The Abstract Life

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

November 24, 2016

With my dairy and wheat allergies I often miss out on some of the best holiday dishes-especially dessert. This year I decided I wasn't going to settle for cranberry sauce and fruit as my dessert yet again for Thanksgiving. I created a gluten free, dairy free chocolate bourbon pecan pie recipe that tastes like I'm not missing out on a thing. It's so good I might not even share.

Pie Ingredients

1 Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free / Dairy Free Pie Shell - 9"
1 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup Earth Balance Vegan Butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup bourbon
4 oz dairy free dark chocolate chips (Ex: Enjoy Life)
1 cup pecans (1/2 cup chopped, 1/2 whole for the top)

Bourbon Whipped Cream Ingredients (Optional)

1 can (14 oz) coconut cream, chilled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp agave
1 tsp bourbon

Pie Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Take GF pie out of freezer and cover outer crust with aluminum foil. Poke bottom of pie shell and sides with fork.
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and vegan butter in sauce pan on medium heat until butter melts. Take off the burner and allow to cool to just warm or room temperature.
Meanwhile, whisk together vanilla, salt, eggs, and bourbon.
With your slightly cooled sugar syrup, slowly pour into your egg mixture-constantly whisking so it doesn't cook the eggs. Mix well.
Mix in the chocolate and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Pour into pie shell, leaving a tiny bit of room at the top. Arrange whole pecans on the surface in whatever design brings you joy (I went classic).
With outer crust still covered in aluminum, bake pie for 45 minutes before taking the foil off. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until set and golden on top.
Cool and cover in plastic wrap. This pie is best made the day before so it has time to set after cooling (plus it makes the holidays that much less stressful if you have one less thing you have to make the day of).
Serve with dairy free whipped cream (Optional)

Whipped Cream Instructions

Chill coconut cream 24hrs in advance, or at least 6hrs. When it cools the fatty, creamy part will rise to the top.
Separate the creamy, hardened top part and add the vanilla, agave, and bourbon in a electric mixer OR food processor or blender if you don't have a mixer.
In electric mixer: beat until stiff peaks start to form. In blender or food processor: fill a large plastic bag with ice and surround the processor while blending the cream mixture until it becomes thick and stable.
Tips: Best if served right away. If not, immediately store in the refrigerator and keep in mind you may need to shortly re-whip it by hand before serving.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

Do you have any allergies or family members you have to get creative in the kitchen to accommodate?

Do you like to add a bit of booze to your dishes? (Takes a whole new meaning for secret ingredient to me!)

Hope you enjoy!

Styling Your Thanksgiving Table Setting

November 23, 2016

How to Style Sideboard Buffet for Thanksgiving

November 22, 2016

Thanksgiving Menu & Recipe

November 21, 2016

I am so excited for Thanksgiving this year! The food and company is going to be incredible and I could really use the mini holiday. To make things easier this year, everyone is in charge of bringing a part of the Thanksgiving menu-potluck style. My boyfriend, Mr. Darcy, is in charge of the bird and I am delightfully bringing most of the desserts. I asked for desserts because not only do I have allergies (to dairy and wheat) that make it hard to eat most desserts, but because I love to be creative with them and look like a baking goddess...I have no shame!

Check out our menu and steal this gluten free / dairy free chocolate cheesecake dessert that is so easy... it's technically cheating. Shh! Don't tell!

Cheesecake with Raspberries:

What You'll Need

1 Daiya Chocolate Cheezecake OR their New York Cheezecake (Your Choice! I found mine in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods).
1 container of Sunshine Raspberries, washed and dried. (I like Sunshine for Thanksgiving due to their golden-orange color and tartness, but you can substitute regular raspberries too).
1 can coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp natural vanilla extract
1/2 bar dairy free dark chocolate bar, (optional)

Instructions

Whisk coconut milk, sugar, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Pour into saucepan and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for ten minutes, and stir consistently.
While simmering, remove Daiya Cheezecake from box and place on cake stand. Top with raspberries.
Remove pan from heat, and add vanilla and coconut oil. Stir until well combined.
Allow sauce to cool to room temperature, and pour over cheesecake and raspberries.
Optional Top cheezecake and sauce with shavings from a 70% cocao chocolate bar
Bask in everyone's praise while you know it was nothing! Mwhahaha! Ahem. Enjoy!

What is your favorite, easy recipe?
Do you ever potluck your Thanksgivings or do you love to do it alone?
What's your favorite recipe / dish?

5 Tips for Centerpiece Arrangements - Thanksgiving

November 20, 2016

How to Shop Flower Markets

November 19, 2016

I love flower stands and searching for just the right mix of florals and branches to make the perfect bouquet for my home. If possible, I prefer these "boutique" style florists over grocery store bouquets any day. Often the selection is better, fresher, and the local florists are there to help you with all their skilled knowledge. Besides, I will always vote for the chance to pull together my own bouquet over pre-made arrangements.

5 Tips for Buying Flowers:

1) Don't feel too intimidated to ask questions! The florists LOVE what they do and have a wealth of knowledge that will help. They can reveal everything from what kind of florals shed the quickest to what ones can last several weeks if well cared for.

2) Check to see if the bottom of the stems are wet and don't look dried out. Sometimes, if different flowers are grouped together in a container, they can suck up the water faster than others and leave some dried out and wilting. They will expire faster if this is the case so you'll want to avoid them.

3) Get a variety of textures, sizes, and elements. Just like any good piece of art you'll want depth in your bouquet.

50% Fillers: Greenery

20% Disks: Something that adds texture and is great for filling in holes (such as berries or large round headed flowers like hydrangeas)

10% Branches/Vertical Elements: Something that adds drama and height

10% Airy Pieces: Whimsical and light. These elements create movement and softness to your arrangement (Examples: Lavender or these pictured soft, textured flowers I chose for mine to combine as the focal and the airy).

10% Focal: The stars of the show. Flowers that the bouquet is designed to compliment and show off. Sometimes these are colorful, large, and bold (like roses, sunflowers, or peonies) or sometimes they're minimal and muted (like daisies, lilies, or anemones).

4) Pick a color palette. There is harmony and drama in a color palette. You can go subtle and monochrome (as I did here with neutral greens and whites) or bold with all reds and burgundies, or pick three colors to create harmonic balance (such as red, yellow, and orange, or blue, purple, and pink).

5) Get what is in season. These will likely be the freshest, last the longest, and be the cheapest. Plus, you can use it as part of your seasonal decor!

This flower stand is one of my new local favorites. Michelle's Creations is located in downtown San Jose's SoFa district. Check out her creations or let her help you select your own every Saturday in front of the SoFa Market. (Bonus: She takes both cards and cash!)

Michelle's Creations

SoFa Market

387 S 1st Street

San Jose, CA 95113

831.229.8060

creationsbymc@yahoo.com

Do you like to have flowers in your home regularly or are they just for special occasions?

What is your favorite kind of arrangement? (I love a variety of flowers but I really have been obsessed with greenery such as eucalyptus or peppercorn lately.)

Do you feel inspired by making your own arrangements? Or do you prefer ones that are already grouped together?

Where do you usually buy your flowers? (If I don't get mine at boutique stands or farmers markets I usually grab a couple from Trader Joes or Whole Foods and combine them to make my own arrangement).

30 Things I'm Thankful for this November

November 17, 2016

There has been a lot of ups and downs this year in my life and I think even for America and most of the communities I am a part of. Sometimes it can be easy to focus on the negatives rather than what we have and are grateful for. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and striving to focus on the positive I journaled what became a list of 30 things I'm thankful for this November (and really, all year).

Love of My Life: I've been so blessed with the love of a man who cherishes me and thinks about and acts often around my needs and heart. We balance and compliment one another and are experiencing love and trust that we have never found in anyone else. I am so grateful for this gift.
Family: My family has helped shape who I am and how I approach life. I've learned something unique from each member. My father is a leader in his acts of service for others, my mother constantly demonstrates unrivaled compassion and grace (I can only strive to love others as she does), my sister is a warrior of strength through adversity and pain and protector to those she loves, and my brother is forever finding ways to make others smile and show affection. I take each of their best as blessings I carry with me daily.
Friends: I have such loving and fun friends. I am so grateful to those that have listened to what is on my heart when I am in need of a compassionate ear. As well as to those that challenge me when I am in need of it, even if I don't see it at first. I love every single laugh we've shared, stupid messages and Snapchats we send one another, and every revealed wish. Without this chosen family I would not be as rich with life.
My Readers / Followers: Thank you so much to YOU! Thank you for following my blog and IG and investing your precious time in what I am doing. I really appreciate it.
My Apartment: After some horrible living experiences I am so happy in my beautiful and safe home. I have meticulously styled my home in a way that brings me joy everyday when I wake up and get to relish it. I have never lived in such a nice place and am so aware of the blessing it is.
California Living: I can drive along the most stunning coast or to the dramatic mountains and grand forests or to the storybook wine countries in a single day. I am able to experience the best this country has to offer and look out my window each day at the natural beauty California possesses. Additionally, I love the more laid back and simple lifestyle I've learned while living here. Getting out more, going on adventures, having less-it's all freed me up to enjoy life fully.
House Plants: Short note, I've become a plant lady (think cat lady, but with plants). I love them. I am a Jungalow chick. My apartment is full of them (see my bedroom's Fiddle Leaf Fig pictured in this post).
Mentors: Thank you to those who have taken the time to invest in me and my future. I learn much from you and appreciate the words of wisdom, life experience, and help in developing myself into who I want to become. Your time is so valuable to me.
Fall / Nature: Everything about fall invigorates me. The colors, the weather, pumpkins, leaves, hot tea, etc... It really makes me slow down and reflect on life while giving me the inspiration to get outside to be in touch with nature and go on adventures.
Flowers: I've made a goal of having more flowers or foliage in my home this year. It's really cheered up my space while artistically challenged me while coming up with new ways to arrange them. #FridayFlowers
Creativity: I am SO SO SO SO thankful for my imagination and natural creativity. It adds so much wonder and color to my life. It is a huge part of my identity and I don't know where I'd be without it.
Artistic Community: To my fellow painters, crafters, artists, writers, makers, and doers. Thank you for your support and love. Thank you to those who have asked, "Why?" or "How?" so you could innovate and add to this world.
Travel: This is a big part of my life now and has really helped me grow and become more innovative. I'm developing new points of view and seeing the world through new eyes. Plus, I really love to go on adventures now.
My Job: So grateful to the opportunities my job has given me in life and where it has taken me. I have developed a greater sense of self and confidence through my work and learning to "lean in."
Freedom: Thank you to those who fight for our freedom, in whatever shape or form it is that you do it. I am so thankful to live in a country where I can vote and have the liberties that I do. I am praying for our country as we go through growing pains and new discoveries.
Candles, fuzzy socks, a hot cup of tea on a gray day, and a good book
Flexible Work Options: Being able to move to the Bay Area and pursue technology and trends in Silicon Valley has been amazing. I love that over the last two years I've been able to work from home as a majority and have flexibility in my work options to find the best work : life balance that I can. It's afforded me so many new opportunities and self growth.
Crafts / DIYs: These make me really happy and help destress my hectic mind and life at times.
My Faith / Church Community: My faith is a big part of who I am and how I approach life. I am so thankful for God's grace and the church community I've experienced in California. It has been only filled with love and radical hospitality and open minds and hearts. To those who supported me in times of need and prayed for me when I couldn't turn anywhere else-thank you.
Blogging Community: Such a rad group of women. These ladies are so talented, fun, and so full of life that they have to blog about. I am thankful to those who encourage and support me and for the help and advise so generously offered.
My Wardrobe: Eek. I know this sounds superficial-but I love my clothes. From a point in my past of not being able to afford any new clothes for five years I am especially thankful I have the capability to cultivate my wardrobe now and express myself through my personal style.
Interior Decor: Again, I love being able to express myself creatively through this outlet and showcase my skills. Thank you to those who have allowed me to become their interior decorator and design their places. I've enjoyed working with you and, hopefully, making your house a home.
Instagram: I wasn't heavily into IG until I started blogging more regularly. It's now become a wonderful marketing tool and opened doors for me within the blogging community. I've been creatively challenged to develop my feed as a personal brand and, in turn, become better at business development. It's also been a fantastic tool to keep up with those I love around the world and feel connected to their lives in a way I wouldn't have had otherwise.
Pinterest: This. Is. My. JAM! I could write pages on how much I love Pinterest and think it's exceptional from a business and personal perspective. I use it for quick breaks when I need to clear my head or for inspiration as I create. It's been an incredible tool for sharpening my imagination and sparking creativity.
Reading / Writing: I struggled with reading early on due to LDs and dyslexia. My mother forced me to read out loud to her everyday for hours until I improved. I slowly came to love reading and saw it for the gift it is. Now, I am an avid reader and can't imagine my life without it. Consequently, I am constantly writing and expressing myself through words while journaling, blogging, writing articles, or short stories. My mind is a complicated, whirling dance of stories and thoughts until I put it down on paper. I think this is one of biggest things in my life I can thank my mother for helping me cultivate and appreciate.
Painting my nails and constantly giving myself a fun, quick new look
Photography: Learning a lot of new skills this last year and growing my portfolio as a photographer. I am thankful to be able to look back and see my improvement over the last twelve months, and excited to see what the next twelve will be like.
Mininalism(ish): Having what I need and love and living with less clutter has significantly reduced stress in my life and made it so much easier to enjoy and keeping up with. Thank being said, I still wouldn't say I live fully minimal-but it's a nice goal to work towards.
Having a dependable and nice, new car (come a long way from my '89 Corolla)
Parties + Celebrations!: I love being able to entertain and celebrate things. It's beyond fun to me and I love that we can all come together to have a party and appreciate different times of the year (like Thanksgiving, and what we're thankful for!).

Thanks for reading (or skimming over, realistically) what I am thankful for. I hope it lifts you up and helps you focus on the things that matter in your life as well.

What are you thankful for this November / Thanksgiving?

10 Quick + Simple Ways to Transition Your Home for Thanksgiving

November 16, 2016

Halloween is well over, stores already put out their Christmas and Hanukkah goods, and women everywhere are finding every excuse to wear scarves and take Instagram photos with Starbuck's holiday cups. But what about Thanksgiving??? Fall is my favorite time of year and often gets skipped over in favor of the holiday season. Fortunately, you can easily transition your home from Halloween to Thanksgiving to the holiday season. From textural furs or blankets to layering with metallics, there are so many ways to quickly decorate that make a big impact.

Here are my favorite 10 quick and simple ways to transition your home for Thanksgiving / Fall:

1. Add instant coziness with soft, textured blankets and knits. They immediately make you want to snuggle up by a fire. Bonus fall points if they're plaid or in autumnal colors such as mustard, deep reds, or oranges.

2. Layer luxe pieces like fur and velvet to give your space a quick boost of sophistication and fall/winter vibes. These are like the perfect statement necklace for a room.

3. Mix in wood tones and baskets for rustic elements.

4. Easily transition your home between holidays with metallics to add a touch of glam and feel festive.

5. Pumpkin Power! Nothing says, "Fall / Thanksgiving" like pumpkins. You can skip the Halloween Jack-o-lantern style pumpkins and go with their more refined heirloom cousins. They come in all colors but my favorites are the popular gray/blue colors, white, and muted orange. Or-if you'd rather have a really quick, lasting decoration-you can buy fabric covered or textured store bought pumpkins (like those pictured) that you can save to use year after year-no runs to the pumpkin patch necessary. I recommend buying in groups of three to add interest and move the eye around naturally.

6. Leverage nature and incorporate fall's signature apples, pinecones, branches, leaves, or pomegranates.

7. It wouldn't be fall without candles to add a soft glow or seasonal scent. You can also buy battery operated no flame candles for year round use. An extra bonus is you can buy ones with remotes or timers so the candles "light up" and shut off every night without your having to think about them.

8. One of the quickest ways to decorate for Thanksgiving is to get a bouquet of flowers and branches. Arrange them in your favorite vase or pumpkin and amaze friends and family of your domestic powers.

9. Pick a simple color palette and stick to it. I usually recommend limiting yourself to three colors plus one or two neutrals max. It will have more impact and keep your decor fluid no matter where you put it throughout your home. I selected mustards, grays, and blues with my neutrals being white and metallic copper.

10. Buy items you can easily utilize in your holiday decor as well. It will make it easier on you and your wallet. Things like the pictured copper antlers, candles, and velvet pillows are perfect to feature in both your Thanksgiving and holiday decor and you don't have start over completely as soon as Black Friday hits.

What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for fall / Thanksgiving?
Do you decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving separately?
What makes you think "fall" when you see certain decor?

Outfit of the Day: Pier 66

November 15, 2016

10 Things I Never Travel Without

November 14, 2016

With all my travels a common question I get asked is what I pack (especially since I only do carry on) when I go to different locations for myriad occasions. Whether I'm going to Vegas for work or to Chicago for a friend's wedding here is a list of 10 things I almost never travel without.

1. Tech Kit: Portable USB Charger, Headphones, & iPhone Charger. I always run out of power faster than I ever planned when I travel. Portable chargers have saved the day more than once. Headphones are a must for travel! I use them to either listen to music or audiobooks or at the very least look like I can't talk if I'm traveling by myself and don't want to be hit on.

2. Book(s) or Kindle: I'm a huge reader so maybe this isn't on everyone's list. However, I consider this as "entertainment." So whether that's a book, magazine, or even a movie on your iPad bring it and enjoy yourself.

3. Camera: If I'm going somewhere I'll be really active and/or am afraid I may get wet I leave my Canon at home and just use my iPhone (as I did with this year's trip to Disney). Either way though, I'm never without a camera.

4. Clean Up Kit: Hand Sanitizer, Tide To Go Pen, & Lint Roller. If you're as accident prone as me a stain remover pen is a life saver. Additionally, when I travel I'm hyperconscious of germs and taking care of my health. When you aren't able to wash your hands sanitizer is so useful in protecting yourself from goodness knows what.

5. Beauty Kit: Nail File, Moisturizer, & Lip Balm. Nothing is worse than having a hang nail or one nail breaking at a precarious angle and everything keeps snagging on it. Bring a file. Moisturizer and lip balm are important for when you travel because planes and hotels' AC/Heating create a lot of dry air that zaps your skin and face.

6. Snacks: Because when am I ever not hungry? But seriously, with my allergies I often don't have any options on plane rides or hate having to wait between meals when I'm jet lagged and hangry. Snacks are life.

7. Sunglasses: Whether they are there to hide the bags under my eyes or to block the sun = Necessary.

8. Large Purse or Tote / Backpack: I pack a tote as my "under the seat" carry on with all the aforementioned things I always bring when I travel. It acts as a extra suitcase and then when you get to where you are going you can unpack it and use it as a purse while out and about. It doesn't hurt that you can use it to easily tote things when you're out shopping for souvenirs.

9. A Scarf: Is there a more versatile and hard working item you could pack??? I use a scarf as a blanket or pillow on plane rides, accessories as a scarf, bathing suit cover ups, wrap for cold hotel rooms...the list goes on and on!

10. Leggings: I always like to have something to lounge around in the hotel / AirBnB. Besides, if you feel like you need work out you can wear these or throw on a tunic shirt and wear them as pants to extend your wardrobe. Lastly, they are amazing to wear for long flights (hello stretch and comfort!).