Broiled Grapefruit

One night, I was craving something sweet. Like I do every night. But I was too lazy to go to the store. Then I remembered seeing this online... so I thought I'd give it a shot. And thus, the broiled grapefruit was born.

I LOVE grapefruit, but I did not think it would be good warm. But what can I say, I was desperate for a dessert! In case you were wondering, it doesn't spoil the freshness of the grapefruit. The bittersweet flavor is, dare I say, even better when warm! And the top caramelizes into gooey goodness. And the juicy sweetness tastes like heaven... You just have to try it.

Broiled Grapefruit

What you need:

• grapefruit
• butter
• brown sugar
• a pinch of cinnamon
• a pinch of nutmeg
• a pinch of dried ginger

First, turn your oven on broil and make sure one of the racks is as close to the broiler as possible. Then cut your grapefruit(s) in half. Cut around the rind and each section like normal. Resist eating it. Place the halved grapefruit in a baking dish. If it rolls around, you may need to cut the peel on the bottom to create a flat surface.

Second, melt the butter. Stir in all the sugar and spice and... you get it. I just eyeballed the amounts. If you want exact measurements, I'm sure you can probably find a recipe online.

Third, spread the mixture over the top of the grapefruit. Slip it into the oven (close to the broiler) and wait for the top to get bubbly and start to caramelize. About 3 minutes.

Finally, let them cool (but not too much!) and take your first bite. Shockingly good.

*amber*

Scenes from the Weekend

This weekend was not too eventful. And that was just fine with me.

{watched the rain fall}

 {fell in love with the glow of lamplight on the wet streets}

{was dazzled by all the colors reflected through the raindrops}

{observed this on campus}

 {marveled at the view of the snow-covered timpanogos}

{lost my gloves, then found them again... and was so grateful they were back}

{made vanilla blueberry heart-cakes for a yummy weekend breakfast}

{scored this beautiful black cape that i've been searching for at a local boutique. the only one. my size. $20. along with some summer wedges for $10.}

How was your weekend? It's Tuesday, only four more days til the next weekend! (That's how I measure my life right now :))

*amber*

Monday Inspiration: Agate

A little bit of something I love to get you through your Monday.

One of my current obsessions is with agate and other geodes.I remember going to the natural history museum when I was little and falling in love with the giant amethyst. I've always loved the refinement of the crystals with the naturalism of the rough stone. Agate has a similar look, but it has these wonderful swirling bands of color running through it. Each piece is unique and special.

Ok, I'll stop talking because you're probably thinking, "OK Amber, you're getting a little crazy over these rocks..." I'll just let their beauty speak for themselves.

{stunning slice of agate}

{i am in love with this necklace. i seriously wouldn't mind owning it.}

{this one's pretty cool too}

 {gorgeous bookends}

 {love these azure hues}

 {this vintage lamp is so charming}

{quirky rug from anthropologie}

{i am in love with this agate box from the 1850s}

{and finally, le pièce de résistance, stained glass windows in a church. made of agate rather than glass. genius.}


Images via.




Are you sold? I am. I think my new entry table would enjoy a big chunk of agate to keep it company.

*amber*

Sometimes...

Cutie Sam wrote this post today, and I decided to join in. Because I am feeling completely uninspired this week and finishing sentences should make this whole blogging thing easier right now. Right? We'll see how it goes.

Sometimes...

It's hard for me...

to remember to bring a lunch to campus. Oh wait. That's every day. 

I'm reminded of how much I love...

good friends and "kindred spirits". They literally brighten up my days and I really want to get better at keeping in touch, spending time, making new friends and be a good friend in return.

I feel self-conscious when...

I try talking to someone but I"m so tired my brain won't connect to my mouth and I end up with just a blank stare... I'm sorry if you've been the recipient of this occurrence. 

I am mildly dishonest when...

I tell myself I don't have any anything to do so I can watch Netflix all night. This includes homework and working out.

I can't imagine a world without...

Seth. I don't need to elaborate, he is everything to me.

I'm surprised that I still...

get upset that he doesn't love going thrifting with me but I will never like football like he does. This is sooo us.

{by GraphJam, via Cup of Jo}

I get a little too easily wrapped up in...

dreaming about how beautiful our future will be, rather than enjoying the beauty we have now.

I indulge in guilty pleasures like...

painting my nails. I never used to because I couldn't justify the time, but it makes me feel put together and cheerful. So now I do.

I wish all things in life were as wonderful as...

traveling and wandering unfamiliar streets, just my sweetheart and me.

Well, that was fun. If you'd like to post your answers to these questions, put a link in the comments section. I'd love to see what you all come up with. Tag, you're it! (This isn't a tag post, but it's been awhile since I participated in one.)

Now I'm going to get some work done, eat some chocolate ice cream, and try to get out of this weird slump. The weekend starts tomorrow! I need to be at the top of my game for some serious weekending.

*amber*

Hot Chocolate Bar

Good morning! First of all, thank you for the encouraging words from those who saw my last post. I hope you're enjoying your Monday, especially if you have the day off! Seth has to work, so I'm hunkering down for the day. Getting projects done and trying to stay warm.

Since I'm so behind, there's a lot I haven't shared from the holidays. So I thought I'd start off with this hot chocolate bar I put together on Christmas. This would also be fun to put together for Valentine's Day, or just a weekend treat! It's so easy to put together, and you can get creative with your mix-ins.

I drink more than my fair share of hot chocolate during the cold months, but flavorful mix-ins make it extra sweet. (pun fully intended)

I probably had 4-5 cups. I had to try all of the flavors, ok? Don't judge me.

First step: go to the store and get your supplies. Whatever you think might be good mixed into hot chocolate, go for it.Our menu included:

• raspberry syrup
• candy canes (they make great stirring sticks, and add flavor)
• crumbled cookies-n-cream candy bars
• red hots
• crushed heath bars
• mini chocolate chips
• traditional marshmallows
• butterscotch chocolate chips
• tim tams (if you've never done a tim tam slam, you have to. google it.)
• doughnut holes

We stuck with a few options, but you can do as many as you want! Caramels, Pirouette stirring sticks, or cinnamon hearts for Valentines day. Whatever meets your fancy.

The doughnut holes reminded me of snowballs, so I thought it would be fun to make a "snowball tree" out of them. I covered a foam topiary with foil, then attached each snowball with a toothpick. 

Next, lay our your spread. be sure to include spoons for serving, cups, and mini sipping straws. 

You can even add a glittery banner and snowflakes if you like.

Finally, dig in! Mix together the most enticing ingredients to create delightful concoctions.

Then sip away with your family or friends. 

Play games.

And enjoy!

*amber*

Time

Lately I have been thinking a lot about time. This new year is bringing a heap of new opportunities. My life feels so blessed and full, it just seems the only thing I don't have is enough time. I know, I know. It's the tale as old as time. But time is the biggest issue on  my mind lately.

Too often I feel like this.

Except the more I feel like that, the less efficient I am. It's like the more I have/want to do, the less I can get done. Hence why I have been neglecting this blog and other important areas of my life.

I have been feeling really stressed lately, and came to realize time is the main reason why. I also discovered that all of my goals and resolutions for the new year involve a better use of time.

Now, I just need to figure out what to do about it. I'm in major need of advice, if you have any, on time management. I don't want it to seem like I'm not grateful for new opportunities. I couldn't be happier. I just need to figure out new ways to arrange my life.

Any suggestions?? I need them!

*amber*

PS: I'll be back to blogging soon. Once I get my life together. Hopefully.