Bday Parties, If You Will.

I used to be one of those people who kinda rolled their eyes at big ole birthday parties for one year olds. I used to always raise my nose in the air, as if I knew better, and would mutter, "they won't remember". But now that I have a little nephew, I've completely done a 180. I have dreams of cotton candy booths! mini petting zoos! donkey rides! gourmet food! individual bday cakes with a personalized monogram!

J, reign it in. Reign it in a little.

Last night when Josh was sleeping o-so-soundly next to me I found this in my twitterfeed. My mouth dropped open and I could barely hold back from waking the sleeping creature to 'ooo' and 'ahhh' with me.

Needless to say, I don't think he would have appreciated being woken up to see pictures of a child's bday party. :) I would have said it's not just any child's bday party, but Martha Stewarts granddaughters 1 year party. Say what you will about Martha, woman can throw a party.

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Isn't it just perfect in every way? *sigh

Maybe I'll call in a few favors and see if she'll do one for Cole. :p

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Tiny Clothes for Tiny People

Mini-me clothes, again. I'm obsessed, just obsessed I tell you! 

So scrumptious, aren't they? I just want to pick them up and nibble their ears and tickle their tummies till they are red in the face. 

Get them here.

The Great Cookie Hunt

I have this favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe that has become my "standard cookie". You know what I mean? It's my go-to cookie recipe that I'm quickly becoming infamous for. (I think a total of 3 people know about them, and in the interest of full disclosure I'd have to say that of those three people, all of them are family.)

But I don't want to be the girl who stopped searching for the best cookie too young. So I'm back on the hunt for another cookie. And then this plopped into my cyber lap, the Nutella-Stuffed Brown Butter + Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Made them last night. YUM. The nutella is the kicker.

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You can never have too many chocolate chip cookie recipes in your repertoire.

At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Weekend Recap

It was a sad, sad weekend. But all the concerned texts for Josh made it a tiny bit better. Thanks friends. :)

1. Sprinkles cupcakes in Palo Alto is right next door to Stanford in one of my favorite Bay Area malls. They were offering free cupcakes if you whispered "Go Stanford" so I swallowed my pride (and made Josh swallow his too) for the free goodies. I had no shame walking in there decked out in USC gear, surrounded by Stanford fans. $4 per cupcake will do that to you. :p 2. First time at the stadium. It's small and not well planned for crowds. But the seats were comfy and we were surrounded by Cardinal and Gold. By the end of the first quarter the peeps in our little area were best friends. :) 3. After the devastating loss (Josh laments that it was the way they lost that hurt so bad) we ate our sorrows away with those grandes 4. This was taken at halftime, before the loss became apparent. Originally our shirts were the same color. But Josh has worn that shirt to every game he's been to since his freshman year. Maybe it's time for a new one?

One for the Road

I know I said I wouldn't post about Cole anymore this week. But I tricked you and had my fingers crossed. :p It's Friday friends and I must leave you with something sweet for your weekend. What is sweeter than a newborn? I've now had ample time to go through the gazillion photos I have. Here are some goodies:

Passed out with Josh on the couch. Watching the game and fixing Aimee's computer together.

**smiles while sleeping**

nose to nose, Father and Son

he's in there somewhere..

head to toe

 wrinkled toesies!

and me, in awe. 

We aren't going down this weekend so I miss him already. But Aimee is doing really well having settled into a sort-of routine and recovering nicely from the birth. So that makes me feel A-okay. 

Instead we're going to the SC game at Stanford this weekend! Should be lots of fun (and hopefully not stressful at all because it's a blowout). Have a beautiful weekend friends. 

Orders Up!

Josh has been working late on a project every Tuesday and Thursday for the last few months. Oftentimes he doesn't get home till 8 and by then he's tired and hungry. To thank him for being such a great provider, I cooked up a little something special.

Well, maybe little is the wrong word. Decadent, rich, creamy, and overthetop are more the adjectives I was looking for.

Marsala Mushroom Cream Sauce over Beer Braised Beef 

(FYI - The pro photo was waaaay prettier, so I used that one.)

It's the perfect recipe for a special occasion/holiday that just happens to be a cold, rainy night. Already in the Paprika app!

Food coma commencing..

Be Brave

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt

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