Dinner Parties & Victor Jeffreys

All I can say about these pictures are dinner parties, really talented and cool friends, wine, and unexpected karaoke. It's not every day you show up to a dinner party and someone has set up a photoshoot.

I had never met Victor Jeffreys from Gawker before this dinner, but immediately I could tell how talented he was. When these pictures came out I was absolutely blown away - minus a few ratchet ones from karaoke later that evening. You can see all the photos here and here, and check out all of Victor's snaps here.

Enjoy!

Nine Months Later...

This past weekend I was recognized as a "local" by someone loitering out front of my apartment building trying to sell Statue of Liberty tickets to the mass of tourists that were scurrying by. I immediately laughed it off and texted one of my favorite people, "You would never guess what just happened!"

But does this mean I've made it? Am I a New Yorker yet?

Maybe, maybe not. The city is a lot less scary now. I walk straight through groups of tourists because, well, they'll get out of my way. I give subway directions to strangers now. I walk so fast I'm practically jogging. Regardless, I still say y'all, and my southern twang comes out after a few drinks.

So, just know, Old Friends, I miss you. Always will. I always want to hear from you, you mean the most to me. Maybe I'll come home one day. And New Friends, I'm so thankful for you for making this city my home, and helping me become a "New Yorker", or something like that.

Dogwood Travels:ATX

I'm learning that NYC is just as fun of to escape as it is to explore. I decided at the beginning of the year that no matter what happens, 2015 was going to be the year that I finally go out and travel (at least more than usual). Not to mention, "say yes to five things out of my comfort zone" is on my 101 in 1001 list which is why I decided to buy a last minute ticket and board a plane to the Lone Star State!

Not to brag, but I have some of the coolest friends! One of my best gals from college moved to Austin to work at a start-up a couple months back, so I figured why not visit in the summer while I had some free time to see what all the fuss is about Texas' summer heat?

Turns out our friend Wil also decided to visit at the same time, so it was great to have a mini reunion! It's always so great to surround yourself with comforting familiar faces. And of course we convinced Jeanie to let us be #basic and drive around South Congress and eat at Torchy's Tacos.

By the end of the trip I didn't want to see another taco or bowl of queso (I think I went a little overboard in the cheese department this weekend). But because we didn't get out on the water this time, I didn't get to stop at Whataburger, and I gave my Texas family super short notice (sorry, y'all!!), I'm just giving myself another excuse to go back! 

What are your favorite Austin spots that I can note for next time /tell Jeanie to explore?

Simple Ice Cream

Ice cream is my go-to summer time guilty pleasure. If I could have it my way I would sit with a huge tub of homemade peach ice cream for hours while shooting the breeze.

A couple weeks ago I brought home bananas from the grocery store and completely forgot about them. I absolutely hate hate hate wasting food, so I figured I could throw them in the freezer to have a snack later or use them to make a smoothie. Don't know what I was thinking, at all, but my roommate suggest that I make - you guessed it! - ice cream! 

The best thing about this recipe is that it's vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and no-sugar-added!! You're so welcome, folks.

So let's get to it... you'll need: 

a banana or two

a food processor 

(that's it!)

SIMPLE BANANA ICE CREAM

Cut the bananas into small pieces (the smaller the better) and blend! The bananas will become creamy gooey. Place into a freezer safe container and let harden a bit more...or don't. Your choice.

You can also add a few more ingredients (recipes via The Kitchn Cookbook) to give your taste buds a little party. 

Nutella Banana Ice Cream...yes please!

Blend in 1/3 cup Nutella spread.

Dark Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

Blend in 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Orange Dreamsicle Banana Ice Cream

Blend in 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Strawberries and Cream Banana Ice Cream

Blend in 2/3 cup chopped frozen strawberries and 1/4 cup heavy cream until smooth.