The dreaded email...

It happened today.  I knew it was coming soon, but I wasn't prepared... I heard the ding on my phone I opened it up and there it was... Starring at me in the face.  I wrestled with the idea of should I open it?  I went back and forth and... Finally...

I couldn't resist.  Kate Spade Sample Sale ... I melted, more like crumbled to my knees in awe of the most sought after event!  The most beautiful bag I've ever seen was the first thing that popped up like it knew I wanted it.  In all honesty I did.  I've been looking at this bag since December!  Whenever I see something as dreamy as this I imagine myself as that item.  For instance a sweater, If I was a sweater would I want to be comfy and something that a fabulous girl could wrap herself up in while sipping coffee and reading a good book!  Same thing with bags... If I was a bag I would look like this on the shoulder of a sleek fashionable girl!  The only thing is she was $425 dollars, but now she's 75% off... Still too much for my little wallet to handle, but she's so dreamy!  Her name is, Head in the Sand Melinda.  I hope she ends up in a really wonderful home!

Honey Vanilla Pound Cake by Ina Garten

Thought it might be time to share another post with you all!

So I called my mom the other day because that's what I do when I find a new recipe!  I told her I found a great recipe for pound cake.  Her response was "Oh honey just buy one at the store it taste the same and you save the time!"  Well I thought about it, but I was having a bunch of girls over and really wanted to make something special!  So I thought I should give it a chance.

Huge success! The girls loved it and let's just say I take Mom's advice all the time, but this is one time where I was very happy I didn't.  The lemon zest is the kicker along with the honey. I always use local honey, it helps with keeping allergies to a minimum.  The best part about this recipe is licking the spoon!  This is truly delightful and a lovely way to celebrate girlfriends.

Recipe - Honey Vanilla Pound Cake Ina Garten

Ingredients:
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature*
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 extra large eggs, at cool room temperature
2 tablespoons honey (when you can, always buy local honey)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 cups sifted cake flour (use cake flour- it makes all the difference over regular flour)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 176°C.
2. Grease the bottom of an 8½ x 4½ x 2½ inch loaf pan.
3. Line the bottom with parchment paper, then grease and flour the pan.
4. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until light.
5. Meanwhile, put the eggs, honey, vanilla and lemon zest in a glass measuring cup but do not combine.
6. With the mixer on medium low speed, add the egg mixture, one egg at a time, scraping down the bowl and allowing each egg to become incorporated before adding the next egg.
7. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder.
8. With the mixer on low speed, add it slowly to the batter until just combined.
9. Finish mixing the batter with a rubber spatula and pour it into the prepared pan. Smooth the top.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool for 15 minutes, turn out onto a baking rack, and cool completely.

*For cool room temperature leave butter and eggs out for an hour.  It makes all the difference when baking.

What I did to top the pound cake was drizzle some honey and fresh berries on top! Delicious!! 

Welcome!

First, I want to say thanks for stopping by!

Second, I want to share with you what you might see on my blog. My blog will be a collection of my husband, traveling, fashion, design, SHOES, antique stores, and cooking...

I hope you will join me on my journey through life and where it takes me...