aka Best Apple Pie Ever!

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I want to preface this by saying it’s not my Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie. I don’t have a Grandma Ople, but just the name alone should tell you how good it is! I originally found this recipe 7-8 years ago, and I’ve never looked for another apple pie recipe since!

I always make it over the holidays (only just now getting around to blogging it!), and it’s always one of the pies that disappears the quickest! Well, it’s usually a tie between this one and the Pumpkin Layer Pie. We usually have 6+ pies or…about 1/2 a pie for each family member in attendance haha.

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie (pre-marriage and kids, I made my own, but I cheat now and buy store bought. Nobody complains, and then I have time to do lattice!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
8 Granny Smith Apples (cut, peeled, and sliced) I used Honeycrisp this last time, because that’s what I had, and it was a mistake. It was too watery 😦 BUT…every time I’ve used the Granny Smith apples it’s been perfect. And it sounds like a lot, but it’s a mountain of yumminess!!!

Directions

Peel and then cut all your apples. I usually do them in 1/2 inch slices.
Melt butter in a sauce pan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add white sugar, brown sugar and water; bring to a boil. Reduce temperature, and simmer 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Lattice isn’t as hard as it looks. I just cut mine in to strips and then started layering here and there. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off. A lot of reviews said to just mix the apples in with the mixture, but don’t! It makes this golden crispy sweet glaze on the top that is one of the best parts!
Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes.

Enjoy!!!

Vintage Clogs!

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I’m so excited clogs are coming back in style. Comfy, yet give your legs some length? YES, PLEASE!! I have a black pair that I got in 2002 for a trip to Italy that I pulled out of my closet and have been wearing a lot lately!

I’ve been wanting a pair of vintage open back ones, and then what do you know!? I dropped some clothes off at my neighborhood consignment store last week, and this beautiful pair was just waiting for me. And, they were free with the credit I had on file-SCORE!! I had found these for Maya at a thrift store a few months ago for $3.99!! They retail for $68 and are SO well made! Honestly, I’m not sure they are the most practical toddler shoe (for running and playing). They keep falling off when she runs, but maybe she’d get used to them? I hope she does! 😉 This is the first time she’s worn them outside of the house. She loves to clomp around the house though 🙂 One of my favorite things about this next one is the lone clog that was flung off 😉It was so funny…

Maya- Is that my shadow?

Me- Yup.

M- Is that MAYA?!

Me- {chuckling} Yup!

M- {As she’s trying to step on it, yet it keeps getting away from her} Is that Maya’s SHADOW?!

On me…

Sweater- Zara (last year, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Emma” in Bloom (C\O)

Clogs- Vintage Holje (Funky Jane’s Consignment, find some similar here)

On Maya…

Sweater- GapKids (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Whiteley (C/O)

Shoes- Sven Clogs (thrifted)

Keeping it Real…

Here’s an image that shows how I got the shot above of me holding Maya up in the air.

I placed the stand where I will end up being. The little toy at the end makes it easier to focus on :). I press the shutter halfway down to lock in my focus, and then switched it over to manual focus so it would stay focused on that spot. I then hit the timer, ran to where the stand was, asked Maya to jump to me, and there you have the above shot! One of thees days I will do another video that shows the whole thing. I know I keep saying that…

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Crème Brulee

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Crème Brulee! This is one of my all time favorite desserts. Chilled creamy custard is topped by a hard crunchy sugar crust. Serve with some fresh berries and garnish with mint. Yes – there are a lot of steps, but it’s SO worth it. I’ve made this three times now, and this recipe has not failed me yet!

Ingredients

4 cups chilled heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
pinch salt
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out
12 large egg yolks
8-12 tsps turbinado or demerara sugar (these are coarser sugars, but you can certainly use regular granulated sugar)

Directions

Set oven to 300 degrees and set a pot of water to boil over high heat.
Combine 2 cups of the cream, sugar and salt in saucepan
Add vanilla seeds including the pod and bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure sugar dissolves
Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse flavors
Place kitchen towel in bottom of large baking dish or roasting pan and arrange eight 4 or 5 oz ramekins on towel.
After vanilla has steeped, stir in remaining 2 cups cream to cool mixture.
Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl and whisk in about 1 cup of the cream mixture, repeat with cups of the cream mixture until all evenly combined
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or clean bowl (discard solids from strainer)
Pour or ladle mixture into ramekins
Now pour the boiling water into the dish holding the ramekins – taking care not to splash water into the ramekins and cream mixture – until water is about 2/3 of the way up the outside of ramekins
Bake about 30-35 until the centers of custards are just barely set – an instant read thermometer should register 170-175 degrees at this point
Transfer to a wire rack and cool at room temperature for 2 hours
Once cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, 4 hours or up to 4 days.
Uncover when ready to serve – remove any condensation that may have formed with a paper towel – and sprinkle each dish with 1 tsp sugar. Shake a little to distribute sugar evenly on top of custard.
Ignite torch and caramelize the sugar.
Ready to serve or return to refrigerator for no more than 45 minutes
Garnish with fresh berries

Comfy Sweaters and Moto Jeans…

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I’m a total sucker for little details on things…The diamond pattern at the knees… The zipper all the way up the calf? LOVE IT!Plus, they are ridiculously comfortable. I looove that so many denim brands are using really soft stretchy fabrics that hold their shape. BIG FAN!!

Oh, and the fact that the brand is “Mother Denim”?? Even better 🙂 And…I found a pair of moto denim for Maya thrifting!!! DYING!!! She was not in the mood for pics this day, so we kept it short and then just went and played. On me…

Sweater- Vince (Nordstrom Rack, sold out, similar here)

Top- Zara (ThredUp)

Jeans- Mother Denim “Speedster” (ebay, sold out, similar here)

Shoes- AirWalk (thrifted, similar here)

On Maya…

Sweater- GapKids (thrifted, but similar here)

Top- Naartjie (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- Ralph Lauren (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes-Tom’s (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Ok, yes. I’m that bad mom that still took the picture. I can’t help it. Even when she’s not in the mood, she’s adorable!!!

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

My search for the perfect black leather pants is OVER!

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I’ve mentioned many times my search for the perfect leather pants. I think we all know there is NO WAY IN &%$$ that I’m forking over $900-$1500, so of course my search has been limited to eBay, thrift stores, and Nordstrom Rack.

I’ve settled for really cool coated jeans (these are my favorite thus far!!!). I’ve even tried faux leather, but nothing has fit just right.

Until now…

I talked about the perfect pair of marbled copper ones I scored over the holidays on eBay for $50 that I wore here. Yes, $50!!!! Granted nothing will compare to that deal…

Then…I came across a listing for one of my favorite denim brands on one of my favorite sellers site. The going price was $49 up until a few hours of them ending. I was hopeful!! And then, I got into “must.win.these.pants.” mode. I think all serious eBayers will know what I mean here. hahaha It really is sad how the adrenaline and competitiveness kicks in. But…it does. And I set an alarm in my calendar. :}

I know how perfectly this brand fits, and I read the reviews online of this particular pair-I wanted them! And then the countdown began. I may or may not have put off dinner “things are still cooking!!!” while I ran downstairs and hovered over my “confirm bid” to be able to hit it in the last 5 seconds, because my phone sometimes delays. Sad??? ABSOLUTELY!! But…I ended up getting these GORGEOUS leather pants that were regularly $995 for…$89!!! New with tags!! I’m not going to lie. My bid was A LOT higher than this, because I wanted them so bad!! When it ended, I had to do a double take. Then I practically skipped upstairs to make dinner!!! 🙂 Oh, and I’ve mentioned before that they are the perfect mom pants. Maya’s boots were so muddy, but a little wipe with a wet wipe, and my pants were good as new! Then there’s the fact that they suck you in (WIN!!!). She kept twirling on her own, and then getting dizzy. I totally remember doing that all the time as a kid…Then she kept getting into my purse. First for Tic Tacs, and then she found a protein bar. I told her she couldn’t have it, but for some reason she thought it was hilarious to balance it on her head 🙂 A lot of times the bright sun can be your worst enemy for pictures. And then…it’s your best friend. On me…

Jacket-Levi’s (thrifted, similar here)

Top- Free People “Two to Tango” (Nordstrom Rack, sold out, similar here)

Pants- Genetic Denim (eBay sold out, similar here and here)

Shoes- Superga (thrifted)

On Maya…

Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)

Denim Vest- Gap DIY fron a jacket 🙂 (thrifted, but similar here)

Dress- Cyrillus (thrifted, but similar here)

Tights- GapKids (thrifted, but similar here)

Boots- Baby Quiz (thrifted, similar here)

Keeping it Real…

90% of the time we really do have as much fun as it looks like we are having. Then there’s the other 10%. When Maya is just full of sass, running away from me, not listening, etc. I walked to the car at the end of this adventure SO ready to put her down for a nap. On the way home, she was all slumped over in her car seat, and I asked

“Were you being difficult because you were tired?”

One word. “Yes.”

And then I laughed. And she laughed, and all the crankiness was forgotten.

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

My comfort zone…

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I tend to wear the same thing (or version there of) most days. But really, what fun would that be to photograph? It’s not like I wear things totally different on days that I take pictures. However, there’s something fun about thinking of new ways to wear things, or digging through my closet to find things I haven’t worn in a while. OR…having an excuse to wear things I’ve just recently scored 😉

What I feel most comfortable in though is a comfy jeans, a tee/sweater, and slip on shoes of some sort. Oh, and usually the top is white, cream, gray, or black 🙂

So…this is me in a nutshell. There was this totally magical fog layer that was just hovering over the city. Just before we got there it was curling around the Space Needle. It was so pretty. There were actually a few tourists out taking pics too. Yeah, don’t mind us haha ;} In this shot, there was a tourist (girl in her early 20’s I’d guess) taking pics off the end of the pier. She turned around and started taking pics of Maya dancing. This is Maya looking at her. Not really so sure about someone else also taking her pic haha. I’d LOVE to see the picture! Later on when we were down on the rocky beach I asked if she wanted me to take her picture. She said yes, but could Maya get in the shot with her? Of course Maya went up and gave her a big hug. Too cute 🙂 Gah!! Her little fingers always get me. But the look below? I want to just eat her up!!!! On me…

Scarf- Banana Republic (old, similar here)

Sweater- Halogen (Nordstrom Rack, similar here)

Jeans- Joe’s Jeans “The Skinny in Sloane” (Nordstrom Rack, similar here)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted)

On Maya…

Vest- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Tunic- Gap (ThredUp)

Pants- Gap (ThredUp)

Boots- Zulily (search Link Boots)

Keeping it Real…

I don’t always get the self timer just right haha 😉

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Shepherd’s Pie

Chunky Hand Knits + Leather Pants

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I went over to my parents house a while ago and saw this sweater in a bag that was supposed to be “donated”. Except…I recognized it as a sweater that my dad had knitted himself, so I grabbed it! I mean, I couldn’t let a gorgeous hand knitted by my father sweater go!! It was a little big for the Huz, but oversized comfy knits are the best, so I stole it for my own! 🙂 And honestly, I’ve been wearing it almost every night around the house ever since…And…I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect leather pants for over a year now. I’ve bought a bunch and then either returned or sold them, but this holiday season…I SCORED! It pays to shop on eBay when everyone else is rightly so focused on shopping for others (whoops!!) ;} This particular pair, I snagged for $50!!! Yes, leather pants…$50!!! The bonus of it all? I had just sold a bunch of stuff, so they were free with my Paypal credit-woo hoo!

The next two pairs I bought…not so much, but, whatever 😉 I have a stack of things I’m going to sell, so it will all even out.

These were even better in person. The marbled copper and black? They will go with everything! Be prepared to see these a lot in the future (apologies in advance :))Yes, I’m a little embarrassed about my frizzy non showered hair. I mean, the messy no shower top not is not a rarity on this blog, but it was especially out of control on this day. I didn’t really realize it until I was going through the pics. Oh well-sorry! :{ This totally reminds me of the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz for some reason, except obviously she’s not crossing her arms. Her sweater is a little too big, so her left hand is lost… 😉“Mommy, kiss my nose!” She’s been obsessed with me kissing her nose at nap time and at bed time lately… And then she was like “Mommy, I want to stand on that rock!” Um… Yeah, I tried to dissuade her, but no go. And really, what’s the worst that could have happened? She fell in 6 inches deep of water? Not worth the fight… And the joy??? SO WORTH IT!! 🙂 On me…

Sweater- Hand knit by my dad

Top- StyleMint (old, similar here)

Pants- North Beach Leather ( eBay, similar here)

Shoes- Target

On Maya…

Sweater- Earth Ragz (thrifted, but similar here)

Jeans- DL1961 “Chloe” in Rafaeli (C/O)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Words cannot describe how nice it’s been to have TWO consecutive weekends off!! I have a couple of shoots in January, but I’m soooo glad to be out of the 3-4 shoots a week holiday season. Not that I don’t love my clients and feel incredibly thankful to be able to do what I do!!. I’m incredibly lucky!! But…truth be told, I just want to enjoy this little nugget and not be so stressed out 😉 That sure is nice…

Oh, and I almost had a runner!! Scared the crap out of me!

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Cold and windy day at the beach…

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Maya has been asking to go to the beach the last few days, but it’s been so cold and WINDY!! Granted, not as cold as other parts of the US, but for us low 20’s in the morning and mid 30’s in the afternoon is cold! Toss in the wind down by the water and it’s closer to 30. ANYWAY, it was sunny on New Years Eve, and it didn’t seem that windy outside, so I finally gave in and told her we could go. Wow, what a difference a few blocks makes. We got to the beach and all you could see was white caps and peoples hair flying everywhere. BUT…I wasn’t about to say no to her once we were actually there!

Oh, and I need more jeans like I need another hole in my head, but when I saw these at the Rack this week for $46 plus an additional 25% off, I had to try them on… :} They are SO soft and comfy, and I looooove the zipper details!! So, they came home with me. 🙂Yeah, not windy or anything 😉 The minute her feet hit the sand, she was OFF and running!! 🙂 I have been living in the hoodie. It’s soooo soft and thick! What you can’t see is that it says “Protector, Lover, Mother” on the back-love that! It was too freaking cold to take my jacket off! I managed to lure her back for a few shots… And then she was off again! “Mommy, you go over there!” This after I told her she could not run in the water…haha.Yeah, that worked :{ I mean, you can just see the anticipation in her fingers. So hard to deny the joy she gets from running in the water, but when it was this cold, I had to finally pull her away. On me…

Jacket- Vintage (similar here, and less expensive here)

Top- StyleMint (old, similar here)

Hoodie- LB Brand (my particular one looks like it’s sold out, but similar one here)

Jeans- Joe’s Jeans “Miley” (Nordstrom Rack (, similar here without the zippers and here with)

Shoes- Superga (thrifted)

On Maya…

Jacket- Amy Coe (thrifted, but similar here)

Cardigan- Old Navy (thrifted, similar here)

Raglan- Little Boogaweezin (old, but tee shirt version here)

Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes- Superga (thrifted, similar here)

Keeping it real…

I hope everyone had a great New Years Eve. I knew we were going to stay home and have a low key evening, but I may have taken it a step further ;). I haven’t been sleeping very well lately, and me and lack of sleep do not go well together. Anywho…I had a couple glasses of wine, laid down to watch Legends of Oz with the Huz and Maya, “rested my eyes” for a few minutes, and was OUT before 9 HAHAHAHA.

Sorry Huz…

Coconut Apple Pancakes

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Coconut Flour Pancakes with Apples – yum! Even the little tummies in this house were fans! Perfect grain-free and paleo breakfast for a cold winter morning and great way to start off the new year. Happy New Year everyone! 🙂

Ingredients

4 eggs, room temperature
1 cup coconut milk
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon honey or agave
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of sea salt
1 apple, sliced in very thin boats
coconut oil or butter for frying

Directions

In a small bowl beat eggs until frothy, about two minutes (I used a food processor for this – works great!). Mix in milk, vanilla, and honey or agave.
In a medium-sized bowl combine coconut flour, baking soda, and sea salt and whisk together. Stir wet mixture into dry until coconut flour is incorporated.
Grease pan with butter or coconut oil. Ladle a few tablespoons of batter into pan for each pancake. Spread out slightly with the back of a spoon. The pancakes should be 2-3 inches in diameter and fairly thick. Lay sliced apples on pancakes.
Cook on low to medium heat for a few minutes on each side, until they start to turn golden brown.
Serve hot with butter, coconut oil, honey, syrup, or fruit.

Inspired and modified from the Fluffy Coconut Flour Pancakes on NourishingDays.com.

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