Completed: "The Client" by John Grisham

Instead of kicking myself for "not reading enough," I've found a better solution: books on cd! I'm in the car a lot for my job - about 6+ hours per week. I have started renting books on cd from the awesome local library and am really enjoying it! In the past month or so, I've listened to: "The Testament" by John Grisham, "Love the One You're With" by Emily Giffin, "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane," by Katherine Howe, "The Client" by John Grisham, and "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd. I don't feel like such a slacker anymore!

Pine Bark / White-Trash Toffee

My tennis partner, Rushton, made this for me once and I was HOOKED. It is so delicious. Every time I asked for the recipe she said, "Oh, it's so easy. Whenever you want some, just ask!" She was resisting. She wanted to keep this delicious recipe all to herself!! I shared the 5th batch she made me with my parents and MY MOM said, "I saw Paula Deen make this on tv!" She found me the recipe. At last!

Ingredients:
40 Saltine Crackers
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400. Place saltines salt-side-up on a baking sheet, with their edges touching. In a saucepan, bring the butter and and brown sugar to a boil and cook for about 3 mins. Pour the bubbly sugar mixture evenly over the crackers and put the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 3 more minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and put back into the oven for 1 more minute. Remove from oven. Using a spatula, spread the chocolate evenly over the crackers and sprinkle with the (optional) nuts. Allow to cool. Place baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hr until set. Once hard, remove and break into "rustic" pieces.

Kayla & Jonathan's Wedding

Kayla and Jonathan were married on March 7, 2010. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, FABULOUS wedding, and so very personal. I loved every single detail. Congrats, you two lovebirds. Wishing you all the best. {photo from purebylindsey.com}

"TIME IN!"

After a 9-14 month hiatus, I think its time to start blogging again. More to come!

Add this to the list! Ropa Vieja

This looks delicious. I think I'll add it to the list.

Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Before I throw the recipe away, I thought I would immortalize it on here (also because it took my mom an hour to find it, stuffed between all the pages of her hundreds of cookbooks).

INGREDIENTS:
One 9" no-bake pie shell (I bought shortbread)
2 cups (minus 2 tbs) sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 stick of melted butter
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

Mix all ingredients together and pour into shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (should see cracks when its cooked). {Mine didn't crack, but it was still cooked and delicious}.

Owl Shoes

Aren't these the cutest things you've ever seen? I just put Jonathan in his 6-12 month Robeez yesterday and they looked so adorable on him. These come from a cool etsy store (bugaloo).

On my "must have" list for new parents....

.....the "Snug 'N Tug"! Jonathan LOVES to be swaddled; and this little contraption is a lifesaver (mostly b/c I never paid attention when the hospital nursery staff taught us how to swaddle). I would definitely put it on my "new parent must have" list!! This is where you can get them....

PBK Diaper Bag

This is such a cute diaper bag, from Pottery Barn Kids. I would like the "Tote" model in Mustard! {AND right now there is a 10% discount if you call 1-800-430-7373 (customer service) to order before April 26}! Isn't Mothers Day on May 10? :)

ROFLOL!!!

This makes my day!!

Chiconomics

A friend from college has her own blog; pretty cool!

Photo shoot with Sarah Lynch

Our friend, Sarah, took some amazing photos of Jonathan last week. Here's one of my favorites!!

Bobo Glove

I think Jonathan NEEDS one of these! The website says, "Introducing the Bobo Glove...the world’s first fully interactive, sensory-stimulating, touch-sensitive, portable, wearable, audio-visual entertainment system made exclusively for babies...and it doesn’t even require batteries." {Update: I bought this on 3/25 and I'll let you know how it goes!}

*Farouche* Etsy Store

I just bought these personalized note cards for my cousin, Dacia, who is planning a peacock-themed wedding in October. I love EVERYTHING from this etsy store!

Pause for a cute Mommy and Jonathan pic

.....and here it is!

Jonathan is "Sealed as Christ's Own Forever!"

My sweet son received the Sacrament of Baptism yesterday (3/8/09)....and what a day it was! Our priest allowed us to baptize during Lent (and that was very nice of him). So John and Saxman were baptized at the 10am service yesterday and it was so meaningful.

It is such a wonderful "responsibility" to be blessed with a child. I still look at him every day and think "is he really mine? do you really think he looks like me (which some people REALLY think and others think he is the spitting image of David {I'm one of them}").

I grew up in the Episcopalian church and am so happy to have met - and married - a man who shares my same beliefs....and subsequently to create a child that can grow up in the Episcopalian faith {pause: since I am what they call a "cradle Episcopalian," I have decided to participate in the Inquirers Class at church to learn more about my denomination} I think it will be an eye-opener!

Tates, the Natural Miracle Conditioner

One of my oldest - and dearest - friends, Rachel, gave this to me recently and I just opened it tonight (after waxing my arms - more on THAT later). Wow!! I can honestly say that it soaks RIGHT into your skin and feels fabulous (without leaving a greasy or perfumy residue).

"Uses: Hair conditioner: excellent for dry, damaged hair caused by sun, heat, chlorine, perms, hair coloring, split ends, static and helps control frizzy curly hair. Use it as a leave in or rinse out conditioner. Provides a brilliant shine without weighing down your hair. Skin: excellent as a non-greasy, hand & body lotion. Keep one by each sink & your nightstand. Bath: excellent in the bath water for a full body moisturizer."

The company I work for has TONS of body products, but I am going to have to add this to my list of favorites.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday and Jonathan, David, and I went to the 12:30 service at our church. Last year I vowed to read the Bible during Lent. I got so far as the book of Exodus. I hope to give it another go this year....starting with bathtime tonight. {I'm sure David will appreciate the break from all my parenting books}.

One month old....

Jonathan turned one month old and it has been SUCH a whirwind...of amazement, sleepless nights, hours of staring, LAUNDRY, learning about nursing, but best of all: unconditional love. This little man has wiggled and rooted into our lives (and hearts).

Frog Hat

How cute is THIS (disregard the scary doll head)!?!? I think John needs one.

Introducing Jonathan!!

Our sweet son was born at 7:58am on Friday, January 23. It was a GLORIOUS day!! He was 8 lbs, 10 oz and was 21" long. First I heard him cry, then David brought him to me. It was the most amazing moment ever. Here is our first photo as a family of 3. We're loving every moment of parenthood. What a blessing. You can see the complete set of photos here!!

...a birthday celebration! 1/23

We found out last week that the baby is breech (he is already stubborn like his parents)! The doctor said with his size (an estimated 9lbs), it would be wise to do a c-section. So here I am, at 4:10am on the morning of (we have to be at the hospital at 5am). I'm trying to "keep it cool," but I'm nervous, excited, thirsty, happy, fearful, etc. So many emotions...so little time to even TRY to put it to words. Most of all, I feel blessed. Just praying for a healthy child and a routine surgery. I can't wait to meet you, baby!

Cute handbag!

I'm definitely not in the market for a new handbag (or anything, for that matter), but I did happen upon this very cute bag from Banana Republic. Lately they have come out with some really good-looking purses!

Jonathan's Nursery

We finished decorating and cleaning this weekend. Everything (we hope) is in place!! Now its ready for our little bundle-of-joy, can't wait to see him in there.

Searching: GREAT Chocolate Bread Pudding Recipe

I am searching for a great chocolate bread pudding recipe!!! We love the one they serve at Stonewood Grill. They publish their recipe online - I tried making it - and it wasn't that great. Internet, if you know of a good one (preferably no dried fruits or nuts in it), please share!!

Marta's Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Look at how beautiful Marta's chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies are!! She was nice enough to email me her recipe: "i simply made the classic toll-house chocolate chip recipe and omitted the chips, used a cup of peanut butter and only 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter. it worked beautifully. i also added a little more flour and then refrigerated the dough for a few hours to mingle all the flavors and help set the dough up nicely. then i rolled the dough into balls and baked as usual. i hope this works for you. happy baking..xo. marta" I'm going to try making them SOON!!!

So, translated:
2.5 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup peanut butter
1.5 cups softened butter
3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Also chocolate, for dipping!

Refrigerate and then roll into balls. Bake at 375 for 9-11 minutes.

Skrawberries

WHO KNEW it was strawberry (lovingly referred to as "skrawberries" in our home) season in Central Florida? On a recent road trip, my sweet hubby picked up a flat of these beautiful berries (as well as MY FAVORITE, boiled peanuts) at a farmstand. I have never seen such beautiful berries...they're perfect!

Although I'm tempted to create something sweet and gooey out of them, I think I'll just leave them alone. Let them shine in their own, perfectly ripened glory.

NARS Cosmetics

On the list of things I love, you will definitely find NARS cosmetics. I love their beautiful colors, the simple packaging, and the great quality. Some of my current favorites:

Lipstick: Russian Doll
Blush: Orgasm
Nail Polish (on my wish list): Gimme Shelter
Duo Eye Shadow (also on my wish list): Bysance

Full Moon baby?

Here's an article that discusses the theory about women going into labor on or around a full moon. Tonight is supposed to be the biggest-appearing full moon in 2009. Which begs me to ask, "will we see any baby action tonight?" My gut tells me no, not for another 12+ days (which isn't very long when you think about it)...yikes! But since this is my first time expecting a child, what do I know? Guess we'll have to see!

Wish Big Necklace

I saw this necklace on A Little Sussy, and I'm so bummed I didn't see it in time for my sister in law's birthday - or Christmas (I think it would be perfect for her)! Dogeared has so many cute pieces of jewelry to offer.