Craving: Kitchen Edition

Tea Tin. Utensils. Butter Dish. Salt and Pepper Shakers. Tea Pot.  

Outdoor Skating

I have a love of skating. When I am on the ice, I am free.  I am also probably the worst person to go skating with because I get so caught up in it that I forget that we came to spend time together.  Outdoor skating is probably my favourite thing to do in the winter and I try to get out as much as possible.  I cannot get enough of it. I love the feeling of the wind in your hair and the cold nipping at your checks (one time I can actually stand the cold haha). Here are a few photos from my latest outdoor skating adventure.

What is your favourite winter sport?
Jaclyn

Craving: Winter Edition

It has been snowing like crazy here these past few days and I am headed to the slopes! I am super excited to spend some time outside this winter. There are some of the cozy things I have been craving this winter. 

Blanket, Book and Candle - There is nothing like curling up under a blanket reading a great book under the soft glow of a great smelling candle. One of my favourite ways to spend a cold winter day. 

Socks - My feet are ALWAYS cold. I love a good pair of warm socks. A cute pattern doesn't hurt either. 

Sweater - This hand knit sweater from Canadian Designer Granted would be perfect for winter. It looks so warm and cuddly. 

Scarf - I rarely leave the house without a scarf. All year round. This hand knit one is super cool. Not only does the zipper accent look great it is also function. Unzip the to wear it like a normal scarf or zip it up to wear as a circle scarf. Genius! 

What are you craving this winter? 

Jaclyn

Office Inspiration

I love looking at home features on The Every Girl and The Glitter Guide.  I love minimalist desks. 

These have been some of my inspiration lately. 

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Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day 

Valentines Day Wish List

Shirt. Boxers. Love Charm. Philosophy Grace Gift Set. David's Tea Chocolate box. 

What's on your Valentine's Day Wish List? 

Jaclyn

David's Tea Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lemon Filling and Honey Buttercream

 

I have a serious addiction to tea. I cannot go by David's Tea without walking into the store and once I am there I have to get some tea and usually buy a sample pack to take home. Its a serious but delicious problem. My tea cupboard is starting to over flow (yes I do have an entire cupboard dedicated to tea. Don't judge.) I also love cupcakes. So I thought it was about time I combine these two loves. And here you have it the love child of tea and cupcakes. My Earl Grey lemon filled honey buttercream topped cupcakes.

For the cake (makes 24):
1 c unsalted butter at room temp
2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 1/4 c milk
2 tsp David's Tea Cream of Earl Grey
2 tsp David's Tea Decaf Earl Grey
4 Earl Grey Tea bags
3 C flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp baking soda

Directions

In small sauce pan on the stove combine milk, loose leaf teas and 2 tea bags. Heat until milk starts to boil. Once milk is boiling remove from heat and let sit for 15-30 mins

Preheat oven to 350F. Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time. Making sure to beat well after each addition.  Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and tea from remaining 2 tea bags.  Remove tea bags from milk mixture and strain out loose leaf tea. Mix in half of the flour mixture.Then add milk and tea mixture. Finally mix in remaining flour mixture.  

Fill cupcake pans about 2/3 to 3/4 full.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in centre of cupcake comes out clean. 

For the Lemon Curd: 

3 eggs

1 c sugar

1/4 c butter, melted

1/2 fresh lemon juice 

zest from 1 lemon 

In a double boiler whisk together eggs and sugar. Add butter, lemon juice and zest. Stir constantly for about 15-20 minutes or until mixture coats back of spoon. (Don't worry if it doesn't thicken up right away. It took a while for mine to thicken before I realized a lot of the water had evaporated from my double boiler...oops)

For the Icing: 

1 c butter at room temp

1/4 c honey 

3-6 c icing sugar 

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add icing sugar cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness/consistency. Add honey to taste (I used about 1/4 cup but it will depend on the type of honey you are using and how strong you want your flavour to be). 

Assembling the cupcake:

Cut a cone out of each of your cupcakes. Fill with about 1 tbs of lemon curd. Ice cupcakes as desired. 

Notes: I found that this recipe made the perfect amount of lemon curd and icing for the 24 cupcakes. If you like a lot of icing I suggest you double the recipe as it was just enough icing. 

You can use any type of Earl Grey tea you have on hand. I found mixing the 3 different earl greys gave  a stronger tea flavour in the cupcake overall. 

Enjoy! 

Jaclyn

Valentines Day Date Ideas

 I am a sucker for anything with a theme so it is only natural that I love Valentines Day. I also love St. Patty's Day and Thanksgiving basically any holiday that I get to dress up and bake treats I am all in!
Here are some fun date ideas for you and your special someone: