Adventures in Snowshoeing

One our second to last day in Big Sky, my family took a break from skiing to create some fresh tracks via snowshoeing.  Think snowshoeing sounds like an easy workout?  Think again!  We hiked several trails, including "Bullwinkle" and "Creekside," through a snow cloaked national park.  Sure enough, the sky was blue and big, very fitting for this cozy town of the same name.  While we layered our clothes to stay warm, the bright shining sun warmed us as we hiked, illuminating the fluffy white snow.  

The scenery was beautiful, quiet and pristine.  The green trees dappled with snow, branches boasting fingers of icicles, sometimes you just had to stop and look around to take it all in.  There's nothing quite like a winter wonderland.  Plus the fun of creating our own trail of fresh tracks as we cheerily joked, "Hi Ho, Hi Ho," along the trail, (seriously we did, my sister has an entertaining video to prove it).

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Weeknight Baking: Olive & Sea Salt Challah

Alright, one recipe down!  I was inspired by my friend Anna who recently blogged about the ease of baking bread.  When flipping through Smitten Kitchen, I spied this recipe, fig, olive oil, and sea salt challah.  I omitted the figs for lack of ingredients on hand, and used wheat flour instead of white.  The final product was successful, the challah was slightly denser than what I was hoping for, but the flavor was intact. Next time, I'll be sure to use white flour for the authentic challah texture.  Looking back, challah was probably not the easiest choice for a first time baker, but overall, I was pretty pleased with my first attempt at bread baking.

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Quote of the Week

We just arrived back from Bozeman, Montana tonight, and two lovely new cookbooks were nestled on my doorstep, eagerly awaiting my return, Smitten Kitchen and Joy the Baker.  So excited to thumb through the glossy pages in anticipation of delicious eats!  For the remainder of my week off school, I'm going to attempt 1 recipe from each.  I unofficially decided that for Lent this year, I'm going to "eat healthier," so here goes nothing.  Thus, this quote seemed quite fitting for my weekend ahead.  And besides, who's going to argue with Julia?  People who love to eat really are the best people!

I'm honestly looking forward to this culinary endeavor, and hopefully I can stick to it! Are you familiar with either of these cookbook?  Any recipes you'd suggest I tackle first...?

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Big Sky

My family and I are off to Big Sky, Montana today to enjoy some R & R mountainside.  Can't wait for the fresh mountain air, lazy nights in front of the fire, warm cozy socks, and some quality family time.

Enjoy President's Day weekend!  Hopefully it's a long one for you as well.

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These Are a Few of my Favorite Things

Up until now, my favorite things have been products, but that all changes today.  Meet my latest Trader Joe's discovery...Gone Bananas!  

If you like bananas + chocolate, you are bound to love this!  Frozen banana slices dipped in chocolate, mmm!  I devoured about half the box upon first open, and then had to restrain myself to stop before returning to my freezer.  Healthier than a tub of Ben & Jerry's for sure, this is officially my new go-to after-dinner snack!

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Seeking Sonoma Tips

Dear Readers,

I am the matron of honor in my best friend's wedding this fall, and I'm in the process of planning a rockin' bachelorette party for her this summer in lovely Sonoma, California.  Picture this: ten lovely ladies hitting up the wine country for some quality girl time!  Can't wait!! We already have a superb pad rented as a home base...however, since I'm a novice in the region, I'm having a hard time discerning one winery from the next.  Having never been to the illustrious wine country myself; Napa, Sonoma, or elsewhere, I am in need of some guidance.

So I ask...Have you been to Sonoma?  

If the answer is yes, I'd LOVE your help, advice, and suggestions... What TO do, What NOT to do...  Hit me up!  We're in the mood for wine tasting, dining out, and other night life activities that ten lovely late 20's-early 30's gals can enjoy while sending their single friend out in style?  

Thank you in advance :)

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Quote of the Week

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These Are a Few of my Favorite Things

Okay, it's that time again, time for A Few of My Favorite Things.

Next up...Kiehl's Creme de Corps Body Butter, Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter.  

This bad boy is a hydrating lotion, body butter, and luxurious moisturizer all rolled into one tub of goodness.  Unlike most body butters, this one is not greasy in the slightest!  That is one thing I cannot STAND in a lotion.  Since I tend to run 5 minutes behind as opposed to 5 minutes ahead of schedule, I definitely like a moisturizer that absorbs quickly to allow me to jumpstart my day without leaving greasy handprints all over my house.

Plus, it has a lovely scent that's clean, sweet, and leaves a lingering subtle scent all day long, I just love!  While it's not the cheapest of body butters, I am confident my 12 oz. tub will last me a while.  

Ever tried it?  Any other Kiehl's products you love?  

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Happy Weekend

It's the weekend!  Hooray!  This morning, I slept into to ripe old hour of 8:00 AM (compared to my daily alarm blast at 5:15, this was heavenly).  A sign that I'm getting old?  Perhaps...

Some links, thoughts, and musings on this foggy Saturday morning, as I'm curled up on the couch alongside my cat, catching up on hulu, while dreaming of a piping hot brunch.  Anyone want to deliver any of these delectable eats to my doorstep?

+ Easy baked eggs

+ Pecan and brown sugar sticky buns

+ Strawberry chocolate french toast

+ Poppyseed quinoa pancakes

+ Gruyere popover sandwiches with fried eggs & spinach

+ Mashed potato and veggie strata

+ Strawberry skillet pie

Figured it couldn't hurt to ask?  Cereal it is!