Sunday, April 28, 2013

recipe: gluten free earl grey scones.


Today I wanted to make scones, and fondly recalled a local tea room serving me absolutely delicious Earl Grey infused cookies. I could even see the little specks of crushed tea leaves when I took a bite, and was instantly in love. It's been years since I've eaten that baked delight, but I decided to channel my love for that cookie into a hearty breakfast scone! Good with clotted cream, jam, and/or spreadable butter!

I decided to use Numi's Aged Earl Grey because I was especially fond of the fact that they don't utilize artificial flavorings, and instead used real bergamot to get that lovely flavor and fragrance!

Follow the jump for the recipe & photos!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

plans & plans & plans.

tea companion.

The other day Ryan and I paused for a moment and realized that if we are truly planning to move out by summertime, we really oughta get packing NOW. I'm taking a look around my room stuffed with things gathered over years, and am realizing what a daunting task I have ahead of me. I am also trying to figure out how to safely pack ALL OF MY TEAWARE. In a way I'm sort of kicking myself for establishing such a teacup collection, but I gotta do what I gotta do! I'll be up to my ears in bubblewrap!

So I gotta start packing ... on top of learning to drive. First and foremost, after 24 years of snagging rides and getting by without a car, I am finally working towards getting my driving license. Ryan has been the most patient, wonderful, and supportive partner in that regard. I've explained to people time and time again my fear of driving, and that it's not necessarily ME, but the fact that really reckless people are on the road.

I drove on a road that wasn't surrounded by my neighborhood and the police didn't pull me over, I didn't drive off a cliff, and everything felt okay. It was very reassuring considering how shaky I get around other cars.

Then comes the task of finding a quaint apartment that allows cats. My little Chai is well trained, declawed, and a big fat lazy kitty whose highlight of the day is just trotting behind me in the house. I understand that people won't list apartments as pet friendly right away if they can get away with it, but it makes my glances at apartment listings without the "pets ok" tag feel so stressful. She is my little friend, and I find her chirping purring presence so very comforting during stressful times.

In this area you'll sometimes come across people that even charge very expensive "pet rent" which I find fairly frustrating as that is what the security deposit is for. Fingers crossed we'll find an abode that likes kitties and is pretty and maybe even has AC (ohgodpleaseletusfindAC.)

observed.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

unusually warm april.

the tea drinker.
(dress from forever21, vintage goldtone belt from etsy, glasses from warby parker)
So today our thermostats hit 87°F. It is early April. Why does it feel like July outside!?!?

Along with the really unusual temperature, I am super excited that we are being forecast for "strong storms" tonight. My favorite part about summertime is cracking open the windows and listening to the rumble of thunder in the distance, and occasionally running from windows when the thunder is exceptionally close and LOUD. I've missed the sound of heavy rainfall as well. I think we broke the record for the hottest temperature on this date!! I would very much like the April weather to resume, though, as I have yet to wear cardigans and still like holding a hot drink in my hand without feeling as if I were going to melt.

I've been drinking a lot of Numi's "Aged Earl Grey" lately and I have to admit ... it is super tasty. I don't normally take a gander at teas I can find in grocery aisles, but I think my pretentiousness has been making me miss out on a real gem. Both the tea bags and loose tea brew a really nice dark amber cup, and the bergamot is just right. I don't get a stomachache as I usually do with some Earl Greys (the creme varieties especially) and it was robust enough to wake me up at 6:30am, and mild enough to sip at while I edited photos this afternoon.

You should definitely give it a try if you've been feeling a bit "meh" about Earl Grey! No artificial flavorings too!

earl grey.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

first warm day of spring.

relaxing.

Today Ryan and I decided to ride our bikes at Peace Valley, which is a lovely local park situated around a calm lake. We packed picnic equipment, strapped a crate filled with food to the back of my bike, and pedaled off to find an ideal spot to dine by the water. We had checked the weather but never noticed any notifications about wind -- at one point I had to hop off my bike or I would have been blown off! Despite the blustery conditions we made it to a nice sunny spot where some trees and brush shielded us from the wind.

We packed egg salad, corn tortillas (no good way to heat up gluten free bread outdoors!), berries, pineapple chunks, and coconut water. I was immensely grateful that the bees had not yet started springing up, as I'm sure the fruit and coconut water would have made us prime targets for their little swarms.

Hopefully we can have another picnic on a less windy day, or just ride our bikes when the paths aren't so crowded. Our area has had a long and grey icky winter, and it seems like 60 degree day drew everyone out of their homes and onto the little roads that circle the lake. At least all the people out and about meant many people brought their dogs as well! We saw a number of cute canine companions, including a pomeranian with with a stark white face and all-black afro hairdo, an old old old dachsund being pushed around in a stroller with a blanket, and a clumsy German shepherd pup who had yet to grow into it's feet.

the observer.

springtime biketime.

lakeside.

peace valley.