HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS 2015

You read that, right, it's Restaurant Weeks here in Houston. From August 1st to September 7th, enjoy seven weeks of multiple course meals at great prices and at delicious restaurants - all while benefitting the Houston Food Bank!

My fiancé and I have been insanely bust since we've moved here, so it's nice to have something that will encourage us to try out the yummy food in our new city! Here are a few places I can't wait to visit. See the entire list of participating restaurants here. 

Paul's Kitchen: Globally inspired flavors meet locally sourced ingredients at this upmarket New American venture.

via

Up Restaurant: Upmarket, New American restaurant with scenic views of The Galleria & downtown.

Add caption

Caracol: Upscale eatery offering Mexican seafood dishes, booze, an oyster bar & more in a bright, arty space.

via

Roost: Cozy bistro dishing up a diverse selection of creative New American dishes in a small, old house.

via

51Fifteen Restaurant & Lounge: High-end hideaway in the Galleria Saks plating New American cuisine in modern, ultra-chic surrounds.

via

benjy's: Trendy joint serving innovative New American dishes along with a bustling happy hour & brunch.

via

Grace's: Brick location with a spacious interior serving a menu of innovative upscale American fare.

via

Brooklyn Athletic Club: Hip eatery & bar with upscale comfort classics & an expansive outdoor area with bocce & croquet.

via

Prohibition Supperclub & Bar: Craft cocktails, American food & weekend burlesque shows are found at this ritzy 1920s-themed bar.

via

Where you going for Houston Restaurants Week?

Jess

FRUITY RECIPES

I recently spent three weeks visiting family in Florida (as you may have seen by #JessInFL on Instagram), and with that comes my mother's home cooking. My favorite part is always dessert, but a it's one that is completely guilt-free! After every meal, there is always fresh fruit. And when I say fresh, I mean fresh - it was probably picked just minutes before from my parents's backyard! With fruit on my mind, I've found delicious and colorful recipes that involve a dessert within a dessert. Just keep remind yourself it's good for you and enjoy!

Frozen Yogurt Bark - My Fussy Eater

Rustic Strawberry Peach Tart - Sally's Baking Addiction

Fried Honey Bananas - Rachel Schultz

Triple Berry Summer Buttermilk Bundt - Smitten Kitchen

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas - Sugar Hero

Pineapple Sorbet - The Girl Who Ate Everything

Berry Parfait - Daily Gourmet

Roasted Pineapple with Honey and Pistachios - Bon Appetit

Fresh Fruit Yogurt Pops - Meet The Dubiens

Brown Sugar Baked Peaches - The Kitchen is My Playground

How do you like to eat fruit?

Jess

WEDDING INSPIRATION: CAKE

This post may cause drooling.

They always say the details matter most in things, and there is no better detail to think about at a wedding than the cake (right?!). We've put together some cake inspiration photos not only for us both to refer to when we're ready to plan that part of our weddings, but because... who doesn't love cake?

Hello May

Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Chicks

Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Chicks

Style Unveiled

Mod Wedding

Paper and Lace

Ruffled

What do you want your wedding cake to look like?

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: YOUR TEA

Every new year, we all make the resolution to be healthier. And while I started 29 days late, I'm trying really hard to keep up with it. I'm back on my keto diet, and tea is always a great way for me to get some sweetness in my day and also to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods!

This is where Your Tea comes in! They've got teas for both body and mind, making it perfect to drink every day - and even multiple times a day. Whether you need one for sleep or for your skin, Your Tea has got you covered. There's even ones for new mommas, dealing with hangovers, and getting rid of cellulite (whaaat?)!

I'm super excited to try their Energy Tea. Caffeine is my enemy and I can't wait to find an enery alterinateive! Check out my other favorites and ones I can't wait to get my hands on!

Tiny Tea - 28 Day ($55.00)

Skin Magic Tea ($35.00)

Happy Tea ($25.00)

Your Tea

Her Tea ($35.00)

Have you tried Your Tea?

Jess

SWEET INDULGENCES

Since yesterday was my birthday (thank you all so much for the well wishes), my day was spent indulging in shopping, food, and my favorite... sweets! From brownies to cookies, pies to tarts, doughnuts to macaroons - I found desserts that will have you drooling before you scroll to the end of the post. Get to baking and make sure to save a piece or two for Jill and I!

S'mores Brownies - The Kittchen

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts - Handle the Heat

Crack Pie - Averie Cooks

Arroz con Leche - Smitten Kitchen

Rustic Lemon Cheesecake Tart - Susi's Kochen Und Backen Adventures

Funfetti Gooey Bars - Crazy for Crust

French Macarons - Martha Stewart

The diet starts tomorrow.

Jess

10 EASY THANKSGIVING DISHES

With a Friendsgiving here and Thanksgiving there, there a lot of dishes to prepare and bring, but let's be real - my cooking skills suck. I don't want to succumb to bringing pre-made dish from the supermarket, but I also want to spare my friends and family a meal they have to pretend they enjoy. The thing is, it's already Tuesday and there's no time for any practice dishes! But don't worry, I've found 10 easy and simple salads, side dishes, and desserts for you to whip up and impress that yes, you actually did make that. Just get ready for them to invite you to every future potluck now.

Crispy Sweet Potato Roast - Smitten Kitchen

Pumpkin Sage Biscuits - Minimalist Baker

Double Cranberry Sauce - Better Homes and Gardens

Shaved Brussels Spouts - The Kitchn

Pretzel Parker House Rolls - Smitten Kitchen

Goat Cheese Toasts - Better Homes and Gardens

Mini Cornbread Puddings - Martha Stewart

Four-Cheese Macaroni - Southern Living

Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing - Martha Stewart

Apple Pecan Crisp - One Upon a Chef

What are you cooking for Thanksgiving?

Jess