Pillow the Porcupine

This picture and story cracked me up. Tony took Gavin up to Solitude again today (while I was working) and they were lucky enough to see Pillow the Porcupine. Tony has told me about this little guy before and how he hangs out at the mid mountain lodge/outdoor grill (a.k.a the beach). I guess he has become pretty tame and often walks right up to people sitting on the deck to beg for food.

Easter

We spent Easter morning at Solitude Ski Resort for their annual Easter egg hunt & visit from the Easter bunny. It was so cute... The Easter bunny skied down the mountain while about 40 children (& parents watched). After the hunt we hit the slopes. It was about 55 degrees up there and gorgeous. We may have to make a tradition out of it.

Our New Pop-up Trailer

Tony brought home our new Starcraft R/T pop-up trailer today. It can sleep up to 6 and has all the comforts we will need to go "camping" with Gavin. We can't wait to use it and we already have a river rafting trip planned to Jackson Hole in July (with Tony's crew and their families). We may also take it to CA in June and travel up the coast to Big Sur. I'm sure we will get lots of use out of it this summer because we both have a lot of time off.

Gavin's Potty Time

Gavin is really coming along with his potty training. He is very motivated because he has a potty chart that he puts a sticker on every time he goes. After 10 stickers he gets a Thomas the Train toy of his choosing. His Elmo potty chair helps too.

Scrumptious Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies rival any recipe I've tried before (sorry mom). I made some Easter inspired egg and bunny rabbit shaped cookies (similar to the ones in the photo) and gave them out to friends. The recipe is from Martha Stewart.

Ingredients

Makes 2 dozen

• 2 cups all-purpose flour


• 1/4 teaspoon salt


• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder


• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter


• 1 cup sugar


• 1 large egg, lightly beaten


• 2 tablespoons brandy, or milk


• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


• Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies (recipe below)

Directions

Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar; add dry ingredients, and mix until incorporated. With mixer running, add egg, brandy (or milk), and vanilla; mix until incorporated. Transfer dough to a work surface. Shape into 2 discs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch in between. Leftover dough can be rolled and cut once more. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Decorate with Royal Icing, optional.

Royal Icing

Ingredients

Makes 2 1/3 cups

• 1 box confectioners' sugar (1 pound)
• 5 tablespoons meringue powder, or 2 large egg whites

Directions

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine sugar and meringue powder. Mixing on low speed, add a scant 1/2 cup water. For a thinner consistency, usually used for flooding, add more water. A thicker consistency is generally used for outlining and adding details. Mix until icing holds a ribbonlike trail on the surface of the mixture for 5 seconds when you raise the paddle.

Top 10 Reasons to Be Ecstatic About Spring

I am so over winter! I realize that it will officially be here in 10 days, but it cannot come soon enough. Since I am dreaming of warmer weather, spending more time outdoors, and wearing less clothing I thought it would be fun to list my top 10 reasons to be excited about SPRING.

1) My birthday on March 24th

2) Flying to So. Cal. on March 25th for Tiffany's shower, spend time with the fam, & going to the beach

3) Tiffany's wedding at The Four Seasons in Santa Barbara on May 10th

4) Sex & the City movie release on May 30th (to view the trailer click here http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/ )

5) Tulips (they pop up everywhere in Utah)

6) The last day of school on June 5th

7) More sunshine (I've missed you) and warmer weather

8) Warm weather clothing (t-shirts, capris, sandals, etc.)

9) Spending more time outside (shopping @ the Gateway, parks, zoo, Red Butte Gardens, hiking in Millcreek canyon, etc.)

10) Barbecues

Gavin's first day skiing!

Today was Gavin's first day skiing. Tony took him up to Solitude. It was the perfect sunny day (60 degrees in the valley). Tony strapped on his vest/harness system and used the ropes to guide him down the slopes while he held skied behind him. They went on 3 runs and by the last one Gavin didn't fall once. Of course he loved it. He's been talking about going all winter. And to think that I didn't even try skiing or snowboarding until I was 18! This kid is going to be out-skiing me in a couple of years.

Gavin's New Ski Gear

Today Tony brought home a cool new ski helmet and goggles for Gavin. The helmet came with a bunch of cool stickers that Gavin can put on the snowy landscape picture. He insisted on putting the helicopter on it (Tony stole one of the stickers and put in on his own helmet). Tony told him that every time they go skiing Gavin gets to add a new sticker to his helmet (like Gavin needs incentive to go skiing). Tony also purchased some cool new firebird skis last week. Gavin is now ready to get up on the slopes!

Grandpa Don

My dad flew into town last week for a very brief trip and Gavin was thrilled! He adores his grandpa Don and talks about him daily. While he was here we visited Tony at the fire station. Tony blew up a latex glove (a little trick they do to help calm/entertain children they help). Gavin liked it.

Cherella

I recently purchased a Cherella purse similar to the one above and I love it! I was already familiar with the company, created by 2 Utah women, because my sister's company "Layla Grayce" used to sell some of their clothing. In fact, I was lucky enough to get this hoodie as a gift from my sis. It has been my fav for the past 2 years. I thought I would give the Utah entrepreneurs a shout out and if you like what you see you can find their clothing and accessories at boutiques nation wide or online at http://www.cherellausa.com/ . If you are local you can find their cute stuff at Whimsy, Lola Bella, Koo De Ker, and several other stores in the area.

Best Chicken Enchiladas Ever!

This recipe is from Gormet Magazine and it is awesome!

Ingredients
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups prepared salsa
2 cups grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
salt and pepper
4 scallions, thinly sliced
12 to 14 soft round 6 to 8 inch flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a medium bowl cream together the cream cheese and the sour cream. Stir in 1/2 cup of the salsa. Stir in 1 cup of the grated cheese. In a second bowl toss together the chicken, corn, cumin, cayenne, salt, pepper, and 1/2 of the scallions. Add the chicken mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine. In a baking dish spread a 1/2 cup of the salsa over the bottom. Place about a 1/3 cup of the filling on a tortilla, roll up and transfer to the baking dish with the seam side down. Repeat process for remaining tortillas. Put remaining salsa over enchiladas, spreading to coat all of them. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over the top. Enchiladas may be prepared up to this point 12 hours in advance. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with the remaining scallions and serve warm.
Yields 6 to 7 servings.

Deceptively Delicious

This post is for all my friends with children who are trying to get them to eat more veggies. My sister-in-law gave me this cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, for Christmas and I've recently had the chance to try several of the recipes and they were in fact, "delicious". The cookbook is by Jessica Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld's wife) and the cool concept behind it is that she purees veggies and adds them into everyday meals. Your kids can't see the veggies so they don't even realize they are eating their vegetables. So far we have tried the following recipes: mac & cheese with cauliflower, couscous with yellow squash & carrot, grilled cheese with butternut squash, and apple muffins with carrot. They have all been wonderful. Tony, Gavin, and I have all enjoyed them. I would highly recommend this cookbook. They are selling it at Cost Co right now. If any of you already have it or end up buying it, let me know what you think.

New Years Eve

For the past several years Tony has participated in Solitude ski resort's torch light parade (because he works there every winter). It's a tradition there every New Year's eve. This year I finally went up there to see it. We ate dinner there at the resort, got all bundled up and waited to watch the "show". Many of the employees at the resort participate and head up the lifts after dark, light their torches and ski down in formation. It was quite a sight to see. However, on the drive back down the canyon my car said that it was -1 degree outside. Yikes!

The next day we dropped Gavin off at grandma and grandpa's for the day so that we could go back up to Solitude to ski/snowboard (Tony skis & I snowboard). It was a glorious, sunny day. It was such a treat because it was the first time I've been able to go snowboarding since I got pregnant with Gavin. I had so much fun! And by the end of the day I even rode on a black run (and did quite well I must say). When I complained about having to return to work on January 2nd Tony reminded me that I did quite a bit this winter break... I went to the beach and snowboarding in the same week. Life is good:)

Winter Break in California

Gavin and I flew to California the day after Christmas to spend time with my family in Ventura(Tony had to work). We had a great time as always. It was wonderful to spend time with my oldest friend, Cyndi, who I've known since I was about 3. She lives in Huntington Beach now and has 2 little boys (Gavin had a great time with them). I also got to spend a some time with my sister, Tiffany, who Gavin adores (as do I) and he calls her Aunt Bippy (Aunt Tiffy). We were able to put in a few hours at my favorite factory outlet stores in Camarillo (Barneys, Saks 5th, Max Azria, Ugg Austrailia). I had a lot of success finding some great stuff at great prices. And, of course, it's always great to see my parents. They always spoil us. I think we went out to dinner every night. We also went to the Santa Barbara zoo and the beach. It was a beautiful sunny day so the last couple of photos are just of the scenery there at Marina Beach. We had to pull Gavin away kicking and screaming because he did not want to leave the beach and he desperately wanted to go play in the ocean (I had hoped he would take after me as far as loving the beach).

Merry Christmas!

Sprinkles at William Sonoma

A few months ago I blogged about Sprinkles cupcakes in Beverly Hills. Well, I just discovered that they are now selling the actual Sprinkles cupcake mix at William Sonoma! Of course, I had to buy a few for xmas gifts (and for me). I haven't tried baking them yet, but I know they'll be delicious.

Santa Claus

Last night we took Gavin to see Santa. Apparently Santa Claus was hanging out in a festive little hut in Sugarhouse so we didn't have to deal with trying see him at a crowded mall. This was Gavin's first time sitting on Santa's lap and he did great. We prepared him by explaining that he would go visit Santa, sit on his lap, and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. So Gavin did exactly that. Gavin climbed right up and preceded to tell Santa the only thing that he wanted this Christmas... Thomas trains (particularly Henry or Edward). The only problem came when it was time to say goodbye to Santa and Gavin looked confused. He didn't want to get off of Santa's lap. He was waiting to get the trains he had just told Santa that he wanted. We realized that Gavin thought he was going to actually get the toys during his visit with Santa. It's pretty hard to explain to a 2 year old the concept of waiting till Christmas.

Favorite Dress

All the magazines say that a sweater dress is a must have this season. I found my new favorite sweater dress at Anthropologie. It looks like this photo, except that it's red. It's soooo comfy. I feel like I'm wearing a nighty. And it's so versatile. I can dress it up or down with tights, leggings, flats, boots or heels (esp. a cute pair of maryjane pumps). I can even wear a long sleeved tee under it (since it's been in the 20s & 30s here lately).

Kitchen Remodel

I am very excited to be able to post some photos of our new kitchen (finally). It's not completely finished, but it is now fully functional. We just got our new range and microwave yesterday. I have been without a stove/oven since August. I was so excited to have it back that I made sure to prepare every meal we ate today using our stove. Now I'm in the mood to bake. As you can see from the photos, we (by "we" I mean Tony) still need to install the microwave above the range, install the counter lighting, put on switch plates, and replace the window/trim & blinds. We love our cabinets. Our cabinet guy did a beautiful job. And I'm so glad that I was able to convince Tony to get granite counter tops. We both love them. Let me know what you think...

Halloween

Trick or treat (or as Gavin says, "Boo boo beet!")!

Gavin's Halloween Costume

Yesterday we went to a 2 year olds birthday/costume party. I was able to snap a few photos of Gavin playing in their yard in his green dragon costume. It was a big hit and Gavin seemed to enjoy wearing it. His costume should get lots of wear this year because he will be wearing it to his preschool Halloween party on Wednesday morning, as well as for a little trick or treating Halloween night.

A Must Read!

So I kept hearing about this incredible book series by Stephanie Meyer. I mean I've been hearing about how great it is from everyone (friends, family, coworkers). The books are about vampires and that kind of turned me off. It wasn't until my book club decided to read the first book, Twilight, for one of our meetings that I decided I needed to find out what all the fuss was about. It was incredible. There was so much suspense and anticipation that I literally could not put it down. Above all else, it is an beautiful love story. I would highly recommend it. In fact, I finished Twilight today and immediately called the local library to see if the 2nd book, New Moon, was in. The librarian chuckled and informed me that there are 91 people on the waiting list. I can't wait that long. I'm going to B & N today to buy it.

Pumpkin Patch

Here are a couple of pictures from a wonderful little trip Gavin and I took to a nearby pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful, cool fall day. I just love autumn.

New Do

It's Fall and I was in the mood for a hairstyle change. My hair was pretty long and I was getting kind of bored with it. I've been thinking about getting a longer version of the bob (by longer, I mean to the shoulders), but I got cold feet and decided to have my stylist cut my hair an inch or 2 below my shoulders. He ended up cutting off 4-5 inches. It's fun to have a change, but I'm thinking I should have either gone longer or shorter because it's kind of in that in between stage and I don't really like how it flips up (whether I want it to or not). However, the big benefit is that it feels really thick and healthy. So, what do you think? Do you prefer my hair longer or shorter? And should I cut another 1-2 inches so that it is just above my shoulders? And, yes, I did take this photo of myself... cheesy, huh.

Gavin Pic of the Week

Best Slippers Ever!

I recently purchased these Dearfoams Microfiber Terry Ballerina slippers. They are so adorable and comfortable. Plus, they are machine washable. You can buy them online at http://www.dearfoams.com/detail.aspx?ID=76 for $18. They'd make a great Christmas gift for a friend too.

Fun New Line of Beauty Products

Soap & Glory is a cool new line of beauty products from the founder of Bliss. The packaging really appealed to me. It's inspired by 1950s advertising and the products have really fun names like Calm One Calm All skin softening bubble bath, Great Shakes hand cream, and Sexy Mother Pucker lip-plumping gloss. Everything is under $10 and you can buy them at Target. I puchased the 3 items above. I really like the hand cream. It has a nice, subtle scent and it's nongreasy. I also tried out the lip plumping gloss and loved it! The color is beautiful and universal so that it should look great on lots of different skin types. For an added bonus it tastes like chocolate. Like many lip plumpers, it tingles when you put it on (even burns a little). But I really didn't mind because it made me feel like it was working. I've yet to try out the bubble bath... perhaps tonight.