8.11.2011

bridal shower inspiration.

My best friend got engaged a few months ago- I couldn't be happier for the two of them.  After she asked me to be her maid of honor I went into full planning mode.  I am over the days of the awkward Sunday afternoon bridal showers- we are too young and fun to sit in a circle and stare at eachother.  So why not do what we do best- cocktail hour! 

Another friend of mine got married last year and her bridesmaids threw the best bridal shower I have ever been to.  It was an evening get together with a 1950's theme (Mad Men style)- complete with dirty martini's, red lipstick, peep toe heels, pencil skirts and a whole lot of good food. Everything was done with class and nothing was shoddy or kitschy.

I think I'm going to go ahead and steal their evening idea and run with it. 

I have done some searching around on the internet and below are my inspirations so far-












5.27.2011

yum. el encanto.

I am such a sucker for Mexican Food, I love love love it. When the theoretical question is asked “What would you want for your last meal?” most people I know respond with steak and potatoes—not this girl.  Give me a plate full of stuffed burritos, fish tacos, Mexican rice, refried beans, chips, and salsa and top it all off with a delicious margarita—salt of course.  Luckily for me I grew up in Phoenix—the “unofficial” best place to get Mexican food north of the Border. When the mood strikes you for some delicious, Old-World Mission-style cuisine head north of the Valley to Cave Creek and stop in at El Encanto. This place boasts authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine made daily with fresh ingredients.  No you won’t find enchiladas that have been sitting under a heat lamp for hours waiting for you to order it, you won’t find questionable “meats” here; but what you will find is some of the most delicious fish tacos (my favorite!), Pollo Fundido which is a deep fried chicken burrito with fundido sauce smothered on top.  What is fundido you ask—well it is creamy, cheesey, jalapeñoy melt in your mouth delectableness.  If you just can’t decide what to get, order the fajitas, they are brought to the table still sizzling and they are so tasty.   Last but certainly not least- order a margarita “Cadillac” style (floater of Grand Marnier).  I am a self-proclaimed margarita snob—my Dad, hands down, makes the BEST margaritas.  El Encanto shocked me when I ordered my first and then a second margarita, a rare occurrence for me.  Most Mexican restaurants disappoint me with their margaritas and I end up drinking a Mexican Beer, not here.  Whether you like them frozen, on the rocks, salt, or no salt, just order one, they are delish! I haven’t even gotten to the ambiance of the place yet- outdoor seating around a pond- or sit inside and admire the pond through the floor to ceiling windows!  It’s a great spot for a date, a “ladies night out”, or a family dinner.  They cater to it all! Below is a link to their website. nom. nom. nom.

Accolades:

Phoenix's Best
Phoenix Magazine

Best Margarita
New Times 2001

Most Romantic
Good Morning Arizona

Best MexicanReader's Choice
North Valley Magazine 2006
 
"Like a trip to Mexico
without the long drive"

Where to Eat from Chic to Unique, 2007

Top 12 Outdoor Eateries
Desert Living Magazine, 2004

Perfect Spot to Pop the Question
GoCityKids.com 2007



5.26.2011

be nice.

I was perusing through one of my daily read blogs—320* Sycamore--and came across this little gem.  I like the saying--I think I’m going to make myself one of these…who knows I may even make my mom and sisters one too! This is a super easy and cheap little addition to anyone’s house.  You can customize it to fit your décor.  Who doesn’t need a daily reminder to be nice? Wink. Wink.
http://granvillehouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/little-shelf-in-bathroom.html

5.16.2011

cake cookies.

"funfetti" cake cookies.
Two Birthdays in the office- of course that means there was a smorgasbord of food that everyone brought in.  One of my friends/co-worker brought in the most delicious treat to share. “Funfetti Cake Cookies”, I’m not kidding these things were gone before lunch. One co-worker even wanted to give her a hug because they were so scrumptious.   Naturally and the ladies in the office requested the recipe. I have the recipe listed below as well as the link to the site where it was originally posted:
ingredients:
1 box of “Funfetti” Cake Mix
½ Cup Butter or Margarine softened
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 eggs
1 jar of “Funfetti” Frosting
preparation:
Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat cake mix, butter, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, or mix with spoon
Onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by slightly less than tablespoonful’s 2 inches apart.
Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are set (centers will be soft). Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.
Cut each cookie in half once cooled and fill with a generous amount of Funfetti Frosting.
Enjoy!

inside-out carrot cake cookies.
So after tasting how delicious those were when I stumbled upon this recipe I HAD to share it.  Carrot cake is my all-time favorite.  When I was in college I was unable to get home for Easter one year, and I spent Easter in my apartment making a homemade carrot cake, shredded carrots and all. I tried to perfect my mom’s recipe- I didn’t- I will never have her touch on baking, but I gave it a valiant effort and proceeded to eat the entire cake.  Makes me miss college, when I could eat an entire cake- and not gain weight. Sheesh.  
I’m pretty sure it’s the cream cheese frosting that makes any and all willpower disappear as soon as I see a slice of carrot cake- these I’m sure may be my ultimate demise.  (I will not add raisins when making these). Below is the link where I found this recipe:
ingredients:
1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup coarsely grated carrots (2 medium)
1 scant cup walnuts (3 ounces), chopped
1/2 cup raisins (2 1/2 ounces)
8 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup honey



preparation:

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter 2 baking sheets.

Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Beat together butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla in a bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in carrots, nuts, and raisins at low speed, add flour mixture and beat until just combined.

Drop 1 1/2 tablespoons batter per cookie 2 inches apart on baking sheets and bake, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until cookies are lightly browned and springy to the touch, 12 to 16 minutes total.

Cool cookies completely.

While cookies are baking, blend cream cheese and honey until smooth.

Sandwich flat sides of cookies together with a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling in between.

Enjoy!