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1.31.2012

cake details


I would like to share the details of the gender reveal we had on Christmas day.  Our anatomy ultrasound was on December 21, so for four days, no one except for the doctor and the baker knew what the sex of the baby was.  The gender ultrasound picture was sealed in an envelope, and there was no peaking involved.  We had a custom cake made, and it was the most perfect cake that I had seen {besides my wedding cake of course}.  After gathering ideas and having a mental picture in my head on how I wanted it done, it was so great to see the cake come to life. 

The baker made a bow out of fondant and real ribbon.  The cake says: He or She ? Cut to See ?

The decor all around the side of the cake are plastic confetti pieces I found at Michaels.  It was perfect for the cake because the colors were yellow, green, pink, and blue.

We wanted to have the cake itself be blue or pink, rather than having white cake with blue or pink frosting.  The filling of the cake was half lemon and half cream cheese.  We just happened to cut the cake on the side of the lemon filling.

It was one of the most memorable and exciting ways to find out that we were having a baby boy.  I would rather have found out this way, than at the doctor's office ~ it was a wonderful moment.

1.30.2012

Deal of the DAY {& some baby finds}

We have about less than a month to go until the house gets packed out for our move to Hawaii.  This being said, I've started to gather some last minute items that I just NEED {ok, maybe WANT} to have for baby Denson.  My Deal of the DAY were found on Gilt.  I ordered this Dwell Studio Zig Zag Shitake Fitted crib sheet.  Normally $40 ~~ got them for $25!!


In addition, I have these pieces that are on their way...

"Animal Alphabet Chart" Print ~ Rifle Paper Co.
Fox Pico ~ Darling Clementine
... and I ended up deciding on this storage bin, which is also on its way.

1.27.2012

what i'm lovin' ~ kate spade new york


I'm seriously lovin' this Kate Spade New York diaper bag.  The "cambridge stripe stevie baby bag" just to be exact.  It comes in two different colors, but I'm leaning more towards the quail/midnight version {pictured here}.  It's what i'm lovin' and what i wanna use for when baby Denson arrives. 

I love the fact that it doesn't look like your typical diaper bag!

1.26.2012

sunshine ahead = new sandals

Klee leather and neon sandals ~ DVF

Moving back to Hawaii has me looking to find the perfect pair of new flat sandals.  In about two and a half months, my toes will be hitting the sands and turquoise waters, ooohh... how I missed that feeling of Hawaii.  With the celebration of having the opportunity to move back to a place where the hubby and I call home, here are a few that I would d.i.e. to acquire...

Paulyne Flat Thong Sandals ~ Boutique 9
Beach Babe Strappy Sandals ~ Rebecca Minkoff
DV by Dolce Vita 'Archer' Sandal
Diane von Furstenberg 'Albi' Sandal

1.25.2012

on my mind ~ a new do

I'm really liking this hair cut / style... thinking of getting this done.  Her entire outfit isn't so bad either.  Love the complete look.... head to toe!

{image via}

1.24.2012

DIY ~ wedding details

{champagne drink labels with the recipe}

When planning a wedding these days, most of us are on a budget.  This calls for the infamous DIY path.  Here are some creative and really cute DIY projects you can pull out for your upcoming wedding.  With simple items and a little creativity, they will add the perfect touches to your special day.

{no-sew bow tie toppers} -- This would look adorable on cupcakes too


{watercolored vases}
{flags stuck into mini-gumdrops} -- this would be adorable at the buffet or dessert table, or even as place cards for your wedding guests
{yarn pom poofs}

1.23.2012

nursery storage

In addition to this wire basket that I scooped up, I'm looking for more storage ideas for Baby Denson's nursery.  With the intent of keeping the room modern and not too "cartoon-like," I am leaning more towards these style of storage containers.  Now, which one will I choose??

From the Container Store - Rugby Stripe Bins
From the Container Store - Horizon Rectangular Crunch Can by Umbra
From Ashberry Baby - Personalized Storage Crates 
{instead of purchasing the crates - I would DIY them}

Serena & Lily - Rope Bin Collection - White
Serena & Lily - Pandan Bin - Metallic

1.20.2012

what i'm lovin'

{inverted triangle necklace $48}

what i'm lovin' this week is gold jewelry, mixed in with vibrant color.  These two pieces are from Need Supply Co.  The prices are pretty reasonable too.  I have my eye on a these two items, which I adore.

{painted id cuff $38}

1.19.2012

cajun chicken pasta

{photo courtesy of Pioneer Woman}

I made this dish for dinner last night, and it's the best. {I promise!}  I've made it a few times, and it will become one of my go to dinner recipes.  Because of being pregnant, I did omit the white wine and I used rotini noodles because that's what I had in my pantry.  I also added some grated parmesan cheese to make it a little more creamy.  {Because I only cook for the hubby and I, I do cut down the recipe in half}.  The dish is divine and really, really tasty!

Here's the recipe and you can go to the Pioneer Woman for complete details.

Ingredients

  • 3 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Cubes
  • 3 teaspoons Cajun Spice Mix, More To Taste
  • 1 pound Fettuccine
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 whole Green Bell Pepper, Seeded And Sliced
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Seeded And Sliced
  • 1/2 whole Large Red Onion, Sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 4 whole Roma Tomatoes, Diced
  • 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup White Wine
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • Cayenne Pepper To Taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Salt To Taste
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley, To Taste

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when pasta is still al dente; do not overcook!
Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun spice over chicken pieces. Toss around to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Add half the chicken in a single layer; do not stir. Allow chicken to brown on one side, about 1 minute. Flip to the other side and cook an additional minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a clean plate.
Repeat with remaining chicken. Remove chicken, leaving pan on high heat.
Add remaining olive oil and butter. When heated, add peppers, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle on remaining Cajun spice, and add salt if needed. Cook over very high heat for 1 minute, stirring gently and trying to get the vegetables as dark/black as possible. Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove all vegetables from the pan.
With the pan over high heat, pour in the wine and chicken broth. Cook on high for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in cream, stirring/whisking constantly. Cook sauce over medium-low heat for a few minutes, until cream starts to thicken the mixture. Taste and add freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and/or salt to taste. Sauce should be spicy!
Finally, add chicken and vegetables to sauce, making sure to include all the juices that have drained onto the plate. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and hot. Add drained fettuccine and toss to combine.
Top with chopped fresh parsley and chow down!

1.18.2012

for the walls

Love the idea of a chalkboard wall.

Yesterday I presented Baby Denson's nursery design board.  His nursery is being designed with a modern decor style, with a touch of whimsical through a menagerie theme.  I knew I wanted something along these decor elements, as soon as I found out he was a BOY!  As our furniture pieces are espresso and white, brown, and gold brass ~ we will be adding color through paint, art prints, and accessories.  Here are some inspirational ideas that I am leaning towards for the walls.

I love this look, two different colors separated by a line of white.

Love the tree branch wall decals.

Love the different colored raindrops. 


1.17.2012

nursery in the works

Just wanted to share the design board I started to create for Baby Denson's nursery.  All of the items on the board have been purchased, except for the map letter from Urban Outfitters.  In addition to the main pieces you see on the design board, I've also rounded up some other items ~ primarily decor elements. {few of them are pictured below}.  Still need to decide on artwork, which I'll purchase through Etsy, a mobile {still deciding, but loving this one and this one, and maybe this pouf from CB2 {to be used as an ottoman}.

First up, here are some of the decor elements to the nursery:


Vintage brass impala bookends I found at a local antique shop
{and for only $20}.

A wire basket I picked up at Home Goods ~ will be used to store toys and stuffed animals.

A Menagerie book I picked up at Anthropologie, it was on sale for $10!

... And now, here's my design board for the nursery:
nursery in the works

Look!

Remember my new lamp I found at Home Goods?  Well, I was on Design Sponge and saw the almost exact same lamp.  I just thought it was cool.... Look!

1.16.2012

color pop in the kitchen

Pops of bold and vibrant color... what a great way to welcome the spring season when it arrives.  One of course only wants a few bold and bright statement pieces, because if not, it'll look like a rainbow threw up in your space.  Here are a few items that I fell in love with. {from CB2 and Etsy}.

Love this Formosa Clover Tray Table {$49.95}.  Great statement piece to use as a bar cart.

This Liquid Round Yellow Bowl {$49.95} would display fruits beautifully. {it comes in blue too}.

These Cage Fuel Pendant Lamps in Red {$149 each} pack such a statement.

Now for some kitchen art from Etsy.... Love this Neon Pink Moka Express Silkscreen Print {$80}

This Fork and Spoon Poster {$15} comes in an array of colors.

Love this kitchen art print {$12.57} - all different words that involve eating.

1.15.2012

milk & cookies

I discovered a new site ~ on to baby ~ and I'm hooked.  The site is full of so many inspirational ideas, not only for nurseries, but for showers, parties, and photo sessions.  I could spend hours, just ooohing and aaahing over the so many wonderful ideas.  With Valentines Day right around the corner, one could use the party theme of "milk & cookies."  This could also be twisted into a party with the girlfriends, for your little girls, or even a bridal shower.  Check it the full post here.


1.14.2012

Deal of the DAY


Just wanted to share my new lamp.  I found it at Home Goods for only $35!  I love the curvy, circular shape and the shade that came with it works pretty well.  I love that it's all white too.  I love to stop into Home Goods with no plans in mind, you'll never know what gem you'll walk out with.

1.13.2012

what i'm lovin' ~ lay baby lay


For all you expecting momma's out there, have you ever visited the website Lay Baby Lay?  If not, it's a must!!  As I am gathering ideas and inspiration for baby Denson's nursery, I'm a frequent visitor of LBL.  Here's a peak of some of her nursery ideas, I could d.i.e. over some of the items she lists and her style boards just stir so many ideas in my head.  I love it!!