chocoholic torte

I made this torte for our neighborhood party

last Friday and it was a hit!

I thought I'd share the recipe.

Good for 12 people

12 oz chocolate (8 oz semi sweet + 4 oz bittersweet, I use ghirardelli)

2 T cocoa powder (ghirardelli again)

1 1/2 t cinnamon

1 t espresso powder

5 T flour

5 eggs

1 1/4 c sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter (1 c)

for top: powdered sugar, raspberries

10" springform pan w/removable bottom

1. butter + flour pan

2. set oven to 375

3. melt + stir butter + chocolate together over double boiler

until melted + smooth

4. beat eggs + sugar in mixer until it starts to thicken

5. add remaining dry ingredients to mixer + fold in slowly

6. slowly fold in melted chocolate to mixture so eggs don't curdle

7. pour into pan + bake approx. 30 + min. (check w/toothpick frequently after 25 min.

8. cool on rack

9. sprinkle top w/powdered sugar + serve with raspberries

rebecca taylor faux fur jacket

This jacket is the first to inspire me for Fall!

Rebecca Taylor's Faux Fur Bomber.

I would wear it with everything.

What a great look!

riotous ruffles...in fashion + form

Over-the-top ruffles as seen in one of my

all-time favorite shows, 'Sex in the City'.

Here Carrie Bradshaw in Paris!

Love this room, so simple but made whimsical + soft

with ruffle bedding + fun pillows.

Some ruffle inspirations I've gathered,

from Valentino to Urban Outfitters to Patagonia. See links below.

I love all the blush, cream + gray tones recently found in fashion...

...and the home

1. Ruffle Necklace by Maneggi at Etsy

2. Valentino Glam Stones Frame Clutch, see on Fashion Handbags New

3. Badgley Mischka "Randee" High Hell Ruffle Flower Sandals, Bloomingdales

4.Lora Paolo ruffled hoop earrings, Bloomingdales

5. Born Crown 'Ambrosia' Flat, Nordstrom

6. Pelage Jacket, Patagonia

7. Ruffle Layer Dress + Chino Ruffle Jacket, Crewcuts

8. Jessica Simpson Girls Slip on Boot, Macy's

9. Piazza Knit Dress, Garnet Hill

10. Worlds Away Capiz Lotus Pendant, Candelabra

11. Waterfall Ruffle Curtain, Urban Outfitters

12. Scallop Edge Mirror, Wisteria

13. Fringe Linen Pot Holder, Wisteria

14. Bone Photo Frame, Wisteria

15. Waterfall Ruffle Duvet, Urban Outfitters

16. Mixed Media Shag Rug, Urban Outfitters

Let's not forget what is does for dessert!