happy monday...

finally friday...

If I had a choice to be any where in the world right now... it would be just as the picture above <3

Have a great weekend lovelies! xoxo

newly obsessed....

Altruette

If you haven't already noticed, I'm obsessed with all things elephants.

The elephant is generally considered a symbol of good luck and the animal is a symbol of good fortune. Elephants in Asia are symbolizing a kind of divinity and benevolence and that is why in the recent Asia there are still religious ceremonies where offering is made to the elephants, they wash them and anoint them with special oils and pigments so that the community be blessed with good will. They also symbolize wisdom, loyalty, strength, fidelity and longevity.

As a symbol of wisdom, the elephant is said to attain old age and with all its wisdom. The animal is highly revered for its strength and power. With different species, the white elephant having been chosen by Buddha was because he wanted to use it for his many incarnations. The white elephant is a rare animal and their appearance today will still be considered a phenomenon of the gods. It is the most positive animal symbol known with no negative consequence. There are several lessons we can learn from the elephant and these too are used as its symbol: strength, wisdom, solitude, strong sense of loyalty to the family and intelligence. Other communities still consider the Elephant to be a strong symbol of luck. And thus the saying goes keep a lucky elephant at the door to your house so that you can get protection from bad luck.

I was pleasantly surprised to come across the website Altruette. The Altruette concept couldn’t be simpler: 50% of the net profit from the sale of our charms goes directly to our cause partners. Altruette’s partners include established national non-profits as well as smaller groups with talented leaders and ambitious plans to change the world. Beyond financial support, wearing your Altruette bracelet serves another important purpose: it helps spread the word about great causes your friends and family may not know about!

happy hour thursday...

I am in love with this time of year in NYC! It is the perfect weather, comfortable and crisp. I can not wait for Thanksgiving (when I plan to make this cocktail!) and CHRISTMAS! Let the countdown begin...

Apple Cider Margartias

serves 1, is easily multiples

1 ounce Grand Marnier

1 ounce gold tequila

5-6 ounces sweet apple cider

orange segments and apple slices

cinnamon + cane sugar + coarse sugar for glass rimming

cinnamon sticks for garnish

Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Add a few orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice, then add the Grand Marnier, tequila and apple cider and stir to mix. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Just Because...

CakE BaTteR PaNcaKeS!!

I’m fairly convinced that the world would be a better place if more sprinkles were involved.

Cake Batter Pancakes

makes about 12 pancakes

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2/3 cup yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

pinch of salt

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 cups milk (I used vanilla almond milk)

assorted sprinkles

Combine flour, cake mix, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Add 1 cup of milk, egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. You want the batter to look like regular pancake batter; not too thin, not too thick. This will vary greatly on the brand of cake mix you use. Start with 1 cup of milk and add more if needed. I suggest a small taste test as well to see if the pancakes are flavored enough.

Preheat a skillet on medium heat (I use an electric grilled and turn it to 250 degrees). Fold desired amount of sprinkles into batter. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with vanilla glaze.

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

assorted sprinkles

Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. You may need to add a little more sugar or water/milk to reach desired consistency. Mix into glaze and drizzle on pancakes.

This is what I will be making Saturday morning... Can't Wait!

happy monday!

daydreaming about where to go next... amsterdam, morocco, italy, egypt... or maybe a quick trip to virginia, boston, charleston...the possibilities are endless. maybe i'll find a lobster to bring :)