LEMON RICOTTA PANCAKES

Gourmet Pancakes, but with bisquick!
Make Sundays even better.


I don't always love breakfast, but when I do.  It is rich, delicious, and not your traditional style dish. Perhaps it is traditional, but better believe it has a twist. Pancakes have not always been my thing, I used to not even love breakfast foods in general.  Though who could resist the perfect rich and fluffy pancake that is lightly flavored with lemon, no one -because they are pretty much the best.  

Now this recipe would normally be all crazy with baking powder and flour, but I cheated a little and made it with bisquick.  A few summers ago I tried lemon ricotta pancakes at my favorite brunch spot, the Hampton Maid and I was hooked.  I instantly felt compelled to duplicate a similar recipe, I think I managed pretty well with it.
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Misfits and Marilyn

Just a little bit of everything.
That Punky, Ninja, Glam style -looks something like this. 


I have been all over the place these last few months, the fire has been lit.  It's that feeling of being in the midst of so much change - a little anxiety mixed with pure excitement to dissipate any bouts of fear and topped with unadulterated passion and drive.  This is the year I am finally going for it, taking the big plunge -if you will, because it is now or never. 

Twenty-Fifteen is the first year I have begun with a fiancé and the sight of a piece of my forever(and that 'fiancé' word still sounds snotty to me), I am also going on a much awaited final route in my schooling adventure, and I am finally moving into the big bad city.  It's a whole new year and all I smell is adventure and I yearn to quench my passions on this journey of definition.  About two months and counting till everything will change.  Stay tuned for my feat of fun and glory up ahead. 

So my style has been all over the board, sort of like my brain theses days. Now it is hard dressing cute, while layering up for the frigid air - though that is just New York in February.  I usually just start pulling items from my closet that I think I can layer -whether the styles go traditionally or not.  I actually prefer the styles to be unconventional yet matching like the muscle tank, button down, moto jacket with sleek black lines I threw together here.  So layer up, have some fun with it and prepare for spring to be melting away new adventures.      
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Our Engagement Photos

Capture every moment,
these will last lifetimes.

Valentine's day is tomorrow, to me it is just another day.  Love should be celebrated every day. Though this particular Valentine's Day weekend Aaron and I will be having our engagement party.  I'm so excited to be having such an amazing soiree planned.  I don't need flowers, or chocolates, this year -I got a diamond. ;)

In all seriousness, real love is something that shows some special attention and the occasional thoughtful gift in a moment when it is actually needed -instead of on a designated day when everyone buys a present because they have to,  not because it was thoughtful and significant, just because they are expected to. It is all of the thoughtful everyday moments that equip a relationship to withstand time.

Every single day Aaron reminds of how everyone should be loved.  He's kind and considerate to my needs and often my wants. He always tries to be understanding, if almost always proactive, and unconditionally loves me. Yet, manages to be totally obnoxious, keep me on my toes, and irritate that crap out of me while making me almost pee my pants from laughter.  

I guess it is the balance that makes it work, as I always say: it's the little things.

So, screw Valentine's Day. Love every day.    

See our engagement here and read all about how we met here.

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DIY | Baroque Style Trunk Refresh


If it is broke, make it baroque
-you see what I did there.

Refinishing furniture is something I have always wanted to get more into.  Though, I am certainly no pro and I realize I still have much to learn.  I would love to learn to reupholster vintage arm chairs and cool things.  But I figured I'd start easy.  I've done a dressers, a french lingerie dresser,  and now on to this trunk.

This trunk was custom built for me from a friend of my dad's and was left unfinished, but well made, and cedar lined.  Truly a great piece, I just showed poor judgement about 10 years ago and painted the trim pink.  I now know that most pink is awful, particularly on wood furniture.

I decided I needed something timeless with neutral colors to match almost anywhere I decide to move it next. So check out my easy way to update an old trunk or I think it would be really great on the drawer fronts of a dresser.  This is really for any piece of furniture that needs a face-lift.


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Mis-Matched Denim Layering


Denim on Denim
for Casual Days


I've been in hibernation mode the last month or so and it has been quite perfect. January and February are meant for vacation, but when you can't afford that a nice bottle of wine and Netflix will have to do. So needless to say, I've been keepin' it low maintenance with my style.

The secret to mixing denim on denim and not have the 'canadian tuxedo' is making sure there is enough contrast in the washes you choose.  When the denims match too closely is when it starts looking cheesy.  I prefer the way a light chambray style wash on the top and a nice rich dark denim on the bottom works best.  

Now, being cooped up I've been focused on blogging, art, and cooking amazing dinners.  I've really been focusing on getting my blogging back in order, getting things in order to move out of my house, plan an engagement party and lastly preparing for what is going to be the biggest year yet.

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MY BIG FAT SICILIAN LASAGNA

A Hearty Dish,
One full of Soul and Flavor.


Growing up in an Italian-American household I have always closely associated a good home-cooked meal with part of being home and feeling that ooey-gooey coziness and warmth of family and love. I figured I'd put my own twist on one of my mother's classics. My mother and I haven't always understood each other, but food was always something we could relate on.  If nothing else I definitely learned to eat well and to be intrigued to try new cooking techniques from her. So yes it has pasta, and cheese, and breaded eggplant, more cheese, and there's some spinach in there.  It's good for you, good for your soul.   

I won't sit here and preach that lasagna is healthy, because by mostly all standards it is just full of fat and starchy "bad" carbs - well, full of all that delicious, good for your soul, amazing starchy carbs. Every now and then you gotta feed your soul, make it hearty, rich in flavor, and make sure it has cheese - your soul will be happier; I promise.

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