Spa Party

I have been brainstorming for our Women's Retreat activity at my church. We have decided on a theme, "Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body And Spirit" With that we plan on having a few fun spa treatments, uplifting speakers, socialising and moments of reflection. I am excited to be able to work on this committee. I suggested using these colors for decoration, depending on our Budget.{I would love to grow my own lavender for decoration} But if we don't use this idea, I want to use it for another party. I love the colors, and especially the lavender{it would be fun to use lavender scented spa products or a lavender scented sea salts as favors}.

{Pictures from Hostess with the Mostess}

Grandma and Great Grandma

Life's precious moments! Grandma and Great Grandma doing puzzles with Ryan before bedtime!

My Buddy and Me

At last weeks Lunch date,Ryan and Jack were so sleepy after our outing, that they both crashed in the car. Usually I only have one sleeping boy, its more fun to have two! {I really want another baby a girl perhaps?}

Where are the Tulips?

I have a few shots of Ryan with the Tulips, but Its harder to get a 2 year old to sit and pose by flowers, the best pictures are when they are playing and happy( in this case that means by water fountains or playgrounds). Ryan is really active and constantly moving, I was surprised how many shots I was able to get. My friend took some pictures too! Hopefully she will have more flower shots!

Tulip Festival

Ryan had the best day of his life today. He loved Running, and playing, feeding fish, and playing in fountains! A kids Paradise, and I enjoyed my self too! My friend Amelia and I went to the Tulip festival, the sun was out and the flowers were blooming. We lunched at the Trellis restaurant and got a table over looking the gardens! I need to do this more often. I love the open space for Ryan to just run and skip to his hearts content. What a lovely perfect day!

There were so many picture opportunities!

My New Favorite Snack

Mini Cucumbers with a low fat dip! So refreshing!

Weekend Update:

Thursday nights dinner group was so much fun. We had about 30 women attend. The food was yummy and our cheese and dessert were by far the best courses!

Off to the baseball game on Friday, the weather was gorgeous and Ryan loved running laps around the field. We met up with Cass and Mark and enjoyed some Gondolfo's Subs, and afterwards headed over to the Gateway for some after game dessert. Perfect night!

Belgian Waffles and some palymates for Ryan on Saturday morning, I watched my friends two boys, we went to the playground after Brunch, and they played while I basked in the beautiful sunlight! Love me some Sunshine!

Church and Family dinner on Sunday, London Broil and a fabulous roasted pear and feta salad. Jamie and I took a drive in my Moms convertible up the canyon and enjoyed some alone time. It was so beautiful, we stopped by a small lake. The view was incredible, and the conversation nice. We watched 30 Rock before heading to bed, {so funny}

This week, should be pretty low key, My list of to do's: Clean House {for real this time}, Register our Vehicles, Tulip Festival {and pictures of Ryan} at Thanksgiving Point, The Park, Spray Tanning {my friend Tonya does it in her home} call me if you all want to do it too, and Preparing for this weekend {I will be staying overnight with a group of Friends from College, who are all turning 30 this year.} We are having a Bridal Shower for our friend Heidi and celebrating our birthdays {we will be blowing out candles} Some of the girls are flying in from out if state. I can hardly wait!

Marshmellow Favors

Could you see these at a childs Birthday Party? They are so fun and the children would love them. For more information click here
Hostess Blog

{Picture from Hostess with the Mostess Blog}

Mod Kitchen

Some fun ideas for a Mod Kitchen. I really like the tiles,the circles are so much fun!

{pictures from The Kitchen Designer}

You too can Fondue!

Our class was so much fun. Aimee and I had both had stressful days, its amazing how a girls night out can help you relax and enjoy! I learned that fondue is not so hard. It's really easy you just need to practice a few times. We learned many of the melting pots secrets. She gave us some of the recipes too! It was flavorful and entertaining!

Biggest secret #1: You don't need a fondue pot. Really the Melting Pots fondue pots work just like a double boiler. {Then you dont burn the cheese and chocolate! } I do want to buy a couple of melting pot fondue pots because they look so great for presentation, and they are so versitile.{They sell them at the restaraunts}

I will post a few recipes soon, tonight we are so excited to execute what we have learned. I really liked the broth cooked meat, I was a bit wary about it before the class, I had read online reviews written by guests of the melting pot, and they had not liked boiling the meats. I found that there were broths I liked better than others, one I suggest trying is the "Mojo Broth" it was so tasty!

I am off to prepare for the Party tonight! I promise I will share more secrets!

*I reccomend the Thanksgiving Point Classes. They do a good job and how fun is it to go to a cooking class? Im hooked!

Aimee Thanks I had a perfect evening!

Wedding Inspiration

My college friend Heidi is getting married this summer. Her colors are Black and White with a hint of red accents. I love this wedding in the same colors and especially like the pops of red in the small details. Congratulation's Heidi And Max!

{Picture from Style me Pretty}

New post

So I realised I have not posted all week, I usually post daily so I am sure some of you are wondering where I have gone. My Calendar has been full, and each time I have tried to sit down and relax{Blog} I have been distracted, so I just got back from the gym both of my sweet boys are sleeping and I am so excited to Post! I need some creative Inspiration today!

Monday: My sister and brother in law moved into their new house! Congrats Cass and Mark! So we went over to help them move in and get settled, it was so much fun organising her kitchen and putting things away. {I love organising a kitchen for the first time} It is a darling house, and we look forward to having many BB Q's there!

Tuesday: My friend Amanda and I met up early in the day to celebrate our belated birthdays. We decided to go to Gateway and shop, and have some lunch. We went to the DoDo which is 0ne of my favorite restaurants. We had some amazing Turkey Dips and Yummy Toll House Pie, The perfect lunch! Ryan has been showing signs of "turning two" lately, at the restaurant he threw a toy car at the people in the booth behind us. {I seriously thought about running out of the restaurant.} It was so embarrassing, luckily they had two little girls and just thought it was funny, although I wonder.... after the straw and napkin flew over the booth and landed on them if they still thought it was cute? He has a great arm though!

After Ryan had a nice long and much needed nap, Jamie arrived home early and wanted to go shopping {Fashion Place}. We found some summer clothes for Ry, came home devoured some French Dip sandwiches,watched Idol, The Hills, a bit of laundry, and to bed early!

Wednesday: And finally Today, I have to run a few errands, in preparation for the April Dinner Group activity Thurs night. My friend Tina is hosting and we will be teaching "Fondue Basics."I am excited, we will do cheese , meat and dessert courses.

My friend Aimee and I have a cooking class tonight at Thanksgiving Point. The chef is from the Melting Pot, hopefully I learn some great tips to teach the ladies in my neighborhood tomorrow!

This weekend, I have no set plans as of yet, but I have so many things to get done, because next weekend I have a really fun get-a -way "girls only" weekend planned, {friends,bridal showers, and some Park City fun} Stay tuned!

More Foodie Blogs

These are so much fun! I am in recipe heaven! Check out:

The Recipe Girl http://www.therecipegirl.blogspot.com/

Equal Opportunity Kitchen http://eatfordinner.blogspot.com/

Family Freinds and Food http://www.familyfriendsandfood.blogspot.com/

Good eats and Sweet Treats http://good-eats-n-sweet-treats.blogspot.com/

Simply Annes http://www.simplyannes.blogspot.com/

The Pioneer Woman http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Update

I have not had the chance to update these past few days. It has been a busy weekend so far! Here is what we have been up to:

Thursday: My Grandma was in town, we went to lunch at Cafe Rio (always good) and a trip to Target for Birthday shopping, and she picked up Ryan a few puzzles. (He loves them!) We headed home for a quick nap for Ry and then played games the rest of the night! {Blockus , Im addicted}

Friday:I woke up early to take my Grandma to the airport, I am always sad when she returns home. Afterwards I took Ryan for a quick stop at the Gateway Mall (Love it) and then to his Aunt Cassi, and Brittany's work. We all went to lunch at a fun hole in the wall sanwhich shop that was really delish! For dinner, Turkey burgers with basil,and cheese,on the side "lots of Strawberries."

Later on we were hungry for a snack so I cut up lots of mini cucumbers and made low fat dip! It was so refreshing, and the mini cukes make it more fun to eat! We watched the Highlights of the Masters and American Idol on "Tivo" {best invention ever}.

{notice the cereal on the Ice cream?}

Saturday: Up early this morning for breakfast with some friends {thanks ladies always so fun}, then home to work on a few things for next week. At noon I met my sister at Super Target and we went through every isle.We headed to Downeast Home to look at furniture, during which Ryan ran out the automatic doors twice. (we got a good workout) Then we went to an organic and fun Ice cream parlor called Scoopology: it was interesting, they have hundreds of cereals to put as a topping on your ice cream, and they make it all in house every day. Cassi had cookie dough with s'more cereal, Ryan and I had strawberry cheesecake with golden grams. I like the idea but It was not as good as Cold Stone or Maggie Moo's! But I think we all should try this at home. It would be fun to serve vanilla or chocolate ice cream with Reece's puffs! mmmmm.

The weather was so warm today, I had to take Ryan's sweater off! I am so excited to spend more time outside!

Tonight : Easy dinner: Turkey sandwiches, Jamie is watching the Masters, I need to plan my lesson for church tom, and do laundry! Happy Weekend!

Birthday Pictures

{Sara, Cassi, Emily and Brittany}

{Can you tell we are all sisters? Maybe the black and turquoise might give it away!}

Thanks for sending me the pictures from my Surprise Party! And thanks to everyone who attended and made my Birthday one I will always remember.

Love,

Emily

{Do I look surprised?}{Cassi and Emily}

{Brittany, Lindsey,Aimee, Emily,Sadie, Amelia, Tina}

{Jeremy. Jamie, and Mark}

{Janice and Mom}

{60 Balloons}

For more of the Party click Here

As Requested

Here is a link to the Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe! AMAZING! I posted about it last year but those of you that sampled it today if you have any questions just give me a call!

Tip: When adding cream add a little at a time, until you have added the right amount! It makes it so yummy! The amount can vary...

Food Blogs

Ok girls: Here are the requested links to the Foodie Blogs I go to. Have fun and happy cooking!

• http://cupcakeblog.com/ The Cupcake Bake Shop {cupcakes only but make sure to check out her baking and cooking links there are so many good ones!
• http://lick-the-spoon.blogspot.com/ Lick The Spoon {fun baking and step by step instructions form a self taught baker!}
• http://www.mysweetandsaucy.com/ My Sweet And Saucy {baking, fondant cakes and delectables very cute blog}
• http://www.cakespy.com/ Cake Spy {Beautiful and charming dessert Blog}
• http://cafejohnsonia.blogspot.com/ Cafe Johnsonia {so pretty}
• http://www.tastespotting.com/ {pictures and lots of recipes}
• http://pickypalate.blogspot.com/ {Jenny recipes are so creative, some are hits and some misses but always a fun read!}
• http://www.stephanieskitchen.com/ {Stephanies Kitchen, great food blog}
• http://forkinit.blogspot.com/ Stick a Fork in it {a recipe sharing blog}

I have more girls, but for now these should keep you busy!

Tip of the day!

I have Ryan's second Birthday on my mind, I have been keeping my eyes open for the perfect party favors and decorations!{The theame is BOUNCY PARTY, lots of balls,balloons and circles with bright fun colors. If you have any ideas please send them to me!} I think this idea form Matthew Meade is so much fun! If you would rather use glass plates for your party you can actually decopage right on them! After the party you can soak them in hot water and the paper will come off! Here are his directions:

Decoupage Plates
I love creating these types of plates for decoration. I developed a couple of images on photoshop to use. Look for these crimp-edged pieces at Crate and Barrel.
To make these projects, use our download designs. We ‘re offering an 8” x 11” size for small dishes. Larger projects call for a trip to the copy center.Mod Podgescissorsfoam brush
Turn your download design upside down, and use a pencil to trace the bottom of the plate. Cut the circle out. Brush the bottom of the plate with Mod Podge, and place the design onto the plate.You may need to use your fingertips or palm to smooth out any ripples or air pockets. When the Mod Podge has dried, trim any excess paper that may extend past the edge of the plate.If you want this to last as a decorative piece, seal the back with another coat of Mod Podge, and adhere a piece of felt over that layer. If you would rather this be a temporary item, soak the plate in warm, soapy water, and the paper will peel off.

{I would make sure that modge podge is safe to put food on first}

Mudroom Inspiration

With the mounting piles on my kitchen counter and the shoes by my front door, the keys and odds and ends left on my entryway tables and the endless vacuuming by the front door, I find my self yearning for a mud room! The never ending storage, cubbies and baskets would solve so many problems for me! Alas that will not be in my near future so instead I will have to just dream about having one. I love these mudrooms, each one unique and beautiful but nonetheless functional! I could do so much with a space like this!

{All pictures from Remodelingcenter.com}

Ryan Photos

A day in the life of Ryan: A little dress up, some horse riding, and lots of kisses!

Fun Flats

So on Saturday Evening, Jamie and my Brother Jeremy attended the Preisthood Session while Ryan and I scoured the mall! It was so much fun, and I saw too many cute things I can't buy. However I might go back just to get a pair of these cute suede flats form the Gap {on sale 20.00}. They also had a bright green color that I love, {I couldnt find a picture}. But I love these yellow ones!

{BTW At Macys they are having the Clinique free gift with purhase}

Weekend Update

So this weekend went by fast! I can describe it in two words "much needed". We had our Churches General conference. It is held twice a year,in October and April. During the conference we have the opportunity to listen to our Prophet and Apostles speak. Jamie and I had the opportunity to attend yesterdays morning session. We along with 21,000 other people at the Churches Conference Center in Salt Lake City. We were touched as we listened to the words of our new prophet Thomas S Monsen. The music and words were inspiring and I am resolved to be a better person. It was so nice to have a weekend of rest and reflection, {I have not cooked or cleaned} So today I might have a bit of catch up, but it was worth watching. I was reminded that patience and love go hand and hand with understanding and discipline. I am ready to be a better mom and wife and friend!

{Thomas S Monsen and The LDS Conference Center}