Sarah's Nest

Monday, October 3, 2016

Buttered popcorn cookies (Healthiness factor: 0%)

Karl the fog is officially dominating Bay Area weather, Kim K got robbed, and my last vacation pre 'real life' is over: it must be Monday! Thus I present: emotional eating and sugar.
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook brought this recipe into my life and I knew I just HAD to try it. No shortcuts, no vegan substitutes, no regrets- the full monty.
I used gluten free flour if that counts for anything??

Disclaimer: If I were to do this again, I would actually sub out the popcorn for some good old chocolate chips. My popcorn to cookie ratio was off and any undercooked kernels that find their way into your batter make for a really unpleasant surprise. Lesson learned: don't mess with the classics.

With love and dough,

Sarah Belle

Thursday, September 15, 2016

From head to toe: Another year wiser

Getting older is a funny thing. Of course I am not saying that I feel old, but 22 is a turning point. You are no longer a wild 21er, but not yet seen as a fully blown grown up. Celebrating another year of life can come with a lot of mixed emotions, under-realized expectations, and hopefully a delicious dessert. I spent my birthday in Carmel with my lovely Mama wandering around the shops and eating delicious food (see: breakfast at La Bicyclette). The shopping and sea breeze were two of my favorite things, but I found that the biggest gift of the day were the messages from friends and family Cue audience: "Awwww". One moment of thoughtfulness can make someone smile for hours. A friend (looking at you Alex) once gave me a card that said "the effect of one good-hearted person is incalculable". Going into my 22nd year I'm going to try and keep that mentality with me and remember that greeting the world with a good-heart makes all the difference. That, and buy the damn purse, eat the cake, and you can do anything for 10 seconds.

Scroll through to see snapshots of my day!

My look:

Coat: Zara linen duster coat, similar here

Shirt: RD Style, similar here

Necklace: From an art walk, similar pendant here

Jeans: Mother 'The looker' Frayed Ankle Skinny Jeans

Shoes: Vans 'Classic' Perforated Slip-on Sneakers

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Original Aviator

Purse: Florence knockoff of Stella McCartney 'Falabella- Shaggy deer'

With love and candles,

Sarah Belle

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

From head to toe: Dave Matthews Band Concert

Mama B and I made our way to the Greek Theater for a good dose of tunes on a Tuesday and Dave did not disappoint! Those musicians were put on this earth to entertain. So. Incredible.
The bodysuit trend has hit me full force and as of today I am the proud owner of 5 (all from Forever 21!). They are so easy to throw on and immediately make an outfit a bit more sleek, especially when paired with baggier jeans like these embroidered ones from Gap. This suede jacket isn't a new purchase, but I think this fall it's going to be center stage in my wardrobe. Also, I curled my hair on my own! Took me 45 minutes!! So grown up!!
Ironically, adulthood is full of baby steps.

My look:

Jacket: Zara, but similar here

Bodysuit: Forever 21 High Neck

Jeans: Gap, similar here

Shoes: Vans 'classic' Perforated Slip-on sneaker

Necklace: similar here

Lips: MAC Mehr

Nails: Kiko '372 Nude' Nail Lacquer (post on Kiko beauty here)

Rings: similar here

With love and rythmn,

Sarah Belle

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Black bean ragout & zucchini noodles (GF & Vegan)

Fancy words like ~ragout~ and ~zoodles~ are confusing, but this recipe is beyond easy. The ragout is adapted from The Smitten Kitchen, a cookbook full of colorful and creative recipes, but they aren't necessarily healthy. Instead of the garlic bread and crema she suggests to pair the ragout with, I opted for zucchini noodles inspired by this simple recipe. During the winter this would pair really well with spaghetti squash!