Michael's Birthday

This weekend we celebrated Michael's golden birthday with:

• A small (admittedly a bit over the top) Japan themed birthday party with a few of Michael's friends
• Rice Krispie Treat "sushi" (I made Fruity Pebbles Treats for the center of the roll, instead of using gummy worms, which I highly recommend for the overall consistency factor. Also, I used Fruit by the Foot instead of cutting up Fruit Roll ups--definitely a time saver.)
• Tons of Japanese treats (He loves all things Japan. Also Batman, hence the t-shirt.)
• Brunch at Portage Bay Cafe
• A sunny weekend
• A 6.5 mile, meandering walk around Green Lake, Tangletown, Phinney Ridge, and Ballard
• Mighty-O Donuts
• Brunch at Phinney Market Pub & Eatery (What? Two days, two brunches. And donuts. Don't judge.) :)
• A double feature (Friends with Kids, 21 Jump Street) 

As you can see, my weekend included a lot of food, and a lot of quality time with my man. No complaints here.

Happy birthday sweetie! I love you.

My Last Weekend Away in May

Yes, I meant for that to rhyme.

For someone who loves to-do lists but also loves to do nothing, being out of town for three out of four weekends in a month was a bit much for me. But at the same time, absolutely a hundred percent worth it (see here, here and here).

This trip was nice because it also included Michael. With our crazy schedules, we really only get to see each other on weekends, and I was gone for two of the weekends before this trip, so you do the math.

We made the trek across the state for a friend's wedding, but the added bonus of the weekend was hanging out with Michael's brother and sister-in-law, who also call Spokane home.

(non-wedding) Highlights:

- Stocking up on caffeine and Sun Chips (our go-to road trip snack) before heading across the length of I-90 in Washington

- Eating at Huckleberry's. This was very nostalgic for me, as our soccer bus would always stop here on our way out of town from Whitworth games. Also, Michael ordered some apple juice from their juice bar and wow, literally the best apple juice I've ever had.

- Accidentally discovering Cliff Drive on our way to Huckleberry's. Beautiful views of the not always beautiful Spokane.

- Brunch at Chaps. Apparently it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Super cute, and decorated with tons of antique and vintage items. And most importantly, it was delicious. My blueberry muffin french toast was phenomenal. Josh and Greta, thank you so much for introducing us! (tons of pictures below)

- Dreaming up future road trip plans on our drive home.

- Finding treasures at the Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall.

Cupcake Craze!

In two weeks, I have made four different kinds of cupcakes. Overkill? Nah. Well, maybe to my waistline. I've just been feeling festive and there have been so many reasons to celebrate. I mean Valentine's Day screams heart shaped cupcakes, right? And from what I hear, two kinds of cupcakes are required at game nights. And a birthday? Yeah, that may be my only legitimate reason to make cupcakes.

• Top left: Reece's cupcakes. White cake with chopped up Reece's Peanut Butter Cups (or just buy the mini ones) with white frosting mixed with a couple tablespoons of Creamy JIF.
• Top right: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Chocolate cake with chocolate chips in the batter with chocolate frosting, rolled in a bowl of mini chocolate chips.
• Bottom left: Cookies and cream. Chocolate cake with a Double Stuff Oreo in the middle. Then crumbled Oreos mixed with white frosting. The trick with these is to put a little bit of batter in the bottom of the cup, add an Oreo and then cover it with more batter. The Oreo softens a little during baking but adds a nice bit of crunch to the cupcake experience.
• Bottom right:  Lemon.  Lemon cake with lemon frosting and yellow sugar sprinkles*.

*The sprinkles and kit used to frost the lemon cupcakes were bought here. Home Cake is amazing. About a month ago I was looking for a flour sifter and the owner of the Seattle Restaurant Store recommended checking out Home Cake if I was getting into baking. I think he said something along the lines of "it's a bit chaotic, but totally worth it." And it is. I am a novice baker and I hate messy (which it is), but I love it there. It's a one woman show. She like a baking Wonder Woman. Both times I've been there the store has been packed but she managed to magically ring everyone up, answer the phone, dispense sage advice and upsell everyone. But she was right, those disposable pastry bags have already come in handy.  But seriously, you should go there.

Ok, I've gotta go do some sit-ups...

January Weekends

January was the first month in years that I have had consecutive work free weekends.  While I miss all my homies at Store 197, I can't even explain how much I have loved regaining my Saturdays and Sundays.  This month, I had a great time hanging out with friends and family and exploring my new(ish) neighborhood.   Here are some of my favorite shots from my weekend adventures:

01.01: New Years Day walk to Green Lake Bar & Grill for some much needed nourishment.  And some family time by the fire.

01.08: Last minute hang outs and a Seahawk Saturday before the London Hoffmans left us for...well...London.

01.11: Random Tuesday snow day.  Not a weekend, I know, I just love this picture.

01.16: Game night, and a walk to 45th for some supplies.

01.17: MLK Day with two of my favorite people, drinking great coffee and treasure hunting at an antique mall in South Seattle.

Does my cheese box smell like cheese Twix?

01.22: Glassybaby seconds sale.  Thank you Michelle for getting me out of bed and letting me cut in line.  Thank you Grandma for giving me money for Christmas and unknowingly buying me two of these.

01.28: Date night with my man! If you are ever around Lake City and 80th, go to Chiang's Gourmet and order the homemade Shanghai style noodles.  Elizabeth gave me this advice, and I feel it is only right to pass it onto you.  And yes, we had a ton of leftovers.

01.29: Quality time with my momma.  My dad has been working crazy hours, so I was able to steal my mom on Saturday.  My dad took a break from work to join us for lunch, but the rest of the day we pretty much just hung out, drank some coffee and ran a few errands.

Goals for February weekends:  sleep in, schedule some friend time, walk around Green Lake more, and spend less. :)