Monday, August 29, 2011

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

rebecca taylor faux fur jacket

This jacket is the first to inspire me for Fall!
I would wear it with everything.


What a great look!

Friday, August 5, 2011

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!