Flatbread

Thin, crispy and topped with delicious ingredients.

 

Flatbread.

 

Homemade pizza is one of my go to meals so pizza dough can readily be found in my fridge. I have a few dough recipes I like but lately have been using hers. Sometimes however I am craving a more upscale version of the red sauce and mozzarella pizza. Enter the flatbread.

 

 I like that when I make flatbreads my dough goes twice as far since I half the amount used to ensure the crunch I crave. On a whim once I rubbed white balsamic all over my rolled out dough and it was spot on! It adds divine flavor as it soaks into the crust and offers just a hint of sweet to contrast the salty goodness I like to sprinkle on. 

 

When I made this flatbread last night (my hubby and I were on a strange eating schedule and decided to feed the kids early and enjoy our little flatbread with a glass of white wine over our new favorite hulu show Blue Bloods once everyone was down for the night). It came together in about 20 minutes, start to finish and was so good! Nate even commented that it was better than anything we could order anywhere. It was pretty good and to be honest we were really hungry which never hurts in making something taste amazing.  I sprinkled freshly grated parmesan cheese liberally all over, tossed bits of smoked bacon I had left over from another meal, some goat cheese and the white balsamic.

 

It was good! If you have never experimented with flavor/ingredient combinations on a flatbread then I highly urge you to start! I have done some random pairings and somehow a flatbread always makes them come together in a scrumptious way.

Let me know if you find a combination I need to try because believe me when I say flatbread is gonna be on the menu rotation for a while!

A talented woman

Handwriting has been an area of interest and fascination for me since first grade. When I stumble across handwritten notes or scribbled bits of paper at estate sales I feel as though I have found a little hidden treasure. People use to write with such flair!

 

More than sketching or drawing I usually find myself writing out words and embellishing them with a border of flowers or some poorly executed banner. It is therapeutic to scribble out letters on a page.

 

When I discovered my dear friend Joanna had a similar passion (and a superior talent) it thrilled me. Many times I glance over at her during our Bible study simply to see how she has filled the study's pages with the beauty that is her natural handwriting.  Lovely handwriting comes naturally to her. When little Eliza Mae was born one of the things Joanna brought me when she visited in the hospital was my babe's name, written out so perfectly. I hung it in her room as soon as I arrived home and love that it is both elegant and simple. I know I will always have it.

Well, just this past week Joanna decided to open an Etsy shop and basically I love every item in it. The prices are a steal-especially when you think of the fact that a Hallmark card costs as much as one of these handmade beauties. I was plotting Christmas gifts as I imagined framing a few lines from one of my family member's favorite hymns, or verses or books. What a special baby presents to give a friend with her newborns' name written out. Or send one of her prints in place of a letter to a dear friend with words to encourage their heart. The options really are endless with what these sweet pieces of artwork could be used for.

 

 

all images taken from Panner's Pen

 

Joanna of course has no idea I am doing this. She would be far too modest to allow it which is why I did not even ask her if she minded. (sorry Joanna) But please do go check out her shop and spread the word. She writes killer addresses for wedding invites (or Christmas cards) as well....just fyi. Find her shop here.

A little busy...

I could  come on here and say I have been so busy because I have four kids now. I could say I am so busy because I have a 2 week old. I could say I am not functioning because lack of sleep....but the honest reality of it all is none of those things are entirely true. The kids have been wonderful and helpful. Little Eliza Mae blends in flawlessly to our family and she sleeps at night. (WHAT?? A NEWBORN THAT SLEEPS?! I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE OF THESE AND IT IS THE BEST!!) The reason I have been a little busy is because time with a newborn is in turbo speed and it makes me all sentimental about her and all my babies growing up. I treasure new stages but find myself mourning the moving on from the tiny years. So, while this slim slice of time is slow and not too filled with scheduled demands I am doing all the cuddling I can. I like that kind of busy.

Store Opening

Naperville's Anthropologie Store Opening Preview

 

My sweet friend Leah invited me (and my littlest) to be her special guest at the Naperville's Anthro opening. It was so fun getting out and "window" shopping with a swarm of women who were as excited as I was to have an Anthro nearby (sorta nearby). There were delicious drinks (still daydreaming about them), a gelato station, finger foods brought to you as you browsed and the most upbeat and friendly staff ever. Everyone was dressed for the occasion and it was energizing seeing such unique and fashionable pieces since my world as of late has greatly lacked in that area.  Eliza slept the entire time and Leah gracious listened as I offered a running commentary on every clothing item in the store. What can I say-I haven't gotten out shopping much and I was on a high. Here are a few shots from the night of the lovely new store.   

Oh Anthropologie we love you, even if most of your price tags read $98 or more.

Candles

 

If you know me you know that I am living in my dream home. Our family has lived in it for just over a year and my love for it has not waned since the moment I first walked in the door. The house seems as if it was made for me...minus one thing. Just one.

 

A fireplace.

 

I would live by my fireplace in our last house. I spent hours letting that bonfire smell seep into my clothing and hair as it filled the entire house. I miss my fireplace. In effort to have something fill the void I was feeling I decided to jump on the candle bandwagon.

 

Candles have always been something I enjoy. The mood they set, the glow they give how candles transport life into a magical place. However, I never really understood scented candles. It seemed strange to me to come in a home smelling of sugar cookies only to discover that nothing had actually been baked. That disappointment paired with my association of scented candles being used to mask a bad smell while house hunting and you'll understand why candles of any scent never really had a place in my house. All that being said I made the leap into the scented candle world and I would love to share my favorites but more importantly glean from you all as to what candles I should be trying.

 

Below are my top three favorites as of right now.

 

 

 

1. Orange Clove

The name says it all. Not sickly sweet, tons of citrus balanced off with a spicy clove. I burned this one up far too fast and realize (too late) that it was limited edition at Anthro last year. I am hoping it comes back!

 

2. Autumn Night

A recent run to Bath and Body Works ended with the purchase of this candle. I enjoy how the scent fills the house and lingers in a subtle manner. The scent is reminiscent of men's cologne. I am drawn to more "masculine" scents when it comes to perfume as well as candles since they don't make the nose itch, they have a warmth to them and they are easy to smell for longer periods of time.

 

 

3. Volcano (I think that is the name) from Anthro

This candle is the only second purchase of the same scent I have ever made. Normally this scent can be purchased at Anthropologie and comes in a bright blue glass container. Last year however they had a special antiqued glass version of it for sale and I snatched it up. The glow of the light through the etched silver is romantic and festive. The brightness of this scent can be a little to dominating for me so I usually only have it burn for an hour max before needing to cover it up and put it away. Scent is one of our strongest memory triggers so I have no doubt that my main reason for loving this one is tied to the fact that Anthropologies usually have this sucker burning while you shop. Pleasant memory indeed!

 

So there you have my top three candles of the season....what are yours? Please, please share!