A bit of Britt

Adventures in cooking: Pumpkin spice no-bake cheesecake One pie...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:57:00 -0600

Adventures in cooking: Pumpkin spice no-bake cheesecake

One pie down, two to go. I’m having a blast on my day off listening to the Peaceful Holidays station on Pandora and cooking up delicious desserts for Thanksgiving tomorrow.

For a dessert that doesn’t always show up on the dinner table, try out this easy — and not too unhealthy — recipe for pumpkin cheesecake.

Ingredients:

— 8 oz 1/3 less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese
— 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
— 1 tsp vanilla
— 1 tsp cinnamon
— 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
— 1/4 cup brown sugar, unpacked
— 8 oz Cool Whip Free, thawed
— 9 inch reduced fat Graham Cracker Crust

Directions:

1. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese, pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar for a few minutes until fluffy.
2. Add Cool Whip and whip until smooth.
3. Spoon mixture into pie crust and chill for a few hours, until firm.

Fun Fact: The average American consumes more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving.

But one slice of this pie has only 239 calories! That’s at least one guilt-free indulgence.

The beautiful candelabra above is going for $99 from West...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:04 -0600

The beautiful candelabra above is going for $99 from West Elm— which is way too pricey for a seasonal item in my opinion.

This could be a fairly simple DIY project if you used a real tree branch and it would cost you just a fraction of the price. Although, that does seem like a bit of a fire hazard, but it’s just so prettyyyy.

(photo via sparklyofmyveryown:misswallflower)

This is just some of the loot Brad and I picked up last night...

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:27:00 -0600

This is just some of the loot Brad and I picked up last night for our Adopt-A-Family kids we’re buying Christmas presents for.

After strolling the aisles cluelessly — Is a 4T the same as a 4? — we had a good time trying to pick out cute items from the children’s wishlists.

Look at those little boots! And baby leggings! And that weeble-wobbly penguin! Such fun.

22 rules that every journalist should read - and follow

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:38:37 -0600

22 rules that every journalist should read - and follow: My favorites: 2. We would invite our...

Black Friday Deals 2009: The BEST Offers From Major Retailers

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:03:31 -0600

Black Friday Deals 2009: The BEST Offers From Major Retailers: Thanks for the link, Mom! And in case...

Here in Chicago we are still in the almost-winter season, but...

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:29:00 -0600

Here in Chicago we are still in the almost-winter season, but the winter season keeps stepping on our heels.

Sweaters are my second skin when cold weather arrives, but we all know they have a stigma. You can’t find a good sweater without forking over a little extra cash — can you?

You can. The cardigan sweater coat on the left will cost you $325 at Piperlime.com, or you can snag the cable-knit sweater coat on the right for just $24 from Kohls.

The sweater coat trend would make a perfect gift for your old roommate, your little sister, or even your favorite co-worker.

Here are a few more wallet-friendly finds:

1. Cable-knit tie-front cardigan — Old Navy, $36.50
2. Double-breasted cardigan — Forever 21, $27.80
3. Toggle cardigan — JCPenney, $29.99
4. Button-front cardigan — Wet Seal, $24.50
5. Tie Heather sweater — Charlotte Russe, $34.99

Now go forth and be warm (and cute)!

Through the Adopt-A-Family program at my work, Brad and I...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:50:51 -0600

Through the Adopt-A-Family program at my work, Brad and I adopted two individual children to buy presents for this Christmas. And tonight, we go shopping!

We have a 3-year old girl and a 1-year old boy, who are brother and sister. Here’s what they’re wishing for:

Girl: coat, boots, underwear, pants and shirts, backpack, PRINCESS TOYS, Cinderella doll, doll stroller

Boy: coat, boots, underwear, sneakers, soft ball, baby toys, blanket

We plan on warming their little feet with fuzzy snow boots, and warming their hearts with princess and baby toys alike. It goes without saying that helping them warms ours.

Adventures in cooking: Spinach and feta biscuits and cheddar...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:45:49 -0600

Adventures in cooking: Spinach and feta biscuits and cheddar corn chowder (which didn’t photograph well)

Brad and I made this last weekend for his parents. It was DELICIOUS and decidedly the perfect combo for a chilly November night.

Spinach and feta biscuit ingredients:

— 2 cups all purpose flour
— 1 tsp salt
— Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
— 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
— 1/4 cup butter
— 1/2 cup buttermilk
— 1/4 cup canola oil
— 1 egg
— About one small package of feta cheese, crumbled
— About half a bag of spinach, chopped
— 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
— 1/4 cup fresh basil, minced very fine

Directions:

1. In a large sauté pan, sauté chopped spinach and garlic until softened. Add feta and basil at very end and remove from heat.
2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mash in the butter with a fork.
4. Combine the buttermilk, oil and egg in a separate bowl. Whisk together until completely combined.
5. Combine the milk/egg mix with the flour. Gently, stir in the spinach mixture and add pepper.
6. Spoon into greased muffin tin (makes about one dozen).
7. Bake at 375°F for 22-25 minutes.

I got all gussied up Saturday night to go out for sushi with...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:35:00 -0600

I got all gussied up Saturday night to go out for sushi with Brad and then to a local bar for some drinks with friends. There’s little else like that feeling of a brand new outfit, and I got confirmation in the words of one of my guy friends who in his manliest tone said, “Soooo fashionista.”

Wearing:

Black and purple tunic dress — Target’s limited edition holiday dress line
Black bib necklace — JCPenney
Black opaque tights — I have no idea
Black chunky-heeled pumps — Isaac Mizrahi for Target

As soon as I saw this dress on the rack, I knew I had to pair it with a big-ass chunky bib necklace, particularly one in all black so that it didn’t add to the busy-ness of the print. I found the one above at JCPenney, but I didn’t love the thin, lobster-clasp closure.

So I took matters (and a needle and thread) into my own hands and made it my own. Since ribbon-tie necklaces are all the rage, I picked up some shiny, black ribbon for $0.76, sewed it around each end of the “bib” and then simply tied it around my neck. Click through the link to see the original, and check out the top left photo above to see the finished product.

The only thing I didn’t love about this outfit were the patent pumps which I’ve had for more than a year. The minute I put on the dress I thought about raising the hem a couple of inches — but maybe I just need some higher shoes instead!

Guess where I’m headed to see the ball drop this year? NEW...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:13:47 -0600

Guess where I’m headed to see the ball drop this year? NEW YORK CITY!

Brad and I will be flying out early afternoon on Dec. 31 and won’t be coming back to Chicago until Jan. 3. It will be his first time in NYC and our first time traveling together! I absolutely cannot wait!

I know Times Square is absolute madness on New Year’s Eve, and no NYC native would waste their time there, but I’m no native and our hotel is just steps away — so we’re set on going!

Now I need your help. Any suggestions for what time to go? The perfect spot? Where to go afterward (or before)?

I picked up some new matte nail polish today to try out the...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:35:11 -0600

I picked up some new matte nail polish today to try out the trend. The color you see above is Russian Navy by OPI.

I’m trying to decide if I like it or not. What do you think?

7 Ways To Shop Smart And Save Money This Holiday Season

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:09:00 -0600

Black Friday is only one week away, people, and that means it’s time to strategize. What...

Adventures in cooking: S’more brownies As soon as I saw...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:04:47 -0600

Adventures in cooking: S’more brownies

As soon as I saw this recipe from the Food Network on a few blogs, Why didn’t I think of that? popped into my head. I knew I had to try it.

Brad helped me make these Saturday night and although they were fun to try, I don’t think I’ll be making them again. The marshmallows were a bit overwhelming and the crust a bit too crumbly, but alter the following recipe as you wish!

Ingredients:

Crust

— 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
— 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
— 2 tablespoons sugar
— Pinch salt

Brownie

— 1 box brownie mix
— 2 large eggs
— 1/4 cup water
— 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Topping

— 4 cups large marshmallows

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Stir the butter together with the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the brownie mix.
4. Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan with baked crust. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, about 40 to 45 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, about 2 minutes.
6. Cool on a rack, cut into 12 (2-inch) squares and gently remove the brownies from the pan.

(recipe via katiepiemiscellany:jeralyndwile)

I’ve seen this jewelry trend lately in several magazines...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:09:00 -0600

I’ve seen this jewelry trend lately in several magazines and creatively referred to it as “the knot.”

Ads and commercials with “knot” rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces kept popping up everywhere, and unable to resist all things sparkly, I decided to look into it to see what it’s all about.

Turns out the jewelery has a name besides “the knot.” It’s called the Everlon collection and is fashioned in the design of the Hercules Knot — the single, unbroken band represents timelessness and continuity, and “the knot” that contains the single diamond represents endless and unconditional love. How sweet!

I did a bit more research to find some pieces of great quality, yet with reasonable prices, and my favorites are the two you see above — both from the Everlon collection at Kranich’s Jewelers.

The gorgeous ring on the left is a budget-friendly $186, while the matching earrings at right are of a slightly higher price point, but equally stunning, at $415. Or, check out the Everlon necklaces or bracelets, if that’s more your thing.

Any of the Everlon pieces would be a great gift to show Mom how much she means to you, or to let your favorite aunt know she’s your favorite, but would make an even better hint to throw your significant other’s way.

Adventures in cooking: Frittata with fresh spinach, chopped...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:43:00 -0600

Adventures in cooking: Frittata with fresh spinach, chopped mushrooms and sliced potatoes, cooked turkey bacon and shredded reduced fat mozzarella

Whenever I work from home, I tend to get caught up in work and forget about breakfast. Today I wanted to make something for brunch that I hadn’t before and a frittata came to mind. I already had all these ingredients, so it was just a matter of throwing everything in a pie pan and baking.

I used six eggs and poured in a little skim milk to make it a bit fluffier. After making sure all the ingredients are covered, pour it in a pie pan and cook on 375 F for 30 minutes. In the last five minutes, sprinkle it with the shredded cheese. Let it cool so it hardens a bit, and you’re ready to impress.

Consider whipping one of these up if you have guests staying with you for the holidays! It’s a level above the standard eggs and bacon breakfast and can serve many hungry people.

What Sex and the City Taught Me About Writing

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:52:54 -0600

What Sex and the City Taught Me About Writing : Now, I realize that Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica...

You guys know about this, right? When you sign up for a free...

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:07:00 -0600

You guys know about this, right?

When you sign up for a free account on ShopItToMe.com, you can register for Sale Mail, a service that scours the vast Internet for sales at a variety of brands — think Juicy Couture, DKNY, BCBG — to find the best sales IN YOUR SIZE. Then it compiles a list that gets sent directly to your inbox. You can even have it sent daily, if you’re dangerous like me.

The best part is that you can pick the brands to search ( I picked, um, all 70 of them) and set a price point. There is no minimum price point (I set mine at $100) which is great so that no items over your budget can tempt you.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s be selfless for a minute. If you’re looking for that perfect gift for your girlfriends this year, or even your man (they search men’s clothing and shoes, too!), set your price limit and let the gift ideas come to you.

Happy shopping!

AH it can't be true!!!!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:30:55 -0600

AH it can't be true!!!!: Brad just e-mailed me this link. I’m sensing sarcasm…

DIY - Wine Bottle Vases

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:02:00 -0600

As soon as I get something to call a home of my own, I’m putting these crafty DIY wine bottle...

This would make a pretty freakin’ fabulous NYE dress.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:11 -0600

This would make a pretty freakin’ fabulous NYE dress.