I baked!

Well, I kind of baked. Isn't it beautiful??

It's a Blueberry Cream Cheese Galette. I'm so stinking proud of this thing because typically, I don't bake. And when I do, it doesn't always end well. There are a few things I do really well but following directions is not one of them. Therefore, baking and I don't always get along. This recipe, though, was foolproof. I used a store-bought crust and had the whole thing ready to pop in the oven in less than 10 minutes.

I based my galette off of this recipe but modified it slightly (see, I told you I can't follow directions). I didn't use cornstarch because I didn't want the fruit to break down too much (and I didn't have any), and I layered cream cheese under the berry mixture. The cream cheese was Sean's idea and made the tart so decadent and yummy. We both loved this dessert! And, it is so simple, yet so elegant and pretty, that I will definitely be making this the next time we entertain.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Galette

Adapted from For the Love of Cooking

1 pie crust
about 3 cups of blueberries, rinsed and dried
1-2 Tbsp white sugar (I only used one because it seemed like plenty)

2-3 Tbsp cream cheese, sliced

1 egg, beaten
Raw sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Unroll the pie crust on the parchment paper. Lay slices of cream cheese in the center of the pie crust. Gently mix the berries and sugar in a small bowl and pour/ heap on top of the cream cheese. Fold the pie crust to just cover the berries, leaving plenty of berries showing at the center.

Brush the outside of the pie crust with egg and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy!

Fall Overhaul

I love this time of year probably more than any other. When the weather starts to turn a little crisper and the days get shorter, I start nesting like crazy. I want my home to feel warm and cozy and to smell like hearty stews, chilis, apple crisp, and pumpkin pie. Just maybe not all at the same time.

On Sunday afternoon, I spent a little time "autumnizing" the house. I packed away our summery throw pillows, pulled out my cable-knit throws, unearthed my box of fall decor, and bought the same soy candle I buy at this time every year. To me, it smells like Fall and I just can't start Fall without it. This candle, called Harvest Pumpkin, is at Target for $7.99 and it smells divine-- and lasts forever.

To warm up our living room, I arranged a few warmer-toned throw pillows on the couch. I'm in love with the sparkle on the little, brown pillow. I'm a sucker for sparkly.

Every year at this time, I cook a couple of things for the first time in months: chili and pumpkin bread. Both smell and taste amazing, and there is just something about these rituals that make me feel content. I also headed to the grocery store on Monday to pick up a few knobby gourds. I just love the look of gourds on my kitchen table in October.

I also put out some ceramic pumpkins. I love these, but because I don't like a lot of clutter or superfluous stuff sitting about, I always have a hard time deciding where to put them.

And, I love how this time of year, some of my decor looks a little spookier. This candlestick holder is one of my faves and this time of year, it looks a little like spooky fingers to me. Ahhh haa haa. Now all I need are big, round pumpkins to sit on our front porch... and to carve on the night before Halloween.

Please ignore my wrinkly table runner... the iron is on strike

Do you decorate your house for the changing seasons? Or, just for holidays?

First Bloom

We have a large, wooden trellis just outside our kitchen window that I always thought needed something-- something green. Finally, last summer, after living in our house for two years, I planted a blooming vine (I cannot for the life of me remember the name now) under the trellis and willed it to survive the summer. It tried. It bloomed a couple of times but by the end of the summer, it was looking a little puny. I was sure it wouldn't come back this year.

But I was wrong. It surprised me by making a comeback a couple of weeks ago. And despite the uncharacteristically cold weather of the past week, its first bloom opened this morning. The flower is an absolutley gorgeous shade of purple and provides just the pick-me-up I need every time I walk into our kitchen. I might have to plant this little guy outside every window of our house. If I can remember its name.

Spring Fever

I love spring. The promise of warm weather, longer days, blooming flowers, green trees, and flip flops is in the air. And I especially love shopping for spring clothes. I love the lure of sleeveless tops, t-shirts, and shorts. After a winter of heavy coats and sweaters, lighter clothes are so refreshing.

To prepare for spring, I've been shopping for myself and Sean some but mainly, I have been concentrating on clothes for Hadley. She has almost outgrown every bit of winter clothing she owns and is in dire need of some new clothes. Unfortunately, everything new I have bought is geared to much warmer weather than we are currently having here. Think cute little bubbles, sundresses, and onesies. Not at all appropriate for 45-degree weather. But, who knew it would be 45 degrees in April?

In my shopping frenzy, I stopped by Old Navy a couple of weeks ago and happened upon a major sale where everything baby was $5. I went a little crazy. It was hard to resist. Have you seen those tiny, baby bathing suits and cover ups? And the little rompers and bubbles? And I almost, almost bought a pair of baby flip flop sandals. Then I put them back. And now I am kicking myself.

Here are a few of my finds, which are a great start to Hadley's spring and summer wardrobes. Until it warms up here, we'll just stay in the house. If you missed the $5 sale, check out http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/. If you click around on the site, you can find coupons to print, usually for 20% to 30% off one item or sometimes, 20% or 30% off your entire purchase. Score.

1. Printed Bubble One-Pieces for Baby, regularly $12.50. I picked up the Pink Flower and Multi Stripe, but there is also a Green Flower for those who could use a little less pink.

2. Swiss Dot Bubble One-Piece for Baby, regularly $19.50, bright white. I love white on babies and this sweet bubble is perfect with its subtle detailing.

3. Ruffle-Trim Two-Piece Set for Babies, regularly $12.50, pink stripe, of course!

And, just look at those butt ruffles:

4. Printed Bubble One-Pieces for Baby, regularly $12.50, blue mosaic. I think I have a problem. I keep buying bubbles.