TfDiaries By Megan Zietz

Mix Up Your Brunch Routine with this Delicious and Easy Dutch Baby Recipe

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I post a lot about brunch around here. I guess it's pretty reasonable to suggest that I may be a big fan. I'm usually pretty chatty about pancakes and baking eggs but today we're mixing the two and whipping up a dutch baby!

I'll be real here, I had no idea what a dutch baby was until David forced me to watch every single episode of Bob's Burgers on repeat and there was a Christmas episode that featured a Dutch Baby. I grudgingly admit that it piqued my curiosity, so I did a little research and it's basically a delicious, light and fluffy baked pancake. Oh and it's also ridiculously easy to make. I used a blender to mix all of the ingredients, let it sit for 20 minutes, poured it into my cast-iron pan, baked, and voila! SO. FREAKING. EASY.

It can be sweet or savory and I promise it will instantly become a brunch staple in your kitchen...

I've tried it a few different way to make the experience even more magical: plain, topped with berries, jam and any other sweet and delectable toppings. Not mention the savory flavors by lining the cast iron with sliced turkey and cheese. I will suggest that if you're going opt for toppings during baking (I suggest the sweets after it's done) line the bottom of the pan do it with small pieces that won't block the Dutch Baby to rise. You need that baby to rise...

Let's dive in, shall we?

Easy Dutch Baby Recipe

1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup Milk

2 Large Eggs

1 Tbsp. Sugar

1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

1/2 Tsp. Salt

2 Tbsp. Butter

1. In a blender, combine flour, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla and salt.

2. Blend until smooth - about 15 seconds. Scrape down sides and blend for another 10 seconds.

3. Set aside and rest for 25 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 425˚F

5. Place the skillet in the oven to warm up the pan with the oven.

6. Remove pan, add butter and evenly distribute as it melts.

7. Pour batter in pan and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy warm with your favorite toppings and a drizzle of maple syrup.

for the home

Bright and Colorful Bohemian Small Outdoor Space and How To Get The Look

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Disclosure: A huge thank you to Wayfair for sponsoring our outdoor oasis project. All opinions are my own.

An outdoor space is one of those coveted amenities you rarely see when it comes to homes in New York City. After 6 years of living in a tiny box we found place with an outdoor space that ended up being a complete goldmine. Sure, I had to sacrifice some other 'must-haves' on my list like a washer-dryer and second bathroom but this huge, wide open space in the middle of New York City made it totally worth it.

At first glance, it wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing thing to see. It was late fall when we happened upon the listing so the trees were bare, the yard was mostly covered in rocks, dirt and random construction pieces. I wasn't entirely thrilled but I knew it had potential. At the first signs of spring, color started showing up - it started to feel alive and I couldn't help but want to spend more and more time outside. Thus, we had to find a way to make over our patio, and quick!

So I hopped on Wayfair and bought a hammock to give me a spot to sit while I figured out the future furniture situation. It was perfect for the space.

A few weeks later I connected with Wayfair to help bring my project to life and they were kind enough to supply the end tables and rug. They made a GIANT difference and instantly brightened the space and made it feel more put together.

Let's take a look at the before....

- Before -

- After -

Stools c/o Wayfair (similar styles)

Rug c/o Wayfair (similar styles)

Hammock Wayfair (similar styles)

Solar Powered Pathway Lights Wayfair (similar styles)

Pillows Target

Butterfly Chair Vintage

Bowls NomadPopup

Planters, Rattan Stools & Sheepskin Rug Ikea

cocktails

Cool Off This Season With The Easiest Strawberry Frosé Recipe

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As the summer starts to wind up I'm setting my sights on lots and lots of quality time spent lounging on the patio drinking all of the frozen, delicious treats.

First up, Strawberry Frosé. Probably the easiest of the frozen concoctions, requiring just a mere two ingredients and the ability to mentally transport you to a moment of soaking up the sun, beachside. Sure, you'll actually be at home (and likely saving money) but you'll have a taste of the tropics to magically refresh and cool you off.

And it only took a couple of minutes...

Easy Strawberry Frosé

Sparkling Rosé or Rosé Of Choice

Frozen Strawberries

Blender

I personally like to use about a cup of frozen strawberries with about 8oz of Rosé. But you can absolutely adjust to your personal preference.

Just add the strawberries and rosé to your blender and blend until smooth.

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for the home

Here's The Best & Most Budget-Friendly Way To Give Your Kitchen A Makeover

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I haven't shown a lot of my kitchen since we moved. I'll be frank, the oddly shaped green tile almost made me pass on the space. If it weren't for the big bay windows, exposed brick and backyard I never would have given this apartment a second thought. I remember seeing the listing and immediately said: no thanks as I clicked past. But after giving it some additional thought I knew that I could easily cover up that dark cave-like vibe in favor of something brighter and more my style with REMOVABLE WALLPAPER.

for the home

Brighten Up Your Living Room with A Warm Pink Hued Paint Color

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Well, it's official, we painted the living room!

After 6 months of looking at greige-colored walls we finally bit the bullet and got down to giving our walls an enormous glow-up. I couldn't be more thrilled with how it came out: It's warm, it's inviting and changes with the lighting throughout the day.

quick and easy recipes

A Taste Of New Orleans Straight From Your Kitchen with this Quick and Easy Creole Jambalaya Recipe with Andouille

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Forget burgers. Forget pizza. Jambalaya is where it's at.

When I think of comfort food, I think of diving into a huge bowl of Jambalaya with all of the fixings. I want that hopping Creole flavor bursting through like fireworks at each and every spicy/savory bite. I could eat it all day everyday without so much as batting an eye. And while I might not be in the epicenter of Creole cooking as a resident of Astoria, Queens - I've managed to perfect a recipe that makes me feel like I'm sitting at a cast iron bistro set in the French Quarter while a brass band marches by.

beauty must haves

Ready To Try At-Home Color? Here's An Easy Step-By-Step Guide To Coloring Your Hair At Home

This post is sponsored by Garnier. All opinions are my own.

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Who else is sporting a pretty hefty root line right about now? Whoa mama, mine was starting to look crazy!

I'll start by saying I already color my hair at home the majority of the time. My hair grows too fast to keep up with salon visits and it's really hard to make time for 3+ hour chunks of time while managing a business, chasing 3 boys around and also having some sort of a social life.

beauty must haves

Mother's Day Is Around The Corner! Here's 10 Ways To Pamper Yourself At Home This Year

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Burt’s Bees. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Well... I think it's safe to say we're all going to need some extra pampering this year. I know I am. It's been a heck of a couple of months and self-care is wayyy high up on the list of things keeping me sane in a house full of rambunctious boys. Yes, I do most certainly go to the only room that has a lock on the door and yes, I spend a good hour trying to tune out the bangs, clangs and crazy random outbursts from kids running from one end of the house to another. It's not perfect but it works.

Obviously we're spending Mother's Day at-home this year so it's going to look a little different than the usual spa day of brunch out with friends and girls trips. But different doesn't mean it can't be just as good.

This is where I have you covered!

Yes, you absolutely deserve to spoil yourself for at least *one* day, so I'm sharing 10 of my favorite ways to pamper myself at home and how you can get the total 'spa' experience at-home this Mother's Day. I've teamed up with one of my favorite brands, Burt's Bees to help make the the ultimate Mother's Day at home. The best part? You don't have to leave the comfort of your home, cozy pajamas and slippers.

10 Ways To Pamper Yourself At Home This Year

1. Get The Good Stuff

First up, you need the good stuff. The Essential Burt's Bees® 5 Piece Kit has everything you need to make the ultimate at-home spa experience: Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cleanser, Milk and Honey Body Lotion & Coconut Foot Cream to moisturize and sooth dry skin, Hand Salve to pamper your hands, and last but certainly not least, Beeswax Lip Balm to soothe dry lips.

Then give your lips the royal treatment throughout the day with the Burt's Bees Superfruit Moisturizing Lip Balms 4-pack. These lip balms are like gold in our house. I have them tucked away in spots throughout the apartment for applications anytime of the day. Coconut & Pear in the kitchen, Pink Grapefruit in my office, Pomegranate in my wardrobe and Mango in the bathroom for my afternoon soak. I honestly buy these in bulk and share with the household because everyone shares my obsession with the 100% natural moisturizing lip balms. They're always a win.

I also have the Coconut Foot Cream in full size because it's THAT good.

Best part? You can shop them on Walmart.com and get them delivered to your doorstep in a couple of days FREE! (on orders of $35+)

Next, we put them to good use...

2. Soak In The Tub

I mentioned before that I find comfort behind the door with a lock on it. In our place that just so happens to be the bathroom. I fill up my 1980's jacuzzi tub and soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Music? Candles? Hello aromatic Burt's Bees Soak Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream....

3. Luxurious Pajamas

Don't really feel up to getting fully dressed? Invest in a pair of luxurious pajamas that make you feel like a queen. Satin and Pima Cotton are your best girlfriends today! This is the perfect time for Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream & Burt's Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion.

4. Dress Things Up

Dress up your new pajamas with accessories. I've been adding earrings, barrettes and purses to my daily loungewear to mix it up little bit. Yes, the Burt's Bees Superfruit Moisturizing Lip Balms are carried around in my sequin bag to the couch.

5. GO GLAM

Since we've been home, I've been trying to put makeup on and do my hair at least once a week. Yep, I'm only going to my kitchen but it definitely adds a little bit to the day. I'm in love with Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Gloss Lip Crayon in Santorini Sunrise, Burt's Bees 100% Natural Nourishing Mascara in Black Brown and Burt's Bees Natural Eye Shadow Palette Trio in Shimmering Nudes.

6. Order Brunch In

One of the amazing things about life in NY, (even on pause) is the ability to have brunch delivered to your doorstep. No, I'm not cooking any meals today - so I'll be ordering my favorites for brunch.

7. Baking

While I may not be down for cooking meals today I'm 100% open to baking some treats. It's the perfect stress reliever and I've been doing A LOT of it for the last couple of months. Banana Bread, Cookies, Pies - let's do it all

. 8. Soak Up A Little Vitamin D

Whether it's from your window, patio or backyard head out for 15 minutes and soak up your daily recommendation of Vitamin D in the sun. Spring is in full bloom - listen to the birds, watch the greenery come in, listen to your kids fight over who's winning bean bag toss. All the good stuff. If you're spending more than 15 minutes in the sun SPF yourself up!

9. Movies and More Movies

Today is all about you which means sappy, feel good movies and shows. If any day deserves a good binge-stream, it's today!

10. Send Yourself Flowers

Or have your husband & kids do it, whatever. I've been making it a point of ordering flowers with my grocery deliveries every week and honestly it's been amazing. It instantly brightens my mood to see fresh flowers on my headboard and kitchen table.

How do you self care at home?

Don't forget to purchase Burt’s Bees gifts for Mother’s Day . No, you don't have to be a mom and you can also send them to Mom this year.

Happy Mother's Day!