About Me

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I try to be superwoman. I like iced cappuccinos, photography, design and being neat and tidy. My husband and I are homebodys - even though we've been together for 10 years, (married for three) our life is never boring. We have an almost two year old daughter who is the center of our world. Join us as we make our house a home and juggle parenthood for the first time.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

I am now mobile!

So since I last posted a lot has changed! Not only am I my own boss and wedding season is in full swing, I got an iPhone, which has made my life simpler and now I get to share things in real time. I am going to try and blog more, I miss it! I have made a decision to not take as many weddings as this year, so hopefully I can have a life again!

In honor of me coming back to blogging, I will share my most recent must try recipe - Pumpkin cupcakes with salted carmel buttercream. Omg. These are to die for!

for the pumpkin cupcakes:
ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees. line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, + allspice; set aside.

in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, + eggs. beat on medium speed until well combined. add dry ingredients + mix on low until smooth. fold in pumpkin puree.

divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway. bake until tops spring back when touched, + a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 – 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. transfer to a wire rack + let cool completely.

for the salted caramel buttercream

ingredients
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 stick salted butter
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups powdered sugar

directions
in a saucepan, stir together granulated sugar + water. bring to a boil over medium high heat. cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color. remove from heat + slowly add in cream + vanilla, stirring until very smooth. let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm, but still pourable.

in a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter + salt together until lightened + fluffy. reduce speed to low + add powdered sugar. mix until thoroughly combined.

scrape down the side of the bowl + add the caramel. beat on medium high speed until light + airy, + completely mixed (about 2 minutes). mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration. if your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny – if this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

They are a little labor intensive, but oh so worth it! Happy Fall!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

3 Month Hiatus!

I'm so sorry I've been gone for 3 months. SO MUCH has happened since then. I've quit my job and now photograph full time! I am so excited I am able to do that and stay home with Sophie. So much has been jam packed into the time I have been "gone." With wedding season in full swing, I've been working nonstop. The house also calls to us. We've renovated and painted our kitchen cabinets. I can not wait to share the transformation with you - it is like night and day. We still have to paint the walls, but we hope to get that done very soon.

I will try to catch you up on the last 3 months very soon, but for now here's an amazing wreath I made, from The Pretty Poppy.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Sophie's 1st Birthday!

Good morning Sophie! Happy 1st Birthday!


We got the decorations ready...


The cakes were AMAZING!

The little one is all dressed and ready for guests!


We open presents first...


Ready and awaiting cake time!

"Happy Birthday, dear Sophie..."


Let's see..what's the best way to do this...

Mmmm....I like!

This is pretty awesome!


Ah, screw it! I am all hands on!


A quick bath and outfit change...

Buh-bye! Thanks for taking a peek at my party!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Sophie's Birthday Sneak Peek - - Invitations




Here are my handmade invites! I came across this idea on etsy and knew I immediately had to make these. I traced a formula can for the body and the head was half of a travel coffee cup. Made the black body/head first and then made a template for the wings. I bought a special hole punch for the spots on the wings and added a brad to make the wings open and close. I am really glad I made these instead of just buying a regular invite. They are exactly what I wanted! :)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Happy 11 months Sophie!

Yes, just one more month until you are officially a toddler. You will always be my baby and I'm so thankful for that. Let's see what you've been up to this month...

You continue to be walking and are able to go further each day. Your record is 8-10 steps. You seem to crawl and walk about evenly now. The coffee table is your home base to help you stand up with guidance. You have also learned to dance while standing. It is so cute to see you shake your booty!

Feeding time is more difficult now and want what's on our plates! We have to finish some baby food we already bought, but then it will be big girl food. So far you like mac & cheese and chicken.

You are still in size 3 diapers, and 12 month clothing fits you the best. You may go to size 4 diapers soon, probably not next month but in a couple...You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. We always try to keep you on schedule for naps, Sophie. You like your sleep and can be grouchy when you miss the pivotal morning or afternoon nap.

You like when the freezer is open so you can put your mouth on the cool hinges and play with the frozen food. You don't like when we close it. Same thing with the dishwasher and cabinets. You have also figured out how to take the cap off of pens and markers. Mommy found you with purple marker on your mouth one day! You like to nod your head 'yes' and 'no' and wave to everyone. You are not a shy baby and love attention and people and are so interested and inquisitive about the world around you. Grammie likes to say you're a little dickens when you are rambunctious. Mommy says you're silly!

Every day is better than the last, little one. You are sooooooooooooo smart I can't believe it sometimes. We can't (can) wait for the next stage: toddlerhood!


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My 100th post!

For my 100th post I will give you all a sneak peek of the stairwell. We had to use scaffolding to get into the corners, and let me tell you, scaffolding + a ladder on top = freaked out Amy. My husband did most of it but I helped hang our new chandelier! I really love the way it looks.


Please excuse the horrible cell phone image - I took this in the morning when it was still dark out and did not line it up very well either.

Some may say it's too dark for that hallway or that little of a space, but I like how it goes so well with the fixture. We needed to give it more depth for that space and I can't wait to finish it and add my photo wall.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Recent etsy purchases


I recently bought this fun fabric frayed clip from etsy last week. It's a little big for her head, so we will have to wait to use it, but still uber cute.

I also bought this adorable knit hat from OopsIKnitItAgain's etsy shop. It is for my photography business. I have ordered from her once before and was very happy with the quality. She actually made a custom one for me without the pom on top. I love the colors in this hat, it photographs really well.


I bought a whole bunch of stuff for Sophie's 1st birthday party on etsy too, but most of it is going to stay secret until the party reveal.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

My crush


I have a new celebrity crush. Marcus Mumford from Mumford & Sons. If you haven't heard any of their songs yet, you better get right on it! The band's catchy tunes get inside your head. I find myself longing to be right in the middle of a Boston, London or Ireland neighborhood bar with "The Cave" in the background and a Guinness to my right. (That is saying a lot since I don't even like Guinness!)

The biography on their website states: They create a gutsy, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon, and their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs, to the warmth of their stories, and to their magical community of misty-eyed men.

Amazing sound? Check. Hot frontman with a guitar wearing a vest and button down? Hell yes.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The next project: Stairwell



We've finally decided on a light fixture to hang above our stairway! But first we need to paint the stairwell. This is the next project we will tackle.Behr's Brown Teepee


I have been waiting oh so patiently to assemble my photo wall. I feel like my house is so photo barren without it. Growing up my mom had 2 HUGE photo walls and I would be caught often by them staring the photos...thinking about that day or stories to go along with the photos. I can still envision them in my mind and I love that. Plus, do you know how hard it is for a photographer to not have 10 million photos in their home?!!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Happy 10 Months Sophie!

Time is truly escaping me as I try to catch up to your monthly posts. As I write this you are almost 11 months! Can time slow down NOW?!!!

Sophie, as each month passes your personality is showing through even more. It's like I have a lottery ticket in my hand and I can't wait to scratch off the next part to see more of who you are becoming. I am that lucky. ;)

You took your first steps this past month and can say you will be walking by your first birthday! You are so strong and are in such amazement and wonder of everything. It is so great sharing every experience with you.

You tolerate your baby food, but are ready for big girl food all the way. Mommy and daddy give you a taste of what's on our plates all the time. You seem to like everything we've given you so far. I can tell giving up your bottles won't be a struggle either, you don't want to sit still for them anymore!

You are still in size 3 diapers, but now 6 month clothes are definitely too short for you and the 9 month clothes are almost too small too. You are now in 12 month sleepers, which makes you look all grown up! You still fit in your car seat, but mommy and daddy are now looking at big girl convertible seats for you. It will be odd to carry around a toddler in a baby seat! You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. You've gotten one new tooth since last month for a total of 6 teeth now. You are a pro at growing those!

Your favorite toys still include your Ni Hao Kai-Lan doll and Violet. They sing and talk to you which you love. You also like your Melissa & Doug animal zoo puzzle. The thick wood is great for you to put in your mouth. You also continue to enjoy being in the kitchen with mommy. You help her with the dishes and like to stand and climb in the dishwasher. You've just discovered how to open up the kitchen cabinets so locks will be going on there soon! You like to dance to any beat! Smiling at strangers is nothing new either. You love new people and are so outgoing. You enjoy watching everything around you, especially when we go out to eat.

Sophie, you are never one to miss a beat and are so smart already! Mommy and daddy are so proud of you - we can't believe you are our little walker and very soon a toddler. I cherish you always.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

I Am Featured On....

The DIY Show Off

My closet turned turned entryway was chosen to be on the DIY Showoff. I am a religious follower of Roeshel's blog and have gotten a lot of ideas from her and her follower's craftiness.

Enjoy it here: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/01/closet-to-mudroom.html

Thanks again Roeshel!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Closet turned mudroom/entryway

The long-awaited project has finished! The last update I gave you was here. Now look at our finished entryway in all it's glory:

Yes! That was once a closet! Pretty nifty, huh? Let's rewind and get you caught up.

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Corner bead, patching and tile in:

Closeup of tilework (In front of entryway)


Closeup of tilework (In front of garage and to the left of entryway)


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And now:

Ledge cut and stained and molding up
Paint (Shale Gray and Cozy Cottage both by Behr)

THE DETAILS

Antique leaded window = $40
(We installed 3 individual hooks)

Entryway bench = $75 Kohls
Wicker baskets = $20 ($10/basket) Pier One
Pillow = $12 HomeGoods
Rug = $15 HomeGoods
Letter "S" (pictured above) = $6 HomeGoods


Cast iron hook = $15 Elements (Local décor store)


Keyholder = $8 HomeGoods (This is on the wall next to the entryway)


The row of 3 closets is now 2!

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BEFORE - just a closet


NOW
For less than $300 we now have a very usable space in our home


I hope this inspires you that a simple change can really make a big impact in your home. I know that this project really has inspired me to take up more DIY projects in our home too. I can't wait to share more with you!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Happy 9 Months Sophie!

With now less than 3 months until your first birthday mommy has been gathering a lot of ideas for your party. We are really excited and are going to make it a ladybug theme. "Our little lady is turning one!"

You are 16 lbs. 6 oz. (25th percentile), 27 1/2" long (50th percentile) You are in size 3 diapers and can still wear some 6 month clothes, but most are too short for you, long girl! You are mostly in 9 month clothes. You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. You got 3 new teeth (top 2 and left incisor) since last month for a total of 5 so far! You love chomping on everything! We're awaiting the right incisor any day. I can see it peeking.

Your hair is getting longer and curlier. I am finally able to clip a barrette in your hair and it stays!

We started you on more solid foods and LOVE grown up food. Your favorite foods right now are waffles, crackers and clementines. You know what the cracker box and orange ball looks like and if you see one, you will whimper until you get it. You have tried cheese and yogurt as well.

Since Christmas came, you have new fun toys to play with. Among your favorites are your Ni Hao, Kai-lan doll, Mypal Violet that knows your name, Grammie's old cell phone and Crayola jumbles. We took you out for your first sledding experience and it seems you were alright with it, but prefer warmer weather.

You are definitely more mobile than you've ever been. You've crawled the stairs all the way up and even took your first step! You are no longer content in your baby carrier when stationary. At restaurants you love to look around and watch people. You like strangers and smile at them especially when they say you're cute! You only like your jumper when Ni Hao, Kai-lan is on and it's a savior for mommy when she needs to do some cleaning. You are getting faster at crawling, if it's possible. Your favorite game is "I'm gonna get you!" and you crawl faster knowing mommy, daddy or grammie is behind you. You are a little climber and love pulling yourself up onto things. I love to see you dance, so usually I sing a little song and you bounce and bend your knees to my beat. It's adorable.

Sophie, you are really coming into your own as a person and it is so fun to have front row tickets! Mommy and daddy are so proud of you!


Photobucket

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Fabric Sneak Peek for Living Room


I wanted to share something with you since you all have been so patient with my entryway project. It will finally be done for real this weekend. All we have to do is paint the chair rail, clean up our antique piece and I have to find the perfect throw pillow for the little nook. Speaking of pillows, I found this lovely fabric online - just the style I was looking for. This is Richloom's Invigorate "Sky" pattern. My mom and I will sew them just in time for Spencer's birthday party.

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