First, I’m super lame about music and rarely listen to anything new. I keep my spotify on private because I literally listen to the same junk on repeat ALL THE TIME . It’s embarrassing. Like for years. It’s an endless cycle of same: Rocky Votolato, Spoon, and Ryan Adams. There are a few other things that cycle through but, lately, that’s it. I’ve been shamelessly listening to Ryan Adams 1989 cover on repeat. Like a maniac. Basically, something new but still in my music-hermit-zone.
Second, I’ve been in the mood for change. I did something different with my hair (a bayalage & ombre thing, you maybe saw it on snapchat), I got a large tattoo started and finished in the last month, and I started working on my fitness. Strangely, the fitness thing has been the scariest part–not the whole being stabbed-a-billion-times-by-ink-filled-needles thing. I started working with a trainer (aka someone to hold me accountable) and it’s been much less scary than I imagined (I was SO intimidated). I’m learning things, leaving super sweaty (gross), waking up sore, and feeling really good about it. I was feeling pretty down on myself and it was starting to really affect me mentally. So, I’m hoping that these next 6 months will both kick my ass and my brain…because, lets be real, I’m never gonna give up carbs.
Sorry to get all share-bear and long-winded on you guys, I just felt like I should put it out there and not be a secret weirdo about it. Things won’t really change around here, though. What I’m saying is, there’s still gonna be cake and cute food for your eyeballs.
Third, eyeball food (again, gross). Peep it below.
Buttercream Birthday Cake–This cake is perfect. Also, if Lyndsay isn’t a true inspiration, I don’t know who is.
Al Pastor Chicken Skewers–YAAS! I’m on the hunt for achiote paste so I can make these happen ASAP.
Pear Frangipane Tart–This tart is so lovely. Also, I love frangipane and don’t ever make it.
How-to Marble Candy Apples–I am obsessed with these! How cool would black and white ones be?!
Matcha Eclairs–That color!
Mini Pound Cakes w/ Labneh Frosting & Roasted Grapes–I love roasted grapes and I really want to try that frosting.
Turkey Sliders with Red Wine Caramelized Onions–I made the caramelized onions for some beef burgers last night. SO GOOD.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls–BUTTERMILK ICING, gimme.
Sesame Poppy Bagel Loaf–I really partial to Montreal style bagels, but this bagel loaf looks awesome!
French Toast with Caramelized Pears–and walnuts! and camembert! and arugula!
Open Faced Heirloom Tomato & Whipped Feta Breakfast Sandwiches--in case you can still get your paws on tomatoes!
Chocolate Cupcakes with Baileys Cream Cheese Frosting–I have a soft spot for Baileys & coffee, so these cupcakes are calling my name!
Some junk you might have missed around here:
Pumpkin Brûlée French Toast w/ Vanilla Whipped Sour Cream
Have an excellent weekend!!
Stefanie - sarcastic cooking
Thanks for the share girl! I totally feel you about the personal health thing too! Once this baby is out of me, it will be time to reclaim my body!
cindy
Yes! You got this!
Lyndsay // Coco Cake Land
Cindy I loooove your beautiful tattoo! You can sharebear with me any time you like. I’m totally into sharebear. ALSO: good for you for starting up fitness, and getting a trainer to help! such a good idea. Exercise has helped me SO much lately and it’s changed my mood for the better (plus my clothes are fitting better, yay!) We can be fitness buddies! PS thank you for sharing my cake and for the sweet words. XO
cindy
Thanks for the support and encouragement, Lyndsay. It really is a mood changer. Sharebears forever!
Cassie
Cindy I love your blog for your awesome recipes and your honesty! Good luck with the new fitness goals You can do it!
cindy
Thank you for the kind words, Cassie!!
Mary @ The Kitchen Paper
Ha! Let’s be real: I’m never gonna give up carbs, either. Or cheese. Or beer. Working out FTW! PROUD OF YOU! xo
cindy
Exactly. and THANK YOU!! Xx
erin
Thanks for including me, Cindy!
Your french toast looks INSANE! x
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
OMG. I wish I could share that trainer with you. AND still eat carbs!
Amy | Club Narwhal
Girl, it’s like I’m reading my own life here! I also started to work on my fitness again (I just want to run a 5k without dying, it’s not a huge goal to some but it feels nearly impossible to me right now!). You are awesome and know that many states away is another lady waking up sore from the evil burpees I forced myself to do 🙂 thanks so much for sharing my pumpkin treat!