J

Today I picked up my John Wind initial necklace from one of my favorite boutiques, 4th & Ocean, in downtown Lake Mary.

I'm so glad I finally got one, I love it! Since both mine and my husband's name starts with a J, its fun to wear a J as often as I can.

They just got more letters in today, so if you live near Lake Mary, check them out! They have super cute clothes too!

xx,
Jaime

Little Pink Room

Follow the Little Pink Road is officially being blogged from a Little Pink Room!

Yesterday, my husband and I painted my office the perfect shade of pinky coral and I absolutely LOVE IT! It's a big step toward getting ready for 2012 and all it has to offer. I look forward to many more pink posts!

xx,
Jaime

New Year Resolution Inspiration

I can't believe Christmas is already over! It snuck up on me and flew by this year, but I enjoyed every second, and I hope you all did too. This week, as we approach the new year, I am planning on spending some time reflecting on what I want to accomplish in 2012. A few weeks ago, I came across this excerpt of the Seven Choices for Success and Significance by Dr. Nido R. Qubein and thought I would share, as I am sure you all are also thinking of your new years resolutions. I hope this inspires you some! "What is success? Only you can define it in your own life. In my own life, I have attempted to define both Success and Significance. To me, Success is secular. Significance is spiritual. It doesn't matter how you define your own spirituality. Spiritual matters are always finer, deeper, and longer lasting than secular matters. Success focuses on three Fs: • Fans • Fame • Fortune Success is focused on tasks, even goals. Significance also focuses on three Fs: • Faith • Family • Friends But, significance focuses on purpose. Why am I here? What do I do with the talents, experiences and skills that I have? How can I make the world a better place? How do I plant seeds of greatness in the lives of those around me? How do I make an impact in the circles of influence where I find or place myself? To choose success and significance, you must be a strategic thinker who: • Has a clear vision of what you want to accomplish • Develops a solid strategy that answers three questions: - Who or what are we today? - Who do we want to become? - How do we get there? • Employs practical systems to achieve your goals • Commits to consistent execution because in consistency, success emerges. When implementing your strategic plan for success, it really comes down to three "Ds": Decide what you want most to achieveDetermine the first step to getting what you wantDo the first thing that will start you moving toward your goal. Using these seven keys, you can choose success and significance. But keep this in mind: success is not a matter of luck, not an accident of birth, not a reward for virtue. The most successful people I know are the ones who have something to do, somewhere to be and someone to love. No one is responsible for your success or your joy. You must search for it and be in a continual state of earning it. To merely succeed is not an end in itself. You must use your success to impact other people...to impact the world...to Live Life from the Inside Out. It all starts with the choices you make - they determine the person you will become." xx, Jaime

Christmas Cake Pops

I've been wanting to make cake pops for quite a few months, but between the wedding and knowing sweets stick to me, this was my first good excuse! Tomorrow we are hosting our very first Christmas eve in our new home! So, of course, being the baker I am, I wanted to make a cool, delicious desert. Cake pops were just the ticket and they have exceeded my expectations. In my husband's words, "It's everything you would ever hope for" and I must say, I couldn't agree more! They are my new favorite.

I made with confetti cake, buttercream frosting, candy melts (unflavored) and Christmas sprinkles. You can find tons of recipes, but the concept is all the same, just use whatever you like!

xx,
Jaime

Pink!

Yesterday, while finishing up our Christmas shopping, I wandered into H&M to see if I could pick up a cute piece for cheap. H&M is pretty hit or miss for me, so my expectations weren't too high. Lo and behold right as I was about to leave, out jumps a pink blazer I just knew I HAD to try on. I loved everything about it, so of course I scooped it up.

Later, I come home to my pinterest addiction to find this picture! I can't wait to put my spin on it. I love the idea of pairing it with a white dress.

xx,
Jaime

Food Truck Love

If you are friends with me on Facebook, you know how excited I was about Downtown Lake Mary's 1st food truck event last night. I have been dying to go to a food truck event because I have heard such great things about them! It's a really great way to try a bunch a different types of food in one little area.

If you didn't make it this time, you will have to try it next time. It was a hit! We arrived around 5:20 and were lucky to get one of the last actual parking spots right around the park area. There were about 7 trucks and then two smaller vendors (cotton candy & gelato). You could get anything: fried goodness, bbq, jewish cuisine, specialty hot dogs, the list goes on! Everything is priced up to about $10 with the amount of food you get varying depending on the vendor.

First we tried a fried pickle and a fried truffle mac & cheese pop from Fork In The Road... to die for! Then we got Corn Chowder from Baxter & Tilly's which also also very good. Finally, we got some loaded tots from Firehouse BBQ which were topped with cheese, pulled pork, bbq sauce and sour cream! We were stuffed! But, since I can never pass up gelato from my favorite place, The Sweet Shoppe, we got some Banana Cream Pie gelato to top it all off, yum!

Then, we walked around and enjoyed all of the Christmas lights they have put up this year. It was perfect!

xx,

Jaime

Smoked Salmon Flatbread

My husband and I absolutely love smoked salmon, so when I was visiting Vancouver, I picked some Smoked Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. It reminded me of a delicious smoked salmon flatbread from Seasons 52 that I discovered over the summer. I remembered taking a picture of the menu so I could attempt to recreate it later - and recreate it I did!

First, I had to make the flatbread itself. Seasons 52 made their's with lavosh, so I looked up this Lavosh recipe and went to work. Instead of making balls, I made it into a large ovalish shape and baked as described.

Then, I chopped up fresh dill and mixed it in with plain sour cream and let it sit in the fridge, and thinly sliced red onion.

When the lavosh was cool, I spread the Dill Sour Cream over top, covered it with the Smoked Salmon and topped it off with the red onion. While it doesn't look as pretty as theirs, it was absolutely delicious!

xx,
Jaime

Holiday Baking

My sister and I have gotten together a couple times now to do some holiday baking and I thought I would share two of the delicious cookie recipes we have done (in addition to several batches of People Chow!)

First, we tried something new, Peppermint Brownie Sandwiches. My sister found this recipe on a blog, which I can't find at the moment, so when I do, I will post it in the comments section below. Basically, you mix up some extra fudgey brownie mix, place it on a cookie sheet (like you would cookie dough), and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes (I believe). Crush up peppermints (we placed them in a ziplock bag & beat them up with a hammer - haha). Then you can either: 1) mix the peppermint in with the vanilla frosting (like we did) or 2) assemble the sandwich with two brownie cookies and vanilla icing in the middle, squish together & roll the edges in peppermint. Enjoy!

And then, Snickerdoodles!, my all time favorite. We used to make these all the time, but it had been awhile, so we pulled out my mom's old recipe and got to work. Since we both had a very distinct idea of what a snickerdoodle should look and taste like - crackled cinnamon & sugar on top with plenty of flavor - we tried three different ways until we got it just right!

Follow the Snickerdoodle Recipe and you will get a delicious cookie. If you are interested in our little tweak, keep reading!

Instead of rolling the dough into a ball and then rolling it in the cinnamon sugar recipe... Dip the bottom in the cinnamon & sugar mixture, place on cookie sheet, push down on the middle with your thumb & sprinkle generously with cinnamon & sugar. Viola!

xx,
Jaime

Vancouver!

With my job, I travel quite a bit. Last week I was in Vancouver, BC, Canada for the first time. It is gorgeous. I actually didn't end up taking many pictures, mostly because I didn't think they would do the city much justice. I was on the coast, and it was just breathtaking to see the water with snow covered mountains in the backdrop.

While I was there, I visited a couple places that I would say are a must see if you ever get the chance to visit.

The first is this little coffee shop (which happens to be under our office there) named Smart Mouth Cafe. They have great breakfast burritos and lattes (that they put cute little foam hearts in) complete with a friendly staff which gave me the nickname "Sugar Free Barbie". They got a kick out of my Sugar-free Vanilla, Non-fat Milk Latte order.

Second is the Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant which has fantastic views and great food. We went at night, which was neat because Vancouver has unique city lighting. But, if I get the chance to go back, I would go during the day to be able to see the mountains. etc. They also offer an elevator ride to the top (for a small fee) without dinner.

Lastly, we took a trip to Granville Island Public Market where they offer everything from freshly caught seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, organic Canadian Maple Syrup to handmade items and specialty restaurants. It reminded me of a indoor farmers market, except it is open every day of the week! I purchased a few types of Pacific Salmon that we can't find here in Florida and some of the maple syrup. The syrup is delicious and we will be making some of the fish tonight, I am very excited!

xx,
Jaime

Gifts That Give Back

It's December already! Which means 24 more days left to finish up Christmas shopping! I love trying to find the perfect gifts, but sometimes it can prove to be a difficult task. This year, if you're stumped, or just want to make a little difference in the world, think of gifts that give back. One of my favorite companies is TOMS, shoes for tomorrow. For every pair you buy, they give a pair to a child in need. Now, they even do the same with eyeware and giving the gift of sight. One for One. Make a Difference this Christmas!

xx,
Jaime

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's the time of year where there are so many great holidays packed in to such a short period of time. I love holidays, celebrating with old traditions and making new ones. It's one of the reasons I'm usually one of the first people to break out the fall candles, pumpkins, pick up the biggest Christmas tree I can find (or fit in our living room), make people chow & put on the Christmas carols. I love it all.

This week (while taking a little hiatus from blogging), I did just that. I spent Thanksgiving with everyone I love: my husband, parents, sister, niece, and a bunch of Justin's family. Got a 10ft. Christmas tree (our biggest... so far), started decorating the house, celebrated my nieces 1st birthday and made my personal holiday favorite, people chow (a double batch to share, of course!)

If you are not familiar with people chow, you have to try it! Here is the recipe we have been using since I was a little girl.

1 Stick Butter
1/2 c. Peanut Butter
6 oc. Chocolate Chips
12 oz. box Crispix Cereal
1 box Powered Sugar
4 Large Paper Bags (from Grocery Store)

Melt butter, peanut butter and chocolate over low heat. Double up the paper bags (one inside the other - for extra protection). Empty Crispix into one of the doubled bags. Pour melted mixture over cereal in bag. Shake lightly until cereal is coated with mixture. Put coated cereal in 2nd set of doubled bags and pour in powered sugar. Shake until the sugar is covering the cereal. Spread People Chow over wax paper and let dry for about a half hour. Enjoy!!





xx,

Jaime

Weekend Whereabouts

Jack Kazanzas Christmas Star

This weekend we got to be part of a little bit of Orlando History. Sunday morning, my husband and I went to the annual raising of the Jack Kazanzas Christmas Star. Since the 1950's, the star has been hung every year at the corner of Orange & Central Blvd in Downtown Orlando. It was named after Jack this year, before he passed away. Jack grew up in Downtown Orlando and remembered seeing the star as a kid. He raised money twice to repair the star and keep the memory alive. A friend of ours was close to Jack and invited us to the event. It was a fun and memorable way to kick of the Christmas Season!

We also decided to go antiquing this weekend... it didn't go quite as planned, but we did end up stopping in one of our favorite German restaurants, The Willow Tree Cafe, in downtown Sanford. We tried out their new giant pretzel (Reisen Brezen) and of course, good ol' German beer. They both were phenomenal, but we wouldn't expect anything less!

xx,
Jaime

Yoga

This morning I tried yoga for one of the first times in a studio, and I loved it! 

The very first time I tried yoga, it was an all levels class and let's just say... it wasn't the best idea. There were people standing on their heads (literally!) and I was lucky to keep my legs completely straight and breathe. So, that kept me away from yoga for a little while.

Then, I tried yoga in my living room. Which would have been great, but if you have met my dogs, especially Lola, you know that everything on the floor is hers and she was attempting to do yoga with me...while Finnigan licked my whole head. So, that didn't quite work either! haha.

In comes Guruv Yoga, in downtown Lake Mary, about 5 minutes from my house. It looked like a great place to try and then I found a "Hot Deals" special for 5 classes, score! So, this morning I went to "Gentle Yoga" at 8am. It was just that, gentle, and stress relieving and I feel amazing! I can't wait to go back and try other types of yoga. Who knows, maybe I'll end up being a yogi!

I highly recommend it!

xx,

Jaime

Pinteresting!

I have finally joined Pinterest & I am loving it! I have an actual collage/pinboard in my office for things I find in magazines that catch my eye. It's the perfect outlet to combine & share all the fun things found online. You can find & follow me at www.pinterest.com/pinkroad/.

I am also trying out my 2nd Sally Hansen Salon Effects print and I love the way it turned out! I'm more obsessed with leopard this season than ever before. It's becoming my printed neutral.

xx,
Jaime

Fabulous 4

I love to try different red wines, so when my husband and I went out to a new restaurant this weekend, I had to pick an interesting red. The Velvet Devil, the name caught my eye, but then once it was brought to the table and I took the first sip, I was in love! A Merlot with hints of Chocolate, Wild Blackberry, Spice and Rose Oil...divine! It's right up there with my other favorite (but totally different), Mosella Black Riesling.

It's never to early to find the perfect 4th of July top, New Smyrna Beach, here I come! 

Baby lips by Maybelline makes your lips super soft! I have Pink Punch on the far right, and I love the punchy smell/taste.

Chargrilled Oysters, you have to try them! Even if you are not an oyster fan. Which I was not, and am still not, unless they are grilled with yummy goodness made up of butter, garlic, cheese, capers... anything you want! A little work, but well worth the effort.

Update: The Sally Hansen Salon Effects lasted 7 days! Wahoo, Success! I will do another set tomorrow and post some pictures. Try them out!

xx,
Jaime

Farmers Market Fun

This morning we went to the Lake Mary Farmers Market and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. It's always fun to walk around and try new things... like sunflower grass, peppermint patty cookies and vegetable empenadas.We picked up some fruits & vegetables, as well as a few other fun things.

Yummy Kettle Corn

Pretty Begonias for our front door

And then we wandered over to The Sweet Shoppe where we introduced gelato to my mom & niece, they both loved it! I got my all time favorite, mint chocolate chip, my mom got apple pie (made with real apple pie!) and my sister & niece got a blend of strawberry, raspberry & blueberry. They were all delicious!

Happy Saturday!

xx,

Jaime

Atlanta

This week, I went up to our Atlanta office for a few days. The weather was perfect, 70's during the day and 50's in the evening, but probably my favorite part was the all of the leaves changing colors since we don't get much of that in Florida.

I also tried two new restaurants while in Atlanta.

The first was Tara Humata, a Mexican restaurant known for their humongous margaritas. I got the Organic Margarita made with fresh squeezed lime juice & agave nectar. It is arguably one of the best margaritas I've had.

The second restaurant, Barcelona Wine, has only been open for about 2 weeks and 3 days. We got lucky, our original dinner selection was closed for a private event, so this was a valet recommendation. It was delicious! The food was awesome, they have a wonderful selection of Spanish wines, and the service was great. It's mainly a tapas menu, so that's what we decided to order. I tried the Ham & Cheese Croquetas, Crispy Calamari with Smoked Pepper Aioli and Chorizo with Sweet & Sour Figs. The croquetas were probably my favorite because they had such great flavor and were so different from anything I have ever had. If you are ever in Atlanta, this is definitely a place to try! They have a great little porch area with a fireplace as well.

xx,
Jaime

DIY Fancy Nails

After the wedding, I decided to have my acrylic nails removed and let my nails breathe a little (something I haven't done in quite awhile). It mainly stems from the fact that I don't have time or patience to paint my nails every couple of days and chipped nails annoy me.

In comes.... DIY Fancy Nails, or as Sally Hansen calls them, Salon Effects. You have probably seen them at the store. They are "real nail polish strips" you place on your nail, it sticks & supposedly lasts for 10 days. I'll be plenty happy if they last for five... Almost 2x longer than my opi nail polish.

I decided on "Misbehaved", a pale pink glitter background with a black fishnet like detail. But, there are lots of other options, including festive holiday designs.

I'll let you know how long it lasts!

xx,
Jaime

Stay Warm, Look Cute!

It's beginning to feel a lot more like Fall! 

As much as I love Summer and being able to wear cute dresses, shorts,  tank tops & flip flops, I equally love when we get a little break from the hot Florida heat. It's nice to have all the windows & doors open and fall candles lit. It's also... a good excuse to shop! (Let's hope my husband doesn't read this :) ) In the spirit of fall shopping, I complied a collection of cute jackets, sweaters & vests for your fall wardrobe:

Fur Vests paired with a cute skirt or dress
 helps keep you warm & looking fabulous

A Belted Cardigan dresses up Jeans & a T-Shirt
(Throwing in a little leopard never hurts either)

An Ivory Leather Jacket is a fresh spin on the classic black

A Signature Black Coat that stands out from the rest

A Super Warm Wool Coat in a color that goes with anything

On a little side note... While shopping today, I came across a great deal Bath & Body Works is having: Two of their 3 wick candles for $30, plus two free candle sleeves and then if you get their emails, another $10 off a $30 purchase. So, you get 2 candles & 2 sleeves for $20! I chose one fall scent, Leaves, and one Christmas scent, Winter Wonderland. Go in and get yours, they have a ton to choose from!

Have a great weekend & enjoy the cool weather!

xx,

Jaime