last hoorah in San Francisco.

the last few days in California were breathtaking. the weather was perfect. I am sitting sipping my cappuccino, wishing I was there right now, although the weather here in Nashville is absolutely gorgeous.

1. adorable little french bakery in Santa Cruz

2. amazing cappuccino's too

3. our old RV that broke down in Santa Cruz, we left it for a lady when she gave us a newer one to use. We went and visited her, so sweet :)

4. great little Cafe with the most superb brunch ever!

5. Jesse at Cafe Brasil

6. Brunch at Cafe Brasil

7. Jesse and I on the beach (before a short hike)

8. Little place next door to where we stayed in San Francisco, called Sugar Cafe

9. We were surprised by how inexpensive it was for being in Union Square, but so good. $3 gin+tonics!

Oh this trip was the best. My mom and I are perfect for trips, we eat and drink the same, and pretty much shop the same. We love sharing a bed and watching the food network in hotels and talking about food. We are perfect for each other :)

ketchup of october and november.

so a couple of things that happened in the past few months....(playing catch up!)

Robert and I got tickets to go our first predators game! It was so fun!

our dog wizard got hit by a car in Franklin and he had a slow, but successful recovery.

Robert and I got to attend a fabulous wedding at the Governor's Club in Brentwood.

Celebrating Lauren and Collin Heston.

my sister was married at the Williamson county clerk's office! (celebration to follow in mexico!)

I got 1 of a few flowers that will be here tattooed for my birthday!

(done by my sweet friend Tiffany!)

I made beer cheese chives scones for Oktober fest.

we started making pies!

and gluten free french toast!

more pies!

and my mom and I went and saw Bob Dylan in nashville, front row! amazing!

my mothers house

This weekend I got to spend a morning at my mother's house in Franklin, Tn. Her house is so charming. About 100 years old, complete with an 1900's style elevator. But her garden is one thing I love most about her house. Her yard is beaming with exotic flowers, lemon's, fresh veggies, and so many herbs! I was thrilled to spend some quality time with her.

easter!

so after an amazing weekend of riding mopeds and my hands covered in black grease, we had an easter celebration with my family! these pictures explain everything, from lounging outside, kickball at the park and plenty of food! we ate and drank all day long!

Enjoy and hope everyone's Easter was just as delightful!

My mother decorated the table and everything house, and she housed us all. Her house is beautiful!
My sweet sister Shannon made the scallop potatoes and she is modeling my Easter cupcakes
I made the Easter cupcakes.

all the rest of the food just showed up! haha.

strawberries + no bakes

[strawberry cake, made yesterday! fresh strawberries, perfect for the weather here!]

this week the sun has begun to shine a constant radiance through my windows. it's only encouraged me to bake more and more.

recently i've been on a major no-bake cookie kick! the oats + chocolate + peanut butter combination hit the spot when i'm craving something sweet!

I've been replacing my original recipe with gluten free oats rather then regular ones, and honey rather then sugar.
I also replaced the peanut butter with almond butter, and I'm making sure i'm using 73% or higher chocolate for a dairy free treat, and almond milk to give it an extra nutty taste.


[no bake dough]



[no bake's stirring]



[using 73% dark cocoa, dairy free!]



on another note, i absolutely love these people! they were a vital part of me becoming a woman. this wonderful woman Christie and her husband Stephen sang at our wedding and they have been such a blessing to know. These three munchkins Jaydinn, Rayna and Finn, make Robert and I actually want to have kids. I love these people and every time Robert and I go to Kansas we make sure to spend a good chunk of time with them. I cannot wait to see them again soon!






on another side note, Robert and I have been making these fun recycled wood words. He's been cutting them out and I've been either staining or painting them. We've been using them as baby shower/wedding gifts. really fun and 100% recycled. Really fun. ok wait, the paint isn't, so 90% recycled!




That's all, more bites later! I have chocolate oatmeal ball's in the oven right now!