Hola from Barcelona!

I am finally at home sweet home in Barcelona and it feels so good to finally unwind.  For the past few days I have been living out of my suitcase traveling from city to city.  We started off in the capital of Spain, Madrid, and then made our way to the beautiful Toledo... and after a nine hour bus ride, I am finally in Barcelona!

The incredibly gorgeous streets of Madrid

This is my first time ever living/going abroad so right now I am taking everything in little by little and getting acclimated to the culture - normally I am a morning person and fall asleep by nine, but with dinner not being served until around 10pm, my sleeping and eating habits are quickly changing towards the nocturnal night life here.

It's only been five days, but with all of the traveling and sightseeing, it feels like much longer! So let's start with Madrid day one!

Stay tuned for Madrid part dos.  : )

Adios Amigos

♥euniece

New Year, New Adventures

While 2011 was more fantastic than I ever could have imagined, this year is going to be unforgettable because:

I am studying abroad in Barcelona for four months; and I leave this Saturday

I begin my merchandising internship at American Eagle headquarters in June

I start my senior year of college - time flies!

I turn 21 in August

So before I leave for Spain, I am going to enjoy America while I can; and with 55 degree weather in January, who can say no to baseball.

  

my boyfriend is super mature.

i know.

Five more days of American living...what to do, what to do?!

♥euniece

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Drizzle

Well I figured that Santa might be tired of cookies, so this year, I made him a cake.

Not just any cake though.

I made him his favorite cake.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Drizzle!

How do I know it's his favorite, you wonder? Well after tasting it, it becomes everyone's favorite.

After reading this recipe you may say to yourself - that's alot of peanut butter, butter, and heavy cream; but you know what I say? It's the holiday season and those healthy active resolutions don't need to start until next year. Go ahead make it, then have a slice or two - I won't tell ; )

Preheat Oven to 325
Grease and flour two 9 in. round cake pans.
Combine 1/2 c peanut butter and 1/2 c butter - Cream until light and fluffy.
Add 4 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.
Add Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake mix [1 box] alternately with 2/3 c water - Stir until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack to cool completely. 
Assemble and frost once cool.
Frosting:
Combine 1 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup butter - Cream until light and fluffy .
Add 4 cups of powdered sugar, then mix in about 2/3 cup heavy cream to make the frosting of a spreading consistency.
Throw on some melted chocolate and chocolate chips, and you're good to go : )

Warning: Your hands will be disugusting after measuring about all the peanut butter, but hey someone's gotta do the dirty work.

What treats did you leave for Santa this year?!

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday <3

xoxo

 

 

♥euniece

Hectic Holidays

Twas the night after finals when all through the house,
Euniece lost her car keys so she was stuck but not rouse.
While the stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
She hoped that overnight shipping would allow her keys to soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug on the couch,
Happily sipping eggnog - no room for a grouch.
And yoda on the treetop, and I in a warm wrap,
Had just settled down for a step by step recap.

Why yes, I did finish my fall semester at Pitt.

Why yes, I was planning on leaving after finals.

Why yes, I did lose my keys the day before I planned on leaving.

Why yes, I did feel like crying for a second.

Why yes, I did quickly get over it by decorating with my boy for the holiday!

because holiday's are supposed to be a little hectic... right?

♥euniece

im thankful for. . .

Buttery soft croissants with coffee

 My mother attempting to make one healthy dish for the big dinner

Growing up with incredible parents

 My crazy unusual siblings and their drawings

 My sweet potato casserole being the hit of Thanksgiving dinner!

My Bita's arroz con gandules

and for the incredibly strong women in my life

 ♥euniece



pumpkin roll made with love

Today while I was practicing yoga, I was thinking [I know I know, I shouldn't be thinking of anything during my practice, but it happens] about why I love to bake.

and what I came up with was...

I enjoy making things for other people.
I enjoy the happiness they get from eating a homemade treat.
I enjoy the comfort that food brings to others.
I enjoy putting my love into something, and sharing it with those I care about.

Right when I got back from my practice, I broke out the electric mixer, turned out the radio, and started Thanksgiving baking a bit early. Because the early bird gets the worm, right? Or maybe they just get a head start on gaining a few pounds.

Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs, 1 C sugar, - beat well then add

2/3 C pumpkin, 1 tsp bk soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 C flour

Usually I bake with my little brother and sister, but they were at school, so I had to do the tedious work of licking the bowl clean. Tough stuff, but someone's gotta do it.

Grease and Flour cookie sheet, bake 350 for 15 minutes, let cool in pan, lift and place on towel and sprinkle with confectionate sugar and roll up with towel. Let cool again, unwrap, fill with cream cheese, and roll up.

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese

4 tbsp butter

1 C pd sugar

*1/2 C finely chopped walnuts optional

Make sure you cut off the ends of the roll so it looks extra pretty, eat one end yourself

And give the other end to someone else : )

"Happiness is only real, when shared"

Why do you love to cook/bake?

♥euniece



holiday problems & solutions

problem: your pre-lit christmas tree doesn't light up anymore

solution: go back to the prehistoric days and manually string your lights. hard work, i know.

problem: only 4'5

solution: ladder

 Problem: no mistle toe

Solution: free kisses for
anyone, anywhere, at anytime

Problem: too many peanuts

Solution: make ornaments

 

Problem: Eating too much on Thanksgiving
 and not being able to move for 2 weeks

Solution: Don't move and enjoy the lights,
because you decorated early already!

♥euniece