Bananas Foster FRENCH TOAST

            For my last blog, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to end it with. As I began brainstorming my ULTIMATE ULTIMATE favorite things I knew EXACTLY what I was going to blog about. One of my ultimate FAVORITE things is Bananas Foster French Toast. Bananas foster is one of my FAV deserts, especially whenever I have a special dinner at Eddie V’s!

            A few months ago, one of my roommates, Hannah, mentioned that she discovered quite the treat. Yes, you guessed it…Bananas Foster French Toast! Immediately when I heard this, my mouth began to water and I immediately though of how AMAZING it would be to have one of my favorite deserts for breakfast. So, sweet Hannah decided to put her cooking skills to the test and try out the new recipe. Which I OBVIOUSLY did not oppose to. As she began making the french toast and then adding in the bananas foster ingredients I observed her and realized that the process did not seem as difficult as I originally thought it would be. The one aspect that was not present was putting the breakfast on fire…that is always present when you order the desert. Probably safer that way! As Hannah approached me with the plate stacked full of the bananas foster French toast, with a side of bacon and chocolate milk, excitement grew and I had to refrain myself from digging in. One by one the bananas foster French toast began to slowly disappear, and we were so sad when the whole plate was gone. So, naturally ROUND 2! Yes, I made Hannah make me more! We both agreed that they were the ULTIMATE FAVORITE breakfast item! The instant you ate a piece of the French toast, the aroma and taste of bananas foster was pleasantly overwhelming. It was HEAVENLY to say the least. This breakfast item is a little secret that every family, college student, and couple should enjoy. It is the perfect Sunday morning treat, and to know surprise, this Sunday morning Hannah is making me bananas foster French toast as I type. This is definitely making a FABULOUS start to my soon to be busy Sunday. When I think of a PERFECT word to describe the French toast breakfast, only one word describes it…SCRUMPTIOUS! This is a breakfast that I believe everybody will enjoy. It is simple, but PERFECT. Go ahead and make it….you will NOT regret it! Share the recipe below with friends, family, and loved ones. They will LOVE you for it! Bon Appetite!

Bananas Foster French Toast

For the French Toast

1 Loaf Hawaiian Bread (challah also works well)


10 Eggs


1/4 Cup Half & Half


1/2 tsp Cinnamon

For the Banana Sauce:

4 Tbsp Butter


3 Tbsp Brown Sugar


1/2 tsp Cinnamon


1/8 tsp Salt


1 tsp Vanilla


2 Bananas, Sliced


1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

For the Maple Whipped Cream:

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream


2 Tbsp Sugar


1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

Directions:

Slice up your loaf of bread into 1 inch thick slices.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half and cinnamon.

Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture being sure to coat both sides.

Cook up on a griddle for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

In a pan on the stove set to medium low heat, melt up the butter and add in the brown sugar.

Add to the mixture the syrup, cinnamon, salt and vanilla.

Add in the bananas. Stir to coat bananas completely. Remove from heat.

To make the whipped cream, whip together your cream, maple syrup and sugar until stiff peaks form. Serve over the top of French toast.

Tory Burch

            There are two words that most FASHIONISTAS are familiar with…Tory Burch. Upon hearing this designer’s name most people will automatically think of the symbol, their favorite pattern design, or even their infamous Tory Burch Reva ballet flats. Many years ago I began to notice that many of the girls my own age were beginning to wear these ballet flats with the silver or gold emblem on top of them. I always wondered what the whole “deal” was with these flats but never fully wanted to find out. I was like the little kid on the sideline that watched the big boys play ball! Until recently, I did not know what the flats were about but I am now PROUD to say that I do in fact own Tory Burch flats!

            These famous ballet flats come in all different colors, and range in different sizes to suite every baby, girl, and woman. Tumbled leather white, vintage metallic, powder suede, and leopard print are just a few of the various designs one can choose from. A pretty spectacular thing about these flats is the fact that every single girl in the world has the chance to purchase them due to the various sizes. I used to only see older women in there 20s and 30s, but more recently I have seen babies and 5 year olds. The one AMAZING thing about these fabulous Reva ballet flats is that they are versatile. These flats can be worn from the day to nighttime and honestly look wonderful with practically anything…even the OH so popular Nike shorts!  Look around…I GUARANTEE that you will notice girls and women of ALL ages wearing these flats. From school to church and shopping during the holidays, these flats can ALWAYS be seen!

            Before purchasing my very own Tory Burch flats this past Christmas, I did hear one negative comment about these popular flats. I did hear that overtime they began to hurt their ankles. Although this may be true for some, I have never felt this discomfort! I could not be happier with the flats and will be a buyer of another pair…hopefully sooner than later! I bet y’all are wondering why did I buy them now? Easy to answer! As I was online shopping for an early Christmas list, I found myself scrolling through the Tory Burch website. Immediately I fell in LOVE with the printed denim Reva scribbles ballet flat! I knew they were an ULTIMATE must have! The one main characteristic that drew myself to them was the fact that I have never seen anyone wearing them and I loved the black and white contrast. With my big TWO ONE birthday coming up right around the corner, I have decided that I want another pair of Tory Burch flats! Trust me…y’all would want to do the same! So, go ahead…try on the pair of these FABULOUS flats…and fall in LOVE with them! 

OPI Axxium Gel Polish

            During the summer I became OBSESSED with nail polish and painting my nails. I absolutely LOVE having a new manicure, whether it is myself painting my nails or getting them done at a local nail salon. With this being said, it is just obvious that one of my ULTIMATE FAV THINGS is the OPI Axxium nail polish! This nail polish is the new FAB thing to have, and it surprisingly lasts 2 weeks. HUGE bonus if you ask me! The one thing that I absolutely dislike about nail polish is that it usually chips within one week of getting them done. For the price that I pay to either buy the nail polish or paying a salon to paint them, it is NOT worth it. So, when I discovered this soak-off gel by OPI, I was IMMEDIATELY in LOVE.

            OPI Axxium was created in 2009, but I was a little late to jump on the train, and only recently discovered it about 3 months ago. There are many brands that now provide this 2-week, soak-off gel, but the OPI collection is my ABSOLUTE fav. OPI provides around 40 shades of polish, and is now located in 5,000 salons. Currently, I am wearing OPI Axxium’s You Don’t Know Jacques, and am OBSESSSED with the way it looks. It is much different than regular nail polish because it looks clean and shiny and can actually last more than 2 weeks. I have received the Axxium treatment 3 times and all of my polish has actually lasted around 3 weeks! Such a positive change from regular nail polish!

The one aspect of OPI Axxium gel is the process for which it is applied. Axxium is an odorless gel that is applied onto a natural nail that is applied with a small brush and includes 2 minutes under a UV light box. Before this process beings, you MUST choose the ULTIMATE PERFECT color…and you must love it because it will on your nails for at LEAST 2 weeks! Right when you sit down the manicurist buffers your nail and then the process is ready to begin! The manicurist first paints on a “thick” layer of a clear gel that acts as the OPI base coat for the gel polish. After being under the UV light for 2 minutes the color is ready to be applied. Just like regular nail polish, the Axxium gel polish is applied in 2 coats, but the only difference is that in between the coats, you MUST place your hands under the UV light box. Besides for the long lasting wear of the polish, the BEST part about this polish is the fact that once your third UV light box time, your nails are 100% DRY! Yes, you heard me right…COMPLETELY dry! You can touch them, drive your car with no worries, and eat lunch with girl friends…all without worrying that you will ruin your nails. Honestly…what could be better than this?! With that being said, go ahead and visit your local nail salon and get the OPI Axxium gel polish…I dare you! 

PEARLS!

During my life, I have received countless pieces of advice that I will always remember. The advice is usually geared towards relationships, success, and school. But, as a child, I received a piece of advice from my mom, Betsy, that I will always remember, and I can truly say that I will always live by. My mom has always told me that “no pearls, no power.” From that day, I have ALWAYS worn pearls!

Whether it is earrings, or a necklace, I always wear at least one piece of jewelry that is a pearl. It started as a way to please my mom when she bought them for me, but I have grown to LOVE pearls. It is a true statement that I am RARLEY seen without wearing my pearl earrings. The only time I will ever take them off is if I am sleeping or if I switch my earrings to add a little “spice” in my life.

I remember the first time I ever received real pearls, and it is a memory that I will never forget. Growing up in Miami, I realized that all the girls around me in kindergarten had their ears pierced. Everyday for weeks I BEGGED my mom to let me get my ears pierced! But she constantly told me I wasn’t old enough and that I would have to wait till I was 13 years old. My initial excitement of being able to get my ears pierced wore off and I was completely upset having to wait so long. Sweet Betsy did surprise me on day when I was 10 years old. For my birthday, my parents gave me a set of BEAUTIFUL pearl earrings. They said that these earrings would forever be my first pair of earrings…and how ironic they were pearls! I remember constantly opening the box just admiring the pearls and counting down the days till I was 13! Ever since I got my ears pierced, I have ALWAYS worn pearls.

One of my FAVORITE things about pearls is that they are PERFECT for both day and night. They are the perfect accent to wear to class, or wear out to my sorority’s Victory dance. Pearls are the ULTIMATE must have. They simply tie a simple outfit and an extravagant outfit together.

My favorite pair of pearl earrings actually came from one of my FAVORITE places in the world, (which I have already blogged about…hint, hint) THAILAND!!!! To this day, I still haven’t worn another pair of pearls. I know they will last a lifetime and will FOREVER be with me!

Always remember…no PEARLS, no POWER.

Tortilla Soup!

            One of my ULTIMATE favorite things is hands down Tortilla Soup, yummm!!! Whether it is in the middle of winter, or the middle of summer, I can ALWAYS have a cup, or bowl, of tortilla soup…especially if there is chicken mixed in. When I was growing up, my mom use to whip up some of her famous HOMEMADE chicken tortilla soup, and before the night was over the whole entire pot would be gone. Not even a drop would remain. As I have grown up, I still remember those childhood days, and although my mom does not make her soup as often as she used to, every once in a while she will whip up a batch! Those are always the BEST surprises!

            Since I have been in college at TCU, I have been searching for the most delicious tortilla soup, and I have decided on a tie between two. Through multiple cups, and several letdowns, I have found my ULTIMATE favs at Reata, and Lili’s Bistro. Reata’s legendary Texas cuisine is by far one of my fav restaurants in Fort Worth, but they are known for their famous tortilla soup. It is the perfect mix of chicken, spice, and vegetables topped off with cheese, tortilla strips, and a splash of sour cream! Ever time I go to Reata it is a known fact that I will order a bowl of their famous tortilla soup. It is also a known fact that I might not share it, and I will probably not have any left over, so if you are going to dine with me, you MUST order your own!

            Along with Reata, my other ULTIMATE fav tortilla soup is at Lili’s Bistro. It is a small restaurant located in Fort Worth’s South Side neighborhood. Lili’s is known for its delicious burgers and sandwiches and heavenly Gorgonzola waffle fries. My first encounter with Lili’s was about a year ago and as I read through the menu, I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that they serve a Soup of the Day. When our waitress exposed that the soup was the one and only tortilla soup, I immediately said, “I’ll take it!” Their tortilla soup is warm, smooth, and the definition of delightful. I noticed myself becoming frustrated when I realized I ate the ENTIRE bowl, but thankfully my Three-Cheese Burger was right around the corner! Since that first experience, I have been to Lili’s multiple times and every single time I ALWAYS order a bowl of their tortilla soup!

            Tortilla soup reminds me of my childhood, and whenever it is offered on a menu, I always have to order at least a cup of it…sometimes even a bowl! Go ahead and try Reata and Lili's...I dare you. You will NOT regret it! 

James Jeans

           Immediately when I woke up this morning I knew EXACTLY what I was going to write about. Onto week five, and this week I am going to inform y’all on one of the greatest pairs of jeans I have EVER owned. James Jeans…they are ABSOLUTELY FAB and I am in L-O-V-E with these jeans. The first time I tried them on I knew then and there that I was going to buy not one, not two…but three pairs of them. The biggest problem I have with jeans is when they just don’t fit right. I have this belief that jeans are actually suppose to fit like a glove! Not meaning that they have to be skin tight, unless if they are skinnies, but the fact that it should just fit PERFECTLY. Before I started purchasing James Jeans, I had several problems with jeans that become baggy after 30 minutes of wearing them, an uncomfortable fit around my waist, and when the jeans are extremely baggy around my knee but no where else.

            The first time I encountered James Jeans was on one of my usual shopping trips to Dallas. As I walked into one of my favorite stores, Mine, and as I was searching through the store I decided to try on a pair of these jeans. As I put one leg in, and then the other I was AMAZED by the way the jeans looked on me. These jeans describe perfection. It had everything I loved…low-rise, flawless length where I would not have to alter it, and the most unique deep shade of blue. I suddenly imagined myself wearing the jeans everywhere from class to going out at night. It was a boost in confidence that I decided to go back out to the table where the jeans were folded, and grab two other pairs! As I was driving back to the great ol’ Fort Worth, I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about these jeans. When I arrived home I immediately searched online and discovered all of the unique, classic, and variety of jeans that this designer offers. Sad to admit, but I actually ordered a pair online…the Hector Ref. With this purchase, my Saturday turned into buying four pairs of jeans. This is completely out of the ordinary for me because I HATE jean shopping, so I knew that this was just meant to be. One year later, every time I shop at Mine, I ALWAYS look to see what new pair of James Jeans they have…and I usually buy them. I now have too many to count, but I am proud to say that I wear every single one of them. My random collection of jean designers have now turned into just one…yes, you guessed it…James Jeans. The cherry on top is that the price of these jeans is relatively inexpensive compared to other designers. They range from $106 to $207, and I PROMISE they are worth every penny!! Go ahead and try them on…I dare you. PS- they not only carry women’s, but men’s, plus sizes and also maternity!

Bangkok, THAILAND

            One of my ULTIMATE favorite things is actually a place. It’s a location on the other side of the world that takes about 24 hours to travel to. This place is Bangkok, Thailand. Over the past four years, I have traveled to Bangkok two times and have hopes in the future of visiting again. Bangkok is simply amazing. Words cannot describe the love and respect I have for it, one can only travel to experience the trip of a lifetime.

            My first trip to Bangkok was during my senior spring break in high school. This trip was not a spur of the moment deal…it was already planned while I was in eighth grade. Yes…middle school. Betsy, my mother, is quite the planner to say the least! This all started when my mom was invited on one of her best friend’s daughter’s senior spring break to yes you guessed it…Bangkok. Once her return to the U S of A, she decided then and there that instead of the typical senior spring break trip to Mexico with my best friends, she wanted me to experience the world. I’m not going to lie…at first I was extremely upset that I wouldn’t be spending my spring break with friends…but instead my mom, two of my aunts, and two of my mom’s best friends. But, as the weeks and days of our departure came closer, excitement overwhelmed me! The farthest I have ever traveled outside of the US was Mexico, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. I knew right from the start that this was going to be a trip I would never forget. Everyday we immersed ourselves into the unknown culture, traveling to temples, and ate the most DELICIOUS Thai food. During the week, and out of all the places we visited, I have one ULTIMATE favorite spot that EVERYBODY who visits must travel to and experience…the Samphran Elephant Ground Zoo in Nakhon Pathom. We were able to ride elephants and experience the animals in a way different from any other zoo. During this trip, I gained respect for the elephants and they are now one of my favorite animals. By the end of my spring break, the six of us called ourselves the Bangkok B’s.

            I fell in love with Bangkok immediately when I landed, and dreamed of traveling back in the future. To my surprise, my mom planned another trip during my sophomore spring break at TCU! This time it was just the two of us, and was yet again the trip of a lifetime. During this trip, my mom and I became closer, and got to experience more of Bangkok that we didn’t before. Along with Bangkok, I fell more in love with the Thai people. Their manners and outlook on life is gentle, respectful, and sincere.

My LOVES

Inside the Golden Buddha Temple

Thailand LOVES the frogs!

Betsy and me 

            Bangkok, Thailand is the most amazing place in the world. One is only able to experience this by traveling there…so go ahead and book a ticket…you will not regret it!