pretty stuff

{all photos from rustic rooster pinterest... here}

OH I just adore pretty bedrooms! All the comfy pillows, gold detailing, framed pictures, small flower vases, upholstered headboards, smelly candles,  floral fabric, wallpaper to monogrammed pillowcases! OK,  say that over and over and over again! Lets face it... A pretty bedroom makes such a huge difference in the world!  What do you think? Do you think you would sleep better in a more feminine bedroom? Do you think you could read tons of books in a more feminine bedroom? Tell all! 

coastal alley s a l e

happy halloween

green monster shot

{recipe here}

Ingredients

1 oz. Tequila

1 oz. Chilled Green Bloody Mary Mix (Below)

Squeeze of Lime

Cooked Baby Octopus or Squid

Pour the tequila into a shot glass. Pour the green bloody mix over the tequila and squeeze in a wedge of lime. Garnish with cooked baby octopus or squid arms.

For a Full sized Green Bloody Mary pour 2 oz. of tequila and 4 oz. of mix into an ice filled mixing glass. Now roll (pour) the mix back and forth between two glasses until combined. Strain into an ice filled glass.

Green Bloody Mary Mix

Ingredients

8 oz. Tomatillos (chopped)

4 oz. Green Tomatoes (chopped)

4 oz. Cucumber (chopped)

2 Serrano Chillies

1/2 Bunch Cilantro

4 oz. Water

1/2 Tbsp Kosher Salt

Husk, core, and chop the tomatillos. Peel the cucumbers and chop. Chop up the green tomatoes. Weigh out all of the ingredients and puree until smooth in a food processor or blender.

little change...

So lately I've been on this "k i c k" to change 1 little thing a month. Last month I got the itching to change my deodorant to something aluminum free... And much much more safe for me and my body! Overtime I would roll on my old deodorant in the morning and  would have a little panic attack that I'm putting chemicals in my body and just asking for something bad to happen to me {cancer}. Ugh I absolutely hated that feeling! Of course then the question was whats going to help me stay fresh and not smell {that's HUGE}! Then I stumbled upon this deodorant on Instagram {kopari}. Reading all the reviews I was ready to go get it. Why not... Something that keeps me safe and still keeps me smelling great! I'm in! Now here's the best part... They sell this brand at my old storefront location in Encinitas {SALT} on Highway 101. Of course I go to my back garage space in the alley pretty much everyday but have never in the last 5ish years gone into my old storefront. Just never really wanted to... Well, I got my mom and kids and we did it. 1 - The store is great,  2 - I had not one sad feelings going back in and 3 - I actually had a sigh of relief. SALT was N O T H I N G like the old rustic rooster so I was OK with that {wink}. I felt relived that I didn't get emotional. OK back to the deodorant. I was told you would heavily sweat for 14 days because you were releasing all the old toxins/aluminum from your previous deodorant. I didn't care I wanted this change! 

* * {R E V I E W} * *

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! THE BEST CHANGE I MADE! I smell great and I have no fear of getting stinky in any workout class I take or meeting I go to because I don't get stinky at all! It feels good and glides on so easy!  Doesn't stain my clothes or anything! 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  

Now, I'm going to go and get it for my kids. They're at the age where they NEED deodorant so bad and with their little bodies changing with age/hormones/testosterone I would rather put something good into them than bad toxins!  And to be honest with you I don't care that's its $11.90 per bottle. It's well worth the price... 

GO.AND.GET.IT 

monday {menu}

BAGEL BAR for the "WIN"! Now this is a really great idea if you have house guests or want to WIN mom of the year award for breakfast! Actually you could do this for an after school snack as well. So fun! It looks like they used a paper towel holder to hold up the bagels. Not to shabby! Getting creative with family and friends in the kitchen always bring a smile to everyones face... And definitely warms your heart and soul! 

happy sunday

hair game

As I get older I've started to get bored with my typical long straight hair... Don't get me wrong, some days call for that and I love my hair, but others days I need a little more sophistication. For me doing the high bun is fun when I'm rushing out the door or just finished a workout, but over all its not a 24/7 look for me.  Truly,  I wish I could just throw my hair back in a cute pony tail. Ughhhh not flattering with my round face. Some woman look so cute with high pony tails! L U C K Y! I just started noticing the low classic bun... I'm game! Any good styling tips, videos to watch? Please share... I would love some advise!  

good old secretary

{all photos from rustic rooster pinterest... here}

I love a good Secretary... Truth you really can use one anywhere in a home! Kitchen, nightstand, entry, family room, living room... My list is truly endless! I got one a few years ago and I'm obsessed with it! It's actually in storage which breaks my heart, but hope to get it out soon. I want it in my living room! Soon! It can be multi-functional. A writing desk {for adults}, catch all space and even a kids homework station. My Secretary is an old antique pine with a glass top. Ahhh so dreamy! What's your thoughts on old Secretaries in your home? Do you like them? Yes... or... No?

coastal alley sale

X O X O

alexandra 

monday {menu}

{recipe here}

 G O O D   O L D   B U R G E R

Hamburger Pattie:

• -1.6 - 2 lb ground beef (mince), 20%+ fat  
• -Salt and pepper
• -3 onions, peeled and sliced into rings
• -2 tbsp oil
• -4 - 8 slices cheese of choice, I use Swiss (optional)
• 
  

Hamburger:

• -4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
• -Lettuce, tomato slices
• -Ketchup, mustard, relish, sliced pickles

Instructions:

1. Separate beef into 4 equal portions. Use hands to lightly form into patties the size of your buns (mine are about 4") - don't press hard, light fingers = soft juicy patties (see video for how I do this).
2. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Make a dent on one side (stop burger from become dome shape and shrinking when cooking).
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy based skillet or BBQ over high heat. Add onion and cook until wilted and caramelised. Season with salt and pepper, then remove.
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil until smoking. Add patties and cook for 2 minutes until deep golden with a great crust. Do not press! Flip carefully, cook for 1 minute then top with cheese (if using). Cover with lid and cook for further 1 minute until cheese is melted.
5. Meanwhile, toast the cut side of the buns lightly.
6. To serve: Spread base of buns with sauce / condiment of choice. Top with lettuce then tomato, then hamburger patty. Pile over onions, sliced pickles, then more sauce/condiments. Top with lid of bun. Serve immediately.

Notes:

1. Fat is where the flavour is, so use a 20%+ fat beef mince (ground beef, preferably chuck). In Australia, even supermarket 20% fat beef mince is terrific, though quality beef from butchers (especially wagyu) will make exceptional hamburgers.

To make this using lean mince, use this recipe which has flavourings added to compensate for less fat which provides flavour in this recipe. This is the original recipe I shared on the basis of making hamburgers using lower fat beef.

2. In the video, I use a store bought tomato relish.

3. Nutrition including: 200g/7oz hamburger patties, 1 slice cheese, 2 tbsp tomato relish, lettuce, tomato, hamburger buns. It is about 40 calories higher than actual as it does not take into account fat discarded from pan.

ENJOY

Alexandra 

happy sunday...

xoxo

Alexandra

orange you happy

{all images from rustic rooster pinterest}

Truth when I look at the color orange I don't really get the feeling of happiness... It does wake me up though! Not saying, orange isn't a pretty color it just doesn't evoke joy in my eyes! But, after looking at these images I do feel awake and ready to conquer the day! What's your feeling about orange?

garage doors

 

Q U E S T I O N... Why don't people focus on their garages and make them look pretty? Hmmm maybe the question really is, why don't garage door companies give more pretty options that aren't custom for the general consumer. I know garage doors can be pricy, but oh man if I were in that line of business I would be killing it! lol I guess what I'm trying to say is, I wouldn't give my customers only choice A, B and C... I would add D, E and F to the selections! For the same cost. Then if a customer wants to get supper fancy like a wood garage door, more windows or different style windows... etc. Then let the price go up, up and up! What do you think? Keep them simple or go crazy and make them pretty {cool}?!?! You all know my answer! What's yours... 

fall feels

{all images from rustic rooster pinterest} 

Fall is around the corner... Little signs are starting to pop up here and there and guess what I'm ready!  Truth... I'm craving cool breezes, leaves changing and cozy camel sweaters {mixed with leopard accessories}! All these images make summer coming to a close A OK for me! I can handle it! I know San Diego's fall is n o t h i n g like an east coast fall, but I'll take what I can get here in my quaint little seaside town! Burnt orange here and rustic red there... Bring it on {smile}!  What images come to mind when you think of fall... Please share! 

monday {menu}

PRINT

{recipe from here}

HONEY EARL GREY FIG CAKE

INGREDIENTS

Earl Grey Cake:

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 earl grey tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1/2 Tablespoon ( 1 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste, or vanilla extract
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Toppings:

• figs
• honey
• pistachios

INSTRUCTIONS

Earl Grey Cake:

1. Microwave milk for 90 seconds to 2 minutes until very hot. Steep tea bags for 20 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid from tea bags. Remove tea bags.  Stir in egg whites and vanilla paste. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour two 6-inch cake pans. Line with parchment paper and set aside.
3. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and sugar. Add 1/3 of dry flour mixture. Mix on low speed. Add 1/2 of liquid mixture. Continue to mix on low speed and add another 1/3 of dry flour mixture. Add remaining liquid mixture. Mix on low and add remaining 1/3 of dry flour mixture. Scrape down bowl as needed to ensure thorough mixing. Batter should be smooth. 
5. Divide batter between two prepared cake pans. Level batter using the back of a spoon or a mini offset spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating once halfway through baking. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes before unmolding. Place cake on wire rack and allow to cool to room temperature

Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Scrape down bowl as needed. Add confectioners' sugar, honey, and salt. Mix until frosting is smooth and thoroughly combine.

Assembly:

1. Level cooled cake as needed. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or cake plate. Spread a generous amount of honey cream cheese frosting into an even layer over cake. Place another cake layer on top. Top with frosting. Place sliced figs on top of cake. Sprinkle pistachios on top. Drizzle honey as desired. Keep cake stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Let cake sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to allow cake to soften. Drizzle additional honey, as desired, before serving.

   
   

   
   

happy sunday...

happy sunday...

X O X O

Alexandra

monday {menu}

{recipe here}

LEMON VANILLA 

FRENCH TOAST with STRAWBERRIES 

ingredients

• 1 loaf vegan lemon vanilla challah or another challah/brioche cut into 1 in slices
• 1 1/2 cups nondairy milk 
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Zest of a lemon
• Coconut oil for cooking

instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest. Dip the challah slices into the egg mixture, letting them soak for a minute each side.
2. Heat a large pan over medium heat with about a teaspoon of coconut oil. Once the pan is hot, cook 2-3 slices of french toast at a time, until golden, about 3 minutes each side. Repeat until all of the bread has been used. Serve immediately with coconut yogurt, strawberries, and maple syrup.

enjoy

Alexandra