost bite while taking the above photos, I just had to share them. Pretty and bitter all at once.

Favorite Things.

I have a few inspiring links to share. Hopefully these little goodies will help you power through the week Everyone likes free music, hot recipes and gorgeous art work, right? Enjoy!

...Warm Me Up: Winter Kale and 2-Bean Soup

My dear friend Natalie whipped up this recipe. I made it last night after the God-awful run, and it really lifted my spirits. It's super healthy and packed with protein. I love having a friend who creates delicious, fit-fueling recipes!

...Pantone Color of the Year: Emerald

I missed the big unveiling of this year's color, but I read about it on Closet Memoirs' blog. I'm just feeling inspired by all these emerald items. Great gift ideas, right? Valentines Day is on the horizon...

...Desktop Decor: Rebekka Seale Artwork

I am obsessed with Rebekka's blog. She is an artist that gives away free desktop calendar art each month. Her style is happy and warm. Get January's calendar here.

...Easy Listening: Crate & Barrel Playlist

After being gone for a month, I had a lot of mail to catch up on. Is it just me, or are Crate and Barrel's catalogs extremely cool these days? There was a link in the back of the mag for a free easy-listening playlist. It's been on repeat in our household. Get yours here.

...My Famous Kin: Tiffany & Co.

I just had to share this little bit. My sister is so pretty it's silly and her husband isn't too shabby, either. (You should see their baby. Its ridiculous.) They are featured on the Tiffany & Co. site in the "What Makes True Love True" photo gallery. How famous are they? Their wedding photo was chosen as part of this Valentine promotion. Bonus: You can send a free, personalized post card to someone you love. Get yours here!

Happy, happy Monday.

Sunday Reflection: Developing that Character

/

Let's Dive In.

I've taken my precious time easing into this new year. Spending five weeks at home in Georgia sort of stunted my dive into the new year; I just kept feeling like I was still on Christmas break. Until last week. Yes, I'm aware it's almost February. The point is, I've had a bit of an awakening.

Oh, Self Awareness. How I (sort of) Loathe Thee.

In the recent days, I've had the privilege to be made aware of a few of my own personality quirks. "Quirks" is a nice word to use when describing oddities in one's own habits and character. I am thankful to have people in my life who love me enough to tell me the truth about my own quirks. (Again, I am using "quirks" to add an endearing characteristic to my somewhat less-than-exemplary qualities. It helps soften the blow.) The point is, we should all be so lucky to have people in our lives to point out our own blind spots. Kind of like when you have food in your teeth. Awkward as it may be, we NEED friends who will tell us. And if you've got them, hold on to them for dear life.

2013 is Here. Whether Or Not You're Ready For It.

The point of my confessional is that the new year is here and I believe that means there is a bit of grace for renewed behavior. I don't mean resolutions; I mean self-awareness. Self-awareness that I am still becoming who I am. And I am quite a bit unperfect. But I have hope!

Get Love In Your Life. The Painfully Good Kind.

If you don't have someone in your life to tell you what's up, I encourage you to get in a relationship that will give you that. Someone who loves you enough to be real; someone who is vulnerable with their own weaknesses and someone who is unafraid to confront. Love confrontations usually hurt but they are significantly important. Because right around the corner of a love confrontation is a glittering opportunity to behave nobly. I believe that.

If you do have a dear friend who knows you well enough to tell you the truth (in LOVE, that's a big part of this arrangement), then I encourage you to seek them out. Have a conversation. Give them permission to speak into your life and help you improve your "quirks" (you're starting to like that word, aren't you?) They will probably be surprised, but I assure you they will be touched by your vulnerability. And in all honesty,what do you have to lose? Your pride? Well, I can tell you from personal experience that losing pride is in your best interest. The possible outcome from this character-enriching experience? Well, hopefully, an even more amazing you.

Character is more important than professional success or fashion statements or intellectual bravado. It is fuel for all the other components of your life to flourish beautifully. Let's aim for that. Beautiful character will endure the seasons of our lives and shine through our wrinkly skin when we're a million years old.

Luck Be This Lady

/

I'm All In.

This post is a bit indulgent, but I just had to share. Are you seeing the above hand? I'm proud to claim that it's mine. I recently won a hand of poker with a straight flush. A STRAIGHT FLUSH. And if you know anything about poker, you know that the cards in my hand are only one short of a royal flush, missing the stealthy Ace. In the words of my Father, "I have never in all my life seen someone win with that hand. The only thing more rare is a royal flush." Oh, a swell of pride. And you want to know why? Because I learned how to play poker by watching my Dad.

My Father is a feisty one. He plays Texas Hold'em well and he trash talks his way through most games. He is truly an exquisite trash talker. He's so smooth and intimidating. In Casino Royale, James Bond says, "You don't play the cards, you play the opponent." Well, my Dad does just that. He plays EVERYONE. And he makes them wet their pants.

Over the past month I've played a good bit of poker. I've won some and lost some, but I couldn't bear to not brag on my clever win. A straight flush! Luck be this lady. Casino night, anyone?