Party Party Party

I need your best, most delicious, moist, melt in your mouth, secret family cake recipe. I am starting to test out recipes for Miss A's first birthday party and I need a killer cake recipe.

I am thinking something along the lines of a yummy pound cake, but I want your recipes!

**New pictures at Baby M**

Gable Vines jewelery

One of my best girlfriends launched her own jewelery line and I am in love with everything she makes. I love to layer the 2 citrine necklaces that I have.

Gable Vines jewelery

I have a couple of her pieces and I feel like she is my personal jewelry lady. The quality of her stuff is great and she makes the most creative pieces. You would never have to worry about someone else having the same necklace that you have. Plus, she is affordable. Nice, classy jewelery that will not break the bank. Sign me up.

Want her to make something for you? Go check out her website and give her a shout.

**There are new pictures over at Baby M**

Heather Bailey fabric

I came across this fabric the other day and I am in love. These prints have me dreaming in color... specifically turquoise, green, yellow and pink.

I have decorating bipolar syndrome. I love houses that are all shades of white....crisp and clean lines...everything in various neutrals, simple prints and nothing too over the top. Basically, everything about the house in Something's Gotta Give.

And then there are other times where I want to be surrounded in color. Bright and fun. Full of pattern. Full of life. For this stage of my life, color wins. I think that a home should reflect your personality, and when you have a game room that is full of bright, plastic kids toys you don't want to worry about the white sofa. Or the cream curtains. I have to step out of my comfort zone and it takes some adjustment for me to get used to all of this color, but so far, so good.

XOXO

Valentine's Day had never been one of my favorite holidays. Heck, I don't even think it is a holiday. But, it is a great reason to buy pretty cards and bake cookies.

Miss A has decided that she wants to send out some pretty cards to her friends and family. She will be sending out some classy letterpress cards by Carrot & Stick Press. Yes, I know these are not very "babyish" or "kiddish", but just like her clothes... as long as I am paying and she cannot speak up, I get to pick. We are going to include some recent pics of the girl.

And for the nursery workers at our church, Miss A is going to make them a heart cookie cake. I like to spoil these ladies with treats for every special occasion. They do a wonderful job taking care of our little ones, plus it will helps keep her as one of their favorite babies. :) And for a sneak peak of those pictures, head over to Baby M.

$15 off $15

When was the last time you shopped at The Limited? I cannot remember the last time (probably my sophomore year of college) I bought something there, but with this coupon I might take a look at what they have for spring.
This cardigan and t would be perfect for my uniform. (But not worn together... that would be rosette overload)

My Advice

In the middle of the night.
When all the world asleep.
It is quiet and still.
It is just the two of you.

Some of the best advice I received (when pregnant) was to cherish the time you spend with your little one, in the middle of the night. I feel like all is right in the world when she is curled up in my arms with her head on my chest. I breathe in the smell of her hair and I just want to hold onto that moment forever. The sleepless night are few and far between. So, if you are pregnant and sick and tired of hearing people tell you "sleep now!" or "get ready for those 2 am feedings" or "you will never sleep again" just remember that they grow up so quickly. And those times when you are up, just the two of you, that will not last forever. And you grow to miss that special time.

As Miss A is nearing her 1st birthday, we are continuing to have soo much fun with her. She lights up when you walk in to a room. She races over to where you are, and she is constantly doing new things.

Over the weekend I was with my cousin and her little girl, getting pictures taken of the girls. The photographer kept saying "the baby" or "the toddler" and oh my gosh.... Miss A was the toddler she was talking about! My baby is now a toddler!

Stock 101

There are a couple of domestic things that I consider to be the ultimate in Martha Stewart-ness.

- making homemade crust (check)

- making homemade organic baby food (check)

- making homemade chicken stock (check!)

Yes, last week I made homemade chicken stock. It was fast, easy and free. (Not necessarily, but close enough.) For the past couple of weeks I froze almost bad carrots, onions, and celery and frozethe carcass of a rotisserie chicken. I added all of these ingredients, plus salt and pepper and boiled away. The stock only cook a couple of hours to reduce down and after straining out of the stuff, I was left with 3 good sized jars of free chicken stock.

Not sure what I am going to make with it, but I like to admire my work every time I open the freezer.

Inspiration

How do you normally decorate a room? Most of the time, I have a mental picture of how I want the room to end up looking and then start looking for fabric, paint, decorative items, etc. Sometimes this method works.... other times I am left searching for the just right piece.

I am already starting to mentally decorate Miss A's big girl room. (NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!!!) And this time my inspiration is a super cute polka dot fabric.

I can already picture it.... light turquoise walls. White vintage metal beds. Pink and yellow accents. This wonderful quilt.

Almost makes me want to get knocked up so I can move her into her big girl room. Not really.

***New pictures at Baby M***