Kid Clothe Envy

I've been in love with this kid's apparel collection out of Belgium every since I saw it on one of my favorite blogs called Black Eiffel, who's link you can find under "inspiration" on the right. Check out their collection at Maan for more colorful combinations of cuter than cute tweeds, patterns, sashes and more.

Merry Christmas!

This colorful and graphic nativity set is, by far, the coolest one that I've seen. You can purchase it at House Industries. The figures are made of solid maple in the U.S.A. and designed by Alexander Girard who was a New York born textile designer. Girard is known for his work with Herman Miller, George Nelson, and Charles and Ray Eames. His extensive folk art collection is housed at the Girard Foundation but you can take this set home for $530.

Bon Appetit

My attempt at getting the baby to take her medicine: Greek blueberry yogurt + whipped cream + pancreatic enzymes. It almost looks good enough to eat!

While I'm on the subject, little one is thriving. She just turned a year old and has been remarkably healthy. An accomplishment that I take great pride in considering the challenges that have surfaced in the last year.

She's taking her first steps, has a pretty impressive vocabulary, and is the most social baby I've ever met. She's a very lucky girl with lots of people to love on her. Thanks everybody for being such a great support and for helping to create our little community.

I continue to strive for more balance and hope to reach that magical place soon. If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.

Cookie cookie cookies

I brought these compost cookies (complete with potato chips, chocolate chips and Rolo candy chunks) to a recent "Potato Pallooza" party. This crowd favorite was borrowed from Tastespotting, one of my go-to sites for food inspiration. Here is a copy of the much requested receipe for you to try.

Momofuku Milk Bar’s Compost Cookies
Recipe and image taken from www.lafujimama.com

Makes 15 6-ounce cookies

8 ounces (1 cup) butter
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups Your favorite baking ingredients! (chopped chocolate, mini chocolate chips, Raisinettes, Rolos, Cocoa Krispies, etc.)
1 1/2 cups Your favorite snack foods (potato chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers, etc.)

1. In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup on medium high speed for 2 – 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow in color. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.

2. On low speed, add the eggs and vanilla and mix until they are incorporated. then increase the speed to medium-high and start a timer for 10 minutes. During the 10 minutes, the sugar granules will fully dissolve and the mixture will become a pale cream color and double in size.

3. After the 10 minutes, lower the speed to low and add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix for 45 – 6o seconds—just until your dough comes together and the dry ingredients have become incorporated. DO NOT overmix the dough. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a spatula.

4. Continuing on the low speed, add the mix of your favorite baking ingredients and mix for 30 – 45 seconds until they are evenly mixed into the dough. Then finally, add your favorite snack foods last, mixing on low until they are just incorporated.

5. Use a 6-ounce ice cream scoop to scoop out balls of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. When you have scooped out all of the dough, wrap the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (or up to 1 week). DO NOT bake your cookies from room temperature or they will not hold their shape.

6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahreneheit. When the oven has come to temperature, arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a parchment or silpat-lined baking sheet 4-inches apart. Bake the cookies for 9 – 11 minutes. Check the cookies at 9 minutes. They should be browned on the edges and just beginning to brown towards the center. If not (if they seem pale and dough on the surface), leave them in the oven for the additional 2 minutes. Cool the cookies completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a plate or airtight container for storage.

* The cookies will keep fresh at room temperature for 5 days, or in the freezer for 1 month.

Fifteen years and counting

From the first time we met we were drawn to one another. Our spark is undeniable. I look forward to growing stronger and keeping our flame burning bright.

A time of reflection.

I happened to come across a notebook that, once insignificant, has become a time capsule of sorts. I jotted down sketches of my wedding dress, transcribed passages that would be read at our ceremony, a rough draft of my vows, and a list of potential names for our daughter while pregnant and anxiously waiting to find out her gender.

Next month, my husband and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary, nearly half of our lives. I've been thinking a lot about commitment and our wedding vows, remembering our journey and contemplating the future. Here are some of the words put to paper and shared at our wedding ceremony:

"The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd A. Peterson, modified by us

A good marriage must be created
In marriage the little things are the big things
It is never being too old to hold hands
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day
It is never going to sleep angry
It is not taking the other for granted
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives
It is standing together and facing the world
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful
It is not only marrying the right person, it is being the right partner


Vows to my new husband:

Sean,
You make me laugh.
You let me cry.
You are my greatest ally and best friend.
I have discovered myself in the comfort of your love.
I know the you that no one else gets to.
I admire your passion,
Appreciate your deep sense of loyalty,
Am refreshed by your wit,
And am relieved that, fundamentally, we value the same things.
I promise to nurture your dreams and help shoulder your challenges.
I promise to love you,
Comfort and encourage you,
And be open and honest with you.
I know that together we can face any challenge that life may bring.
I make this commitment to you today simply because
. . . I can't live without you!
So take this ring as a symbol of my love and unending devotion.