So, I set out the other night to make a crostata, but let’s just say I don’t seem to be at that level in my baking prowess yet. In my understanding, a crostata is supposed to have a nice, firm, flaky, golden brown crust… and, well, mine didn’t.

In good news, though, it tasted great. And it ended up looking exactly like something else I like a lot—pizza.

So if you too want to try dessert pizza, here’s all you need: about 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 1 small sliced apple (optional), 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon water, enough pie dough for 1 small pie (use your discretion), 1-2 tablespoons chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon milk, and a little bit (not more than a tablespoon) of brown sugar, oats, and flour. Read More »

I quit Diet Coke. I’ve been clean for 2 months with one lapse, where I tried to save calories at the bar and went for a Bacardi and diet. I couldn’t even finish it and have been off the sauce (the cola, that is) ever since.

Basically I have come to the conclusion that diet soda isn’t that great for you. Yes, it gives you a caffeine buzz, but there’s something I respect more about coffee and tea. I also read Skinny Bitch and the scare tactics got to me. But as I tried to keep myself from running around all jittery, I realized that leaving caffeine is a lot like ending a serious relationship. Except it can actually help stop the formation of an ulcer instead of causing it.

I’m down to one cup of coffee a day. It’s trickiest when you need little pick-me-up to get through the work day, but some things have definitely helped me transition: Read More »

Apples and Pumpkins. That’s fall. Apples, Pumpkins, and realizing it’s too cold for that little skirt but not cold enough to go back and change.

Oh, and fall is also about wind.

Harsh wind that will do a number to that delicate, summer sun-kissed face of yours if you’re not careful. A delicate, sun-kissed face that can be totally repaired by pumpkin.

See how we went full circle there?

To keep that beautiful face of yours beautiful, I’ve found the best, all natural pumpkin facial around. It smoothes and repairs, and best of all, smells awesome.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed

one-half teaspoon honey

one-quarter teaspoon milk (or soymilk)

Directions

Combine all your ingredients and apply to your face—just don’t shove it into your eyes.

Hang out for 10-15 minutes, then wash your face with warm water and apply your normal moisturizer. Read More »