Fall in the Park

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I love when the air is finally crisp enough to break out the jackets and scarves...and of course there's the changing of the leaves. Just as I was starting to miss my Southern Indiana hills, I realized I'm now next door to one of the best places to take in a beautiful fall day, Central Park. Let me take you on my stroll.

Always a coffee in hand.

I'm really into these wispy, whimsical looking trees

This guy was providing the perfect soundtrack for a stroll in the park. 

Strawberry Fields Forever :)

This mosaic and the Strawberry Fields section of the park were created in memory of John Lennon. He and Yoko Ono lived adjacent to this part of the park.

Sheep Meadow, I definitely stopped here to soak up some warm sunshine.

It might be totally touristy but at some point I will take a Central Park Carriage tour!

XO,
Lo

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TBT: Madrid Favorites

I thought I would give Throw Back Thursday #tbt a go on the blog this week. Now my adventures abroad were quite extensive. Instead of starting all the way back at the very beginning which was less than glamorous with lost luggage, minimal language skills, and my first endeavors/screw ups with public transport, I decided I would give you the more sparkly, shiny run down of my favorite spots. 

I thought I'd start towards the end when my family and Mere (who are we kidding she is family too) wandered across the Pond. I was really at my American abroad prime. By this point I was able to prove that I really could speak Spanish and that I was a Madrid aficionado. I even started considering myself a Madrilenean. Looking back I should have charged a tour guide/translator fee.    

First up, Palacio Real. It has a dreadful view. 

Love birds. This was oh so very candid.

Typical family picture. Jared screws it up.

I say, "No mas!"

Stunning sister of mine.

And ever onward to my favorite spot in all the land, Retiro Parque.

Thrilled about flowers he is.

Statues. Mere's brilliant idea.

Soul sisters.

Where I spent oodles of time people watching and eating croissants.

Palacio Cristal aka Crystal Palace. 

My brother is probably drooling just looking at this pic. I changed his life when I introduced him to lamb doner kebabs. We took a pit stop at my favorite kebab spot. Phenomenal!

A different day and different story as I gather the troops. Ahoy mateys let's set sail! (cheesy I know).

Plaza del Sol

Some handle jet lag better than others.

Plaza Mayor (pronounced my-or) although Jared insisted calling it Plaza May Orrr. "Stupid American" in my Spanish accent.

Last but not least. We stand on the roof of my school proving that I did in fact study a tiny bit while I was there.

Next throw back Thursday I will try to give you a little taste of my beginning days abroad and some of those adventures. Just warming you up for the good stuff! Chao amigos!

Besos,
Bee

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Berries + Cream Pancake Cake

I'm not sure which is more monumental…

Stumbling upon this incredible recipe from another blogger on Pinterest, Cakies.

Not messing up one single pancake flip

Or only eating a "slice"

I am pleased as punch to have discovered this earth shatteringly scrumptious breakfast dessert just before my birthday. On top of all of its splendipitous (yes, I made that up) wonder it is as easy as pie to whip up.

Nordic Pancake Cake with Berries and Cream 
(I made some healthier changes from the original.)

Pancakes:
2 1/2 c. buttermilk - I made my own 2 1/2 c. almond milk and 2 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
3 large eggs
2 tbsp stevia
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp baking soda                                                                                                                            Cooking spray (I use Smart Balance)

Berry Compote:
2 1/2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
2 tbsp stevia

Cream:
1 cup cool whip lite
1 cup non fat greek yogurt
2 tbsp stevia
2 cup mixed fresh berries (this is for topping the cake)

Directions:
Mix all of the pancake ingredients together. Pour 1/3 c. of batter into a non-stick skillet. When the pancake starts to bubble up nicely get your flipping hand ready to toss that bad boy sky high. The batter makes 15 or so pancakes for an impressive leaning tower. Be sure that the pancakes cool completely before the construction begins.

To make the compote, heat the berries in a sauce pan at medium heat. Mush them up in the bottom of the pan and once they start to bubble add in your sugar. Stir for about 5 minutes until it's a little stickier, It also has to cool before the construction begins.

The best part...Whip the cream with wide strokes, add the sugar, and fold in the yogurt. Don't lick the bowl yet!

Assemble! Start building your tower - pancake, cream, compote, pancake, cream, compote, etc. Save enough cream to plop on top with some fresh berries for presentation purposes. 

Invite some friends over because you will feel pretty guilty devouring this one all on your lonesome. 

From beginning to end…

And now my alarm is set bright and early for a nice long run. Totally worth it!

XO,

Bee

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New Yorker

Big changes are happening at Lo+Bee! This past week I hopped on a plane and headed to New York City....for good. Ok, so that sounds a little dramatic. It involved much planning with my parents, but I did make the move with no job and no place to live. Is that a little bit crazy? Probably. The first task was to find an apartment, which let me tell you is no easy feat in the city. After a grueling few days we managed to find a place in the most perfect neighborhood...but more on that later. Right now I'm enjoying my first few nights in the city and doing a lot of hanging out on my friend Maddie's rooftop, I think you can see why.

Flying in on a beautiful fall day in New York. This was our view of the Hudson.

Cities at night are one of my absolute favorite things....especially when it's New York City. 

There's no better time to be coming to NYC. It's beautiful in the fall and the town is just gearing up for the holidays, which I'm extremely excited about. I'm no longer in the Midwest but I have no doubt that I'll be able to bring you tons of exciting adventures from my new city! I'll work on channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw, give my wardrobe a much needed boost, and report back. Stay tuned!

XO,

Lo

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