Indulge In {Light & Creamy Spicy Tomato Soup}

Well, I was hoping for a much warmer day by today or at least a sign of warmth. Sadly, it's still cold. The good news is that means soup! I am a sucker for a hot bowl of soup on a cold night sitting by the fire. What I really can't say no to though is the classic combination of homemade tomato soup and cheesy grilled cheese. It was a childhood favorite of mine, but now a days I like to kick it up just a bit. This soup is a bit spicy which adds an extra level of warmth perfect for chilly night gatherings. One of my favorite ways to serve it up is actually with a build your own grilled cheese bar that I will show you next week. In the mean time, here's the recipe….

:: Ingredients ::
2 Large Leeks, diced
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
3/8 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Paprika
1/2 Tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 (14 oz) Can San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes
2 Cups Unsalted Chicken Stock
1/4 Cup Half & Half
1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil


:: Directions ::
1. Heat olive oil in large stock pot over medium heat. Saute leeks with cumin, paprika, red pepper, and salt about 5 minutes or until leeks have cooked down.  
2. Increase heat to medium high and add garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, and basil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Place half of the tomato mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining tomato mixture to the blender pureeing until smooth. Return all the soup to the pot and serve immediately.

*Recipe adapted from Cooking Light. Image courtesy of Cooking Light.

The Happiest Hour {Citrus Champagne Punch}

I wish I could fill your head with warm thoughts today about how Florida is gorgeous and warm and delightful, but I can't. It's seriously just as cold here as any where else. While I can't to stop thinking about how cold my toes are, I am trying to fill my head with happy thoughts. Thoughts of sunshine filled spring days while sipping this beauty are the only hope I have of warmth right now. While I love a good champagne punch for celebratory occasions, it's also just as appropriate for warm afternoons, brunches, Saturday mornings, and everything in between. The combination of lights and refreshing citrus with ginger ale, peach nectar and a splash of champagne is just what the doctor ordered for any day with celebrating! Here's the recipe…

:: Ingredients ::
1 Bottle Champagne or Prosecco
1 Grapefruit, sliced thin
1 Lemon, sliced thin
2 Clementine, sliced thin
1 Quart Strawberries, sliced
2 Cans Ginger Ale
2 Cans Peach Nectar

:: Directions ::
1. Mix all ingredients except the champagne in a large pitcher. Let sit overnight for all flavors to combine.
2. Fill a glass with ice half full with Ginger Ale mixture. Top with champagne and serve.

Party DIY {Bow Tie Notecards}

Every once and awhile I like to go browsing my favorite sites to see what goodies they have and if I can recreate them. Today's Party DIY was inspired by the adorable bow tie name cards from Anthropologie. Since I didn't feel the urge to spend money at the time, I decided to try and make my own version. They were surprisingly easy and now that I know how to make the bow just right, I can adorn all sorts of paper goods with them. I'm imagining not only note cards and name cards but menus, gift tags, cards, notebooks, and more! Let's face it, everything is better with a bow on it! Here's the step by step on this fun little DIY I will be using for months to come…

:: Supplies ::
2" Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, cut into 10" pieces
Twine
Scissors
Hot Glue
Note Cards

:: Directions ::
1. Start by folding your 10" piece of grosgrain ribbon into thirds.
2. On the horizontal, pinch the middle of the ribbon. From there grab the excess ribbon on each side of the pinch to form a bustle in the center.
3. Wrap your twine around the center bustle six times tying it off with a double knot to secure. Trim ends of twine.
4. Place a dab of hot glue on the back of the twine and secure to note card.

Color Me {Garnet}

Today is all about superstition. My dear Seminoles are playing for the National Championship tonight and I'm such a nervous wreck that I'm doing everything I can in hopes to not "mess it up" per se. It seems a little silly I know, but I can't help it.  Not only is garnet the color of my beloved Noles, but it's a beautiful rich shade for winter affairs. It pairs nicely with soft neutrals and bold metallics allowing it to be easily incorporated into the color scheme for any type of get together. Plus it really warms up a space on a cold winter's night!

Weekend Reads {1.3.14}

Well, we are finally back from our tour of Florida. We had a great trip spending time with family and friends, but it's nice to be home for a few days before heading back to work. I'm unpacking all my Christmas goodies today and finding a place for everything can be hard. So, to start the new year out fresh, I'm going to be taking the time today to clean out closets and cabinets and try to get organized. It's something I've been meaning to do for a while now and there's nothing like a new year for de-cluttering and a fresh start! Here are some tips from the pros on organizing and doing it in style…

1. DIY Gift Wrap Station from I Heart Organizing 

2. 15 Organizing Ideas from A Pumpkin & A Princess

3. 18 Clever Organizing Tricks & Storage Ideas from Real Simple

4. Stenciled Burlap Jewelry Organizer from DIY Design Fanatic

5. Pretty Organized from Handmade Charlotte

Indulge In {Tomato Basil Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini}

Like many of you, I try to eat healthy all the time. Most of the time I fail. What can I say, nothing beats hot pizza with cold beer and baking is my favorite! Again this year, I am making an effort to eliminate the bad foods from my life and replace them with healthy ones. In an attempt to do so, I'm sharing a recipe with you today that is as equally healthy as it is delicious. Plus with every bite, I miss that pizza less and less….kinda. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it to your own taste.  Here's the recipe. Hope we all have a healthy 2014!

:: Ingredients ::
3 Large Zucchini, quartered with centers scooped out
2 Cups Cooked Quinoa
1 Pint Grape Tomatoes, quartered
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Cup Basil, cut into ribbons
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

:: Directions ::
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drizzle zucchini with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 10-15 minutes until just cooked.
2. While zucchini is cooking, Sauté garlic, tomatoes and basil in olive oil over medium heat. Once tomatoes have broken down, mix with quinoa and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the quinoa mixture into each zucchini, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and return to oven until parmesan has slightly melted, approximately 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Happy New Year!

Well 2013, it was fun. But, I have a feeling 2014 is going to be even better! As the new year begins, I want to take a brief moment today to look back on all the good times of 2013. I have put together a collage of my favorite memories, posts, and celebrations from the year to remember to be grateful for all the good times and realize that every bad is always followed by two great ones!

What are some of your favorite memories from 2013?