Macarons

Macarons: the quintessential Parisian dessert and one of my favorite little sweets.

I don’t think these dainty desserts are appreciated enough.

Upon looking through Pinterest during my government class, (Mom and Dad, pretend you didn’t read this part…government is just soooo boring) I came across some pins of desserts and other sweet goodies. One of those pins happened to be a picture of some Ladurée macarons. Instantly, I pin it to my “Baking” board and then my thoughts start to wonder into the lands of daydreams…

The picture that started it all…aka not paying attention in class…

Instead of learning about interest groups and the modern civil rights movement, I start thinking about the all the macaron’s I ate this summer in Paris…ooh la la.

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé at Galeries Lafayette

(Hi to Emily and Amy purchasing some macarons in the background!)

My Delicious Macarons

Pierre Hermé: Creme Brûlée and Peruvian Dark Chocolate

Ladurée is famous around the world for there classically flavored macarons and elaborate store fronts and shops. When you think of girly and Parisian chic, think Ladurée. Pierre Hermé, my other favorite macaron bakery. Selling  crazier and more unique flavors, this is the edgy side of macarons. When you go to Pierre Hermé, you absolutely must try the creme brûlée. It’s to die for.

Ladurée: Palais Gallerie

Ladurée

Ladurée:  Champs-Élysées

If anyone is reading this and wants to send me some macarons, I wouldn’t oppose…….. Xx.

Brinkley, the wannabe Parisian (ha!)

September Favorites

Hello September. The month is almost half way over and I have lucked upon some things this month that I am happy to share with y’all…

First up, ice cream. But this is no ordinary ice cream, this is:  TIFFBLITZ

Blend of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Bean ice cream and chunks of Tiff’s Treats chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Topped with crumbled sugar cookies.

Need I say more? Nope, I think the description says it all.

Just let it all soak in. Your mouth is probably watering right now…no shame. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love ice cream? Especially this awesome concoction. You must go try it. Head on over to the closest Tiff’s Treats and indulge!

Next up, we have to have some fashion.

C. WONDER

C. Wonder is a fashion retailer founded by J. Christopher Burch in 2011. Yes, ladies, you heard that right…J. Christopher BURCH, as in Tory Burch’s ex-husband. Mrs. Tory Burch isn’t the only one with the fashion sense. Mr. Burch has got something going for him in the fashion world.

Former chairman of Chairman of the Board for Tory Burch, it makes sense that he knows what’s up in the world with the latest trends and style. After a nasty divorce with Tory, he founded C. Wonder and has since opened up 10 pop-up stores in New York and along the east coast. Selling everything from clothing, accessories, shoes, and purses, his clothing is preppy and fun.

Now, you all know I adore Tory Burch as much as the next girl, but we have to give her ex-husband some credit. Just look at some of these things he designed for Fall 2013…love it all…

Dachshund Intarsia Sweater

Silk Heart Print Shirt

Cotton Poplin Safari Jacket

Calf Hair Chunky Heel Pump

Zebra Pom Pom Scarf

Finally, my last thing I’ve fallen in love with this month has got to be in honor of some fall food flavors from PANERA BREAD.

This weekend, I am in Colorado with Texas Soccer for games and we went to Panera for lunch on Saturday afternoon. Upon looking at the menu, I noticed two new items that called my name: Roasted Turkey Harvest Wheatberry Salad and Autumn Squash Soup.

The soup is a mixture of roasted butternut squash and pumpkin simmered in vegetable broth. It is spiced with cinnamon, curry, and a hint of apple juice and honey and topped with roasted and salted pumpkin seeds. It’s creamy and delicious and warms you up on a cold Fall day. And in Colorado, it was quite chilly in comparison to our hot hot hot days.

Now, the salad combined a myriad of flavors that blended together perfectly. I’m normally not a big salad person but this really hit the spot. Roasted turkey, field greens, romaine lettuce, wheat berry grain blend with craisins and dried apricots, and gorgonzola cheese make up this salad. And while it comes with a maple balsamic vinaigrette, I don’t care for dressings very much and didn’t put it on my salad but it was delectable without it!

I ordered this soup and salad in the “Pick Two” combo which gives you a cup of soup and a side salad sized salad. Next time you visit Panera, skip their mac-n-cheese and pick this soup and salad…it won’t disappoint!

Well, that’s about all I have for my September favs. Until next time! Xx.

Brinkley

Fall into Fashion

Can you believe it’s September already? No. Seriously, summer went by in a snap.

Am I so happy that it’s September? Yes. Absolutely.

Just a little example of happy me in a transitional summer to fall outfit!

Shirt: J.Crew

Sweater: Banana Republic, similar

Jeans: Paige Denim

Boots: Tory Burch, similar

September means fall is coming. And fall calls for an extra happy Brinkley. It’s my favorite time of year! The weather is lovely, the leaves change color, Texas football starts, and most importantly, Fall fashion has officially arrived.

I love Fall and I love fashion. So when I get to combine the two, woohoo ba-da-boom. Smiles everywhere.

What is better that putting on your new pair of skinny jeans (that you most likely got at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, am I right?) with those beautiful new Tory Burch riding boots and a comfy sweater with a large colorful scarf? Next to nothing, let me tell ya. Fall fashion is top notch.

And while I might not be able to wear these type of outfits anytime soon considering it’s still in the 100 degree heat down here in Austin, knowing that the time is near is good enough for me. Fall is coming, and people, get ready. Xx.

Brinkley

P.S. Speaking of Tory Burch riding boots, these Kiernan Leather Logo Riding Boots in Almond are to die for. I’m in love. $495 from Neimans. They’re pulling on my heartstrings.

nothing BETA than being a Texas PI PHI

Texas Pi Beta Phi.

Texas Pi Phi Pledge Class 2013. Love.

 Pure Joy.

While rush might’ve officially ended a week ago, I’m just now getting the chance blog about it…going from bid day to the first day of school then to Oregon has made for a crazy stretch of days! But nonetheless…

After what seemed like the longest week ever of running from house to house in the Texas heat in dresses and heels, bid day was finally upon me and the 1,200 other girls participating in Panhellenic recruitment at Texas. (Yes, you read that correctly…1,213 to be exact.)

My Texas Soccer teammate, Keagan, pledged Pi Phi as well! 

I’m an angel! I’m a Texas Pi Phi. I’m so excited. I don’t think I could be happier. Pi Phi is seriously the perfect place for me and while I barely even know everyone, I’m in love with them all. Every time I think about it, I smile. Like I said, nothing Beta than being a Pi Phi.

After opening my bid day card and screaming my head off and smiling so much my mouth hurt, we made our way outside where our new sisters and pledge class we’re waiting! We then walked to the beautiful Pi Beta Phi house in West Campus where every Pi Phi and their mom was waiting to welcome and take pictures with us! It was spectacular. And then the rest of the bid night festivities began…I’ll leave that up to y’alls imagination…can’t let you in on all the fun and secrets 🙂

This is the first of many Pi Phi posts. Everyone, get excited to Party with Pi Phi. Xx.

Halos and Hugs,

Brinkley