Ready for the Cold Weather

I have never been so ready for the cold weather. The summer was too hot for me and this lil' bun in the oven. Even today at 60 degrees, I just feel like a normal person. The girls in the office have been freezing all this time because I've taken over the air conditioner. They constantly wear blankets. I should be nice and buy them all snuggies to help them work more efficiently. More than likely not going to happen.

The fall weather and leaves turning color is the perfect time to take maternity photos. Thanks to Mandy Stansberry, we had the chance to get outside and capture this moment. I'm 7 months pregnant and feeling great at the moment. If only it will last. The anxiety of holidays and the baby coming is starting to creep into my head. Its hard to believe we are already in November. This year has gone by fast.

Below is a select few of the photos from the shoot with Mandy.
 

This is it!

Early September, I vacationed in Charleston, SC with my Mom. We had a great time on our 2nd annual Chick Trip. Its fun being without the guys for a few days. We get a chance to catch up on all the little things that are going on in our lives. We have such a great time walking around, eating, shopping, eating, naps, plus more eating. Apparently Charleston is the place to eat. There were many great restaurants that we patronized. Oh so good. This is the place that turned me from vegetarian back to an meat eater. I just couldn't help myself. I'm sure it has little to do with being 5 months pregnant. The fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and fried okra at Justine's was amazing.

 This is my last vacation for the year. One reason, I'm out of vacation days. I'm going to be reminiscing over it for a while, plus photos to share. 

Favorite quote from this trip by Mom, "Look at that big tree. It's beautiful." It seems like this came up every 5 minutes. Including this tree which was fascinating her because the limbs touched the ground. Those are the roots in front with sheep grazing on top. 

Mom and I at Middleton Place Plantation. I loved the landscaping, pathways, rock walls and extra buildings. 

Drayton Hall Plantation was the best plantation house that we visited. The woodwork is amazing. The house was very large. An extra benefit is photography allowed inside the house. Also, it has a great story about surviving the Civil War and Union soldiers. The family doctor posted yellow flags at the entrance and claimed that the house was being used as a small pox hospital. The two plantations next door were burned down by the Union Army.

Seattle, WA

I feel like we have been around the world this year. Really we have only been to the west side. It has been fun going to different cities within our own nation, meaning we have not gone on a beach vacation this year. Our latest adventure was a trip to Seattle, WA. I had a friend getting married there as a destination wedding. Their wedding was beautiful. Plus for some reason Dusty and I had the most adventurous time. One example is the fact that we bummed a ride from two college kids to the wedding on Vashon Island. Who knew that there is absolutely no Saturday public transportation on the island? Thankfully a lady on the ferry helped us find a ride. 

A lovely photo of the bride and groom. 

The Space Needle is not as tall as I imagined or photographed. Its always towering over the city skyscrapers. But so not true. Good job photographers for making the Space Needle bigger than actual size.

Farmers Market

I want everyone to know about the Farmer's Market downtown Edmond. Its the best place to be on Saturday mornings. Stroll through booths of fresh local produce. I really enjoy just being there with the hustle of other people. (I like to think) Knowing that all the money exchanged are helping local businesses grow. Summer vegetables help me remember that its summer. Since I no longer have summer break. It makes me hungry thinking about the red potatoes, yellow squash, and zucchini. Oh, buying fresh tomatoes (that have only traveled 20 miles) and making salsa. Yum! All this talks makes me want to cook right now. Here is one of the recipes that I enjoy making with all these fresh veggies. 

More info about the Farmers Market. 
http://edmondok.com/parks/fmp/events


I listed the recipe as I would make it.  You can find the full recipe at the link below.  http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/summer-squash-gratin-recipe.html


Summer Squash Gratin Recipe

1 1/2 pounds summer squash or zucchini, cut into 1/6th-inch slices
1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cups fresh (whole wheat) bread crumbs*
1/2 pound yukon gold potatoes, sliced transparently thin

Preheat oven to 400F degrees and place a rack in the middle. Rub a 9x9 gratin pan (or equivalent baking dish) with a bit of olive oil  and set aside.

Place the zucchini slices into a colander placed over a sink, toss with the sea salt and set aside for 10-15 minutes (to drain a bit) and go on to prepare the bread crumbs.

Make the breadcrumbs by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes until the butter is wonderfully fragrant, and has turned brown. Wait two minutes, then stir the breadcrumbs into the browned butter.

Transfer the squash to a large mixing bowl. Add the potatoes and half of the bread crumbs and toss. Taste one of the zucchini pieces and add more seasoning (salt or red pepper) if needed.

Transfer the squash to the pan, top with the remaining crumbs, and bake for somewhere between 40 and 50 minutes. 

*To make breadcrumbs cut the crust off 2-3 day old artisan bread. Tear into pieces the size of your thumb, and give a quick whirl in the food processor. I don't like my breadcrumbs too fine - and tend to leave the pieces on the large size - more like little pebbles than grains of sand.

Babies, Babies, Babies

There have been a lot of baby showers lately and babies being born. Until the past few months I did not realize all the preparation there is for a baby to come into this world. Plus all the generous people who are willing to help. I am one of the helpers. I created invitations and hosted one shower. Its nice to have the experience in the advertising world to help others. The only thing it takes is time.

To Be Clear

I want to be clear about this point. Sprinkles' cupcakes are my favorite. I love them. I will stand in long lines for one delicious cupcake. They practically melt in your mouth they are so good. I'm sure it has nothing to do with all the sugar packed into it. Please never tell me how many calories might be in one. They are good. Thankfully, they are only in a few select cities. So I only eat them when in Dallas or LA. It is not often enough. All I can think about right now is the red velvet cupcake. Yum!

We Moved, Settled In, and Went on Vacation

It is true that we moved. Plus the same week that we moved, we went on vacation. It really was the best time to do it. I have been in a whirlwind of craziness with work, baby showers, and wedding showers. I'm so close to all of it being over. As much as I wanted to be a part of every shower and love love being busy at work... I'm tired. I need another vacation. But for now I will reminisce about our trip to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. We had a great time. It was the perfect weather, not too hot or cold. I enjoyed runs on the beach. Spent one day laying by the pool. It was incredible. Thank you SB & LA for the lovely time. I must thank my friend Michael Ives for guidance around SB. He had the best restaurants listed and places to visit.  

We had a great room at the Roosevelt Hotel in LA. Really look at this view. It was sunny and beautiful when we were on the loungers. Side note - strange people at the pool. There was a guy who wore skinny jeans all morning and afternoon. It was too warm for jeans. Another guy asked to borrow sunscreen for his girlfriend. This couple was across the pool. Strange request. I would understand if he was sitting next to us when I pulled it out and started using it.

So thankful that my husband will humor me and shave his facial hair into a mustache. I actually liked it. He thought it was creepy. Oh well, I have a few really good photos of it!