Happy Memorial Day Weekend...Strawberry Cake

I have been eyeing this cake and blog post from The Smitten Kitchen all week!  I looks delicious and so festive for the Memorial Day weekend.  I am going to try this out today and will let you know how it turn out!  The recipe and more photos are here.

I hope you all have a safe and happy long weekend.

{photos via The Smitten Kitchen}

A Room with Tea and Wit

On our way to Carmel last week we spent a day and night in San Francisco.  One of our most favorite cities, and I stumbled upon this precious tea room, Crown & Crumpet in Ghiradelli Square.  Everything from the decor to the menu makes me happy!  A destination tearoom know for top-quality food and excellent libations, all with the style and charm that one finds in modern day Britian.  Next time you are in San Francisco I recommend you stop by.  

{photos taken by me}

Have a Nice Easter Weekend

I am looking forward to Easter weekend and thankful to spending it with family.  The weather is wonderful and I'm wishing you all a "Happy Easter".

{photo via Martha Stewart}

St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day or not, you will love these adorable cupcake ideas that I found on Jeanne Benedict's blog.   I chose my 3 favorite, but there are more.  Enjoy!!

St. Patrick's Day Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Beer Cupcake

St. Patrick's Day Leprechaun Cupcake

{photos via Jeanne Benedict}

Superbowl Sunday Recipes

I am gearing up for the game on Sunday and have lots of hungry guys in my house.  After seeing these ideas for football snacks on HWTM daily blog I wanted to share them with you.  Hope you all enjoy the game no matter who wins!

Quick Links:

1.  Mini Hot Dogs

2.  Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

3.  Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn

4.  Beer Margaritas

Last but not least, a yummy sweet to top off all the salty foods, check out the link below for more darling football cupcakes by Jeanne Benedict.

Quick Link:

1.  Football cupcake

{recipes from Rachel Ray and Jeanne Benedict}

Homemade Pico De Gallo

I was craving fajitas for dinner yesterday and decided to make fresh pico de gallo rather than buy it.  The produce looked very fresh and it always tastes so much better homemade.

Fresh Pico De Gallo:

1 white onion, chopped into very small pieces

1 small bunch of green onions, chopped very small

1 jalepeno pepper, remove seeds and chop into very tiny pieces (add 2 if like very spicy)

3 roma tomatoes, remove seeds and chop into small pieces

1/2 lime, squeeze juice over all ingredients

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and let sit for 4 to 5 hours in refrigerator.  Serve with a variety of foods!

Valentine's Recipes with M & M's

You know those cute bags of  Valentines Day M&M’s that are popping up all over the stores lately? Here are some fun & creative ways to enjoy them (other than straight from the bag!)…

Pictured above: Adorable LadyBug Cupcakes – which also utilize malted milk balls & black licorice “antennas”!

Pictured below: Raspberry Almond Chocolate Crepes – This delicious-looking treat actually features Raspberry Almond 

M &M'a premium chocolate candy which look very elegant, but you could easily swap those out for the traditional Almond M&M’S (Valentines version) too.

{inspiration from Hostess with the Mostess blog}

What's For Dinner?

Broiled New York Steak with Garlic Crumb Topping

New Potato and Blue Cheese Pie

Fresh Green Beans

Garlic Crumb Topping

New York Strip Steak

New Potato and Blue Cheese Pie

Our daughter, a senior in college, was in the mood to make dinner last night and everything was delicious.  She got her recipes from the cookbook, What's for Dinner by Maryana Vollstedt.  There are many great, easy dishes in this cookbook and very age appropriate.

Cupcake Craze

I love colorful photography and sweets, so Sprinkles was the perfect combination of both. The cupcakes are delicious and meaningful. Whether you are celebrating a holiday or the birth of a baby, they have the perfect cupcake for you. They will brighten your day, they did mine!