One Year

Maddie,
I've been struggling to find the words to right for this post. Then I realized sometimes the simplest words are the best.

You are loved and truly missed by so many. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you, your sunny smile and those delicate curls. My life is better because I "knew" you Maddie. I will always carry you in my heart sweet girl.

Heather and Mike,
My heart has been with you since I learned of your terrible loss. I hope that you know how thankful I am that you shared Maddie with the world. Your daughter is a light that continues to shine on the lives of so many. May you be surrounded by love of family friends and those who don't "know" you today tomorrow and always

I honor of Maddie's memory please consider making a donation to Friends of Maddie or Maddie's March for Babies Team

Must Haves

Spring has sprung in Texas and summer will be here within a few weeks. This got me thinking about all the things I must have for a Texas spring and those long long summer days.

1. Flip flops
A manicurist's dream, a podiatrist's worst nightmare and a staple of my wardrobe. I love flip flops especially this time of year. You can get them in a color to match every outfit. You can get cheap ones, expensive ones, plain ones and even fancy ones. I love that you just slip them on and your off!




2. Sundress and light skirts
I have one main rule of summer fashion NO JEANS! I can't do it, it's just to dang hot to be wearing yards of denim. These days shorts only seem to come in three sizes short, short and way to damn short. So I stick to sundress and light flowy skirts to get me through a summer. I love that they keep me cool and I can throw them on over a a wet swim suit. If it gets wet it dries in half the time some heavy denim would!

3.Iced Tea
Ahhhh there is nothing quite like a cold glass of iced tea (with lemon) after a looong day of being in the sun. NO, I am not talking about sweet tea that stuff is NASTAY! I think I may have to renounce my Texas citizenship with that last declaration.It was nice being a Texan while it lasted.

4. Sunblock
This is a must if you spend any amount of time out in the sun and you don't want to look like a baseball mitt in your 60s. I love the new spray on sunblocks! Spray all over give a quick rub and you are good to go! It's also easier to spray on kids, that's if you can pin them down long enough before they jump in the water.

5.Great Bag


I love love love this bag I bought last summer from Lands End. It's the perfect size to throw a book, water bottle, snack and camera in for a trip to the park or beach. I used it last summer when I nannied and it held almost everything I need for my self and three little girls.

6. Camera
I love my big fancy Nikon camera and the great pictures it takes. However, it's not the easiest to take with me to dinner out with friends or out to the lake. I want to get a good little point shoot that fits in a pocket or little purse.

7.Hair Ties
I have thick dark hair which can be such a pain during the summer. It's absorbs twice as much heat and it gets sweaty and sticks to the back of my neck! My favorite are the Scunci no damage elastics. I always have a least two on my wrist at all times so I can throw my hair up in to a pony when ever it gets too hot.



(photo walgreens.com)

8.Deodorant
This one really needs no explanation. You may look super cute in that sundress but one good whiff and the cutie from the pool is walking the other way. My favorite is Degree Ultra Clear. Although seems to be very clear for me especially if I'm wearing black! Anyone out there have any magic deodorant tricks or tips?

9.Margarita
This comes a close second to ice tea for favorite summer time drink. I love a good frozen margarita with salt on the patio of some great restaurant watching the sunset.

10.Good Book
I have a stack a books that I've bought that I just haven't gotten around to reading yet. I'm looking forward to a day on the beach where I can finally tackle my pile. Do you have any suggestions for a good beachy read?

What are some of your must haves for this Spring and Summer ?

Charming glittering lame!

I recently participated in The Dollar $tore Challenge put together by Miss and Kat . The challenge was to spend 20 bucks at the dollar store finding fun random things then send it to someone across the country. In return you got your own box of goodies! I'm going to show you all the goodies I got! The awesome Superjules sent me my box of awesomeness !


Super cute cookie cutters. Not just for cookies though, I thought these would be really cute to make a cheese and cracker plate.



Then I read closer, it's like they read my mind!



Adorable frame.


Now I just need the perfect pic. Maybe one from NY ?


Little Pouch



Bento Boxes and matching fork





I am so in now!

Hair Goms !



Awesome fan with carrying case.


I see this fan becoming my best friend once the 100 degree days hit.

Origami paper



Sadly all I really I can make are origami puppies and boulders.

Remember Origami safety!



These gloves are my ticket to the next season of Gossip Girl!



This made my day.

Does this Work?

Trying this out . Like I really need a journal?

Hyde Park Fudge Cake

I mentioned making this cake for Thanksgiving on twitter earlier, some of you showed interest in it. So here it is for your chocolate loving delight! This is a recipe is from a local bakery here in Austin, this cake has been requested for many birthdays and family gatherings.

Cake
5 1/3 oz unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2/3 cup all-vegetable shortening
2 3/4 cups sugar
2 2/3 eggs*
3 cups flour
1 1/3 cups water
1 1/3 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/3 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/3 teaspoons salt
Bunt Pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt the chocolate with the shortening. Combine all liquid ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix all dry ingredients thoroughly so the flour will not clump in the batter. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients blending on low speed with a mixer until well mixed scrape the sides of the bowl well. Pour mixture into a greased bunt pan. Bake until done about 50 to 65 min. Let cake cool in pan for 30 min. Turn out on cake rack and glaze with icing.

Icing
3/4 cup granulate sugar
6 tablespoons evaporated milk
3 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 1/2 tablespoons butter (not margarine)

While cake is cooling, in top of double boiler heat sugar with milk until the sugar is dissolved. ( The mixture will not feel grainy when rubbed between fingers) When sugar is dissolved combine with chocolate and butter, which have been melted together. You can 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot water to the icing to add to the sheen. Pour icing over the cake.

* the recipe does call for some interesting measurements, that's because was broken down for home use. the recipe recommends using 3 small or medium eggs instead of rounds up to 3 large eggs.

Thanksgiving

I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It's time for friends and family to gather together with out having to worry about the presents like at Christmas. We get a chance to look back on the past year and discover all the things we are thankful for. I also love the holiday because of the food! This girl likes to eat and I always look forward to the yummy food that we have for Thanksgiving lunch ( this family doesn't even wait around until dinner). There are some recipes that are must haves at our Thanksgiving meals. The one thing we always have to serve is my grandma's Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole . Someone suggested that we have a different broccoli casserole recipe , let's just say there was a slight uproar. Let's just say we will be having that recipe this year. Other recipes on this years menu:

Turkey with Dressing and Gravy
Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms
Sweet Potato Casserole
Spicey Green Beans
Dinner Rolls

Desserts
Hyde Park Fudge Cake
Toffee Coffee Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake

What are some most have recipes at your house? Do you do something out of the ordinary and not even serve a turkey?

Maddie

Where do I begin? Today should be your 2nd birthday , today you should be in the arms of your family , today your legions of fans should be anxiously awaiting a picture of the birthday girl. Today is not what it should be, it is so different that anyone could have ever imagined. Heather, Mike, Grandma, Bampa and many others you are all are in my thoughts and in my heart today and always.

I wish there was more that I could say or do to my make this day any easier for those who love you. All I can do is share your story with all those I know. I can laugh and cry while I remember the life of a brilliant girl with my group of friends who also fell under the Maddie charm.

Maddie you are truly missed by so many , you are a light that will always shine bright in so many lives. Happy Birthday sweet Maddie, Happy Birthday.


Please consider making a donation in honor of Maddie's birthday to Friends of Maddie.