Love Beets

Or, really, for me they should be called Lazy Beets since they contain all the deliciousness of fresh-roasted beets without the hassle of peeling and cooking them.  The tasty flavors are a bonus!

Your local WFM should carry Love Beets by the pre-cut fruit. Perfect to throw on salads, sandwiches, or toss with crumbled goat cheese! Yum!

PW's Hot Chocolate

I'm battling a serious post-holidays cold here, and nothing sounds better to me right now than the Pioneer Woman's Hot Chocolate.
If only I had all the ingredients here at home.....

Last Minute Shopping

Loving these ideas on last minute stocking stuffers for the kiddos....

Things We Love: December

Oy, the holidays never cease to amaze me with the chaos they bring on.



Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.  Combating winter dryness everywhere.  Plus, the fun samples you get when ordering online are a  bonus!



Holiday Cards.  The mailbox is such a fun place, lately.  Although, I have sent out 141 cards and received only 21?  Come on, people!  Thank you, USPS for finally issuing a holiday stamp that is both modern and secular (good-bye Holiday Knits!).

Pan Am.  Loving this "new" show.  Almost as good as American Dreams (RIP).

Gearhart's Chocolates.  An assorted box arrived this week - a gift from a client (way to go supporting local C'ville businesses!), I have had to limit myself to one piece per night.  Personal favs include:  Earl Grey and Brown Butter Caramel.

Cheers to Twilight

Breaking Dawn, Part 1 is finally here!  (insert eye-roll from all you non-Twilight fans).
In celebration, work these cocktails in to your weekend repertoire:

New Moon


1 oz. vodka
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. creme de violette

Stir contents in a shaker and serve up in a martini glass. Garnish with a piece of citrus cut out with a star-shaped cookie cutter.



The Edward

1 ½ oz. Plymouth gin
½ oz. Licor 43
½ oz. Plymouth sloe gin
½ oz. lemon juice

Served on the rocks with a lemon twist

Maybe for a child's room?!

You can find it (and some cool state options) here, at Old Try Press.

Wedding Wednesday: Fall Florida Wedding

Design*Sponge in Richmond

For those of you in the Richmond area, Grace Bonney will be leading seminars and giving a talk during lunch on Wednesday.  The event is sponsored by Richmond Home.  Click here to learn more and buy tickets.

Wedding Wednesday: Fall RD Centerpieces

From this past weekend in Florida.

Skinny Soup

My go-to meal for cooler weather is soup.  This lightened up version of an old-school classic hit our menu plans last week.  At 300 calories per serving, it was a hit!

Light French Onion Soup

2 pounds yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter (I have also used OO)
2 tbsp flour
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme 
1/4 cup Cognac/brandy
1/4 cup white wine
9 cups light beef stock
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
sliced, toasted, crusty bread (Italian, etc)
sliced RF swiss or gruyere cheese(if you can find it)


In a large pot, sauté the onions with the butter, until soft and golden, about 20 minutes. Add flour, mixing well another 2-3 minutes. Add thyme, bay leaf,  wine and brandy, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes.


Add the beef stock, salt & pepper to your liking, reduce heat. Cover and simmer gently for about 25 minutes. Remove bay leaf and ladle 1.5 cups soup into oven-safe bowls or cups. Place bowls on a baking sheet. Place sliced toasted bread on top of soup and top bread with cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes, until cheese is golden.