6.30.08

Sunday BBQ at my moms. Grant & Chloe.
My new favorite summer dessert. This was the first time I made it so I have a few improvements next time.

Home Made Strawberry Ice Cream:
1 c. whole milk
3/4 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. whipping cream
1 c. fresh strawberry's cut into chunks

Ginger Snap Cookies

Brush Caro syrup onto the top of the ginger snap and dust with sugar.

Put ice cream in between and enjoy.

6.27.08

Yesterday...

We went to the grand opening of El Pollo Loco (California fast food that made it's debut in Utah). The line was wrapped around the building... so we waited for burritos and churros. Luckily our house is right near the new restaurant so we went to eat our dinner in our 82 degree kitchen (AC on the main floor is not working. How can it be broken when it's never been used?) After So You Think You Can Dance and a few mad games of ping pong between Wyatt and myself, we took Chloe to the 10:00 Get Smart. I don't know if she was excited about the movie or the fact that it was rated PG13.

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Tonight...

We're going to Jerry Seinfeld. Thanks to Ashley (who works at Anthropologie) who made me see that this dress is much cuter on. Now I have something new to wear tonight.

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Have a good weekend.

6.26.08

This is a random post... but I don't think anyone minds. Grant and I went mountain biking last night. We found some really fun downhill which left a nice climb back to the truck.
We went golfing the other day. Since I'm always taking pictures of everyone I had Grant snap a photo of me. This is before I learned how to coil (golfer terminology, don't worry if you don't understand)

And yesterday I decided to get into the 4th of July spirit so I put up these cute flags I bought last year at Thanksgiving Point. So now the craft room is oh so patriotic.

6.24.08

Forget the last post, I'll muster up the energy. Thanks for the encouragement.

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A cupcake can cure anything. Lucky for me, I live 20 seconds from Dipidee Bakery, which has the most amazing sweets. For those of you who don't you can make this delicious recipe.

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I'm in love with this cup cake bowl. Via Rose and Radish.
Image: Rose and Radish.
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There are two secrets to these cupcakes. They get their rich, extra-chocolaty flavor from a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate, and their soft, moist texture from a simple hand-mixing method.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
11 Tbs. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Chocolate or vanilla buttercream for frosting cupcakes (see related recipes at left)
Grated chocolate for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper or foil liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Place the chocolate and butter in a large heatproof bowl and set over but not touching simmering water in a saucepan; stir frequently until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir the sugar into the chocolate mixture until combined. Stir in the eggs one at a time, beating until combined after each addition, then beat in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour mixture just until no traces of flour remain; do not overmix. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to the rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Frost the cupcakes with the buttercream, garnish with grated chocolate and serve. (The frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.) Makes 12 cupcakes.
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Recipe from Williams Sonoma

6.23.08

I have to say, I think I have fallen off of the blog band wagon. Let me be clear, I love reading about other peoples lives and adventures, it's just posting about my own that is starting to become a bore.

With no children, pets, an adventurous city or a crazy career I really have posting limitations. I think I may take a break for the summer. I could read like I used to, write like I used to, paint my nails at work like I used to... Anyone else feeling this way?

6.17.08

(I had to post this so I can remember it for my own kids one day.)

I found this art collage on Design Mom and thought it was such an amazing idea. Turning your kids artwork into a piece of art... very creative.

(Click below for more details)

http://www.shopwithlove.net/ee/index.php?/love/calendarDetail/jan_eleni_collage/

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Tomorrow I'm off to California so Grant can play in a golf tournament and so I can lay out by his parents pool for three days. Needless to say we're both looking forward to it.

6.16.08

I know that every one's skin type is different so take or leave this advice.

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I read about this new face moisturizer from Neutrogena in Shape magazine. Since I was already on the prowl for a softer, lighter face lotion for the summer months, I went right to Target to purchase it. I've used it for a few days and love it. It's airy and smooth and doesn't make my skin feel greasy. A definite good find.

6.14.08

For those of you wondering about the cruise... here's the story.

Left Salt Lake Saturday Morning

Got on the boat Saturday afternoon

Started getting the flu Saturday

Sick all day Saturday and Sunday

Monday dock in Juneau

Grant and I fly home Monday night

So sad. I ruined the cruise. I was too sick. Couldn't do it. I've been home sick all week.

6.13.08

After being sick for a week -

Today I am going to lay out in my back yard (it's 9 am and I'm already in my swimming suit), ride around in the golf cart with Grant (probably attempt to hit a few myself), go to a movie (if there's anything worth seeing).

What I won't be doing is - cleaning, eating (still a little woozy from being sick), working (hooray for the day off), exercising (again... still woozy).

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P.S. I chopped my hair. I look like a baby doll.

6.12.08

La vie en rose...

6.5.08

Grants dad painted this picture seven years ago. The first time I visited their home, I loved the painting. Last time we visited, I ask him if he would give it to me once he was tired of it. And to my surprise it showed up in a big brown box this week.

6.4.08

I know exactly what I am going to buy today with my birthday gift card to Borders...

6.3.08

When I think of my wardrobe last summer, one thing comes to mind... hot (I mean in the 100 degree, wearing too many layers kind of hot). So here is my list of must haves for summer 08...

Bright colored sun glass case... not a necessity...but a must none the less.
Bright colors.

I already have a Free People luggage tag, so this is for those of you who don't... you're summer travel bag will thank you.

Breathable blouses.

I'm loving cotton tee's and bright colored scarfs.

Airy, casual dresses.

Unique bags.Loose tanks.

And of course a favorite suit.

6.1.08

In honor of June ... here are some out door finds. I've been searching for outdoor chairs. Finally found what I've been looking for. conranusa.com

I love this acorn birdhouse. Now I only need a trellis to hang it on. anthropologie.com
If you need a wheel barrel... canranusa.com