A Bite of Perfection!!

I owe a HUGE thanks to this girl. She introduced me to the cupcake. Well, not introduced me. I knew them. I'd had them as a kid. Occasionally, at work. But I had never really known, a good cupcake. Not until my friend.

She happens to adore cupcakes. And she's good at baking them. All sorts of them. And she treats so many people, to her yummy creations!! But this week, she totally out did herself!! With these sweet treats.

 

When Lola asked me, what she could bring to the girls' baptismo, I left it up to her. Knowing that we wouldn't be disappointed. She's a GREAT cook!! And when she should up, with dozens of these perfect little cupcakes, I was over the moon!!

 

They were light, and full of flavor. Yummy strawberry. The icing was light, and fluffy. And when I asked her for the recipe, she didn't hesitate. She pointed me here. Told me about the little changes she had made. And we ate a few more. I have a feeling, I'll be making these for years to come!!

50 and Hot!!

This week, one of the amazing ladies I work with, is turning 50!! We're having a surprise birthday party for her. At work. :) I already bought her a gift. But I wanted to get her something, well a little fun.

After hours and hours, of searching on Pinterest, I found this blog post. And this fun idea!! Even me, the craft challenged, can do this. :)

I think this is going to be a fun little project. I'm pretty sure I can find the candy and the jar, at the Dollar Tree. The numbers and letters, I might have to make a quick trip to Hobby Lobby!! :) James thinks I make up these trips to HL. Because I can never leave, without buying something for the girls!!

Fresh for a Friday

Tomorrow night, we're headed to a dinner with our "Firefighter Family." It's always a good time. Lots of laughs!! Just time to catch up, with all of our friends.

And one of the best things, about our little dinners, is trying new food. This time, I'm supposed to be bringing the dessert. After finding out, what everyone else was bringing, I knew I wanted something light. Something fruity.

What's a woman to do? Turn to her friend of course! Especially when she's a dietitian. :) Lola told me about this yummy recipe she had come across. And you know what, it just sounds too yummy!!

On my way home from work today, I made a stop at the grocery store. For all the ingredients. I might have dug into a few of the berries. I couldn't resist!! They looked too perfect. And the glasses?? I found something really similar at the Dollar Tree. Who knew?? Better yet, the manager let me have them for half off. Why?? He said because I'm a nurse. My hubby is a fireman. And I was buying 2 dozen. Sweet, sweet man!!

 

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Other than the yumminess going on tomorrow night, it's going to be a busy weekend for us. It's almost Cinco de Mayo. So around here, that means lots of celebrations!! And we're definitely going to see this lovely lady, sing her heart out. Have a GREAT weekend!!

Just the Inspiration I Needed

Last week, while reading this post, I was inspired. In case you didn't know, I've been a bit lazy in the style department. I have no excuse! But during my last trimester, my outfit of choice was pjs. Or these comfy maternity pants, with a long maternity tank. Shhh! I still wear those tanks. :)

 

And let's just be honest here, I'm a nurse. I spend my days, in scrubs. They're comfy. Perfect for a lazy bun like me. And very matchy, matchy. Essentially....a "no brainer." When I get home, I reach for those pjs. It's a sad, sad cycle. But one that I've been in, for a few months.

 

But back to Andrea. She is 9 months pregnant. In this picture. With her 3rd baby!! And look at how stylish she is. I adore, and maybe just maybe, am a bit jealous of her scarf collection. Reminds me a lot of Ms. Lola's scarf collection. Where do these ladies find, such fun scarves??

 

I saw this look last week. And really liked it. Andrea actually has on jeans, a white t-shirt, and a comfy sweater/cardigan. But these earrings and scarf....they make the entire outfit for me!!

 

 

I wanted a scarf and these earrings for myself. Like these. But how do you ask a perfect stranger? Andrea probably already thinks I'm a nutcase! I asked her about 100 questions last week. So I thought twice about this....

 

But I just couldn't get them out of my mind. What's a girl to do?? Then maybe just maybe, my sweet friend came to the rescue. Told me to hit up Wal-Mart for a similar scarf. Are you for real?? She was!! They had them, in all sorts of neon colors!!

 

And those earrings?? I found a very similar pair at the mall. Where?? Claire's!! I know. It's supposed to be for little girls. But as I walked by, twins in tow, I saw the girl unpacking some boxes. And a bunch of flower earrings. Mine are neon pink, with "gold" accents. Now I need somewhere to go. I've got a cute outfit to wear. Thank you Andrea, for the inspiration! Now do think my sweet hubs would like to meet for lunch??

I NEED to Go Shopping!!

On Sunday night, I was a little tired. After our big Target shopping trip. The girls must have been too! Because they fell asleep early. And stayed asleep, for hours!!

That gave me and James a little time, to catch up on things. For me, that meant a little blog reading. And some ice cream eating. Oh ya! And when I got to Andrea's blog, I was met with such a fun post!! Griffin is going to be one lucky little lady!! And that makes me want to go shopping, for our girls. :)

How about some cute onesies. And Babylegs!! Add a few bows, and we're all set for summer. I'm not sure if those are shorts or skirts....but those are adorable too!! Where can I get outfits like this??

 

How about this adorable dress? Oh my goodness! So cute. I don't know what it is. But I adore this dress. Maybe it's because it's a feminine dress. With a masculine print. I really adore this dress. Where can I find this one??

 

 

Lastly, this adorable outfit!! Perfect for a fall day. Those tights, are killing me!! I think I spotted some like these, at GAP Kids. At least I'm hoping I did! The rest, I have no clue!! But my sweets NEED this outfit. Don't worry. Momma is all over this.

 

Maybe this is just an excuse, for me to go shopping. You know, I spent my last trimester on bedrest. And the first few months, of my girls' lives, cuddled up at home. Shopping hasn't been too high on my priority list. Now I need to make up for it. Because my girls need some cute outfits. Or I need some friends like Andrea and Amber....who can shop for us. And have such great style!! Lola, Manders, Rach, anyone willing to do this for me??



Monday with a Little Cake....

I started my 2nd week back at work. Today. I'm beat! And very thankful, when I got to come home early. In fact, I might have tried to kiss the lead nurse. I think Maria just knew, I'm still struggling with this new schedule.

James got off of work, earlier in the day, than me. So he picked up the girls. And this momma ran home! Practically. When I got home, I was grateful to see that James had done a little grocery shopping. And noticed my list. That included ingredients, for this lovely cake. :)

I spotted this cake last night. When I was reading some of my favorite blogs. Really, it was like the heavens were opening up. Orangesicles are my favorite summertime treat!! Even half asleep, and with only a receipt to write on, I jotted down the ingredients.

And because our beautiful baby girls, were down for their afternoon nap, when I got home. And James had fallen asleep too. Momma had some time on her hands. Which was good for all. I mixed together this treat. And now, I'm sitting here, waiting for the fruits of my labor, to be ready.

Really, how can I complain? It's Monday, and I got to leave work early. My girls are happy and healthy. My hubby is too! And we have the rest of tonight, to just enjoy each other's company. And a piece of this delicious cake!! My whole house, smells like an Orangesicle!!

If you want to bake one too, head over to Shay's blog for the directions. And don't blame me, if you spend a few hours searching through her recipes. :)

Sugar and Spice: Week 15

What a week!! People. It. Was. CRAZY!!!! And emotional. And I'm glad it's in the books. And behind us. Looking forward to a better week! Let's start this week's Sugar and Spice!!

 

Sugar:

 

*SURVIVING my first week, back to work. I cried many times. Leaned on friends at work. And I'm grateful, that our girls get to stay with Rach, when both James and I are working!

*The HUGE sale at Target!! For real. If you haven't been, run now. Or first thing in the morning. I'm not lying!! GREAT prices on diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and baby gear. With coupons, some stuff was free!! And they gave us giftcards, just for shopping this week!!

*Shopping for James and I. Since we saved some money this week, on diapers and wipes, we bought some clothes. Because you just can't pass up $5 shirts and tanks. And $8 shorts!! Not when we have over 40 days of 100+ temps, a year!!

*A little splurge for this momma. Essie's Tart Deco nail polish. LOVE this color!! It's perfect for Spring!!

*Beautiful, 70 degree, Spring weather. Thank you Jesus!! This week was just beautiful!!

*A long lazy, Friday evening. Spent laying under our tree, in the backyard. With the girls. Enjoying each other. And this weather!!

*A yummy dinner, with our "Firefighter Family." Good food. Great company!!

*Hart of Dixie. LOVE this show!!

*Bible study. This week, I just needed it. God answered my prayers. And my soul feels complete again!

*Baby bath time!! My favorite time of the day. Playing with our girls. Watching all their cute facial expressions. Just soaking it all up!!

 

 

Spice:

*Going back to work. Being apart from my girls. It was almost too much for this momma to take!!
*All the demo going on in this city!! So much controversy going with it. So much destruction. So much dust and smoke.
*Eating McD's twice for lunch. This week. Because the cafeteria was insane!! I need to start packing my lunch.
*My aching feet. I forgot what it was like, to work 12+ hours/day.
*Dry hands. I NEED to go buy some good lotion. Working in the hospital, is tough on your hands.
*Doing our taxes. When did it get to be so crazy? We finally got them in the mail on Thursday!!
*Cancelling my mani-pedi. Because my feet were so tired, I couldn't think of walking from my car, to the front door.
*Sonic charging me full price, twice this week. During "Happy Hour." For my favorite diet cherry limeaid. FAIL!!
*Re-runs of Grey's Anatomy this week. What's up with that?!?!
*And re-runs of 2 Broke Girls. I miss my favorite TV shows!!

It was a crazy week. This weekend completely made up for it!! Lots of time spent with my little family. Cuddling. Comfy in our pjs. Loving our life!! The little shopping trip to Target today, was a total success!! Love when that happens!! Have a GREAT week!!

Breast Milk Jewelry

If you don't know by now, I'm a sucker for jewelry. There is rarely a piece, that I don't like. Charming Charlies....I NEVER leave without buying something. Etsy....I have spent so much money on "one of a kind" pieces! I LOVE JEWELRY!!

But when a friend e-mailed me this article, on Monday, I didn't know what to say. Literally, didn't know what to say. I love jewelry. I love breastfeeding my girls. But to wear a necklace, with my breast milk???? I just don't know....

What do you think?? It's a beautiful necklace. The craftsmanship is amazing! I like the handmade look. You feel like it's made with so much love. I just can't get past the fact, that the heart....is breast milk!!

There a number of necklaces, on my wishlist. All handmade. Many having something to do with the girls. Or our family. But this?? I'm not so sure. What do you think? Are you this sentimental? Do you think it's odd? Am I over thinking this??

The Best Chinese Chicken Salad

The weather around here is warming up. Like REALLY warming up. And I'm not much in the mood for cooking. It happens every year. The weather gets warmer....I get lazier. It's horrible! But who wants to be stuck in the kitchen....when it's hitting 80 degrees outside? Not me!!

 

I'm also a BIG fan of salads. To be quite honest, at least 3 times a week, during the summer....we eat salad for dinner. Not just the kind out of a bag. But a salad that has some protein in it. Something filling. And yummy!! My fireman doesn't mind either. Because 9 times out of 10, it's followed up with dessert. Some kind of ice cream and fruit. :)

 

 

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading. And noticed this salad on Little Miss Momma. Hello! Ashley, you just made my week!! Tomorrow, I'm making the Best Chinese Chicken Salad. A few friends are coming over for lunch. And I think this would be an awesome fun, and light lunch!!

Who Knew??

I've really been enjoying my girls. And maternity leave. And of course, this warm weather. Tonight, James is going to grill for us. A little chicken. And I told him that I'd make some sort of pasta salad. It's our favorite!!

 

I was thinking about this. And how I wanted to try something new. Something a little different. And I remembered this post. I'd read it months ago. Then I bookmarked it. Today, I dug this back up. I wrote down the ingredients. And loaded up the girls.

 

My quick trip to the store, resulted in 2 hours at World Market. Then another 2 hours at Target. Not including breastfeeding in the car. You see, I got a little distracted. There are so many great things at World Market!! I usually go with my friend. But she's been out of town.

I still can't believe, that I spent that long, in World Market!! How in the world, do you debate buying serving bowls and platters, for an hour? I did!! And I know it will happen again. Because I love that place!! And I really do adore Target. For the love of life itself, why does Target always have to have such cute things??

Back to my regularly scheduled program here. :) I've got noodles boiling. And veggies chopped. Who knew, you could eat zucchini raw?? I didn't!! It's a new concept for me. But something I'm excited to try. Now what time is?? And when is James coming home?? Because I might have also picked up some fresh pineapple to grill. And a little vanilla ice cream to go with it. This staying home business, it's a GREAT thing!! Next up on my aadventures, trying a few more of these yummy treats. :)