Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Coconut Nest Cupcakes

This past Sunday we celebrated “PrEaster” since my sisters and niece will be visiting my father in Florida next week.  These coconut nest cupcakes made for the perfect sweet ending to an amazing PrEaster lunch.   I used Trader Joe’s vanilla cake mix as a base.  I thought I’d be a little fancy by adding in fresh vanilla bean specks into the mix, but I didn’t have to.  Trader Joe already put them in the mix for me!  Just another reason to love him.  Instead of using cow’s milk as requested by the Trader I used some canned coconut milk.  Now when it comes to frosting you MUST make your own.  This may sound a little intimidating, but it’s totally easy and trust me it makes all the difference in the world.  I cannot remember the last time I bought “frosting” at the store.  Once you make your own you will never turn back.  Can we just talk about the smell of coconut toasting in the oven?  Seriously?  Sooooo yummy!  The finishing touch to the little nests were the Cadbury chocolate eggs.  They almost made these too cute to eat.  Almost.
 
Classic Vanilla Buttercream
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 - 3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
In the bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand mixer, cream butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add 2 cups sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. If necessary, gradually add remaining sugar to reach desired consistency.
Using a 2-inch ice cream scoop, scoop buttercream on tops of cooled cupcakes; sprinkle buttercream with toasted coconut, pressing to adhere. Using your thumb, make a well in the center of each scoop of buttercream; fill with chocolate eggs. Serve.







Monday, March 25, 2013

Life Lately

 {playing silly games with our family has been the activity of choice on Sundays}
Today has been one of those days where I started off in a certain kind of mood and couldn't seem to shake the feeling.  It's got to be the weather, right?  I mean snow flurries during the "spring".  Really?  I'm so over it.  However, after reading this blog post by Dax Shepard I'm slowly getting out of my funk.  Try reading it without fighting back tears and a huge lump in your throat, I dare you.  Let's make this week a good one!
 {my hubby is the ultimate kitchen dance party DJ}
 {homemade beet chips are my favorite snack as of late}
 {Jada opening her "PrEaster gifts}
 {got into some Easter egging}

{Dear Mother Nature, please throw us a freakin' bone - WE WANT SPRING!}

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Orange Poppy Cookies

I made these cookies in celebration of spring’s “official” arrival tomorrow.  Although, the freezing cold and snowy weather we’re still experiencing would make you think otherwise.  I’m not bitter or anything.  Back to the cookies!  I substituted orange zest and juice for the original recipe's lemon zest/juice.  These were quite yummy. Buttery shortbread infused with bright orange flavor and topped with sweet royal icing.  I sprinkled them with poppy seeds and used a black chocolate melt for the center.  These are the perfect accompaniment to a nice cup of tea.  A spring tea party with the girls sounds just lovely right about now…

 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Happy Friday and Our Giveaway Winner!

{last weekends first iced coffee of the year}
I’m just going to say it this year’s Daylight Savings has KILLED me.  It has been torture trying to get up every morning this week.  Needless to say I am super happy that it’s Friday.  I am going to try and do some much needed spring cleaning this weekend.  A clean and great smelling house just feels so right.  Before I forget the winner of our La Chambre giveaway on Instagram is rx_shopaholic Congrats!!!
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Springtime Leather

{images via here and here}
You may be a little put off by one of spring 2013s biggest trends.  Why is that you ask?  Well, because it’s leather.  Normally popular during the fall and winter months, leather is making a big transition into spring as well.  I’m personally a huge fan of this trend.  I can see it now leather shorts, leather skirts, leather accessories, and of course leather jackets for those days that are still a bit chilly.  That just reminded me of a leather jacket from Superdry Chris saw and has not stopped talking about.  Guys, don’t feel left out!  There are some amazing leather pieces for everyone this spring.  Check out a few of my favorite leather looks for this coming spring...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Red Pepper & Feta Skillet Scones

I've been wanting to make scones for what feels like forever now.  My first attempt was anything but traditional.  1.  They were savory.  2.  They were baked in a skillet.  I couldn't resist giving this recipe a try.  Feta cheese and roasted red peppers, I mean, HELLO!  I made a few slight substitutions like swapping basil for scallions and using jarred roasted peppers instead of roasting them myself.  The results were quite lovely.  A nice crunchy outside crust and a tender dough studded with salty feta and sweet red peppers.  I think my next round of scones will be more traditional.  Stay tuned...







Thursday, March 7, 2013

Game Night Ideas



 
{images via}

I’ve never hosted an official game night before and it’s something I’d really like to do. Our family and friends are quite a cast of characters and whenever we get together it’s always a good time. I’m thinking perhaps some poker, dominos, maybe even a little bingo. What?! Don’t judge, bingo is my fave!
Of course you know I’m all about the food and drinks, so I would try and transform my kitchen/dining room to look like one of those fancy restaurants in Las Vegas. I’m thinking a nice selection of small appetizers and one or two signature drinks.
What about you, have you ever hosted a game night? Any ideas you could share would be awesome.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

La Chambre Giveaway! - CLOSED

Hey guys!  Today we have a beautiful giveaway from La Chambre.  This beautiful ombre hamsa bracelet could be yours!  The lovely Nora of La Chambre creates unique pieces of jewelry for unique people.  All designs are made by hand and come in a variety of styles.  The bracelets are perfect to wear multi-stacked, yet they still make a bold statement when worn on their own.  This giveaway will be exclusively offered to those of you on Instagram.  To enter to win please read the rules carefully:
You MUST follow both PooLovesBoo and La Chambre on Instagram
You MUST post a picture about the giveaway, and mention both PooLovesBoo and La Chambre in your post (aka tag us)
   You MUST hashtag your photo with #PLBLACHAMBRE
 
Winners will be drawn at random next Friday, March 15th.  Good Luck!
Check out a few more pieces from La Chambre...

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Doughnut Plant

The best place to grab a doughnut in NYC has got to be Doughnut Plant.  Founder, Mark Isreal has transformed the traditional doughnut into an art form.  The use of high quality ingredients and alluring flavors are what truly make Doughnut Plant doughnuts stand out.  Blessed with his grandfather’s doughnut recipe, Isreal began baking in the basement of a lower east side tenement in the mid 1990s.  He baked all night and during the day delivered his delicious doughnuts via bicycle to major retailers such as Dean & Deluca and Balducci's. Fast forward to the present and you have what is now a highly successful business.  His story is truly inspiring.  Without hesitation I can tell you that the crème brûlée doughnut is my absolute favorite with its burnt sugar glaze and delectable custard filling.  There are so many unique and delicious flavors to choose from.  You really can't go wrong.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Scenes From The Weekend

{the sky was the prettiest shade of pink during an early morning workout} 
Happy Monday!  I know I can't be the only one who is itching for spring, right!?  I feel like here on the East coast the days have been sunny with the promise of spring, but that damn cold winter air refuses to leave!  I need to be more patient, I do realize this.  Spring will be here before we know it.  In the meantime, check out some of my weekend activities...
 {I am now on Vine and I'm slightly obsessed.  You can check out my first video here}
 {FINALLY got a much needed hair cut!}
 {gotta love Chinatown!}

{Yes, some major damage was done at the Doughnut Plant this weekend}