made the most delicious crisp the other day. a combination of italian plums, apples, and pears. tossed in some sugar and red wine. used almond flour in the topping. so good!

Southern Makers

After a long absence, I am back with an exciting announcement: a new book, Southern Makers! This book is a follow up to Brooklyn Makers and will be released in a few weeks on October 15th. Please take a look and support all the great things happening in the South right now. There are some amazing people included, like Another Feather, Proud Mary, Imogene + Willie, and so many more!

picked up this beauty {a mini pistachio cake} over the weekend for a bit of decadence to start the week off right.

lately...
+ I just returned from Joshua Tree. Wish I had stayed here. next time!
+ want to make these soon.
+ my latest obsession. I need these, right?!
+ has anyone read this book? would love to know your thoughts.

It is that time of year when spring's magical delights suddenly begin to appear at the farmer's market-rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, and of course, ramps. They are not around for long, so you have time get them while you can.

Fruit + Nut Smoothie

 

I've been trying to slow down a bit lately and think about what I am putting in my body. I have been trying all kinds of smoothies and juices using my new favorite blender. Here's the recipe for one of my favorites:

Favorite Fruit + Nut Smoothie

2 cups of frozen fruit (I used a combo of strawberries and raspberries)

1/2 frozen banana

3 ounces plain kefir or plain greek yogurt (you can use more if you like)

2 teaspoons nut butter (I used peanut butter)

a small handful of almonds (optional)

1 cup of water or water/ice combo (can also use almond milk or coconut water-this one is the BEST!)

 you can also add some chia or flax seeds if you want

Put all ingredients in blender and blend.

best pastry EVER! yam danish from Bien Cuit.

I must admit, my breakfasts have gotten pretty boring lately. Often grabbing a slice of Sarah's amazing bread, or having my old standby apple scramble.

so instead of a new breakfast, I will share some favorite things as of late:
+ want to try this smoothie.

+ enjoying the Food 52 cookbook, vol. 2-full of great seasonal recipes.

+ love this stuff! making my skin so soft and smells so good!

+ I see this bracelet in my future. or this necklace. or this ring. i'm obsessed with jewels!

+ been hydrating a lot lately and feeling so much better. using this makes it easier.

+ must go see this exhibit soon.

have an amazing weekend!

Sarah's bread is great with everything {my favorites are toasted with preserves or untoasted with peanut butter and honey}.

my new spot to share inspiration, DIVE IN.

loving lately:
made this bread over the weekend. it's addicting!

can't decide if this is wrong or right. super cute, though.

love seeing these breakfast rituals.

love Elise's tumblr.

I definitely do not believe in eating doughnuts everyday, but the occasional indulgence is always fun. These are vegan from a local Brooklyn bakery, so I will tell myself that they are healthy.
Enjoy your day!

I had this breakfast over the weekend. I had forgotten about oatmeal and how simple and delicious it can be in the winter. I cooked the oatmeal in a mixture of almond milk and water, sweetened a little with stevia and topped with a few almonds and a scoop of B.P.B. warm and delicious!

I have been trying out a new fitness plan using the 5K runner app. It is going well so far (I am on week 4); it's kind of nice to get out and run in the dead of winter. I have also employed Joslyn's advice of drinking 32 ounces of water in the morning. It really does give you more energy and start the day off right.

Have you been on any new exercise or health kicks?

It's been a slow start to the year. Trying to adjust to the sudden onset of cold that seems to happen here. It always throws me for a loop. Been drinking lots of hot tea and trying to get through it, thinking of warmer days ahead.

On another note, have you ever tried Better 'n Peanut Butter? I'm not sure if I would say it is better than peanut butter, but it has a lot fewer calories and has a unique taste that I really like. You can also find it at Trader Joes, Whole Foods or any health food store.

Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for your support throughout this year. I'm not sure if I believe in making New Year's resolutions, but I do believe if you write something down, it does help it to manifest. So I will be making some reflections today and looking forward to what the new year brings, always hopeful.

5 good things:
1. I took the above photo with my new favorite toy.
2. My friend Lily + her sister opened an amazing new shop. read about their incredible process here.
3. snowflakes for Sandy Hook.
4. make these. you will not be sorry.
5. gorgeous bells.

remembering those who have lost a loved one this year and grateful for what I have. Looking forward to some time with family and a peaceful start to the New Year.

{similar scone recipe here. I did not add walnuts or lavender, but added candied ginger to the top.}