Ready or Not

Don't know about you, but I totally could've used a few more days off before getting back to work this morning. I had such a great weekend, just wish it were a few more days!

I'm off to get my reality tv fix with The Bachelor, so I leave you with a few pics from the weekend.

Snow Day

Jesse took this fun video of our pups the other day when we had snow. It took a little bit for them to get used to the snow, but after awhile I think they loved it!

Music Monday

I love music. Music has the ability to brighten my day, remind me of a special moment or just give me something to sing and dance to. I don't like just one style of music, but lots. It depends on each individual artist and how they're music makes me feel.

That being said, I have a new favorite I'm so excited to share with you! Have you heard of the band Mumford and Sons? They are a band of four guys from London that have a mix of folk, bluegrass and indie rock sound. Ever since I discovered them I've been listening nonstop. Here is one of my favorite songs, Little Lion Man.

What are your favorite bands?

Auntie Adventures

This weekend I got to spend some time with my sisters family. I love every second I'm with them. We went to OMSI, checked out downtown Portland and had a relaxing evening at home. A little break from my small town was just what I needed!

I don't believe I shared photos of my nephew, Jack, before so this is a first. Brace yourself cause he's adorable. Like, break your heart adorable.

He brought me a book and we read it about 5 times before mommy called it quits and swooped him off for bed. I was lucky enough to get to read it to him another 5 times this morning. :)

Hope you're all having a fabulous long weekend!

Oh My Stripes!

My sister keeps telling me that I need to stop buying striped clothing, but with all this goodness I can't! I just love 'em, gotta have 'em.

from left to right: red top, blue top, green top, blue dress, red dress

Weekend Getaway 2.11

(image via)

I am so ready for this weekend! Every year, a group of our friends head out to Central Oregon around Valentine's Day for a weekend full of crazy times that remind us of our college years. The annual getaway is called Valen-friends.

Spending a few days away from home is always so nice, especially with friends. And, Central Oregon happens to be one of my favorite places. It's definitely going to be a good time!

Happy weekend to you all!

More please!

I LOVE to cook. And, I've been trying to branch out and try new recipes more often. I was helping out with dessert for Christmas dinner and decided to go a little non traditional. When I spotted this beautiful cake I HAD to try it! I was a little nervous how it would turn out since I didn't test the recipe before serving it to everyone, but this cake did not disappoint. It was so incredibly delicious, you must try it!

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients

• 250 g (1 c. and 2 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 250 ml (1 c.) Guinness
• 75 g Dutch process cocoa ( 3/4 c.), sifted
• 275 g (2 + 1/4 c.) all purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 400 g (2 c.) sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 150 ml (2/3 c.) sour cream
• 1 tbsp. good quality vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

• 300 g (1 + 1/3 cup) cream cheese
• 150 g (1+1/2 c.) powdered sugar, sifted
• 150 ml (2/3 c.) cream, whipped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C/350F.

1. Add butter, cocoa and Guinness to a saucepan. Warm over a medium heat and stir until melted. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly.

2. Add flour, baking soda and sugar to a large mixing bowl and mix together well. Pour in the Guinness/cocoa/butter mixture, lightly combine, add the vanilla, eggs and sour cream and beat everything together until well combined. The batter should be thick and dark chocolate in color.

3. Pour into a greased and lined 10″ angel food pan (or another straight-sided tube pan) and cook in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean from the centre of the cake.*Note: This cake is very moist inside, so use your judgment regarding the skewer test. Do not leave in the oven until the cake has totally dried out — cook long enough so there is no uncooked cake on the skewer but there may be a few moist crumbs sticking to it after an hour of cooking.

4. Leave to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing from the cake tin and placing on a wire wrack to cool completely.

Frosting Instructions

1. Place the cream cheese into the bowl of a mixer and beat on a low-medium speed using a whisk attachment (I find a paddle attachment tends to over-beat the cheese). Whisk until the cheese is smooth and there are no big lumps remaining.

2. Gradually, using a large spoon, add in the sifted powdered sugar and beat gently to combine. After 2 to 3 minutes, stop the machine, scrape any excess frosting from the sides of the bowl and beat on medium speed until lump free.

3. Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in the whipped cream, mixing to fully combine.

4. Place cooled cake on a cake stand and add the frosting, spreading out just to the edge without going over the side (never go over the sides of the cake) until the cake resembles a pint of the creamy black stuff! The idea is to capture the essence and simplicity of a pint of Guinness. Sláinte!

(images and recipe via)

where i've been

(image via)

Oh my it's been a long time! I almost can't believe it was November last time I wrote. I've sort of been away on purpose, but I've kept up with all of you, I promise! Here's a little update.

I started a new job in December! I'm no longer working from home on my couch, which was quite nice, but I've been waiting for the right opportunity and it couldn't have come at a better time. This generally means that when I come home in the evening I sort of shut my brain off and don't want to think. I like to cook and spend time with my pups, hence the lack of writing.

Planning our wedding. Little by little we're figuring everything out, but it's not quite as easy as I imagined it would be. I always thought I knew what I wanted and that it would be so simple once I was engaged. Not so! There are so many ideas and things that I want to do, that it's a lot harder when it comes down to making a final decision. But, all in all I'm the happiest girl and can't wait for our wedding day. It's going to be amazing and I'll share some details soon.

I hope you are all having a wonderful 2011! I am hoping to write more often and hope you all stay with me as I bring this little blog back to life!