friday's letters 04

^^^hey awkward hand.^^^

>> dear DVR, what would i do without you? i love being able to hang out and relax with a few of my favorites anytime i want with the added bonus of zero commercials. i currently have 4 episodes of revenge, 3 grey's anatomy and maybe a few more waiting for me on my day off today :) >> dear april, you have made quite the enterance this year. after the worst winter of my life, these warmer temps are much appreciated. i am beyond okay with a few showers here and there as long as it means we are done with snow & moving towards warmer days. >> dear running shoes, it is so nice to finally see you guys again. i wear my work out clothes far too often considering i'm never heading to the gym, but i only wear my nikes if i'm actually working out...which i finally did a few times last week! i think i have decided to start going back to the gym more regularly, but we will see how long it lasts. i'm hoping a while. >> dear girl's night, you are fabulous & necessary. i would just like to tell my lovely ladies that i love getting together with you girls on a weekly basis. spending time with my friends helps keep me balanced. i need girl time. i especially love it when we get together at the best restaurants in town & get to indulge in amazing food together :):)

hoping you all enjoy your weekend!

i am also featured on my friend amber's blog today! have you heard of barefoot blonde??? 

if not, you're welcome & this is sure to become your newest must read blog. 

check it out here

& if you want the chance at being featured on amber's blog follow these instructions >>

-instagram YOUR fav look, hair, beauty, fitness tip, travel destination, whatever!

-tag #bfbdailyfav and @amberfillerup. (must be in original first caption of photo)

A VALENTINE SPECIAL: recipes {layered chocolate torte}

looking for a cute & festive valentine's day dessert?? well here it is!

although this looks like a layered cake, it is actually a torte! 

which is a bit more dense than a normal cake and you will be in chocolate heaven.

while you can make this torte in a more traditional 8, 9 or 10 inch springform pan, i used a cute little set of mini springform pans found at target. they are about 21/2 inch in diameter.

CHOCOLATE TORTE
{adapted from smitten kitchen}

>> what you'll need
8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbs sugar
fresh raspberries

>> directions 
1. preheat oven to 325°F. butter 3 21/2-inch-diameter springform pans; dust with sugar. {or you may use any size pans you like}

2. melt chocolate and butter in heavy large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. cool to lukewarm.

3. whisk in sugar. whisk in eggs 1 at a time, blending well after each addition. mix in vanilla and salt, then flour.

4. pour batter into pans. bake until cake just rises in center (tester inserted into center will not come out clean), about 35 minutes.

5. run sharp knife around edge of pan to loosen torte. release pan sides. transfer tortes to a cooling rack and chill while making the whipped cream.

6. pour the cream into a large bowl, using electric beaters or the whick attachment on an electric mixer, beat until soft peaks are formed. sprinkle sugar and vanilla into cream. continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

7. once the tortes have cooled completely {you don't want a warm torte or the whipped cream will melt and create a big mess!} the fun begins! place one torte down and spread an even layer of whipped cream on top. repeat this process 3 more times for a total of 4 layers. top the last layer with whipped cream and then decorate with fresh raspberries! {repeat this entire process once more for a total of two 4-layer tortes.}

i hope you enjoy your holiday!!
& if you don't have a significant other to share this tasty treat with, then make it with your girlfriends & watch some chick flicks!
you can never go wrong with that :)

just another thursday night

my group of girl friends love to get together for girl's night whenever possible! this week only two of us could make it due to bad weather & busy schedules, but it was still a great night. maryclaire & i enjoyed some take out indian food. yum!! we watched a new episode of grey's anatomy, talked blogs &, of course, had lots of girl time!

as i was coming home, i pulled into the parking lot at our little condo & i saw a creepy guy walking around near the mailboxes. who is just hanging out in the freezing cold at 10pm?? oh, just my husband. apparently mark was out for a little nightly stroll in his new snow boots & winter gear. so naturally i whipped out my camera & captured him playing in the snow.

^^^what a cutie^^^