February 22, 2014

Who knew?

All these years and I didn't know there was a national margarita day!


Mark Feb 22 on all your future calendars!

February 17, 2014

XX

I am not old. I am not old. I am not old. I. am. NOT. old!

My firstborn turned 20 two days ago - no longer a teenager and officially an adult. How is that even possible?! Um, I'm only 29. I'm actually not one of those who say they're younger than they are or hate their birthdays I love ME days! It's just that I think I'm younger than I am ... likely a hallmark of immaturity. But hey, attitude and positive thinking go a long way, right?! There's that whole mind-body connection thing. Work with me

I love my daughter ... she is the best of my and hubby's qualities plus her own sweet sassiness. She is confident, motivated, loving, bubbly and bright. She is currently a brunette, but was born a tow head and it comes out in her many "blonde moments". She's fiercely loyal to those she loves and has a soft spot for animals, kids and the elderly. Studying to become a respiratory therapist, she will undoubtedly achieve everything she sets out to and make the difference in countless lives. She is my buddy in movies, Olympics watching, mani/pedis and shopping.

Favorite eats: Caesar Salad, Fettucine Alfredo, steak, broccoli and junk food
Favorite people: bestie Abby, boyfriend Steven and her baby, Mittens
Favorite shows: Kardashians (sigh), Game of Thrones, Walking Dead and True Blood
Favorite places: her room, Chipotle and the mall

I am excited to see what lies ahead for Sassy's 21st year!

February 16, 2014

Busy baker

I have been in my happy place the last two weekends ... baking. First I was inspired by this post to make something special for one of my valentines (Hi Mom!). These turned out delicious but next time I'll make them much smaller ... they were about 2" in diameter and so addictive you couldn't just stop at one or two. Before I knew it they were gone! It didn't help that Abbie the wonder dog had a nice big snack while I turned my back for three minutes gee whiz, a girl can't even go to the bathroom around here without having to lock up the goods ... she was literally in the doghouse.
Yesterday I whipped up vanilla cupcakes with Nutella frosting for Sassy and then because I had a whole bunch of frosting leftover I made vanilla macarons.

 I have been trying to perfect the macaron for over a year now and finally achieved success! I would feel incredibly accomplished except I know this could be fleeting ... macarons are notoriously temperamental. While I was at it I made a batch of cranberry pistachio biscotti. A certain someone has dropped some not so subtle hints that they needed restocking. And finally I made hubby a special treat with this recipe for copycat Shamrock Shake... fantastic!