07.28.09

Thunder in July

Last night we got some thunder and lightening, and a little bit of rain later on. There was a huge cloud right above our building, which really made the sky look pretty cool.

07.27.09

D-List

07.26.09

Heather's Bridal Shower

07.25.09

Super Soakers

Today we celebrated Alyson's 3rd birthday...it was a genius idea for them to have water guns and a slip n' slide, because it was definitely hot. Darren and Anthony had fun soaking the kids with their cold as ice water, and from this picture can you see why Sabrina and I get confused about who's who sometimes? They definitely look like they could be related in this one!

07.24.09

Fantastic Friends (minus a few)

Tonight we all met Rebecca, Ryan & Lydia for dinner...they are in town visiting family, and us of course! We all caught up on what's going on in our lives, but really we watched Lydia be her cute self. She has such a great personality and I know she was super tired, but she did an awesome job of being well behaved. Bonnie and Austin were able to show up too, so it was nice to see these two little people interact with each other. As someone at dinner said, "We need another baby in the group!"...it's true, all of the babies are growing so fast it feels like it must be time for someone to add another awesome kid to the mix.

07.23.09

Vanilla Cream Soda

The first time I had Henry Weinhard's Vanilla Cream soda was July 4, 2001. It's pretty ridiculous that I even know that, but I remember it because it was my first summer with Anthony. We watched the fireworks in Milpitas, after playing touch football and BBQing with friends. They bought these sodas and I really thought it sounded gross, but I tried one anyway and it was delicious. It doesn't feel like summer unless we buy a six-pack..and trust me, we only buy one because they are ricidulously priced.

07.22.09

Orange Chicken Bowls

This is another one of our favorite dinners. I buy the Foster Farms Orange Chicken, found the in freezer section, then I add white rice and broccoli. The chicken comes with it's own sauce, so all you have to worry about is baking the chicken, cooking the rice and if you get the pre-packaged broccoli (like I do) you just stick that in the microwave. Super easy, really delicious, and easy clean up.

07.21.09

Delicious Dessert

Since it's been so hot, we've been having pudding for dessert. It's super easy to make and definitely refreshing...oh, and low fat. Gotta appreciate dessert that doesn't do too much damage!

07.20.09

Costco Muffin

I really love the Costco muffins but we hardly ever buy them. The last time we were there though, we got Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Apple. I can't eat this with anything other than a huge glass of milk, and I always have to cut them into fourths. Yum.

07.19.09

Great Breakfast
Photo Credit: www.Scramblz.com

Holly and Sergio took me to this great restaurant for breakfast, and of course I didn't take a single picture. I wish I would have though because my Banana Pancakes were delicious, with sliced bananas and homemade whipped topping that really tasted more like ice cream. Holly had crepes, and I'm not a big crepe fan but they looked super good. I actually can't wait to go visit them again just so we can go there!

07.18.09

Mission Ale
Photo Credit: Sylvia

I didn't take this picture, obviously...but it's making it's way onto this page because it shows how much fun I had this weekend. I spent Friday and Saturday with Holly in San Jose...we drank some wine, went to a picnic and spent Saturday night in downtown San Jose. The bar was pretty cool, it had a nice back patio and the weather was perfect, way nicer than my house I'm sure. It was definitely nice to have a mini getaway, and even nicer to spend the weekend with someone I don't see enough!

07.17.09

The Proposal

Since they guys left early for Reno, Renee and I decided to get lunch and catch a movie. We chose The Proposal, with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. I was actually surprised at how much I liked it and how funny it turned out to be. It's set mostly in Alaska, which makes me want to go there even more now...and Betty White does an awesome job at being the spunky grandma. I definitely recommend it.

07.16.09

Dolores Claiborne

I got home from running errands today with every intention of cleaning the house...but when I sat down to watch TV as I ate lunch, this movie was on. It's a Stephen King thriller...not gory or bloody, but creepy as hell. Kathy Bates is one hell of an actress, I realized that while I was watching it. And I know my mom would agree that the best part is when the bastard husband is begging for her to help him out and she just stares at him until he falls...sooo good!

07.15.09

Framed

I was at our photographer's house today putting our wedding album together and I got to pick this enlargement up. The 16x20 was part of the package we chose and it took me a long time to decide which one I liked the best...every picture she took was amazing, I love that she did such a great job! This one is my favorite, favorite though because it's got that artsy feel..the lighting was so perfect in that area of the campus..and it's not too close up of our faces. I can't wait to hang it up!

07.14.09

Worth the Wait

Tonight was a Costco trip kind of night and usually that means we eat dinner away from home. Instead of spending big bucks on dinner though, we decided to just order a pizza as we paid for our cart of stuff. We always think that's such a smart idea...when in reality, we end up waiting for 20 more minutes. Either way, it's pretty damn good pizza and it only costs $10!

07.13.09

Babysitting Behr

I watched Behr today while Shree was at a doctor's appointment. He was really good, had a bunch of fun exploring our apartment, and danced every time the Spongebob song came on. I can't believe he'll be 2 in January, and I really can't believe he'll be a big brother before then! I'm sure their next baby boy will be just as cute as this one is.

07.12.09

A Husband Made Breakfast

07.11.09

Another Wedding Album

I started making this wedding book around December, and finally ordered it last week. It has all (ok, most of) the pictures that guests took at our wedding. I had created a Shutterfly website for poeple to share their pictures with us, and other guests, and then used them to create an album. This makes the second wedding album I have, thanks to Whitney for the first one. And later this week I'll be putting together our "official" one with our photographer..using a bunch of pictures that she took. I love that we've been married for almost 9 months and I'm still talking about my wedding!

07.10.09

Pink Drink

Relaxing on a Friday night..nothing better! Holly gave us this new kiwi strawberry vodka since her brother in law manages a bar and gets all kind of new promos. Anyway, this drink is pretty delicious...I made it up. In the shaker I put ice, a shot and a half of vodka and filled the shaker about half full of Collin's mix. Shook it up, poured it out and added a splash of Cranberry juice and squeeze of lime. Ahhhh!

07.09.09

Bridesmaid Shoes

I spent the day with my mom and looked for shoes for my brother's wedding. Annette sent us all the style she wanted us to have, but told us it was ok to not get that exact shoe since it was pricier. I loved the style, but wanted something with a shorter heel...walking in higher heels really makes me look and feel like a clomping horse. So, I found the perfect shoe at Dillard's...probably spent just as much as the original style, but found them to be way more comfortable for me. Now that I have the shoes, I can get my dress altered! I can't believe how fast this wedding is coming up!

07.08.09

Beer & Baseball

My friend Renee invited me to the Giant's game to celebrate her birthday. We went to the credential program together, and I haven't seen her since our wedding...plus she just moved back home after getting pink slipped as a teacher. The weather in SF was perfect, we had amazing club level seats and we enjoyed one of summer's best pastimes. I won't mention the score of the game though, the Giant's didn't fare to well.

07.07.09

White Wedding

In less than two months, my younger brother is getting married...to one of my best friends. We got the invitation in the mail today, good thing since Anthony and I are both in the wedding party! I love the polka dots, and the red lettering, but most of all I love those names on the invitation...they are two of my favorite people ever.

07.06.09

Music Circus

Every year, my mom gets tickets through Wells Fargo to see the dress rehearsal for the opening play at the Music Circus in Sacramento. We've seen The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof...and this year it was Thoroughly Modern Millie. It was a really good show..the costumes were amazing, straight from the 1920's flapper style. The singing was perfect and the dancing was awesome, especially the tappers. Oh, and it was funny! If you ever get the chance to see it, go..it won't disappoint!

07.05.09

Bridal Shower

I got this invitation for our friend Heather today. Her shower is kitchen themed, so I need to get something to fill her cooking space plus give her one of my favorite recipes. I need to think about which one I want to share...I have a bunch to choose from lately. My sister-in-law is the Maid of Honor for this wedding, so I can't wait to see what kind of cute ideas she came up with for the shower!

07.04.09

Happy 4th of July!

07.03.09

Truckee, CA

This is the view from the deck of my uncle's cabin. My cousin and his fiance invited us, Tim & Annette and Jen & Steve up for the weekend. We got up there late Thursday night and woke up to this awesome sight on Friday. Can't beat a weekend with cold beer, fun conversation, amazing weather and family!

07.02.09

Margarita Cupcakes

Another recipe from Sarah's Test Kitchen, I've been wanting to try it for awhile. We went away for the weekend so I figured it was a perfect time. Let me know if you decide to try it.

Margarita Cupcakes

Makes 12
9 oz Margarita mix (such as Mrs. T's)
3 oz tequila
3/4 oz Grand Marnier
White cake mix
3 egg whites
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp lime zest

Mix together the margarita mix, tequila, and Grand Marnier in a large glass or spouted bowl. You will use 1 1/4 cup of this in the cupcake mix. Pour the remainder over ice and enjoy the mini-rita while you're baking.

In a stand mixer, add the cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, lime zest, and 1 1/4 cup of the margarita mixture. Mix on low for about 30 seconds and then increase to medium speed for two minutes (the batter will still be a bit lumpy).

Spoon the batter into prepared muffin pan and bake at 350 for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick registers done in the center cupcake. Remove the cupcakes and cool completely on a baking rack. Once the cupcakes have cooled, make the icing and ice the cupcakes.

Lime Buttercream Frosting

3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted


Combine 3 tablespoons butter and next 3 ingredients (through juice) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating just until smooth. Spread about 2 1/2 teaspoons frosting onto each cupcake.

07.01.09

Happy Birthday Austin!

Tonight we went to a first birthday party for Bonnie's little boy. This is the cake she made, perfectly shaped like his favorite octopus toy! How cute is that?! The legs are twinkies, and she even stuck Cheerios to the bottom for the tentacle look. It was nice to be outside with our friends, sitting in the shade and catching up. I can't believe he is already a year old though, time flew by way too fast.

06.30.09

Cheddar Stuffed Burgers

So, we had this genius idea to try burgers stuffed with cheese. Anthony's boss has made them before and I've seen them done on the Food Network. I guess I was thinking they would magically taste different or something, because I was not impressed. Just a regular burger, with the added heart attack of cheese stuffed in the center. I actually didn't feel good at all after eating it, so put this on the "do not try again" list.