fun with fabric {lampshades}...

via Carlos Sanchez-Garcia

I cannot stress how much of an impact lighting has on the atmosphere of a room. There are so many lighting options on the market today. However, fabric lampshades have always been one of my favorites. They add an element of charm and warmth, creating an inviting mood and atmosphere. 

Fabric shades filter harsh light, creating a warm glow. Use them on your table lamps, sconces, and even hanging lights. And being that they are made using textiles, you have the option of having your shades custom designed to fit your unique space. What’s not to love? 

monday {menu}

Raspberry Ricotta Croissant French Toast

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 small croissants
butter, for greasing
cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh raspberries
real maple syrup, for serving


INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a shallow, medium size bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until combined. Dip the croissants into the egg mixture, allowing each side to sit for 1-2 minutes in the egg mixture.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat generously with butter. When the skillet is hot, cook the croissants in batches (do not overcrowd) until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired.
3. In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the ricotta. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey for a sweet ricotta. 
4. In a small bowl, mash half the raspberries. Stir in the remaining whole berries.
5. Serve the french toast topped with ricotta, raspberries, and maple. 


FOR BAKED FRENCH TOAST
Whisk together 2 1/2 cups milk, 4 eggs, the vanilla, and cinnamon in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Submerge the croissants in the egg mixture, turning to coat. Sprinkle with 2-4 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (if desired) and dot with 4 tablespoons butter.
Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the French toast is golden and crisp. If the tops of the bread begin to brown to quickly loosely cover the French toast with foil. Serve as directed with ricotta and raspberries.

                                  

wednesday wish

 

{sugar bakeshop}

Did you know I would l o v e to open up a bakeshop/specialty store? Yes, I 100% would! I've always loved going to places like that with charm and character. Walking into something that has been created just for the space with love always captivates me... Those are the store I really enjoy supporting! So why not add one more thing to my list of to-dos & open one!  Who knows, maybe one day... 

I've heard so much about this little adorable bakeshop, Sugar, that I'm craving a trip to South Carolina stat to go to it! Who's with me? Seriously if you could would you jump on a plane and head to Charleston just to get cupcakes, cookies... and anything else in the case? I totally would! I've had Charleston on my mind lately... So why not! Well, If I go I'll let you all know! 

Have you been... If so tell me all about it! It looks absolutely adorable!   

exterior love

I can't stop looking at this exterior... It's just so sweet! Definitely simple and overall just perfect in my eyes!  I love how everything is pulled together so nicely. Now a days I've noticed so many houses with so much going on I can't handle it. I understand what some of the architects and designers are trying to do... But truly to get your point across just coordinate & make it simple. Just simply simple is my new thing!  

Here are 3  things to do to get your exterior pulled together...

1.) Remove a l l dead/overgrown bushes, plants and trees. {make your home visual}

 

2.) Throw away all extra pots and garden accessories that are random, do not coordinate together & are broken/cracked. 

{it's time to say good bye to the orchid you thought you could bring back to life & placed it in the front yard}. 

3.) Give your home a fresh new paint job! 

{love the vintage look, but when the paints starting to chip away... its time to refresh}

Little changes to your home make a big difference... Try it! 

 

monday {menu}

{recipe from... here}

 Miso Caramel Pear Porridge

Miso caramel pear porridge makes one of my favorite desert flavors into a breakfast worthy indulgence. Tender caramelized pear, a quick honey-miso-butter sauce and toasted seeds for crunch. Soak the oats the night before for best results, and make sure to use ripe pears.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional)
• 1 3/4 cup almond milk (or other milk, I often use a mix of almond & coconut milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• pinch of salt
• toasted pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds to serve
• Greek yogurt to serve

Pears

• 2 ripe pears, halved and cored (I use beurre bosc)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon white miso paste (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Soak the oats the night before - combine the oats, chia seeds, milk, vanilla and salt in a bowl and refrigerate overnight. If you forget this step, even 30 minutes of soaking is worthwhile.
2. Half and core the pears. Heat up a fry pan big enough to fit all the pears, cut side down.
3. Melt the butter, honey and miso in the frypan and add the pears. On a low-medium heat, cook for about 10 minutes (depends on pear ripeness) until almost tender. Be careful not to burn the pears - low slow heat is good. I find putting a lid on the pan speeds this step up. When the pears are fork tender, if they are not caramelized underneath enough turn the heat up a bit for a few minutes.
4. To cook the porridge, transfer the soaked oats and milk to a saucepan. Cook on a medium heat for 5 or so minutes until desired thickness reached. If it gets too dry for you, add a bit of water or more milk.
5. Meanwhile, toast the seeds in a dry pan.
6. Serve the porridge in bowls topped with caramelized pear, toasted seeds and Greek yogurt.
   
   

happy sunday...

 

stylish picks for your pooch...

Meet Molly...

Molly is my third child. And just like my other children, she has managed to accumulate a lot of stuff. I don't mind that she has her favorite things strewn throughout the house. However, if they are going to be there, I would rather they not offend my eyes. So I have been on the hunt for stylish pet products that blend seamlessly into our shared space. Luckily, there are some great products out there to choose from. Here are a few of my latest finds... 

 

monday {menu}

 

XOXO

Alexandra

hoppy easter

 

Hoppy Easter!

XOXO

Alexandra 

friday finds...

 

I don't know about you... But sign me up f a s t! 

I want all of the items! 

• House {check}
• Adorable spring outfit {check}
• Homemade pop tarts {check} 
• rustic rooster's silver cup {check}

By the way this silver cup is available for purchase! 

Such a sweet little cup... Perfect to hold pencils & pens in, great  flower vase & even fabulous to use as a little cocktail cup! Why not... You definitely will look cute drinking! haha

 $ 14.00

{plus tax & ship}

measurements: 

2.5" H x 2.5" D 

e-mail... info@rusticrooster.com if interested in purchasing!

coastal coffee table books...

 

I love a good coffee table book! Not only are they filled with design ideas, but they are also great to use as décor themselves. You can use them in any space to add color, elevate other items, and showcase your interests. 

Since I have been spending more time at home lately, I’ve had the opportunity to flip through some of my favorite coastal design books and wanted to share some of my favorites with you. I hope that you find them as beautiful and inspirational as I do! 

Do you have any favorites? I am always open to recommendations. You can never have too many books…