Create

It's amazing that sometimes your little sister knows just what you need to turn your day around. Thanks, Suzie, for sending me this video. Love you!

I Love Winter (in small doses)

Earlier this month, we drove up to Donnelly with the Gilmores and went on a sleigh ride/elk feed. It was way cooler than I had initially expected. The wild elk came right up to the sleigh and literally ate the bales of hay out from under us. This was NOT a zoom lens, kids. Luckily no one was gored. It was so much fun that I almost feel bad admitting that my favorite part of the trip was soaking in the hotel hot tub in McCall afterward. Almost...

I Love Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies

These are to die for! Mine didn't turn out quite as beautiful as the photo, so I guess maybe I'll have to try again. If only all mistakes tasted that good...

Recipe and photo from Bakerella.

Cookies

1 Box red velvet cake mix

1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature

2 Eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix ingredients until combined.

Drop spoonfuls of cookie batter onto baking sheet about two inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool then frost with cream cheese filling, below.



Cream Cheese Filling

1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature

1 8 oz. Package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 1lb. Box of confectioner's sugar

1 tsp Vanilla


In a mixer, cream butter, cream cheese and vanilla.
Gradually add sugar and mix until smooth.

Makes about 24 cookies or 12 cookie sandwiches

Nobody was ever uncheered by a balloon...

My Valentine left to go ice fishing in Cascade today. But he did an amazing job of making sure that Valerie and I felt loved.
First, he delivered this incredible Edible Arrangement to me at work. It was delicious - and the perfect solution for someone who asked him NOT to buy a box of chocolates.

Then, when Valerie and I got home tonight, there were cards and gifts and balloons waiting. Isn't he wonderful?
Now, I've got the little one to bed and I'm utterly enjoying my quiet evening surfing the web and watching one of my most favoritest movies, Love Actually.
Here's my favorite scene. It'll make you smile at least as much as a balloon.
Happy Valentine's Day.
XOXO
Angela

I Love Olivia the Pig

Valerie and I have been a big fan of the Olivia books for ages, but did you know that there is a cartoon on Nick Jr. now? And it's great! Luckily Valerie agrees. I really needed a break from Dora, Dora, Dora.

Olivia even has her own website. But then again, what stylish girl doesn't? :)

My Funny Valentine

It's official. I'm a retailer's dream - the ultimate sucker for consumer holidays. I thought Valentine's Day would be easy to weather - I'm supposed to be in one of my low-sugar phases, afterall; but look at all this fun stuff I've found!!



Valentine's Snowflake Cookies from Fancy Flours

Sweetie Pies from Williams Sonoma

Double Cherry Pops from Williams Sonoma

Caramel-Filled Chocolate Dominos also from Williams Sonoma (I'm a big fan, does it show?)

Crown Heart Cupcake Pan from Williams Sonoma

Chocolate Mice from L.A. Burdick Chocolates

Valentine's Plates from Pottery Barn Kids


Hugs and Kisses Tickets from Chasing Fireflies

I Love You TuTu set from Chasing Fireflies

Couple's Heart Birth Stone Ring and Tulips and Chocolate from Red Envelope

Adorable Pillowcases from Bold Loft (My new favorite thing!)