Monday, February 29, 2016

Oscar Night

 

 

I have been to Oscar watching parties in the past, and while fun, this year I was equally happy to be at home in front of my own tv and very comfortable in my pajamas. A glass of wine seemed the appropriate choice for Oscar night, but I soon turned to my usual peppermint tea. Coziness rather glamour was my Oscar style for 2016.

All in all, and especially since I didn't see or don't really have interest in the big winner, Mad Max, the show was a little dull, until a few surprises at the end. Chris Rock had some good jokes, but was very one note. I miss the Billy Crystal type musical numbers, all about movies. One highlight for me was Lady Gaga's emotional song.

There were some really pretty and feminine dresses. As always I am drawn to color, sparkle and how the hair and jewelry work with the look. I also was a big fan of Julianne Moore in black with her pale skin and beautiful red hair. Cate Blanchett was flawless, perfect for the occasion and my winner of the night. Here are my favorite Oscar looks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Monday!

 

Friday, February 26, 2016

A Snowy Twenty Four Hours

 

 

 

 

Yes, it's still February and a measurable snowfall shouldn't really come as a big surprise here in the snowy north. But, we haven't really had much snow to speak of and it's easy to get out of the rhythm of boots, hats, gloves and firing up the snowblower. I don't usually have to drive when it's so messy on the roads, but this time, I had to run an errand in the worst of it. However, as bad as it gets, Michigan drivers are tough and everyone slows down and safely makes their way to where they need to go. It gets a little tricky when it's snowing harder than the snow plows can keep up with and the lane lines are covered, but we adapt.

 

 

 

It was still snowing in the morning but, I was lucky enough to be able to stay home and just enjoy the view. Outside my window there were big flakes falling, snow covering the tree branches and even a bright red Cardinal at my bird feeder. Everything was white and very beautiful. As the end of February approaches, we are almost through winter (hopefully) and I'm going to try and enjoy the season as it winds down. There may be more snowy days, but there will also be warm and sunny ones too, that remind us that spring is coming. And here, after fighting our way through a northern winter, it is most welcome.

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Linking with

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

21 Rosemary Lane

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Baked Blueberry Ricotta Doughnuts

 

 

 

I am having so much fun with the doughnut pan that my daughter gave me for Christmas. There are so many different recipes and delicious combinations of ingredients to try and this morning's recipe is maybe the best yet. I had some ricotta cheese in my refrigerator that I needed to use and was delighted to see that with the addition of blueberries, I could use it to make light and fluffy doughnuts.

After baking, I made a simple vanilla glaze to complete the delishishness. The fresh blueberries add the perfect element of sweetness and the ricotta adds a cheesecake like texture to every bite. Making (baking) doughnuts at home is such a fun way to enjoy this sweet morning treat without any of the guilt or a trip to the doughnut shop. My morning coffee tasted especially good with a doughnut (or two) on the side :-)

 

Baked Blueberry Ricotta Doughnuts

 

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar ( I used Truvia)

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup ricotta cheese

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup fresh blueberries (fresh will keep batter from turning purple)

 

Spray doughnut pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add in eggs, ricotta, milk and vanilla. Stir with a large spoon until combined. Fold in blueberries. Spoon batter into doughnut pan, filling each section to the top. Bake 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees until firm and lightly brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes 6-8 doughnuts.

When cool, dip tops of doughnuts in glaze. ( 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, 2 T milk and splash of vanilla)

Enjoy!

 

{Linking with these friends}


French Country Cottage

A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

The Charm of Home

Art and Sand

Between Naps on the Porch

Cozy Little House

Eclectic Red Barn

Skip To My Lou

Rooted in Thyme

DIY by Design

21 Rosemary Lane

New House New Home

Stonegable

Rattlebridge Farm



Michigan ➡️ Florida
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