Straight to the Hips, Baby

Fall is in full swing here! Snap up all of that ripe orchard fruit and create an extremely easy, autumn, appetizer! Puff pastry + pear + cheese = heaven! Coming Soon in my Book!!! #stthbook #fallapps #fallappetizers #pears #usapears #savorysweet #winenight #winenconvos #fallcooking #fallbaking #bonappetit

There’s always something a little wild about this time of year. Almost like Mother Nature is having one last big ‘hurrah’, before the cold comes barreling in and the frost takes over. Myths of Persephone and Demeter add a mystique to the changing seasons, or tales of the raucous celebrations of Dionysus and the Maenads at grape harvest time…. I can sort of feel it in the air. There’s a last push of color and fruit, buzzing bees hurrying to gather the last of the nectar before the cold winter arrives. I loved putting together this fall centerpiece that was filled with loads of end of season flowers, but also wild grasses and wild grape vines from my yard. Cutting flowers is such a neat way to mark the changing seasons 🍐🍁🌻

There’s just something about the rustic simplicity of an Irish Apple Cake 🍎 A perfect last minute cake recipe that doesn’t skip on flavor! Layers of juicy apples, buttery cake, and an Earl Grey tea custard… this is a definite ‘anytime’ dessert! What are you planning on making this apple season?

I think this deserves a celebratory drink! 🍾 I had the pleasure of being a guest on EatBlogTalk @eatblogtalk with the lovely Megan Porta, this week! We chatted about the benefits of utilizing TV segments for blogger brand identity and audience outreach, as well as ways to become more comfortable in front of the camera. Tell me!! Do you want to start cooking on TV? Thank you to Megan, for being just a terrific host! ❤️ Find more @eatblogtalk!!

Here’s to the Weekend! 🥂 Life as a Content Creator never slows down! I’m thankful for every new opportunity, experience, and all of the people I get to meet in this business. ❤️ But, I’m most grateful for my dear family, friends, and community that keep me grounded & loved ❤️ Cheers! #straighttothehipsbaby #contentcreator #foodcontentcreator #adayinthelife #foodphotography #recipewriter #foodblogger #tvlife #workingmom #contentwriter #cookbookauthor #bloomtv #ｔｇｉｆ #midlifewomen #creativeedgeparties #creativehappylife #womeninfood #massachusettsphotographer

Can you feel it? There’s been a subtle, yet distinct change in the seasons. The sunshine is more golden and the nights smell like damp leaves. My flower garden is switching to it’s Fall splendor! Deep reds, oranges, and even a few ambitious hot pink garden roses are blooming out front. I wanted to bring those colors inside with this bold Summer-to-Fall transitional bouquet! What do you think? Should I have leaned more into the oranges of autumn, or are you like me, and can’t quite quit those vibrant Summer colors yet?!

Big bold flavors, big bold colors 🌈 My recent trip to Israel, left me inspired in the kitchen. We were fortunate to be able to visit several amazing restaurants as well as delicious meals at each of our hotels. The flavors are distinct, but the preparations were beautifully simple. Roasting under high heat, simmering low and slow, braising and plenty of raw techniques. The flavors that were coaxed out of every gorgeous piece of produce or medley of pulses, was just amazing. Look for several new recipes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East in my new cookbook!

Looking at September like 🥰🥰 Are you signed up for my email list? If not, skip over to my website (LINK IN BIO), and sign up for the latest news! After a Summer hiatus, I’m back! Filling you in on recipe recommendations, my travels, and all things STTHBABY media! Media like this photo from a recent cookbook shoot… I’m thrilled that my husband & head photographer @theadventuross was able to grab a new headshot for me during a lull in the action! Dress: @bostonproperofficial Make Up: @narsissist products Glow: @saiebeauty Earrings: @bulgari

Who wouldn’t like a little ‘light refreshments’ in the garden?! For this scene, we transformed my front walkway into a cozy nook for a rose & strawberry themed table. I love to think creatively when shooting in the spaces around me. Depending on angle, set up, and time of year, even an everyday location can be transformed into something different. As food creators, we have the opportunity to create into reality, the scenes from our imaginations. What are you creating today? 🌸 #straighttothehipsbaby #stthbook #btsphotoshoot #foodvideos #tablescapes #floraldesign #gardenroses #gardentea #teaparty #teapartytheme #entertainingathome #newenglandgarden #makeitdelicious #bonappetitmag #bonappétit #cherrybombe #tabledecorations

Here’s a question; Do you Entertain? Why or why not? 🤔 What’s holding you back? I love creating moments with my friends and family that revolve around great food, beautiful tables, and amazing conversations! I didn’t always know how to plan or ‘perform’ a terrific dinner party or big holiday meal, but through trial and error, I’ve found a method that works. From food to flowers, drinks to desserts… follow along as the #stthbook comes to life! Have a food or home entertaining question? Ask in the comments! I’m here to help!

Whipped Feta Toast with Fresh Cherries & Honey… nomnomnom! Fantastic as a breakfast… or lunch… or snack! Toasty pieces of bread are slathered with a whipped herbed feta and topped with juicy cherries, strawberries, and earthy roasted beets. The flavors are punchy and pure! Find the recipe on my blog!

It’s feeling like a cold lemonade sort of afternoon 😅 Blueberry Lemonade to be specific! Freshly squeezed tart lemon juice is mixed with water, sugar, and plenty of ice. Add a spoonful or two of homemade blueberry simple syrup, to add that punch of summer flavor! Want to be a little naughty? You can also slip in a little bit of gin or vodka… It’s 5 PM somewhere! Recipe on my blog! Link in bio. 🍋🫐

Is there anything better than spending a beautiful Summer’s day with friends, with lovely food & gorgeous flowers? 🌸 A gathering can be as intricate or as casual as you feel; with a few flowers, ripe fruits, sweet treats, and oh so much champagne… you can create scenes like this! Just meet me in the garden… 🥂 All this and more will be covered in my new Cookbook! Big thanks to my dear friends for joining the party ❤️

Natural Light. Flowers from the garden. A moment of sunshine. ☀️ I haven’t had such a streak of absolute creativity & production, since my ballet company dancing days! This cookbook (& more coming soon 🤫) is pushing me to create more imaginative recipes, shooting photos, writing, filming, and editing. It’s hectic. It’s not always glamorous. But… it’s damn satisfying! Be sure to follow my journey! 📚

Give me all of the creamy burrata cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil on offer! 🍅🍃 There are only two foods I will never say no to; fresh garden tomatoes and ripe juicy melon. So, you know I had to put them together in a summer salad that just sings! 🍽️ Fresh Summer Burrata Salad with Watermelon and Nectarines 📸 @theadventuross Find the full summer fruit & burrata recipe on my blog! Straighttothehipsbaby.com