Monday, November 21, 2011

Weekend

This was the first weekend in a while where I didn't have homework.. Which was WONDERFUL! On Friday husband gave in and we bought our Christmas tree {he thinks it's way too early}. Lol. We had a few ornaments to put on it, but we need to buy more. Saturday we went to a going away party for my cousin who is going into the army, then Sil and Bil came over to hang out and we watched Bridesmaids. On Sunday Husband and I went to the mall, and he bought me an early Christmas present! I have been wanting a pair of Revas for a while, so I was excited to get a pair. I think I want them in silver, too! I also got my Christmas cards from Papyrus {obsessed with that store!}. I had on Essie's Smokin Hot. Love this color. Sorry if this is a bit choppy, I'm trying to hurry up as I have to get to my chem lab pretty soon here. Happy Monday!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Williams Sonoma Orange Spice Pumpkin Bread

This time of year, I am always looking to try new pumpkin recipes. I recently came across an AH-MAZING recipe from the Williams Sonoma website for pumpkin bread. This is the second time I have made it, but I forgot to buy an orange at the grocery store for the zest. Still turned out great though. There is also a glaze included in the recipe, which I didn't make because I don't like the extra sugar. I think this will be a go-to for every fall.













For the bread:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
10 Tbs. (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. finely chopped orange zest
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup pumpkin puree

Directions:
Have all the ingredients at room temperature.

Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 350°F. Grease a pumpkin loaf pan.

To make the bread, over a sheet of waxed paper, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and orange zest on medium speed until well blended, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and pumpkin puree and beat until incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture in two additions just until smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 15 minutes.

Recipe from Williams-sonoma.com

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Recents

Happy Saturday! Today is going to be such a busy day for Hubs and I. First, he wants to go to the Fiat dealership to see if he can trade in his 500 for a black automatic.. Or see when the Abarth comes out. Right now he has a gray manual, which he is getting really tired of driving. After that we are off to the in-laws to get the Mariner all cleaned up and ready to sell. Then I get to study for the rest of the day as I have 2 exams on Tuesday. What fun. Hopefully I can get a lot reviewed tonight so that I can relax a little tomorrow. :)

Decided to stock up on Christmas candles from Bath & Body Works. Can't wait to burn these, they smell YUMMM.


Recent OPI purchases. Suzi takes the wheel, uh oh roll down the window, warm and fozzie, and rally pretty pink.

Got all of these China Glaze on sale for 3.99 at Ulta! Super shimmery and way prettier in person. Ahoy, light house, and white cap.

This is Essie A-list. Gorgeous red, but a little patchy and had to use 3 coats.

My baby boy. Why do kitties ALWAYS look so perfectly snuggled when they sleep? I want to squeeze him! <3

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

New car! :)

For a while now husband and I have been thinking about getting me a new car, as my 2006 Mercury Mariner is starting to show its age. Now that hubs is a direct employee at Chrysler, we get pretty great discounts. I had my mind made up about getting a Jeep Liberty.. But when we got to the dealership, I saw a black on black Chrysler 200 Limited, and decided I wanted that instead. This car was a LOT nicer than I expected. I test drove it and we ended up buying it that night. So excited, I really love it! :D