I’ve NEVER tasted yellow cake with chocolate frosting! Is that crazy? Don’t answer that. A yellow cake virgin is right alongside someone crazy enough to make homemade jumbo rainbow sprinkles… you know, to top it all off (which I clearly did not attempt because THAT, my dears, would be destination Crazyville). I’ve still got a ways to go, I’m afraid.

It’s like a sugar cookie in cake form. I’ve seen the light and am a believer. Birthday or not… this deliciousness is happening more often.

Recipe will make 1 mini 4 layer cake, plus a dozen cupcakes. Cake pans are 6 1/2 inch rounds. Sprinkles by Wilton. #1 candle purchased at Party City. Cupcake liners at Michael’s Craft Store.

Recipe Here: Yellow Cake & Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

To make the favors, simply: spray paint canning jar lids, rings, and mini plastic animals. once dried, glue to the tops with E-600 or hot glue. Fill jars with gum balls and assemble lids!

Your growl, bright blue eyes, the way you shake your head no when you really mean yes, your wave, and how you point at everyone and everything, how you inhale through your nose and exhale the biggest smile when your hair gets washed, your intentional messiness , open mouth kisses (that resemble eating face), your contagious giggle you inherited from Dad, pudgy feet with toe dimples, your shy confidence, and how you’re the happiest in my arms.

It’s…

All of these things and more that we cherish!

We loved celebrating YOU and your birthday!

Not only delicious, grapefruit carries some serious health benefits, including: lycopene (cancer fighting antioxidant), breaks up toxins in the body making them more water-soluble (easy to flush out), high in vitamins C and A (half a grapefruit provides daily value of both), helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates, lowers bad cholesterol, curbs hunger, helps fade age spots and discoloration in skin, aids in reducing an oily complexion while building collagen (keeping your skin tight)… just to name a few.

phew!

And now you have some researched-based “ammo” in case anyone gives you guff for taking a stay-cation! ha!

click below for instructions: 

Cucumber Grapefruit Facial

Grapefruit and Mint Spritzer

Kale and Grapefruit Salad

How did this happen? A whole year gone by. Really?! (sigh)

A year ago today, I convinced Dad to take us out to satisfy a craving for Croque Madame (fancy name for an egg on toast with ham, cheese, and a side of fruit). After putting at the green and lots of kisses for your big brother, we were off to the hospital!

I was slightly apprehensive about my capacity to love two, when I only knew how to be a mother to one.

Only minutes old, your hand wrapped around my pointer finger, I fell in love all over again. But not in the way I was used to. A completely new kind of love – an extraordinary love all your own.

You were so tiny.

Roasty-toasty warm with the cutest button nose.

Absolutely perfect.

Still are. And always will be.

We love you to the moon and beyond, little guy!

Happy Birthday!

One winner will win a credit to get the top of their choice! Simply sign-up at StyleMint, a free member-only site that customizes style recommendations based on your style profile! All pieces are designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and are always perfectly styled with high-end designer quality.

After signing-up, browse around and come back commenting which top you’d like to win!

Get 20% off using the exclusive code on StyleMint’s homepage!

Good luck!

*open to US and Canada only

Nothing makes me happier than being their Mother.

We flew into Boston, rented a car, and made the quick drive up to Kennebunkport Maine. Apparently Kennebunk is very much how the Hamptons used to be. I can see why. This place was a gem off the beaten bath – amazing restaurants, breathtaking views, clean air, and solidarity.

After checking in, meeting Bailey (the most adorable labradoodle), and grabbing a few fresh cookies, we headed out to explore the town.

We hunted for the perfect lobster roll. The Clam Shack (famous for winning award after award – including “Food Wars” best lobster roll) unfortunately was closed. If you chance to visit… eat one for us! Instead we hit up a hole in the wall, Old Salty’s for homemade clam chowder. Daytrip Society and Daytrip Jr were just a few doors down – the most charming little stores I’ve ever seen (sorry no picture – but you can see the cuteness online). We bought a few gifts for the boys and then took a peak at The White Barn, an old renovated barn turned restaurant and hot spot for dessert later that night.

Farm to table restaurants are my absolute favorite! This place was fantastic! 50 Local is locally renowned for their ever-changing fresh menu, handmade pastas, seasonal ingredients, and funky atmosphere. It was casual yet sophisticated and did NOT disappoint.

Next course? Dessert at The White Barn I told you about earlier. Having no expectations, our socks were literally knocked off (okay maybe not mine because I was in sandals… but still). Imagine dining in a horse’s stall being served by a waiter in a tux. It was the ultimate shabby chic meets Ralph Lauren experience. Absolutely unreal! The ginormous American Flag hanging from the rafters, twinkly lights, and eye-rolling desserts was like something from a movie.  We found out later, it’s the only 5 star restaurant North of Manhattan. That would explain the entire wall of awards!

Can’t remember the last time I slept in until 8. As nice as it was; my heart was homesick for my boys. A morning without little boy snuggles is not as happy. Thank you, modern technology for FaceTime.

Liz definitely doesn’t mess around when it comes to breakfast! Our tummies were smiling after a 3 course meal: banana walnut yogurt parfait, homemade croissants with orange butter, eggs benedict over crab cake drizzled with a lemon vinegarette. Divine. And Eric, you’re not too shabby as her fabulous assistant! Some of the nicest people we’ve ever met.

After breakfast we headed to Pier 77. Can you believe those lobster traps? I guess if you’re from the Northeast it’s probably not that cool. But for us, it was completely fascinating! And a’las we found a rave worthy lobster roll (and lobster chowder) from The Landing Store.

After playing at Goose Rocks beach, our quick trip was complete! It’s crazy how beaches all over the country can be so different. I can’t believe we were the only ones there on a Sunday afternoon. Crazy!

Sunshine, friendly people, a slower pace of life, amazing food, and gorgeous scenery? A girl could get used to Maine life!

___________________

Outfit Details:

• Camo: jeans – F21, booties – F21 (old), jacket - Nordstrom, blouse – Nordstrom, sweater – Zara old (similar HERE), necklace – c/o goodhYOUman
• Date Night: sandals – Zara, pants – HM, pocket t – Old Navy, jacket – F21, necklace – F21, ring – sally’s beauty supply (old)
• Pajamas: Micro-Stripe Lace Trim PJ Pants
• Beach: flip flops – AF, zipper jeans – F21, Wildfox sweatshirt – c/o Manhattanite (use code: PNKP30), hoodie – clearance Target (men’s dept)

So cute and simple that we just HAD to duplicate them at home!

The extras store well in the fridge or even longer in the freezer. Better yet, share them with the other hounds in your ‘hood.

• DIRECTIONS: fill squeeze bottles with melted carob and/or yogurt chips. line the sides and bottom of  mini candy cups. transfer to the fridge to set (~5 min). use natural creamy pb to fill the cup halfway full. cover with more carob/yogurt. lightly tap the bottom of the candy against the counter to smooth the top. return to fridge to set (~5 min). apply paw print design.

Did anyone else grow up reading, Blueberries for Sal? Always wondered why they needed so many jars of canned blueberries for Winter. If it were me, I would’ve reserved just enough fresh ones to whip up this cake. It’s tangy, sweet, and not fully frosted – allowing the blueberries to really strut their stuff!

Ironically, the book takes place in Maine… the most lovely state we recently had the pleasure of visiting! Can’t wait to share our little adventure with you!

Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

They needed bathing. Badly. As in, it couldn’t wait until after dinner. But Gage insisted he wanted to paint first. So, why not do both? Painting in the bathtub seemed only logical.

*use non toxic washable paint and no one gets hurt (including the tub).