Happy September! Fall is my absolute favorite season for fashion. I have a pretty classic wardrobe, for the most part, and Fall completely welcomes a perfectly classic palette. In anticipation of our subdivision's annual garage sale, I recently rummaged through my closet and pulled out any and everything I don't love. I cleared out almost half of my closet! Yep. It was very liberating. Eventually, I want to be able to look in my closet and easily put an . . .
Curried Moroccan Tarts : Appetizer
These warm bite-sized appetizers are seriously one of the best out there. I owe all of this to my aunt's mother-in-law who started making these delicious "tarts" years ago. Since our family first tried these, they have popped up at almost every family function. They are creamy, spicy, and savory...and just plain easy to make. I promise you will not be disappointed with this one! I served this at the Stock the Bar party a few weeks ago, and they were a hit. Also, you . . .
Home Office Remodel Inspiration
Since we decided to move our dining table into what was our formal living area and turn the current dining room into an office, I have the home office remodel on my brain. I definitely want a space that both Mat and I can enjoy, both functionally and aesthetically. I want it to be a bright space, but it needs to be grounded with some heavier and organic elements. Enter my "wish list" plan: 1 / My good friend, Katie of Spray Paint and Chardonnay, swears by this Ikea dresser as . . .
Stock the Bar Party!
Over the weekend, Mat and I -- along with 5 ridiculously fun couples -- hosted our first party in our new/old house. We were celebrating the pending nuptials of some dear friends that are getting married in September. I truly love celebrating the milestones of my friends and family. There is something about it that makes me feel even closer to our "tribe." all the hosts and the bride and groom, Lauren and Reed (far right) Even though it is still super hot here in . . .
Grilled Rosemary Shrimp with Spicy Remoulade Dipping Sauce
Oh, summer nights. You are ending soon, and I will be so sad...but, don't get me wrong, I do welcome cooler temps and fall fashion. During the dog days of summer in Texas, evenings are really the only time we can get out of the air conditioned house for a meal. Our family loves to grill and eat fresh sides...and drink crisp vino...al fresco during the summer. A few weeks ago, I decided to grill some shrimp skewered on rosemary sprigs. And since I am still on a cajun . . .
Back to School Free Printable Roundup!
Children everywhere are heading back to school this week. In Austin, the first day of school is Monday. Since my little one is only 3, I will have to live vicariously through my friends' Face Book feeds full of the obligatory "back to school" photos. In light of this upcoming milestone, I have rounded up my favorite "back to school" free printables that I think would bring some extra joy these first few weeks of the new school year. Also, come check out my Back to School . . .
Effortless Entertaining on La Dolce Vita today!
. . .
Chicken Enchiladas Suizas
One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Austin is Fonda San Miguel. The classic Mexican food and cocktails paired with an unbeatable atmosphere makes for a spectacular dining experience. Luckily, in 2005, the iconic restaurant produced a cookbook that is so gorgeous, it could easily be your typical coffee table book. One of my favorite enchilada dishes in the Fonda San Miguel cookbook is the Enchiladas Suizas, which are chicken or cheese enchiladas with a rich sour cream sauce. . . .
Summer Dresses
This Saturday, we will be hosting an outdoor "stock the bar" party for two dear friends celebrating their pending September nuptials. We are super excited to entertain for the first time in the "new/old" house! While in the middle of planning the soiree, I have not taken the time to figure out what I am going to wear. Go figure. While on my search, I rounded up a few dresses that I think would be perfect for any outdoor celebration. / 1 // 2 // . . .
Peach and Prosciutto Salad
I told you I was on a salad kick, and this one uses one of my favorite summer seasonal ingredients: peaches. Here in the Texas Hill Country, the peach reigns supreme in summer months. I challenge you to drive down any Farm to Market road and not see at least three peach stands. Do other states still have Farm to Market roads? As I typed that, it seemed a bit strange. Well, in Texas, we still do. A few weekends ago, a dear friend of mine and her mother-in-law . . .