Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler

Happy Mardi Gras! When I was growing up, my grandma would have a traditional Fat Tuesday pancake dinner every year and it was so much fun. She would decorate the table with brightly colored masks, feathers, and beads, and we would feast on flapjacks, sausage and bacon, eggs and fruit syrups. It was always a highly anticipated occasion for me and my sisters.

I decided to put my own spin on the tradition this year by whipping up a batch of sour cream pancakes (using this insanely delicious recipe) and served them up alongside sausage patties, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and fresh squeezed blood orange mimosas. The best part was the real maple syrup (something that I rarely splurge on). The planning and shopping were just as much fun as the finished meal, and who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?






Remember last year, when I gave up coffee and chocolate for Lent. Yeah, that was pretty crazy. Well this year, I've decided to take it one step further and give up sweets and alcohol. I'm also going to try and make it a nightly habit to write something that I'm thankful for down in a journal. Wish me luck!

Do you celebrate Mardi Gras?

Hello, Chocolate

Well, I did it. I managed to go forty whole days without a drop of coffee or one miniature morsel of chocolate. It was tough, especially the last few days when I was dying for an iced cafe au lait, but the sacrifice was worth it. It's always fun to 'break the fast' on Easter, which I did by downing two big cups of coffee at brunch and enjoying a delicious (and very strong) iced latte this afternoon. I even snuck in a chocolate chip cookie and a few oreos. All in all, I'd say it was a great day. Next year I'm definitely going to give up peanut butter (which will probably be just as traumatic as coffee).

Hope you had a relaxing Easter!

Currently Dreaming Of...

coffee and chocolate.

And more specifically, how I'm going to celebrate by incorporating them back into my life in just over two weeks. Sixteen more days and counting!

all images via we heart it.