Selfishly Happy

Trip: Niagara Falls, ON

2012-01-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

We took a long weekend (and a long drive) to Niagara Falls and Toronto, ON. We had fun at the falls, ate some good food at Canyon Creek, Jack Astor's, and Zorro's. I would recommend any of them.

It was very misty at the falls but they were very fun to see in person. I think I would like to go back in the summer where there is a lot more to do.

We also lost some money at the casino...

Used a lot of the hotels wi-fi since our phones had to be in air plane mode...

We also went and saw my dad in Toronto but there was only one picture from that and it's at 6am with no makeup on so I will spare everyone. I wish we could have had one more day but we raced home to see the Patriots win a spot in the Superbowl! It was a fun trip but next time I would take one more day off!

Recipe: Marshmallows (and the ring)

2012-01-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is from December. . . Whoops! These Marshmallows were soft yummy and pretty easy although a little messy. I sent them off to my dad as part of his Christmas presents. He also got fudge and roasted pecans. I used this recipe and was pretty happy with it. I dipped some in chocolate and gave them to some people we had over in a cute little bag. Not sure where those pictures are but they were cute!

Now what everyone probably wants to see, the ring. It's crazy I haven't posted a picture yet, but here it is!
This was my great grandmothers ring. The exact ring, just resized. My mothers, mothers, mothers. I love that is has such a wonderful personal history and it is SO me. White gold, simple, classy, timeless.

We are off to Niagara Falls and then Toronto to visit my dad! I can wait to start this vacation!

Wedding: The Proposal

2012-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sean and I have been going to this little bar/restaurant, Sierra, in Northampton since we moved there. Every Friday after work we have a few beers, some awesome appetizers, and we play our own version of trivial pursuit with this deck of cards behind the bar from 1983. It was our little "date" night and we always looked forward to it.

On Saturday (12/17) Sean asked if I wanted to go to and of course I said yes. Everything was pretty normal except, although we only had one beer, Sean was acting like he had 5. I had to keep repeating the questions and getting him to focus. He had been really sick the couple days before so I didn't think to much of it. Then at some point he said, "You going to know the answer to this one". Then he dropped a card on the floor and when he went to pick it up he got on one knee, pulled out a ring, and asked me to marry him! I said, "Yes! Get up!" I think I was so shocked and a little embarrassed for him because he is so shy but no one even noticed. He was so emotional and tearing up. It was the sweetest thing ever. I loved that it was personal but not over the top and a surprise.

We do not have a date yet but we are thinking October of this year. We both love fall and it is so pretty in New England that time of year. We are looking at venues but havn't found "the" one yet.

Craft: Felt Crowns

2012-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

I made Crowns for the kids Christmas gifts. They turned out so stinking cute and go with their princess obsession. I used there instructions from Juicy Bits and they were very easy. I would highly recommend this project for anyone looking for a gift for a queen (or king).

Holidays at the New House 2012

2012-01-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Tree

Fire in fireplace

Christmas 2012

Pretty boy

Rock Band

Family time

Grace loving the fireplace

Logan loves the fireplace too

Logan's gift (thrown away an hour later)

Cousins

Craft: "Buffy" Lush Replica

2012-01-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

I love Lush but its expensive and far away. I saw this on Oats and Honey and had to give it a try.

I made half with coffee and peppermint and the other half with just ground rice. I have to say they aren't the same as the Lush products but pretty close. I wouldn't put the called for amount of oil. The peppermint was very strong. That being said I have been using the peppermint one for my feet and the white one after I have used soap with hot water as a natural moisturizer. I like the results but not everyone will. You skin stays, what some might call, slimy, but I know its just really moist. It can make you tub slippery so do be careful if you try it out.

Wedding: We Are Getting Married!

2011-12-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

It still seams a bit unreal but we are engaged! I'll post the story later but couldn't help but post a quick update. I'm so excited!

Review: Birchbox

2011-12-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

First, I cut 10 inches off my hair to donate to Locks of Love. I have done it a few times and it always feels so weird but in a few days I wont even miss my long hair and I know it's going to a good cause.

I signed up for Birchbox. Have you heard of it? You pay $10 a month and this company sends you some snazzy (yep, snazzy) samples of beauty products every month.

They give you descriptions about the product and how much the real deal would cost.

I'm excited to try everything! It nice to get a monthly little gift to, you know, Treat Yo Self.

Recipe: Bagels (Make this today!)

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from my friend Holli over at Feeding the Big Guy. She is my inspiration for all things food and craft. I'm not going to re-post the recipe because I want you to head on over and see what else she is making. You won't be disappointed.

I followed the direction exactly and I wont change a thing next time. If you make them let me know how much you ~~like~~ love them.

I have already decided to make them Christmas morning. I hope they come out just as good!

House: Furniture!

2011-12-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Furniture really makes a house feel like a home. We have an extra chair that we are going to return. It's just more that we need. We are very happy with all the pieces we got. Did I mention we bought them on Black Friday at 4am? The pieces are from JC Penny, which is a store I am pretty sure I have never bought anything at, but we couldn't be happier.

I don't think that mirror is saying there, we don't really like it in that spot, maybe the dining room. I believe my mom is making me a painting to hang (?) instead.

We have some framed cd's to go above the long couch.

Here you can see the extra chair we are going to return.

I love the square dinning room table! I can't wait to have people over and use it!

We are no officially ready to have people over and the lawn furniture is out where it belongs!

Craft: Wood, fabric, letter, bunting

2011-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

I made this even before we left Northampton. I knew I wanted it and had to have it and it's easier than you think!

Buy letters at JoAnn's for a buck or so each.

Spray one side with adhesive. Note: It smells and may not be good for your health.

Stick it on the fabric and cut around the letter.

See?

Do the same to the other side but leave a bit of room to over lap on the sides. Around the corners you should cut little notches to help it lay better.

Then you turn it over and trim the sides.

See?

Then you take black ribbon, spray it, then place it around the edge. Note: The ribbon will fall off if you are ruff with it. It looks good with out it.

Then you staple a ribbon to the back of each letter.!

Pretty neat right?

Ornament Swap

2011-12-11T13:15:00.001-08:00

The sweet, sweet Sarah from 90 Percent Blond sent me an ornament for a swap set up by Annahita at Forever 88, We will cherish this gift forever as it captures such a special time in our lives. How did she know my colors were red and silver this year?

Sean's mom brought over this ornament and it was too cute to not add to the tree.

House: Holiday Decor!

2011-12-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

We got a tree! Its my first real tree in at least 10 years, maybe more.

I love the holidays!

House: Master Bedroom

2011-12-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

All we did to this room was paint. It was a baby blue and we went for a dark blue grey. I would still like a nice fluffy rug and some real side tables but otherwise I am very happy with this room and love coming home to it every night.

House: Pantry turned Mudroom

2011-12-02T17:59:00.001-08:00

We enter the house through the door in the kitchen which leads to shoes, keys, wallets and bags everywhere in the one room I like to keep clean. I decided to give up one of the two pantry's to make a little mud room. Now we have a place to put our shoes and jackets. The closet was already set up to have adjustable shelves so I just painted, made two shelves toward the bottom for shoes and then a couple really high (without the actual shelf ) to hang jackets. One little screw hook thingy for keys and we were done!

Holiday Cards in the mail!

2011-12-02T17:52:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

Whoops...it's December. We spent Thanksgiving in Malden eating yummy food and kissing a baby. It was a good day.

House: Bathroom Redo

2011-12-02T17:29:00.001-08:00

We did it. It's finally done. Its not perfect but so much better than before. Wall papers gone, a little shelf and a towel hook. That's it! Isn't it a huge difference though?

House: Living Room Paint

2011-11-22T08:44:00.001-08:00

We have only lived in the house for four days but the living room has been taped, sanded, had two coats of primer and two coats of paint. We are so happy with the paint we chose. Functional Gray from Sherman Williams . Its a little more taupe in real life but even in the pictures I love it. Our theme to the weekend was, "Good bye red".

Once we get more set up I will show you the rest of the living room but for now this is all you get. On to the bedroom!

We are Homeowners!

2011-11-22T07:50:00.001-08:00

What a crazy ride buying a house is, but as of Friday, we own a home (and a big fat mortgage). We are so in love with the house but already finding things that need fixing. My finger nails are tragic right now and yesterday my feet hurt from being on them for three days in a row but the happiness (almost) makes me forget about those things. More house posts to come! We have already panted the living room. Any guesses on the color?

Shutterfly Love

2011-11-22T07:07:00.001-08:00

Have you ever used Shutterfly? I do every year and they always give me the best looking holiday cards. Just take a look at these links!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards
http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements

Updates: Not much to say

2011-11-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Not to much going on over here. We are just waiting for the loan to close so we can move in to the house. The apartment has been packed up for a week or more. We went furniture and paint shopping. Going to pick out a washer and dryer tonight because Home Depot has an amazing Black Friday sale right now. I don't get how it can be Black Friday already but I'll take the savings.

Sean surprised me with just because flowers. I think we are taking turns being stressed about the extensions on the house. I'm just so glad we have each other.

I was able to spend some time with this baby. He is getting so big! He even smiled for me this time.

Here is a picture of Logan just hanging out in his fur collar. The things I make this poor dog wear. He is a good sport though.

Recap: Halloween Past

2011-10-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hi. I'm buying a house in 7 days. Just saying. Nothing big going on or anything. My house is for sure not a huge mess. I didn't work 3 late nights in a row. I didn't craft something amazing that I am saving to show you. Nope. Just same old same old. Since I haven't done to much in the Halloween department this year (I haven't even carved my pumpkin yet!) I thought I would post some older photos.

I don't remember what year this is. But Julie and I were awesome. And I was so tan! And there is a washing machine in our living room! Atlanta Halloweens were always the best. Boston can't hold nothing to them.

2008 My sister's old room mates had a party in a loft on South street where she use to live. Sean was Joe the Plumber. I think i was a cowgirl. I think Kelly and Chris are pretty apparent.

2009 Jack and Kate from LOST. Jumpsuits are expensive! That's why we had to go with the blood splattered one. But I printed the Darma stuff and ironed it on.

Not sure when this was but i use picnic.com

Of course no Halloween is complete without Logan in his Batman costume. He wants to be the same thing every year and how can you say no to that face!

Still not sure what we are doing this year.

Trip: Brooksby Farm, Peabody, Ma

2011-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

We took Charlie to his first pumpkin patch at Brooksby Farm. He was such a good boy and let us take pictures of him in a pile of gourds.

I had my first Cider doughnut and I have to say I wasn't impressed. The animals were super cute and the weather was perfect. I would recommend this pumpkin patch if you live near by.

Packing

2011-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

15 days to closing and yes I already started packing. . . and no we are not having a crown royal and captain morgan party. . although I kind of want to. . but they do make excellent packing boxes.

15 days. . .

Family Photo

2011-10-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we are closing on our house in 18 days! I am so excited to live somewhere and know that we will be there for a long time. I can't wait to know my neighbors, garden and know that I can reap the benefit for years to come, fix up the place and know that I am putting equity in the house and not throwing money away. I wanted to make sure we have a picture in front of our Northampton Condo because it was a great apartment and we really enjoyed living their. I'm already thinking about living in such a big home compared to the little apartments we have lived in the past 3 years. We really don't mind living in such a small space but I am excited to have a room for crafts (where I don't have to pack up my project each time I need a break) and maybe I am excited to not hear machine guns and sword fights coming from the living room while I'm reading.

Here was our Southie picture. . it is a picture of a picture because I couldn't find our CD of them so not the best quality. We loved our Southie apartment too. It was the first place we lived together and where we raised are baby boy so it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

And. . . a sneak preview of our new home.

I can't wait to share all the wonderful things about it soon!

Craft: Hat for James

2011-10-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

My friends in Michigan had a sweet baby boy who was born many weeks before he was expected. Some nice person knit baby Samuel this little hat to keep his head warm. When the hat I made his dad last year got shrunk in the wash (perfect for Sam's older brother) I was requested to make a replacement hat to match the one Sam wore in the hospital. Because the colors were so vivid I just made a simple cable hat I found on Ravelry. I was happy to be able to make this simple request and get my Fall knitting projects started.

Trip: Apple Picking: Outlook Farm, Easthampton, MA

2011-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Trip: Camp East Otis, Ma

2011-10-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

October 9th? Whoops. . . Not one post in October? No excuses. I am pretty busy though. Our closing date on the house is November 4th. Work is in the middle of "crazy time" but the end is in sight. My new boss started last week so I'm sure lots of new changes to come. Saw Charlie last weekend but feeling a little sick today. Not sure if its the weather or what but I'm going to stay home, start a book, watch some football and maybe cook some apples.

There are a lot of great perks to my job and one of them is spending days in beautiful camps. Here are some pictures I took in East Otis, Ma. Fall is only days away although today it is suppose to be 84 and Logan and I have already enjoyed a walk in flip flops this morning.

Update: Awesome Crazy Week

2011-09-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

I promise this blog won't become Aunt Ina's shrine to Charlie. Well, maybe just for a little while. . . These are moments after he was born. I bet he will look different this weekend and its only been one week!

I think Charile inherited Aunt Ina's crazy hands. . .

Also, we currently have an accepted offer on a beautiful house in Longmeadow, Mass. If all goes well (and please cross your fingers for us) we will be moving into our "dream" house the end of October! Just enough time for Logan to truly enjoy the HUGE back yard before it is covered with snow. I know it's dumb but I cry a little about how happy my puppy will be to run and run as much as he wants. He deserves it. He is the best dog we could ask for.

So yes, work is crazy (for both Sean and I) my sister just had the most amazing baby boy, we found, fell in love with, submitted an offer, had to resubmit our best offer, had the offer accepted, had to make sure the sellers got their offer accepted, and are now starting the loan process and inspection. All in one week people. Oh and I saw Fleet Foxes and my parents are in town this weekend!

I use to think my life was boring but this week has proved me wrong. I CAN NOT wait for this weekend to come. Sean and I both need it.

Recipe: Mini Spicy Mac and Cheese

2011-09-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to a dinner party and in addition to the Blue Moon Cupcakes I also brought these little babies. I used Annie's Eats recipe almost verbatim. I may, and by may I mean most certainly did, swap cream for the milk she uses. I really like putting the fresh jalapenos on top. It looked cute, but also added that extra spicy bite that I want. If you are going to call something spicy lets make sure not to disappoint. Right? It was also easy for the wimps to just take off and still enjoy a hint of spicy from the cooked peppers. I melted butter and coated a muffin tin liberally then used a cookie scoop and filled each spot. I also smashed them in there to make sure they were really packed in. Let them cool in the pan a good while so they formed properly and when I took them out I let them sit on a paper towel to get rid of some of the grease. I brought them on a sheet pan and we just popped them in the oven for a bit to get warm. Everyone loved them and kept going back for more.

Anyone going to give it a try? I can't wait to hear what twist you would make. I was thinking next time adding bacon?

Music: Fleet Foxes

2011-09-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

We saw Fleet Foxes at Mountain Park last night in Holyoke. It was amazing. The venue is just a huge stage they set up in the middle of the forest so it felt like we were in the middle of know where. The sound from the band just filled the woods with beautiful music.

If you don't know the band due your self a favor and watch the video below. When ever I hear it I feel instantly calmer and in a better head space.

Let me know what you think!

Charlie

2011-09-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

Charles Henri was born yesterday, 5:24am September 23,2011. 7lbs 3 oz.

I was in the room when he was born and it was incredible, amazing, and mind blowing. My sister literally pushed three times and the baby was there. I am so proud of her. The baby was born in the calmest, most loving environment. He looks just like his dad. I can't wait to teach him everything and love him so much. I love all of Sean's nieces so much so I can't imagine the love I will have for this little boy.

Recipe: Blue Moon Cupckaes

2011-09-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a nice end of summer cupcake for a dinner party last Friday. I have already had a few pumpkin beers and was about to say good bye to Blue Moon when I saw Miss Make's Cupcakes and knew I had to make these. I switched a few things. No dye in the batter but I did put some blue dye in the frosting. Speaking of frosting I didn't use the fluffy white frosting she did. The cake is not that sweet so I went for a beer buttercream. Cream 1/2 cup of room temp butter. Alternate 1lb of sifted confectionery sugar and 1/4 cup or beer and a dash of lemon extract (just because I love lemon frosting and I thought it went with the orange in the cupcake). You could really taste the beer in these and they were a hit at the party.

Have you been wrapping up your summer cooking? What are you making?

Music: Howie Day

2011-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's September and I am missing in action. My job has taken over my life and it will continue like this well into October. I do have some fun things planned. My sister is having a bay in like a week!! We are going to see Fleet Foxes in two weeks! And the Patriots start tonight! I will have to miss part of the game due to work but I will see at least the second half.

I have been enjoying this yummy beer.

And this ~~yummy~~ pretty baby.

Enjoying the first signs of fall. (Sean pointed this heart shaped leaf out isn't he romantic! Just kidding, but not really)

We saw Howie Day at the Iron Horse. I have never seen or heard of him but apparently Sean use to be able to play all his music. His sister was telling me that they use to stand outside his door and listen to him play! So freaking cute. I thought some of his stuff was awesome and then the other half was just any guy with a guitar.

I sat in traffic for three hours. I didn't get out of my car like these people though.

I woke Logan up from a nap for no reason but to take a picture. He was pretty mad about it.

So yes that has been my September so far. That and lots of work.

What have you been up to?

Restaurant Review: Sol Toro, Mohegan Sun

2011-09-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

I first heard of this restaurant on the Food Network. It was suppose to have some of the spiciest food around and since I had to go to Mohegan Sun for a work event we decided to slip in a date night as well. We both ordered of the "Can you take the heat challenge" menu. There were only three items and all were $4.95. I had the Quesadilla Picante which was the only vegetarian option and Sean had the Cinco Chiles Burrito. Both were 3 sun beams which meant, "steam-coming-out-of-your-ears spicy". I will say they were both spicy but nothing we couldn't handle.

We also played some Bonus Texas Hold Em and after I lost $80 Sean won it all back plus $100. Not a bad night!

Recipe: Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

2011-08-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yep, I did it. I jumped the gun on the whole pumpkin thing but pintrest made me do it and Holy Yum. You are only supposed to use pure pumpkin but I bought pumpkin pie mix a while back and never used it. So I swapped and it is so good. I added some extra pumpkin spice (that I use in my coffee in the fall) and it turned out great. Just a little cool whip on top and a dash of cinnamon makes this cake amazing. And lets be honest, could it get any easier!? You can find the recipe here on the Big Red Kitchen.

I will try the "just" pumpkin next time to cut some calories but for now Sean and I are very happy even if the treadmill is not.

Book Review: The Hunger Games Series (Giveaway)

2011-08-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yup. I did it. I read the whole series in like 4 days. A part of me is a little sick over it (why is there a 13 year old girl controlling my reading choices not to mention my tv choices) but the other part kind of loves it. I tried to explain to Sean that it was basically a dumbed down version of Enders Game (the sci fi part) with a cheesy romantic twist. He didn't buy it.

Picture

Seeing as I will never read them again I am giving away the series. Oh and I know what your thinking. Didn't you say you were using the library more? Not buying books? Well I read the first one (from the library, so that one will be unread and brand spanking new) on the train to NYC and then finished it and needed something for the ride home so I bought the second one in the city and pretty much finished it on the train, so I had to buy the last one as well because you get hooked. . hooked!

So here is your chance to win the set of Hunger Games books (hard back, two slightly used one brand new). Just be a google follower and leave a comment letting me know what book(s) your ashamed to love. Contest ends August 31, 12:00pm. Good Luck!

PS: Not much a review huh, yup that's how things go here.

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies (the best)

2011-08-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Quick note: My parents celebrated their 42'nd anniversary yesterday. I am both in awe and inspired. I know it hasn't been easy but I see that a little work and a lot of love can make for a happy, lasting marriage. I'm so blessed to have them as role models and owe a lot to them for teaching me how to love.

Do any of you ready The Purple Foodie's blog? She is full of great recipes including this chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have some friends that could use something sweet in their lives and this cookie is so good its worth shipping across the country and I know will bring a smile to their faces. This might just be my go to CCC recipe from now on.

Birthday: Logan's 3rd

2011-08-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a year! My baby is now three. Sean and I say it to each other a lot, getting this dog was the best choice we ever made. Even though he is currently crying for a ball under the couch (surprise, surprise) he is such a sweet, funny dog. I can't imagine my life without him. For his birthday he got three new balls, a patriots football toy and a bunch of treats. I am also taking him to Sean's office on Friday for lunch and a tour of the company. Then we are going to Sean's sisters big yard to play with another chocolate lab. Not a shabby birthday for a dog.

12 Weeks

1 year

2 years

3 years

He was a pretty good sport about the birthday hat! I'm not ready for the weekend to be over. One more day?

PS. I updated the look of my blog. What do you think?

Trip: Silver Sands State Park, Milford, Connecticut

2011-08-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have been itching to go to the beach and with the mornings starting to feel like fall I knew it needed to happen soon. I googled New England's best beaches and this was a close one. Well, close like 1 1/2 hours. It was pretty neat but the water was more like lake water than beach. We still had a good time and Sean even said we can try another beach the next nice weekend day.

Trip: New York Girls Weekend

2011-08-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

I met up with my high school friend and one of her college roommates in New York last weekend. We had a lot of fun, lots of beer, and lots of food. I had Sesame Tuna at Strip Housewhich is a way to fancy steak house for a girl that doesn't eat steak but it was delicious. We also went to the Cupcake Cafe which was a super cute little coffee shop and bakery and a nice chance to get out of the hot New York sun and indulge in some beautiful cupcakes. We had unlimited Bellinis during a brunch in Hell's Kitchen and I had some super spicy catfish at Pam Real Thai 47.

The best food of the trip was going to a Russian Restaurant, Mari Vanna, for brunch. It was a buffet (which if you know me I normally don't like) but the food was really good and interesting. Borsch, Vareniki, Vinegert, was were all so good. Lots of side dishes with beets, which I love and homemade pickles! For dessert they had crepes with different sauces. Did I mention unlimited mimosas? And the decor is the cutest and the servers are dressed in Russian fairy tale costumes. You should go check out the website and look at the interior pictures. It is so cute!

We also saw a comedy club near NYU. There were 4 comics and 3 out of 4 were really funny. One night we went to a bar a watched old 90's music videos. I'm pretty sure I sang the entire Boys II Men song without embarrassment. I loved seeing my girls but my wallet and my boys were glad to see me home.

Recipe: Roasted Jalapeño & Lime Hummus

2011-08-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

This had all the makings to be an awesome dish but some how came up short. I'm not sure what was missing or maybe it was the consistency. I ate some right after I made it (while it was still warm) and seemed to enjoy it but after a day in the fridge it was not the same at all. The recipe was from The Kitchen a cooking website. Any suggestions to make it better?

Craft: Burp Cloths

2011-08-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is another idea inspired by Pintrest from the blog Petite Lemon . I think they turned out super cute and look like they will be pretty functional. I'm still considering adding ribbon for decoration but am wondering how absorbent ribbion can be and is cute worth baby throw up running down your shirt?

Book Review: One Day by David Nicholls

2011-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Picture

Emma and Dex, Dex and Emma.

This was a good one. Solid writing. Cool concept. “One” "day" each year since they met is explored. A snapshot into their lives. I story about a two people, a couple, who almost weren't.

I can’t say I have had a relationship like this but I know they happen. Like, I know real live people that this has happened to. You know, that girl and guy in high school or college that always flirted but never got together and then at parties a year later you ask him/her how come you guys never got together and then again next year at Christmas brake you ask them the same thing until 10 years later you see on Facebook they are married with three kids. I’ll try not to spoil it but I will say this book doesn't end in sunshine and roses. And, as much as I hate it and cried (not surprising though I am a bawler (not like a big baller basketball player like a boo hoo bawler) I also like when books do act like life isn't always fine and dandy but it’s life and stuff sucks sometimes.

I’m not sure how I would rank this book or any book but I liked it and so you might too.

I will say that I started reading Housekeeping: A Novel by Marilynne Robinson and didn't finish it. I felt like it had a good story somewhere. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance, maybe I had something better to read but when the two week due date came up I just returned it feeling slightly embarrassed to return an unfinished book. For some people it might be ridiculous to finish a book in two weeks. You know lets say if they had kids, a demanding job, or you know, a life. But for me not finishing a book in two weeks is pretty silly.

I am on to the next book and have one waiting for me at the library that I am taking on my trip to NYC tomorrow. As Sean would say, "I'm cruising" (he likes when I quote him)

Music: Angus and Julia Stone

2011-07-28T07:54:00.001-07:00

They are brother and sister. They look homeless but I don't think they are. Someone on YouTube said it best "i wish all the homeless from my town could sing like that". Normally YouTube comments make me want to throw up in my mouth or as Sean says, "worst of the worst" but that comment was dead on. You might have heard the first song on a commercial or Pandora or maybe even the radio if you live somewhere that has a good alternative/indie radio station.

I don't. I heard it on Pandora. On the Indie Rock Radio. Right after the Decemberists and right before Death Cab for Cutie. I love Pandora.

I love the sweet lyrics. Maybe a good first dance song? You know, if any of you are getting married.

I think it sounds like it should be in the Garden State soundtrack. If you get that reference and you agree we could be best friends and should grab a beer sometime.

This is one of the better covers I've ever heard. Even more so because I like the movie Grease. But if you don't like Grease you should still listen. She has a sweet, sweet voice.

Craft: Tote Bag

2011-07-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

I made a tote bag! I used this website as a pattern but kind of went off on my own a bit mostly because I ran out of fabric. Note to self: Always buy a little more than required. Also, the size was not quite what I was expecting. For me a beach tote means you can at least put a beach towel in it and this is more of an everyday tote which is just fine by me. The color is actually a deep olive green which I love.

Craft: Wine Tote

2011-07-22T12:22:00.001-07:00

I saw this tutorial on Pinterest and had to give it a shot. The actual instructions are over at Needle and Spatula. I bought this fabric for something else and changed my mind. So even though she "makes" her quilted fabric I just bought mine. I think this would be a cute little dinner/ housewarming gift with an unopened bottle of wine that is.

Cake: Rainbow Doodle Cake

2011-07-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

This cake almost never came to be. I saw it on Sweetoploita a while back and wanted to make ever since but a sweet little birthday girl wanted a Big Bad Wolf Cake. Luckily her mom couldn't find anything to decorate a Big Bad Wolf party with so I got the make the cake after all.

I love, love this cake. I think even without the fondant and just the white frosting (I just whipped up some cream) it would be great. I'm not sure how I am going to beat this for her sister's birthday in September.

Happy Birthday Nora! You are the sweetest funniest 3 year old around.

Concert: James Taylor at Tanglewood

2011-07-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Last night for Sean's birthday we got a personal tour of the Northampton Brewery and our very own beermaster to guide us through a beer tasting. It was so much fun that I forgot to take pictures. Happy Birthday to my best friend. I love you and can't wait to spend many many more birthdays together.

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A few weeks ago we went and saw James Taylor at Tanglewood. It's kind of a tradition in the Berkshires that he comes every 4th of July weekend. He sang us sweet songs while we had a picnic under the stars.

These aren't the best pictures to capture the beauty of this place. I would send you here to really appreciate how pretty it is.

I can mark it off my list of Western Mass to do's.

Cake: Ice Cream Cake

2011-07-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

It's someone's Birthday!!! Not me, Sean. Which is even better because it is not me getting older but him. Sean's request for a birthday cake: cookies and cream ice cream and "yellow" cake. I looked around the web but couldn't really find anything so I just made my own rules.

Take ice cream flavor of choice that has been melting in your car on the way home from the grocery store. Take the pan your going to use to bake the cake and put one big piece of saran wrap in it then dump the ice cream in the pan and smooth it around. Put it in the freezer to set. Once hard use saran wrap to pull out of pan and put back in frezzer to keep shape.

Bake cake by following box instructions. Let cool, cut in half. Put in freezer to set.

When everything is frozen stack and smoosh so its level. Re-freeze.

Frost. I whipped 2 cups of whipping cream, 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar, and 2 tsp of vanilla.

I printed the numbers 28! cut them out and laid them on the whipped cream then dumped on ground oreo's (with white part scraped off) then peeled off the numbers.

Next time I would make the numbers bigger. Sean loved it and thats a winner in my book. Warning: this makes a ton of cake.

Craft: Bibs and Burp Cloths

2011-07-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

This was a quick little project. Some of the bibs were outlined and ready to be cut the others I traced the outline with a fabric pen and cut a way. You can see they are not perfect but made with love. Hopefully with time I will become more skilled with the turns and maneuvers.

This is 6 week old Ian, Sean's nephew. Brian and Sara make the most perfect little lips, no?
Ian can be my bib model any day.

. . And because I never get enough of Sean holding babies.

Mary's Wedding

2011-07-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

So Sean's sister Mary and her husband Jay have quite a story which I only knew half of. They were baptized in the same church on the same day. They have been dating for 10 years! They are perfect together and everyone who sees them knows it. The wedding was so beautiful and perfect for them. My only complaint is it went by so fast!

Flower girl shoes

Maid of honor and sister, Erin

The dress, the view, both stunning

Getting ready. .

Grace, flower girl

Relaxing before the ceremony. .

Leah, flower girl entertaining me. .

After the ceremony and the rain. .

Bride and Groom with her parents. .

The Tuohey Family. .

Maids and Men. .

At that point I changed shoes and left my phone and bag in the room so no pictures of the reception but it was amazing. The speeches were beautiful and sentimental, the food was great and the music had everyone on the dance floor. It was everything Mary deserved.

Trip: Old Saybrook, Ct

2011-07-05T08:19:00.001-07:00

Sean's sister choose a beautiful place to get married in. We stayed in a room with Sean's sister (and baby yorkie) and friend at the Saybrook Inn. The room was beautiful and the Hotel is set on edge of the water surrounded by lighthouses and sailboats.

Its hard to tell from the pictures but the room was modern and classic at the same time. Those benches are actually leopard print and that lamp by the bed was glass/crystal and silver.

This was the bathroom before three girls makeup/hair supply exploded on the counters and the dog tore up all the toilet paper.

And this was our view which was super nice to wake up to. There were some exceptional views but they were saved for the more important guests, you know the bride and groom and their parents.

We didn't get to go to the beach but we did drive around the little town and it was quite cute. A nice spot if someone is looking for a quite getaway.

Hydrangeas

2011-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

I love my hydrangea plant. It is huge so I put them all over my house.

In milk jars on the kitchen table.

In silver vases on the living room

In a pretty white vase in the bedroom.

More in the living room in a white shell. What goes better with an xbox controller than hydrangeas?

Love love love them!

Girls Night Out

2011-06-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sean's sister (the blond in the black top) is getting married on Sunday! We saw a comedy show and went to a karaoke bar. It was fun to hang out with the girls but why oh why can't I say no to a shot. I was dying on Sunday but was back to normal by Monday except for a insect bite on my ankle. It's swollen my entire foot. I hope its better by Saturday!

Craft: Quilt

2011-06-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

I made a quilt! It took a few emergency calls to my mom but it's done and I love it. I learned a few lessons. Like how important pining everything is (some of my squares don't line up) and when finishing the binding you should follow the directions (they aren't the prettiest corners) But I love my quilt!

I'm already on to my next project!

Recipe:Strawberry Pie

2011-06-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Another perfect 4th of July dessert. Personal strawberry pies. Modified using this Martha Stewart recipe. We are going to a wedding for the 4th. Do you have any fun plans?

Recipe: Sour Cherry

2011-06-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's almost July and to me July means pool parties and bbqs. I mentioned a few posts ago about these great local sour cherries I picked up and decided to make cherry hand pies that would be perfect for an outdoor picnic or a July 4th party. I used this recipe but switched the strawberries for cherries. They were delicious. So much so that the next day I brought them to work so I wouldn't eat them all.

Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

2011-06-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

These are sweet and yummy. I think I might half the honey next time as they are very sweet but Sean is eating them up so that's a good sign. The recipe is from My Baking Addiction. Hop on over and makes these tonight!

Craft: Sewing Machine

2011-06-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Someone who loves me dearly has gifted me a sewing machine! Okay it's my mom. I have wanted one for a while. There are so many cute projects I see online but I couldn't do them. . . until now! Lord knows I have time on my hand. So I went and got a few starter kits that were on sale at JoAnn's. I can't wait to get started. Logan got my first practice project. It's just two squares sewn together and stuffed with cotton balls but he loves it.

Trip: Camp Norwich

2011-06-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

We try to go kayaking a few times at our YMCA's camp during the summer. It's a little but of a drive but totally worth it.

On the way home we stopped at a local market and got lunch. We also got some fabulous cherries and strawberries. Yum!

Stay tuned for what I make with these darlings!

Trip:Taste of Amherst

2011-06-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

The taste of Amherst is a 4 day festival type event with live music and small bites of food (all under $4) from the surrounding area. It was a nice day out so we headed over to try out some fun new places.
Smoked Chicken Wings from Champneys Restaurant in Deerfield.

Crab Meat Slider from The Black Sheep
Amazing double fried french fries. Not sure where they were from though.
Homemade Mac and Cheese from Loose Goose Cafe
Cookies and Cream from Barts
Not pictures a Peach Bubble Tea from Lime Read Teahouse. The tea was just ok. Everything else was great. I think this should be a new yearly tradition for sure!

Dogs: Big vs Small

2011-06-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

First: I have the most handsome dog in the world. I know every one says that but just look at that face.

We babysat for Sean's little sister's pup. A baby Yorkie named Brody. He was the size of Logan's head.

He was fun to have around but so little I was afraid of stepping on him. Sean and I are definitely big dog kind of people. I felt so silly walking this little dog on a leash. What about you? Big or small?

Trip: Atlanta Cool Pictures

2011-06-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sean and I have been looking for something to join. I think Bocce would be fun. I wonder if they have any in Northampton?
The next two are from my favorite tunnel. An ever changing piece of art.

I had a lot of fun nights at Lennys. It looks like this location closed and the moved somewhere nicer.

Trip: Atlanta Babies

2011-06-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love me some Babies and Atlanta is full of them. This little dream is Sage and she is magnificent.

And then we have Brian (Sean's brother) and his daughter Leah. Love her so much.
Finally we have Ian (and his mom Sean's sister in law). A month old and bigger than Sage his elder.
Leah is Sean's god daughter. Isn't that cute?
I wouldn't say I got my baby fill but I got a little time with them. I can't wait for the next trip.

Trip: Atlanta Eats and Shopping

2011-06-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

I ate some good food and had some good beer. The Vortex was also visited but I for got to take a picture. I had a great veggie burger and tater tots.

I haven't been in Six Feet in years and it was as good as I remember it. It also has a new location and a second location.
Oh Doc Chey's how I love you. I miss eating yummy food outside with the Eitzen's.

Our hotel was across the street from Discover Mills. I got a great deal on the a dress for an upcoming wedding.
I tried to lay out but it was so hot! I got a little sun but mostly just sweaty. More to come!

Paris?

2011-06-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

I don't normally do this. But. . . if anyone would like to enter this contest and take me to Paris with them I would love you forever. This include my lovely family and Sean. DO it. Also, if you don't already read Oh Happy Day you should. People always ask me where I get these little creative ideas to do things and this blog is one of those places.

Enter the contest (remeber it's to take me if you win:) jk but not really jk) here: ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris/

Book Review: The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriI

2011-06-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures

I randomly picked this “book” from the audio section at the library. Don’t ask me how, but I had never heard of The Namesake even though it is a Pulitzer award winning book as well as movie. It was on the top of all the cd’s and I figured it was either recently listened to or perhaps the librarians choice to display. Either way I picked it up, glanced the back cover and seeing words like Boston and Cambridge I was sold. Again, like The Help, I am so glad that I got this on CD to listen to instead of reading it. I loved The Help for the warm sweet southern accents and I loved listening to all the Indian words that, in a million years, I couldn’t have said correctly in my head when/if I were to read it. I really enjoyed letting someone else take me back in time and feel like I was a part of a first generation Bengali family living in a Boston suburbs of the 80’s and 90’s.

I thought the book did a great job of making me understand the struggles that an American born kid goes through with his Indian born parents. I loved reading about the different food they ate, some slightly familiar like samosas and others still quite exotic. I am always up for a love story and related to falling head over heels with someone only to wonder what you were thinking years later. I was on the brink of tears many times when his dad dies (spoiler) and his mother is left alone while her grown kids go on with their life. Overall it was a beautifully written book.

I’m looking forward to watching the movie to see how it holds up. Have any of you seen it?

P.S. Jumpa Lahiril, the author is quite beautiful, no?

Coming Up Roses

2011-06-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

We had tornadoes just miles from our house last night. We live in western Mass, a place where tornadoes never happen. I will admit I was scared for a few moments when I saw how close they were to Sean at his office. I don't like when we are apart when stuff like this happens. The last thing I want is to be stranded by myself (well I had Logan but he was scared whole time and no help at all) miles from anyone I know. Not knowing if he's ok or if I can even get in touch with him. I saw on TV people weren't able to make or receive calls on their phone. Luckily we are all okay. There was a lot of damage, one of our offices, where I was suppose to be this morning has no power and you couldn't get there if you wanted because of all the down trees.

The weird things about storms: the next day is amazing. It's sunny, cool and breezy enough to keep the bugs at bay. It's my perfect day and no one would know that there is devastation just 15 miles away.

In better news my rose bush is back and better than ever. If/when we move I want to dig it up and take it with me. I love having fresh flowers in the house, in the bathroom, and by my bed.

Roses in the wine bottle from our trip to Canada.

I love using my stemless wine glasses for little rose buds.

Whats better than waking up to beautiful flowers.

It's almost Friday!

Book Review: The Help

2011-05-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

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This weekend while sitting in our hammock on the back porch on a rare hot summer day I listened to The Help by Kathryn Stockett. With a breeze cooling the beads of sweat rolling down my chest I listened to a girl, a little younger than me, with a thick southern accent read me a beautiful novel. A story much more than the intricacies of southern white women and their black help in the 60's. Still, parts of that moved me in ways I didn't think would. It was a story about change, hope, and trust. I cried, I laughed and I when it got too hot outside to listen I went inside because I couldn't put it down. In fact, the reason I got it on CD was to listen on long drives but I had to bring it in and listen to it on a portable dvd player (who has a cd player these days?) because I found myself missing those sweet southern voices in my ear.

It's moments like this that make me wonder: Who would I be if I stayed in Louisiana? Would I think the way I do now? I know I wouldn't speak the way I do now. No one ever guesses I grew up in the south. Born in Louisiana, I moved to the gulf of Florida when I was 5. I wouldn't lump this area as the south. It's different in many ways including the lack of an accent. Because of this and some time in speech therapy I had no southern drawl to speak of by the time we moved to a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia when I was 12. After high school I moved to Atlanta and lived there until I moved to Boston when I was 24.

I spent every summer when I was young in Baton Rouge and loved it. My extended family was there but it was more than that. It was driving around the LSU campus, eating good southern food and taking my grandparents dog to the elementary school to run and play. Driving to New Orleans was always exciting and the most anticipated part of my trip. It's such a beautiful, different world full of artist, musicians, the sounds of horse drawn buggys and of course the food.

This book took me back to that time and I'm thankful for it. Even though I loved my time there I am so happy with who I am now and I know I am this way because we left. I'm glad for the whole of me, flaws and all.

I think everyone should read this book. I think you might be surprised about what you find about the south and yourself.

P.S.I have secretly been telling Logan, whispering to him: You're a good boy, a sweet boy, a smart boy. I know it silly but I think he knows what I'm saying.

Sister's Baby Shower

2011-05-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the baby shower. We had fun eating, making onesies, predicting when baby will come and opening presents.

For food we had spinach bred bowl with veggies, mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers, cheese straws, fresh fruit and yogurt, deviled eggs and date, almond and bacon bites. Oh, and a yummy cake!

It was a fun day and I am so ready for this little bean to come and play!

Knitting: Top Down Cardigan

2011-05-24T12:28:00.000-07:00

I knit a sweater for my sister. Well, for my sisters baby due in September. I added buttons and a little patch which I will have you all later. It came out really cute.

No arms yet. .

Logan looks scared and confused. I think he was expecting me to put him in it but it like all my other knitting projects but it was to small this time.

Recipe:Watermelon Fizz

2011-05-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I just made that name up. Lame I know. I'm not even sure this drink deserves a name its so simple. 1 1/2oz vodka, frozen watermelon cubes, soda water (not tonic, gross!).

Thats all. Light refreshing and not heavy on the calories.

Recipe: Pizza Crust

2011-05-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Yum. I made this pizza dough (which is really focaccia dough recipe here over at Cakies one of my favorite blogs to read.) I tried to replicate my favorite which has greek olives, feta, sun dried tomatos and it was fantastic. The recipe makes a lot so I froze them in personal pizza sized balls and in the morning I just put how ever many I want in the fridge to defrost while I am at work. When I get home I roll out the dough top and put them in a 500 degree oven for 10ish min.s.

Such a quick and yummy dinner.

Cookies: Nautical Theme

2011-05-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned my sister is having a baby! The first for our family and we are very excited. Her baby shower was Sunday and I made some cookies as part of the favors. Her them is nautical which make perfect sense because my family loves the beach. Life preservers, sail boats, and suns galore. Here are just a few.

Mary's Bridal Shower

2011-05-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

I went to Sean's sister bridal shower Saturday (the one I made those cupcakes for). It turned out to be such a nice day so I watched his older sisters girls while everyone set up. Aren't they the cutest!

It's so hard to get them to look at the camera. Kids! Don't they know I need a good shot for the blog?
Some lovely person brought a cupcake stand for my cupcakes. Mine were mini's but I still think they look cute up there.
Grace made sure all the presents were safe.

There were quite a few ladies there. Mary is very luck to have so many women love and support her.
This is the youngest of the three girls. She is at my favorite age.Sean says I'm ageist and maybe I am. I can' help it!

Trip: Rowe, Ma

2011-05-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

This wasn't a fun trip but a work trip. I did get to take some pretty pictures. Maybe you live in the city? Maybe you need some green grass and farm animals in your life? Enjoy.

( I had no cell service and got lost but there were solar panels at the elementary school. . go figure)

Cupcake: Bridal Shower

2011-05-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

I have a bridal shower to go to tomorrow and yours truly is bringing the cupcakes. I made a ton. Mini. I realized I never posted what I learned from my Wilton cake class but you can see some of the flower work I learned here. I didn't make a flower for every cupcake just a few to add some visual interest.

I have two work events this weekend as well. Lame. But next weekend is my sisters Baby shower! And my mom is in town!

Book Review: The Paris Wife

2011-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

This book made me feel so many different things throughout the chapters. The main character, Hadley Hemingway, the wife of Ernest Hemingway, had me confident and proud one day and vulnerable and crying the next. First I was in the states, then Paris, then Spain watching a bull fight. The author, Paula McLain wrote a beautiful story of a women willing to let love lead her to a new world and trust that by supporting her husband and his dreams that her dreams would be fulfilled as well. In the end it didn't work out the way she hoped but it seems to me at least, she found how strong she could be and grew from the pain.

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I would absolutely recommend this book. It made me want to travel to Europe, play the piano and kiss and hug Sean for letting me be exactly who I am and do exactly what I want.

Mini Golf

2011-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Quick post on mini golf. It has become a Florida tradition to go play mini golf (there isn't much to do at night). It seems like most mini golf places have alligators which you can feed. The "food" looks a lot like Logan's dog treats. . . just saying.

As much as I hate to say it, Sean won.

Sean is 2 for 2 but I am not giving up. There is a golf range a block from my office and I think I might start hitting balls to gear up for next time!

Restaurant Review: Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

While in Florida my mom took us to the most amazing restaurant called Mar Vista. The food was awesome but the scenery was breathtaking. You sit under these old trees on the sandy beach with views of a pretty dock lined with boats I could never afford. We started with the biggest shrimp I have ever seen cooked in beer and old bay seasoning. Sean said it was the best shrimp he has ever had and I would have to agree. I also got the blackened tuna sandwich and a side salad. I was only able to have a few bites of tuna but took the rest home for dinner. There is nothing like fresh seafood. We ate lunch during the day but don't the stringed lights look so pretty?

The first four pictures are from their website and the last picture is my sweet mom.

Trip: Bradenton, FL

2011-05-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Can you think of anything better than sitting on a beach with the person you love most in the world? Sipping a beer, sand in your toes, reading an amazing book (post coming soon!) warm sun and a cool breeze. How about coming home to a warm pool and fabulous home cooked Cajun food? Or sitting under mangrove trees on the edge of a beach having the best shrimp ever and a frozen spiked lemonade? That's what I did last week and it was awesome.

I think having a 6 month winter makes me appreciate the south more now than I ever have. We had a beautiful time and now its back to work! But first some pretty pictures to look at.

I'm ready for my next vacation! PS: These were all taken with my iPhone 4 (bday gift from Sean) Aren't they great quality!

Nail Color

2011-05-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

A post about my fabulous vacation? Nope about nail polish. I snagged these at my local CVS. Normally I buy OPI but they have such a small choice where I shop and I heard so much about essie. So far so good. essie is a little thinner then OPI so you have to compensate but I love the color. These are really the only three colors I use and the watermelon color only on my toes only during the summer. I would wear wicked on my toes or nails and ballet slippers on my nails only. I am very specific about nail color!

What is your favorite brand/color?

Craft: 3 Year Easter Egg

2011-04-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

It's been 3 years since I met the love of my life while waiting for the T. Now I am waiting for him to get up so we can go to Florida! I'm so excited! I need warm weather and sun before this cold rain turns me in to a permanent prune. To combat the gross weather I made another batch of blueberry muffins to give to Sean's mom for watching Logan and my sister for driving me us to the airport. I think the wrapper was a little on the Easter side so I think it works!

I was making a salad with beets from a can and being so close to Easter I decided to use the juice to dye an egg or two. First, I made a whole in each in and blew the egg out. Then I cut tap to make it look like bunting and the number three and pooped them in the beet juice with some vinegar. The dye didn't really take so I drew on them to make them cuter.
After a few days of drying I wrote a little note and rolled it up super tight and put it through the bottom hole.

Isn't it the cutest! I wrote an actual note and will be giving it to Sean today but my test egg was great. Now to get the bum out of bed and off to Florida! Have a great Easter!

Mini Cupcakes

2011-04-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have been in love with the idea of mini cupcakes recently. I posted yesterday about my mini muffins. Maybe it's because I am watching my caloric intake or maybe because everything smaller is cuter but either way they have me hooked. There is no recipe for these. It was a left over white box mix and the kitchen aid chocolate frosting recipe which I interpreted with to many altercations to really say its the same recipe. What we have though is a fluffy light cake and a rich dense chocolate frosting.
Those are giant bottles of wine (we have a bunch of people coming over Saturday night) and mini cupcakes.
The frosting piped quite nicely. I think I have the hang of consistency. .. maybe.
These cupcakes are off to work today and will be eaten by many lovely volunteers in appreciation for all their hard work. Do you volunteer anywhere? I am thinking I should find something but now sure what.

Recipe: Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

2011-04-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

You can find the recipe for these over at SkinnyTaste.com. I have to say I think that is the worst blog name ever(although some could say the same about mine) but I love that she uses real ingredients. No Splenda or diet stuff. Just real things in moderation and great swaps (like the apple sauce for oil). I made minis which came out to 47 calories per muffins and made 43 mini muffins. Eating 3 is like eating 1 big muffin but feels like more to me.

I will say even Sean liked them although I thought they would be to "whole wheat healthy" but he kept going back for more. I will be making them again on Saturday! I don't think I mentioned it before but they are super easy.

Restaurant Review: Steve's Sugar Shack

2011-04-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

Do you know what a sugar shack is? I didn't until my boss mentioned she likes to try them all. That doesn't seem hard except they are only open a couple months during maple season. We were luckily enough to catch the last day at Steve's Sugar Shack in Westhampton. Maybe my boss talked it up a bit but we weren't blown away. Even the maple syrup was just good, not great. It was fun to go though knowing that this place is only open 8 weekends a year.

I am baking two times before we leave on Sunday. First for a work event on Thursday and then on Saturday a little thank you gift for Sean's family for watching Logan and some for my sister who is driving us to the airport. Besides that lots of laundry and cleaning to do before hand!

Lazy Sunday: Flowers

2011-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Just a few flower pictures to brighten your day. In one week Sean and I will be in Florida having dinner with my family. I can't wait! Now I just have to get through these next few days. . .

Recipe: Macarons

2011-04-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to make Macarons since they first exploded in the blog world months ago. Now, with my trusty kitchen aid maker and a new food scale I was ready to go. I had read up on different techniques and read many blogs and decided to go with the no nonsense approach of Brave Tart She even has a separate blog post debunking myths about macarons. She makes these as her job. For all those reason I set off confident in my mission: to make the perfect Macaron on the first attempt. (ha just kidding)

You could say my mission failed. But I think it was a great first attempt and they tasted great. Always the important thing. The interesting part is some of them came out beautiful with feet or heads or mounds, while others were cracked on the top with no skirt. (I don't really know the terminology here) I have not given up and will be searching the Internet to find out what happen to my little cracked puffs of sugar. For now though, here are the results.

As you can see they should have been a pretty blue/teal color but browned a bit, they all had nipples, and some cracked while others didn't. I did notice that the fist piped macrons didn't crack so I wonder if there is something to that. Also my ganache was a not mess. Super thin and messy. I ended up dipping Girl Scout cookies in it for Sean because I had so much left over. I read that putting to baking pans together could help the browning issue. If you have any suggestions on where I went wrong please let me know!

Recipe:Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-04-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Life is trucking along at a steady pace right now. Now that it's getting warmer I am starting to get very happy. I love the heat. I am taking a knitting class and have one more week of that to go. I am also doing a lot of baking and trying not to do a lot of eating. I go to the gym almost every day and Sean comes along a lot. I am currently hunting down books to read and might make a stop to the library after the gym today. We have a vacation in 11 days which is extremely exciting. Now on to the cookies! This must be my third or fourth recipe for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies but it's the only cookie Sean asks for. I'd say its an above average cookie but still not the one I'm looking for. Do any or you have a good recipe?

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

I did as suggested in other reviews and increased the flour by 1/2 cup and baking soda by 1/2 tablespoon, cut the salt to 1/2 tsp.

Birthday Wrap Up

2011-04-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

What a great day Monday was. It started with a massage, mani/pedi, avocado, tomato, cheddar egg sandwich on rye! Then I delivered cupcakes to work (I had to drop something else off and those cupcakes were staring at me all day) and went home to knit a bit. When Sean got home he presented me with some awesome gifts.

An upgrade to an iPhone4. Its amazing!! So fast and pretty.

An over night trip to Burlington, Vt to visit the Magic Hat Brewery! I have been wanting to go ever since I moved up here.

I also got Victoria Secrete Red Sox sweatshirt and sweatpants. Which I asked for :) I needed some good lounging pants.

I was also treated to dinner at a vegetarian restaurant in Northampton. Yum!

We ended the night watching Amelie snuggled on the couch. It really was a perfect day. I did take a few pictures but I let a coworker borrow my camera to take pictures of a troop so maybe in a few days I'll get some up.

In other news Logan went to the vet yesterday to get a lump looked out. The vet didn't like the way the cells she took looked so they sent them out to a lab. 3-5 days for the results. I am really hoping it is nothing. He is only 2 1/2 and I'm not mentally ready for him to have to go through a bunch of surgeries or any surgery for that matter. So please keep my little boy in your thoughts.Here is one of my favorite pictures of us since I don't have any other pictures for you today.

Recipe: Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Lemon Buttercream

2011-04-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

It's my Birthday! So far I have had an excellent massage, mani/pedi and a yummy avocado, tomato, cheddar egg sandwich! I decided to make myself some cupcakes that I have been eying. I think they might be the best thing I have ever made (not to mention they re stinking cute!). They are so flavorful and moist. You must try this recipe.

Lemon and Blueberry Cupcakes

yield approximately 24 cupcakes

For the Cake Ingredients 2 1/4 cups cake flour (I used Swan’s Down brand) 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature 4 large egg whites, room temperature 1 1/2 cups sugar

lemon zest from two lemons (finely grated) 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract

Directions Getting Ready: Center a rack in the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cupcake tins with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. 1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg whites. 3. Place the sugar and lemon zest in the bowl of your mixer or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter and, working with the paddle or whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light. Beat in the extracts, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, beating until the batter is homogeneous, then add the last of the dry ingredients. Finally, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Using a large scoop (about 3 tablespoons), distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells, filling each well 2/3 full. 4. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cupcakes are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the centers come out clean. Cool on wire rack. 5. Once cupcakes have cooled, hollow out a small circle in the center of each cupcake; I use an apple corer because I am anal and obsessed with symmetry.

For the lemon curd Ingredients 1 cup white sugar 3 eggs 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons) zest of 3 lemons 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions 1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until smooth and thoroughly combined. Whisk in lemon juice, lemon zest and butter. 2. Cook in the microwave on full power for one minute intervals, stirring after each minute. This process will take about 3-5 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave. You will know the lemon curd is done cooking when it coats the back of a metal spoon. 3. Remove from the microwave, and allow to cool completely before filling cupcakes. 4. Pipe or spoon the lemon curd into each hollowed cupcake and top with buttercream.

For the buttercream Ingredients 4 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted pinch of fine grain sea salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract zest of one lemon (finely grated) ½ cup fresh blueberries, pureed with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1-3 tablespoons very cold milk (add until you reach desired consistency)

Directions 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Slowly add in confectioner’s sugar, and continue creaming until well blended. 2. Add salt, vanilla, lemon zest and blueberry puree and mix until well combined. If buttercream is too thick, slowly drizzle in milk until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Cake: Rose Cake Take One

2011-03-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

I made this cake to bring to lunch after Sean's niece's Baptism. It was suppose to turn out like this one which I instantly fell in love with. Her cake must have been much smaller. But lets be honest it's really the baby's big sisters cake and since the cake is funfetti I think I win no matter what.

My New Love

2011-03-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Technically my birthday is not until April 4th but I was watching an Ina Garten show and she made me open my gift from my family. It's all her fault. Could you blame me?

Isn't she beautiful! The color is called BayLeaf. Normally I would go for a classic silver but this color won me over. It was love at first sight. I will call her Bay and she can do no wrong. I have already used her three times and each time I wonder why I waited so long to get her.

In other news I am still going strong with no sugar and daily gym (except for one small cookie I made but I had to try it before I gave them away!). Today I ran (and by ran I mean jogged) 20 min.s which is my highest time yet and I felt good! That last part is important. I didn't feel like I was going to die. In fact the last couple min.s I pushed and ran really fast. So right now, today, I think this Couch to 5K program knows what they are talking about.

If it would just warm up a bit I would be a very happy girl but winter just isn't ready to go.

Restaurant Review: The Lone Wolf

2011-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

We were in the car coming home from the gym and and Sean says, " I want to play a video game when I get home." It's not like he doesn't play them every night nor was he asking permission in anyway, he was just that excited to get home and play. I told him I wish I had something that I was that passionate about or got that excited about. So I started thinking what really is there that I get that excited about. Drinking on a hot day outside with friends (preferably my friends), decorating cookies and cakes (especially if its for a fun reason), cooking new things, shopping (I guess more so if I had money), crafty stuff (I'd love a sewing machine), bar crawls on a hot day (ha, I am seeing a pattern), the beach, vacations, I am really excited that in a few years I can finally get a baby (I know that sounds weird), I like knitting but its hard for me to get started recently, I like going to outdoor fairs and festivals. Most of this either cost money or calories. The first I need more of the second I need less of.

All that being said what I really want is something do do from 7:30-10pm m-f besides watching bad TV. I need suggestions! Now on to the actual post.

We went to this Brunch place in Amherst, Ma a while back. It was yummy. They had lots of veg/vegan options and Mimosas!

Lent

2011-03-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have given up sugar. Not fruit or anything but like candy and all the crap people bring to staff meetings. I'm also not really doing it for "Lent". I'm doing it because Easter happens to fall on the first day of our trip to Florida (and I was brought up Catholic and consider myself a "Cultural Catholic" I came up with that myself so please don't go look for a definition). The first day in along time that I will be putting on a swimsuit. I will be pale, very pale, and it would be nice to fit into the clothes I did this time last year. That's not to much to ask right? Then how come I worked out 6 days last week, was sore for the majority, had no sweets, watched what I ate and I didn't loose one pound. Life is cruel. I'm not giving up I'm just taking a second to complain. I will go to the gym tonight, I will eat a date instead of a cookie and hopefully this time next week I will have a better report. Oh, and this is in no way becoming a weight loss blog. Although I love reading others I'd rather not feel required to update you on my progress or lack there of.

Oh, I am doing couch to 5k

Fork It Over- Staff Edition

2011-03-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

At the Girl Scouts we have a fundraising event called Fork It Over where local chefs make an appetizer using girl scout cookies. For an all staff meeting coming up we are having a staff edition. I wanted to do something really cool but then I started thinking about cost and travel time (an hour and a half) and decided on Tagalongs Rice Krispies. There is a little shot of chocolate almond frosting under the half cookie. It is quite a bite full !

Logan always barks at me when I take pictures. He must have been traumatized by our camera when he was a puppy. Or maybe he is jealous.

Cake: Archery

2011-03-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

We had a long time employee move to another state. She taught me so much when I was new and lost and I wanted to make her a cake. Her passion is teaching archery so I made her this cake. Once again I didn't get the frosting thick enough so it was kind of soupy. I really need to practice my frosting consistency. Otherwise I think its pretty cute and she loved it.

New Favorite Meal

2011-03-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Easy, quick, healthy and delicious. Just stir fry and season to taste. These Quorn tenders are awesome by the way. They have great firm texture not mushy like some fake meat products.