Thursday, February 28, 2013

Happy Birthday Banner


When I was growing up we had a happy birthday banner. It was made out of metallic cardstock-ish paper with metal connectors. The colors were: red, gold, green, and blue. They shimmered the way a flashlight does when it is running low on batteries. It didn't hang alone there were also Garfield coloring book pages that were specifically birthday themed

Whenever it was someone's birthday I would pop out of bed and head to the china cabinet. We kept our sign and coloring pages in the drawers below (you know right under the fancy china). I'm telling you birthdays have always been special. I would rush out to the mantle and hang the banner and pages from the nails left from Christmas.  I was always very careful to beat the birthday honoree up so they would be totally surprised even though I did this every year. I loved it and I hope to pass that excitement on to Vivi and any other friends or family I have the privilege to celebrate with.

Viola will turn one tomorrow, Frank (my father in law) has a birthday on Saturday and Will turns 30 the following week. Needless to say we have need for a birthday banner. Don't worry I took care of it. You may remember this fabric from this previous project. I used the left overs to make the banner.








Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Homemade Cheese Crackers


Here is my next homemade experiment from the Outer Isles . I love Cheezits. I could eat my weight in them. Instead of reaching for that box in the middle isle I am trying my hand at recreating this yummy treat. I used this recipe from In the kitchen with Kath.

Blend ingredients
Flatten the dough
Cut into squares
So good!


These crackers were delicious. The recipe didn't make that many but it was enough to satisfy my craving. The freshness on these is only a few days so if you wanted them around all the time than it would be easier to buy the ones in the store, but for a nice treat they are perfect.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Weekend Wrap up Phoenix Style

 My sweet friend Sarah flew me to Phoenix this past weekend to help with her wedding decorations. Elisa another one of Sarah's dearest friends (also a friend of mine) spent the weekend with us. It was so much fun. We watched as Sarah tried on all the dresses we picked out. We drank lots of coffee, crafted, and chatted about our lives. I also got to meet her husband to be! He is the kindest man and is so in love with Sarah, it makes me smile.


Lots of ribbons, burlap, mason jars, and lace.
Doughnuts from Bosa a tradition of Ryan and Sarah.

Meanwhile back at home Will is having a spend the night party with Vivi at her Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt's house. They also attended an Oscar party where Vivi won the category of best kiss giver. It is one of her new favorite things. I can't believe she is going to be 1 at the end of the week. Where does the time go?


I hope your weekend was filled with good food and friends.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A Weekend in the Midwest


Will and I spent last weekend in Minneapolis trying to decide if we could see ourselves living there. We have to submit our final choices for residency very soon. Minneapolis was still at the top of Will's list, but I still hadn't been there. We hopped on a plane and put our exploring shoes on. The city was great and we enjoyed some time together. I don't know if you know this but it is cold in the Midwest.







Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Belated Fat Tuesday!


I love celebrating carnival (the period of time between Epiphany and Lent). The tradition really started last year. We put on Pandora's Mardi Gras station and made our first ever king cake. It wasn't New Orleans, but it would have to do since I was almost 40 weeks pregnant.  Will was the finder of the bean and therefore took his reign as king for the next 24 hours. This year it was Lindsay who found the baby and was awarded the title of king. Not to put too much pressure on her, but I knew she would use her creative juices and make it amazing. She did not disappoint.

Here is the story of our Fat Tuesday day at the Monocle Monastic House:

We woke to handmade presents on the kitchen table.
Our King was in action. She let us pick our present which held our title for the day.

Will was in charge of all the meals. Given that the king approved.
Mikey had the job of keeping the king laughing and planning fun activities.
I was in charge of interviews, pictures, and recording her decrees.
Vivi was the cup bearer. She had to hold the cup and make it jingle.
We enjoyed late start breakfast which included: Frittata, pancakes, and real maple syrup.
When the king got home we were making a homemade king cake.
While the dough was rising Mikey picked bowling as our first activity to which the king didn't deny.

The king had a royal escort to the games.
Decreeing the order in which we would bowl.
Vivi bearing her cup.
 Royal snacks were attained.
Vivi's encouragement after a bowl.
The jester gave us his royal expertise.
The king showed us her fantastic form.
Vivi gave us her good mojo.
People were made about losing. Our cup bearer turned out to also be a peacekeeper. 
The Royal Chef's pick of The Red Pearl a local Chinese Restaurant. The king was impressed.
The dough had done its job.
The Royal Chef worked his baking magic.
Not baking one but...
Two King Cakes
The last order of business was to play the king's favorite game.
Settlers of Catan
Mikey found the baby and will reign as king for next year's celebration.