The Little Things

(Mini glitter nail polish)

Please excuse my absence last week. It was a crazy time and I spent the majority of it in Mississippi for a job interview and the rest of it editing a video for a separate job opportunity. But I have since returned, with pictures from my trip and a new perspective of the South, and I have also finished my project (I'll post it here later) Here are some things that are currently making me smile. The future, as I'm constantly reminded, is unknown, but all these little things keep me grounded. After all, I for sure know glitter nail polish will always make me smile. 

(The boy who travelled with me to Mississippi)

(A glass of wine after a long day)

(Adding fun to an already wonderful snack)

Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies

Remember my failed attempt at baking? Well, I finally succeeded! It's a not a huge triumph considering I've had this easy recipe for years and have made countless batches of these delicious peanut butter cookies. But seriously, these little treats are the easiest cookies you'll ever make from scratch and I'll give you the recipe right now: A cup of sugar, a cup a creamy peanut butter, and an egg. Mix it all together and bake until your kitchen smells like peanut butter heaven (or about 8 minutes). I'm giving credit to an old friend who many many years ago shared this recipe with me.

P.S...Do you like my new layout?

New Things and a Roasted Chicken

I tried something new recently. I roasted a chicken. It had always seemed like a difficult task reserved for special occasions, but I was compelled one weekday afternoon to try it. I'm not sure why I decided I would tackle this dish, but I'm glad I did! The chicken was moist, flavorful and surprisingly simple. It makes me want to try new things more often, and indeed I will be soon, in and out of the kitchen. I suppose I'm about to embrace a "new" attitude on things. But for now, trying a new dish led to having a simple go to dinner that is as fabulous as it is easy.

The Little Things

(Fresh, sweet strawberries)

The sun is starting to shine down on Florida bringing dreams of lazy summer morning, poolside afternoons and simple, lovely evenings with my favorite people and activities. The heat is enough to want to smile, but I'm also finding much enjoyment from those little things that surround me throughout the week. So many changes are about to come, a trip to Mississippi, decisions that will need to made, and plans for the future that loom over my head. But today, and everyday, I will try to focus on this summer sun and all those little things that come along with it. 

(Brand new baking dishes)

(Daniele Cambier water color, "Notre Dame de Paris," which sparks a new collection idea)

I'm absolutely falling in love with her simple and beautiful art of Paris! I think I will be surrounding my new office with more of her wonderful work, if I can find it that is... It's proving difficult!

(Fresh squeezed lemonade for a hot Florida day)

Coconut Cake with White Chocolate Frosting

Sometimes I think I can bake. I like baking, I really do, but my cakes and cookies and pies and whatever else always end up looking a little lopsided, or squished, and they never come out how I imagine them. I guess I can't complain too much, considering they usually taste good. I suppose I should stop pretending I am a master dessert decorator. Oh well... Anyway, I had been craving coconut and followed this Betty Crocker recipe for a little memorial day inspired coconut cake. The cake actually turned out very moist and the white chocolate frosting was divine. Perhaps I'll keep trying.

And to further my point on how my cakes normally turn out, here's a look at my first attempt at baking and decorating this cake. See?  Luckily the second time I tried the recipe I ended up with something worth eating, and showing for that matter.