Sunday Baking

The mix of family time and a rainy Sunday was the perfect opportunity to bake cookies. I usually follow my favorite recipe, which is always foolproof but I felt like trying something new. I followed this recipe from Cook's Illustrated online and it come out perfectly. I even followed the step-by-step instructions on how to create perfect crinkled tops (show below). Perfect alone or with a cold glass of milk.

1) Break small ball of dough in half

2) Join the two halves together so that the jagged side is facing up

3) I always use a Silpat instead of baking spray or butter/parchment

Voila! Perfect cookies :)

Blush Tones

Although the rainy weather in New England this past week has put a damper on my spring wardrobe I was inspired by the lovely lace, blush tones and bows that really make spring feel like spring.

1. Lace short, $128
2. Silk shawl, $148
3. Luxury Rebel platform shoes, $120
4. Memento cardigan, $68 
5. Lace top, $78 

6.  Ruffle top, $30

Summer Memories

During Summer 2008 my family and I took a trip across the country to California and Seattle, Washington. One of our stops included a trip to the SFMOMA in San Francisco. It was a grey day, but even before we walked into the museum the amazing artistry of Dale Chihuly caught our attention and instantly brightened up our day. I am always so impressed when artists use difficult materials such as glass to create their masterpieces. Next time you are in the SF area I recommend stopping by the museum or checking out a Chihuly exhibit in general.

Sculpture by Dave Chihuly. Photo taken by me, August 2008

Anticipation

It has come to that time of year, waiting to see what will happen in the next couple months: where and how I will be spending my summer, and the next coming year. With all of the waiting and unknown it is nice to have the little routine things to keep me going: finishing up leftover homework, catching my favorite Sunday night TV shows, attending Sunday night meetings, and painting my nails Red (or "Blowing Raspberries" by Butter London) to get the week off to a vibrant, fresh start. Happy April, Everyone!

A Case of the Mondays

I have never been a fan of Mondays, and today was no exception. I felt thrown back into classes and stress and it seemed like one thing after another was a disappointment. I am hoping Tuesday will be better and I am trying to think about the things I am looking forward to and hoping they will brighten up my disposition:

• Finishing all of the little paperwork that gets in the way
• Warmer weather: more iced coffee, sundresses and study sessions on the green
• Passover Seder with good food, family, friends and tradition
• Summer finally approaching
• Starting a garden this summer: nothing is better than a pesto with basil picked from the garden and sweet tomatoes 

Spring Cleaning

So after all the caffeine-filled late night cramming and stress, midterm week has finally come to an end and it is Spring Break! I am looking forward to finishing up last minute tasks, updating my spring wardrobe and hoping that the last of the snow is behind us. I am planning on taking a trip to New York City, taking in all of the art, city life and good food that it has to offer. Overall, I think breaks are definitely a time to sit back, relax and finally read that book or bake that pie you've been meaning to. Happy (almost) Spring, Everyone!

Fearless

My (somewhat late) New Year's resolution has been to stop being afraid of the unknown and live fearlessly. In the past I've felt that I haven't made the changes I've wanted to because I was scared of what the unknown might bring. This past weekend, I attended a lecture where a Hollywood writer/producer spoke about how he created the life he wanted and got to where he is now, when just a decade or so ago he was a recent graduate of my college. Although it is sometimes easier to cower under one's own insecurities the only way to achieve your full potential is by leaping, in the words of Taylor Swift "headfirst, fearless"

A few things currently keeping up my moral:

{Keys (To Success)} 

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. "
 -Bill Cosby 

fearless, adj.

Pronunciation:  /ˈfɪəlɪs/

Etymology:  < fear n.¹ + -less suffix.

Without fear.

 1.

 a. Unaffected by fear; bold, intrepid. Const. of; rarely, with inf.

-Oxford English Dictionary