Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

I've been out of commission ever since the semester started, but I recently stumbled across these photos on my camera:

Maybe they'll serve as some baking inspiration...

{Devil's Food Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream}

Hold, please

So I wasn't expecting school to be quite so crazy so soon. But the good thing is that things should settle down as I get more into a routine - which will hopefully mean many more posts featuring delicious treats and pretty things soon! In the mean time, I'm baking some red velvet cupcakes as a thank you to one of my student groups. I personally can't think of a better way to say "thank you!"

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

For my final look of the week, I got to choose my current favorite pieces at Chloe Rose. I chose a glittery top by Velvet Heart, cropped skinny leg MiH jeans in the Paris style and Kara dark wash, a bright turquoise ring by Skinny Jewelry (I do love turquoise and gold!), and the lovely Rebecca Minkoff Vanity Crossbody we received in our latest shipment.

It has been so much fun to work at the boutique this summer. I had a great boss and learned so much about style, blogging and retail. I can't wait to visit this fall and see what exciting new developments Marissa has made with the store upon my return to SF!

Head over to the Style Files to see Kate's current favorites (hint: they involve leopard and more Rebecca Minkoff)!

XO, Linds

Pane E Vino

As I wrap up my time in San Francisco and pack up to return to college out East, I thought I would share one of my favorite restaurant discoveries from the summer. (Sorry for the poor quality of the photos, these were all taken on my blackberry!).

Pane e Vino (bread and wine in Italian) is a trattoria on Union St. in Cow Hollow that serves some of the best authentic Italian you can find in the city. The decor is misleadingly unassuming, for the food, although simple, is perfectly portioned and exquisitely balanced in flavor.

One thing I've learned from San Francisco dining is to sit at the bar - you will often get a chance to interact with the owner, chef, or other staff, and will have a more special dining experience. At Pane e Vino, the bar is located right next to the wood-burning oven and small prep station, where you can watch the chefs prepare the salads, desserts and mouth-watering pizzas. On this particular night, our spot at the bar meant that the executive chef, Bruno Quercini (below), gave us five-star treatment as he served us lightly fried white anchovies, house-cured coppa salami with fennel and pickled onions, extra fun appetizers and dessert (including a taste of a sweet dessert wine) - all  in addition to what we had ordered.

East Coast Essentials {Guest Post}

Fall on the Colgate campus is by far my favorite season, and each year, I make sure my fashion choices complement the beautiful colors, crisp autumn weather, and the polished preppiness that East Coast style is known for.  After having lived in various places around the East Coast for most of my life, I have found that I rely on a few key pieces to keep me looking put-together, while still on trend.  Since fall weather can vary from 70 and sunny to snowing, layering is key.  My every-day uniform consists of a great pair of skinny jeans, brown riding boots, an array of tops varying from chunky knit sweaters, to cardigans, and assorted scarves to add some fun to any outfit, and keep me warm.  This kind of outfit is appropriate for everything from class, to a tailgate.  Also, on the East Coast, you can never go wrong with a button down, whether it’s a classic oxford style, or a plaid flannel.  Since it can get pretty cold on campus, I make sure to have a light jacket, and of course, a North Face fleece, which is an East Coast staple.

For warmer days, I love pulling out summer dresses in neutral tones so that they are still appropriate for fall, and pairing them with a cute pair of flats.  I also love wearing pretty, flowy tops with my jeans for a feminine look; these types of shirts are versatile enough to dress up at night with a black skirt.  As far as accessories go, East Coast fashion is all about a classic look, so stick with understated pieces that pull together an outfit; a great pair of sunglasses and some pearl earrings go a long way.  To complete your look, throw on a no-fuss cross body bag, and you’re good to go!

As far as guys go, every East Coast girl knows there’s nothing better than a lacrosse player in a half zip!  Just saying…

- Isabel

1. Club Monaco "Tara" Striped Scarves
2. Ray-Ban Aviators
3. Old Navy Oxford
4. American Eagle Skinny Jeans
5. Lilly Pulitzer Dress
6. North Face Zip-Up
7. J.Crew Sweater
8. Tory Burch Flats
9. Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag
10. Gap Trench
11. Pearl Earrings
12. Frye Riding Boots
13. J.Crew Men's Half Zip Sweater

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About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the 3rd in the series. Click here to check out “Southern Style” and "Midwest Must-Haves." I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Just A Thought

Happy Friday!

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

70s-inspired looks were all over the runway for this fall. For a "real life" version, try pairing a blousey silk top with dark wash flare jeans. See the Chloe Rose Style Files for another look that is totally 70s chic!

Alice & Trixie top, MiH jeans, Vanessa Mooney jewelry, Sam Edelman wedges.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Last time I took a poll on what to bake next, mini chocolate hazelnut eclairs turned out to be the winner. But red velvet cupcakes came in a close second, and after a few requests at the office I knew it was time to tackle another cupcake recipe (I had been scared off by my failed strawberry buttercream).

Red velvet cupcakes are definitely my own personal favorite. While the bright red color certainly makes a statement, the cake itself is not too sweet, and the cream cheese frosting lends the perfect tangy note, leaving these cupcakes feeling just a bit more "grown up."

I found this recipe from bestcupcakerecipes.blogspot.com. Appropriate title, no? The cream cheese frosting came from Martha Stewart. Both were easy to follow (although the cupcake recipe was more labor-intensive than I had anticipated) and this time the frosting turned out perfectly. Smooth, tangy, and delicious!

Keep reading for the recipe.

The Perfect Match

For your next soirée, wear these CC SKYE Zoe earrings and decorate with Geronimo's whimsical tasseled balloons.

The perfect match!

Just A Thought

Have a nice weekend!

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

 

With my return to school looming just weeks away, I've been thinking about how to transition my wardrobe from summer to fall. Take a simple summer dress, swap out the shoes and add a few chic cool-weather pieces, and you've got a perfect "back to college" look.

Head over to the Chloe Rose Style Files to see other ways we styled summer-to-fall looks!

XO, Linds

Left: Dress by Greylin, Jewelry by Vanessa Mooney 

Right: Dress by Greylin, Cardigan by MinkPink, Scarf by Spun Scarves, Bag by Jess LC, Belt by B-Low the Belt

Inspired: Turquoise & Gold

Two things I'm loving right now:

1. the summery, refreshing combo of turquoise and gold (with a pretty hint of blush pink!),

and

2. BaubleBar.

If you haven't heard of it already, BaubleBar stocks tons of beautiful jewelry and has been featured all throughout the fashion mags lately. With prices starting around $20, it is a completely affordable option to add a little glamour to your life.

Join here to get $10 off your first purchase!

What has inspired you lately?



Jewelry via BaubleBar
Images via {here} {here} {here} {here} and {here}

Midwest Must-haves {Guest Post}

There is no better way to spend a Midwestern summer than on the lake. The Midwest is taken over by humidity and heat, so the lighter of clothes you wear the better.  Unlike the preppiness of the East Coast and the boho style of the West, the Midwest takes on a much more realxed and simple style of clothing for the summer months. For my summer wardrobe I depend on a variety of different stores, two in particular: J.Crew and the Minnesota-native Target. Both provide simple clothes that can be used for layering. Layering is important because of the roller coaster heat waves we often experience here. Midwestern style relies heavily on simple pieces like a plain t-shirt and basic jean shorts; to make these easy pices more exciting I often pair them with a fun, brightly printed piece. This summer I'm really into tribal/Native American-inspired prints along with my personal favorite - animal print. Further, I love anything oversized (like the Free People sweater you see below). Flowy pieces like these are perfect for summer, whether you pair them with jeans for day or a tight skirt for night.   

The goal for Midwestern style is dressing simply but fun. Pair something plain with a fun pattern and make your outfit look effortless. For the perfect accessories look no further than fun sunglasses or a Twins baseball hat. Always have a swimsuit and sunscreen on hand. You never know when you'll jet off to the lake.

My key pieces for staying cool during a Midwestern summer:

1. Mix & match Target bikinis - lazy days on the lake means lots of swimwear!
2. A Twins baseball hat to represent the homeboys
3. Pullover sweater
4. Day-to-night dress
5. Target striped T
6. Colorful statement necklace
7. Sperry wedges
8. J.Crew flat sandals
9. Basic denim shorts
10. Native American-inspired T
11. Barbour rain jacket - you never know when you'll get caught in a torrential thunderstorm.
12. Colorful wayfarer sunglasses
13. Eclectic statement necklace
14. Minnetonka moccasins - living on Lake Minnetonka means these are a wardrobe staple for weekends. 

I hope you enjoy my "Midwest Must-Haves!"

Erin

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About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the 2^nd in the series. Click here to check out “Southern Style.” I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

One skirt, two ways. Check out the Chloe Rose Style Files to see how we styled this Naven pop pink skirt for day and night!

XO, Linds

{The Best} Chocolate Chip Cookies

I just wanted to take a moment to share with all of you the best chocolate chip cookie recipe you will ever try. 

Ever. 

These Levain Bakery inspired cookies from My Baking Addiction are crispy on the edges, soft and gooey in the middle, and did I mention they're also huge?!

There is just something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into a huge chewy cookie.

It's easy for me to get caught up in making something new, exciting and impressive, but sometimes there's nothing better than a classic chocolate chip cookie.

Keep reading for the recipe.

A College Essentials Checklist: What to Take

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Bay Area Colgate send off for incoming freshmen students. It was so fun to see all of the eager (and slightly apprehensive!) students and parents, and to remember how excited and nervous I was at my own send off only a couple years ago.

In the spirit of "back to college," I decided to compile a list of my college essentials.

A few things you shouldn't leave behind when you pack up this fall, and a couple of fun extras:

1. At least one nice dress is a good thing to have on hand in case you go out to dinner with professors or are attending a social event or formal. This Cynthia Steffe ruffled dress is a great option for both dressing up and more casual looks.
2. You'll want to bring a good weekly planner to stay organized. I prefer one with a soft cover that has a lot of space for me to write notes.
3. Cheap tie-on curtains are an easy way to customize an otherwise bland dorm room.
4. If you attend school in the snow belt like I do, you'll need to invest in rain boots and snow boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. Hunter boot and L.L. Bean are both reliable options.
5. Most dorms require you to walk to a communal bathroom - this monogrammed wrap towel with velcro will keep you covered in style! And shower shoes? An absolute MUST.
6. It's important to have a sturdy book bag that can take the weight (ahem my 3000 page Shakespeare book). A nylon bag like this MICHAEL Michael Kors Back to School Tote will stand the test of time.
7. Throw pillows are another quick way to personalize a dorm. This duo will keep your room looking cheerful and bright.
8. Don't be the girl with an ID lanyard around your neck. This Vera Bradley zip ID case will keep your ID handy and save your from the inevitable freshman faux pas.
9. Have a fitted blazer on hand. You never know when you might have an improptu job interview or will want to dress up for a class presentation.
10. Since you won't have mom around to wake you up anymore, an alarm clock is absolutely necessary! Plug in your iPod to this iHome alarm clock for a more enjoyable wake up call than a blaring buzzer.
11. Finally, of course you need to show some school spirit! A comfy hoodie representing your campus pride will be a library staple.

What do you think? Are there any other necessities for a smooth transition after high school?

Summer Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula

So last night I was definitely in the mood for comfort food. And for me, comfort food means carbs (anyone else?). Since we've had irregularly warm and sunny weather lately in San Francisco, I was craving an option that was light, easy, but still delicious and filling. This pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and arugula turned out to be the perfect choice - the arugula adds a crunchy bite and the cherry tomatoes lend a note of sweetness to contrast with the nutty herb and garlic flavor of the pesto. And taking only 15 minutes from start to finish (with pre-prepared pesto), I didn't have to spend all night in the kitchen to enjoy a tasty homemade meal! 

This one is super easy. All you need is some dried pasta (penne is my favorite, always!), cherry tomatoes, pesto (if you'd like to make your own, try out this recipe), arugula (baby preferred) and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Tips for perfect pasta:

• Generously salt your boiling water for well-seasoned pasta
• Add a bit of olive oil into the boiling water to keep pasta from sticking together
• Test pasta a minute before the box says it's done, and remove from heat a tiny bit underdone for perfect al dente pasta
• Reserve a 1/4 cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin out your sauce
• After you drain the pasta, return it to the pan (off heat) to mix in the sauce, some of the cheese and the tomatoes. This insures that the pasta is well-coated and everything is incorporated evenly. Then transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates.
• For pesto pasta, use smaller ridged shapes like penne that absorb sauce well. Fusilli is ideal.

Buon appetito!

Recipe:

Dried penne pasta (a general rule is 100g per person)

Pesto (for homemade, try Ina Garten's recipe here)

1 c. cherry tomatoes

1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese

A handful or two of arugula (baby preferred)

Extra parmesan for garnish

1. Make pasta according to box directions.
2. After draining, return pasta to the pan (off heat) and add pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and the parmesan, stirring to incorporate.
3. Transfer to serving dish or individual plates/bowls.
4. Top each serving with a small handful of arugula and garnish with fresh parmesan. Try adding grilled chicken if you need some protein with your meal!

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

My look for Chloe Rose this week: Top by Greylin, Denim by MiH Jeans (Style is the Oslo in Kara), Necklace and Ring by Vanessa Mooney, Earrings by Skinny, Shoes are Tory Burch.

Visit Being Chloe Rose for the full post and two more fun looks this week!

XO, Linds

Chocolate Hazelnut Eclairs {and homemade truffles!}

 

After receiving the Petite Sweets by Beatrice Ojakangas cookbook a week ago from my mom, I have been poring over the pages of mini custards, cakes and tarts, every one as precious and seemingly delicious as the last. The idea of miniature desserts appeals to me because they are the perfect portion for a sweet snack or final note to a meal. With the help of your votes last week, I settled on baking my first real pastries: eclairs with chocolate hazelnut filling. I know I always say this, but I was once again surprised by the simplicity of this recipe; each component has 4 ingredients or less! If you have the right tools (namely, a pastry bag), this recipe is a snap to make and you'll be satisfied knowing you conquered the slightly intimidating - yet totally worth it - delicious tiny eclairs.

Harmony Scott Jewelry

In love with this Harmony Scott leather wrapped pearl bracelet I got for my birthday. From a small Aspen designer, it's eclectic yet versatile: perfect to dress up a T and jeans for day or stacked with an "arm party" for a boho look at night.

What is your favorite go-to jewelry?

Stay tuned for an {Eat} update tonight!

XO, Linds

be back soon!

I'm headed to...

{Sonoma}

To enjoy some...

{blue skies}

And some...

{poolside drinks}

And hopefully some...

{nap time}

Have a fabulous weekend!

XO, Linds

Favorite Summer Beauty Products

To me, summer beauty means glowing skin, lots of sunscreen, and absolutely nothing heavy. With hot days and humidity, I can't be bothered with slathering on piles of makeup, but I still want soft coverage that leaves me looking fresh faced without melting off.

Here are my current summer beauty product obsessions:

1. Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I put this on my face and neck every day as soon as I get out of the shower. It leaves my skin soft, primed for makeup, and protected all day long. I have fair skin, so this step is essential in my beauty routine!
2. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body lotion - I have very dry skin, so this luxurious product keeps my skin hydrated without feeling greasy.
3. Benefit You Rebel tinted moisturizer - This one is a new beauty buy for me this summer. I have pretty clear skin, so I never thought I needed the coverage of a tinted moisturizer. As soon as I tested this product out, however, I knew I was a convert! The moisturizer gives me soft, flawless looking skin, and the hint of color gives me enough coverage to even out my skin and give me a little summer glow. The best part is that the product is sheer enough to wear in even the stickiest summer weather so you don't have to worry about sweating it off.
4. Benefit Girl Meets Pearl highlighter - Perhaps best described as a "luminizer,"I dab a little of this silky highlighter above my cheekbones for a subtle pearly glow. I am obsessed with this one!
5. Kiehl's Lip Balm with SPF 15 - Getting sunburned is up there on my list of "least favorite things." Even worse? Bright red puffy sunburned lips. This lip balm with SPF 15 is a lifesaver - and slightly addictive!
6. Bobbi Brown Blush in Poppy - Although it looks bright, this blush is sheer enough to give just a hint of color for delicately rosy cheeks.
7. Physician's Formula Gel Eyeliner for blue eyes - Easy to apply for a liquid eyeliner look, or smudged a little for a smoky eye, the best part of this trio (besides the fact that you get three fun colors!) is that it stays put all day (or all night) long.
8. St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub - Like I mentioned before, my skin is on the dry side, even during summer. This great-smelling scrub gets rid of those pesky little dry bumps leaving skin fresh and arms tank-top ready.
9. Physician's Formula Eye Enhancing Shadows - This wonderful palette with eye enhancing colors has three formulaic groups: natural, playful and dramatic. Or mix and match to create your own look!
10. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara - I've been searching for my go-to mascara and think I have finally found "the one!" This mascara has an "excess wiper" built into the tube, eliminating the icky clumped-on look that bugs me so much about new mascara. One coat of this mascara glides on clump-free and gives me a bright-eyed look. Love it!

What are your favorite summer beauty buys? On my lookout list: bright lipstick or gloss. Any suggestions?

Picasa 3 {Photo Editing}

Lately, I've been enjoying using Picasa 3 as my photo editing software. It's no Photoshop, but it's free and is good for quick fixes and adding text. It's what I've been using for my fashion posts such as {Southern Style} and {Flats} and how I created my header.

Today, I made this little email sign for Chloe Rose Boutique in San Francisco:

The sign has been put up next to the iPad where customers can enter their email.

How do you like to edit photos? Any tips, tricks or preferred programs?

image via Atlantic-Pacific

Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova

Using Nigella Lawson's recipe from the foodnetwork.com, I made this incredible chocolate raspberry pavlova for a pre-4th of July dinner party at the lovely home of family friends. I was a little nervous about providing the dessert, because the hostess is known to be a Little Miss Martha Stewart herself and has had her home - and fully-equipped jealousy-inducing kitchen - photographed many times for Pottery Barn. Luckily, this light and airy treat turned out beautifully, was a great "make ahead" dish, and was a crowd-pleaser, leaving a few coming back for seconds.

Summer Sun Tea

Here's a simple alternative to brewing Iced Tea with hot water - all you need is a sunny summer day.

Citizen Cake Cupcakes {Happy Birthday To Me!}

I had the pleasure of enjoying these Citizen Cake cupcakes the other night as part of my birthday celebration.

Owned by Chef Elizabeth Falkner, I had been dying to try these treats ever since seeing her many times on the Food Network.

We divided up the cupcakes so we could each get a taste of the different flavors, and my favorites were the Citizen Signature (cocoa genoise cake filled with marshmallow fluff and ganache glaze) and Vixen (devils food chocolate cake with burnt caramel injection, fudge frosting and fleur de sel). The other flavors, like Carrot, Red Velvet, and Caramel Apple, were delicious as well.

 

Thanks to everyone for helping make my birthday so very special!

XO, Linds

Southern Style {Guest Post}

I think my friend Caroline explained it best when she said, “true to my Vanderbilt training, I ALWAYS go out in a dress and heels.” I don’t think there is any such thing as being too dressed up for the occasion in the South – it seems perfectly appropriate to attend a tailgate in a floral dress and pearls. When I’m shopping for school, my staples are sundresses, cardigans, and light scarves that I can pair with any outfit to change it up a bit. Also, try rethinking the lbd and reach for a lwd – little white dress – that you can dress up with fun, colorful jewelry.  

For accessories, you can’t go wrong with croakies from Southern Tide to attach to your wayfarer sunglasses (another Southern staple with all the sun we get!). As far as footwear, Jack Rogers are abundant (although I admit, I find their wooden heels very uncomfortable. Ah, the price of beauty!) and boat shoes are always classic. I personally have my eye on these Sperry’s with the adorable pink and blue plaid accents.

And for the men, you may think I’m crazy, but pastel button downs and pastel shorts are not only acceptable, but encouraged!



{Click for larger image}

1. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
2. Michael Stars Striped Seaside  Scarf
3. Southern Tide Skipjack Croakies
4. J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan
5. Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoe
6. Shoshanna Button Front Sheath Dress
7. Shoshanna Gathered Bodice Dress
8. Jack Rogers Palm Beach Navajo Sandals
9. Mikimoto Pearls
10. Milly Signature Cuff
11. kate spade "Cut to the Chase" Necklace
12. Lily Pulitzer Betsey Eyelet Dress
13. Spun Abstract Sunflower Print Scarf
14. {For the boys} Brooks Brothers Shorts

Thanks for reading!

Clare

*   *   *

About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the first in the series. I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies

To continue with our patriotic theme this week of 4th of July Fashion and America's favorite pastime, I thought the beloved All-American Whoopie Pie would be an appropriate addition to the lineup.

And while the traditional whoopie pie features a chocolate cookie with a vanilla creme center, I thought this recipe with peanut butter filling seemed like a decadent twist on an old classic.

After all, there is no combination more American (or delicious) than peanut butter and chocolate, right?

These little heavenly sandwiches would be a welcome inclusion at your weekend BBQ, and a perfect last-minute dessert to wow your friends and family for the 4th.

Enjoy: 4th of July Fashion Picks

Recently, I've been loving the retro-nautical-americana vibe I've been seeing in summer clothing. With 4th of July right around the corner, I thought I would share some of my favorite fashion and beauty picks for the patriotic holiday weekend.

{click for larger image}

1. Forever 21, High Waist Jean Short, $13.80
2. Vanessa Mooney, Classic Silver Teardrop Earrings, $42
3. Stuart Weitzman, Crocheted Ankle-Wrap Espadrille, $365
4. Jess LC, Lake Shore Navy Tote, $120
5. C&C California, Vine Stripe Empire Maxi Dress, $148
6. Urban Outfitters, Retro Swim
7. Anthropologie, Neapolitan Bucket Hat, $48
8. Banana Republic, Murphy Aviator Sunglasses, $98
9. Essie, Lollipop, $8
10. William Arthur, Vera Wang Letterpress Anchor Notes, $32
11. NYX Cosmetics, Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo, $6
12. {for the boys} J.Crew, Red Chambray Bow Tie, $39.50 

What are your must-haves for the 4th?

Fort Mason Farmers' Market {San Francisco}

One of the beautiful things about living in San Francisco is that there are a handful of Farmer's Markets within walking distance to my apartment. 

This Sunday, I went to the Fort Mason Farmer's Market.

With all of this fresh produce around, there is no excuse not to buy locally and eat healthfully.

Judy Kaufmann Prints & Sunday in the Marina

This Judy Kaufmann print perfectly sums up how I'm feeling about San Francisco after enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon strolling and shopping through the Marina.

To see more of her bright and whimsical pieces, visit the Barcelona-based artist's site.

Vanilla Cupcakes and Fresh Strawberry Frosting

Last weekend we had a couple of family friends in town, and one of them was a 13-year-old girl visiting from Ohio. I took her around the city for the day, and we had a great time shopping in the Marina, getting mini-makeovers at Benefit, and baking these vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting from a recipe I found on My Baking Addiction.

Swensen's Ice Cream {Russian Hill}

I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite sweet spots on Russian Hill. It's called Swensen's, and is located on the corner of Hyde & Union.

It's modeled after an old school ice cream shop, and has dozens of the creamiest ice cream flavors I've ever tasted.

My favorite is the Mocha Fudge, but I've been dying to try the Bittersweet Chocolate and Swiss Orange Chip.

Fisherman's Wharf {San Francisco}

As I am still filling out paperwork for my second job, I've had a couple of days off a week to explore the city. We've had particularly beautiful weather recently, and I decided to take advantage of one of our warmer days to go visit Fisherman's Wharf along the shoreline. 

Living here, there are a lot of things I love (and a few things I don't) about Fisherman's Wharf. The eclectic collection of cute artisan shops neighboring tourist traps, Ghirardelli Square and fresh dungeness crab are just a few.

Some of my favorites from my "tourist for a day" excursion in Fisherman's Wharf:

Living right near the cable car line. Although noisy at night, they are a fun way to see the city. During the summer they are absolutely packed with tourists (and they cost $5 a pop, unless you have a monthly pass), so I'll be walking.