Spring Kate Spade Love

Maybe it was the 20 feet of snow in DC, but I am dying for Spring. Since Van bought me a new Kate for Christmas, I am on probation for a while. Thankfully, I can still dream.

There were so many cute things for Spring that I couldn't resist putting together a grouping of all the things I would buy on an unlimited budget. I am really loving all the navy and white this season.

Spring Kate Spade Love by ktl featuring kate spade jewelry

Items in this set:
in a nut shell idiom bangle at kate spade, $125
hanover billie at kate spade, $395
Neptune Avenue Stevie, $295
view all at kate spade, $170
SWEET AS PIE CLUSTER BRACELET, $125

Orange Cake

During my great blizzard baking extravaganza last week, I made this orange cake for Van. I only had one orange in the house so I topped off the fresh squeezed juice with regular orange juice. I also just used the zest of one orange.

The recipe only made enough for one cake, but in the future I would double it and make a frosted layer cake. This would also be nice change of pace from the usual chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.

Ready for the Oven

The finished product with Hagen Dazs Peach Sorbet.

Just in Time for Chinese New Year

Just in time for Chinese New Year, OPI launched its 2010 spring / summer collection Hong Kong. Admittedly, most of the colors I wouldn't wear. The green and blue don't exactly scream professional, but Red My Fortune Cookie is perfect.

My Snow Storm Diet

Since the great snowpocalypse started, I have been on a mission to use a lot of the items we've had in the freezer and pantry. Let's face it there's nothing like fresh baked goods on a cold winter day.

First, on the snowpocalypse diet was banana bread. I have been using this recipe consistently and always have the best results. Sometimes I add a quarter cup of chopped walnuts if we have them on hand.

Next, I made Paula Deen's Garlic Cheese Biscuits. I used bisquick instead of the Paula Deen biscuit mix. The biscuits still turned out very well and were buttery deliciousness. Seriously, Paula is the queen of comfort food and they were a great compliment to the shrimp chowder Van picked up for lunch.

Then I made brownies from scratch using this recipe. This was the first time that I have attempted to make brownies without a mix and I was pretty pleased with the result. They weren't overly sweet and were really cakey. I especially liked them with the Ben and Jerry's S'mores ice cream Van picked out.

I'm really hoping the snow ends soon. My snowpocalypse diet isn't exactly helping on the weight loss front.

Domestic Diva

I took a few days off work to rest and recoup after our big event. I have really loved my time off. After catching up on all of the housework, I was able to spend some time working on some holiday craft projects. I am really excited for our first Christmas in our house.

A few years ago, I purchased all the materials to make the Martha Stewart jingle bell wreath. I finally put everything together and I am pleased with the results. Now all I have to do is find a place to hang it!


This is the first year that we are going to get a Christmas tree for our house. I attempted to paint these clear ornaments. I think I have finally figured out the proper technique, but they didn't turn out too badly for a first try.

Thanks, Giada!

I made Giada's Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood from the Everyday Pasta cookbook last weekend. It was awesome and as you can tell it made way more than Van and I could eat in one sitting. I substituted fresh baby spinach for the arugula, but otherwise kept everything the same. I will definitely make this again.

Another Reason I Love Target

I found these cute little lanterns at Target today in the special seasonal /dollar section. I added a tealight candle in each one and they have a spooky little glow. They will be perfect on our front steps for trick-or-treat. Of course, the best part is that I can use them again next year!