Coastal Cookie Cutters!!

 In my last post, I mentioned that I had just ordered some tropical themed cookie cutters for the website.  I have been really excited about these tin cookie cutters from Ann Clark!  I'm an avid reader and subscriber to Coastal Living magazine, and was captivated by the picture below that was in the December issue.  I knew I had to have palm tree cookie cutters on Wanderlust!  I got them listed on the website today, and there are ten different styles to choose from.  There are the palm trees, of course, but there's also a tropical fish, shark, pelican, and more!  I decided to include the picture and recipe that was in Coastal Living that first captured my attention. 

coastal cookies as seen in Coastal Living
photograph by Alan Richardson
Coastal Living article written by Julia Rutland



Coastal Cutout Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Yield: Makes about 28 cookies

Ingredients

• 1  cup  butter, softened
• 4  ounces  cream cheese
• 1  cup  sugar
• 1  egg yolk
• 1/2  teaspoon  vanilla extract
• 1/4  teaspoon  almond extract
• 2 1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• Decorating Icing (see below for recipe)

Preparation

1. Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, and beat until smooth. Stir in extracts.
2. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Shape dough into 2 balls; wrap in wax paper, and chill 1 hour or up to 1 week.
3. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. (If dough is too firm to roll, let stand 5 to 10 minutes.) Cut into shapes using 4 1/2-inch cookie cutters. Place cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets; bake, in batches, at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on pans 1 minute. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Dip tops of cookies in Decorating Icing, allowing excess to drip back into bowl.

Decorating Icing

Yield: Makes about 1/2 cup

Ingredients

• 1  cup  powdered sugar
• 2  to 3 tablespoons whipping cream
• Food coloring (optional)

Preparation

Place powdered sugar in medium bowl; gradually add whipping cream, stirring constantly, until icing reaches an almost pourable consistency. Tint with food coloring, if desired.

Happy baking!

I made my blog prettier!

Wow.  I'm not what you would really call computer savvy, so I'm quite proud of the changes you may notice in this new blog post!  Thanks to shabbyblogs.com, I was able to figure out how to get a new background, header, and some cute buttons!

I just got a MacBook, and I'm having some technical issues with editing my photos...if you have any advice on some good programs that are compatible with Mac, please let me know!  I need something that's easy to use, but will let me resize and edit my pics.  I'm currently trying out a trial version of PhotoShop Elements....that's not going so well.

As far as shopwanderlust.com, I am awaiting a shipment of the cutest tropical themed cookie cutters ever!  I can't wait to share them with you!  They should be in by the middle of next week, so look for another post with pics soon!

Also new to Wanderlust are some extremely cute market totes!  They are fully insulated and collapse for easy storage.  These are wonderful for picnics, ball games, or whatever outing you may be going on.

market totes

On a different note, I am still undecided on which destination to use for April's monthly travel inspiration.  If you have any ideas, please leave a comment!

Enjoy the rest of your week!  And happy spring!!!

xoxo,
Amy :)

travel inspiration: Charleston, SC

I've only been there once, but Charleston, SC made a BIG impression on me.  It's full of history, charm, and beauty.  If you're looking for somewhere to spend some time, look no further than Charleston!

Like to shop?  Charleston is full of great places to indulge!  If you're a fashionista, don't miss King Street.  In the heart of downtown Charleston, it's home to the likes of Louis Vuitton, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and J. Crew.  You'll definitely want to plan on parking and walking a bit on King.

Downtown Charleston is also home to quite a few historic inns and hotels.  When my family went in November, we stayed at the Vendue Inn in the French Quarter.  It's a small, intimate hotel with excellent service.  This place would be a great romantic getaway!  I highly recommend paying a little extra and getting a corner room with a fireplace.  It was such a cozy room, and was really like stepping back in time.  The hotel has turn-down service and even serves complimentary milk and cookies every night.  LOVED it!

Emmy & I at the Vendue Inn

 With its sandy beaches and windswept dunes, Folly Beach is a must on your trip to Charleston.  Known as "The Edge of America", Folly is an eclectic beach town complete with beach shacks and huge vacation homes.  There's only one major hotel on the island and if you're staying more than a few nights, it's definitely worth looking into renting a home.  Avocet Properties is a good place to start your search.

Folly on a cloudy day...still pretty!

Folly is also where you can get the best view of the Morris Island Lighthouse.  With origins dating back to 1767, the lighthouse was replaced by the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse in 1962.  There is now an ongoing project to save the lighthouse.

Morris Island Lighthouse from Folly Beach

Do you like seafood?  If so, you should seriously consider driving down to Tybee Island, GA.  It's about an hour and a half from Charleston, and let me tell you...it is worth the drive!  Here is where you will find The Crab Shack, known as the place "where the elite eat in their bare feet".  First of all, the place is just neat!  It's like a giant tree house built into its surroundings, and it's open air.  And the food...oh my goodness, my mouth waters just thinking about the deviled crab!  The crab legs and shrimp were amazing too!  I really cannot say enough good things about it!

Emmy & I with a "gator" at The Crab Shack

entrance to The Crab Shack

Back in Charleston, if ghosts pique your interest, you should consider a walking tour!  Visit Tour Charleston's website for information on the four tours they offer.  Also, don't miss out  on the historic home tours that the city has to offer.  

With everything Charleston has to offer, you definitely don't want to overlook this city when you're planning your next trip! For more information, visit the official page for the city of Charleston.

Do you have a suggestion for the next travel inspiration?  Leave a comment below!

New blog feature: monthly travel ideas!

The name Wanderlust Home & Gifts came from my love of travel.  I'm constantly craving a new destination, new things to see, great places to shop.  If I had the money, I would be a total gypsy.  So, this morning when I was thinking about the next place I want to visit (Sanibel, FL), I thought "AHA! maybe I should start blogging about a different destination each month!" 

So in the first week of each month, I will feature a new location complete with ideas on places to see, stay, and eat!  You, my friends, are my perfect excuse to do research on my favorite topic - TRAVELING!  The places you will  see may be places I've been personallly, places I've always wanted to go, or places you recommend! 

The first destination I'll feature is Charleston, SC.  Look for it either later tonight, or tomorrow!  And if you have ideas on future destinations, leave a comment and let me know! 

xoxo,

Amy :)