Christmas Cookies? Yes, Please!

December 21, 2020 Ashley Skaggs

Seriously, how adorable are these cookies? Tis the season!

July Favorites

August 2, 2020 Ashley Skaggs

I’ve decided to try something new! A monthly recap of my favorite things I’ve encountered in July. Let’s get started, shall we?

The Babysitter’s Club

The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix has been my favorite, favorite show adaptation I’ve come across in a while. I adored the books growing up and begged my grandmother to buy me new ones every weekend at the used bookstore in town. And the styling and costume design is A+++, with plenty of homages to my beloved nineties (Alicia Silverstone!!!) The twins and I flew through all ten episodes and I’m so excited to see what comes next.

And did I immediately go on Etsy and order the twins’ Claudia’s watermelon earrings? Most definitely. And if you want the full experience, The Bookshelf, a sweet bookshop in Thomasville, Georgia, is offering a The Babysitter’s Club online book club experience. I missed out on the first round but I’m seriously considering joining the second round starting in September!

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series

Thanks to the awesome ladies at Read It or List It Podcast, I am now an avowed Peter Kavinsky-stan. Yes, I know, I JUST now read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han. It’s about time, right? I inhaled all three of the Lara Jean books within a week and I’ve promised myself time out to finally catch the movies on Netflix. In the meantime, I had to have chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting with Reese’s Pieces, just like Lara Jean’s recipe in P.S. I Still Love You.

Jenny Colgan’s Newest Release

Speaking of things I love like cake, Jenny Colgan is one of my fave British authors for closed door romance. My husband and I adore Scotland after visiting in our early twenties, and especially Loch Ness in the Highlands. Most of Jenny Colgan’s romances center on this gorgeous village that is near the Loch and her imagery is spot-on—I always feel like I’m right back there alongside the protagonists. Her newest novel 500 Miles From You is my favorite of hers yet. She’s really grown into herself as an author and I’m so enjoying the journey!

DIY Cupcakes from The Chocolate Moose Bakery

The decorate your own cupcake kit from The Chocolate Moose Bakery was the PERFECT way to spend a hot afternoon. Highly recommend!

Lightning Round

Just quick fire links to lovely things.

She-Ra is fabulous and fabulously gay and it makes me so happy!

Tula Sunscreen is my go-to this summer.

I made Chrissy Teigen’s spicy miso spaghetti every single week of July.

I don’t think there’s been a Jeni’s Ice Cream collection I’ve wanted more than this one!

So what do you think? I really, really want to share here more and I would love for anyone to let me know what you’d like to see!

A Little Sweetness to End the Week

June 6, 2020 Ashley Skaggs

Sweets from The Chocolate Moose

May 22, 2020 Ashley Skaggs

I think everyone needs a little sweetness in their life right now, don’t you?

Piebird

March 23, 2018 Ashley Skaggs

I think every Friday would benefit from a slice of pecan cameral apple pie, don't you?

Greek Salad

September 29, 2017 Ashley Skaggs

This is a particular favorite salad in our family. My oldest two kids have always been obsessed with kalamata olives and feta so it's always been a very natural fit in our dinner rotation. I love it with some amazing dolmas from Dean's Mediterranean Foods for a light lunch or with a nice piece of fish for a more substantial meal.

Greek Salad

Adapted from On Cooking: A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals

Serves 2

1 ounce of extra virgin olive oil

½ ounce of lemon juice

½ ounce of red wine vinegar

¼ tsp of garlic, minced

1 tsp of Mediterranean seasoning (recipe below)

½ of a large cucumber, sliced

3 ounces of feta

2 ounces of Kalamata olives

parsley, finely chopped, to taste

green onions, finely chopped, to taste

tomato, wedged

salt and pepper

¼ head of Bibb lettuce

Radish sprouts (for garnish)

Ground sumac (for garnish)

First, make the vinaigrette by adding the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, Mediterranean seasoning, and green onions together in a bowl and whisking in the olive oil. Then, add the cucumber (here I made cucumber ribbons but slices will work fine) and olives and allow it to marinate for a few minutes. The cucumbers and olives will give off liquid and salt, so check your dressing for seasoning and adjust with the salt and pepper. Arrange the Bibb lettuce on a plate. Add your cucumbers and olives mixture on top, top with your feta (either crumbled or in a block for presentation) and garnish with parsley, sprouts, and tomato wedges. Add a little extra sumac, lemon juice, Mediterranean seasoning, or whatever you want to your liking. Enjoy.