A chocolate cake kind of day

Today was a cake kind of day. A dark, triple chocolate, kind of day! I used a Betty Crocker cake mix for the chocolate cake, and then drizzled melted dark chocolate for the icing, with just a dash of grape seed oil. To top it all off, I sprinkled on a few pieces of Callibaut white chocolate. If you've ever had a triple chocolate cake before, you probably know how tempting it is to have more than one piece. Or two. Or three. At the end of the evening our cake was polished off, and all of us were highly satisfied! Pair this cake with a London Fog and some classic Jane Austen.

Much love, Vivi

Double Almond Macaroons

I woke up this morning and all I wanted to do was bake.
And eat.
And devour all sorts of delicious goodies.
And drink tea, of course.


I found an interesting recipe in a Fall Baking magazine for double almond macaroons. Instead of chopped almonds I used pecans, and they turned out even better than I had imagined! I also filled a few of them with chocolate mocha butter cream icing for some variety!

A crisp outer shell with a surprise chewy filling makes these small treats the perfect addition to your next tea party! I highly recommend having these little guys with a tall mug of mint green tea. It's quite the combo.

Much love, Vivi

One bright and rainy day

Hello lovelies! Today was the perfect day to snap some photos of nature.I wasn't so happy about it raining and raining for hours this morning, but rain has the skill of making all plants look even more beautiful. Without rain we wouldn't have lush flowers, long grasses, or tall evergreens to enjoy! My family has lived in beautiful British Columbia for around 12 years last month. Nature has been something that we've always enjoyed. Through the rain, snow, and sunshine, the world that surrounds us truly is spectacular. Whenever I feel upset or down, I make myself go outside. Something about the outdoors makes me really happy. All of these photos were taken in our backyard, and today, I hope you find joy from the beauty of nature !

Wanna know why I love evergreens? They're constant. They go through all four season of life and never change. Their thick and burly needles remain sharp and attached, even when the snow of winter weighs them down. God is like that too. He is constant, never changing, and stays attached to us no matter what life gives us! No curve ball or dump of heavy snow can change that. Isn't that so reassuring? Remember today that God is with you wherever you go, and whatever you do, He is there. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Think on this today, think on God's constant

love.

Much love, Vivi

There once was a place called Pinterest

 As a lover of art and creativity, I'm always looking for new things that inspire me. I love scouring the internet for new blogs that share beautiful photos and stories. I'm also a lover of Pinterest. What's Pinterest you say? It's a virtual pin board where you can "pin" all of the lovely quotes or pictures that your heart desires! You can follow others boards and "re-pin" pictures/ quotes from anyone else's boards onto your own! I really hope you check it out; the world would be  a much happier place if everyone knew about Pinterest and it's loveliness. Here is a snippet of the photos/ quotes that I've found so far, and am completely and utterly in love with.





Be inspired.

Wise words!

Tea makes everything better.

Wow... Just wow. Whoever thought this up is a genious!

 Yeah, I kinda love this.

THE absolute creative work space. I would never feel un-inspired here!

Copper & Turquoise = love. And those glasses are pretty darn nifty.

Great inspiration for autumn layering!

Photography love.

I love how this outfit has a laid back feel, but still manages to look put together.

Beauuuutiful.

 
 Ahhh, this warms my heart! What's better than some good ol' finger love?

 Beautiful, aren't they? I would have to say that Pinterest is my favourite website right now. Many blogs come quite close, but Pinterest is just too hard to top! Don't you just adore the French finger lovers? I let out a giggle when I saw those little guys. I hope that this post has inspired you to create share, and never be afraid to show your true colours. For more loveliness check out the Pinterest site and request an invite! Have fun pinning!


Much love, Vivi

Falafel Night!

      When I was in New York earlier this year, I saw signs advertising falafel EVERYWHERE. Behind every corner and every little twist, there was yet another faithful store selling it's falafel. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to try any while I was there. You can imagine my surprise when I saw mixes for sale at the grocery store here in B.C! We picked up a box with absolutely no idea how to make it, and not a clue what to put in it, but, hey! They have it in New York, it must be good! ;) 
Well, it was a success! I also made some tempura vegetables and shrimp to go with the deep-fried theme. I'm such a health buff! Topped off with mango slices and a fresh salad of romaine lettuce and snap peas, our meal was complete!

Here they are! These suckers are deep-fried and deeeelicious!

The only healthy part of our meal...

And here's a peek at what I had at Red Robin the other day! Yam Fries dipped in chipotle mayo. Amaaazing.  

Mmmm mmm. Food is good. What have you been devouring today? Anything deep fried and delicious? ;)

Much love, Vivi