apricot coconut almond bars

I feel like this last week I was moving in slow motion.. I had a really productive sewing week but my email inbox is out of control.. there's week old text messages i haven't responded to.. i haven't even cleaned my bathroom (which i normally do twice a week!). But i'm okay with that! That's what next week is for right? I'll pour myself some extra coffee and get set on that to-do list.

In the mean time I just really needed to tell you to make these amazing bars. I saw them on Dani's blog and had them made and in my belly within an hour.. They are so quick and delicious and healthy! Definitely on the sweet side so keep the squares small!

Apricot coconut almond bars

1 1/2 cups dried apricots
1/2 cup raw almonds
2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
Coarse salt
1/2 oz dark chocolate, melted
parchment paper (i used saran wrap since i didnt have parchment paper)
9-by-5-inch loaf pan

Pulse apricots, almonds, coconut, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until finely ground.

Line your loaf pan with parchment, leaving an inch overhang on all sides. Transfer mix to pan and press firmly to form a rectangle.

Drizzle or spread chocolate and sprinkle with some coconut. Use parchment/saran overhang to remove from pan.

Transfer to the refrigerator and leave until firm, about 15 minutes or so. Slice into 6 bars, and then into 12 square pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Thanks for sharing the recipe dani!

New items!

The new items are now up for grabs in my shop. About 24 hours later than I expected but oh well, they are worth the wait! 

There's one more dress that will be listed later tonight.. And there's still a few kinks to work out but most everything is finished.

I also gave the whole shop a mini make-over. I'm working on making it all look cohesive.. so I replaced all but a few old photos. Head on over to vanillaandlace.com to check it out.. and please feel free to to blog/tweet/whatever about the new stuff! 

Oh yeah! And coming May/June, 

Little Vanilla and Lace! 

I've been working lots and lots on a big expansion for this little dream come true.. and i'm aiming for a beginning of summer release for my first baby and little girls line. It'll be chock full of darling dresses and blouses and everything I'd want my girl to wear. Here's some (rough) finalized sketches but there will also be mini versions of just about everything in my shop right now.. everything is better mini right?

I'm so so SO excited about this! 

Thanks again for all your support... Today feels so happy!

over the weekend..

I've been a little beet obsessed the past couple weeks.. I just can't get enough. Beets make an especially pretty juice too.. which i've been guzzling down every day. (Heads up: it'll turn your pee rather pink. which always freaks me out just a little..)

I juiced 3 beets, 2 apples and 2 oranges and it made two large glasses. Yum!


i started this book last weekend. it's really great so far.

On saturday morning i helped throw a surprise baby shower for becca at the doug fir. It was super fun and i'm anxious to meet her new little guy.



don't worry, it's not all beets and healthiness around here. i also made the most delicious ice cream ever.. Jeni's salty caramel ice cream. Oh! And we made a video recipe for it and that'll be up tomorrow. You won't want to miss it..




p.s.
some new designs and new items  will be coming to my shop tomorrow! six.. to be exact. as well as the announcement i mentioned a while back..

head to toe and other things

an outfit for grocery shopping, our pretty blooming street, white on white blouse, hi-chews and washi tape from the asian market, a new french press, and some new fabrics.
and i'm finally all caught up from all the orders i got from the sale i posted in my shop.. i thought that to-do list might never end (in the best way) but i sent the last of them today.. phew!

I'm working all this week to sew up the new patterns and prints and hoping to have them listed on Monday. I'll also be announcing a whole new something/s with the new items. I'm way too excited about it. how's that for a tease?

Hope you're week is going well! 

michael & chelsea

I had the privilege of taking some engagement photos for my darling friends..(yep.. that is miss seablanket) It was a beautiful day in portland and we had a blast running around town to different locations. These two are some of the sweetest people you'll meet and they are so in love, it seeps out of every photo.

Here's a few of my favorites. It was so hard to pick out of the 100+ I gave them..

i'm still working on putting together my real photography website.. it's taking longer than i'd like. In the mean time, if you're looking for a photographer for a wedding, engagement or anything else really, please email me! I live in Portland, Oregon but I'm willing (and wanting!) to travel world wide and would love to chat about making it happen!
email me: vanillaandlace @ gmail . com