25 Years Hasn't Ever Looked This Good

My birthday falls at one of the best times of the year during the MAJOR holiday season in North America- Thanksgiving/My Birthday/Hanukkah/Christmas/New Years.

The end of October, beginning of November is when you start to feel it. That crisp feeling in the air that reminds me of the first taste of hot apple cider after exiting a ski chairlift, the most scrumptious boots that even keep the tiniest feet warm, and the faint smell of oak from the freshly chopped christmas tree. This year was the first year I spent Thanksgiving away from my family who were all back in Texas. Instead my boyfriend and I started our own Thanksgiving tradition by spending it together up north. As I slaved away in the kitchen (more or less) cooking some extra delicious dishes, I came across some new favorites: Monkey Bread (Neiman Marcus Recipe), Spinach Soufflé, Chocolate Cake, and Strawberry butter.

Who's Engaged This Weekend...

....my friend Erin! I am so happy for her, you can tell she's ecstatic just by looking through the photos during the proposal. Lindsay Docherty was the photographer for this surprise celebration, she's based out of Philadelphia. Lindsay has the ability to capture the moment and feeling during the most exciting time of a couple's life. The simplicity of the photos mixed with the vibrant colors and raw emotion is what is so captivating. I hope you enjoy her photos as much as I do.

As A Southern Girl...

As a person from the South I pride myself for being a respectable, well-mannered lady who grew up on football, knows when hunting season starts, and can tell when a gentleman is just within reach ;) Jenn Herrington creates adorable stationary (like the one above) for all types of occasions, Christmas, Weddings or just to say I love you.
You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can never take Texas out of the girl..

A Few Good Recipes: Chocolate Cake

I dated this Vegan guy once and on his birthday I decided to bake him a cake. I thought it would be difficult to find a yummy recipe that didn't include eggs, milk or -gasp!- butter. I searched throughout bookstores, grocery stores, and online until I found the one. I found the most delicious chocolate ever.

The Vegan and I are no longer together however there is one thing about our relationship I will cherish and keep very dear to my heart, the vegan chocolate cake recipe.

Batter Ingredients:
1 1/4 Cups Flour
1 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 TSP Baking Soda
1/2 TSP Salt
1 Cup Warm Water
1 TSP Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 TSP Distilled White or Apple Cider Vinegar


Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Supar
4 TBSP Margarin (or Butter if you choose to be wild)
2 TBSP Soy Milk (or regular Milk, see above)
2 TBSP Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2 TSP Vanilla Extract


Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix the dry ingredients (Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Baking Soda & Salt) together with a fork, until well combined. Add the Water, Vanilla Extract, Oil & Vinegar next. Blend well!! Next pour the batter into a 3x3 pan and bake for about 30 minutes. 


While the cake is baking you can make the glaze. In a stovetop pot, bring the Sugar, Butter, Milk & Cocoa powder to a boil. Stir frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer for about 2 minutes and then remove the pot from the heat and stir for 5 minutes. Next stir in the vanilla and pour directly onto the cake! Finish it off with some sprinkles!!