Here we go again...

I have a love/hate relationship with French macarons. Love the perfectly crispy yet fragile shell and chewy interior, but making these at home is a thorn on my side. This weekend will mark my 7th or 8th attempt. I'm making a batch for a good friend's birthday (I know, right, another b-day?!! lol)...please wish me luck!

While scouting out video tutorials on YouTube, I came across this one below. It's probably one of the best tutorials, especially in terms of styling. Plus, the upbeat music puts me in a good mood, which is always needed when making these babies hah!

Have you guys attempted Macarons before? Any tips for this frustrated novice?:)
Images: 1 | 2

Cupcake Wars

Hi there, I'm still alive:) Again, life got in the way. Hope you're all well in this new year! I'm going through some transitions hence the lack of posting, but some exciting times ahead in 2012 (fingers crossed). I'm having quite the busy weekend, including a big 3-0 for one of my very good friends!

We started off the weekend with a trek eastward to Riverside and had the opportunity to get a taste of Casey's Cupcakes, winner of The Food Network's Cupcake Wars!! Baby sis raved about the shop when she visited friends a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to stop by since I was in the area. Unfortunately, I did not catch Casey's episode, but it was still exciting to get a bite from her adorable shop. Everything about it is ultra feminine and complete with pink cafe tables! I'm not uber girly girl, but all the pink still made me somewhat giddy anyway;)

Weekend Blurbs

'Lil sis and I had a sudden urge for Mexican fare this weekend. We decided to go all out and even had our first taste of Mexican hot chocolate. It was quite amazing and just the right amount of sweetness. We made not so authentic tostadas (haha!), but it was still delish. 'Lil sis is usually a reluctant cook, but she made most of the meal much to my surprise (no complaints here lol).

Since we were going "all out", I fit in a small/easy DIY inspired by Alexandra's Joys. Check out her adorable version with colored tissue paper here. This fiesta for two was just what we needed to wind down following a stressful week. Btw, anyone else thrown off by the time change??

Have a great start to the week!

Weekend Blurbs

Weekend.Outfit | American Flavour shorts, Nordstrom BP belt & Express button down

It was quite warm this weekend, yet 'lil sis and I were craving French onion soup of all things! I adapted this recipe from How Sweet It Is (ah-mah-zing food blog, by the by). We used low sodium vegetable stock and subbed agave syrup for brown sugar. I know, I know, veggie French onion soup?! It's not too shabby;)

I try my best to eat healthy during the week, but when the weekend rolls around...gotta splurge a little! We broke a sweat while eating our soup and had to crank up the AC. Completely worth it! Haha

What's your go-to comfort food? Hope you guys had a great weekend!

Weekend Indulgence: Macarons!

Video: BritishLarder via YouTube
Happy weekend! I have miserably failed at making these decadent French macarons after several trials. Sadly, they all came out flat as a pancake and resembled thin wafer like cookies, instead. Younger sis ate a few and even claimed to enjoy it (or perhaps she was just being kind haha).
I was so frustrated that it has been quite some time since my last attempt at macarons. After stumbling on this awesome tutorial on YouTube, I may just be inspired once again. Everything about this video is lovely, from the pictures to the fun music! She also has an inspirational recipe diary, The British Larder. Looks like I have a new food blog to stalk;)
Have you guys tried your hand at macarons? Any tips for this frustrated novice?