pirates and peanut butter bars

Welcome back, did you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend?  Me too.  I had a 4 day weekend and it was heaven.  Probably better than rapture really...oh are we done with rapture jokes?  Okay.

Friday I made those salted peanut butter brownies and headed over to my Sister's place so I could get the kids all sugared and hyped up before nap time.  I'm good at that ;)  Of course all Ava wanted to do was sleep, which is my favorite part about babies...

Sleeping beauty

We also worked a little on our acting. She's a future drama queen for sure...

Ava, show me a pirate....arrrrggh!

Ava, show me a mouse...

Ava, show me jazz hands!

This is Jackson's pirate, and then we had to hunt treasure for the rest of the day.

Including rowing around in the laundry basket (ie, I push him around in the basket).

I went to 3 Pure Barre classes last week and nearly died playing pirates.

But I kept on rowing (pushing the kid) because I had to work these babies off...

Oh, and then when my Sister wasn't looking I measured her bean

Just a hair bigger than a fire truck and almost 1 month old!

And then I took a nap....

How was your weekend?



SYTYCD...don't we all?

So You Think You Can Dance started last night and I already spot a few favorites!  Clearly I come from a family of dancers...

My Dad's solo with his backup dancers

My Sister was a chocolate river and I was a gobstopper...duh!

Can you guess what show this was?  No points if you're a BDA Alum.

What are your weekend plans?  I have a 4 day weekend...what to do, what to do?

brownies with salted peanut butter frosting

I'm making these babies tonight for a morning coffee date with my Sister and her babies...perfectly acceptable breakfast treat for an almost 3 year old right?

{recipe and photo via not without salt}

I'm going to cheat a little and make coconut flour brownies so they're gluten free and grain free, but I will not skimp on that peanut butter frosting goodness...

Peanut Butter Frosting

6 Tablespoons (3/4 stick) softened butter
¾ cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
pinch salt
1 teaspoon sea salt or flakes

Cream the butter and the peanut butter until combined. Slowly stir in the powdered sugar until completely incorporated. Spread over cooled brownies. Sprinkle the salt all over.

winner winner!...me, not you

I've won some stuff, I figured it was time to share ;)  Bryan picked the Flavor Flav theme...funny boy.

You remember this Shabby Apple dress I won over at Slumber Designs?

Well this is what it looks like on, and un-ironed.  What do you think, is dill my color?

I also won this cute Malinka necklace at exPress-o and I love the Liberty of London fabric!

Then the other day I got this adorable ampersand in the mail from a giveaway by Edie's Lab on Creative Index.

I haven't decided just where I'll put it yet, maybe on my future gallery wall?

Charlie & Issy, Puggle & Ridgeback, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb, Dumb & Dumber...

Thank you Jen, Diana and Jessica for the amazing goodies!



I've got nothing...

I went to Pure Barre last night because my carpool buddy is in Paris so I have some time to exercise.  Yes, she is my excuse.  I have 3 weeks to get my butt in shape, literally.  I came home to bbq'd chicken and artichokes that I didn't have to make, and then I got to go to the neighbors to see their new kitten.  They haven't named it yet but I was voting for raccoon bait because cats don't seem to survive very long around here.  What do you think of a play on Kathy Bates?  Kitty Baits...no?  The kids will never get it. 

Now I'm tired and watching Desperate Housewives of New Jersey...Bryan's show.  Sometimes he yells at the TV when the girls are arguing and it makes me snicker.  Usually when one girl is accusing another and he takes sides.  So funny.  I love him.

The other night while getting into bed he asked me what I blogged about.  I hate when he asks me that because sometimes I pump things out that don't make a lot of sense (especially if I'm drinking wine), like tonight...

B:  What did you blog about tonight?

Me:  Why don't you just wait and read it tomorrow?

B:  Because I want to know.  If I had a blog I would tell you.

Me:  Oh yea, what would you blog about?

B:  Nothing, that's why I don't have one.


I've tried to get him to guest blog...maybe I'll try a little harder.  Tell me what you had for dinner last night.  I need ideas!

Jimmy Eat World...yep I'm old

Friday I finally got to go see Jimmy Eat World live.  They're one of my favorite bands from college.  When I found out they were doing a little cheapy show at The Showbox SoDo I emailed me girlfriend to see if she would go with me, since she's one of the few people I know that liked them too.  Unfortunately she was out of town that weekend.  So I asked Bryan.  It was standing room only and I told him I would get him really drunk so he could tolerate it (he has social anxiety).  He said no and that I should ask my friend Jeff.  So I asked Jeff and he said it was opening weekend for halibut fishing and I should ask Darek.  Was there no one in this world that would go with me?  So I emailed Danielle.  She said she didn't really know who they were but that she would go.  WIN!

We went for sushi before but I hoovered it before I could take a photo. Afterward we went to The Showbox and had drinks until the show started.  I didn't hear who the opening band was, but they sounded pretty good.

 

 

Crown and coke and gin and tonic

We headed out into the crowd when they came onstage.  I was fine in the back but Danielle said we should venture up to side of the stage since we're short.  I said okay, but couldn't push through the crowd.  She grabbed my hand and pulled me up to the front.  Love her.

I got this one shot of Jim Adkins before the bouncer threatened me. 
I love the way he says "honey" and always wanted him to call me that.  I thought it would be my night ;)

Everyone had their phones out so Danielle took this one

They didn't play my favorite song, but they did play my funeral song.  And at the end they threw out some guitar picks and Danielle nabbed one for me.  Best date ever!  It was a fun night.  Thanks for going with me D!

The rest of the weekend was lazy.  We got ready for rapture by putting gas in the car and going to the grocery store.  Although we should've gone after rapture so it was less crowded...

Sunday we took a morning hike on Squak Mountain in Issaquah.  We had never been to the Bullit family cabin at the top and although we had only planned on going a half hour up, a half hour down we ventured further.  Bryan's Dad is good friends with the Bullit's grand daugther and Bryan has done some electrical work at her house so it was fun to see.

 

What's left of their summer cabin, donated in 1972 along with 600 acres to the state.

 

 

What did you do this weekend?  I hope you didn't watch Easy A...don't do it.

 

 

like mother like son...

This picture...

Totally reminded me of this picture

Like Mother like Son.  What is so uninteresting about little Sisters?

Weekend plans?  Let's one up each other...you win.

Look at this dog

This cracked me up

{via one stylish dude on Pinterest}

And totally reminded me of my own. 

Although I'd never feed them Kraft slices, they deserve sharp cheddar.

Photos and lovely green lawn by Bryan

Did you link up with Mr. Linky yesterday so I could see your "must do's"?  I need to be inspired...

"must do" mash up!

I have a few must do's for you today.  You must:

Listen to this...

Sunday morning drives with The End unplugged is one of my favorite things.  I heard this last week.  LOVE IT.

Make these...

{via For the Love of Cooking}

You must make these baked artichokes.  I would up the temp to 400 degrees and bake for 60 minutes.

I also passed on the basil.  They were so delicious and even better the 2nd day after hanging out in the stock.

Buy this...

{via Anthropologie}

This little dress is on sale for $69.  So is this one, and this one...*sigh*

Go here...

{via here}

Everyone knows I love my Skillet Street Food.

 (Remember when Mikaela and I made it in their Sunset Mag feature?)

Their brick and mortar diner should be up and running by Friday, fingers crossed!

What are some of your "must do's" lately?  Link up so I can't miss them!

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Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

McDonald's coffee tastes good with a baby in your arms

I got to snuggle the new babe this weekend.  My Sister wanted to get out of the house so we decided to go to a new coffee shop in her hood with a little kids play area.  Of course, they shut down- so we went to Micky D's to let Jackson blow off some steam.  It was rainy and miserable out so it was just what he needed.  Since nothing in life is free, you had to purchase something to use the play area.  We got coffee and hot chocolates and the batman trio that comes in a happy meal.  I didn't know you could just buy the toys and bypass heart disease...who knew?

Ava, 2 weeks old

Fueling up with...sugar

While she slept

And slept....

He played

I cuddled and kissed

And we were all exhausted!



Here a chick, there a chick, every where a chick chick

This weekend was a bit of a lazy one.  Friday we took my parents to Cafe Selam for a late Mother's Day dinner.  We were also celebrating that Bryan got his Master 01 Electrician certification.  I don't know what that means just yet, but basically he's on the top of his game.  We're very proud!

Ethiopian wine is very sweet. 

I stuck to Mango juice, and only enough sips of wine to equal one glass ;)

This may not look appetizing to you, but I am in love.

If anyone wants to try, give us a call!

My Mom very focused on her injera

Saturday was beautiful.  Almost 70 degrees...that's a lot for us ;)  I stopped by the neighbors garden because there was a lot of screaming about a mouse.  They got new chicks so I decided to pull out my new lens and try it out.

I hope this one's a good layer, I'm ready for some fresh eggs!

This one's name is Bouffy (short for Bouffant)

I believe this one's name was Cleopatra. 

Those little buggers were fast.  They also got some fizzies that lay blue and green eggs.  Those are my favorite!  What did you do this weekend?

I love my Mama

**Interview with my Mother**

Slightly more or less interesting than with a vampire depending on your views...

Jenna from a little blue devoted her blog to Mothers this week.  She let me interview my dear Mum and posted it today on her blog.  For those of you who don't know much about my Mother (you should, I'm an oversharer), she was born in Switzerland and met my Dad on a holiday.  She came to visit him in Seattle, he bought her a puppy and she never left.  We're so glad she didn't, however I think I would be very charming with a French accent....*sigh*  I missed my chance. 

Thanks so much for posting Jenna!  Head over and check it out HERE.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.  I have a date with my little snuggler above and a new 50mm lens.  Lower your expectations for Monday's photos please!

Pizza in Paris

{via NY Times Travel}

I was reading some reviews of nearly free things to do in Paris (mostly about food), and came across this gem that we must try while we're there.  Pink Flamingo, a pizza joint that delivers to you along the river.  How will they know where to find you?  Well by your pink balloon of course!  NY transplants Jamie and Marie, a chef from New York and former actress opened the Pink Flamingo in 2004 near the Canal St-Martin in the 10th arrondissement.  It's been wildly successful with pies like La Poulidor (duck breast with goat’s cheese and apple slices), so they opened a 2nd shop in the 3rd arrondissement and are looking to expand to Berlin.  Talk about making your dreams come true.

I already know my stomach will revolt at all the things I will put in it, but I will take it in stride.

What's your favorite pizza?  Are you a classic red sauce with pepperoni or do you like to mix it up?

I LOVE....

Annahita from Forever 88 tagged me in a things I Love survey.  Well I love a lot, but here's 10 things you probably already knew I love, but needed photos to fully understand ;)  Thanks Annahita...Ollie almost made my list ;)

I LOVE

{via here}

1.  Nutella

I'm sure you could've guessed this one.  It's chocolate, it's nutty, it's perfect.  Why is it before my Husband?

2.  My Husband

He's nutty, he's perfect, but he lacks chocolate.  The only thing better would be if he fed me Nutella.  Seriously though, he keeps me grounded and although he may not understand my crazy, he tolerates it.  Just like Britney Spears' manager.  He would probably even take care of my little Preston and what's his name.  Well he did say if I wanted children it would have to be with someone else ;)

3.  My dogs

They drive me insane but I could never turn my back on those big brown eyes.  Nothing is better than to see them running around with their tongues hanging out.  Even if that means knocking out a 70 year old man with a heart condition...true story.

{William Howard Thompson House}

4. This House

I want it.  Now to convince my Husband...

5.  My Nephew and Niece

Need I say more?

{via here}

6.  Greek food

Yep, I love it.  I know I don't photograph it often but it's my favorite!  Italian is right up there too.

7.  The beach

I love the crystal clear waters of the Yucatan, and the rainy beaches of Oregon.  Beach equals relaxation for me..unless your Husband makes you paint, build a deck or jack hammer anything while you're there.  It's happened before.

{via here}

8.  Weddings

When my dance career never blossomed I had to find another way to be in the spotlight.  Brides don't need talent ;)  Just kidding.  I love parties, especially centered around love and pretty things.  Weddings just make me happy!

9. Jude Law and Twilight

Yep, I've combined the two.  Come on, you've seen The Holiday right? Twilight made me embrace the Pacific Northwest and it's crappy weather.  Whenever it was foggy, I felt like Edward was lurking around the corner.  Then I lost my Twilight high (for a few months anyway) and now I'm ready to move.  But it still gives me butterflies.  I know I'm not alone, so no need to explain!

10.  Dance

Okay maybe I only thought I could dance, but giving it up is the thing I regret the most.  I wish I would've pursued it after college, but I was chicken and gave up, thought it would be too much work and not enough money.  I'll probably go back to it for recreation, but I'm sad I'll never perform again.  Que song..."I'm never gone dance again, these guilty feet have got no rhythm......."  This is another reason I love weddings, my Husband will dance at them ;)

What do you love?  Play along if you'd like!