For the Love of Handbags

I am in love.... with Michael Kors handbags. It was love at first site. We first met at the Brea Mall a few months ago. I was walking by and saw this beautiful dark blue bag in the window. Of course I can't purchase one because they are extremely expensive, but one day I will have one. I have been keeping an eye on some of his new models and these three are my favorites.

Large Harness Satchel, Luggage - $398
Sutton Large Satchel, Black - $498

Colette Large Shoulder Tote, Aubergine - $498

Decorative Word Picture

I am always looking for some cute art project to help make our small living space more beautiful. I came across this and I look forward to making it (once I get more time from my baby rag quilts). Please click 'HERE' for directions on how to create this.

Barefoot Contessa Family Style

www.FoodNetwork.com

Serves: 3

Level: Easy

Ingredients
-Vegetable Oil
-Kosher Salt
-3/4 lbs. Linguine
-3 tbs. Butter (unsalted)
-2 1/2 tbs. Olive Oil
-1 1/2 tbs. Garlic (minced, about 4 cloves)
-1 lb. Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
-1/4 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper
-1/3 c. Fresh Parsley Leaves (chopped)
-1/2 Lemon (zest grated)
-1/4 c. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
-1/4 Lemon (thinly sliced in half-rounds)
-1/8 tsp. Hot Red Pepper Flakes

Directions
Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling water salted, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions of the package.

Meanwhile, in another large (12-inch), heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Be careful, the garlic burns easily! Add the shrimp, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve.

Cinnamon Twists w/ Cardamom-Honey Dipping Sauce

Recipe By: Giada De Laurentis

FoodNetwork.com

Cinnamon Twist Ingredients
1tbs. Ground Cinnamon
1 tbs. Sesame Seeds
1/2 tsp. Ground Cardamom
2 tbs. Light Brown Sugar
1 (9x10") Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
1 Egg, beaten

Directions:
Thaw out the puff pastry and cut into 20 long pieces. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon, sesame seeds, cardamom, and brown sugar. Twist 2 pieces of dough together to form a rope-shape. Pinch the ends together to seal. Brush the dough with the beaten egg and roll gently in the cinnamon mixture until coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Cardamom-Honey Dipping Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Ground Cardamom

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, powdered sugar, cinnamon and cardamom until smooth. Pour into a small dipping bowl.

"My Sisters Keeper"

I recently finished this book. I am having a hard time figuring out what to say about it. I enjoyed it, but I wouldnt say that it was my favorite book. The story is about a girl named Anna who was concieved to be a donor for her sister Kate, who has a rare form of leukemia. Anna has decided that she has had enough when she is expected to donate a kidney to her sister, and files for medical emancipation. This book made me think of what I would do as a parent if I was put in the same situation. I haven't seen the movie yet, but that is next on my list of movies to watch. I am now trying to figure out my next series of books, hopefully ones that aren't as sad.

The Shabby Apple

My cousins wife, Kierstyn, posted this site, Shabby Apple on her blog. I am so in love with their clothes that I want them all!! Here are a few of the dresses that I would be thrilled to have them in my closet.

$88.00
$88.00

$74.00

$76.00

$82.00

Blue-Cornmeal Griddle Cakes

1 1/4 cups ground blue cornmeal

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup skim milk

1/3 cup honey

2 tbsp canola oil

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

(or 1/4 cup dried)

Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Chili powder (optional)

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together milk, 1/3 cup honey, oil and eggs in a seperate bowl and add to dry ingredients. Fold in blueberries. Heat nonstick skilletover medium heat. Coat lightly with cooking spray and dollop 1/4 cup batter for each cake. Warm remaining honey in a saucepan and add a dash of chili powder to taste, if desired. Drizzle over cakes.

THE SKINNY: per 2 pancake serving

442 calories - 11 g fat (1.5 g saturated) - 76 g carbs - 11 g protein - 6 g fiber

Amazing Shoes!

I was at Nordstrom's yesterday trying to find a new pair of black flats. I have a hard time finding shoes because most of the cute shoes are so uncomfortable. Until I found these....

Me Too 'Layton' Flat - $79.95

These shoes are so incredibly comfortable! I love them! The insides are padded, which is something I couldn't find before and the bottoms are rubber like tennis shoes so their aren't slippery. If you are looking for cute comfortable flats, definitely try these out!

Temple = Home

"Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-Day Saint. Home. Put the words Holy Temple and Home together, and you have described the House of the Lord."

-Boyd K. Packer

Death Not So Scary...

"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two... does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."
-Jerry Seinfeld

Success = Love

"Success is not fame, money or power. Success is waking up in the morning so excited about what you have to do that you literally FLY out the door. Success is getting to work with the people you love. Success is finding a way of connecting and binding them together. Success is connecting with the world. Success is falling asleep knowing you did the best you could. Succes is joy, friendship and freedom. Success is LOVE!!!"

Favorite Jeans

For my birthday I went to The Gap and got these new jeans. Normally, I don't shop at The Gap but I am in LOVE with these jeans. These are the new 1969 jeans that Gap just came out with. My favorite style is the Real Straight jeans.

Gap.com : $69.50

Life is a Test

"While life is meant to test, challenge, and strengthen us, if we are attempting to negotiate the twists and turns and ups and downs of mortality alone, we're doing it all wrong. Mortality is a test, but it is an open book test. We have access not only to the divine text but to Him who authored it."

Sheri Dew
'Saying It Like It Is'