Much Through Mondays...Baked Zucchini Chips

Although I tend to love baking yummy, sweet things, I'm on a huge health craze right now and am constantly looking for healthy snacks. I found this recipe and knew I had to try it because it has two of my favorite things: baking and zucchini and chips...okay, so maybe three.  Zucchini is by far my favorite vegetable, and baked chips beats fried chips any day. So here is the recipe for baked zucchini chips! I hope you savor them as much as I will. ;)

Photo source: Natalie's Killer Cuisine

Baked Zucchini Chips

Recipe source: Natalie's Killer Cuisine

Ingredients:

3 Zucchinis, rinsed

1/4 cup Parmesan, shredded

1/2 cup Bread Crumbs

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Dried Parsley

1 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Paprika

2 Egg Whites

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

1. Slice zucchini as thinly and uniform as possible (this is when having a mandolin comes handy).

2. Place on a paper towel for at least 10 minutes to let excess moisture drain. Mix together all the dry ingredients. In a bowl whisk the egg whites until frothy.

3. Place the zucchini in the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet and when the baking sheet is full, bake for 5 minutes. Pull out the baking sheet and flip over the zucchini chips. Return to the oven for another 7 minutes.

4. Serve warm with fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Fashion Fridays ... Forever 21 Lace Yoke Dress

Living on your own is amazing. You have a new found freedom, added responsibility (which believe or not, can be fun), but sometimes it's easy to run away with these added bonuses and my bank account feels the burn. Luckily, I am pretty smart with my money (and very aware I still need to eat), so it's the best when I can find something cute and cheap as well. Today, while browsing on Forever 21, I came across this gem. I really like the lace, but even more so I adore the ruffled shoulders. It adds a little pizazz to your ordinary-little-black-dress. And it's only $24.80!!

Photo source: Forever 21 

What do you think? Is this the perfect addition to your closet? Or do you already own the perfect LBD?

Napa Valley...

I'm not sure if it's the gorgeous fire place, or the amazing view, but everything in the picture has me wishing I could click my red pumps together, say "There's no place like Napa Valley", and end up in this picture. 

Photo source: Pinterest

What do you like about this room? Is it the beautiful rafters, the hidden bookshelf to the right, or the break taking view of the Wine Country?

Munch Through Tuesdays...

So sorry I forgot to post the Munch Through Monday!! Work was quite busy and then I went out to dinner with my sister and mom's boss, Lucia, who is here on business. We went to a Greek restaurant called Kokkari, it was amazing. And Lucia was so lovely!! It really was such a great time, great wine, and great food. Couldn't ask for a better way to start my week :)

Anyway, I still wanted to post a yummy recipe for you to munch your way through the week with. I'm not usually a huge fan of donuts, but these make my mouth water.

Photo source: Pinterest 

Chocolate-Caramel Doughnut Holes
Recipe source: Martha Stewart
Ingredients: 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for work surface 

1 cup cocoa powder 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt 

1 cup sugar, plus more for coating 

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk 

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted 

2 large eggs 

28 to 30 store-bought soft caramel squares, unwrapped  

5 to 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Directions:
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined. Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until a smooth dough forms. 

On a lightly floured work surface, pat dough flat and lightly flour. Roll out dough to a 1/3-inch thickness. Cut into rounds with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter (to lift rounds from work surface, use a thin spatula). Re-roll and cut scraps. 

Place a caramel in the center of each round, pinch dough closed around it, and gently roll into a smooth ball. 

Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Fill a wide shallow bowl with 1 inch sugar. In a large heavy pot, heat 4 inches oil until it registers 350 degrees on a candy thermometer. In batches of 4, fry doughnuts 5 minutes, turning once with a slotted spoon and adjusting heat as needed. Transfer doughnuts to prepared sheet; let rest 4 minutes. Roll in sugar to coat. Serve immediately.

What do you think about these delectable donuts? Also, if there is a recipe you want to see or prefer healthier, tasty treats, drop a comment and let me know!! 

Fashion Fridays... 'Tis the Season for Boots

As I was looking through Found it Loved it on DivineCaroline, I came across these awesome boots called Kiboots. They are from the Netherlands and they are part leather and fabric. Apparently, these boots were popular in the sixties when hippies used to recycle rugs and leather to make these boots cheap so they could save money and still look good (best of both worlds!) Of course this bohemian style boot caught my attention and my free spirit immediately needed a pair. What do you think?

 

Photo sources: Kiboots

Do these shoes bring out the hippie in you? If so, also read the About and Projects section on Kiboots' website... it's pretty amazing!

Fall Bucket List...

Fall has inevitably approached us, and I love it. Although we don't really have seasons here in San Francisco, it's been quite chilly the past couple of days and I've loved the crisp air. It reminds me of how cool it's getting back East and reminds me of all the fun things I used to do in the fall and around Halloween time with my parents. As I perused my Pinterest, I found this awesome Fall checklist and immediately wanted to pack up and get started on all the fun ideas that were presented. Print this off and get started on checking off your fall bucket list if you haven't started already! :)

Photo source: Pinterest

Have you done any of these creative ideas? What memories do you have of the Fall?

Living Room...

Today, I signed the lease for my very first apartment.  It was such an amazing feeling, my cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much. On the bus ride home, I started thinking about the other apartments and houses I'll have and how I'll always remember when I signed my first lease.  Then that turned me on to thinking about decorating, and I began imagining my dream house. 

Now I know I'm far from owning a house, but the possibilities are endless when decorating a house, or even an apartment. And that notion of filling a space with parts of you, things you love and connect with, is something that fills me with such excitement, I'm comparably as giddy as a little girl on Christmas Eve.

I found this picture on Pinterest today and had to share it. With the happiness of a new place floating in the air and dreams of many more to come, it felt perfect.

Photo source: Pinterest

I love the color of the rich rafters against the light colored stone. The rafters in general are just beautiful, and although the walls are stone, I still get such a warm, homey feeling when I look at this. What do you love about this living room? What big dreams do you have for your space?

Munch Through Mondays...

I got this recipe from my favorite baking blog, Bake or Break a little while ago, but still haven't had the time to try them out.They look so delicious, my mouth is watering just looking (and dreaming) about them. Who can resist cheesecake and fudge chocolate? It's twice the yummyness—my taste buds are dancing with excitement. And luckily for you (and me!), here is the recipe:

 

Photo source: Bake or Break

Black Bottom Cookie Bars 
Recipe source: Bake or Break

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for baking dish)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 & 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Lightly butter parchment.

Whisk together butter and both sugars in a large bowl. Whisk in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until moistened.

Divide batter in half, and transfer one half to a separate bowl. Stir in cocoa powder and chocolate chips until combined.

Place chocolate batter in baking pan. Spread evenly and smooth top. Spread plain batter on top of chocolate batter. Smooth top.

Bake 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Makes 24 bars.

I think this would make for the perfect Monday treat to devour at the end of the day ... don't you? ;)

Happy Mondays...

I can't believe it's Monday already, although it's hard to be bummed after such an amazing weekend. My boyfriend Brian and I went hiking on Saturday, saw Reel Steel, went out to dinner, shopped and relaxed. Regardless, sometimes wise words help motivate me through a long day at work (especially when it's so nice out!) So here is a quote that helped inspire me: 

Photo source: Pinterest

I am so grateful for all the things I have in my life, big and little. What did you do this weekend? What are you grateful for? I hope you all had an amazing weekend as well and continue to have a great start to a great week! :)

Fashion Fridays...

TGIF. Finally, the weekend is here! I'm so excited for the weekend, especially when I found these beauties from Anthropologie.

 Photo source: Pinterest

As we've already established, I have a funky sort of taste and these make me want to jump for joy. They are perfect for colder weather and I love the blue laces and the turquoise detail on the trim. They're fun, but not overstated; serious, but not boring. Kind of sounds like the perfect guy, right? ;) What do you think? Too much or just right?  

A Huge Hug!

A huge hug for you, my readers!! I hope you had a great Thursday :)

And especially to my sister, Courtney. Since I can't physically give you one, here you go. Love you so much! 

After all, hugs are the best little things to give to make someone smile. Who do you want to give a huge hug to today?

 

Photo source: Le Love

Lavender Creme Brulee...

Today, the little thing that brightened my day was as simple as a special treat. After lunch, my friend Katie and I passed a little creme brulee cart that we had never seen before.  I absolutely love creme brulee, it's my favorite desert, so I had to stop ;).  I opted for the Lavender creme brulee. Although I have never had lavender anything, I have always been intrigued by baking with it. Also, after watching Meryl Streep make lavender ice cream in It's Complicated, I told myself I'd make it too someday. 

If you've never tasted lavender before, it tastes like you think it would. It's hard to describe, but easy to recognize. I guess you'll just have to try it for yourself! 

Photo source: What's Cooking America

Lavender Crème Brulee
Yields: 6 to 8 servings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min

Ingredients:
4 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
8 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Butter (6-ounce) custard cups and set them into a glass baking dish. If cooking custards in a metal pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of newspaper to ensure an even temperature on the bottom. Place custard cups in a shallow ovenproof roasting or baking pan.

In a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, add cream and the lavender flowers; heat just to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow lavender flowers to infuse with the cream for 5 minutes. Strain cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove lavender flowers.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until light and creamy. Slowly add the strained cream to the egg mixture, blending well. Divide custard mixture among the custard cups.

Bring the water for the water bath (see definition on right) to a light simmer on top of the stove; carefully pour hot water into the baking pan to come half-way up the sides of the custard cups. NOTE: The most common mistake people make in baking a custard is not putting enough water in the hot-water bath. The water should come up to the level of the custard inside the cups. You must protect your custard from the heat.

Baked 60 minutes or until set around the edges but still loose in the center. The cooking time will depend largely on the size of the custard cups you are using, but begin checking at a half hour and check back regularly. When the center of the custard is just set, it will jiggle a little when shaken, that's when you can remove it from the oven.

Remove from oven and leave in the water bath until cooled. Remove cups from water bath and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of remaining sugar over each crème brulee. For best results, use a small hand-held torch. Hold the torch 4 to 5 inches from the sugar, maintaining a slow and even motion. Stop torching just before the desired degree of doneness is reached, as the sugar will continue to cook for a few seconds after flame has been removed.

If you don't have a torch, place crème brulees 6 inches below the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes or until sugar bubbles and turns golden brown. Refrigerate crème brulees at least 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 servings (depending on size of custard cups).

Emma Watson...

I remember when Emma Watson cut her hair short. There were mixes of "oohs" and "ewws", but I was absolutely in love.  Not only does she have the perfect face for a super short cut, but it took balls to do it, and I liked that about her.  


Not too long ago, before moving to California, I cut about eight inches off my hair. And when I got to San Francisco, I probably cut off about another two.  My hair isn't nearly as short as Emma's, but I absolutely love it just as much. It makes me feel bolder and sexier, something I wasn't totally expecting! Sometimes it nags me that long hair is considered beautiful and sexy. Long hair is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but so is short! And I loved when Emma Watson proved that to everyone. 


In honor of Emma (and her adorable hair), I wanted to share a picture of her I love. I hope you like it, too!! Would you ever cut your hair this short? Do you think it's chic or way too drastic? 

Photo source: wallpapers.brothersoft.com

The Paleo Diet Begins...

I know I posted a very appetizing recipe yesterday, but I am just so excited about this, I have to post another one! This recipe, however, falls into the Paleo diet/lifestyle.  Yesterday, my mother, sister, father and I embarked on a journey to the Paleolithic time period ... not literally, but we did decide to start the Paleo diet (also known as the Caveman diet), which consists of eating grass-fed pasture raised meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts, and excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and processed oils. It's supposed to mimick what is believed to be the diet of cavemen millions of years ago. It's going to be hard, but feeling great is a little thing in life that I always strive to accomplish everyday :), and looking great doesn't hurt either!

With that being said, I can only imagine that the cavemen had an extremely hard time hunting down what to eat, and I have to say I'm right there with them. Creating a meal became a challenge all of a sudden, until my sister sent me Multiply Delicious. It has some amazing, mouth-watering, yummy Paleo recipes, and is just a super cute blog overall. I cannot wait to try this one in particular!

 

Photo source: Multiply Delicious

Paleo Spaghetti

Print Recipe 

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

2 large zucchini, cut into julienne strips

1 tsp garlic, minced

3 to 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 pound ground chicken, turkey, or beef (grass-fed preferred)

2 cups Homemade Veggie Tomato Sauce

Additional fresh basil for topping pasta

 

Instructions:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Place zucchini and garlic in skillet and heat until zucchini is slightly softened.  In the last 30 seconds toss with fresh basil.

In a separate skillet cook meat of choice until cooked through, making sure to crumble into small pieces.  Once meat is cooked through mix in tomato sauce and stir to combine.

To plate dish, place zucchini “noodles” in bowl or plate and then top with meat sauce and sprinkle with additional basil.

Enjoy!

What do you guys think? Does this diet sound crazy, or something you could make into a lifestyle? If you think it's something you may be into, check out Life as a Plate, Everyday Paleo, and Mark's Daily Apple, as well.

Munch Through Mondays...

We can always use a little extra something to get us through Mondays, so why not munch your way through it? Every Monday I'll post a picture of something yummy along with the recipe so you can have an extra sweet, salty, delicious beginning to your week. 

 

Photo source: Denver Westwood Blogs

Baked Red Velvet Doughnuts 

Recipe source: Bitter, Sweet, Sugar and Sarcasm

What you need:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

red food coloring, use it until it is red. Like blood or strawberries.

What you do:

Preheat the oven to 350F or 170C. Spray a doughnut pan with cooking spray. If you don't have a doughnut pan, you are screwed.

First assemble the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Leave the dry ingredients off to the side. In another bowl, mix together the sugar and egg. Add the melted butter and melted chocolate. Finally dump in the vanilla and buttermilk and stir all the wet ingredients together. Don't forget to add the red food coloring or else this recipe will be far less exciting.

Once the wet ingredients are combined, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing together until it is just combined. Then fill the doughnut pans with the brilliant batter. Not all the way, just about 2/3rds, like you are filling cupcake liners. Bake them for 20 minutes. If you really want a sugar rush, you are allowed to drizzle them with a glaze after they come out of the oven.  

Fashion Fridays...

It's Friday! Which means right about now, I start planning out what to wear this weekend or what I can buy with my recently received paycheck.  Unfortunate for San Francisco (and summer fashion), the Indian Summer was more like an Indian Week of nice weather. Now, it's back to the cold, foggy weather that I secretly love. However, this tends to make picking out an outfit for nighttime sort of tricky since no one wants to wear a sleeveless dress in 55-60 degree weather, which leads me to my new love: crop tops.

Madonna's daughter once said that her mother taught her 'too much crop top can be a bad thing'. Point taken, Madge, but what is cuter (and more importantly, warmer!) than a long sleeve crop top? Show off a little belly, but not much, and with a pair of skinny jeans and heeled booties, you're ready to hit the town.  Now, I may be a little obsessed with Free People, but I can't help it! They have the cutest things. And low and behold, I came across another crop top type of shirt I instantly fell in love with. 

 

Photo source: Free People

I love the color for fall and the sheerness of it makes me want to sing. Christmas come early, perhaps?

What is your favorite trend for fall?

Halloween...

Today at work I headed over to Kryolan with two of my colleagues where we underwent the process of getting our face painted as various Halloween creatures. I was a cat (a cheetah to be exact, raarr), Katie was a sexy, but terribly dead Vampire and Allison was a disgustingly awesome Zombie.  Needless to say, it was the most Halloween fun I've had since I was little girl. And feeling like a kid again is definitely a little thing that caused me to smile from ear to ear the whole time we were there. The best part was that all the designs were easy to do at home, which got me thinking ... what do I want to be for Halloween in this amazing city that celebrates the day of dead so well? And then this picture popped in my head.

 

Photo source: google.com

I absolutely love it. Everything from her messy but elegant hair to the gorgeous vintage looking dress.  But especially the face paint! How scary, yet sexy and chic is that design? It has sex appeal, but without going overboard.  A fashionable, old-fashioned skeleton—I think I can rock that. Kryolan may just be seeing my face again sometime soon ...

What are you doing for Halloween? Do you think it's too much to go this all out? Or does this unique and refined skeleton costume have your bones tingling just as much as mine?

Welcome to The Little Things

In life, it is the little things that create the simplest form of happiness. A smile from a stranger. A pay it forward action. A bulldog as it waddles down the street. Two people in love. An awesome pair of boots. Whatever it may be, these tiny and somewhat insignificant moments throughout the day add up to create a beautiful, unsuspecting, humble life. And when you take a step back and look at all the tiny fragments from a far, it's not hard to see all the little things in life that make you happy. 

The Little Things is a lifestyle blog where everything bold, brilliant, daring, joyful, heartfelt and lovely comes together in one place. It's a place where I talk about the little things I find throughout life that I hold on to; fashion, travel and food, are just a few. It's a place to come and smile, laugh, snort, cry, whatever it may be. And maybe you'll find something here that you want to add to your collection. :)

With that said, here is a quote that sums it up the notion behind this blog perfectly. Don't you just hate it when someone can sum up your thought in one, beautifully written line? ;)

What common, everyday things make you tick? What inspires you? Or simply makes you smile?