Recipe For A Happy Marriage

My grandma's recipe for a Happy Marriage. We have used this recipe for over three generations and it still works for all age groups. I have put the recipe on a tea towel and its a great reminder and a fun way to begin your day!

The Himalayan Town I Grew Up In

As I have told you earlier, I grew up in Nainital - foot hills of the Himalays (click here to find out some more details about me and my passion).  I am really happy to share some images from this lovely town.  These were taken by a friend who lives in Nainital, an avid and felicitated photographer (Nominated as Photographer of the PhotoFest). Enjoy on!

Nainital was founded about 150 years back.  It was always known for its lovely weather and natural beauty.  The town has hills surrounding a pear shaped lake from all four sides with a numerous flowers and birds adding to its natural beauty.  

I just love this teal winged bird.  Isn't she lovely!

Its such a special feeling when you live above the clouds.  Often the clouds would enter our classrooms and we could barely see each other.

Here are some pictures of the school I went to.  They are some of the best schools in the country and have a history of over 100 years.

We just need a big snowman in the backyard!  This is a gorgeous green garden with trees and flowers which my friend and his family bring to life each spring and summer.  

Applesauce-Spice Cake

I used to frequently visit a Japanese temple to pick antiques and on one of my trips fond a 25 years old Country Dessert Book by Lee Bailey.  Ever since this has been my favorite cook book. It has helped me put together some of the best desserts at numerous parties.

Today I am going to share my all time favorite recipe - its my version of Lee Bailey's Applesauce-spice recipe.  This cake brings joy and smiles even before its lovely aroma fills my kitchen. Serve it with freshly brewed coffee and there is magic in the air.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups fine sugar
2 cups good quality unsweetened applesauce
(I make it from fresh apples and cook until it can still firm and smooth on a plate)
3 cups sifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 1/2 cup raisins
(I like to add more raisins which gives the right acidity to balance)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mace
(I skip this one, but its a personal choice)
1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Super fine sugar frosting

I prefer the simple white sugar frosting to save on a few calories and take a generous share of the cake.  You can replace it with a cream cheese or sour cream or brown sugar frosting.


Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease a square pan.

Cream the butter and superfine sugr until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Then fold in the applesauce.  This will not mix completely.

Remove 1/4 cup of the flour and use it to dredge the nuts and raisins.  Sift together the remaining flour, spices and baking soda.  Fold the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, then add the vanilla and the nuts and raisins.

Pour batter into the prepared and bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until a cake tester comes out clean.  Allow cake to cool in the pan, then invert to remove.

This is what I get each time I bake this delicious cake - "Mom your cooking/baking rocks"

Monogramming Available in 42 Thread Colors

I am delighted to inform that now at AmoreBeaute I can monogram pillow covers, bedding, tablecloth, table runners, placemats, napkins, aprons, totes, yoga mat bags in 42 different thread colors.

I can also embroider any of our patterns in these colors.  We have a new collection of Aztec pattern and many others that you may want in a different color.  Feel free to send me a message through the Etsy conversation or e-mail at amorebeaute2012@gmail.com

If you do not find the color you need, just message and I will be happy to add more options to this color palate.  

Flowers and Chanel Go Together For Valentines

With Valentines not too far away I have been dropping hints (subtle I hope) to my husband on what I want this year.  My all time favorites are flowers and Chanel.

Photography By - A friend in Australia

This time again I have my eyes on the evergreen Chanel No.5 perfume.  I am soon going to run out of stock and in the last 10 years I have not gone a day without it on my dresser.  

In addition there is something I have been wanting for a while now.  Finally, I got down to making it - I have designed this grey felt tote to accompany me to office and my shopping trips.  Its versatile, big, chic and handy.  I often need to rush from office to pick a few things before I get home. This is on bag I can carry anytime. Even my daughter loved it and had me make one for her and her friends.  They carry it to their hobby classes. 

Re-energizing with Yoga and Weekend Get Aways

Last few days have been really hectic for me.  I have enjoyed being in the midst of all the professional and personal action. Thanks to the energy and peace that my morning Yoga gives me for the entire day.

 At Amore Beaute we just got featured in the New York magazine!  Yes, it is such a high and I enjoyed working with the media team to put it all together for the edition on fitness.  Grab one to see the yoga mat bags with messages and monograms.  Here it is -

Here are some more yoga mat bags that my omies and I just love.  I hope you like it as much.

On the personal front my daughter has had her Karate grading and a number of sports activities at school. To top it all my husband has been out of town for work and gosh I am so waiting for him to get back home. Once he is back I surely need a short get away to get myself recharged for some more exciting stuff at Amore Beaute. 

This reminds me of a lovely weekend get away my cousin Neyha had.  She is a young gorgeous girl who works at one of the top advertising firms in the world. Here is what she says about her favorite get away. 

Being a history buff, I just love going back in time and visiting the old forts and places that have become the much needed getaway option for us big city dwellers. Recently, I visited this fort called ‘Dadikar’, in Rajasthan. A 2.5 hr drive from Delhi, it was a pleasant respite for my tired mind. 

Perched on a small hill, this fort is the brainchild of a farmer’s son, who found it in ruins and in just 5 years brought it back to its lost glory.

There are 17 rooms and it was fascinating to see how the owner tried to retain its old character. The fort overlooks green fields and a small village. I went there to escape the city hustle and bustle and boy was it a good idea. 

The hotel plays soulful music as you meander your way through the narrow lanes and staircase of the fort. But the bigger surprise for me was the foot tapping drum beats from the nearby village at night. A small but really enjoyable dose of the local folk music. While I stayed there for only a day this time, I am coming back soon for a longer trip. 

Valentines Day With Family And Friends

Each year when Valentines Day rolls around, I find myself gearing up for multiple parties. It is a day to celebrate love with so many wonderful people - girlfriends, friends, kids, family and at times with myself. It is a great month in general to stock up on lots of fabulous things. In this article I will share some inspirations that I will be using to get my home ready for celebrating Valentine's Day with family and friends.

Celebrating with family 

Recently I came across a table decor created by my friend in Australia.  She is one of the most elegant and classy women I know.  Don't you think her table decor is simply gorgeous? This style would go so well with my beach town house. 

Her home looks wonderful in white and the colors extend to create a glam table with spurts of silver and grey.

I would team up the table decor with a bunch of white, silver and gray pillows in my living room. The silver gray classic Greek Key pattern linen curtains complete the look.

Celebrating with friends 

Coffee and girlfriends make a perfect blend.  A little art work in a cup stirs up a great conversation with my girls. I am certainly trying out this heart laurel I found at InStyle 

A close friend (a great mom to two lovely girls, a successful corporate woman and an awesome chef ) inspires me to get the right colors on the table for a morning breakfast with my girlfriends.  

A girly decor would work well for this morning tete-a-tete.  I plan to throw in a few soft pink and white pillows with a little sparkle. There's something so girly and happy about these colors and they always make me smile.  I just may get my big crystal vase and have it filled with pink lilies.  ooh I love their fragrance fill up my room.  

It will be great to hear how you plan to celebrate and decorate your home this Valentine's Day.  Let me know in the comments.