{Sneak Peak} A Sophisticated Bridal Shower

Check out the latest event by Yours Truly!

Happy Weekend!



Meet me in St. Louis!

"Got any big trips planned for this Summer?"

That is the question my husband and I have been answering over and over again lately.  It's true...we traveled to Greece and London back in 2007 after we got engaged.  We jetted off to Cancun, Mexico for our honeymoon in 2008.  And last Summer we had our  European Extravaganza, visiting the amazing countries of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.  

But...ya can't go to Europe EVERY Summer though, right?  {WE WISH!}

This Summer we're happy to stay close to home...well, at least in the Continental US. 

First stop this Summer:  St. Louis!



With all the traveling that we've done together, this will actually be our first time flying within the US!  Traveling together is always fun, and we're looking forward to spending time with my husband's side of the family out in St. Louis.

We'll definitely visit the Arch ~ and go to a Cardinal Game {my husband planned our trip around their home schedule...let's hope they start winning}. 

We've gotten plenty of tips from friends and family, and we have a prety jam-packed week planned.  Have any of you been to St. Louis?  In your opinion, what are the must-see sites?



{Tutorial} North Woods Inn Red Cabbage Salad

North Woods Inn is a place I have been going to since I was a kid.  Its Frontier Land-esque ambience and  "throw your peanut shells on the floor" atmosphere make dining here a real treat.  And the food...let's just say these guys put Claim Jumper's portions to shame.

With every lumberjack sized meal, you also get cheesy garlic bread and two salads:  a green salad with buttermilk blue cheese dressing and a red cabbage salad.  Usually I can never decide which one I like better, so I alternate bites.  They're both so good!

I was doing some internet browsing and came across an article about how red cabbage is a super food.  I thought, "I've GOT to figure out how to make that salad!"  With a little googling, I believe I have found a pretty darn good replica.

INGREDIENTS

One head red cabbage

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp red wine vinegar {I used more than the original recipe calls for - I like it tart}

3 tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

1 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

3/4 tsp onion powder

1.  Get yourself organized!

2.  Shred half the cabbage finely and the other half coarsely {definitely doesn't have to be perfect}

3.  Put shredded cabbage into a large bowl.

4.  Whisk together vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

5.  Toss

6.  Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container or zip-loc bag {careful...red cabbage may stain your nice serving bowls!}

7.  ENJOY!

*This salad was great 24 hours after making it, but it gets better and better each day it sits*

Now if only I could figure out how to make that cheesy garlic bread.....

; )



Love Me Some BRUXIE!

Allow me to introduce you to one of my new FAVORITE places to grab a bite to eat...BRUXIE!

WHAT IS BRUXIE?

Bruxie is a new take on the authentic Belgium Waffle. The "Bruxie" is unlike any waffle offered: the Bruxie is light, crisp, yeasty and not sweet. It's street food that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, mid day snack as well as a dessert or late night treat.

{Bruxie.com}

I like to sum it up in one word:  DELICIOUS

Here's the Bruxie Burger ~ pretty tasty.  I like the Bruxie Sandwich with Fried Chicken even better.

Such a cool little place on a corner in Old Town Orange ~ right across the street from Chapeman College.

Mmm...this was the first sandwich I ever tried.  It stole my heart and I was hooked ever since.

On Saturday my husband and I stopped in for breakfast {we had only been there for lunch before}.  This right here...CHANGED MY LIFE.  Don't let its simplicity fool you...or maybe that's what makes it so great.  You can't beat the sharp cheddar taste and applewood smoked bacon crunch.  Drizzle a little agave syrup over the top and it's out of this world!

I have yet to try a dessert waffle ~ I'm always just a little too stuffed after eating {especially if I get the fries}, but here are the next items on my radar:

Yes...that's PB&J 



Mmm...mmm...mmm!

I realize that this just might be my 10th post about the Orange Circle...but it's just that cool!  The antique shops, 1950's vibe, and unique cafes make it a must-see if you're ever in the Orange County area {pretty close to Disneyland and Angel's Stadium}.  And Bruxie is DEFINITELY a must~try.

Happy Monday!

I'm Still Alive!

I have not dropped off the face of the earth!

However, with the school year winding down, I've had more than too much on my plate!  It's always stressful for teachers at this time of year, but this year is a little more overwhelming because I'm packing up my entire classroom! 

I have a new career opportunity working as the Admissions Event Coordinator at an awesome high school in Orange County!  I'm currently experiencing a TON of different emotions.  Sadness thinking of the kids I won't be working with anymore each day.  And joy for what seems like a really awesome opportunity for me. 

Lots of new things to come ~ stay tuned!

Sweet Summer Cupcakes!

I decided to google "Summer Cupcakes" {hey, I'm a teacher...I have summer on the brain!} and here are some of the cutest ones that popped up. 

Love them!

These Summer Ice Cream Cupcakes are my favorite!

These Shark & Beach cupcakes would be perfect for a little boy's party!

Butterfly Cupcakes would be adorable at a summer Bridal, Baby Shower, or little girl's party!

Corn on the Cob Cupcakes or Berry Pie Cupcakes would be great for any summer bbq!

Here's so it being Summer...ALMOST!