'Steel'-ing the Scene.

{essie}

A precious shade of molten steel, so hot you can almost hear the sizzle! {pretty much the perfect shade for New Year's in Palm Springs}

Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right this time. Goodbye 2011, hello 2012!

Baked Brie with Dried Cranberries and Pistachios.

My mom made this tasty appetizer before Christmas dinner and it was de-lish! So decedent, it's practically dessert.

Ingredients:

8-ounce wheel Brie
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios
1-2 tablespoons honey

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the Brie on a rimmed, ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with cranberries and pistachios. Bake 10-15 minutes, until the cheese starts to ooze out the bottom a little. Let cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the honey over the cranberries and nuts. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

Serves 6-8.

Enjoy!

3 Things.

It's hard to believe it was December in Santa Cruz with how gorgeous the weather was. After 5 days off relaxing with family, I can’t help wish I was still waking up at the beach. Christmas in Santa Cruz is the best, but I can’t help look forward to heading down to Palm Springs for New Years. Until then, here are a few {of so many} reasons why the holiday was especially fabulous.

 1. Beach Christmas.

2. A trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium followed by a picnic overlooking the water.

3. Ziggy playing in the sand {probably his #1 favorite thing to do} and now I have one tired pup to show for it.

Merry, Merry.

{last year's Yreka table setting}

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel

I wish you all a wonderful holiday with family & friends!  x

Pear Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Honey & Almonds.

Seems I’ve found myself enjoying these delectable treats {so good it’s practically dessert} at Barbacco quite a bit lately and was inspired to come up with my own variation. Keep on getting engaged, girls. I’m loving all the celebrating going on!

Ingredients

• 8 slices crusty bread of your choice, toasted lightly
• 2 ounces Goat Cheese
• 1 Pear or Apple, sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons sliced Almonds, toasted

Directions

Lightly toast slices of bread in 350 degree oven for 5-6 minutes. Spread each piece of bread with a thin layer of goat cheese. Fan 4-5 slices of pear over the goat cheese and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle the top of each with the sliced almonds.

Enjoy!