Cloudy Day

Is this not the best thing ever? I would be forced to drink hot chocolate every morning with at least two cloud marshmallows per mug. Sometimes, people are geniuses.

[Spotted on: pink o'clock and available for purchase on Jan. 31 at herriott grace]

Field Trip

I love this engagement session by Reams Photo. It makes me want to spend the afternoon picnicking and napping in a big, golden field. And don't you love her dress? I was forced to track it down.

Getting Carded

These are the kind of cards I love to give and receive -- just the right combination of weird and sweet. The brand is Uncooked, and they have quirky cards for every occasion.

Paper Cups

Aren't these origami-patterned mugs sweet? They're currently on sale at Teavana. Throw in a breakfast blend, and you've got a perfect hostess or housewarming gift.

Can't Turn Down Apple Turnovers

It all started when I spotted these adorable lady apples at the grocery store. Though you can't really tell from the picture, each one is about the size of a golf ball. If I'd had a golf ball lying around, I would have provided a photo comparison, but you're just going to have to take my word for it. So while these little guys were sitting in a bowl being cute, I got inspired to make apple turnovers. Of course for this, I used regular-sized apples so I wouldn't expend all my peeling, slicing and dicing energies with little fruit in return.

The yummy cream cheese crust is courtesy of Country Living magazine, and with a food processor, could not be easier, and the spiced filling is an Ina Garten recipe. Cherries would make a perfect substition if that's your fruit of choice. My only complaint/suggestion: these don't store particularly well. They tend to get mushy, and you don't fully enjoy that buttery, golden crust, so go ahead and eat them up the day of. It shouldn't be a problem.


Apple Turnovers
Recipes courtesy of Ina Garten and Country Living

Cream-Cheese Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter
4 ounces cream cheese
4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 1/4 pounds tart apples, such as Empire or Granny Smith (3 apples)
3 tablespoons sugar, plus extra to sprinkle on top
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch kosher salt

Make the dough: In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Pulse until well blended. Add butter and cream cheese to the processor and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. With processor running, slowly add water and mix just until dough comes together. Form dough into a disk and wrap with plastic wrap. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

For the filling, combine the orange zest and orange juice in a bowl. Peel, quarter, and core the apples and then cut them in 3/4-inch dice. Immediately toss the apples with the zest and juice to prevent them from turning brown. Add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Form the turnovers: On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough and cut out 6-inch circles. Gather and rechill dough scraps and repeat until 15 dough circles are cut out. Evenly divide the filling among the dough circles. Dampen the edge of each dough circle and fold in half over the filling. Lightly press the edges with the tines of a fork to seal each half-moon-shaped turnover. Place turnovers on two parchment-lined baking sheets and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the top of each turnover with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut 2 or 3 small slits on top of each turnover to create vents. Place turnovers on the middle rack of the oven and bake until crust is golden -- 20 to 25 minutes. Cool turnovers on a wire rack. Makes about 15.

Big Bag Theory

My mom recently bought this leather tote from Banana Republic and has been raving about it, and believe me, she's a pretty picky shopper. It's large, but lightweight, and perfect for stashing weekend getaway necessities -- an umbrella, reading material, knitting, and granola bars. She opted for the indigo version, but I'm more of a cognac girl myself.

Photo Art for Free

I just came across this great offer from Canvas People. Upload the photo of your choice and get a free, yes free, 8x10 print on canvas. Shipping costs still apply, but what a great deal!

Head here for the offer: http://www.canvaspeople.com/freegift

I'm still trying to decide which of my photos to print: the lovely, little apples or the cheery, red chairs? What do you think?

[Spotted on: Smashed Peas and Carrots]

Winner!

The winner of the honey giveaway is Caroline of Coeur de La. Thanks to everyone for entering, and congrats Caroline! I'm sending a bottle your way.

Help Haiti

Pitch Perfect

I spotted this little pitcher on Etsy this week and decided to treat myself. The colorful banner in the pattern did me in. It's a vintage piece which the artist screen-printed. How cool is that? I can't decide whether it should live alongside my sugar bowl or sit on the bookshelf filled with those tiny daisies.

A Sweet Blogiversary Giveaway

Update: Caroline of Coeur de La is the winner!

It has been two years since I started The SoHo. I can't believe how that time has flown by. I'm so grateful that I've gotten to know all of you, even if it is virtually.

Unfortunately, I can't throw a party and invite all of you or send cupcakes and champagne via FedEx, so I'm hosting a giveaway. And since you're all so sweet, I think a beautiful bottle of Savannah Bee Tupelo Honey makes for the perfect gift from this southern hostess.

Just leave a comment below before midnight on Sunday, January 17th, and you could win. Followers get two chances to win, so let me know if you are one. A lucky recipient will be chosen at random. Good luck!

Team Conan

I may have to purchase this tote bag as a sign of solidarity.

Spice of Life

How amazing is this spice rack? Not only is it the most beautiful chemistry set I've ever seen, but things like cloves, herbes de Provence, juniper berries, ground nutmeg, and pink peppercorns are involved.

[Spotted on: naturally nina]

Southern Girl Granola

When I moved to the West Coast, I found myself using the word "granola" to describe most people, places and things I encountered. Well, it's come time to eat my words.

Lately, whenever I have a free afternoon, I find myself making the "crunchy" treat. The whole process is so relaxing and rewarding, and it fills my apartment with the most wonderful smell. This recipe has just the right balance of salty and sweet and enough pecans to make a southern girl happy. It's perfect with Greek yogurt or in handfuls every time you walk through the kitchen.

Southern Girl Granola
Recipe adapted from Early Bird Foods' Farmhand's Choice Granola

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, hulled
1 cup coconut chips
3/4 dried cranberries
2 cups raw pecans, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
Coarse salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place oats, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, coconut, pecans, syrup, olive oil, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Spread granola mixture in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until granola is toasted, about 50 minutes. Remove granola from oven and season with salt. Makes about 7 cups. Let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Tea Time

This has felt like the longest week ever. Do something nice for yourself today. Tea and a scone should do the trick.

When it Rains

Who knew a rainy wedding day could be so much fun? And don't get me started on the boots.

[Spotted on: Once Wed]

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone for helping me reach 100 followers! I am thrilled. You're all so talented, lovely, and inspiring. Reading your comments and blogs is often the best part of my day and goes so well with my breakfast.

Be sure to stop in next week for a special giveaway!

Earn Your Stripes

Anthropologie is all about stripes lately. I may need some of these lined items in my life.