Birthday. Fail.

But not a birthday fail.

Photo by KC Photography - Addition of a pretty crown done by ME

Happy 4th birthday (well, yesterday...I started this post, but decided to sleep instead) to the greatest pup we know! Sadly, in doggy years she is now officially older than me. YIKES!

Now, about the fail. So, let's start with a photo of Eden's room all pulled together with a beautiful flokati rug. 

I was so proud of that find. We bought it at HomeGoods, $40 a piece (we bought two for a grand total of $80). 

A month into owning it I started to feel a little less proud of my find. A couple more months and Josh was begging me to toss it out the window as fast as my little arms would let me. Being the stubborn woman I am I waved my hand at him and said, "pish posh" continued on in my denial. 

Now, a year later, I finally hung my head in shame and admitted defeat. The rug is gone. Amazingly I felt this ginormous weight lifted off of my shoulders once it was gone...and once I had vacuumed the whole entire house, top to bottom, back to front, forward, sideways, and every which way in between. See, the reason this rug was so beyond horrible was because it shed. Like a dog. But MAJOR. In fact, we picked Bella for her almost zero shed factor, so why wouldn't we do the same when choosing a rug? Want proof?

Hint: Look at the giant wad of fluff to the right of Bella's head. Yep. That's the one. This was from walking across her rug ONCE to go get her from her crib.

This is a photo I took when Eden was a wee itty bitty baby. I was taking the photo to document the sisterly love, but thanks to a wonderful and honest friend who shall not be named (MEGAN WARD) my secret came to light. See, whenever someone would want to "drop by" I went into panic mode. Literally. Toys? I can throw them in a basket. Clothes? I can hide them in the closet, under the bed, in the hamper. Dishes? That's easy...throw them in the dishwasher...and so on. But big giant people eating dust bunnies?! This required a very tedious date with a vacuum and I most certainly could not do it before my dear friends would drop by. I really honestly like people to believe I am a very clean and organized girl (whether or not I actually am is up for debate). This rug was cause for concern. I saw it in all of your eyes. You would look down and see those feet eating monsters and you would get that look in your eye. You didn't mean to I'm sure, but it was there. That look of pure horror. It's like you wanted to say, "OH HONEY YOU NEED PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP IN A BAD WAY!"

Don't worry, I didn't take it personally.

So, yeah...just wanted to admit that I failed. It happens a lot. I'm just hoping I could look back on this and laugh some day. The good news is I no longer need to clog up the vacuum with big white bunnies and I don't have to fear for my child's life every time she grabs a fur ball and sticks it down her throat.

Now time to find my poor girl a new rug for her hard floor. Rugs really do pull a room together in the nicest way.

10 Months

Getting a 10 month old to sit still for a photo and not eat the sticker...IMPOSSIBLE.

Yes, if you are counting, that means only two more months until this house no longer has a baby in it. Oh and no, if you are wondering, I am not planning to do anything about that...I'll be perfectly happy without a baby in the house...I think...

Back to Eden. Thinking of her as a baby almost seems funny. She no longer seems like a baby at all. We have a very independent girl on our hands and I have the feeling toddlerhood is going to be rather interesting around here. Since the beginning she has always had a "I can do it myself" mentality. It's funny that personality traits show up so young. Basically she is just like me in that aspect. Trust me, there is a whole lot of Josh in her too. Spend more than 2 minutes with her and you will surely see her goofy side. Not only that, but this girl is so very active. She cannot sit still. Thankfully Josh has settled down a bit, but he still likes to get out and run on occasion. 

10 Month Stats
Length: 27 inches (guesstimate..I would say she's probably bigger since she definitely had a growth spurt)
Weight: 16 lbs (major guesstimate)

Eden Rae, here is what you have been up to lately:

You are walking very well using our hands for assistance 
You just started being able to walk only using one hand!
You refuse to sit and choose to stand everywhere
You quite possibly have allergies to dairy (BOO) and orange veggies
You love to kick your ball...its your absolute favorite activity
You still don't sleep through the night anymore and your bedtime is very erratic
You are always babbling and screeching
You love to play tug of war with your sister

You do not yet know the word "gentle"

You prefer to drink out of our cups rather than a sippy cup

You are STILL toothless (guess "gramps" will remain your nickname)

Oh dear Eden, you have us both wrapped around your little baby fingers. You sure do love to get yourself into trouble and you also know how to "ham it up" so that we can't get mad at you. You are so very great at capturing everyone's attention and we can't help but to show you off. We love you so very much and can't wait to celebrate your big ONE year birthday. You are the best blessing any parent could  ever ask for!

Eden got to meet her boyfriend and BFF...Beckett (top) and Parker  (bottom) both born on June 1st!

Baby's got curls!

First drink of lemonade

Sour face

Being a goofball with Melissa

I just couldn't help posting this one...

Eden in her new pool..sadly we only got to use it one day before the rain came back

Fun fact: We opened Limeberry on Eden's 10 month birthday! Yep, that's right we are OPEN. I'll be posting more about that, as well as some inspiration for Eden's upcoming party...that is, IF Eden gives me 5 minutes to sit down and blog...

Scattered Thoughts With Some Chocolate For Good Measure

To say I have been busy is quite the understatement. Even though a majority of the past couple of weeks have been spent in total seclusion in my home, I still haven't even had time (and somewhat the desire) to blog. This is a crazy concept to me since I LOVE blogging. My blog just gets me. I know, it doesn't have brains or anything, but it's just really nice to be able to type out all the things that happen in this wacky head of mine without judgment (okay so you two readers out there may judge me, but I am okay with that).

Here's the thing. I have been a single mom (well it feels that way) for a few weeks and I. AM. OVER. IT. Josh has been working overtime to try to get our shop open as quickly as possible. Open equals money and money equals groceries. I am so proud of he and my dad for all of the hard work they have put into it and I am so very thankful for this opportunity...seriously, so thankful...but, BUT I miss my baby daddy. We are all a bit lost without him here all the time. Sadly, the few times he does come home I am usually a grump because I just don't even know how to share the house with anyone other than a baby and a whiny dog. I'm such an Eeyore. 

The expression Eden gets as soon as her daddy comes home

Things get worse. Yeah, I know, how is it even possible since my life is so very terrible (enter sarcasm here). We chose to be a one car family about a year and a half ago and while we never regret it we have come to find that now that Josh is working outside the home and I am not, well, sometimes I get a little frustrated that I am stuck inside. Ironically, for those who don't know me real well, I don't actually drive. I know how to drive. I do in fact like to drive. However, after an astronomical amount of accidents and such I choose to leave the driving up to Josh. I am quickly realizing that while I probably wouldn't leave the house much...the opportunity to leave to go to...I don't know...buy groceries, see some of the beautiful babies my lovely lady friends have had recently, go actually get some frozen yogurt, and so forth is really looking appealing. Sadly, a car is an expense that is not in the cards for now. 

Want to know how I cope with all of this? One word. CHOCOLATE. Seriously, I did not have a sweet tooth before pregnancy, or even during pregnancy...but the second my dairy allergies left me I became a sugaraholic. I crave sugar. Look at the fabulous discovery I made when I was frantically searching for any sign of sugar...

Smores. The great thing about this little treat? I didn't have to go try to figure out how to start a fire with two sticks. I just grabbed a graham cracker, snapped it in half, tossed some Ghiradelli chocolate chips on one side of the cracker (actually I strategically placed them on there, but that's just the OCD side of me), effortlessly tossed  placed marshmallows around the chocolate chips in a pretty pattern, and tossed it in the oven. At 350 degrees for 3 minutes to be exact. Ooey gooey melty chocolatey goodness. 

This wasn't my only creation. 

The sweet taste of coffee and chocolate without the price. Seriously it can't be beat. So, here's how it happened. Josh went and bought some Peet's coffee grounds with his birthday money (yeah, we do some wild stuff for our birthdays). I stole borrowed some, brewed it, and chilled it. Then when I took a celebratory trip to Winco (more on that awesomeness in a moment) I went and found me some chocolate syrup (Torani to be exact...it reminds me of my barista days). To make this heavenly concoction I just threw in some ice (crushed ice is best), coffee, lots of chocolate syrup, and some rice milk. Then I blend. Toss it into your reusable cup because we like to save the earth while we drink heavenly concoctions and add some sprinkles because you deserve it. Then, sip away. I promised Josh I wouldn't take any more of his coffee, but I'm thinking he won't notice if I take just a bit more...

While I am embarrassing myself by showing you all of the chocolate I have been indulging in, I might as well show you the most asked about creation. The microwave chocolate cake.  I won't say its heaven in a cup because its just not deserving, but it most certainly is a great way to get a chocolate fix super fast. 

Ingredients:

1/4 c. flour

5 T. sugar

2 T. cocoa powder

1 egg

3 T. milk

3 T. melted butter

Handful of chocolate chips (optional)

Dash vanilla extract 

Dash of salt

Pinch of baking soda

Pinch of baking powder

Directions:

Toss all ingredients into a large mug (I split this in half and use it for two servings) and stir together until combined. Microwave until puffed, about 1 minute 30 seconds. Sprinkle powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top. Devour.

I know the ingredients list is long, and I have seen it done with far less ingredients. However, I think your results may not be as satisfactory. I have read a ton of reviews on different versions and many people say the cake is spongy and dry. Josh and I found our version to be fairly moist. I did find that the first attempt turned out perfectly, while the second one turned out a little less appetizing. Not sure why, maybe the microwave was cranky.

One last thing...I know, I know, shut up already Mallory. 

So, I mentioned a celebratory trip to Winco. Yes, we party hard around these parts. Josh actually received a paycheck (HOORAY!!!!) so I was able to get groceries. I actually had a really hard time with this since I was so very used to not being able to buy anything, but it felt great. I even took a photo to document this blessing. 

Wow. I never thought posting a photo of our pantry would make me so happy. And hungry. Now I want to eat while simultaneously organizing and prettifying that cabinet. 

In all seriousness, it is late, I am tired, I talk to much, I should blog more so my posts aren't a mile long, time to go to bed. 

Happy 4th!

Going To The Chapel

I am so on a wedding high right now. We got to attend two very beautiful weddings yesterday...both couples were very deserving of a happy ending and we are so excited for them in this new phase of life. The unfortunate part of having two weddings, both of very dear friends, on the same day is that you can't experience both weddings from beginning to end. Sadly, I have no photos to share of the new Mr. and Mrs. King's wedding day (although I have seen a preview of images from the photographer...stunning!), but I did have a few I wanted to share from Mr. and Mrs. Cappiccie's wedding.

Guy and Samantha Cappiccie (sorry Samantha...its going to take me awhile to not use your maiden name) have been good friends of mine for a very long time. Samantha and I met in sixth grade. She actually is the one who encouraged me to go to her church which honestly shaped the rest of my life for the better. She introduced me to all of her friends and this group stuck by my side in middle and high school and then later on in college as well. Even though life's circumstances have separated our group, it still feels like old times when we are all together again. I love this group of friends so much and it hurts my heart that we weren't susceptible to growing apart after high school, but I guess it happens to the best of us. 

Oh, and a little bit of background about the bride...she writes for Oregon Bride magazine so I think we were all expecting a lot from her in terms of decor and ideas. Oh and she has been talking about her wedding day since I can remember. Josh laughed because throughout the ceremony I would say, "I knew Samantha would do this...oh see that, she always said she would want that..." Honestly, this girl did not disappoint, she really did put together the perfect party. Alright, enough of the blah blah blah and on to some photos of the day. 

The Venue

{King's Raven Winery}

{Photo courtesy of Josh}

{Photo courtesy of Josh}

{Photo courtesy of Josh}

{The Maid-of-Honor + Bride after the speech}

{Melissa + Eden were fast friends}

{Eric + Justine...photo courtesy of Josh}

 

{The girls....we missed you Alicia!...photo courtesy of Josh}

Wasn't that a beautiful wedding? Now if only I could have stopped oohing and ahhing over all the details to actually take some photos. Yeah, did you notice, Josh decided to take over as photographer for the day for a majority of the photos. I am starting to wonder if he should have taken up photography instead of me. Good job my hunka hunka burning love...you officially rock as a photographer. 

To Kristen + Ryan King and Samantha + Guy Cappiccie...thank you all for letting us share in your special day. Your friendship means so much to us and we are so very happy for you. Thank you for sharing us with each other so that we could enjoy both of your blessed unions. Have fun on your honeymoons! 

LimeBerry - Coming Soon!

The opening is getting closer...the inside looks a million times different than it did when we first leased it. The boys are hard at work making sure everything is taken care of in order to open as quickly as possible. 

The last proposed opening date was July 1st. 

I don't know if that's going to happen or not, but fingers crossed! 

Put The Lime In The Coconut

Exactly three weeks ago we celebrated my mom's birthday. She turned 41 again...just saying. For her birthday I knew I wanted to make her something involving her absolute favorite ingredient, key lime. My mom actually spent some of her childhood in Key West, Florida so this is a way that I can help her reminisce a bit about her past.

My inspiration started when Eden, from Sugar and Charm, did a week of key lime treats and crafts (seriously I know I have mentioned her a whole lot on here, but I absolutely admire her fantabulousness). Then, while pinning my life away on Pinterest, I found this image.

via

Now, I'm no key lime lover, but doesn't this look delicious? To elicit a bit more drool I decided to switch it up and use an Oreo crust instead of graham cracker...yeah, I totally live on the edge. The Oreo crust reminded me of all the mud pies my mom made when I was a kid so I thought, "why not?!" 


Here's the recipe I used, with my adaptations as well.

Key Lime Pie Fudge
Recipe: Slightly adapted from Sugar Cooking

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1-1/4 cups finely crushed oreos (about 24 cookies)
• 3 cups or 4, 4-oz bars of good quality white chocolate, finely chopped
• 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon finely grated Key lime zest, about 5-6 Key limes
• 1/3 cup key lime juice – freshly squeezed is better
• Dash of salt

Directions:

1. Line a square 8"x8 baking pan with foil or parchment paper, extending it up and over pan (this helps you get it out of the pan later). Butter sides and bottom of the pan, especially the corners. Set aside.
2. To make the crust: Preheat oven to 375. In a medium sized bowl, melt butter in the microwave. Add crushed Oreos and toss to mix well. Spread evenly into the baking pan and bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
3. Stir white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk in a large heavy saucepan over low heat just until chocolate is melted and all the lumps are gone. Remove from heat and stir in zest and juice and salt. Spread mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Cover and chill for two hours or overnight (longer is better to help it set). Lift the fudge from pan using edges of foil. Peel off foil and use a heavy non-serrated knife to cut the fudge into one-inch pieces. (Tip: Keep a damp kitchen towel handy to clean off the knife after each cut. This will keep give your fudge a cleaner appearance.) Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week (this made me nervous so I kept mine in the fridge and it seemed to keep really well).

I added little slices of key limes to the fudge for a fun little presentation when I gave it to my mom. She loved it! I would call this a success. 

Seriously, just looking at photo is making me think that maybe I should give key lime another try. I love the key lime slices...they are just so gosh darn cute. Also, here's a little tip...if you get a bag of key limes (to all you local folks, I found these at Winco of all places) and have some leftover after making this fudge you can use it on all sorts of dishes. I added some juice and zest from some of the limes to chicken and it was great. It had a slight sweetness and then the slight sour taste of citrus. I think it would taste divine on fish as well. 

Let me know if you end up venturing into the world of key limes...it was definitely a new experience for me, but most definitely a happy one!