Here’s what this past week looked like:
Made a special breakfast for Cooper. Was told he didn’t want jam on his bread and was upset that he got strawberries instead of banana. Kids!!
I love lists, Friday!
- PEP TALK! Do you need one? I do!
- Celebrities read mean tweets. I always love these.
- I love lists. You love lists. LOOK AT THESE LISTS!
- Have you seen Walter White’s Lookback Facebook Video? Hehe.
- I got FUTURA. What font are you?
- Must get air plant. Must make color blocked pot.
- This Cafe Caramel looks DREAMY!
- Stock photos that hope to change the way we look at women.
- I want to bury my face in a bowl of this.
- Guess I have to buy at ticket to NOLA, STAT.
- Cool parents are cool!
- Soooooooo ummmm. I want to make these Reese’s Rice Krispy Treats. Yum.
- This story warmed my heart.
- Need some UN-INSPIRATIONAL quotes??
- “Some years we coast, some years we do the work.”
- These little heart shaped bird feeders are super cute.
- I would have LOVED one of these after project bins when I was a kid.
- Another reason to love Post-Its.
- I’ve been curious about the one-pot pasta dishes. Look at this Thai Coconut Shrimp one!
- Dumb Starbucks. Have you seen this?? I’d like to order a dumb latte.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway with Chairish! Enter for a chance to win a $250 gift card. You can also see a little bit of our house in the post 😉
Apples Under My Bed adapted my Flourless Pumpkin Pancakes
Pale Yellow made The Painkiller Cocktail
Corrin Renee made my Almond Pizzelles.
Foodie Tots adapted my Bacon Doughnuts with Maple Glaze
The Pip Inquiry made my Maple Bourbon Cider
Heart Shaped Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Heart Shaped Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
I got a comment the other day from a SUPER old post saying that I should make these Cinnamon Tortilla Chips heart-shaped for Valentine’s Day. Comment noted. Action COMPLETED. I love my readers (thanks for the idea, Sandi!). Also, that note that I wrote my 7-year-old self in that post cracked me up. I need to write a note to 31-year-old Tracy. There’s a lot she needs to know.
If you’re looking for a super last minute sweet treat for Valentine’s Day, this is IT. Look no further.
You can complete this recipe the night before your Valentine’s date or even while you have a movie going and your significant other is chilling on the couch.
If you haven’t noticed, the sugar gets all melty and hard which creates a cinnamon-y caramel-like coating!
It reminds me a lot of these Caramel Brioche Croutons. I’ve been meaning to make those and dip them in white chocolate…or maybe dark chocolate. I dunno. I digress. 34-year-old Tracy is easily distracted.
Baked Ginger Glazed Doughnuts
I watched an Oprah interview where she talked about how she much she loved rainy days because there’s less pressure to run around and get things done. To her, rainy days are for good books and tea. That made me love her even more. When it’s raining I want to make a hearty soup with crusty bread, watch movies, and bake.
These doughnuts were a product of a particularly enjoyable (read:LAZY) rainy Saturday afternoon. Cooper was taking a nap (still does! so thankful) so the house was nice and quiet. Doughnuts seemed like the perfect afternoon snack for us.
These doughnuts are slightly reminiscent of gingerbread but without the density & super spicy kick. The cinnamon, ground ginger and the bit of molasses give it just enough oomph. What really makes them tasty though, is the vanilla glaze and bits of candied ginger on top. They add a small element of chewiness that I love so much.
My Everyday Life: Week 6
Here’s what this past week looked like:
It’s raining. We love it. Except our roof is leaking.
I love lists, Friday!
- Practical uses for Coca-Cola & proof that it shouldn’t be in the human body. {yikes!}
- I really enjoyed reading this interview with Michael Keaton. Btw- He’s a Virgo.
- 10 Creative Rituals You Should Steal. Ooooh yes.
- This is the best thing I’ve read about Phillip Seymour Hoffman this week. RIP <3
- Who doesn’t love recipes that require only three ingredients?
- What I like about getting older.
- I love seeing actors doing impressions of other actors.
- 20 Things Not to Regret Doing with Kids.
- This cocktail has my heart!
- If it’s yellow…let it…. (Californians know the rest)
- I just added this blog to my reader. Eye candy!
- 40 is the new 40. I love anything Andrea writes.
- I laughed so hard while watching this SNL commercial.
- This salad is calling my name.
- LIST MAKERS!! Attention! Have you heard of The Bullet Journal? I’m gonna try it!
- Cats taking selfies!! SO MUCH YES.
- Have you been following the #sochiproblems?
- Currently Reading/Loving: Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World by my friends Tsh from The Art of Simple {it’s REALLY good and is already changing my home life and I’m not finished yet}
The Hippocratic Cupcake adapted my Blueberry Zucchini Bread
Celebrating Sweets made my Banana Walnut Granola
Cooking Madly adapted my Smoky Kale Caesar Salad
The Cheesy Kitchen made my Guacamole Hummus
Versatile Vegan made my Hearty Black Bean & Sweet Potato Soup
Happiness is a Warm Bun adapted my Cinnamon Sugar Baked Doughnuts
How Sweet It Is was inspired by my Smoky Kale Caesar Salad
Cherry Vanilla Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate was always a special treat when we were kids. My parents would occasionally take us to IHOP after Sunday mass. We’d order our breakfasts (always french toast for me) with thick handled mugs of hot chocolate overflowing with whipped cream. My brothers would scarf theirs down immediately, while I sat there playing with the whipped cream…savoring every bit… purposely taunting them. I played the role of little sister well.
As a mom, I employ the hot chocolate as “special treat” trick every now and then. I’ve learned as a parent that any deviation from the regular routine food-wise creates memories and really rattles a kid- in a good way. I still haven’t gotten over that time my dad tried to make us Italian wedding soup (hilarious fail!) or the bright red strawberry slushies he made us in Tahoe while he & my mom shared margaritas. The food memories stick with you- at least they have for me. You should have seen Cooper’s face the day I let him eat popcorn while watching a movie in our bed. PURE MAGIC. Also, sorry Casey.
Hot chocolate isn’t something Casey and I partake in. I mean… we went through a sipping chocolate phase a few years ago but for some reason that didn’t last long. Part of it stems from my weird I’d prefer not to drink my calories because I’d rather eat them ideology. But then again, I can easily be persuaded when a drink has liqueur in it. This cherry vanilla hot chocolate is rich, creamy and super decadent. Umm. Did I mention there’s butter in it!? And the addition of kirsch (a cherry liqueur) and white chocolate is wonderful. I gave Cooper a kids version and he wouldn’t stop talking about it ALL DAY LONG. See? Food memories formed.
I can’t imagine a more perfect drink for that special someone on Valentine’s day.
