Recipe Box: Cream Cheese Pie

Check out this yummy recipe in the Recipe Box, a modified version from the Paula Deen!

Recipe Box: Baptism Cookies

Check out my newest cookie creations at the Recipe Box !

Psssst

{Pssst: Check out the Recipe Box for my latest sugar cookie results! Happy Weekend!}

A License for Registration

As I mentioned before, many of my friends are taking the plunge, gettin' hitched, tying the knot (hehe). I love hearing about all of the festivities and the mile-long to-do lists, but my favorite part is the registering! I always want to know what people registered for and what they want to get the most. I think it is so much fun--binge shopping for everything you want, and then walking away without having to buy it all. Eh, who cares if you don't get any of it (well, maybe ya few pieces....?). Really though, we are still so grateful for our wedding gifts, and every time I use something we received, I remember who got it for us, and it makes me smile. I'm not kidding--every time I use it :) Go ahead...Quiz me! Allison and Loo - artisan cake stand, Linds - quiche dish, Carolyn and Rick - amazing wooden salad bowl, Matt and Jo - bath towels ...See! I do remember :) And no, I am not referencing a gift list!

I smile REALLY big when I use an item that I love though, you know, those items that you can't wait to register for and then can't wait to get once you do register for them?! If I had to recommend one item for my engaged friends to register for, I would laugh and recommend 10! Here is my list of the top ten things we use from our registry, or for better or worse, I couldn't imaging living without!

10. CorningWare Portable Oblong Dish (Thanks, Shannon!) 9. Red Wine Glass, mine are cobalt blue (Thanks, Myers Fam!) 8. Craftsman Cordless Drill (Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Dill!) 7. Staccatto Everyday Ware from Crate and Barrel (Thanks again, Myers'!) 6. Cuisinart Griddler (Thanks various giftcard and cash givers!) 5. Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffee Maker (Thanks John & Florence Duty!) 4. Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor (Thanks, Janan and Bob Kline!) 3. OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cups (Thanks co-worker Alan!) 2.  Lenox Pearl Platinum China (Too many people to mention - Rach/Molly, Aunt Millie, and many more) 1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer in Red (Thanks again, Dill Grandparents! This is my absolute FAVE!)


Told ya! I could go at this all day!

Cross My Heart

There is something about a cross-body bag that just speaks to me -- the hands-free functionality and casualness of it all. I originally started searching for a good cross-body bag for toting my camera gear, here, but man was I surprised at all of the cute designs available--from high to low! Summer time is perfect for this style and I just love all of these bags (some more affordable than other others!).Aren't they great? I will take one of each, please!

Sinful Chocolate Cupcakes, From Hershey's

Check out the Recipe Box for this chocolatey goodness in the form of a yummy cupcake.

Organic Mushroom Ravioli - Fresh and Fast

Head on over to the Recipe Box for a fast and yummy dish - I think the whole meal took MAYBE 20 minutes. And it was perfect for just us two!

Weddings Galore!

April was a big month for weddings, at least for planting the seed that blooms into a bunch of beautiful weddings! It seems like so many of my good friends got engaged this month (three to be exact), and there are a few others who are well into their engagement. It is an exciting time, I know. Decisions to make, cake to taste, dresses to try on... I have to admit it was fun when we were planning our wedding, but I am kind of glad it is over and we can watch all of the magic happen (from the sidelines now) for our friends!

My friend Sarah loves J. Crew and I am quite a fan myself. I don't buy a lot of their stuff because I never seem to make it past Nordstrom (hehe). But one thing that I really love about J. Crew is their bridesmaid dresses. I have loved their style since before I was engaged and their collections just keep bringin' it. My friend Rach picked this dress for her bridesmaids and it is simple but classic in silk chiffon, and oh so beautiful.

And the color she chose makes this dress - Spiced Wine!

I just love weddings! And while we are on the topic of weddings, check out Snippet & Ink or 100 Layer Cake, or heck - any of these great wedding blogs/sites for ideas on the big day...or maybe even a fab bridal shower!

The Inspired Bride, The Wedding Chicks, Bird in a Cage Bride, Jeune Marie

Recipe Box: Frosted Animal Cookies

Head on over to the Recipe Box and check out my newest cookie creations: Frosted Animal Cookies for my nephew's first birthday party, and some tips and tricks for decorating. These cookies are so cute!

Hobby...or Obsession?

A hobby is defined as "an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation." Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes {stamp collecting / blogging / building model airplanes? flying airplanes...?}, genres {scrapbooking / sewing / sports / games} and financial obligations {shopping / cooking / collecting shoes, to name a few!}.

I suppose I have a few hobbies, but by definition {...pleaseure ...relaxation}, I guess I really only have one - taking pictures. I love my camera and I love snapping pictures. I think those who know me are very aware of that. I guess taking pictures has really always been a hobby, but I have gotten pretty obsessed serious about it over the past few years {landmark moment - studying abroad and traveling through Spain and to Rome made for some amazing photo opportunities}. Now, some of my favorite subjects to capture on 'film' are my pup Tess, my nephew Jackson, the Texas landscape, flowers, food, and old buildings. I suppose that last one carried over from the Europe trip...

A hobby often requires one to spend some money {sometimes lots of money} to continue to pursue their hobby, and photography is certainly no exception. I have tried very hard to search for deals on lenses, filters, etc. etc., so it hasn't completely taken over my bank account, but the great thing about photography is that with the push toward digital, it has become more feasible for us non-professionals to obtain tools and gadgets that allow for some great photos, and a very satisfying hobby.

I love that you can now buy trendy camera bags, straps, and lenscap holders. And I LOVE that there are so many people in the blog/internet world that are willing to share tips and tricks on photography and editing photos in Photoshop {the program I use}. It makes my hobby a lot more doable, less stressful, and enjoyable. If any of you love taking pictures as much as I do, or even at all, here are some resources that I use to maintain my obsession hobby.

This new camera strap I got for my Canon DSLR {love it!} makes snapping pics more comfortable {padding}, functional {lenscap holder built in}, and trendy {just look at this fun pattern}. Unfortunately, I did not see this exact pattern when I ordered, so mine has the leaf circles on one side and black and white polka dots on the other (no cute yellow birdies), but I still love it! :

These sites have some great tips on taking photos and/or editing them in Photoshop:

MckMama
Hubbard's Camera
Vandelay Design
Pioneer Woman

I would love love LOVE to get a trendy camera bag for all of my lenses and everything, and these TOP my list, from Kelly Moore:

The B-HOBO Bag in Mustard {a long strap is essential for a no-hassle transport}

The Kelly Moore Bag in Grey {again, with the wonderful strap}

Anyone onsessed with photo-taking, like me? Have any other sites/blogs/stores for this photography-lover to check out?

Recipe Box: Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Sandwich

My husband and I made this sandwich on Saturday and it was simply delicious. All of the fresh ingredients really make this sandwich. Head on over to the Recipe Box to check it out!

Recipe Box: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Check out the recipe box for a yummy {and very very healthy} recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - yum!

Spring has Sprung, In Texas That Is

After that last post, fish tacos, I swear the weather gods must have been amused because the hot weather has arrived! Aside from a few rain showers {because what's Houston without humidity to add to the heat?}, the weather has been a great change from the chilly mess. So, in appreciation, my husband and I went to Escalante's last night and had Tex-Mex on the patio, with a few Coronas in hand. It was heavenly. Of course, I wanted a large margarita {on the rocks, no salt please}, but Puerto Vallarta is but weeks away {okay, maybe more like 11 weeks...} but I have to stay strong if I plan to be in swimsuit-form! Even though I passed on a sinful margarita, I did get some emails and catalogs from Crate and Barrel lately and I LOVE their new stuff. Check out this great Calypso Citron set - perfect for a 'rita!

Citron Pitcher - $24.95

Citron Summer Drink Glass/Margarita Glass - $7.95

I actually have this set from a few years ago, in cobalt blue. The pitcher is so pretty and the summer glasses are perfect for sangria, ritas, beer...you name it! I really want it in 'Citron' now though, with the cute margarita glasses  :)  Oh wishful thinking...

Check out these other great items from Crate and Barrel {all of which are on my wishlist}:

Sorrento Dinner Plates - $19.95 set/$5.95 each

             

Sunshine Pedestal - $29.95

 

Ruffle Chargers in Green, Set of 4 - $14.95

Dahlia Flower Napkin rings - 2.95each

Recipe Box: Tacos Pescado

Check out the Recipe Box for a yummy Fish Taco recipe!

Spring Things

I am beyond ready for warmer weather. In Texas, we are not used to this yucky weather in March, especially not snow and ice and stuff. Houston {thankfully} hasn't seen anymore snow since early December, but the weather is unpredictable to say the least and I am eagerly anticipating warmer weather, longer days, and all of the wonderful things that go with that.

As I posted earlier, we are going to Mexico in May and I have been keeping track of all the things I need want to get for the trip. I will undoubtedly shop a few malls to see what bargains I can find, but on a typical trip to Target last week, I found some great casual stuff at great prices and thought I would share. I went ahead and got a few things; Target usually runs out of my size pretty quick once the general public decides to start buying the newest items, and if I wait then I am stuck envying my friends' great finds :( Here are the items I snatched up so I can cross some of the things off of my list:

Target also has some other great stuff right now that I am still eyeing; I just haven't made the purchases yet! I love their new line of shoes, casual dresses, and cover-ups!

I would definitely check out Target this week though, because some of these prices are only good through the weekend! Happy shopping :)