Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies... With Cream Cheese Frosting

A few weeks ago, my friends and I got together for some wine, gossip, and eating. I, as always, volunteered to bring dessert. I was then going though recipes to try on my Pinterest page (do you follow me, you should? I have a great eye for food that's delicious... and not always good for you). The Viking and I were discussing options, I wanted these apple sauce muffins I used to make as a kid and he asked for oatmeal cream pies... Vikes went into the kitchen to see if I needed any oatmeal, while I inventoried what I needed (apple sauce, obvs.) and informed me that I have two big containers of oatmeal. Each container is two pounds... I have FOUR POUNDS of dry oatmeal. WTF. How does that even happen? Clearly I need to cook with more oatmeal... because four pounds of oatmeal isn't going anywhere.

So, I combined a few recipes of apple sauce cookies and oatmeal cookies, then found a few apple sauce oatmeal cookies. None of the ones I tried turned out well, so I created my own. As always, you are welcome.

Here's what you'll need:
1/4 C of soften butter (1/2 a stick)
1 C of brown sugar
1/2 C of white sugar
1 egg
1/2 C of apple sauce (I like the old fashioned, well blended, smooth type)
2 1/4 C of flour

1 3/4 C of oatmeal
1/2 t of baking soda
1/4 t of baking powder
1/4 t of sea salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line your cookie sheets with silicon, parchment paper, or spray it with some cooking spray (these guys are sticky!)

In a large bowl, cream your butter and both sugars together until smooth. Combine the rest of your wet ingredients (apple sauce and egg) until the batter is smooth. In the same bowl, add one cup of flour and one cup of oatmeal, and the rest of your dry ingredients (baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt). Mix until smooth. Mix in the rest of your flour and oatmeal, a little at a time, until everything is well blended.

Scoop out your batter (with a spoon or ice cream scoop) onto your lined cookie sheets. Keep them at least two inches apart - these guys have been known to spread out.

Bake for 14 - 16 minutes. Let cool (for 30 minutes) and frost! I recommend cream cheese frosting. 

                                    

Cream Cheese Frosting Perfected

Generally on Sundays, I try to attempt a new recipe or two. The fruits of these labors are then brought to dinner with family or friends that night or to work the following day. When you bring homemade cookies to the office, it's hard to have a bad Monday. From there, I have been known to discuss how relaxing I find baking. The speech then goes into "two sticks of butter, a cup of sugar" and I rattle off cookie ingredients with a giant smile. (I'm fully able to admit I lurv creating things in my kitchen).

You know what goes great with cookies? Frosting. As many of  aware, cream cheese is the best frosting ever.  If you disagree, clearly you're a communist I suggest you try this delightful frosting. It's so easy and adds the perfect sweet tang that you didn't even realize you cookie needed. 

Here's what you'll need:

1 8oz block of Neufchâtel cheese

2 cups of powdered sugar

1 tsp of vanilla

Use a stand mixer or hand mixer, add you softened cheese and one cup of powdered sugar. Mix it on low (you don't want ALL the powdered sugar exploding). Once it's well blended, add the next cup of sugar and the vanilla. Blend and blend. It magically turns into a smooth shiny frosting. Yum! Feel free to add more powdered sugar if you like your frosting a little dryer. (I do mine by look and taste... Because I've apparently had a ton of practice).

Yep, that's it. If you haven't jumped on the Neufchâtel bandwagon, welcome to it. It's just like cream cheese in flavor, but it's made with milk, versus milk and cream - like cream cheese. Being that it is milk in the fermentation process (cause that's how cheese is made...), it had less fat that regular cream cheese. It's also a little more moist than cream cheese. It's fantastic. 

A little food coloring and a piping bag and you'll have the perfect cupcake frosting too! But this batch goes to some delightful cookies!

Frosted Cookies

                                         

What's For Dinner: One Pot Turkey & Bean Chili

The name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but yum! This recipe has been handed down from my great grandfather (seriously) to my grandmother, who shared it with her daughter-in-law (my mother). The best part about this dish, besides it being really yummy, is that it is incredibly easy to personalize to your flavor palette. My grandmother makes it a hearty beef and tomato chili, my mother a spicy, low sodium turkey chili, and my sister makes it vegan! I personally am a huge fan of beans in my chili, but I also make mine a white chili. 

Technically it's name could be One Pot Three Bean White Turkey Chili. We all know it's an absurd name, so we just call it chili. 

For my One Pot White Chili, here's what you'll need:

1 lb of lean ground turkey

1 medium white onion

3 cloves of garlic 

1 8oz. can of tomato sauce

3 Cans of beans (I like pinto, great white northern, and black)

1 C of chicken stock (Or 1 can of cream of 
chicken soup, if you are feeling naughty)

1/4 tsp of cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp of red pepper 

1/2 tsp of taco seasoning

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Dice your onions and garlic and throw them in a big pot over medium-high heat. Once the onion starts to soften (and someone inevitably yells towards the kitchen how good it smells) add your meat and start to cook it. (Your meat can be fresh or frozen. It doesn't matter). 

While cooking your meat, chop it with your spoon into little pieces. Once it's starting to brown a little and look cooked, add your secret ingredient: tomato sauce. I don't know why it works so well, but it does. It adds that certain je ne sais quoi.


Add you chicken stock or cream o' chicken (seriously, just use what you have) and your beans. Canned, fresh, two cans, five cans - at this point it's entirely up to you what you like in your chili. Give your pot a big ole stir.


Now it's time for seasoning! I generally eyeball it, so the measurements at the beginning of the recipe are estimations.  Anyway, add paprika, red pepper, and cumin. Stir it again and see what you think. Then, add some taco seasoning (because yum) and some salt and pepper. Stir it again. Let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

That's it. So easy and so good! From my family to yours.

                                           

Hey Guys! Let's Make Cheese!

The Viking and I lurv to go to (and hold) small dinner parties (good food, great friends, and decent wine - is there really anything else as important?) As adults in modern American culture, one always offers to bring a dish or drink, usually I'm bring cupcakes (obvs), but while seeing if I can curb my insatiable sweet tooth, I was perusing the interwebz for something new to make and bring. I have been seeing cheese making kits and "easy" recipes for years, so I figure, why the heck not?

Thanks to my friend and yours, the interwebz, I've found that with 45 minutes and four ingredients (five, if you count water) you can have fresh mozzarella!

Anyway, on to the good stuff! My friends: an introduction to soft cheese making.

Here's what you'll need in your kitchen:
1 Large Stock Pot (should hold over a gallon)
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Digital Thermometer
1 Long Spatula or the like (needs to reach the bottom of your pot)
1 Strainer/Colander
1 Microwave Safe Bowl
Kitchen Rat/Assistant - Optional

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp of Citric Acid
1/4 c of Water
1 Gallon of Whole Milk
1/4 tsp of Vegetable Rennet
1 c of Water
1 tsp of salt (rough estimate - salt to taste)

Certainly you can find Citric Acid wherever you can find canning supplies. Rennet is a little more difficult, but is easy enough. A lot of places where you can gets craft beer supplies will carry rennet. If you can find either, live somewhere remote, or just want to do what I did, you can by them here and here.

To begin, measure your citric acid into your stock pot. Add 1/4 c of water to dissolve the acid granules. Then add the milk. Over medium heat, bring your liquid up to 90 degrees. Your milk might start looking slightly curdled. This is totally normal. (You'll want to do this slowly, so you can control the temp. If the mixture gets too hot, the cheese curds will compact, causing you to have firmer, smaller cheese.)

Remove your pot from your heat source. Measure out a cup of water and add the rennet in the same
measuring cup. Then add it to your milky mixture. Stir swiftly for 30 seconds. Slow the motion to a stop with your spoon.

Let the milky mixture sit for five minutes.

You have now created Little Miss Muffett's BFF: Curds and Whey. The curds are the white part and the slightly yellowed water is whey - which is FULL of protein.

Once your five minutes are up, grab your long handed spatula-esk tool. Make a grid of your now slightly solid milky mixture. Return your pot to the heat. Heat the whey up to 115 degrees. Again, slowly to control your temperature.

Once you reach your desired temp, remove your pot from its heat source. Using your slotted spoon, separate your curds into your strainer (which can be placed over your microwave safe bowl).

You now have a HUGE decision to make. Okay, not really huge, but you do have a fun decision. At this point, you can dump your whey and get that giant pot out of your cooking space. OR, you can save your whey and use it for cooking, or baking. I've heard you can use the whey for an additive to baked goods, though I don't currently have a recipe for you, since I am TERRIBLE at yeast cooking. Though I intend to get better at it... and then blog about it.





Back to the Cheese:

Shake your strainer and remove as much excess whey as you can. Dump the whey from your microwave safe bowl. Put the almost cheese into the bowl and heat it on high for one minute in your microwave.

When it comes out it will be super hot, but start to look a little smooth. Dump the whey from the bowl and pick up your almost cheese. Squeeze it and begin to knead it together.

Return the almost cheese into the microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds on high. Once this is done, pull out your cheese and dump your liquid. Add salt. Again, crazy hot (be careful). Fold the almost cheese together a few times. Pinch off some of the soon to be cheese for a taste. Does it need more salt? Add some in!

Throw it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue to dump the liquid and knead the cheese. It will actually start to take shape like the picture. If your cheese feels a little lumpy, go ahead and microwave it for 30 seconds again. If you cheese feels super smooth and starts to turn itself into a ball, assist it into the shape. Then put it in an ice bath.

Be patient for 10 minutes.

Now, my friend, you have cheese! Dress it with fresh herbs, olive oil, pesto, balsamic glaze, slice it, add it to pizza, or just take giant chunk out. Mostly, enjoy it!

                               

Dandelion: Greatest Flower Ever

Yeah. I said it. That weed of which people try to rid their yards. The "flower" only appreciated by small children. You may be familiar with some of its work, maybe poking through sidewalks? Yep. That's the one. It's AMAZING.

First, did you know it's leaves make a delightful, bitter salad additive? Schmancy restaurants are starting to feature it. Seriously. 

But we're here to talk about the root. Specifically, the root made into a tea. Have you tried it? I would certainly love to hear your opinions on it. If you haven't, my friend, you are in for a treat. While we all understand the benefits of herbal teas (Sleepy time for anti-stress, what what!), I had not tried dandelion root tea until a few months ago. I had read about some mildly frightening blend of water, tea, and additives that will MAKE YOU SKINNY!!!1!!!1! As we know, I'm a skeptic until I've tried it. And I certainly don't believe in any magic drink, pill, or serum. 

Time and time again, we are shown the only way to lose weight and keep it off it diet and exercise. 

I'm not one for diet or exercise. I try to stay active and not eat cupcakes for every meal. But, all that cupcake eating and cheese making (and obviously eating) can make a gal feel a little gross the next morning. This is where dandelion root tea comes in. 

A cup or two of this magical stuff throughout the day (the box suggests one bag per cup, but to three times a day) and the next morning... Less bloat. Dandelion root apparently helps rid your body of excess water weight. 

This tea isn't going to make your fairy godmother appear out of this air, but it will certainly help you feel better tomorrow (and so will a few veggies).

Football Party Bean Dip

I am a college football fan. Professional football, in my humble opinion is only good for beer and food. Otherwise it's a bunch of superstitious crazies or bandwagon "I live near here, so I'm going to be a fan" types. Bah. College football is way better to watch.

Living in a part of the country that adores football and there being a mildly large game tonight... I wanted to share my favorite go to for a football viewing party. Mexican Cheesy Bean Dip!!!

It's so crazy easy.

2 cans of refried beans
8oz. cream cheese
8oz. sour cream
1 pk taco seasoning
2 C cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 350. In a big bowl, combine the beans, cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and 1/2 c of cheese. Spread it in a 9 x 13 dish (consider a disposable baking pan if you are not hosting) and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes or so.

Done!

It's so good! I suggest a strong tortilla chip or one that can scoop easily. It's pretty heavy and you're going to want to eat a lot. For healthier options - consider vegetarian or fat free refried beans, skim milk mozzarella cheese, low fat or fat free sour cream, and neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese (it takes nearly the same, but has less fat). Also consider ranch or fajita seasoning or hot sauce for a fun twist.

Maxi Dresses: No Longer a foe

This spring, I finally gave into the maxi dress. Though I'm not a short person, I am by no means tall. As we know, from the rules of fashion: a solid color with no discernible shape can make you look short. Thanks dress, but I don't need any help with that.

Naturally, I have always leaned towards minis, because not only do short hemlines give the appearance of longer legs (thus making you seem taller), I also live in Florida. And it gets super hot here. But there comes a time in one's life when you need to start considering the appropriateness of your hem lengths. If you aren't at the height of your fitness or if you're over the age of 23, you might want to consider a mid length short or a dress that hits just above the knee.

But maxis are the focus here. How do you wear a maxi!? If you're over 5'7, don't even worry. Maxis are meant for you and look great.  For the rest of us who aren't build like super models, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- If you're petite, don't opt for an overly large pattern. They can overwhelm your body and make the dress look like it got hungry and ate you as a snack. 

- If you're busty, try not to go strapless - the ladies need support. 

- Alternatively, if you aren't as well endowed, feel free to look for ruffles or sweetheart necklines. 

- Consider your body type, what necklines work best on you? What about pencil, A-line, or full skirts? Same goes for your dresses, right? The rules still apply with a maxi. 

- Structure is key. Maxis are generally thought of as flowing summer dresses. So, look for ruching, darts, pleats, or my personal favorite anything you can belt.

If all else fails: buy a solid color, wear it with tall wedges and a few layered necklaces. Boho chic is here to stay.

Homemade Kahlua

When I was visiting family a few weekends ago, my lovely aunt shared this with me... and it was so delicious, I figured I should share it with you!

Homemade Kahula

2 1/2 c  Boiled Water

4 c White Sugar

2 oz Instant Coffee

2 t Vanilla

1 Pint Vodka

1 Pint Brandy

Directions: Boil the water. Add all the ingredients. Let cool. Drink. A lot.

So easy, right? And SOOOO good.

Water

For anyone that knows me, they know I drink a lot of water. All the time. And there is a reason for it: I feel better when I do.

When I was little, I wasn't a fan of overly sugary or tart juices (which eliminates ALL of them), my mother wouldn't let me have caffeine (shocking, right?) and my parents found out I was slightly allergic to milk (based on all my other allergies, it's not very shocking), so I got to drink a lot of water.

Well, I very quickly came to love the pure, cooling taste of a glass of water. I don't care if it's room temperature, chilled in the fridge, or even a little warm from the sun. I feel amazing after I drink it.

Funny enough, I actually notice the benefits of my excessive water drinking when I don't drink enough. I get a headache, my skin feels tight, my lips feel chapped and I feel bloated. Those symptoms are all pretty high on the horrific scale for me, so, I drink water.

If you drink as much water as I do, I implore you to get reusable glass/cup/container. If you're being good to yourself, you should also be good to the environment.

White. Wear it Now.

Don't wait until memorial day. And don't worry about wearing it after labor day. If it feels right, go for it!

I have a pair of white jeans from my friend and yours, Michael Kors. It's a safe bet to assume I have been wearing them for a few weeks now! But also great white things to consider:
- A white dress (maybe with some turquoise or red coral jewelry)
- A white blazer over a bold sheath dress.
- A white oxford shirt... with everything!
- A white chunky knitted cardi over your bathing suit.


White is a color that should be in every wardrobe, regardless of the season. Make sure they aren't too sheer and wear nude supportive undergarments, and you'll be set for summer. And as a side note... white sets your skin off to give you a bit of a tan.

Current Obsession: Chalkboard Paint

Recently I've been redecorating my house and saw a Jonathan Adler mirror that I HAD to have. Unfortunately, it was going to set me back roughly $600.  Ouch! I would much rather buy a pair or two or three of shoes. As some of you know, I spend a bit of time trolling Etsy.com via the interwebz, and figured I could find a Jonathan Adler-esque mirror. Three million mirrors... not one scalloped mirror. But I did run into a lot of vintage mirrors and frames that had been turned into chalkboards. Unfortunately the size I wanted didn't exist. As a problem solver and an obsessive crafter, I decided to make one!!!

Obstacle #1: Find a mirror or frame. After keeping my eye out for a few months, I found a pretty good sized old mirror at a garage sale. Cheap, interesting, cool. Sold. 

Obstacle #2: Find chalkboard paint. (I'm sure some of you knew that this magical substance exists... but some of you may not.For those of you who didn't know, you can go to your local hardware or craft store and pick up a handy can of paint that will turn ANY surface into a chalk board.) I opted for the spray paint and it set me back a solid $5. 

Obstacle #3: Paint. 

So I did. And I love it. Now, my biggest issue... I want to paint everything with chalkboard paint!!!! Any ideas?

Agave Nectar of the Gods

Let it be known, I love agave nectar.

When my sister said to me three years ago "agave nectar is a common honey replacement in vegan households" I scoffed. A honey replacement. Please. Could never happen. 

Fast forward to about a year ago, I was house sitting for my parents. As always, I was looking for a snack. And as always, my mother's pantry is filled with nuts. (Some of you may or may not know, I'm allergic to nuts.) I did find one bag of healthy choice popcorn. Barf. But I needed something to munch. So, I grabbed four bowls and divided the popcorn amongst them. One bowl was kept plain, one with cocoa powder, one with Old Bay seasoning, and one with, whomp whomp, agave nectar. 

And at that moment, my life was changed. Yum! Within the next week, the honey at my house was gone and replaced by agave nectar. 

Agave nectar, if you haven't tried it, is light and sweet. It is less sticky than honey, doesn't give you that horrible throat scratch when you've had too much, and has a light fruity, vanilla taste at the very end. 

Try it with your tea or coffee, to sweeten cookies, or my favorite with goat cheese on crusty french bread. Yum! The best part, yes, it's vegan. No animals are harmed when it is made AND it comes from a plant, so you aren't destroying an animal's habitat and hard work, just to sweeten your biscuit. Yep, agave nectar is great on biscuits too! You've never tried it? You can thank me later.

White Jeans... Let's Discuss

A summer staple for some, yet the bane of others' existence. 

Where do you stand on the issue?

Personally, I love a good pair of jeans in a modern cut (loved my white flairs in college). Currently I have a pair of white skinny jeans from your friend and yours, Michael Kors, which will be making an appearance all summer long. So, get excited. I'm a huge fan of pairing my white jeans with a draped top with a pop of color. Or with a black top and tons of turquoise jewelry. 

With white jeans, if they are poorly cut, they only accentuate your flaws. Also, as we know, lighter colors highlight, while dark tend to minimize things. From that, naturally you can conclude, unless your jeans fit well, they will not be attractive.Another thing to keep in mind, the thickness of the denim. White can be see through, so a thicker denim is obviously a wise choice. 

Don't settle for the first pair you find, chances are they won't fit perfectly and they will be too sheer.  But when you do find the perfect pair, and you are a white jeans fan, go for it.

What to Wear on a Date

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must date. We date, in hopes of one day, finding the right person. A partner, a companion, and who knows maybe even the parent of your child (if you so choose). No pressure, right? Actually, there isn't! A date is similar to an interview... but here's the thing, you are both interviewing each other. If you like each other, go out again. If you don't... don't. Simple as that. 

Since appearances are important, whether we like it or not... here are a few ideas of what you might want to wear on your date. 

Casual - The first few dates you will go on, will probably be casual, 'get to know you" sort of places. As you may or may not have guessed by now, I'm a fan of dresses. I think they are cute, flirty, and are appropriate for most every situation (plus that added air conditioning in the summer helps!) What's even better, dresses can be dressed up or down - so if you're going somewhere new and you're not sure how fancy you need to be, grab your "go to" dress. Add some fun accessories and heels or a statement necklace and some great flats. That way, regardless of the place you go, you'll be comfortable (and not too over or under dressed.) Other options, jeans and a fancy top - depending on your build, wear whatever is best suited for your body type. Obviously, you want to look your best, but also like you're not trying too hard. For guys, wear your favorite jeans and a cool concert t-shirt or a button down with the sleeves rolled-up. Flip flops or loafers, depending on what kind of guy you are. 

Dressy - Chances are, getting dressed up won't be your first date (unless you're in high school and you're going to homecoming together... but none of you are in high school... that I know of.) You're getting a little more into dates... and it's time to make sure the person you're dating isn't a total farm animal. You'll go to a nicer restaurant and maybe a special event - what then? Obviously, you're not going to wear what you once considered perfect during your single days. Granted, you're still single, just not exactly the same way as you were before. This is a great time to pull out some of your favorite dresses, heels, and accessories. For guys, don't be afraid to wear a well fitting suit! If that's too much for you... a button down and dress pants will always be fine. Also, consider investing in a nice pair of loafers or driving shoes. You'd be surprised how quickly they dress an outfit up. 

Night Out - The trickiest date of them all when you are starting to date someone. Here are some questions to help you figure out what to wear. What kind of night out will it be? Have you been to this place before? Have any of your friends ever been there? The best thing to do, if you've never been to this place before is ask your date (if they suggested it.) Is it a dive bar or more of a lounge? For ladies: this is a great time to pull out your hot skinny jeans and a funky top that may or may not have been purchased at Urban Outfitters (or some place equally as "trendy" and possibly a little younger than how you might need to dress). If you are a dress kind of girl, don't wear your littlest "single girl" dress, but wear the one you like the best and feel awesome. (Hey, if the date doesn't work out... you might meet someone else! But hopefully it works.) If you're a guy, go for jeans or my personal favorite denim cut non-jeans - a vital addition to any closet.

With these suggestions in mind, you're on the right track. The most important thing, be comfortable. If you're uncomfortable, your fidgeting and discomfort will only rub off on your date and make them perceive that you make them uncomfortable... not exactly the best feeling to give a date, huh? Relax, be comfortable, and most importantly, have fun!

Denim Cut - Non Jeans

Do you have a pair or two? No? We're in a fight until you do. 

I, like everyone else, love jeans. They are comfy, they look great, go well with everything... and are so ubiquitous. Have you ever noticed when packing for a trip you want to feel like you have too many outfits that revolve around your jeans? Here is a great time for denim cut - non jeans to take come to the rescue. They fit as well as jeans and go with just as much. 

It doesn't matter if they are brushed cotton, khaki, twill, whatever... they can be any fabric. And they can be found at almost any store at almost any price point. It's a great alternative to the everyday monotony of looking like everyone else.

Letter to the Editor: Floral Shoes

Dear NattilyNatalie,

I've just purchased a pair of floral heels that I love! However, I would love some dos and don'ts on how to wear them. Is it okay to wear one of the colors in the print as a solid dress to pair with, or is that too matchy-matchy? If wearing with jeans, how to drew attention to them and what kind of top/accessories will help them pop?

Sincerely, 

Your Loyal Reader

Hey LR!

I LOVE floral shoes. Really, I love any shoe with a print. I love the challenge and then once you figure out your challenge, they suddenly become a vital part of your wardrobe.

With floral printed shoes (and other colorful patterns) squint your eyes. What is the color that pops out? Whatever that may be, that is the color is goes with best. You can wear it with a dress of that color and then a cardigan or little blazer of a very opposite color that "goes with it" Aim for bright -it's Spring, after all! The pops of color would be a great way to make sure it's not too matchy-matchy.

Here's the thing with floral printed shoes, they are so uber-girly, that you immediately need to toughen them up, so that they don't look like frilly fuss shoes.

For work: A pencil skirt, bright cardigan (maybe kelly green) buttoned and belted, some classic silver jewelry and your hair in a knotted funky bun. 40's sex kitten secretary is a great way to have fun with these shoes. 

For play: Skinny jeans or black pants (to keep the focus), a bright top (maybe neon yellow?), and a long strand (at least 22") of pearls, and a leather jacket. Lady like dressy, with some edge. 

Other outfit options to consider: A leather shift dress (get the juxtaposition between the sexy and tough of the leather and the sweet of the shoes); a black or navy romper with a stack of enameled bangles (dressy, yet playful); or a solid A-line skirt and a chambray button down, knotted at the waist (modern, classic Americana). 

Hope this gives you a few ideas to start with. With fun shoes, especially prints, the options are endless!

xoxo
N

Fun Date Ideas

Whether you just started dating or you've been married for years and years, date night is something I think is necessary to all relationships - and something I've seen my parents do almost weekly since I can remember. They're still together after 30+ years - so I'm fairly certain they are doing something right. It might not be ALL about date night, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it helps to take a little time to spend together - just the two of you. 

Dinner... movie... Blah Blah Blah. No thanks. Let's make it interesting. 

- Go to the local farmer's market together. You can buy each other thoughtful and yummy presents! You can pick up flowers, fresh veggies, and tons of other local goods. And don't even get me started on the people watching!
- Get active! Play mini golf, go bowling, go ice skating... something fun and exciting. It will get your blood pumping and whether you're terrible or the best ever, you'll be laughing the whole way. 
- Go to a local "point of interest". You may think these are just for tourists... but really, when was the last time you went to the local botanical garden? Never? It's a great place to explore and spend some time together. 
- Drive to the next town over and explore!
- Go to a grocery store that you don't normally visit, pick out food together and prepare a meal together at home.  
- Google: Local vineyards. Who doesn't love a wine tour? Bet you didn't know there are even a few near our tiny beach town. 
- A personal favorite of time... get friends together, everyone brings a dish and a bottle of wine. Eat, drink, and be merry. 
- A day at the beach or the park. Bring a blanket, lunch, some music, and a Frisbee. 
- Go to a theme park or the fair... Let your inner kid come out!
- Check out GroupOn or LivingSocial. They always have great activities you probably didn't know were even out there... and they are cheap! Kite Boarding? Beer School? It's all been available in the past week.
-  Take an art class together, painting, pottery, anything working with your hands. It will be fun and you'll have a little memento.

Don't be afraid to get creative. If you're an established couple, you might learn something new about your partner. If it's someone new, you'll learn very quickly what their comfort zone is and if it matches yours (or if it's something you want nothing to do with).

Fried Goat Cheese Salad

Last week at dinner and decided I wanted something light to eat. So I ordered a spinach salad... But it wasn't a regular salad. It was a magical salad. It was fresh spinach, a hibiscus infused agave vinaigrette, with mandarin oranges. Yum. But it gets better. On top was inch thick disk of fried goat cheese.

Holy Crap!

For those of you who have never indulged in fried goat cheese.. you are missing out. It's crunchy, savory, fully of flavor, and mixed with the hibiscus infused vinaigrette - how perfect. It was one of those meals that makes you stop and savor the moment. It was heaven.

Change the World

They say the best etiquette is to make others feel comfortable. Selfless giving is something we can all do to help change the world.

Now, one of the best series I've read in years, the Hunger Games and the UN World Food Programme have joined forces. Check out this website and help change the world!!

Hunger Games & World Food Programme

Basically... be a badass like Katniss. 

Age Appropriate

Over the past few weeks, I've had multiple conversations with friends about women dressing their age. This seems to have become a bit of an issue for people. I for one, though in my late-ish 20s, have been known to wear cardigans and pearls, and I realize it can learn towards the dowdy side.

Alternatively, we live in a world where women of a certain age are rewarded for looking much younger than their actual age. Botox, augmentations, fillers, lypo. It can get extreme. If that's what you need to feel better about yourself, go for it. But really a healthy diet, some exercise, and really good moisturizer will make a HUGE difference.

As they say, 50 is the new 30. Wrong. 30 is still 30 and 50 is still 50. With that in mind, here are a few tips to think about, the next time you are shopping or getting dressed.

- If your clothes are in odd sizes (5,7,9) chances are the don't fit correctly. Why, you ask? Because clearly you purchased those in the junior's section. Juniors is for teenage girls - not adults. Sure the clothes may be cheaper, and we know how I love a good bargain. But really, the cut is completely wrong for any sort of curve and the quality is frightening. Seriously, you would have to purchase 3 pairs of pants in juniors to get the wear out of one pair of pants from an adult store. 

- Cover yourself. If you have lots of tattoos or lacy things, consider the environment you're in. I'm all for self expression - if you've got tattoos and love them, show them off. But obviously you're not going to show your whole sleeve while you're at work in your corporate office. Or say you've decided to wear your new lacy bra... I'm not entirely sure why you'd want to expose it - though I've seen it twice in the past month. Here's the best way to expose your lacy bra, and not look like trash. Wear a deep v sweater or cardigan and pants (please wear pants with this!) and let a tiny bit peak out. A little sexy, a little trashy. But if you're uncomfortable or if you're anything other than a 0, like the rest of us, you might want to consider buying a top with lace details and just giving a nod at the trend.

- If you're going to make a terrible fashion decision, like overalls (terribly unflattering to ALL body shapes), don't try to sexy it up.  Embrace your decision and wear some camo with it. Or better yet, burn, sell, or give away your overalls.

- A really good rule of thumb to work by, when getting dressed to go out, if you're going short on the bottom (and I implore you to consider what length of short is appropriate) cover up on top. If you are being a little revealing on top, cover more on the bottom, say... with pants. Novel, yes. It will also get you the type of attention you desire, rather than attention from bikers and creeper that wear Ed Hardy.

- What it comes to accessories, your mother was right, less is more. A few classy accessories will make any outfit, while piles of cheap mall accessories will make you look just that - cheap.

- If your dress is a tube dress, gold, skin tight, with cut outs - You look like a whore. I don't care if you are 15 or 50. This dress is entirely too over the top and has too many trashy elements going on. Even if it's a planned party where everyone is dressing like complete hookers - you don't HAVE to win this round, dignity will be better to have in the end.

The key to dressing your age is to embrace your body, no matter the size, accessorize with pieces you love, be proud to be you, and most importantly, when in doubt, cover up. Dressing age appropriately will make people take you more seriously and will ultimately help you out in life. Why not try it?