Easter Eggs-travaganza

The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is hosting an exhibit of local artist, Brian Baity's, carved eggs. Starting tomorrow. Or, learn to carve your own eggs from Brian himself, here.

Where the Wild Things Are.....the movie

Well, it's about time. This was a childhood favorite of mine, but wasn't it for everyone? Can't wait to see it in film.

Pink Jasmine Vine

Today is the Yarn Queen's birthday. This is what "W" and I picked up for her. It is very fragrant, with a pretty bloom, reminds me of a cherry blossom. Come on Spring!

Tavern Puzzles

These are great toys, even for the large kids in your life. Or a great conversation piece for the front room. Or, Father's Day is coming up. The quality is unsurpassed. I used to sell them at my store.

Melissa & Doug Pound & Roll Tower

The Yarn Queen bought this to add to her toybox for the grandkids. It is a favorite of "W"s. Kids are the best critics.

Chevy Malibu Maxx

I know this is isn't within my normal realm of posts, but I've been spending a lot of time in my car lately. And, I just really love it. It has more room than my Subaru Outback Wagon did and a lot better price. I don't love the silver. I would have chosen white, but the best colors don't always follow the best price, right? And silver's not the worst color in the world.

Dillard's Handbag Trade-In Event

This is an awesome deal. Take an old, clean, used purse into Dillard's and get $15-50 off your new one. Used handbags get donated to a local charity.

Marshmallow

I am such a sucker for a beautiful book, namely childrens' books. Saw this today at Janie & Jack. Wouldn't it look splendid in an easter basket?

The Counter

PBTB, "W", and I had a much needed date last night. We ate dinner at The Counter. There were good things and bad things about it. The pluses, the fries were some of my favorite to date, "W" really liked it, definitely a fun dining experience. Some things to know before you go, order the smallest of the burgers, even if you're really hungry. (the smallest was even a little thick for me) Don't go if you're wanting a typical hamburger. These burgers are the ipitome of specialty. Don't expect it to be inexpensive because you're in a burger joint. Other than that, it really was a fun experience and lots of tasty options.

Munchkin

I am becoming a big fan of Munchkin as the days pass. The Yarn Queen bought "W" this snack catcher, that helps cut down on messes. (The Duchess actually introduced us to this version first, but munchkin's version has cute bright colors.) "W" loves it, I love it. On their website I found this shampoo rinser, ingenious. (at 19 months, "W" still hates the water over his eyes or face)

Homemade Girl Scout Cookies

Love girl scout cookies, but don't love the price?  (Is that rude of me?, it is a fundraiser for a good cause, but they don't have to prey on our vulnerabilities.)  I found a website that is sure to have your favorite recipe.  Samoas are one of my favorites. 

Well Equipped Kitchen

Scrambling eggs in a colored frying pan makes you happy.......I don't care who ya are.  Picked some up at TJ Maxx, awesome price, going to make the cutest wedding gift (in aqua and lime).

Happy St. Patrick's Day

If any of you remember, I decided to start celebrating St.Patrick's Day last year, other than just wearing green. We had corned beef and boiled cabbage at a friend's house. This year, I am attempting it on my own. Except I had to find a quick recipe, because I didn't realize that I needed to be more prepared. This is what I'm working on.

Quick Corned Beef and Cabbage Healthy Holiday Recipe
Ingredients:

8 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

1 head cabbage, quartered

8 red potatoes

8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices lean deli corned beef

Directions:Combine water, salt, sugar, bay leaf, garlic and pepper in a 4-quart soup pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium.
Add cabbage and potatoes to pot; cook for 5 minutes.
Add sliced corned beef to pot. Cook for 15 minutes.
Remove cabbage, corned beef and potatoes.
Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve immediately.

St. Patricks Day Fact

Corned beef , the traditional meat served at this holiday, is made of beef brisket cured in a salt brine that can include spices like peppercorns and bay leaf. The meat stays red even after it is cooked because of this curing process. Long ago in Ireland, the meal of corned beef and cabbage was eaten as an Easter lunch after the long meatless days of Lent because the preserved meat lasted through the winter.

Reversible Bath Towels @ World Market

They had some really cute felt easter baskets at World Market, but they didn't have them online, so I'm blogging about the cool reversible towels that I saw there, beautiful colors. Of course, I would never spend that much on towels, so I'll have to wait for a sale.

Dunford Chocolate Chocolate Doughnuts

This is my dessert of choice as of late. My parents used to keep a whole box of them in the freezer when I was a kid. I think my Dad ate them for breakfast. I like to heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds. mmmmmmmm.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Again with the store bought pasta sauce, I'm not a fan. I'm actually not a fan of Alfredo sauce in general, but I was thinking I would give it a whirl the other night. I ran into a slight problem, no heavy cream. Pretty much every Alfredo sauce recipe requires that. So I did a search for Alfredo alternatives and came up with my own recipe from a combination of others. This turned out so yummy, not too rich. Works great when you don't want to make a grocery run for heavy cream.

8 oz. cream cheese

1 C milk (I used whole milk)

3 Tb butter

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp garlic powder

2 Tb cooking wine or sherry

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat cream cheese, milk and butter over low heat for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens. Add remaining ingredients anytime.

Amy Coe for Babies R Us

I'll admit it, Babies R Us was probably second on my "do not shop there" list under the evil empire. But mostly because they sold some seriously uncute stuff. Amy Coe has definitely given that place a face lift, very cute nursery items and clothes, can you believe it? Cute clothes at Babies R Us, who'd a thought? Unfortunately they don't sell the cute clothes online, so you'll have to live with a few random Amy Coe items.

Soothie Feeding System

I've been agonizing over what type of bottles to buy for the new baby, since "W" had the non-BPA free Avents. I didn't want to replace them with the updated Avents because I've had to throw away so many of them that started leaking. It seems everyone has a different opinion on which bottles transition easily from breastfeeding, plus I wondered if they were too easy (he didn't have to work hard enough). I was also considering Breastflow, Milkbank, and the Nuby Natural Touch. Anyone tried these Soothies? The Yarn Queen picked some up for me, so I guess I will try them first.

Circo Striped Hoodie @ Target

I had to get this for "W" when I saw it (it's way cuter in person). The orange is really bright.

Fur Real for Easter

You can make fun of me if you want, but I got this for "W"s Easter basket. Spring is time for baby animals, but not ready for a real one. Plus, he loooovves animals, it just worked. The duck is cute too, seein' how it is Easter, but the puppy looks like our lab.

Kolcraft Contours Tandem Double Stroller

I'm feeling a little rushed to make some final purchase decisions before the new baby gets here. A double stroller is going to be a must have. I'm thinking that this stroller has a lot of cool features (removable seats that face forward or back) for a really good price. And the car seat attachment is compatible with my Peg Perego.

Pink Fig.....Olivia

I saw this yesterday at Pine Needles in Gardner Village, this one's for you Sis, love ya, you and M knock 'em dead today! (Or pay someone else to do it for you :)

Baby Announcements

A few ideas for baby announcements. It's so hard to find cute baby boy anything. I wish I wansn't so particular.
Mango Ink (I know the photo totally makes it, but the design is nice too.)
West Willow Designs on Etsy (Let's just focus on the design on this one)


Fine Moments (I love the spring colors for a spring baby)

Photo Affections (I like the colors here, as well, good prices)

Metro Baby Cards and Hello Little One also had some cute ones.

H & M

A guilt trip for the Duchess. Last time I was in Seattle she promised to take me to what she described as the latest & greatest Old Navy type, as in inexpensive, but very cute.....H & M. We didn't get a chance to go and it hasn't left my mind since. I hope we get one soon, I'm dying to go. Until then, I'll just hope that they start an online store. I am holding out for some jeans until post-pregnancy, which will apparently be sooner rather than later. Maybe by then? Oooh, just noticed one in Vegas.....I'm thinking road trip. (sorry about that lame little pic, it couldn't be helped.)

The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone

I love this book, the story has become a favorite and the illustrations are magical.