I am excited to share my first Valentine’s Day post with a special feature and menu preview of Raleigh’s Brio Tuscan Grille.  Whether you are celebrating with your significant other, friends or family there is no rush to get the coveted February 14th dinner reservation.  Raleigh’s Brio Tuscan Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall  will feature a […]

This weekend we celebrated my grandfather’s 97th birthday party.  One of the side dishes I prepared for the celebration was a pineapple-mango salsa.  I didn’t expect it, but it made quite an impression on the crowd.   The most seasoned of cooks asked for the recipe – which was quite an honor for me.  I dedicate this […]

Never have I seen a more complex battle among sweet things than the doughnut or donut. Even the spelling of this American classic is up for debate.   Although I love all sweets, doughnuts did not necessarily strike my fancy.  That is until five years ago when I discovered the Doughnut Plant in New York City….but […]

The origin of sangria is Spanish and Portuguese and is made with red wine, orange juice, chopped fruit and alcohol, like brandy.  I actually had my fair share of sangria during my semester abroad in Spain my junior year, however, I was never a huge fan.  I found it to be too heavy and not […]

Fall is here!  What is the first thing that comes to mind?  Perhaps cooler weather, pumpkin spice latte’s, cashmere sweaters, suede boots or perhaps dishes like a sweet potato casserole.  If you are a fan of the latter and currently living in NC, we are fortunate that our state is the #1 producer of sweet […]

What is an empanada?  It is a pastry that can be baked or fried, stuffed with a sweet or savory filling such as fruit, meat or vegetables and is cooked to a golden brown.  The cooking method (baking or frying), choice of stuffing and flours used to create these delicious turnovers vary by each country […]

City Girl was at the farm a couple of weeks ago in Clinton, NC!  I was honored to be a guest at Hubb’s Farm media day where we toured their ten-acre corn maze and I participated in some fun-fun-fun activities.  It was my first time visiting both Clinton & Hubb’s Farm, which is located approximately […]

Mark your calendars!   The 27th Annual Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta takes place September 27th – October 1st.   If you have not been to this Fiesta, this five-day event promises the best food and wine in the Southwest.  The festivities include six guest chef winery luncheons, seven cooking demo’s at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, […]

Pizza.  Who makes it best?  Let’s see, we have New York style, Chicago style, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Detroit Style, etc, etc.  The list is larger than I initially thought or tasted.  Google “pizza styles” and you will see for yourself.   Growing up in a small town in South Texas, the pizza I ate came from […]

I am happy to announce my new journey as a brand rep with Harper & Jewels.   I stumbled upon Harper & Jewels through Instagram and instantly fell in love with their Pom Pom Collar Statement Necklace.   I was impressed with their fast delivery and free United States shipping.    I was certainly lucky to snag this […]

Nuts…what can I say?  They are a great ‪protein source and they pair perfectly with ‪salads, ‪desserts and ‪‎beer!  All you need for this recipe is one egg white, two tsp vanilla extract, 3 1/2 cups pecans, 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, one tbsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp powdered ginger, 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch […]

Are you a shoe fanatic?  Perhaps jewelry obsessed?  Or maybe a Make Up Lover?  I love fashion in general, but I have to admit that I have a swimwear fetish.  I embarrassingly restrict myself from adding no more than three swim suits to my collection every year. Summer is around the corner, but I have been sporting my […]