As Summer Comes to an End...Here are some California Travels on a Budget

As summer comes to an end, I thought I'd share a little of what did this summer. I didn't get to go on a major summer vacation, but I was able to do some great weekend trips around California. Luckily California has great weather, so you can still visit these places now! Here are some great destinations to visit that won't break the bank:

1) Hearst Castle - San Simeon, CA

I've never been to Hearst Castle before, but this is a must see. With ceilings and paintings imported from Europe, the castle is absolutely breathtaking and definitely rivals the castles in Europe. The views are especially gorgeous since the castle is up on the cliff right across from the ocean. I would definitely take a weekend trip here to enjoy the beach town and amazing grounds.  

2) Wineries - Napa, CA

If you're looking for a relaxing weekend full of great wine, great food, and breathtaking scenery, head to Napa and its surrounding cities. Full of wineries and fabulous restaurants, Napa allows you to eat and drink your way into relaxation. Some of my favorite wineries are Domaine Chandon, Domaine Carneros, Mondavi, and Sterling. Chandon and Carneros are especially perfect if you love sparkling wines. Some great spots to grab a bite are Bouchon, Ad Hoc, and Boon Fly Cafe.

3) Paradise Cove - Malibu, CA

Malibu is my favorite beach town. It has the best beaches and usually isn't too crowded. One of my favorite places to go in Malibu is Paradise Cove; a private beach where you can bring your own alcohol (no hard alcohol) and also rent cabanas, chairs, or day beds. There is also a restaurant on the premises with great nachos and tropical drinks. This is a great place to come with a group of fun friends. You can seriously lounge here all day, especially if you get one of their day beds, which I highly recommend!

Hello Summer: Quick and easy summer shake

Summer is here! As you trade in your pants and boots for shorts and flip flops, here is a quick and easy recipe to help you stay cool. I know when I get hot I need a nice cold drink to help keep me cool. Here is my go to recipe for an easy chocolate shake. It's also healthier than a normal chocolate shake because theres no ice cream involved.

What you will need:
1 cup nonfat milk
1/2-1 cup ice depending on how icy you want it
1 packet hot cocoa mix

Stick all 3 ingredients into a blender and blend. Pour it into a glass, stick in a straw and Enjoy! Yes, you are welcome. Stay cool my friends! It feels like this summer is going to be a hot one!

Favorite Bakeries in LA

We haven't posted in a while - mostly because we have been busy revamping our menu and fulfilling orders (make sure to check out or new menu). Now that we have some time to breathe, we want to share with you come of our favorite bakeries in LA. So, if you live in LA or are visiting soon, make sure to visit our 3 favorite bakeries....

1. Sweet Lady Jane


We love the original location at 8360 Melrose Avenue. They make THE BEST cakes. So make sure to stop by and pick up one. A couple of our favorites are the Mocha Praline, Triple Berry Shortcake, and Hazelnut Mousse. Grab a slice and then run over to the shops on Melrose for a great day of food and shopping.


2. Susina


Located at 7122 Beverly Blvd, their banana cream pie is to die for. One individual pie is meant to split between 2 people, so take a date or if you're like us just have the whole thing to yourself. Their sandwiches are also delicious if you need to get out of that sugar coma. 


3. Bouchon


In the heart of Beverly Hills, you will find this amazing gem. Reminiscent of the bakeries in Paris, Thomas Keller's bakery has the finest creations. My favorites are the giant macarons and the chocolate bouchons. Grab your favorite treat and take it to the beautiful courtyard at the Montage. Once you're done, walk to nearby Rodeo Drive to burn off some calories. 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is around the corner! This year, the best ideas are both fun and flirty. Don't go the usual flowers, candy, and lingerie. Show here you love her by being fun and flirty at the same time. Here are some of our favorite ideas on what you should get your valentine:

First of all EVERY girl loves chocolate, so you can keep the chocolate on your list but try these novel chocolate products as opposed to a box of boring chocolates

Send her a nice heart shaped truffle box - these come in great flavors like mint and cookies and cream

or

go one step further and get her this red velvet cake pop bouquet - I'm sure she will appreciate it more than flowers

Once you've got the chocolate, move on to the good stuff. You can get her something you know she needs or get her something you know she wants. Every girl loves clothes, shoes, jewelry, and bags. Pick the one you know she'll love. Here are some ideas to flirt with:

a chic iphone cover

some fun jewelry

cute flats or anything gold or with glitter

 Good luck with the gift hunting! I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!


xoxo

www.bitesdesserts.com

Apartment Therapy

I am currently in the midst of looking for a new apartment. I think I am more excited about the decorating than the actual apartment I will be living in. Some themes I am playing with are polka dots, whites, silver, and gold mixed in with some natural colors. Here are some products I love:

How would you decorate your apartment? For more info on these products, follow me on pinterest: http://pinterest.com/bitesdesserts/for-my-new-apt/

Happy New Year!

Another year has passed, which means new beginnings, fresh starts, and new goals. I like to reflect on the year that has passed and look to this year to accomplish new things and reach new heights. Forget the past and look to the future. Out with the old and in with the new. Some goals this year include making bites desserts bigger and better than ever, studying, making new friends, and having new adventures. I have resolved to take a bite of life and enjoy each and every moment of the new year. Here's to 2012! We hope you all take a bite :)

It's Almost Christmas and You Don't Have Any Gifts?! Well DIY

Couldn't find any amazing gifts this holiday season? Why not bake something? We've attached some of our creations that we gave as gifts. Hopefully you can play with these ideas and create your own special gifts for the people on your list. The gift of baked goods not only is more personal and fun but it is a known fact that a way to a persons heart is through their stomach :) So, this holiday season we created bites boxes for our loved ones. Each box contains an assortment of bite size desserts. We made coconut truffles, peppermint truffles, bite size rice krispy treats, and even lemon truffles. We are currently working on Santa hat mini cupcakes. To keep with the season, we used festive sprinkles and kept everything green, red, and gold. If you are running out of ideas, don't worry you still have time to create your own bites box. Look up some of your favorite recipes and start baking! Only 2 full days left!

coconut truffles

bites boxes

peppermint truffles

completed bites box