Happy New Year

2010 has been such an incredible year on so many levels.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I am especially thankful to all the readers of my blog.  I truly appreciate all of your lovely comments and support.  Cheers to an even better year ahead!!

Bring on 2011!!!

Food Porn of the Week: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

I love red velvet;cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, I don't descriminate.  These whoopie pies are BEYOND easy to make.  You can use any red velvet cake recipe or just buy a boxed mix.  All you have to do is add an extra 1/2 cup of flour to the mix.  Spoon the mixture evenly onto a greased cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for about 10 minutes.  I filled my whoopie pies with homemade cream cheese frosting and then rolled the edges in sliced almonds.  Such a cute and yummy treat. 

Tapas & Sangria

As I mentioned here, my sisters, mother and I have made it a tradition to celebrate Christmas as well as my mom's birthday with tapas, sangria, and delicious Spanish food at our of our favorite restaurants.  Here are a few pics...

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Merry Birthday & Happy Christmas!

{my mom & I on Christmas Eve back in the day}

I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas! 

I especially wanted to wish my mother a Happy 50th Birthday.  We are all definitely blessed to have her in our lives.  The plan for today is to go out for a lovely lunch of tapas, sangria, and delicious Spanish food to celebrate my mom's birthday.  My sisters, mom and I started doing this about four years ago and the tradition has stuck.

No matter what your plan is today I hope that you are in good company and spirits.

Wishing you much Peace & Love.

Erica

The Great Gingerbread House Debacle

Chris and I attempted our first gingerbread house last night....

Who would have thought making one of these little suckers would have been so stressful!?  At the end of the day it was fun and we laughed at our little creation.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for $75.00 or Less

As much as you promise yourself each year not to wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts; with all the craziness of the holidays having a few unpurchased gifts is inevitable. Here are a few great gift ideas if you haven't finished up your holiday shopping. The best part is that they are all $75.00 and under.
{assorted miniature liquor bottles}

 

{French latte bowls}

{vegan baking mixes}

{Polish Trio by Topshop Make Up}

{Martha Stewart Baking Set}

{Coney Island Nostalgia Prints by Tamara Lee}

{WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers}

{Parisian Macarons}

{New Growth Bib Necklace}

For information on all the gifts featured click here.

A Holiday Tradition: Coquito

It would not be Christmas for me without coquito; aka Puerto Rican egg nog.  It is very similar to traditional egg nog, but the addition of cream of coconut gives this drink its distinctive flavor.  Coquito is very rich so it is to be sipped.  It's almost like liquid dessert.  So tasty.  Every year I make a few bottles and give them out as gifts.  

My recipe is super simple:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 (15-ounce) can cream of coconut

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

1 - 1 1/2 cups of white Puerto Rican Rum

1 tsp vanilla extract

a couple sprinkles of cinnamon

Blend all ingredients in a blender and chill for at least two hours.  Serve in small glasses with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Surprise!

This weekend my sisters and I threw my mother a surprise 50th birthday party.  Her actual birthday is on Christmas Day so she had absolutely no clue.  This party has been months in the making and I'm so happy it was such a success.  Here are a few pics I thought I'd share...

{placecards I made by hand}

{a sign in photo of my mother at age 13}

{my beautiful niece Jada & her daddy}

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful mother.  We love you Mom!