Saturday, April 30, 2011

The one with floral colors


Spring is an inspiring, fresh, & spunky time of year, during which, after months of brutal winter, it feels quite perfectly fitting to wear a nice little sun dress. If you're going to wear a sundress in spring, shouldn't it be a lovely floral color?




This cute little outfit seemed perfect to welcome in the season, as well as being brilliantly nice with a light breeze in the sunlight. I found this ruffled-salmon colored dress at a little boutique near my work -- because shopping is the thing to do on one's break, of course! The shop had it displayed with a black belt; however, I thought this combination was a little too harsh. I wanted to soften it up without losing the sassy edge the fresh salmon color provided, so I added a Steve Madden red leather belt. Along with my metallic pumps which have a tint of blue, & some big sunglasses, I was perfectly springy!



Walking in the mid-day sun, the song "All these things I've done" by the Killers came to mind "I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier". So fun!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The one with bunnies!

I was in a particularly creative mode & decided to make Easter-themed cupcakes. I started with a simple lemon cupcake, scooped out a small well in the center, & filled it with raspberry jam.






Next I made a simple lemon butter cream frosting & while that was chilling, I whipped up some pink sugar cookies in the shapes of bunnies, chicks, & eggs -- very spring-like! While the cookies baked I frosted the cupcakes, & later topped them with the cute cookies. This combo could not have been more quaint & delicious! Look how adorable -- Peter Rabbit couldn't have done this one better!




I was so thrilled with how perfectly they seemed to fit together in a classy, simply, & perfectly precious way!




For those of you who want it, below is the recipe, Buona Pasqua!


Cupcakes:

1 c Butter (room temperature)


2 c Sugar


1 tbs vanilla extract


1 lemon zest


5 eggs


1 1/4 c Greek yogurt


pinch salt


1/2 tsp baking soda


2 tsp baking powder


3 c flour

Preheat to 350. Beat butter until creamy, continue beating while slowly adding sugar - continue to beat for several minutes until very light & fluffy. Beat in vanilla & lemon zest, add each egg individually, beating well between each. Sift dry ingredients before beginning to add in parts, alternating between adding in yogurt. Scrape sides to make sure the batter is entirely homogeneous, beat for an additional 2 minutes to ensure lightness. using tablespoon, spoon into cupcake papers, filling only 2/3 up. Bake for 18-24 minutes or until dry when toothpick pierces cupcake. Let cool completely (I would suggest putting in refrigerator for 2-3 hours) before spooning out center & filling with raspberry preserves (seedless).


Frosting:

1 1/4c sugar

5 egg whites

1 freshly squeezed lemon (juice)

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

pinch salt

1 1/2 c butter (cubed)

Mix all items, excluding butter, over double boiler until completely dissolved. Take off heat & continue to beat until cooled, & hard peaks have formed. Slowly blend in the butter until completely homogeneous. If necessary, let cool in refrigerator in order to thicken before frosting cupcakes.


ENJOY!

Friday, April 22, 2011

The one with the shiny pants

So today started as a rainy spring day, but I wanted to wear something fun! So I pulled out my favorite little leather leggings! These are a really fun piece which should be used sparingly, but can be truly fantastic when correctly applied. I paired themwith a loose red H&M T, a navy & white sailor type-jacket, & grey leather booties.










I really like offsetting something tight with something loose, it softens the outfit & makes it less overkill! The way this outfit worked out was fun, sassy, & suave but relaxed. With my big sunglasses going for my afternoon starbucks, I was unstoppable! :)