Saturday Baking.

I have long believed Susie Cakes to be the best cupcakery EVER. However, that doesn't stop my friends from insisting the original cupcakery, Sprinkles is Numero Uno. So although I couldn't make it all the way to Beverly Hills to do a taste test, I did happen to waltz into Williams Sonoma for a toaster oven and couldn't resist getting the Sprinkles Red Velvet cupcake mix. I really tried to follow the directions to a T (Tee? not sure) even though I was using a little electric hand mixer not a Kitchen Aid mixer. Of course after I had made the cupcakes (the extremely messy part) and was about to start making the frosting, Elliot tells me we have the Kitchen Aid mixer in the garage  -_- . These are the dilemmas of a couple living in two places. Here's a photo reel of the whole experiment ;)

Here we go!

The cupcakes came out pretty good, but not as good as Susie Cakes. Granted, that could be attributed to my lack of baking skills so I'll have to do a blind test to really know for sure! Until next time friends!

A Beachy 4th of July

This is how we do Independence Day.

When in doubt, just freaking do it.

READERS!

I have missed you! Have you missed me? Not even sure if you exist out there or if I even like this broadcasting my life in cyberspace deal, but I couldn't think of a reason NOT to update you, so here I am. Last week I was fortunate enough to go the GPhiB Convention in Denver, Colorado! It was during this trip that I realized I am not comfortable at all with turbulence and I really enjoy using the buddy system when flying. Note to self: Please try not to fly alone ever again. Not that I couldn't handle it or I don't like doing things for myself, I just enjoy the company of another person in a potentially stressful situation. Like if there is a sudden drop, it would be nice to grab the hand of a friend instead of the freakishly calm British woman reading SkyMall. Got it self? Good.

I had such an awesome time at Convention that I am literally counting down the days (730 days to be exact) until the next one! It was so inspiring to see all of these women trying to give back and provide young girls (and young adults) with strong role models. I truly believe every girl needs a good woman to look up to, whether it's her Mom, Aunt, Grandmother, Sister, or Gamma Phi chapter advisor. There were so many exciting announcements and changes to be more efficient and effective, my resolve to remain active was affirmed. But enough with all that, let's get down to the part I know you're really waiting for.... the pictures! Here are a few highlights from the week.

Posing in front of the Colorado photo-op with alumnae and collegiates.

Standing underneath our Crest with International President Linda Maloney!

Rose and I at the Awards Dinner (Congrats Katie)!

Our nametag ribbons! There were some alumnae with ribbons down to their knees!

Howdy from the Conventioneer's Dinner!

You can't go wrong with pink, glittery letters. 

Last but not least, the Pink Carnation Banquet.

Until next time friends!

Monday Inspiration- Christmas Edition

The weather is getting colder and colder and a recent foray into Pottery Barn has me craving some Christmas goodness! Tonight I'm going decorate the family home with holly and a tree so this Monday Inspiration is completely appropriate. I can't wait to get home and begin celebrating the most wonderful time of the year!

Oh come on, how could I not post that last one? Too precious for words! Hope you all have a lovely week readers!

Friday Style

Season's Greetings from Disneyland!

On Sunday, Elliot and I went to Disneyland to celebrate our good friend Stacey's birthday. Disneyland is so beautiful in the wintertime with all the lights, the holly, and that gigantic Christmas tree that is impossible to fit into a whole picture unless you're standing very far away. It was a lot of fun, and I just wanted to share some pictures of our day with you!

Me and the Birthday Girl!

We didn't actually know the people in the front row, but it looks like they were in on the fun!

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

     Once all of the Thanksgiving cooking was done and the turkey had been gobbled up, there was nothing left to do except..... shop! Well truthfully I wasn't planning on going shopping last weekend. I'm not one for crowds and I was trying to save money so I thought I would avoid the whole thing entirely. Little did I know the pull for good deals is just too strong for me! My Mom and brother David had camped out since early evening to score an Xbox and Xbox Kinect, and I found it waiting for me downstairs on the dining room table Friday morning. Well, you can't just buy something as cool and fun as an Xbox Kinect and NOT get a great game to go with it! So Elliot and I went back to the BX (or the Exchange on the Reserve Base, it's basically a department store without tax) and got the new Dance Central 2. I'm telling you, you have never played a game so fun as this one! Listening to good music? Check. Making a fool out of yourself in front of family and friends? Check. Some friendly competition? Check. AND it's a great cardio workout! In my opinion, Dance Central 2 >>> taking Zumba at a gym, and it's cheaper in the long run (See I'm chock full of savings)! I'll always cherish the memory of Elliot and my Dad battling it out in the family room. Elliot and I went to his Dad's house in Hermosa Beach for the rest of the weekend and, no surprise, ended up going to the mall on Saturday. I had wanted to get a pair of cozy house slippers for his Dad's house since I'm there so often and my feet get cold very easily, especially if there are hardwood floors. So, his Dad had the idea of going to this little shop in the mall that he knew sold Uggs. Which was perfect since it was Small Business Saturday! I loved the idea of SBS, especially since my parents own a small business and I know all the headaches that go along with that and the state of the economy for the past few years. We ended up each getting a pair of slippers, and I'll admit I went to Gap and got an incredibly good deal on some sweaters (60% off? You mean this warm, cozy, knit sweater is only $20 bucks?!?). All in all, it was a great weekend for shopping.

Christmas came early!

I know, I'm a total geek.

Matching slippers! Probably the warmest and softest slippers on the planet.