hocus pocus

this week i finally got around to adding some halloween touches to the apartment… with my halloween cd on full blast {yes, one of those cheesy ones you buy at the supermarket} and the smell of pumpkin muffins fresh baked in the kitchen, i added the touch of halloween trees, some faux webs & sticky bats to bring some seasonal flair to my abode. with only a few short weeks left until my favorite holiday, i look forward to enjoying the eerie decor while i can…

{a few flying bats now inhabit my entry way}

 {a glammed-up pumpkin & shimmering spider}

 {a faux web will welcome trick or treaters}

{loving this pumpkin tree}

{an eerie centerpiece pre-ornaments}

 

weekend re-cap

with all the kardashian kommotion here in santa barbara this past weekend, many of us locals opted for a more mellow approach to the past few days, with many of our friends either leaving town or staying inside.  my boyfriend & i chose to spend most of the weekend at home: playing games, reading, catching up on work and spending some much needed quality time with our henry.  although i secretly admit that i wish i had caught a glimpse of the “K” clan… i did enjoy the relaxation of quiet nights at home.  here are a few images of my weekend…

 {september issues: the ones we wait for all year long}

{game night: part of incorporating “adult dates” into our life}

{oldies but goodies: i love cuddling up with some of my favorite dvds}

{honey & sea salt caramels via dessert first girl: my salty/sweet project for next week}

 

grown up grilled cheese

 

{garlic-rubbed grilled cheese with prosciutto & tomatoes}

last night i cooked dinner for my sister, boyfriend, & friend… i wanted a to serve something easy, but still delicious & guest-worthy.  it was the perfect opportunity to try out this recipe from the august/september issue of fine cooking magazine. the combination of gruyere, fontina, parmesan & prosciutto lends a sophisticated air to a tried & true favorite.  needless to say, plates were wiped clean… and the fries weren’t too bad either!

{yummy garlic & tomato}

{pre-griddle: layers of cheese & prosciutto on fresh baked ciabatta}

{a sophisticated take on a childhood favorite}

summer shortcuts

call it cheating, but i’m a sucker for finding ways to cut corners when cooking home-cooked meals…  thus, when i found this recipe, i was instantly eager to make my own white pizza, in the simplest way possible. enter my dirty little secret: pre-made pizza dough from whole foods.
with this secret weapon in hand, i was able to cut straight to the topping stage of the recipe… and feeling a bit guilty for the simplicity of it all, i added crumbled goat cheese {pre-crumbled of course} to create a deliciously easy treat.

{slightly crispy, but still so scrumptious}