Recipe | Strawberry Tart

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I’m not much of a baker myself (the fanciest I get is homemade chocolate chip cookies) but being in London and passing by so many amazing sweet shops and cafe’s with amazing desserts has made my mouth water and my bank account groan. One of my favorites is always a chocolate croissant, however I’ve become more and more drawn to tarts, particularly those made from my favorite fruit, strawberries. I found this recipe from Martha Stewart the other day and I couldn’t help myself – I want to make it ASAP!

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INGREDIENTS

  • FOR THE CRUST

    • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for handling dough
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
    • 1/3 cup sugar
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • FOR THE FILLING

    • 1 bar (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds strawberries, hulled and halved
    • 1/4 cup seedless red currant jelly

DIRECTIONS

  1. STEP 1: Make the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, blend flour, butter, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt until moist crumbs form (this may take up to 1 minute). Transfer dough to a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom.
  2. STEP 2: With floured fingers, press dough evenly into pan and up sides. Dip a dry-measuring cup in flour, and use it to press dough firmly into bottom and against sides of pan. Freeze crust until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. STEP 3: Using a fork, prick crust all over. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes, pressing down gently once or twice with a spoon during baking if crust puffs up. Cool completely in pan.
  4. STEP 4: Make the filling: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until smooth; spread mixture evenly in bottom of baked crust (still in tart pan).
  5. STEP 5: Starting from outside edge, arrange strawberry halves, stemmed side down, in tight concentric circles on cream cheese.
  6. STEP 6: In a small saucepan, heat jelly on medium-low until liquefied. Gently brush strawberries with jelly; let set at least 20 minutes. Chill in pan at least 1 hour (and up to 6 hours); remove from pan just before serving.

Recipe (and photo) via Martha Stewart.

-ekp

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Link Love

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I thought I’d get things back to normal a bit with this week’s installation of Link Love. I’m stuck in class until this afternoon (that’s the one downside of this trip, but who am I to complain while in London?) and needed some links that brought me inspiration to get through my day. Here are a few sites I’m loving!

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+This little bicycle pouch is too cute for words – I want one! While traveling I’ve really realized the importance of a great pouch that can hold anything you need to throw in it.

+I can’t stop pinning, and my Outfits board has gotten a little out of control… There are so many cute looks right now! Be sure to check it out.

+Coach has really been blowing my mind lately with their bags – I typically see their brand as a tad outdated, but shame on me! Their collection for summer is fun, structured and oh-so feminine. This bag is one of my favorites!

+I’ve been searching for the perfect metal statement necklace, and I think I found one at Shopbop. This Adia Kibur bib is too perfect! What do you think?

+This is the perfect bikini. End of story.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and that you enjoy all of these links! xo

-ekp

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Sights

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Good morning, lovies! Today I’m off to explore Bloomsbury a bit and then head to lunch + touring of the British Museum. Ah, life is such a dream. Here are a few of my snapshots from running around London the other day… enjoy! Also, if any of you have any suggestions on places to eat/see/shop etc. here in London, please do share! I’m here for 5 weeks and always love people’s recommendations.

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Chopped, London Style

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As you all know, I’m in London – and I chopped off my hair! I’m going to try to not completely inundate you with photos of both of these things, however I thought I’d give you a little peek into my first few days in London (and my new hair!). Enjoy!

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-ekp

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The Dresses of Summer

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Dresses + summer go together like peanut butter + jelly – they just feel right. There are 5 different dresses that I think every girl needs for summer – the fancy party dress, the roomy sheer dress, the casual playful dress, the statement neutral & the comfortable maxi. Here are my 5 must-have dresses for summer!

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From left to right: Tibi hot pink sleeveless dress // Rory Beca shift dress // Paul & Joe Sister dress // Bec & Bridge dress // James Perse maxi dress

-ekp

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London Calling

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The day has arrived – I’m heading to London tonight! I want to apologize in advance for time-change confusion, sporadic posting, etc… but for the next six weeks I’ll be galavanting around Europe (so I’m not really that sorry, hehe). I’m so excited to share this journey with all of you, and I can’t wait for you to get to live vicariously through my photos. London, here I come!

British Flag Wallpapers

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Breathing Room

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I’m one of those people who is always on – I wake up in the morning pretending to be ready to go, I always try to look my best, I always respond to e-mails the second I get them and I’m freakishly ahead of the game. I prepare things weeks in advance. While my obsessive need for perfection is oftentimes handy, I’ve realized lately that I’m just plain burnt out. Trying to do everything – be the perfect student, daughter, blogger, girlfriend, friend and employee – sounds great in theory, but it’s really not it’s all cracked up to be.

As I’m preparing to leave for London, I’m realizing how exciting (and necessary) it is to just do something for myself in this trip. I can’t wait to stroll through London and take time for me. Don’t forget to love yourselves first! xo

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While I’m all for the modern woman who does everything and is everything all at once, I can’t stress to you how nice (and necessary) it is to sometimes blow people off, take some room to breathe, and just think about yourself for a few minutes (or hours). Trust me, your body and soul will thank you.

-ekp

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Interior Design Loving

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I’ve recently found myself so inspired by the simplest of home details – I’m dreaming of decorating my first apartment out of college in just under a year. How fab are all of these spaces?

I’m spending today getting ready for London – I can’t believe that I’ll be there so soon! I also can’t wait to document my experiences here and share them with all of you. xo

This mason jar turned vase is the cutest thing I've ever seen - a must-have home accessory!

This mason jar turned vase is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen – a must-have home accessory!

My ultimate home dream? A huge space to get ready near my bathroom. Swooning.

My ultimate home dream? A huge space to get ready near my bathroom. Swooning.

I'm dreaming of a kitchen like this one... How maje is that sink?

I’m dreaming of a kitchen like this one… How maje is that sink?

The gold color and detailing of this coffee table are so perfect I could scream - this has to be in my home one day!

The gold color and detailing of this coffee table are so perfect I could scream – this has to be in my home one day!

The girly chic vibe in this apartment is perfect for my first place out of college. Loving it!

The girly chic vibe in this apartment is perfect for my first place out of college. Loving it!

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Spring Cleaning

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A friend of mine, Morgan, recently posted Glitter Guide’s Spring Cleaning Checklists, and they got me really wanting to throw everything in my room out and start fresh (just kidding… kind of). Since I’m in college and currently share a huge house with 4 other people, I really just have to worry about my room, closet and bathroom – meaning some of the Glitter Guide’s list didn’t really apply to me. I started my own list to tackle before I leave for London – I feel so much better now that these things are done! Check it out.

Closet

  • Organize all drawers and bins – throw away unwanted items
  • Organize shoes
  • Organize closet door hooks
  • Organize cleaning supplies
  • Go through all clothes – toss or donate anything unwanted
  • Vacuum rug, sweep & mop floors

Room

  • Throw everything that can be washed in the wash – all bedding, curtains and laundry waiting to be done
  • Wipe down inside of fridge
  • Go through fridge & all food
  • Go through desk & bookshelf – throw away all unwanted items
  • Organize all jewelry & nail polish
  • Move out Pan’s cage & clean
  • Organize under-bed drawers
  • Windex & dust all surfaces, including baseboards
  • Vacuum rug
  • Sweep and mop

Bathroom

  • Throw everything that can be washed in the wash – the shower curtain, towels and rugs
  • Organize bath products
  • Scrub the tub. sinks and toilet
  • Windex & dust all surfaces

Once I had finished with this list, I also:

  1. Took out the trash
  2. Bought fresh flowers and new candles
  3. Made a list of things I needed to buy
  4. Made my calendar for May
  5. Relaxed

I know that cleaning can seem daunting, but when you have lists like mine (or Glitter Guide’s Check List or How To) it can be much easier! You can even break up the rooms into different days so you have less to tackle all at once. Good luck!

-ekp

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Giveaway | Compliment

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You may remember a while back when I posted about my “Spring Studs” and featured this great Compliment necklace… Well, now we’re giving one away! One lucky reader will win this amazing gold + jade chain necklace from Compliment’s newest collection.

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To Enter This Giveaway:

1. “Like” Compliment on Facebook

2. “Like” Dear Serendipity on Facebook

3. Follow Compliment on Twitter

4. Follow Dear Serendipity on Twitter

5. Leave a comment with your name and e-mail address. This giveaway will close Sunday, May 19 – so get to entering!

{United States residents only, please! Thank you.}

-ekp

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