Baubles and Brownies

Instagram Favorites...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 03:25:00 +0000

Trying to find my blog groove. I recently started a new job. (It's why I've been MIA.) Here's to getting back on track with regular blog postings. Here are a few of my favorite Instagram shots. I hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!

Fenway Park

Calm before the Storm

Old Sugar Cane Mill

Destin, FL

Orange Beach, AL

Making Memories...Teddy's Juke Joint

My Week Via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:15:00 +0000

I've recently been tying up lose ends. I hope to get back into the swing of things shortly. Please forgive my absence and thanks in advance for your patience!

Emerli's Delmonico's...

Easter Sunday...

My Week Via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Shrimp Panang Curry

I can't wait to try the Tapas next time...

Downtown Parking/Meeting My College Bestie for Lunch...

Vegetarian Plate...

New Dress...

Geaux Tigers! Keep it Up!

Yellow Iris...

Oui! Oui! French Macarons!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:21:00 +0000

After lusting at photos of macarons on Pinterest for a while, I thought-- why not give it a try? I looked around for a recipe. It should be noted that I feel weird about keeping eggs out at room temp for 24-48 hours to proof. Am I the only one? I found this macaron recipe which provided a solution and frame work for other flavors. I decided to make two batches. The first batch I made was a raspberry macaroni. The second batch was a salted caramel. I have to say that the salted caramel has been my favorite! I used this caramel sauce recipe and I added 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt at the end. Along the way, I learned that if you want the feet the French Macarons are known for, you need to let them set up once you've piped them, for 30-60 minutes. The flavor combinations are endless and I'll definitely make some more in the near future. Also, for the raspberry I used jelly I found at the market. (They didn't have any fresh raspberries.)

Gingham Style...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:21:00 +0000

Since it's Spring and all, I decided to play tourist for the day with my mom. Please tell me we're not the only ones that do this? We drove to a quant town, about 40 minutes away from Baton Rouge, to tour around. I thought it would be the perfect day to wear my gingham tie-waist shirtdress. I have to admit, it was a tad chilly! Sometimes I have this habit of forcing spring! (Like in New England when I'd wear flip flops in the snow.)

Gingham tie-waist shirtdress, Michael Kors purse, Michael Kors Watch, Gap Sandals, Banana Republic Necklace, and RayBans

Magnolia Cafe

Oakleigh Plantation

My Week Via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Tie Dye Cupcakes

St. Paddy's Parade

Louisiana Themed Table Decorations

Not My Best Race Time...
Here's to improving!

Sausage Plate

Caramel Custard Cup

Playing Tourist for the Day
St. Francisville, Louisiana

Grace Episcopal

Spooky but Ethereal

Tie Dye Cupcakes...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

This past weekend was St. Paddy's Day. I went to a brunch with dear friends, as a "tag-along", before we headed to the St. Paddy's Day Parade. I always feel the need to bring something. So, this time I went with something more festive. I have always wanted to try making a tie dye cupcake. I blame Pinterest for putting these images in my head. I decided to create my own though. I wanted to bake them from scratch. I found this recipe, which seemed to be a solid vanilla cupcake recipe. Plus, who doesn't love a good cream cheese icing?

My Week Via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:10:00 +0000

Please forgive my slacking ways. I'll spare you the excuses. Have a Happy St. Paddy's Day Weekend!

Fun Bottoms

Chicken Taco Salad Two Scoops of Guac...

Sautéed Crab Claws...

Pants... I'm a little obsessed with printed pants

My Week Via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

USTA Combo Sectionals Mobile, Al

Firm Green Bananas
Fun fact: Bananas make me gag

Fun Colored Kicks at Dillard's

Crab Meat Broil

A Crisp Spring Day

Lemon Squares 1 Stacy 0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 20:14:00 +0000

I'm a Southern Girl with a "Yankee" accent. I grew up overseas and after college, I worked for a few years in the Northeast. I refer to myself as a Third Culture Kid. With Spring finally here, I thought I'd make Lemon Squares. My brother really likes them. So that I don't mislead you, I have baked a lot. I have even thought about culinary school a few times, even. However, these lemon squares, didn't come out right. Hence, Lemon Squares 1, Stacy 0. I feel like I failed a Southern right of passage. What Southern Girl can't make lemon squares? (I think it's the recipe.) I'll try my hand at lemon squares again someday in the future next time I'll use my mom's version! Martha Stewart you let me down this time!

(One Turned Out Nicely!)

Sail Away...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:01:00 +0000

After a cold tennis weekend at USTA Sectionals in Mobile, Alabama with my tennis team, I'm dreaming of warmer weather. Spring, if you're listening, will you please show up and stay until Summer? Nautical navy and white, with a pop of color, scream come sail away! They make me think of warm, sunny days spent on the water.

Classic Navy Rope Bracelet

Michael Kors Small Jet Set Striped Travel Tote

My Week via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

I'm in Mobile, Alabama- with my 5.5 combo tennis team this weekend. We're playing in USTA Southern Sectionals! We hope to go big! Have a stellar weekend!

Tennis Tourney Perk...Mexican Buffet Lunch

Tourney Nails...

Monthly Lunch With My Lunch Bunch...

Bonnie...

USTA Combo Sectionals Bound...
Go Big or Go Home!

Peanut Butter Swirl...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:03:00 +0000

Peanut butter and chocolate go together better than peanut butter and jelly, if you ask me. You see, I'm not a huge peanut butter fan. I like peanut butter just fine if it's in cookie form or with chocolate. However, on toast or on sandwiches, I'd rather go hungry. It's a quirk I've had since childhood. With that said, these peanut butter swirl brownies were a great way for me to get my peanut butter fix! Also, the instant coffee sounded like an odd addition but it really enhanced the flavor of the chocolate.

My Go to...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:09:00 +0000

GAP Pants, J. Crew Tee , Jessica Simpson Pumps, Ray Ban Glasses,

Michael Kors Watch, J.Crew Belt, Banana Republic Necklace

My go to piece is a white shirt. Although it's difficult to admit, I have countless white shirts in every form. However, my favorite is a classic white long sleeved tee. I think I like the classic versatility a long sleeved white tee offers best. These pants were photographed in My Week Via Instagram. These green pants are quickly becoming a go to staple. I'm ready for whatever Spring holds! Also, if it looks like I am about to tumble, I probably am. And if it seems like I don't know what to do with my hands--I don't. I see why other bloggers carry purses. I will get the hang of this! (hopefully)

My Week via Instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:19:00 +0000

Spring Pants
Look Ma' No Hands! (Just kidding, I was parked.)

Delish Happy Mail From a Childhood Friend
We go all the way back to Jubail Academy, KSA

Sushi Lunch with a Sweet Friend from Tennis...

Fun Bottoms (similar styles) to Wear Under Tennis Dresses...

A Sunny, Warm, Spring Day...

Raspberry-Lemon Whoopie Pies...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:56:00 +0000

I had this urge to buy raspberries last week. When I came across this recipe, I knew it was a must. While living in Pennsylvania just after college (working at my first real hobby job) I first learned about the whoopie pie. The Amish and the Mennonites made them fresh daily. My favorites were the red velvet and the pumpkin. After I coming across this recipe and I knew those berries had found their home!

Also, this has become a little baking heavy. I'm going to mix it up a little, later this week...stay tuned!

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 03:21:00 +0000

I've been a fan of rhubarb since the summer of 2001. That summer I was a camp counselor at a summer camp in Vermont. The camp was actually a tennis camp and I was no tennis player back then. I was a swimmer and a lifeguard. Here at camp I was introduced to rhubarb via the crumble and strawberry rhubarb pie. I fell in love with its tangy, tart qualities and I was hooked. Since I live in the South, I have to search out rhubarb. I'm not sure why but you don't see it used much here. Our local Whole Foods had some. So, I bought around a pound this past week. This Rhubarb Upside Down Cake caught my eye. I gave it a whirl and I'm pleased with the results! The cake was moist and tangy-- like a Pineapple Upside Down Cake but with a twist. I'll definitely make this recipe again!

Valentine's Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:22:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day! Although, I'm not a huge fan, of Valentine's Day, here are some pink items I wouldn't mind adding to my closet.

Cap Toe Flats

Ultra Skinny Pants

Piped Blazer

Embellished Linen Tunic

Ombre Necklace

Snail Mail...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:39:00 +0000

Once a month I look forward to snail mail. Birchbox, (who has no clue who I am) sends me my $10 monthly subscription filled with makeup goodies and samples. Who am I to turn this down? It's only $10! Also, I've actually found things that I've fallen in love with. You should know, I rarely check the sneak peaks or spoilers because this is the one surprise I enjoy!

Pink Velvet Cupcakes...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 02:21:00 +0000

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd try mixing things up. I used this recipe but I left out the cocoa powder. When I did some research on velvet cakes, I noted most recipes left out the cocoa powder. The cocoa powder tends to turn the batter a dark color with a brown tint. I also used pink food coloring, not red food coloring. For the frosting I used this recipe, only because I wanted something different. I guess I wasn't feeling cream cheese frosting today? I'm not sure I hit the mark I was looking for. The cakes are super moist and fluffy, thanks to the sour cream. Although I've got to be honest-- they're clearly lacking that buttermilk taste that I enjoy in a velvet cake. I plan on trying another recipe. So, I'll keep you posted! The color on these was perfect! Happy Valentine's Day, for those of you who love a Hallmark holiday!

If you're wondering, I used Candy Melts to make the hearts. I just added pink food coloring, and used a squirt bottle to help create heart shapes. Parchment paper is the perfect surface to use because the hearts slide right off, when they are dry.

Salty and Sweet...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:48:00 +0000

One of my most favorite combos is salty and sweet. There's just something about the sweet mixed with salt. It's like you kill two birds with one stone. Also, the salt seems to bring out more flavor. Since sea salt has become rather popular in resent years, it is now frequently used in baking. Anytime I see or have an opportunity to try a dessert with salt, I jump on it.

These brownies seemed much like a chocolate chip cookie recipe. However, they were a pleasant surprise. I didn't have Fleur de Sel, so I used a sea salt that, I had on hand. I also used a little maple flavoring, to just to mix it up. Plus, I didn't think I had enough chocolate chips on hand so, I broke up a chocolate bar for a chunkier chip. I'll definitely make these again, when I have a sweet and salty craving!

Surf's Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:21:00 +0000

Dear J.Crew,

Let's catch up. After months of sending me silly emails of items that greatly missed "the" mark, you finally hit bullseye with this rash guard! You see, I fancy myself a surfer. I've surfed in WASPY Kennebunk, ME the past two summers with my best friend, Alice. I feel like this rash guard would make me look like a bad, ass, pirate, surfer chick. Yet, I'd still be refined with the classic stripes. Also, with this purchase, I'd hope to avoid the hives the rented wetsuit gave me last summer. Mind you, I learned a valuable lesson: Benadryl, is a wonder drug. J.Crew, if our annual affectionately dubbed "Surfing with the Monks" trip happens this summer... I'll do you proud by sporting this as I ride the waves.

J.Crew Striped Rash Guard

King Cake...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:47:00 +0000

I'm not going to bore you with the details of what a King Cake is and its history. I grew up in Jubail, Saudi Arabia and I grew up King Cake deprived! Since I've been back in the States, I've tried to make up for lost time. I have tasted and sampled lots of King Cakes: plain, filled, stuffed, Zulu...whatever, I've tried them all. However, one day the Holy Grail of King Cakes showed up at my former job. This Holy Grail, was homemade and it was filled with cream cheese and raspberry. The King Cake, was perfect...super moist and fresh, not stale or overloaded with cinnamon. Since then, no King Cake has ever compared to or even come close...until yesterday. Yesterday, I decided to try my hand at making my own King Cake. This recipe will be my go to from now own. It was amazing!

The Dough Resting...

Filling...Note to Self: Spread it next time!

Ready to Bake

Cooling...

Sugar Glaze...

King Cake!

Summer Wishes...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:27:00 +0000

We have had rain for, what seems like, ages now in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This evening, however, we're supposed to have a wintry mix. You know, just to mix things up! When I lived in the Northeast on snowy days, I would crank up the heat, and wear shorts and flip flops around my apartment. Mind you, I would do that while watching movies with a summer theme. Today, using some lemons and a few oranges from my parents' citrus trees, I made my own version of this recipe. If you don't have basil on hand, you can always create your own flavored simple syrup. I used rosemary and I was pleased with the results. I know it's not quite spring or summer yet but this helped me get through the day. Bring on Summer, Mother Nature, you can keep your wintry mix!

Elusive Moose...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:54:00 +0000

My obsession with moose began at summer camp in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. I'm not really sure how it came about but my goal that summer was to see a moose. My campers would mail me care packages after their sessions at camp had ended. In one of my care packages, was a stuffed moose and a note stating something like, "...this is the only moose you'll see this summer..." Although I hate to admit it, still to this day that camper was right- there was no moose sighting that summer. Sure you see street signs for Moose Crossing but I've still yet to see a moose crossing the street.

I know some may find the moose to be down right ugly but there's something about them. Maybe it's just their elusive ways? After seeing this:

image, by Kevin Marple, in D Magazine

I started to wonder if I could do something similar, only with a faux moose head? Currently, I'm brainstorming ways to make this happen. After all, I have oyster plates that I collect. I'd like to see them displayed. I think the perfect solution is to "class" them up with a faux moose head.

Then again, maybe I've seen one too many episodes of Duck Dynasty? I'll be sure to take photos of this project, if I ever make my moose dreams a reality!