A Cooking Blog

For the past couple of days... or maybe it has been weeks (who really knows during the holiday season?) Jeff has been urging me to start a cooking blog.  Everyone knows I love to cook and especially bake treats, so I'm starting to think, okay--why not?

So, to start off, yesterday I made Rolo Surprise Cookies.  I got all excited to take pictures during the steps to post on my new blog with the recipe... and wouldn't you know, as I was transferring the last batch of cookies from the cookie sheet to the cooling rack, I realized I never got my camera out and didn't document a speck of the action!

In conclusion, the cooking/baking blog will have to start another day with another recipe!

Dessert Party, Anyone?

ATTENTION:

short blog entry ahead.

I want to have a party.  One that consists of many many desserts.  PREFERABLY home-made desserts.  Brownies. Cookies. Cakes. Candies. Candied nuts. And all that good holiday stuff.  Anyone who wants to join me is more than welcome :)

Email me.

These are a few of my favorite things....

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

In the hype of the Christmas season, I decided to make a list of my favorite things.

*Note: The list above is not compiled of MY favorite things 

1. Sending Emails 

If you know me well, you know I love to send emails.  Formal emails, professional emails, friendly emails, long emails, short emails, sweet emails, news articles via email, pictures via email, website links via email, to-do lists via email... and it goes on and on.  I love to type it up, edit it, and press that little send button.  However, then I have to sit and wait for emails to come back.  Which they very rarely do, but I still love...

2. Receiving emails!

Hello... I love to send them, yes, but I love to get them too.  That little number that pops up that says how many new messages are waiting for me...beautiful. But I must admit, I'm getting sick of all those stores sending me holiday coupons I will never ever use.  Thanks for the offers though.

3. Photography

No, not really taking pictures or anything to do with me and photography, but I've found a love for looking at photographer's blogs.  I would say this started when I found my wedding photographer.  I love to check her blog to see if she's posted new pictures from a shoot.  I love love LOVE it.  I wish I some a little bit of that talent (WHOO! I just got an email).

4. Baking

Yes, baking.  I absolutely love it.  Send me a recipe and I'll make it.  Christmas presents this year?  Food items.  Mint chocolate chip brownies, candied nuts, almond bars, caramel apple dip, crinkle cookies, cookie in a jar mixes.  Love it.  Embrace it.  Eat it! 

5. My bed

What would this list be without my almost favorite thing in the world? I love to lay in my bed with all my blankets and pillows and, of course, Bragley and Kaia.  I love sleeping and just being super comfortable.

6. Sweatpants

Any size, shape, or color. Jeff hates it.  'Nuff said.

7. My LV purse

*Inspired by Sharron F. <3

I bought Louis in Hawaii in October 2007 (I think) and have used it almost every day since.  Hey, I have to get every one of those 600 dollars worth out of it. Although sometimes I do think of all the other things I could have bought with that money, it's the only big splurge I've made in my life.

8. Water

It's all I drink.  Sure, sometimes I'll get real crazy and have a sip of Jeff's coke or have my own, but typically I'm an H2O supporter. 

9. C.lean L.aundry S.mell

CLS is what I like to call it.  I like having clean clothes to replenish my closet, but I hate putting them away.  This number 9 is strictly saying I love the SMELL of clean clothes.  MMmm.

10. My dog

You all know that.  Kaia is my baby.  She is naughty and psycho, but that just adds character to her lovely self.  

11. My Family

They're kinda crazy, and drive me kinda crazy, but I gotta love them.  I don't know what I'd do without them.  When you lose someone, it makes you realize even more how much you have to appreciate everything about your family and friends. 

12. Jeff... of course!

Did I really have to say that?!

I've been missing... Glad you found me.

So... I haven't updated my blog in forever.  Since June to be exact.  Of course a lot of things have happened, but in reality, not much has really happened.  I am trying to move on with life and be that strong person every person always tells you to try to be.  And it's hard.
I miss my brother every day and think about him every... I may even cry a bit about it every day.  But.  I can just hope and pray that he is happy and watching down on me and laughing at all the stupid things I do or say.  Especially when I secretly try to talk to him as if he's there listening.  Don't worry, I still think he is. 

I miss my dad, who I only get out to visit only a few times.  With my busy work and school schedule I feel like I wake up, leave, come home at 7 or 7:30, eat dinner, sneak in some homework, and go to bed.  Do I feel guilty for resting and playing around on the weekends instead of visiting him?  Oh sure, all the time.  But when I do get to see him it makes me feel better.  I love my family.

Yay for the holidays being here, right?  For many of us, that means lots of food, family, and money-spending.  I'm still hoping to wake up every day and find that secret money tree in my back yard.  And no, I won't tell you or share it with you if I ever find it :)
I'm still trying to plan my wedding... which is in June.  Believe me folks, it's even more expensive than those holidays previously mentioned.  

We've: 

picked a date 

booked a venue 

bought my dress.shoes.veil.hairpiece.etc.

found an amazing photographer who is super cute and nice (I literally cannot wait for our engagement session in early May).  

So what's left?  

Lots.

 Like: 

picking a florist and flowers we want

sending out invites (pretty sure we've already picked who's going to do those)

finding a band

getting an officiant

picking out wedding rinds/bands

registering for those fabulous gifts you'll all be buying for us :)

and other things I can't even remember.  

So why, may I ask, do we spend so much time and money and effort for people to come watch us get married and eat and dance?
I don't know, which is why I'm asking you.  To celebrate?  Of course.

We'll see you there!

Eric Clapton/Tears in heaven

I miss you Garrett

Tears In Heaven

by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?

I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.

Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

I'm going to be Mrs. Hillier

Yep, it's true.  Jeff and I have now been engaged for a week.  I'm pretty excited about it.  A little nervous about it.  And I would like to share the story.  However, at the current moment, I am tired, hungry, in need of a shower, and planning a wedding via internet information.