Sunday, January 29, 2012

{psst!}



Well, my friends... as promised, I have a secret to reveal... my husband and I are expecting our 1st child!!!  I'm heading to 14 weeks!  With this great news, I'm sure my blog will evolve and change with my exciting different moments.  Just wanted to share the great news with all of you.  :) xo, jules



Saturday, January 28, 2012

{flock of birds}





Blouse: ASOS. Denim: JBrand. Shoes: J.Crew. Sunnies: ASOS.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

{mac n cheese}



Gruyere cheese is one of my favorite cheeses to eat with salami and cracker.  I feel in love with this Mac n Cheese recipe from Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa because it incorporates two of my favorite cheese: Gruyere cheese and Sharp Cheddar cheese.  Usually I make this with White Sharp Cheddar cheese but the market was out so I opted for regular Sharp Cheddar.  I also tweak the recipe by using Italian seasoned bread crumbs in lieu of plain bread crumbs.  It gives the flavor a bit more sass.  It's becoming a tradition that I make this dish for the Holidays so I thought I'd share!






Monday, January 9, 2012

{dress up}





Top: J.Crew. Vest: ASOS. Denim: JBrand. Shoes: Kelsi Dagger. Jewelry: Bauble Bar, Stella & Dot.

Monday, January 2, 2012

{dutch apple pie}



My definition of a great dutch apple pie is the texture and taste of the top streusel crumble, enough cinnamon mixed in with the apples, the (perfect) apple, and the crust.  First, I prefer my crumble top to be oat free -- I'm not trying to eat a granola bar with my apple pie!  I love mine with cinnamon, brown sugar, sugar, and butter.  Give it to me!  Next, not all apples are meant for baking.  In this pie I used Granny Smith apples.  In another apple dessert dish I baked, I've used Honeycrisp apples and it turned out GREAT.  I tend to find Fuji apple a little too sweet to bake with, especially if you are adding sugar.  You want to find an apple that will hold it's texture (not get mushy) while baking and has the perfect sweet tartness to it.  Last, a great crust is a must!  A firm flaky crust... mmm.  Apple pies have got to be one of my favorite desserts.  I found this recipe online (where I find most great recipes) and the coolest part about it -- you make the crust right in the pie pan!







On a little side note, happy 2012!!  I hope all of you had a great New Years and is ready to start (or continue) great things this year.  There are some things I am going to try to improve on... one being trying to post more often!  I keep telling myself I have a good excuse for slacking -- and I'll soon announce what!  Keep an eye out!  Anyways, wishing you all the best for 2012 and hoping you continue to visit my blog!  Thank you for the support!  xo, jules