L.A. Part II

The birthday girl's day we decided to wait in line and go to her favorite show, Chelsea Lately.

As you can see we both value fashion over comfort by our shoes while standing in line...

sometimes I question my intelligence. Unfortunately Chelsea Handler

was on her book tour, which we knew. But were excited to find out who the

surprise guest host was. When they announced Khloe Kardashian, we both

bust up laughing. Because earlier in the week Steph had joked that maybe my dreams 

would come true and I'd see a Kardashian. The whole story behind that is that when 

we used to live together I could not stop watching the train-wreck-of-a-show, The Kardashians.

Mostly I was intrigued by their ridiculousness, admittedly I was ashamed of such trashy television, 

but that sure didn't stop me. I have since cured that addiction and am now addicted to documentaries.

After having a good time at the show followed by a meet and photos

with Chelsea's side-kick Chuy we were on our way to explore more of L.A.

Naturally that included a cupcake stop at Georgetown Cupcake, so delicious!

From cupcakes we went to the beautiful LACMA. Unfortunately for us we got there 

about an hour too late to go inside, but fortunately the outside of the museum is just

as beautiful with all those palm trees and architecture. 

We ended the evening with dinner on the coast of Santa Monica, 

I'd say it was a grand birthday for Steph, one for the books!

L.A. Part I

 Last week was my friend's 30th birthday, so to kick off the start of a new

era we decided to head to L.A. for a little celebration. We started off our day with 

brunch at the swanky Tavern. It was the perfect way to start our festivities and it

being Easter Sunday we wanted a nice place to eat. After feasting on lemon ricotta pancakes

we made our way to a Dodger's game. It was such a fun time, the sun was shining, 

the game was good and of course we had some hotdogs, I swear they taste better at a baseball game.

The evening rolled around and we decided to do the infamous Hollywood walk, great 

people watching in my opinion. We ended the evening with some street tacos and

a drive up to the Griffith Observatory for some amazing star gazing and breathtaking sights of the 

city. I highly recommend the Griffith if you've never been before, it's free and 

the views up there are simply beautiful.

 ^^Brunching giddy.

 ^^The Tavern did not disappoint.

 ^^Ready to get our Dodger's spirit on.

^^Trying to tan my legs.

^^L.A. views.

^^Inside the beautiful Griffith Observatory.

^^The city glittering at night.

^^I'm sporting some lovely hat hair.

Spring Outfit {Wish List}

Every Spring I tend to gravitate towards pastels, I think it's because
I've been wearing alot of dark shades for winter and I'm just ready for some
light and airy clothes.  Here are some of the pieces I've been eyeing.

{clockwise}
1. Piperlime Sand Dollar Top
2. Loeffler Randall Mint Clutch
3. J. Crew White Pencil Skirt
4. Sole Society Caity Wedge

As of late...

^^A hint of green for St. Patty's.

Noosa and fresh berries, favorite!

^^Fresh flowers at the market.

Rita's first day of Spring free Italian ice.

^^Museum time during a rainy evening.

^^Fresh blossoms.

Walking my brothers husky Kyro.

^^My nephew Mason, can't get enough of those cheeks and eyes!

Well hello there! Spring has finally decided to make her
actual arrival here in Utah, and my oh my does this make me happy!

It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized I get SAD {seasonal affective disorder}
during the winter months.  So I am usually very well prepared with trips to sunny
locations to help me get through those long winter months.  This year
work was extra busy and I just didn't get around to a trip. So needless to say,
I'm thrilled that we've moved onto some sunshine!

Here are some snaps as of late, I'm now headed outside for a bike ride.

Biscoff & Nutella Cupcakes

I first tried Biscoff spread about a year ago and fell completely smitten with the stuff.

So when I found this recipe, I had to try it.

I decided I'd double the recipe and add one batch with Biscoff frosting, 

and the second batch with Nutella frosting. Best. Decision. Ever.

Below is the recipe for the Biscoff cupcakes, and the Nutella cream cheese frosting.

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• a large pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 12 speculoos cookies broken in half
• 3/4 cup cookie butter
For the Frosting:
• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup cookie butter
• 1-2 cups powdered sugar
• splash of milk
• Speculoos cookies for garnish

Preheat oven to 350F.

Instructions

1. Line cupcake pans with liners and place half a cookie into each one, set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, mix in vanilla.
4. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Scrape down the bowl- don't over mix the batter.
5. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool for 5 minutes and then remove from pan. Let cupcakes cool completely.
6. Use a paring knife to core a small little but out of each cupcake and fill with a small dollop of cookie butter.
For Frosting:
7. Cream together the butter and cookie butter. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until thick. Add a small splash of milk and mix on high until smooth and creamy.
8. Spread or pipe onto the cooled and filled cupcakes and top with speculoos cookies if desired.

Nutella Frosting:

2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

2 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup Nutella spread

1.  Combine cream cheese & butter. Beat on high till smooth and light, add powdered sugar, incorporating well.  Then add Nutella and mix on low till all ingredients are combined.

Thailand {One Day in Bangkok}

Our last day in Thailand we spent it in Bangkok.

How I wish we would have had more time there, one or two more

days would have been great.

We spent that last day going to all of the historical sites such  as the Golden Buddha, 

The Royal Palace &, The Reclining Buddha. 

While walking around these beautiful historic sites I couldn't 

believe how intricate the details of these places were. There was so much gold, 

and so many elaborate details that it was hard at times to take it all in.

After walking around for hours and taking in the rich culture 

we went to a swanky restaurant {at our tour guide's suggestion} for a late lunch.

We rested our feet and ate up before going to our last stop, the MBK mall.

We'd saved our shopping until the last day so that we didn't need to carry all 

of our purchased items from hotel to hotel and could really do some damage

shopping for all the things we'd wanted to get.

 MBK is a huge mall that is filled with silks, leather goods, 

clothes, electronics, traditional Thai souvenirs and food.

The best part, it was a bartering mall.  We got there around 6 pm and didn't leave

until about 11 pm and we had only covered one of the vast eight floors.

The next morning we were on our flight home.

I will always have the fondest memories of Thailand, 

it truly exceeded my expectations on most everything.

The kindest people, the most picturesque and exotic scenery 

and a rich history that is evident in each place you visit.

To say I was smitten is an understatement.  If you haven't been, make

it a point to go one day. I know I've made myself a promise I'll be going

back again one day, and perhaps this time with more empty duffle bags 

so I can do a bit more damage in that MBK mall :)

^^ The Golden Buddha

^^Entrance to the Royal Palace.

^^With our guide Mana.

^^Look at all of that gold!

^^Typical tourist moment...we couldn't resist.

^^It down-poured as you can see.

^^All of us seeking shelter.

^^The Royal Guards.

^^The massive reclining Buddha.

Until next time Thailand :)