Life Shiny Side Up

Fridays

2012-01-20T09:48:00.000-06:00

Fridays start my weekend.

On Fridays, I get to wake up when I want to.

I don't have to jump out of bed and get to a work out...unless I want to.

I drink as many cups of coffee as I want, and I don't have to get dressed.

On Fridays, I catch up on all of the blogs I used to read daily.

and I get to say hi to you :)

On Fridays, I get to figure out how to work Pinterest. And then give up because I don't get it.

I get to catch up on laundry

I get to read

I get to catch up on cleaning

On Fridays, I get to finish baking the cookies that I started on on Tuesday.

I get to watch Julia Child on Netflix

On Fridays, I get to catch up on groceries

shopping

Dr. appointments

I basically just catch up on my life on Fridays.

T.G.I.F.

A few of what I've been up to

2012-01-16T09:02:00.000-06:00

Road Trip: October 6,7,8 2011

2011-12-20T09:13:00.000-06:00

Dear husband,

This morning we open our eyes in yet another place we didn't plan to be. Then again, we didn't plan to be a certain anywhere for this whole trip. How did we find this place? We are in the grandest room we've stayed in all week and I think this was the first time we turned on a TV the entire trip.

I love that.

We spent the day mozying around Boulder...realizing we had no desire to live there.
Just not what we thought.
But we did stop in lululemon. Duh.
We drove into Denver, past the Red Rocks, but we didn't get to go see it. I couldn't believe that there was a highway right next to it.
And that highway had about an hour + of traffic to get to the amphitheater.

From Denver, we went south to Colorado Springs. This is more our style- a town small enough to feel small, but big enough to feel big. People were walking! Can you believe it?! They were WALKING from here to there! And riding their bikes!

We left CO Springs to head toward home, At this point, we were on a time schedule which would get completely thrown off later. We drove through horrendous weather and finally rolled into Raton.

The Melody Inn Motel would be our home for the night. I didn't get a picture of the room, but think 1950 motel deluxe. The best of the best in those days. I can see families of 4 rolling up in their Bel Airs, parking right in front of their motel room door, dad gets out, looks around, puts his cigarette out, the kids run into the room to find state of the art wooden walls, vintage furniture, and oh...oh yes.

A steam shower. The bathroom's shower could seal and switch to the "steam" feature. There was a vintage vinyl graphic on the door of the shower that said something like STEAM - O - RAMA!!!

You were stoked.

The Melody Lane Motel turned out to be one of the cleanest motels I have ever been to, and was as close to a time machine as you can get.

The next morning we went for some coffee as Tim at Melody Lane has not mastered that part yet. We checked out of our room (and while doing so I peaked in the door behind Tim at the desk and saw a very old lady sitting in a rocking chair in what appeared to be a bedroom. Weird.) and found this beauty.

In a town like Raton, NM, you don't expect to find an espresso bar. We threw the screen door open to find one barista and 2 blue-collar gentlemen at the bar. One older man sat at a lone table in the back corner reading, and Enchanted Grounds made one of the best Americanos I've tasted. We sort of got some of those "You're not from Raton" looks and made our way out. We had a long drive ahead anyway.

And the rest of the trip was a blur.
Rolled into Amarillo to see Nanny

Dog bites Nanny, I take her to the ER, you go see Ian
Mexican food before we leave town
Late night drive to Dallas
in the rain
like...
torrential downpour.
Stop at 1am in Dallas to crash on Rhonda's floor
Wake up
drive home
in the rain
like...
torrential downpour.

And it seemed like I blinked and our trip was over. I told you the entire time that it was the best trip of my life, but truly, it was the. best. trip. of. my. life.

I can't wait to do it again.
Maybe we'll drive the other way.
Or Maybe not.

Road Trip: October 5, 2011

2011-12-16T10:11:00.002-06:00

Dear Husband,

This morning we woke up in a cabin-like room filled with western memorabilia. At this point, we actually have no clue what this place looks like outside, or really where we are other than what the map told us. We stumbled downstairs for breakfast and found 2 large wooden tables in the middle of a massive kitchen. The kitchen connected to a cozy living room with the most beautiful leather furniture and glass doors that looked out over the mountains with nothing in-between. I was still sort of rubbing my eyes and trying not to gawk at the view with my jaw open when my breakfast was put in front of me and sweet Gina asked how I would like my coffee.

Breakfast: eggs, tomato, and a yogurt parfait. THE best parfait I've ever had. A goat-milk yogurt parfait. And it all comes from her backyard.

We chatted with a couple at the breakfast table who were from, what do you know, Austin, TX, and just in town to finalize buying their 2nd house there. They used to live in Houston but decided they didn't want to raise their kids in a mosquito swamp.

After breakfast, everyone left except us and Gina asked if we wanted to help her feed to goats.
Duhsuperduh.

Gina moved from Seattle to Colorado because she was craving sunshine.
She just up and bought the bed and breakfast- she has actually never been to one before, and she and her man live on the first of 3 floors.
She taught herself how to make goat cheese, yogurt, the works, and she teaches classes in town.
She has chickens, dogs, and a llama who wants nothing to do with anyone. He came with the place when she bought it.
She has the far out heart of a hippie, like me.
I want to be her.

When we left the B&B, we made our way up to the Oskar Blues brewery for a little rendezvous with THE CHAD HAGA!

No one warned me about the altitude.
And that was that.

Road Trip: October 4, 2011

2011-12-13T09:23:00.003-06:00

Dear Husband,

This morning, we took a walk.

And we heard it coming. You can hear it start to roll from the station about half a mile from our apartment.

I was a dork and waived at all of the passengers.

And just like that, we marked something off of my list from 2 years ago.

We didn't ride it, but it counts.

On our long walk back, we saw someone's backyard STUFFED full of apple trees. Their entire property had apples on the ground.

You did what anyone would have.

We ate them straight off of the tree. Best apples I've ever tasted.

Our apartment- the 2nd door on the lower level

The rest of our day was spent waiting around for Anthony to call with your bike cage, so we went and had a long lunch.

By 4 o'clock, we had not heard from him and needed to get on the road, but he called right then to tell us Mr. King Cage had forgotten and would have it ready soon. We could pick it up at his house.

You = kid in candy store

Me = chopped liver

This dude is serious about bike cages.

But I guess I would be too if it was how I made my living

and by living I mean make me famous.
Someone in the front window waived us around to the back and we found ourselves making our way through Ron's backyard. It was full of bikes. Don't get any ideas.
And we found him in here.

I totally dig everything about this man.
You told him "I would love to have a picture with you; you're sort of famous"
to which he replied "Yeah somehow that happened"
And yet he still makes everything himself or with the help of 1-2 friends
And people pay him in beer. Literally, he had cases and cases of Colorado's best brews
And we left with your custom cage that fits your Salsa perfectly.

And we were on the road out of Durango, and we actually had no idea where we were going.
You drove me over Wolf Creek pass, and somewhere in there told me to shut up so you could drive followed with "Don't tell your mom we did this".
We couldn't see 10 feet in front of us, and it was snowing. Lots of snow. Lots of fog.
IT WAS SO GREAT!

And we found ourselves stopping in Salida, CO at a bed and breakfast that had one vacancy...we had no idea how awesome it would be in the morning.

Road Trip: October 3, 2011

2011-12-02T09:29:00.001-06:00

Dear Husband,

We woke up laterthan normal this morning. You made mecoffee, and the next thing I knew, we had our faces smashed up against thefront door watching the train leave right behind our apartment. You promised we couldwatch it leave tomorrow morning, because you know how much I love that. That’s my dad’s fault.

Our first stop today was your favorite spot in Durango: Bread.

Bread is a bakery/ coffee shop where you spent your days off when you were a camp counselor here. Naturally, bikes are scattered everywhere, and there's a niche that they have that I can't quite put my finger on. It's a small space with a long counter up front leaving the rest of the bakery for everyone to see. Hundreds of loaves of bread. It. smelled. so. good. We got 2 muffins and 2 coffees and sat at a picnic-style table next to the front door. It was raining and cold, and we loved every second of it because back home in Houston, it was still hitting 100 degrees.

We drove around Durango and you showed me all of the best places in town before we parked on the main street and strolled up and down visiting each shop. Every store had a store dog that greeted us at the door.

I promised you we could visit all of the bike shops in town today.

We walked in the first shop, and you immediately recognized someone. About an hour later, Bob Roll had convinced us to sell everything we own, commit to poverty in exchange for happiness, and move our butts to Durango. I'm still okay with this...what are you waiting for?

We visited a few other shops - one guy sells vintage bikes, one only mountain bikes, and you saved the best for last. Durango Cyclery is a small house on a hill with lots of character. I was so intrigued by the bikes with the fat tires...something like this I think. I'm going to need one of those when we move. Anthony was the guy inside and I have never seen someone wear a maroon mohawk better than him. After chatting with him, we found out he was from Houston and couldn't stand the cycling, so he up and moved.

Sounds like someone I know.

He showed us around, told us his story, told me how he makes his mohawk stick up so high, and that's when you brought your bike inside. We do not travel without bicycles. It's a rule. I think it's in our prenup.

You needed a custom bottle cage made, and Anthony knew just the place. He called the King of bottle cages and said he would have one ready for you tomorrow.

You were in love. With Anthony. And King Cages. And Durango. Basically everything but me at that point.

We literally spent ALL. DAY. looking at bike shops...with a few book shops...and a reading by this author.

You tried to buy this for me.

You have figured out that if you feed me what I like, I will do what you like x 100. This proved true, somehow, when we met up with Chad a few days later, and did not work out in my favor.

We walked in the rain to the only theater in town and saw The Help- not as good as the book, the use, and on the way home we popped into some Irish bar for a beer.

Or 3.

And then there was this.

Road Trip: October 2, 2011 Part 3

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

I am starting to forget what day it is. This is a good thing. In Durango, you arranged for us to rent a basement apartment from a local couple off of Craigslist. Maybe it’s my free spirit, maybe it’s becauseI know you pick the best places, but I’m never ever skeptical about thesethings. Our digs for the next few days are just off of the main street. We couldn't find it for the life of us! When Ron came out waiving, we drove through a long gravel driveway to the back of the house.

Ron, the man who owns the place,is a cowboy kind of guy. His truckoutside reads the name of his local business- something about asphaltrepair. I guess that answers ourquestion about what do people do for a living here. He wears worn boots and jeans that show the outline of his wallet in his pocket. We walked down a staircase on the back of the house, and I could hear water rushing really close to us, but it was too dark to see anything. Ron brought us down to the apartment and heand his 2 fat-as-all-get-out Boston Terriers showed us around. We smiled as he demonstrated how to work the TVs with lengthy explanation. The apartment is a living room, kitchen,bedroom, and bathroom. There are smalliron heaters with wooden logs in each room. So cozy. So perfect. You pick the best places.

Ron left us saying we could stay an extranight, or 6 months if we want. If heonly knew how much we wanted to accept that offer!

After we unpacked,we walked about a mile to Steamworks Brewing Co. for dinner and drinks. We had some of the best beer ever- you akloch, and I had a Lizard Head Red. They had a huge chalkboard with every beer listed, its alcohol content (PS I would need this at another brewery we visit), and about 10 other stats on each beer that made no sense to me. Let's be honest, I picked my beer like I pick my horses- the one with the best name.

Wesplit pizza and salad and somehow we left the apartment without a camera. We chatted with our waitress about life in our dream town- she and her husband have been in Durango for 10 years. She doesn't look a day over 25.

On our walk home, we ran across a drunk manstumbling down the sidewalk. Welaughed. Why did we laugh?! We couldn't figure out how to get around him- he took up the whole sidelwalk, and you had the bright idea to sprintpast him and run all the way home. I followed laughing the whole way.

You have bewitched my heart, Mr.Carroll. This is the best trip of mylife.

Road Trip: October 2, 2011 Part 2

2011-11-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

You don't let me drive up here. Every time I ask, you always say “It’s tough driving up here”. I haven’t seen any wolverines jump across the road or any falling boulders. No avalanches either, but I just smile because I know you actually just want me to read to you.

When I was working at the church book store last month, a Goggle-esque woman strolled in to return 3 books to the library. When I asked how she liked them, she told me she has been reading to her husband for 50 years whenever they drive somewhere. He hates reading, like someone I know, and she found that he loves for her to read to him. They finished those 3 books in 2 weeks.

I love that she was gracious enough to let us steal her tradition.

We chose Unbroken as our Road Trip book. It lays out the life of an Olympic runner who was drafted into World War II. I read it out loud to you, and just when I think you’re not listening, you shout “that’s insane!” and I love it so much. It speaks to my bookworm heart.

On the road from Santa Fe across the border of Colorado, we didn’t read as much- the views are too pretty to miss and I start to recognize pieces of this road.

We drove this route every summer when I was a kid going from NM to Goggle’s house in Pagosa Springs. I told you I thought we were coming up on a huge cave to the left, and sure enough, it showed up in the next few miles. I was about 10 the last time I saw that, I think. I can’t believe I remembered where that was.

We drove up as close as we could to the echo ampitheatre, but they make you pay to drive up to it now. Pretty lame the way they take things and try to figure out how to make money off of it. Gross.

When we crossed the border of Colorado/New Mexico, we couldn't wait to get out of the car. So we did.

We rolled into Pagosa Springs around 5:00. The sun was just tipping over the mountains and we could smell the sulfur springs. On the main street, we saw the theatre I remember going to as a kid when we spent summer days at Goggle’s. We passed the library I volunteered at, the golf course, and finally arrived at her house. It looks the same, though they painted the entire thing a very dark chocolate brown.

The people who bought it use it as a vacation home, so no one was there. We walked around the back to the green of the 15^th hole where we took pictures of the back deck where I used to wait for my dad as he played through that hole. I told you stories about the golf course, her back yard, and everything I remembered there. I cried. Duh.

From Pagosa, we were on our way to Durango. Your favorite part. The whole 50 miles there, we talked about the summer you spent working at Kanakuk in Durango, all of your favorite places, and where we would go when we got there. It was the most incredible drive I have seen so far. I have no words for it.

Road Trip

2011-10-26T08:38:00.000-05:00

More to come, I promise.

Aashi

2011-10-14T09:13:00.000-05:00

I have 8 days to finish up raising money for the Houston Half Marathon/Relay that I will be running for Aashi!!!

Take a look here

and if you want to help me meet my goal of raising money and someday next year visiting her to tell her I ran for her, go here to donate. There is also a link on the left sidebar.

Happy Friday :)

Road Trip: October 2, 2011 (part 1)

2011-10-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Devin Michael,

This morning, we woke up to a sunrise over the mountains with nothing else in sight. I am baffled at how gorgeous it is.

We made some coffee in our room with the coffee pot provided, bundled up (it’s chilly here- a much needed break from Houston’s disgusting heat), and plopped on the porch of our hut to watch the sun come up. You snapped some pictures of the mountain behind us, and I watched the bright blue birds fly around the vibrant red, yellow, and white flowers scattered around the B&B.

Amy, the owner of the Inn, walked past our room and waived. Breakfast would be ready in an hour. You and me, we had some good talks, including the one this morning. We talked dreams, goals, plans, took deep breaths and headed to breakfast.

Amy had the works ready- waffles, bacon, blue corn muffins (oh. my.), endless fruit and coffee. She shared her secret waffle ingredient with you. You can’t wait to try it.

We sat outside with a view like no other and the sound of a fountain in the background. One couple came out to snap some pictures- down from Cincinnati, they had driven 17 days from Albuquerque through all parts of Colorado, and they were on their way back. They recommended we stop at a small town just off the border of Colorado with natural sulfur springs. “The most beautiful town we’ve seen…Padagona something”. We smiled big- they were talking about Pagosa Springs, and little did they know, we already had plans to stop there tonight to revisit some memories.

After breakfast, we packed up and checked out. We don’t have many plans for the trip, but for today, we had a bit of a schedule. We drove down to the plaza in Santa Fe, browsed the turquoise jewelry, fetish figures, and other artwork, and grabbed lunch at an authentic Italian café of all places. I’m not sorry- that was the best cured beef Panini I have ever had in mah life. You snapped pictures of me and we laughed so hard you started crying. Don’t argue, I saw it.

We grabbed some coffee for the road at a French bakery on the square and we were on the road to Colorado.

Road Trip: October 1, 2011

2011-10-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Husband,

We woke up this morning to the smell of rich coffee and bacon. If Goggle ever has company, the last thing they should worry about is starving to death. She wouldn’t let us do a dadgum thing, so we watched TV while she made a feast. Over breakfast, we had endless cups of coffee while she told us all kinds of stories about the war, her family, Papa (my grandpa), and my dad when he was little. We talked late into the morning, cleaned up and you chauffeured us to Mesilla to stroll the square and go to lunch. More food.

The weather was perfect today to be outside. We went through the shops on the square, bought some pieces at an art gallery as gifts, and found the best book store.

We grabbed a seat in the courtyard to listen to the town’s jazz festival. Goggle could name most of the songs she sang all from the 40’s. I love that. We went to my dad’s favorite restaurant in Messilla, La Posta. Inside, the light is natural from the skylights in the ceiling. There is a huge bird cage in the center of the restaurant that is home to 3 parrots and a toucan. The food is delicious, especially the green chiles. The green chilies are fantastic in New Mexico.

After lunch, you drove us back to Goggles, and the whole time she could not believe you knew how to get back. She kept telling me “Stephanie, you married a good one. I swear he has a built in radar!” She thinks so much of you. We packed up and Goggle gave me a glass of wine “to take the edge off”. She filled some snacks with fruit for us on the road, and we said goodbye. I cried. We found this to be a routine event on this trip, me crying.

4.5 hours later, we arrived in Santa Fe at the most amazing bed and breakfast, Bobcat Inn. I love being in a new town at night, because in the morning it looks so much different- you have no idea if you’re in the valley or on the side of a mountain or near a river. Our adobe room was decorated perfectly. New Mexican flare with tons of bright colors, hand made blankets, bright furniture, hints of black and white in the chairs and headboard, a quaint bathroom with black and white checkered tile, and a table/chair set on the porch.

You pick the best places.

Road Trip: September 30, 2011

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Husband,

Today we started on our 8 day road trip. We didn’t have many plans for it, but we knew we wanted to get way, way out of Houston and head toward Colorado where we not-so-secretly would love to live. I thought 4:00 would never come today when I would leave work and stress and luon behind and leave town with you.

Before we left town, we grabbed dinner at a little place on our food bucket list, Hubcap Grill. I had read that their burgers beat any gourmet burger in the city- we had to eat it to believe it. You gave me a dollar to put in the jukebox (you know what makes me tick), and we hoovered the best burgers we have ever had in our entire lives. Hands down.

We left town later than we had wanted, but how late can you be if you don’t have any plans? We knew we wanted to make it to Kerrville, TX, and that’s what we did. Around midnight, we rolled into the Super 8. It’s not the Ritz but we're not Ritz kind of people? It had a clean bed and lock on the door- pretty much all we need in a place that’s just a pit stop.

In the morning, we woke up to an unexpectedly beautiful sunrise in Kerrville. Who knew?? We rolled into the continental breakfast with no surprises- waffles, sausage, biscuits and gravy- little to eat that we preferred before a run. We got dry cheerios, a wheat bagel, and peanut butter. You smashed your PB bagel into the bowl of cheerios to make them stick. Why do things like that make me love you more? Weirdo.

After breakfast, you asked me about my run. I was hoping you forgot. Training for a marathon is the pits when you’re on vacation, but it’s so much easier to go when you go, too. We ran 6 miles- 3 down the main road through town into the old square where we ran smack into the finish line of the Kerrville triathlon. We got goosebumps as we ran the course backward cheering for the trailing line of finishers. We ran to the river that is barely winning the fight against the drought, turned around, and ran back up the hill to the hotel. You told me I could go faster, and I did, but I ran out of juice. Those blasted hills.

We cleaned up, packed up, stopped by the Donut Palace for coffee and our favorites- apple fritter for you, cinnamon cake donut for me. We were on our way to the best trip of my life.

Around 2:00 or so, we were ready for lunch. When people say there’s nothing between Kerrville and El Paso, they mean THERE IS NOTHING BETWEEN KERRVILLE AND EL PASO. We decided to push for Ft. Stockton- it was a bigger small town and had better odds of good places to grab a bite. Every restaurant we found on our phones was boarded up. We drove through the main square, followed signs to “historic Ft. Stockton”, drove up and down every “main” street, and couldn’t find a living soul in the town. I told you we may or may not be on the set of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. We finally found a Mexican restaurant with good, fresh food (we both got chicken tacos- SO GOOD), mediocre service, and clean bathrooms. When you’re road tripping, clean bathrooms are a serious priority.

And then, we found the mountains.

We hit El Paso just in time for an orange and pink sunset over the mountains, and we made it to Las Cruces exactly when we had promised Goggle we would be there. I had never been to her townhome- white adobe with a lava rock yard. Inside, it looked just like her house in Pagosa that I remembered- all of the same furniture, nick-nacks, and pictures of our family. She forced every bit of food she had in the house down our throats and invited her neighbor over for strawberry shortcake. When I’m a grandma, I hope I show off my grandkids as much as she does. Tony (her neighbor who fixes everything for her, and in return, she buys him a full pie from the local bakery) came over and you 2 talked about racing bikes and racing cars. He told you old stories about being a formula car mechanic, explained the history behind the orange T5 in his garage, and asked you all about your drink of choice when you’re on the bicycle. You were smitten with this man, I swear.

I was beat. You were beat. We were stuffed. Goggle told us to go to bed.

Lunch Wars

2011-09-29T07:20:00.000-05:00

One of the best things ever to be invented in the blogging land is BlogHer and, more specifically, BlogHer book club. I love books. I'm sure you knew that. So I was so so SO excited to be asked to participate in my first BlogHer book club book review!

Other than wizards, there isn't much than interests me more than reading about health/nutrition/fitness/what's in my food, and I was really pumped to get to read Lunch Wars. Amy Kalafa is an award winning film maker (she made Two Angry Moms) who wrote about her experience in investigating what her kids were being served at school.

The first 2 chapters were super interesting to me. She taught me a lot about what is in my food, not just in school lunches (i.e. the 26 bazillion other names for MSG). But, because I am not a parent, I found the rest of the book to be a bit of a bore as Kalafa speaks mostly about how you can get involved in your childrens' schools, how you can connect with the food service provider, and how you can create groups to take action. After the first 2 chapters, I was uninspired as I didn't feel like it pertained much to me. With that said, if I did have kids, we'd be having a serious revolution in Houston.

If you're a mom and you even minutely care about what your kids are eating, pick up Lunch Wars. You'll learn more than you ever wanted to know.

This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.

My man got 3rd in the state race. Yep, that's a good title.

2011-09-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

Aashi

2011-09-15T12:13:00.000-05:00

I just registered for my 2nd half marathon.
Oct 23rd in Houston!!
This time I will be running for Aashi- she is one of the girls at As Our Own (formerly Charasia)
I have talked about this organization eleventy billion times
It has my heart.
Next summer I am hoping to visit for 10 days or so
How fun would it be to tell Aashi I ran for her??

So, I am raising money for her
This is my first time to raise money for a race...I'm usually so meh about it
But she means a lot to me.
So here is my page! Click it
Even a dollar matters so much to me.

You can also go to my page just to read more about As Our Own and how God is using them to rescue hundreds of girls from slavery.

Aashi. Love. Run.

Another List

2011-09-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Devin and I have this pattern...we decide to go out to eat, neither of us wants to make a decision, and I get mad. Normal, right?

Last month was Houston Restaurant Weeks? Month? I don't even know...it was all of August, and we tried a couple of places we've been holding out for. Then, we got inspired and made this

As you can see, we go to Bible study on Wednesday nights.

Anyway, now when we decide to go out for a bite, we can close our eyes and point to one on the list. Prollum solved.

Any suggestions you don't see on ze list??

Shmiggity Biggity

2011-08-19T09:58:00.001-05:00

It's Tax Free Weekend. What are you scooping up sans tax?? I plan to shop at my own store. New yoga mat, new bag, new run crops.

It's a sad addiction.

You guys know I have talked a billion times about As Our Own (formerly Charasia). They pull young girls out of the red light district and educate them, love on them, teach them. Here, watch this. Seems like every time I hear from them, they pull at a different string on my heart, and now they have added running to the mix. Sigh. You can sign up for one of the races listed on their site and run for 1 of 10 girls at the home in India. Or you can just watch their cool run video and tell someone else about it. They are working with races all over the country, but 3 in Texas. Will you run for her?

And speaking of running, marathon training is in full force as of next week. 6 am hill workouts. 6 am speed work outs. 6 am long runs. Goodbye social life for the next 5 months. Hello new friends at Kenyan Way!

Delta sent us some flight vouchers for my venting. We're on good terms. For now.

Have I mentioned I love my job? Yes? Ok well yesterday as I was scootin' around town lookin' for fun people to hire (anyone?) and meeting some fitness entrepreneurs, I hopped over to Quality Life Fitness for a little tour. Guys...if you hate big smelly gyms, if you hate the crowds, if you want some seriously beautiful views out of massive windows while you do your thing, please please go try this place! If you live in Houston. Obvi. He is the first to open a certified green gym in Houston. If you don't know what that means, google it...it's a lot of work to have a green business. And it was hands down the cleanest gym I've ever been in. I'll be around in there next week!

I get to see my best friend in 6 days. Unfortunately, I have to make the worst drive in Texas to do so.

I'm obsessed with this. They don't have it on netflix, so we're gonna have to watch them all online. My dear British friend, Tom, gave me one of his cookbooks to use for a bit. I'm stoked for that.

I'm reading this. It's a tough one to tackle, but seriously seriously good. I hate reading long books though, because my to-read list gets super long and I just want to move on to the next book. Like Harry Potter.

The good stuff from the weekend

2011-08-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

This is another account of my misfortune. Y'all usually love these.

2011-08-15T11:46:00.002-05:00

I remember Spring Break of 2006 like it was yesterday. I had just found a puppy sitting next to my car at college that I was absolutely keeping, but when I headed to Houston to fly out for vacation with my family, my dreams were shot and I had to give the puppy away. This is typically where my mom comments anonymously.

Anyway, we left for an 8 day cruise in the Caribbean where I met 4 lovely ladies from the north east. Lafayette College to be exact. Any leopards out there??

But who knew that we would be friends for years, and that I would be on my way to Kristan's wedding this weekend in New Jersey.

The only hitch in getting there, thankfully, was that our car service reservation was messed up. We got a cab for cheaper and were good to go.

It. was. the. best wedding I have ever been too, besides my own. THE BEST BAND ever. I told Devin I want them at our 30 year anniversary party. He picked up their card. They were incredible. The bride was stunning. A girl jumped on my foot with spike heels and I didn't even care that much! I should note that I do in fact care now...my foot feels like this guy crushed it in his fist. And the band asked me to play with them. And gave me a set of drumsticks. Again, the best wedding ever.

Sunday morning our car service picked us up right on time and we headed to the airport with hours to spare, just to be safe. We had an hour layover in Atlanta which was much better than the 14 minutes we had on our way up to the Garden state.

When we got to the gate, the attendant was begging for volunteers to give up their seats and take some free flight and food vouchers. I was first at the counter, but she advised me not to do so because it was very unlikely that we would get on a later connection from Atlanta to Houston. If. she. only. knew. For whatever reason, our seat assignments did not make it on our boarding pass for this flight, even though it did for every other flight over the weekend, so Devin and I ended up on the very back row (row 38 to be exact). The rain in Newark delayed our flight 40 minutes leaving us with a small pillow of time between our flights, but we knew we could make it if the attendant helped us get off of the plane quickly. She had no interest in doing so, but honestly it didn't matter because when we landed in Atlanta. there were mechanical issues and they didnt unlock the door for 15 minutes. If you're keeping track, that leaves us about 90 seconds to get from the back of this mother of a plan to the gate 2 doors down. You don't have to be brilliant to assume that didn't happen.

I was laughing. Of course. There wasn't an employee in sight. The plane had obviously left early, even if it was just a few minutes. Devin's first missed flight. We won't talk about my record here.

So we went and stood in line at the, and I do not exaggerate here, "Did you miss your flight?" counter. I have never in my life seen this in an airport. The line was from here to kingdom come. Huge red flag. I got on the phone at one of the booths while Devin waited for a real live person where the lady told me she could only get me on the next day's flight. Ask me if she cared that Devin and I had to be at work when the ever lovin plane took off! No. She did not. And maybe I can empathize 1/20th after working as an advocate in a hospital for 4 years, but when I asked her if there were ANY flights in the entire NATION that would eventually get us to Houston that night, she giggled and said no. Not one. We walked away with food vouchers and a ticket for the 8pm flight...on stand by. Never a good sign except 2 different employees told us it was pretty much a guarantee as there were plenty of seats on the plane.

We walked the entire concourse looking for decent food, and by decent I mean anything that is not dipped and fried or greased or lathered in butter. We found the most amazing airport restaurant I have ever laid eyes on. That would be Buckhead Books. It is most definitely a cafe smack in the middle of a book shop. I think I dreamed about this once when I was reading a lot of Harry Potter.

A delicious meal
this picture

and 3.5 hours later, we were ready to board the 8pm flight.

Jokes on us. Remember that guarantee I told you about from the 2 employees? Shmarantee. Because the flight before this flight before this flight before this flight was delayed due to crappy airplanes, our seats were given to the people who needed them.

WHAT AM I?! CHOPPED LIVER???

I was laughing. Again. We went back to the "Did you miss your flight?" counter where the line was even longer and we stood behind an elderly man and his child who reminded me of the children Jamie Oliver targets in Food Revolution. He was throwing a fit on the ground screaming CACA CACA CACA and punching himself. When we got to the front and the attendant asked if anyone spoke Spanish, I did not volunteer, but I did take the opportunity to mess with the kid in Spanish while his grandpa was busy. I HAD HAD A LONG DAY TOO.

The same lady at the counter helped us, you know, the one who gave us the guarantee, and tried to convince us to take the 10:20pm stand by flight. At this point in time, I thought it would be best to point out the irony that if we had taken the free flight vouchers, we would be in the exact same spot, but we would have free flights! We laughed at the stand by and asked for the hotel vouchers.

Best Western deluxe. Rude staff. Full Shuttle. Cab with 2 strangers.

We checked in for our 7:30am flight, and they were begging for volunteers to take $600 vouchers and wait for the 4:00 flight. I would be a big fat liar if I told you we didn't think about it 5 times.

We made it back to the great state of Texas this morning and kissed the ground when we got here.

Delta. Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport. But if they do, they don't let you on the plane.

Its like a pancake in a cup

2011-08-12T15:05:00.000-05:00

Apparently I deal with stress by baking and not eating any of it.

I ran the show this week at work while my boss was away including hosting an investor tour, going to multiple work outs every day, and hardly getting any sleep thinking I may miss my alarm or forgot to do something.

So I baked.

Again.

Maple Walnut Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Icing.

From someone who isn't the biggest fan of maple...oh my gosh.

Ok fine I had 1 cupcake.

Without icing they taste like the most delicious pancake ever.

Fine I had 2.

Didn't you see the part about multiple workouts every day?!

I'm not here to be judged.

V to the B

2011-08-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

Veronika at Veronika's Blushing is a pretty cool girl.

She teaches me how to dress and do my hair and what nail polish color is out.

She loves Kate Middleton. Who doesn't?

Veronika asked to interview me, and I was so. down.

You can read it on her blog today, here!

If you can avoid it for the rest of your life, don't make a tart from scratch.

2011-08-05T08:41:00.000-05:00

In an effort to move right along on one of the things on my list of 28 things to do before I'm 28, I have been a baking machine since January. And what I have learned is that when you bake everything in a Baked cookbook, you learn all kinds of hard bakey things.

This week, I made a tart. I made an Orange Dreamsicle tart from scratch.

Tarts are hard.

There was all kinds of gelling, freezing, cooling, cooking with beans, cooking without beans, cooling, freezing, waiting 4 hours.

This blasted tart took me all day.

But then there was this

And it was to. die. for.

Torchy's! (clap clap) Torchy's! (clap clap) Torchy's! (clap clap)

2011-08-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

Spa: Milk + Honey

2011-08-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have I ever told you I am a spa freak obsessed junkie deluxe?

If I had endless money, I would go to one daily.

Actually, I have always wanted to own one. So that I could go daily.

If you ever want to get me a gift...spa.

If you ever want to hang out with me....let's go to a spa.

Devin got me a gift during our weekend in Austin.

SPA.

For our first anniversary, I got him a Sunday morning massage here.

He died on the table.

That. good.

So when he told me I got to go...there are no words.

Because I love spas.

Milk +Honey is a small, quaint space on Colorado in downtown Austin. You walk in to meet the receptionist, and she will show you to your locker (the key has a honeycomb on it. cute.), and you can put on your robe and slippers there. Then, you head to a dim-lit relaxation room with super soft couches, orange and lemon water, a hot tea selection, mixed nuts, and other snacks to enjoy.

The decor inside is a beautiful natural touch (I didn't feel like others could relax if I was snapping pictures of them laying in their robes) with gray walls, beige furniture, and tree stumps as end tables.

I had a one hour massage with lavendar aromatherapy, hot towels, and a warm table. It was spectacular.

In the restroom after my massage, I read about their VIP program where you can earn spa points for certain things (referring friends, getting a different treatment than you normally get) that would be very very enticing for me if I lived in the Austin area. There were showers, so I could get ready for the rest of my day with Devin, but they weren't the greatest. I think I got the vibe that they were renovating the bathrooms based on the fact that all of the tile was off of the wall, but I never saw a sign about it, so maybe they're going for the construction look. Pair that with the rude receptionist at the front as I was leaving, and I'll give it an 8 of 10.

If you're in the Austin area, please do yourself a great service and visit milk+honey for a little R&R.

Somehow, I then convinced my man to let me do a spa review once a month on this little bliggity blog. I know. So tell me, where do you go for some down time?? Where have you looked at going but aren't sure? We have some more traveling coming up soon, so I am hoping to get some spa time in some different cities.

Happy Wednesday!

8.3.11

2011-08-02T08:15:00.003-05:00

Dear Husband,

Remember in 1st grade when a boy would get the nerve to bring a girl a dandelion and the girl would throw it on the ground? Sometimes I am that girl.

And you know what you do? You bring me another dandelion.

Thank you for always loving me the very best and most that you possibly can.

Love,

Bird

I said I needed to get out of town and he said okay

2011-08-01T10:01:00.001-05:00

So he took me to my favorite place on earth: Austin.

And treated me like dadgum Kate Middleton.

It was the best.

On Saturday, we strolled around town with no plans. My favorite kind of vacation.

Allison Brooks Edwards. This place was made for us.

I have recently discovered Kendra Scott.

She is all over my Christmas list.

Is it too early for that?

The man loves candy stores.

This one was full of old circus memorabilia

reminded me a lot of this

food. trucks. be still my heart.

For dinner, we found an unmarked italian joint with a fabulous wine list and 2 bar stools calling our names.

Wood fire pizza, perfect wine choices, and some sugar snap peas in a cast iron skillet.

and we ended the night with this..

2011-07-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday Night...

Sunday Morning...

I'm seeing a theme here...

New seed in town

2011-07-21T08:30:00.001-05:00

Have you seen these??

Slimcados!

I found them at HEB in The Woodlands.

They claim to have less calories and fat.

Weird since that's what avocados are good for

And weirder that someone could "make" a fruit

Anyway

Don't try them...they have no taste.

Thank me later...or not...no biggie.

Let's talk about boy roommates.

2011-07-20T08:30:00.002-05:00

I have this roommate that doesn't seem to be leaving anytime soon. For the most part, I am okay with this, except for a little issue that came up last week.

One thing you have to know about my boy roommate and myself is that when we go to church we are looking for one thing. Jesus. Wait. No. 2 things.

Donuts.

There had better be a red and white box with a delicious assortment sitting on that table when we walk in, or we start using curse words.

Jokes. Sorta.

9 times out of 10, when there are donuts, there is not a donut to my liking, and by "to my liking" I mean one that I will eat and not be mad about it. I don't go for the glazed or the chocolate or the fritter.

But sweet Moses if there is a cinnamon cake donut in that box, I will absolutely tackle the lady with the walker and clothesline the preggo to get to it. Cinnamon cake donut...you were always my first love.

So you can imagine our excitement when we were asked, in our new Sunday school class, to bring donuts last Sunday morning. We were ready to show this class how it's done- 2 dozen: 1 glazed, 1 assorted and DONT put one of those nasty cherry with sprinkle donuts in there. We're not rookies.

On the same Sunday, I was asked to grace the church bookstore with my expertise (sarcasm font) and come early to volunteer (but seriously, it's one of my favorite places to be), so I had to leave the donut recruitment to my boy roommate. It's a touch and go situation, but I had some faith that he could handle it.

I had one request. Get the order of perfection for the entire class, but bring me a cinnamon cake donut.

So he met me at the front of the bookstore before class with boxes in hand. I grabbed some coffee from the coffee bar inside the store, and we were happy as clams walking down those halls. My mouth was watering. I thought of all of the mornings I sat with Goggle at her house in Pagosa Springs, CO eating donuts and drinking coffee (she started me young). Flip, my life was literally flashing before my eyes and I was okay with going as long as I got to eat the donut first!

And that donut was better than I ever could have fathomed. But let me tell you why boy roommates are the most awesome of all that is awesome.

He. got. me. two.

Is there ANYTHING that could make a Monday better than A CINNAMON CAKE DONUT?!?!
Answer: no.

So after class we headed out to go to the service, and I had to take a pit stop. After church, I was thinking of how much I love that book store and which books I ~~want~~ need and how much I love our church and how much I love my man and how much I was going to love on those Iraqi kids we were planning to play with all week and mostly I was thinking, at the time, about that donut.

And I noticed my boy roommate did not have the bag that held my precious nugget anymore.

So I asked..."Um. Where's my other donut?"

"I ate it while you were in the bathroom".

And that is why boy roommates are sometimes not awesome and donut clauses should be in your prenup.

Your mom makes salsa! So does mine.

2011-07-19T08:30:00.002-05:00

48 tomatoes

6 onions

27 peppers.

eleventy billion garlics

38 jars of cant-find-it-better-anywhere-made-with-my-mama hot sauce

happiness.

How dare they.

2011-07-18T09:11:00.000-05:00

After the Barbed Rose, we went over to the beach in Galveston.

And stopped here first.

For baked goods of course.

It's not the most beautiful beach in the world, but we have lots of memories here.

Back in the old days (like last summer...and the summer before...and the day we got engaged) we used to go to the beach all day, and then mooch off an outdoor shower at these really nice condos.

I'm talking full blown shampoo conditioner shower in our bathing suits outside this place.

People would come to rinse their feet off and we'd be all, "Sorry, we're showering".

And then we would go to dinner.

But this year, they built a fence around it.

The nerve.

So we had to go sandy and salty.

Good thing I'm not high maintenance...

Except there are no pictures of me to follow.

The Barbed Rose CONTINUED!!!

2011-07-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

I got really excited on the end of that title there.

Awkward.

The other day, Devin went for a bike ride (which typically equates to being gone for at least 4 hours) and came home with a delightful surprise! He had planned an afternoon / evening of fun!

I use exclamation here because

a. this is rare (see a.1.)

a.1. not rare because he doesnt care to take me out (see b

b. we did not have to take 45 minutes to decide where to eat.

BECAUSE!

First stop was, yes, The Barbed Rose.

Remember when we went to cooking class and saw the head chef make bread salad and a $200 steak that we got a cubed inch of?!

That Barbed Rose. Only we didn't go to the fancy dining room.

Why am I not upset that we didn't go to the fancy dining room on said date that said husband planned for me?

Because this man knows the key to my heart.

And that would be a burger barn.

By the time we got to the delightful town of Alvin, Texas, the lunch rush had come and gone and we were seated on a small shaded deck that we had all to ourselves.

almost.

I'm positive he loved that I took his picture.

This place makes every single thing from scratch.

Ketchup, buns, pickles...everything.

And you can taste it.

So you can probably imagine how incredible this was...

If you look closely, you can see the mustard seeds.

BECAUSE THEY MAKE THEIR OWN MUSTARD!!

If you look closely here, you can see how I have acquired eleventy billion freckles this summer.

I think this is right after I shouted SWEET BABY MOSES

Swiss.

Avocado.

Jalapenos.

Mustard.

Roll.

Don't judge me.

Judge Devin...

That is in fact goat cheese with bacon my friends.

So we stuffed ourselves and I must say, this burger made the top 3 in my frigginridiculouslygood burger list.

And I have had a lot of burgers.

No, like, you don't understand.

I eat a LOT of burgers.

Top 3 right here.

If you are in the Alvin neighborhood, stop by.

It's worth the trip especially if you're on your way to Galveston.

Which we were.

Stuff our faces, put on a bathing suit.

Ideal.

And one last thing! Devin and I are in a little contest.

If you could vote for us, we would love that!

Go here, like their page and then you can like our picture for some votes!
You can also go to the blog post here and comment with our names for a vote!
Preesh.

My Half Orange

2011-07-11T16:59:00.000-05:00

There's a new duo up to all things good in the photography world at Half Orange Photography. I dig their style, their effects, their perfect touch so much. So much.

In Spanish culture, the term for soul mate is la media naranja which means half orange.

And the beauties at Half Orange Photography had a little contest last week- write about why your half orange inspires you to live a fuller life.

So I wrote this about my half orange:

My half orange is my missing piece.
He tells me I can do things I confidently know I cannot do.
He believes that God will use me in humongous ways if I will let Him, and he wants to come along for that ride.
He teaches me something new everyday.
He leads me the way I need to be lead.
He laughs at my jokes, which was, like, #1 on my man requirements.
He asks me how he can love me more, better, deeper.
He sees what I don't see in myself and dares me to dream bigger and bigger and bigger.
He gives the best hugs.
He pushes me in ways I need to be pushed and has changed me in every way I needed to be changed.
And he is a divine blessing that I will get on my knees and thank the sweet Lord for every day for the rest of my life.

It was nice to write about him again. I haven't written him a letter on here in so long!!

So low and behold, mine was picked as a finalist!

Will you vote for us????

If we win, we get a photo shoot in, of all places, Austin friggin Texas.
We got married in Austin friggin Texas.
And you should know that I am desperate for some amazing photos of us.

Votes count until Thursday and there are tons of ways to vote.

Check out the contest here.

You will need to like their page first, then you can vote. NBD.

Got it?

Thank you.

Now go squeeze your half orange.

The preteen in me had the night of her life.

2011-07-08T13:36:00.002-05:00

11 years ago (gross), 6 or so of my friends and I lined up for pictures in front of my house, each of us wearing a tshirt with 5 boys' faces printed on the front. We piled into a limo as my mom yelled "DON'T STAND UP OUT OF THE SUNROOF!"

I'll give you 1 guess as to what I did right when we turned the corner.

And we unpiled in front of the concert venue with screaming, singing, more screaming, and mostly screaming.

And the Backstreet Boys hit the stage.

It was the best night of my life until June 25, 2011 when we reunited.

Vintage fans.

Callee was the BEST person to go with. She may or may not be a bigger BSB fan than me.

Her father/daughter dance at her wedding was to Backstreet's Back.

And she and her new husband walked out to The One.

Hardcore.

I think I remember Devin banning BSB from the play list at our wedding.

Best show ever.

And I learned I have no idea how to take pictures at concerts.

So glad to see you out of rehab, buddy.

He can still sing.

Callee thank you for inviting me out for the night of my life.

AJ I'm still mad you didn't pull me on stage and sing to me. That girl didn't even know the words.

Pray for me.

2011-06-29T06:58:00.000-05:00

I got into the Houston Marathon again this year.

This time I'll do it and not have a stupid shoe injury.

This time I will train without my man. Kinda scary.

I may even set a time goal

and train consistently

and eat a new diet that will help me make said time goal.

Is this a haiku?

I'm ready for marathon tips/race stories/best practices/bathroom strategies.

And I want to hear if you got in, too!!

Go!

Delicious goat cheese pasta....or IS it?!

2011-06-27T08:32:00.001-05:00

Can you tell I'm rusty on thinking of quirky titles?

Sheesh. Sorry.

Ok, so I get Real Simple magazine every month because I like to:

a. dream about being organized

b. look at pretty things

c. drool over recipes that are WAY too hefty for me to cook. By hefty I mean awful for me.

But! This month's issue seems to have toned it way down, and I cooked a meal out of it almost every night last week.

This one called for a short pasta (like penne or something), basil, olive oil, goat cheese, salt and pepper.

I'm a sucker for goat cheese. I'm also a sucker for rice krispy treats, but that's irrelevant.

To. die. for.

And if you're a sleuth, you will notice that I didn't use a short pasta. In fact, I didn't use pasta at all.

May I introduce you to the spaghetti squash?

Cut in half, scoop the seeds out, put in a microwave safe dish with some water in it, cover with wax paper (for steaming), cook about 10 min. in the microwave.

When it's soft, scrape it out with a fork. It looks and feels and tastes just like noodles.

But it's a vegetable.

I am obsessed with this cucurbita pepo.

The Barbed Rose

2011-06-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

About once a month, I like to take my man on a date.

I plan it.

I make sure it's full of man things like fire and meat. Sometimes beer.

I pay.

Usually with his credit card.

He loves himself a good man date.

Something you may not know about Devin: the man can COOK.

So naturally, I took him to a Central Market cooking class.

Side note: huge disappointment to find that in said cooking class, you don't actually get to cook.

You just watch. And eat. Which is sort of lame. -4 points on the man date cool factor scale.

The head chef of The Barbed Rose in Alvin, TX was our teacher. The Barbed Rose uses all local produce and meat, which is pretty cool. He told us all about where he finds all of his goods, including their wine and coffee! They make every single thing in the restaurant from scratch. Even ketchup. They have a fine dining area and a deck that serves burgers and beer. My kind of place.

So we learned how to make a salad that consisted mostly of cubed bread (?!), some unbelievable flank steak, cripsy potatoes, and a tomato dessert.

We walked away with some sweet recipes and a hungry stomach. I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of Devin when they set his plate down in front of him. Have you ever been to a dinner where they tell you you're having steak and lobster and you get 1/4 of an inch of lobster and one bite of steak and the rest of the plate is drizzled with some goo that you don't even ~~WANT~~ KNOW WHAT IT IS?!

-10 points on the man date cool factor scale.

So after the class, I did what any of you would do to make it up to him.

I suggested we walk 2 blocks to the thai restaurant.

And he ate his heart out.

Family Portrait

2011-06-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

This is my new family

We're missing some in there...mostly the boys.

They teach me something new every day

Push me to be the best I can be

And they're cool. Which is a huge plus.

Here's the buzz, I'll tell ya what's a happenin' (name the mediocre broadway song/show that I just butchered for a catchy blog title)

2011-05-20T09:35:00.001-05:00

1. Today when Devin got up and moved around for work, I channeled my inner Postal Service because I was in fact sleeping in. Please, please have some grace with my Gong-show worthy humor. I slept in today for the first time in who knows how long. Dig it.

2. She is coming this summer. I am going.

3. They are also coming. I have my tickets already.

4. And sweet moses the biggest one is him. I will sell my kidney for that show.

5. Moving on. I miss you guys and reading my favorite bliggity blogs. Guys, I finally have a steadier schedule and time and I will be back with lots of fun stuff.

6. I have been catching up on Glee. We don't have TV, so I have missed so much. Hulu, you are the apple of my eye. The cream in my coffee. Glee inspires me to go for my dreams: back up dancer for Britney.

7. We are getting a puppy by this summer. So there's that! Probably not one as cool as this one, but we'll work on it.

8. I bought this jacket and lost it within 2 days. I am thinking of putting up signs in my neighborhood. Devastated. And I looked better than the model.

9. Speaking of, our lululemon is rockin at the Galleria and I am LOVING my job. I learn so much every day about owning a business and it's incredible how much I didn't know I knew how to do. So blessed. Come see us June 2 from 7-10 for our grand opening party! Mechanical bull, BBQ, beer and margs...should be a good time. Oh and come see us before then too.

10. The ironman is this weekend in The Woodlands. Doing an Ironman is one of Devin's BHAGs (big hairy audacious goal), so we're going to watch with lululemon Woodlands at their inspiration station so he can get inspired and make me a nervous wreck someday when he does it. Good luck to anyone doing it!!!

11. I need a big fat massage. Anyone know anyone good in H-town? And I mean seriously unbelievably good. Massages are a gamble with me. I once had a migraine and went in for one only to be put with a blind therapist who could only use one hand. This is typical of my life.

12. Artie in a wheelchair could sing a song about a baby to me any day. Kid has a voice! Yes, still watching Glee.

13. Can I ask a question? Where do you shop? I have been to every store in America and can't seem to walk out with anything. This is a problem for me. I purged my closet of all of my frumpy businessy clothes the other night and am desperate for new clothes

14. Tell me about Paleo anyone who knows. Tell me! And how do you live without CHEESE?!

15. Did you like your prom? Sometimes I think I have dimentia. I don't think it was anything great for me, but I kind of don't remember. Oh but I do know that I have never been asked to a dance in my life. This makes Devin so sad. But really if you think about it, it was a huge advantage because I didn't have to say yes to someone and not really want to go with them; I got to pick. Ok by now Devin is really sad reading this. We'll move on.

15. I went in for new running shoes the other day and was informed that my shoes were the culprit for my knee pain and it was in fact my shoes that kept me from running my marathon. So, I plan to run my next one barefoot.

So how are you?!?!

Some people don't like mint and chocolate together. I am not one of those people.

2011-05-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

Chocolate Mint Thumbprint cookies!

From Baked. Duh.

So easy, so delicious...

they sort of look like poop at one point in the process, but they don't look like poop when they're done.

I digress.

I ran out of white chocolate and had to put on my Betty Crocker hat and THINK FAST!

So I made more filling out of milk chocolate (the brown ones).

Pretty sure I could skip a grade in culinary school.

My mom came over to help and she thought white filling was boring. So we made it blue.

They're different, but so good...especially with milk says Devin.

A garden update; because you care about my plants. Right?

2011-05-18T07:10:00.002-05:00

Dev had to build some lattice work-ish thing to hold our cucumbers this weekend. They are shooting all over the place and I'm pretty sure I can blame them for taking over the other window box and killing the strawbs.
Don't mind the breath-taking parking garage in the background.
Vom.

Basil = weed. We can't use it enough. I love that.

We bought a new cherry tomato plant that is already fruiting. We're probably most excited for this one.

I lied. Peppers. I am PUMPED FOR ALL OF OUR PEPPERS!!

We picked our first hot banana pepper this week and fed it to Grammy (D's grandma). She approved. Garden success. Clear picture fail.

Fantastic News

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

The scones are amazing.

They are coconut carrot

So good with coffee

and for lunch. Not that I know.

From the Baked cookbook, of course.

I will say, the scones were so sticky.

I would love to watch someone make scones to copy their fight against sticky dough.

So good.

Do you have that cookbook yet?

If not, get it.

Or find an awesome friend to give it to you completely unexpectedly.

2011-05-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

I feel like a blog mom.
I am in my pajamas
with my coffee
and our place is a disaster
and I am blogging.
blog mom I am.
sans the children.

This is my first full day off in about 2 months and I finally have time to do things I need to do. Like spend some time with God. Like pick up the dry cleaning that has been there for at least a month. Like clean said disastrous apartment. Like bake scones for the first time. Anyone have any advice? I don't know the first thing about making scones. Should make for a good "fail" blog post!!

What have you been up to?

We will be opening our new store this Friday and I will finally have some sort of normal schedule. I am loving my new job. I AM LOVING MY NEW JOB!!!

And I think today I will re-visit my list of 28 things to do before I'm 28 and cross a few off. Like new job.

We went to DC and this is all I got??

2011-05-06T20:09:00.002-05:00

We had a stellar time hanging with the fam.

Devin watched his man crush before we went

and then we HAD to go to Ben's chili bowl.

I'm glad we did, best half smoked all the way ever.

If you go to DC, go eat some chilay

I'm not dead!!

2011-04-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

My life is a little nuts right now but I MISS MY BLOG!!!
I have a lot to show you guys- our garden is going NUTS.
We are headed to DC this weekend to see my broskis
So once life slows down a little (i.e. after May 13th), I'll be back on
with lots and lots of pictures
stories
non-ideal things that happen to me that everyone who reads this thinks are hilarious.
I love you all!!!

I wish every day was Sunday

2011-04-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Last week I made Baked's Sunday Night Cake.

It came out PERFECTLY even though Devin thought I iced the cake to the plate.

Not true. The recipe SAID to do it this way.

It was so super easy to make.

The icing is a chocolate pudding icing. I've never made it before, but I think I can claim pro status on this.

Also, while mixing this cake, my brain (and my mind- someone name the movie) went on autopilot and tilted the mixer up and then turned it on.

Batter everywhere.

Not so pro status, but hilarious.

Yum!

omgthebestbreadever

2011-04-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I picked up the mister to go on an anniversary lunch outing.

Our first stop was a new little market he has been dying to take me to.

I love him.

LORD, SEND A REVIVAL!

Name the movie.

Revival Market is THE CUTEST MARKET LIKE EVER.

They only carry locally grown products.

Love.

I want to pause here and speak on behalf of the bread at this place.

Un. freaking. believable.

We bought a loaf and I'm not saying what kind 1. because I don't remember and 2. I don't want all of you rushing to Revival and buying it all leaving none for myself.

Selfless.

But seriously. The bread. D and I fight over it. I sneak bites at 1am when he is asleep.

Oh and then I bought the most amazing drinkable yogurt ever.

2011-04-04T07:40:00.000-05:00

Dear Husband,

Two years ago I was sitting in a condo in Austin, drinking my morning coffee, and thinking about you. Someone told me I should probably start getting ready, and I was snapped into the reality that on that gorgeous day I was actually finally getting to marry you. Oh happy day!! In 2 years, you have changed me in every way I desperately needed to be changed. You have encouraged me to do things no one ever told me I could do. You support me when I want to try something new, you love me more and better than anyone on this earth ever could. You are everything I needed and I will spend my days thanking God for you and wondering why He would ever choose to bless me with you. You have bewitched my heart, and I love you madly.

Love,

Wife

St Patrick's Day...a little late

2011-03-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

I took my man on a man date for St. Patrick's day.

Guys like to be taken out too.

We went to the Saint Arnold's Brewery for some food and beer and your everyday beard competition.

Saint Arnold's is BYOF (bring your own food). Devin chose Kenny and Ziggy's.

Not a bad choice. Not bad at all.

And then I met the guy from the box of Lucky Charms.

I'll let the pictures tell the story

2011-03-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

Men Without Hats

March 2011

Shout out to Micah for amazing pictures.

I still bake.

2011-03-25T10:38:00.000-05:00

Double Chocolate Loaf of Amazecakes

With a peanut butter cream cheese spread

So easy to make.

Terrible picture.

This is supposed to be a breakfast bread. Fine by me!

So delicious even though I forgot the salt and randomly threw it in at the end.

What I've Been Up To...

2011-03-22T14:09:00.001-05:00

Here's the skinny:
I got a new job
they pay for me to go work out
it's pretty awesome
I am in charge of planning the entire opening party.
would love your ideas
would LOVE for you to come
you can friend us on facebook here
for all the deets.

Other than that!!!
I got to see my brudder this weekend. We went to a Men Without Hats concert. You can dance if you want to.
We are planning out some gardening. I know, we're late as usual.
We are getting out of town next month which is awesome.
And I will get back in the groove of my baking awesomeness soon.
Word.

HAPPY SPRING!!!!

I'll just go ahead and get out my salsa canning supplies

2011-03-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

Because we have a tomato, people!!!

2011-03-08T11:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Fat Tuesday

Apparently my life of funemployment has led to a less structured blogging life/schedule/whatever.

Here's the latest.

I have a new love / obsession / craving for hot yoga. I go here. Gayle is awesome and I am going to Nicole today. If you are in Houston, you can drop in for any class for a fee or get 7 consecutive days of trying every class for $25 bones. A steal.

P.S. A 90 minute class burns about 1000 calories. Yes please.

I got to reunite with some college friends and their sig others this weekend and somehow this was the only picture I got.

That was some jazz place you took us to, Casey.

My biggest stress today is deciding what food to make for Bible study tonight and what to wear to yoga.

Funemployment is rough.

But I start work again tomorrow. Sorta.

I got a job at a place whose mission statement includes this:

"to help people live a longer, healthier, more fun life"

seriously? awesome.

I'm running a 10k in about a month and I guess that means I should probably figure out how to rehab my IT band back into running condition. Help.

Monday. Nada.

2011-03-07T11:19:00.001-06:00

Spring is here. Devin picked this for me (sorry if this is from your tree) on his run the other day. I am ready to see some flowers around here.

Alas I have nothing today.

2011-03-03T09:05:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy ride the last week or so around here.

We had an awesome time in Austin despite the nasty weather
and the National Lampoon's sequence of events in our trip :)

And Sunday morning we woke up to news we didn't want
Another sweet friend has passed at the bright age of 24.

He is so missed.

In our Bible study this week we talked about being thankful.
Be thankful in all circumstances...even the death of a friend.

I am thankful that he is not captive anymore.
I am thankful that our God is bigger than life and death and grief and sin
I am thankful that because of his passing, I will get to see, hug, love on, hold the hands of his family and my friends who I have not been able to see in way, way too long.
I am thankful for the friendships that we can leave and pick back up in times like this.
I am thankful for the life I have.
For being alive today.
For the changes in my desperately-in-need-of-changing life that led me out of a life of darkness
I am thankful that He hears me crying
that he cares when I hurt
that He loves me.

And in the same days of sadness, God has surprisingly blessed us more than we ever thought He would.
We underestimated Him.
And he gave us answers to prayers we have been praying for months
feelings of security
answers to our questions about our life right now
a recharge
a new direction in our lives
and we are thankful.

He gives and He takes away.

Baking Redemption

2011-03-02T08:29:00.000-06:00

New York Style Crumb Cake

I have been forgiven for the whoopie pie failure.

NAHBS which stands for Holy Cow That's A Lot of Bikes or Wow my wife is awesome for going to this with me but not awesome enough to edit all of my pictures

2011-03-01T09:07:00.001-06:00

That steel blue color made me crazy. I love it so much.

36er

I thought they were selling coffee. Jokes on me.

The North America Handmade Bicycle Show was in Austin this year. Let's be real, it was awesome.

Umm, yes I will take one Starry Night Bicycle please. Kthanks.

Vanilla Cycles. My favorite booth! D, why didn't I buy some of their rain boots?!?!

and to top it off, D got to meet Gary Fisher.

If you ask me who Gary Fisher is, it might be a lot like this.

The Sultan of Swat!

The Colosus of Clout!

THE GREAT BAMBINO!

And in return, D has agreed to go to the national quilters of America 4 day convention with me.

Jokes. I just tried to think of something really miserable.

No offense to all my quilting peeps.

I have had too much coffee.

High five for bikes.

As Our Own (Formerly Charasia)

2011-02-28T18:05:00.000-06:00

Watch how many little lives are in danger
Watch how you can help
Watch here

Red Velvet Whoopie Pie FAIL

2011-02-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

My man requested these for his birthday, but then 94 people baked us something that week, so I waited.

Uh, I am SO glad I didn't present these to him for his birthday.

It's less like a red velvet and more like a cow pie. With delicious icing. That you can't get to because you don't want to taste the cow pie.

So I emailed the author of Baked, Matt Lewis, asking why they taste like chalk. When he wrote back saying he couldn't figure it out and this was one of the favorite recipes, I threw them all against the wall.

Not really.

2.24.11

2011-02-24T10:01:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

I keep the breakfast/dinner table stocked with toys because you are a much better talker/listener when you can fidget. Since I started doing this, our dinner talks have sometimes lasted hours. I dig this. My former co-worker (woot!) told me to tell you that she is proud of you for standing behind me when I make big life choices. I second that motion. I am ready to jet this weekend. Maybe I'll bring my new (still nameless) bike and teach you a few things.

Still not sure how my shifters work,

Wife

Blubies

2011-02-23T13:38:00.001-06:00

Note to self:

When it says 2 cups of blueberries

It means 2 cups.

Not "Hey, Steph, ignore this and put the whole bag in.

Yeah, it does not mean 3 1/2 cups.

Which may or may not result in blue muffins.

Adapted from here. Like majorly adapted. Like I pretty much ignored the recipe.

Please share your grapefruit.

2011-02-22T09:25:00.000-06:00

The other day, I rode my bike to an event I was volunteering for with these peeps and the Girl Scouts for GEMS (girls exploring math and science). A few things about this:

1. I was not a Girl Scout. I was a Camp Fire Girl. I did not have a troop number. I don't think. Either way, I love these organizations and what they do for girls.

2. Way cool to be able to take a young girl to something like this and show her lots of things she could grow up to be in the math and science field. We talked about being a Speech Pathologist and Audiologist. I am neither of these, but I think they're awesome.

3. Did you know you can go to apple.com and lock your kid's ipod at a certain volume so they can't damage their hearing? 4 high fives for Apple because right now, 12% of all kids age 6-19 have noise induced hearing loss. From things like ipods.

So then I was riding my bike home and I saw this in a nearby neighborhood.

I would be lying if I told you I haven't thought about hopping that fence at night. Because like heck they can eat all of those and Devin and I definitely can.

A Friday List for You.

2011-02-18T10:42:00.000-06:00

1. Word of advice. Do not under and circumstances watch PS I Love You while your man is not home. Never. cried. so. much. ever. Worst movie in history for my emotions.

2. Trying a run this weekend. I've rested it forever and Jackie and Jillian have killed me enough to crave a run to loosen up those sore muscles. Note: if you are injured, do NOT run on your injury. It will make it so much more long term. Lesson learned.

3. I also may or may not but mostly may be picking up my new road bike from here this weekend. Swoon. I need a name for her. She will soon be friends with Ruby. And any other bikes who want to play.

4. On Tuesday, I get to start a new chapter of my life. Excited to wrap this one up. Here's to the meantime.

5. My next cookbook purchase

6. This morning, the man and I discussed this year's apartment garden over breakfast. It's about that time! For whatever reason, our tomato plant made it all the way through winter and is thriving as we speak. Planning to try some herbs again, maybe some peppers. Oh that I would have my own plot of land for digging. Someday. In the meantime, I know just who I can live vicariously through.

7. 2011 seems to be the year of the babies! I am so happy for all of you sweet friends who will be blessed with a little. How very exciting! I have lots of gifts picked out.

Happy weekend, friends.

She's back!

2011-02-17T08:51:00.000-06:00

You guys, remember when our dating hot spot / favorite coffee house hang out burned down?

She's back and we finally made it over there on our bikes to check it out.

Agora, you look the same!

Except you don't have the sketchy 2nd story outdoor area anymore, which is probably better! You still have the steep as you know what stairs!

You still have the Greek faces that creep me out if I stare at them for too long and the best jukebox in the city!
You still have all the hipsters and the trendsters on their fixies with the jeans and the glasses and the neon.

We are so thrilled to see you back in action.

Agora, you complete us.

I have a thing for green soups

2011-02-16T09:11:00.000-06:00

I love green soup. It makes me happy. It makes me feel like I'm eating something on Nickelodeon. Or something Dr. Seuss cooked up.

This is PW's Spinach Soup with ~~Gruyere~~ the white cheese I already have

So delicious. I lightened it up- subbed a lot of ingreeds. She gets mad when you do that, but there is a piece of me that just canNOT add that much butter or cream to my dinner. If you don't mind a thinner soup, it's still just as tasty!

2.15.11

2011-02-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

Your favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning is work on bikes in your jams (and in your new apron made by yours truly) while watching commercial free man shows through our awesome internet-TV cord thingy. Holler for no cable.

Apparently my favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning is take blurry pictures. You did such a great job on that bike. I know she will be happy with her new owner.

And in other news: Yesterday. Delicious dinner. Blurry Pictures.

Fun walk home.

Best Valentine's Ever.

Thank you.

Wife.

2011-02-14T09:36:00.000-06:00

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2011-02-11T14:21:00.003-06:00

I did some tweaking today

For all 903894920237473 (by that I mean, like, 6) of you who have told me the blog doesn't work on Google Reader, it should be good to go.

Happy Friday!

2 Things That Are Good.

2011-02-09T10:11:00.001-06:00

1. Heartland Turtle Bars

Quite possibly one of the best things I've made in Baked. If you want to be popular, and by popular I mean if you want everyone to eat everything you made so you don't have to take it home from the party, then make these. Oatmeal, Chocolate, Toasted Pecans, Homemade Caramel. And the angels rejoiced.

2. Honey Corn Muffins

Truth be told, Devin and I lather our cornbread with honey, so this worked out quite well. Oh to the em to the gee eat these with some of my chili (or I guess yours) and you will flat out keel over and croak and when they do your autopsy, they will conclude with "expired from eating too much awesomeness".

I really need to get out of health care.

Hey

2011-02-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

Tuesday.

The husband arranged our breakfast fruit in a smiley face yesterday to prepare me for a happy day. It was a happy day indeed. One of the best ever.

I am a wee bit behind here as you can tell by the January banner. But I'll get a good one up soon. I'm very particular about those. Sorry the blog has been lame-sauce.

I went to a Superbowl party and didn't watch one minute of the game, nor a commercial. I am absolutely fine with this. I did eat my face off though.

Been brainstorming some travel ideas with the mom. Excited for that.

One of my favorite authors is doing a book reading in Austin in March. Anyone want to come because I'm 137% sure that is Devin's idea of torture.

The other day I asked Devin 129347 either or questions while we searched for an open ice cream place in the middle of an ice storm. He had to choose which profession I would be best at (I.e. Professional traveling BBQ cook-off competitor or Bodybuilder). Let's just say my dreams (SWAT team, bounty hunter, Minnie Mouse at Disney World, stay at home wife (not mom)) never made the cut.

Things that made the cut: Welder, bodybuilder, restaurant cook. Awesome.

I feel like, if you are committed to someone, say via marriage, you don't necessarily have to let them know that they are your Valentine. I figure that is assumed? No?

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is we did a bike fit on my road bike to fix my numb arms problem and found that ~~I am mutated~~ the bike may be too big. The good news is this may mean a new bike is in my future.

I am running the best 10k I have ever heard of with my pen pal in April. Bluebonnets and Bluebell? I'll limp the race if I have to.

2.4.11

2011-02-04T11:07:00.002-06:00

Dear Husband,

When the rest of the city has snow days (sans snow), and we have to go to work, we like to come home and play everything we would have played if we did have a snow day. So last night, we put all 3 of our puffy vests on at once and jumped on the bed sumo style.

Due to my lack of jumping skills I may or may not have had to use a stool.

This morning, when you couldn't get the 4Runner out to go to work, you dressed up like Rambo and made me the best eggs of mah life all while checking the roads for my trek to the ~~prison that has no mercy~~ my place of employment.

Thank you for making my breakfast every. single. morning.

Happy weekend!

Wife

Baked French Toast. Holymoses.

2011-02-02T09:18:00.000-06:00

Make Baked Baked French Toast

Present to man in your life for his birthday breakfast

Point for you.

I used Italian bread. So good.

With raspberry sauce (next time I'll double it). So good.

We ate the whole pan in a weekend. SO GOOD!

Tiny Boxwood's

2011-02-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

About half a mile from our apartment sits a lush, exquisite, and slightly hidden nursery. Most have never noticed it, and some have no idea what is behind the sign with the quirky phrases.

It is to die for.

Thompson & Hanson built the nursery / landscaping business with a little shop at the front filled with home decor and unique pieces, but the secret weapon lies on the other side. A quaint cafe was added to the back of their space, and there Tiny Boxwood's sits.

It is at the top of the top of my favorites list, so naturally I treated myself to a bite there on my birthday.

The elegant shabby-chic design gives me the undeniable itch to rummage through a Pottery Barn catalog.

Grab a recycled wine bottle of water from the fridge at the front, and pick a spot if you can find one. This was the only time I've been to TB when there was not a line snaking out the door. But, if you do catch a line, a complimentary glass of lemonade will be waiting for you.

Mosey in on a lazy Sunday for brunch and have a rich cup of self-serve coffee accompanied by a delicious quiche or breakfast pizza, or grab an iced tea and stroll through the nursery itself. I dare you not to take home a pepper plant.

And if you're stopping in during their wine and cheese hours (3:30-5), might I recommend the Terra Rosa Malbec and the French Picnic with a side of Real Simple Magazine.

Delightful.

Some birthday highlights. There's video. Except I'm not allowed to post it. So just email me.

2011-01-31T10:12:00.001-06:00

I don't think I was clear on something.

Devin and I did not get to run the marathon.

We were both injured.

I'm still depressed...aaaaaand now I'm over it.

But, last week held both of our birthdays which usually means everyone we know bakes us something and we gain 14.1 lbs. in 3 days.

Thank the good Lord we saw Jillian this morning. Owwwwwwwuh!

Here are some highlights from day of birth celebrations.

Enjoy.

Dinner with D's parents at The Broken Spoke Cafe.

Of course it's a bicycle restaurant.

Of course it is.

Don't worry, I got a haircut the next day. Oof.

Devin's appetizer at dinner with my parents.

A little bone marrow now and then is good for you.

3 Desserts. It's how we do things.

Pancetta chocolate chip cookies oh to the em to the gee.

Love them.

Devin made me the best gift certificate for some time here.

And brought me these.

My absolute favorite.

A bunch of tulips will make me happy ~~for a long time~~ until I get more.

Birthday breakfast.

I only take him to the finest.

Best. BBQ. Ever. In. My. Life.

Happy Monday!

Sayonara January!

28 things to do before I turn 28

2011-01-27T08:44:00.002-06:00

I'm 27 today. Woot! Last year I made a list of things to do before today.

Here's today's.

Some explanations, because they're necessary since Kstan thought I meant "eat more leftovers":

# 6: I never learned how. It's terrible. I feel like I do not belong in my generation.

# 8: Anything I didn't do on my last list

# 12: Please refer to this

# 20: Like maybe them and probably some of them and her and here and them (Dont you dare hate; it's my birthday.)

# 27: I am only allowed to do this if someone does it with me. And DC has a race that day. Anyone? Anyone? Free beer? No?

# 28: Wild card. Something that just comes up that is awesome.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I have today and tomorrow off and I plan to savor every second of my freedom.

Much love, party people.

1.26.11

2011-01-26T09:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband,

This weekend we spent all of Saturday morning at a bike swap selling our goods (and picking up some more...naturally). I love watching you geek out with new cycling friends, like the Spanish Conquistador with the scarf and the hair and the killer bike. As a treat for attending said bike swap, you bought me coffee and lunch at one of our favorites (who happened to be hosting said swap). We talked and laughed and people watched our hearts out. I love days like that day.

I think the worst part about not running the marathon is the fact that you have to take my scooter back since I didn't earn it. This totally ruins my plans of being awesome (I can only assume you did purchase one since YOU PROMISED one if I ran a marathon). And now, as we roll into what was once titled "Holycrapwe'rerunningamarathon Weekend" but is now titled "IcantbelieveIwokeupat5everySaturdayfornothing", I'll ice your booboo if you ice mine, and we'll get ridiculously excited for bike racing season.

And then our next Marathon.

Wife.

This is a Loaded Post. Prepare yourself.

2011-01-25T10:13:00.001-06:00

My girlfriend's birthday was yesterday, so I wanted to deliver her something super colorful and bright with a wine theme. Because she digs the vino.

I just wrapped a wine bottle in raffia. With some tacky glue. This was specifically called Hollywood Raffia. I guess because it is shiny?
Random fact: my parents wanted to name me Holly. But then my name would have been Holly Wood. Thank you for not doing that and thus making middle school even more awkward.

Happy Birthday to my #1 She-ruby!

And in completely unrelated news, remember the asian chicken?
We beefed it up.

And it was incredible.

And then I stayed up until midnight baking Monkey Bubble Bread aka thebesthingIhaveeverbaked aka totallyworththelackofsleep aka IloveyouKitchenAidemixerandBakedcookbook.

aka YourewelcomeBiblestudygroup.

Bag lady

2011-01-24T11:16:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, I took some old T-shirts and made some grocery bags.

Not because we need more

but because I wanted to get rid of some of Devin's T-shirts.

Jokes. Not.

Tace got me this shirt. Get it? I love DC? As in my husband?

Anyways I spilled something on it and it stained. But I love its new use!!

Don't worry, he was thrilled to put all of the groceries in the car while I snapped his picture. Thrilled.

So, just sew the bottom closed, use a bowl to cut a nice circle around the neck, cut the sleeves off. I decided to finish off all of the edges for extra durability, but I guess you wouldn't have to.

And now we love these bags more than any others...because we got $111 worth of groceries in 3 of them. Boomtown.

Happy Monday!

Pity Party Concluded

2011-01-21T09:45:00.002-06:00

Last night, I got elbows deep in the kitchen and cooked my little food-loving heart out.

And it helped me stop sulking about the marathon.