Blue Moon

Tonight there is a blue moon which is quite rare. Blue moons are the second full moon occurring within the same month. Full moons are known for being an emotionally charged time, so with two in one month people may be feeling extra intense energy. This is a good time to take that energy and look within for a little self reflection. 

Lately, I have been feeling an increase in emotion. On this full moon I can't stop thinking about my grandpa who has been struggling with cancer. He has always been fascinated by blue moons. The Frank Sinatra song "Blue Moon" was a favorite of my grandparents. Growing up I vividly remember them dancing so happily and in love to this song together - “Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own.” They had such a special love. My grandma was a telephone operator and my grandpa fell madly in love with the sound of her voice. This song symbolized their love and he named his prized sail boat The Blue Moon. 

When seeing him last he kept encouraging Eric and I to sit down and write out our bucket list of things we hope to experience in our lives. He said how quickly life passes you by. This stuck with me and makes me realize the importance of enjoying all the small moments and not rushing from one thing to the next (which I tend to do). I have lived such a full life already but just like setting goals every year it's important to think about the things you hope to see, experience and accomplish during your lifetime. Tonight Eric and I are going to sit down and start our bucket list. 

Fabulous Housewarming Finds

Today was a gorgeous day. The cooler weather reminded me that fall is here. I get so excited during this time of year. I love replacing my summer dresses with layers and light sweaters. The changing air, colors and surroundings can inspire people to make changes in their lives. Every year a handful of our friends search for new apartments during this time. This year Eric and I are also on the hunt (fingers crossed we find something fabulous). While doing a little housewarming gift googling I came across some amazing ideas that I had to share.

Glass jar filled with green home products
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

What is more thoughtful than a custom return address stamp?
Photo Credit: Giverslog.com

Potted lavender plant (orchids are also a fav gift of mine to
give because they last so long)
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

Crystal bottle stoppers
Rablabs.com, $55 each

A happy home is filled with LOVE
ABC Home, $95

Oh Anthropologie! My favorite gift store always has so many choices
Monogrammed mugs: $8 each

Custom chalk canisters
Anthropologie, $10-12 each

Succulent centerpiece
Succulents Galore on Etsy, $28
Or make one yourself at Jamali Garden in the Flower District

 

State of Mind

The best time to set the tone for my day is in the morning when I walk to work. Walking makes me feel energized and provides me with some alone time to focus on starting my day on the right track. I believe in order to have a great day you have to attract it and that starts from the moment you wake up. When I wake up focusing on the good and feeling positive my entire day continues to unfold that way. 

During my walk I listen to my favorite meditation, take deep breaths and set my intentions for the day. My go-to morning meditation iPhone app is Getting into the Vortex Guided Meditations by Esther and Jerry Hicks. This iPhone app offers a variety of meditations with different focuses all created to help you get into the right state of mind so you can achieve and attract what you desire. The different meditations include: general well-being, financial abundance, physical well-being, relationships and a music track. All of the meditations are 15 minutes. 

In the morning I typically listen to general well-being and in the evening when falling asleep my husband and I listen to any of the above, relationships is a great one. They make you mindful of your breathing and help center through words of gratitude and positive affirmations. The final 5 minutes is purely music. After listening to the meditation I feel amazing (depending on the time of day) either relaxed or rejuvenated. It gives me a clear perspective so I can focus on my intentions for the day whether it is setting personal/professional goals, feeling a certain way or how I aim to treat myself and others. 

Photo Credit: Sacredvibrations.net

Good to Eat - Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

Photo Credit: Brittany Zwickl

My BFF posted this picture of raspberry buttermilk cake and immediately my taste buds were intrigued. You can make this with any type of berry. 

INGREDIENTS 
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 
1 large egg
1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 cup fresh raspberries


DIRECTIONS
*From Gourmet magazine 
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and set aside.

In a larger bowl, beat butter and 2/3 cup sugar with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, then beat in vanilla and zest. Add egg and beat well. At low speed, mix in flour mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined. Spoon batter into cake pan, smoothing top.

Scatter raspberries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until cake is golden for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool to warm, 10 to 15 minutes more. Invert onto a plate.