Top Ten: Spring Favorites from Pinterest

Holy cow. It is Wednesday already. And guess what? It snowed again in Denver. Apparently we like to call our Spring "Winter" around here.

In spite of the chilly morning and snow on the ground, I am celebrating warm weather in my heart. And do you know why? It is because Pinterest told me I could. There is nothing quite like a virtual bulletin board to make you want to bust out your flip flops!

So, while I wait for the snow to melt, I am here to share my latest favorites for Spring:

1. Statement Necklaces:
Isn't this GORGEOUS? Granted, you can't wear it with everything, but you could plan your entire outfit around this necklace. I am a huge fan.

2. Floral Print
I am a sucker for floral print. It is ultra-feminine but can still be paired with a chunky belt and denim shirt. Love!

3. Chevron.

I love chevron. The end.

4. Coral Bedrooms

I am always in the mood to re-do my bedroom and right now, I am drooling over the neutral/coral/turquoise combination. I could take a serious nap in these rooms.

5. Colorful Bags

I feel like I am perpetually on the hunt for the perfect bag. It is so hard to find the right combination of size, utility, material and color. But these two? I would take them both!

6. Salads

You all know that I am a girl who likes her food. But right now, I am so sick of hot, heavy meals. I yearn for quinoa and kale and fresh corn and fruit. Apparently, I am becoming a rabbit. And I am totally okay with that.

7. New Work Outs

I am always looking for ways to avoid change-up my workouts. Right now, these are the two I am tackling and I love them both. They go by so quickly! If my glutes are hating me then I know I must be doing something right.

Hike It Off: Treadmill Workout from Self Magazine: Set the treadmill at 3.6 mph, and toggle between inclines to simulate hills.
Minutes: 2  Incline: 0 Minutes: 1  Incline: 4
Minutes: 3  Incline: 8
Minutes: 2  Incline: 12
Minutes: 1  Incline: 3
Minutes: 2  Incline: 10
Minutes: 1  Incline: 12
Minutes: 4  Incline: 7
Minutes: 2  Incline: 12
Minutes: 2  Incline: 6
Total: 20 minutes

 

8. Flats

Flats are where it's at. Don't get me wrong, I adore heels, but flats make your life so much more comfortable. And there are so many cute ones out there right now!

9. Twirly Skirts

I love skirts in the spring and summer. And I especially love them if they twirl.

10. Parties

There is nothing I love more than a big backyard party! And once the snow melts and the ice drips off the roof and the ground thaws out and I can once again feel my toes, I am throwing a big backyard bash. Oh yes I am!

Happy, happy Spring, peeps! May you bask in the warmth of the sun today, even if you are wearing a down-filled coat.

Beautiful

Like so many others, I have struggled with my physical appearance my entire life. So much time, energy and emotional stress has been consumed and often wasted over the thought of what I look like. The thought of that makes me so sad.

I do not believe that is the way God intended for it to be. A God of freedom would not ask us to wrap ourselves in chains.

For so many reasons, I love this video.



Bravo, Dove.

Bravo.

My Faves: Spring Beauty Products

For those of use who live in the Denver area, we would do anything for a few days of warmth. These last three days of snow have been brutal on my psyche as well as my hair, because I only go from one full-blast heater to the next.

However, the sun is shining today and the snow is melting and I only wore two layers of clothes instead of three! Things are looking up, people! And on top of that, I had a mango for breakfast, which nothing screams "warm tropical breezes" quite like a mango.

Unless, of course, you were actually experiencing warm, tropical breezes.

To help my mood and my overall appearance, I have found several new beauty items that I am LOVING. Not only am I smelling particularly delicious these days, but I find nothing perks up my spirits quite like a new nail polish color or sugar scrub. I really am a low-maintenance girl.

So, without further ado, here are my top five new spring beauty products. And guess what, you can buy them all at Target.

Naturally.

1. J.R. Watkins Sugar and Shea Body Scrub: Grapefruit
I just discovered J.R. Watkins products last week and I will tell you that I am COMPLETELY HOOKED! They have a variety of products and flavors, but this sugar scrub in grapefruit is amazing. It is perfect for all of us girls who have come out of hibernation and started shaving our legs again. And the shea butter stays on your skin for two days! This stuff is fabulous! I am wanting to buy the lotion next. And it is completely natural, without chemicals or parabens. It's like your skin is eating all-natural, organically grown goodness.

2. OPI Ridge Filler
Confession: I do not have the best nails in the world, they are ridgy and easily split into layers. But this OPI Ridge Filler is fantastic for giving my nails a smooth finish and extra strength. Plus, if you put on two coats, the color comes out a creamy whitish/pink, perfect for a spring manicure. OPI usually runs on the pricier side of nail products but this stuff is worth it! And it can last a long time.

3. GÜD Red Ruby Groovy Natural Body Wash
This is a brand new product from Burt's Bees and I have never smelled anything like it! As you can tell, I love the scent of grapefruit and this has the most refreshing, delicious grapefruit smell ever! It is the perfect thing to wake me up in the morning. A little goes a long way but it leaves you smelling wonderful, without thinking you smell like a fruit salad. And as a bonus, it is also without harsh chemicals or parabens.

4. Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Balm with SPF 15
I have actually had this product for a while, but I find that I use this gloss most often when the sun is shining and I am wearing something other than wool. It goes on light but lasts a long time (compared to most glosses and balms) and feels great on your lips! Plus, it doesn't gunk up, making you feel like you have a bug trap on your face. My personal favorite is Cabernet, but they have a plethora of colors from which to choose.

5. Cover Girl Smoothers Concealer

I do not leave home without this little gem. I came across it one day in the grocery store when I looked like I had been run over by a truck and desperately needed something to perk up my face. It is super easy to apply, available in any drug store and only costs about $5. Plus, it will last forever! Because my skin is so fair, it only takes one late night for dark circles to appear under my eyes and this product covers them right up without looking like I have applied spackle to my face. Plus, it gives you a more even skin tone. I, of course, use Fair, but they have five other shades to help compliment your skin tone.

When the sun is nowhere to be found and water is not doing the trick, these are my new go-to products for spring! So, what are some of your favorite products this time of year??

Recipe Round-Up: Italian Cream Cheese Cake

This cake.

If I ever need to impress future in-laws, I will make this cake.

If I ever need to a woo a handsome boy with my mad culinary skills, I will make this cake.

If I ever need to drown my sorrows in something delectable, I will make this cake.

If I ever need a reason to sing for joy and clap my hands, I will make this.

This cake. It's magnificent.



This cake has a stellar reputation, ranking right up there with the chocolate sheet cake and oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough as one of the most beloved desserts in my family. It takes a little time but it is oh-so worth it. And since it is Sam's favorite cake, it made an appearance this weekend.

Let's tackle this sucker, shall we?

First, add sugar, shortening and butter into a large mixing bowl. Mix until creamy.

Now, add egg yolks, reserving the egg whites in a separate mixing bowl. Trust me on this, these eggs make the cake moist, rich and decadent.

Amen.

Mix in the egg yolks until it is a dreamy yellow. Doesn't that color just make you scream?

No?

Well then, carry on.

Add flour, baking soda and buttermilk.

Mix.

Add coconut.

Mix.

Clap your hands.

Do a round-off.

Hi-five your sister.

Beat the reserved egg whites with an avocado green mixer circa 1976...or any color mixer you choose.

Once peaks have formed, like so...

Fold into the batter with a large rubber spatula.

And WA-LA! Your cake batter is complete!

Pour into three floured cake pans...

And pop those suckers into the oven!

They only take 12-15 minutes to bake, just enough time to mix up your cream cheese frosting, otherwise known as: dinner.

Next up: Cream Cheese Frosting.

Beat butter and cream cheese.

Add powdered sugar and mix

Splash in some vanilla

and a sprinkle of salt

and whip it up.

Finito.

Now, frost that baby!

Bravo!

Go ahead, stick your finger in the frosting. You deserve it!

Now, all you have left is to sprinkle more coconut on top and the sides.

ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?

Behold: Man bait.

I am pretty sure I am drooling.

Let's dive right on in.

This cake is ridiculously good.

Cake.

Frosting.

Cake. 

Frosting.

Cake.

Frosting.

Coconut.

Where's my fork?

The cake is moist and flavorful. The frosting is creamy with a hint of tang. And the coconut adds the perfect sweetness and texture.

A big cup of coffee or hot tea is perfect with this.

Sometimes I add rocky road ice cream, because, why not?

The best part? It needs to be shared! So invite some friends over and whip this up!

They will love you forever.

Italian Cream Cheese Cake:

(High altitude directions in parentheses)

2 cups sugar (minus 6 Tbsp)

1/2 cup shortening (minus 2 Tbsp)

1/2 cup butter 

6 egg yolks

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup buttermilk (plus 4 Tbsp)

1 cup coconut

6 egg whites beaten until stiff peaks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour three cake pans, set aside. Cream together sugar, shortening and butter. Add egg yolks, reserving egg whites in a separate mixing bowl to beat until stiff peaks. Beat egg yolks into butter/sugar mixture. Add flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and coconut. Mix. Fold in egg whites with rubber spatula until just incorporated. Divide evenly between cake pans and bake for 12-15 minutes or until middle springs back with touched and the edges pull away from pan. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 8oz packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 stick butter, room temperature

32oz powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

dash of salt (about 1/2 tsp)

1 cup coconut

Chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

Cream butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Add vanilla and salt and mix. Generously frost cooled cake. Sprinkle top and sides with coconut. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.

ENJOY!!

JT's Restaurant Review

As I mentioned last week, my girl Sara and I hit up JT's restaurant, Southern Hospitality, on Friday night. Several of you have asked how it was so I am here to give you my review.

SIDE NOTE: I had originally called it "Southern Comfort," which I am sure they serve there, but that is not at all the name of his restaurant.

I digress.

This restaurant is located in downtown Denver in a fabulous old brick building. We were quickly seated and then proceeded to drool over the menu.

After much thought and a few pointed questions to our server, we ordered the following items:

Cheddar Hush Puppies
BBQ Brisket (me)
BBQ Chicken (Sara)
Mac and Cheese
Corn Bread

First off, let me tell you that you should drop whatever you are doing and RUN to get some of those hush puppies. Quit your job, if you have to. Those suckers are KILLER! They are warm and soft on the inside, crunchy on the out, and are served with honey butter and jalapeño jelly.

Thank you and good night.

Second, the BBQ sauce is great, especially if you are a fan of the molasses/tomato base version. The brisket was super tasty and Sara said her chicken was divine.

Third, skip the mac and cheese. It lacked most things that you would normally qualify as a good side dish.

Fourth, pass on the cornbread. It was tough and cold. Not a fan.

Lastly, however, I will say that the service was amazing! Our server was engaging, friendly and almost ate a bite of Sara's chicken. Some may call that too friendly, but we both found it somewhat charming. It didn't hurt that he was cute.

We skipped on dessert and hit up Little Man ice cream instead. Which, salted Oreo, anyone?! Amazing!

So, there you have it! I would definitely go back for their appetizers, especially before a baseball game. And if you are in the mood for BBQ, their sauce is delish!


**I was in no way paid for writing this review. However, if JT reads this and decides to send me an order of hush puppies, I will not turn them down.

Halfway to 70

Today is my big brother's birthday. He's pretty great.

He is also 35. That's halfway to 70.

I am sure he could write a song about that.

I take so much comfort in knowing he is plowing the way ahead of me.

And he is doing a mighty fine job.

A Long-Awaited Friday

I almost didn't think Friday would come this week. I am pretty sure I thought it would be Thursday forever.

But guess what?! I was dead wrong.

Sometimes I love when that happens.

In honor of a new day with new promises, I have a list for you. Stand back.

1. I am wearing this shirt today. I am kind of in love with it. It is from Target, otherwise known as the Great Vortex of Everything I Never Knew I Needed.

     

2.Tonight, I am going to try out Justin Timberlake's restaurant, Southern Hospitality, with my girl Sara. I cannot tell you how excited I am for some brisket and ribs. You got to hand it to JT for bringing sexy back to the wet towelette.

3. I ate chips for dinner last night followed by an ice cream sundae. Sometimes you just need to.

4. Yesterday, after I had spent 20 minutes talking to my boss, I discovered a piece of broccoli resting gently in the folds of my turtleneck. Will the awkwardness ever end?

5. This boy. I just can't handle it.

Since when did he turn 24 and start coming his hair like Miami Vice?

On that hairy note, Happy Friday to you.