twenty six weeks and counting

It's the question I get asked the most often lately. How many weeks along are you? I pause and think, trying to recount exactly where I am in this process. I realize it's not that hard, but weeks are tricky. Months are so much easier. Anyway, so now I am 26 weeks. And for those of you who are like me… that means I'm 6-1/2 months. Good gracious, that seems like a long time. But it's kind of this amazing time too. I've got this little butter bean just a cookin' away inside, waiting to arrive in June. We talk to each other and I rub my belly a lot. I've been listening to the Bob Marley station on Pandora this week and my instinct tells me the baby is digging it!

I don't think buddy appreciated this one bit, but he's awfully fun to play with.

Hubs is off for Spring Break this week. Too bad we're not heading to Cancun for some rowdy times with jello shots. Ahh, those were the days. Nope, we're all grown up (supposedly) and using the week for work and meetings. I'm looking forward to spending a little down time with friends. Happy weekend!

special delivery

Over at Tenn Hens, I've been working on a sweet job that I want to share. It's such a treat to work with people you know and this particular client is an old friend of the fam. And it's an exciting time for her… she's having a baby. The concept was to incorporate the mother's move from Music City to the Big Apple in a whimsical design. A stork, in a cowboy hat of course, flying over the Brooklyn Bridge with a very special delivery. After all, who wouldn't want a country music, twang singing bird to deliver their baby? Sounds a lot easier than the real thing!

Oh and speaking of sweet things for a party… Cupcake party kits. These are mighty clever and would be killer at a baby shower.

via oh happy day

sunshine is here

This is what I awoke to find today. Two little flowers budding and soaking up that sun.
Yes, indeed, I feel Spring coming soon!

daddy needs a drink

As the red carpet rolled on in the background Sunday evening, I curled up with my favorite magazine: Garden & Gun. Don't let the title fool ya. I want nothing to do with guns and hubs is definitely not a hunter, but I'm telling you… this magazine is ridiculously good. The writing, the photography and the variety of subject matter - I love every single bit. We actually argue over who gets to read it first.

One of the absurdly funny articles was entitled, "Fetch Daddy a Drink." First off, I don't know a single man that wouldn't love to reel that off at the end of the day. Let's just not overdo it. I'm speaking directly to the men in my family. Yes you.

Here's a snippet that got me going… "I have three badly behaved children and a damn good bird dog. My Brittany spaniel is far more biddable and obedient than my daughters, and has a better nose than my son." Umm, hilarious. I've scanned it in case you want a giggle. And I highly recommend a subscription. It's a must if you're Southern and even if you're not, I still think it's a must. I'm just sayin'.

{ click on photo then select "all sizes" above pic in flickr and it will open larger }

pretty jewels

Pretty catalogs in the mail. One being J. Crew. Lately I've been preoccupied with their crewcuts line. I mean, those children are adorable. Sweet little things are totally more stylish than moi.

But I did stop and stare at the latest "grownups" J. Crew catalog as well. Anyone else see the flower necklace on page one? Oh my. All the texture and color on an oversize bib. It's kind of amazing. I did a little digging to see how much it would run ya, but it's not available on their site. Not that I was in the market, but I'm sure that means it was out of my league. Since the model/designer, Molly Carey, is featured though I was able to find her site of designs here. I'm smitten with them all. Molly…let's be friends and share.

from across the pond

We better all run get in line now, because I think this is going to big 'un. Liberty of London for Target. I remember, very clearly, walking into the Liberty store. I was studying abroad in London for the summer and momma came for a visit. She whisked me away from student life for an afternoon of shopping. It was divine. I'd never heard of the Liberty brand, but mom said we had to visit the huge Tudor style building. It was beautiful and had all these nooks filled with floral patterned frocks. There were chic Brits walking around everywhere and I remember being so taken by their style. I was at Auburn, at the time, and you could say it was a bit lacking in that European style. Shocker I know. A large winding wooden staircase in the center lead upstairs and every corner turned up something new. I bought a simple light blue shift with pockets, that I still own, but I'm still kicking myself for not buying one of their infamous prints.

But now here we are and this incredible brand is available at Target. Not that it will be the same experience by any stretch of the means. You won't exactly find fashionistas in the dressing room, but I am still anxiously awaiting this British arrival!

images via stylebeat

blueberry muffins

I love to do a bit of baking. All the puffy flour and measuring and sweetness. So fun. I put on my apron and baked up some muffins for breakfast. I don't know how people skip this all important meal, but I wake up with a growling tummy. In an effort to get my hubs off to a good start I've been making his morning meal. Aren't I just the best wife ever? Ha! Eggs and bacon, biscuits and honey or muffins seems to be the easiest so far. These muffins are super quick and I had all the ingredients in the fridge which is a huge plus. I went a little overboard on the blueberries, but I figure that means I can have more than one since they're healthy. Hmm, maybe I should have another for a snack. I'm rather smitten with them actually.

You may notice the random number of muffins here… they're going quick!

blueberry + oatmeal muffins
1-1/2 cup oatmeal (quick cooking oats)
1/2 cup flour + 1/2 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 applesauce
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 egg
1-1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Mix all ingredients (except berries) together until just combined. Then fold in blueberries. Fill baking cups with mixture and bake @ 425 for about 20 minutes. I'm no chef, but since this recipe is pretty basic I think you can substitute here at will. Whatever berries you have or use oil instead of applesauce. Next time I may put a little lemon zest in, just because.

winding down

Check out this big 'un. This is River, my moms horse.
I was doing a little test with a wide angle lense. He kind of looks like a donkey.
Sweet as pie this one!

As I warmed up leftovers tonight, I watched hubs play hide the tennis ball with big buddy. Room to room they were chasing one another. It was pretty funny and nice to see both of my boys in good spirits. Coop has been feeling pretty good lately and I am super grateful. Well, I'm off to bed with this growing belly. Have I mentioned how bad it sucks not being able to sleep on my stomach? Lot's of shifting going on during the night.

a healthy dose

I've always had an earthy vibe to my soul, but we really jumped on the trend a few years ago. I'm talking the organic food trend. Now, I'm no saint. I, by no means, turn my nose at a Krystal hamburger every once in awhile! But… when we cook at home I really try and eat good food. The organic staples I always buy are milk, eggs, and meat. And we love going to the farmers market in the warmer months. There was a wonderful csa we used to subscribe to every week back home. It wasn't certified organic, but it was local and everything was delicious. So much better than what you could find in the Kroger aisles. The Greenville downtown market is supposed to be amazing so I can't wait for the warmer weather. Do I sound like a broken record? Seems I'm obsessed with discussing the weather lately. In fact, hubs jokes that I'm his weather vane because I always have pulse on what's happening outside. And just so you know there are puffy white flakes falling quickly outside my window. I'll move on.

Speaking of healthy stuff, have you heard about Food Inc.? It's a movie that's been on our list for a while now and I just discovered it on On Demand. Apparently, it's a must see and contains really important information about our food system. Check out this neat spread I found on stephmodo… seems like a good reference to hang on to, except that it means I've been buying all wrong now!

The Lee Bros.

Yesterday was really nice. I woke up and took the buddy dog outside in my pajamas. Bed head, funny pj pants, a pullover and uggs. Really lovely I'm sure. The neighbors don't mind. Coop gets fed first, but then it's straight to the coffee maker for moi. I carefully unrolled the newspaper and began to devour over the Times and a little muffin. Sunday Morning played in the background as I occasionally paused it so I could finish reading a story. Sometimes reading and listening is a bit much, even for a multitasker like myself. I don't feel a bit guilty lounging on the couch on Sunday mornings. It's completely relaxing. I did however, manage to make it out of the house. Hubs was busy studying some accounting program that made my head hurt, so I headed out the door solo. The Cooks Station was hosting a cooking event by the Lee Bros. and I was not going to miss it. Remember when I mentioned those divine buttermilk cakes? These were the guys so I was very intrigued. The place was packed, but I squeezed in and could occasionally see one of their talking heads. Low and behold they made the buttermilk cakes. Yippee. Good ole southern gentlemen they were. Someone asked them their favorite Charleston restaurants and I quickly jotted down The Wreck + Hominy Grill. Now I really need back down there for a visit.



Since they have a new cookbook out everyone queued up to have them signed. They were passing out some food and so I stood patiently awaiting a little cake. By the time I got up there though, there were none in site. Well darn. I wanted to see how mine compared. I did get to briefly speak with them and mentioned how much my mother and I loved their recipe from the Martha show. Apparently it's one of their wives faves as well. Smart lady. I haven't had a whole lotta cravings, but these cakes are up there. My book was signed… "cook up a storm and enjoy!" And indeed I will.