tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70383291970667170062024-03-13T14:25:58.778-05:00Anonymous ElleEllehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-34350470429889810392011-08-04T21:19:00.000-05:002011-08-04T21:20:27.627-05:00On Vacation!Back in September :)<div><br /></div><div>TTFN</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-23877867491557051772011-07-21T21:29:00.003-05:002011-07-21T22:08:52.448-05:00The Cupcake Carousel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTztDucHrONotuVbTonssRkPIeNrHDNIpQEMF6SxwuLxMmKBo-3gnZJjnl18616dZXqGtLIk7rROZxNhxThDvuhfFgm3jPCCx3NHYr05eFCVzM5Xk-I3I5tP_GuTwnxfhVnrEYm6SJOdw/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BhowT_XrnfiDWHKMbWj7UOVzV2s-zvxqJBNF7s4qVBK5LUxWrkGZxtfghf9vw_3kAZqDDpg2vGcjyHndSZtPrppSLgjtBdlu5XtRyFybhm3MSnuo04MwCX6UQFSU-KloKWbARfCWuUWw/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOB04EozKeEURdi5WsmHmrwd1gzFklESnspacPVRrhuKkRuY6GSnyTfOqPsVi4a2zw_JZmop2cG5M7LSA1bnMHhCrBAD6OB7u4mpjTWH2MiZgBh399Mbf_uG1NKdnaH_4Cit6fRz2oRIn/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />Hi ya'll! I haven't had the time to post the big party photos yet. Plus I halfway forgot to take good photos because who has the perfect spread ready to photograph before the guests arrive?? NOT ME! <div><br /></div><div>But this is a cute little find that I wanted to share: The Cupcake Carousel. I bought 2 of these (one pink, one brown!) last week. I thought they'd be perfect to store the 48 party cupcakes in overnight. I have another cupcake carrier that only holds 12 regular cupcakes which is not very practical considering most mixes make 24. Well I learned a few things. A) the Cupcake Carousel does not hold cupcakes baked in a wide cupcake pan (you know the ones where the cup kinda triangulates out?) B) the Cupcake Carousel does not hold an overfilled cupcake next to another overfilled cupcake (ie. no major muffin top) and it seems like there was a C) but it escapes me. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTztDucHrONotuVbTonssRkPIeNrHDNIpQEMF6SxwuLxMmKBo-3gnZJjnl18616dZXqGtLIk7rROZxNhxThDvuhfFgm3jPCCx3NHYr05eFCVzM5Xk-I3I5tP_GuTwnxfhVnrEYm6SJOdw/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632007980926894210" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight though, I perfected the Cupcake Carousel equation: 1/4 cup per cupcake and they all fit nice and comfy. 3 tiers of 8 each in these cute holders which stack inside.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOB04EozKeEURdi5WsmHmrwd1gzFklESnspacPVRrhuKkRuY6GSnyTfOqPsVi4a2zw_JZmop2cG5M7LSA1bnMHhCrBAD6OB7u4mpjTWH2MiZgBh399Mbf_uG1NKdnaH_4Cit6fRz2oRIn/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632007969492662418" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>And it could even accommodate the dinosaurs. Another cute kit by Meri Meri. So alas, tomorrow will be this birthday finale with cupcakes at preschool summer camp. Behavior didn't merit the treat last week. More on that later (maybe).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BhowT_XrnfiDWHKMbWj7UOVzV2s-zvxqJBNF7s4qVBK5LUxWrkGZxtfghf9vw_3kAZqDDpg2vGcjyHndSZtPrppSLgjtBdlu5XtRyFybhm3MSnuo04MwCX6UQFSU-KloKWbARfCWuUWw/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632007978957212850" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Happy Friday (nearly if you are reading this late tonight!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Elle :)</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-79484345279260493082011-07-11T18:28:00.002-05:002011-07-11T18:30:26.188-05:00Serene Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ44YM6SGSJSnzHECb7gbJUaZ8tXCDiZ8GZ3POmlfLRO3MC06IT-aQ-xw48okvCipXt70xqQCuDCFJKUe9jrImo8QQJlsU3iqdkc9RoJo0GBGBSYbVgH71CSrYF1o07WPoQof_noKo3C1/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />It doesn't get much better!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQ44YM6SGSJSnzHECb7gbJUaZ8tXCDiZ8GZ3POmlfLRO3MC06IT-aQ-xw48okvCipXt70xqQCuDCFJKUe9jrImo8QQJlsU3iqdkc9RoJo0GBGBSYbVgH71CSrYF1o07WPoQof_noKo3C1/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628241024521045906" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">:) Elle</span></div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-13190611903050020352011-07-08T06:39:00.003-05:002011-07-08T07:11:19.233-05:00Meet Max.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscRG4n4hmJkifG-_aLMMVvg25j7zzrexGJv-OUflIrmrIREcTuvUxu_fNohgUoLEJKRyqDhhU1XpArmOLWooPmMr-jzxZp4SDtEn118ziu5FoGR38xZfNg1UkBjO8HZ51QaYJoB7_09jd/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscRG4n4hmJkifG-_aLMMVvg25j7zzrexGJv-OUflIrmrIREcTuvUxu_fNohgUoLEJKRyqDhhU1XpArmOLWooPmMr-jzxZp4SDtEn118ziu5FoGR38xZfNg1UkBjO8HZ51QaYJoB7_09jd/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626951045656808914" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa9egZO22YSFbK9qvBnYviWXsqyg8-6szayMf05PDqQn_VlGOf4nTreuQWv30mG4GQCybwIjhTapi4lHTI0dFWAKNbth5AZdde7TBG-hhA5Jmttp9QN7gWWd9vpv8atoGSh3tJGYSisWn/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa9egZO22YSFbK9qvBnYviWXsqyg8-6szayMf05PDqQn_VlGOf4nTreuQWv30mG4GQCybwIjhTapi4lHTI0dFWAKNbth5AZdde7TBG-hhA5Jmttp9QN7gWWd9vpv8atoGSh3tJGYSisWn/s320/DSC_0175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626951034800801762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WRSV75wz6vZMjCMYoYdzofjLSYUzcBN4-qiAjp8PfGl69JhCx1epeDT1xOPIedZv3eFNgqBtvdHW7OmRx-2gUkYHzFIj6eKDzrcx27Voc0-PHJg8wBBJtC3iZ6ufHGqFL0LCnN5V6z9c/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WRSV75wz6vZMjCMYoYdzofjLSYUzcBN4-qiAjp8PfGl69JhCx1epeDT1xOPIedZv3eFNgqBtvdHW7OmRx-2gUkYHzFIj6eKDzrcx27Voc0-PHJg8wBBJtC3iZ6ufHGqFL0LCnN5V6z9c/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626951031567680930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWJA6JaSzgbMIaDrnGt6bDpgsikvdXtnXRtdZuiSv_MkVEHwbsyy74fVW6sjFsiuz0H6kgUxxu2PhdVMpv6CUkIFHHFIgpA4UcvS6hl8HXUigISF1F6iJYJqT29yXO8-Po68PsnD7lMME/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWJA6JaSzgbMIaDrnGt6bDpgsikvdXtnXRtdZuiSv_MkVEHwbsyy74fVW6sjFsiuz0H6kgUxxu2PhdVMpv6CUkIFHHFIgpA4UcvS6hl8HXUigISF1F6iJYJqT29yXO8-Po68PsnD7lMME/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626951021821253138" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The bane of my existence! This puppy journey started in February. Well I guess in December really, when he was born. My husband wanted us to get a dog for security, I insisted on a family friendly version. Though, I being the dog lover in the relationship, was completely against getting a dog period. Alas the opportunity to add a English Lab to the family arose and here we are 5 loooong months later. I am truly living Marley & Me. This dog is bananas. Full out spastic, unruly, bananas!!!! (That <i>should</i> be in all caps) And strong as an ox.<div><br /></div><div>This morning I had him out in the front of the house, on a leash, to do his business. A neighbor walks by with his 7 lb well behaved fluff ball. I should mention that I had slipped on a t-shirt dress with no bra and hadn't brushed my hair. Serves me right, I guess. I <i>really</i> shouldn't go out of the house like that. But I thought -it's Friday morning at 6:20am, who will I see? Well, Tom & fluffy were the unexpected answer to that question... Anyways said puppy of ox strength just about tore my arm off and drug me across the driveway. He's about 50-60 lbs now. Grrrrr.... And ok, I could forgive him for that. He was excited to see a "friend" but bring him inside, he steals shoes, catalogs, my kids art from the walls, you name it. And yes, we have bought him a gazillion toys and bones, kongs with hidden treats and he has a crate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well writing this post has taken a little longer than expected. I've had to stop at least 10 times for this unruly animal. Now it's time to get in the shower. I pray that one day he will be the good family dog I didn't agree to.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Not sure how the photos got positioned in the collage fashion, but I've no time to investigate or amend. Photos: All taken when I still found him marginally "cute". Max getting himself stuck in the shower, Max relaxing under the bed (we've removed all rugs) Max looking deceitfully peaceful and adorable, a better representation.</div><div><br /></div><div>:\ Help!! Elle</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-70280145736601791512011-07-06T15:23:00.002-05:002011-07-06T15:49:30.141-05:00Gratitude & a fresh new lookWhew! I know - I was sooooo ready for a new look too. You see, I made this deal with myself a while back that my blog budget would be, in dollars, the number of followers I have. That was back when I was new and ambitious and hopeful and full of comments, etc.. Then I took a break, then another and another and I never really got a budget for much more than a customized signature. <div><br /></div><div>Well earrrly this morning I was visiting <a href="http://sweetsugarbelle.com">Sugarbelle</a>, who makes the MOST ah-mazing decorated cookies I have come across. And well, as blogs do, that led me to <a href="http://knittybitties.blogspot.com">Knitty Bitties</a>, which led me to <a href="http://thiscrazylife-michelle.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a>, which led me to <a href="http://www.shabbyblogsblog.blogspot.com/">Shabby Blogs</a>. Thanks to all of you for leading me down the road to a fresh new look for FREE! And I'm sure if you are (which you most likely are) more tech savvy than I - you could do some major stuff with these free design elements. As for me, this is what I've come up with and I've learned a few things (which is ALWAYS good!) and I think it looks so.much.better. Not that I didn't appreciate my last free background, but it was time to change!</div><div><br /></div><div>So here we are, I'm soooo excited and hoping to play around with some other bits and make this space even more pretty. Maybe one day I will have a budget big enough for a custom blog makeover. Until then, I'm pretty darn happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I need to take creative blogging 101 - anyone offer that??</div><div><br /></div><div>Elle :)</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-2072622752629833702011-07-03T15:27:00.004-05:002011-07-04T09:08:26.207-05:00Elle's Scrumptious Blackberry Cobbler<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You REALLY should try this, I mean REALLY.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Elle's Scrumptious Blackberry Cobbler</b></div><div>4 c blackberries, frozen or fresh</div><div>1/2 c white sugar</div><div>2 t corn starch</div><div>1/4 c lemon juice (approx 1 nice lemon is fine)</div><div><br /></div><div>Put blackberries in a bowl, sprinkle on sugar & corn starch. Pour on lemon juice and let sit while you do everything else.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeWfQ_gT2alM-lxUprwUzEZnD0i5txlUFsjiXW05je55TQDJf8Ja3D9FSx2tI68JZNNs6SCumpa0eriJxD6IR1eIeg3m2LqLn58ZWGNTVtbAGlL18DoCe5HXSmC7cwKhq7kny1Up10Qxq/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625496742626522930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>1 stick (8T) butter</div><div>1.5 c self rising flour</div><div>1.5 c milk (I use 2%)</div><div>1/2 c white sugar</div><div>1/2 c turbinado sugar</div><div><br /></div><div>Put your stick of butter in a 3 qt baking dish (13x9x2 is fine and I used Hefty Easy Ovenware since I'm taking these to a dinner). Preheat oven to 350. While your oven is preheating, stick the baking dish of butter in the oven. Let the butter melt while you mix the cakey part. BE CAREFUL to not let your butter burn (yes, I've done this!).</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiA_H7l2vt5n612ccbZ6bkG8IOlskVfMMhbqgcgGSBS9aA-i9D1St3n1DLfojTZjiUA7tlW4k1C_UEwvIFXQAk9KXLjWPpRK_hG_M0be2KLspeNseHPF08344-DxU7Ks-CFC-YZqUqddr/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625496712553353538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Meanwhile put your flour, milk & sugars into a mixing bowl and mix it all together (I use a whisk). It's quite soupy. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47py2CUDYo9Oz629F5xV4mnoMUAo1B7ShMUiUFPJHfLdqH3xmg5eIku8MIu8jaF1aQgA5J_O5tfm8hcd5TLUfd5koLrffp-vf-bnCmXpbqztwwVL871qLbdDjsoComGKM45g8vfI3cavr/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625496735506663922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">**Tip - baking this is even more fun with a cute helper!**</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>When your butter has melted, take our your dish, and pour this on top. Don't stir it in the dish. Toss your berries in the bowl and break up any sugar or starchy chunks. Spoon the berries and juice into the pan. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksvkq6tpEo8Jl3X8AhnmMQlgfVc1Zo_zx5eW9qbpFGUhmGR82KZoyEZDeTq11dFBDXmH4Y_ZOiCgEvadIydh-n1xJi88dq4ohM67_klbDktquGeSHb6Ag4MLGjQecagjMQYHaGalIb5b3/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625494803528410578" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div> Bake for 30-45 mins.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelhl-7XVFQVMpdn-mtHnGN6-QDwLiFRKHB2SPqBv6PvmDdOyyQufibj-x0ORoe1l_cR9P2t6GX7o4kOeMoURx3CPpnMLj8bjAwTGpVibhmqKYPizyWGbcHPmDhe6VodWQea99IYaLGDPA/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625494796575964194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div> I serve it warm with a scoop of Haagen-Dazs vanilla. YUM!</div><div><br /></div><div>**Peach variation:</div><div>instead of the blackberry mixture, use 2 cans of peaches in lite syrup. Strain one can and leave one with the syrup. Super yummy and easy too!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you make it, let me know what you think. We love it around here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy 4th!</div><div><br /></div><div>:) Elle</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-37380499286043152582011-06-26T08:31:00.002-05:002011-06-26T08:34:36.953-05:00Sunday Morning Breakfast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOC6egZzpUI-n1JBuTDPhgIkzlYdKydqcnU2aVF0UkixZEsGnUcTk67gt-HwFH5xdCZuEyannnMNcOsLU9h4OxbOpbRCD3_ALJ1Y1mN0adjIzedTuag_HW-kDiQV-EDGF7SPDAjd4n08S/s1600/photo-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOC6egZzpUI-n1JBuTDPhgIkzlYdKydqcnU2aVF0UkixZEsGnUcTk67gt-HwFH5xdCZuEyannnMNcOsLU9h4OxbOpbRCD3_ALJ1Y1mN0adjIzedTuag_HW-kDiQV-EDGF7SPDAjd4n08S/s320/photo-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622521280660740770" /></a><br />Thanks Jamba! Super easy, quite tasty & only 130 calories (or 260 if you drink 16 oz.)<div><br /></div><div>Happy Sunday :)</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-72201622831033553342011-06-25T08:06:00.003-05:002011-06-25T09:30:46.715-05:00Type A planning part one: birthday party<div style="text-align: left;">Hi! Yeah, yeah I know it's been a while but I won't waste any time explaining when there's nothing to explain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I wouldn't say I'm a true and complete Type A personality. I can be rather laid back about some things, like housework for instance. I feel compelled to at least clarify that my bathrooms are always clean, but other rooms can, at times, be untidy and I've been known to skip making up my bed on occasion. There are some instances when my Type A tendencies take over, birthday party planning for my kids is one such instance.</div><div><br /></div><div>My little one will be turning 3 next month and he's very excited about it. Daily he asks me "Mommy, I free (3) in July yet?" Which I find just about as cute as you could possibly get.</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked him what kind of party he'd like while browsing a party supply website one day (mistake #1) and he was very keen on the dump truck theme. And he's requested a "stand up scooter like Olivia (the pig)" as his gift. So earlier this week when I had a miraculously free 90 minutes to spare, the hunt began. No scooters of the 3 wheel variety available on island so far as I could tell. No dump truck party supplies either. Only plain black or yellow and one bulldozer balloon found. Humph. This is when the floodgates open. I realize this party, like many others, will involve some online ordering, ocean freight, customs duty and delivery. That also welcomes the temptation to also order all the many other things you and your children "need" but cannot find on-island. Like new bed linens of the PBK variety, new kiddie luggage and backpacks for our upcoming vacation (type A planning part 2), kitchen soap from Williams Sonoma, and the list could go on forever and ever amen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>So today I will spend at least an hour or two on-line ordering so the goods can make it here on time. I will call my family members to see if they need to add anything to the shipment. See - an aspect of life in paradise you probably hadn't considered, eh? Of course my research began days ago and so far these are definitely on the list. I still have to decide which mylar dump truck balloon is most suitable. Other than that my party list is pretty much complete.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think these <a href="http://www.merimeri.com">Meri Meri</a> cupcake kits can be beat. Saw the princess & pirate varieties in WS last year. Miraculously found a shop on island that had them, all but the dump truck pack that is...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrhFjGk-hZQ3EABsxbm3zVbvREHTfUJzJ9d04GqxlsWkQ32FiReCcOmZrPqgIk_xBgztCv_ofGqVEyEaB9wgpGCn00ggLc5gfPJ9LugD7u4fnt6eCCcE3ks2LCfPJYA1djuD3e_NBkmvt/s320/450309.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622162721488276946" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_SFUTCvqhJV17eBA8AUDPD0y6nQjGFdv9esSpMFxj8__jfOoHVrJmFbV-g7tdCaGQscE2Lnt_IHYoF3No-BI_POzBsmJWm1iqJwcO7g6z195hmtfe5_5UC0hKAc0ANbgCUuuVpuAj3gQL/s320/450310.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622162713357767426" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And their party supplies are pretty near perfect. Cute with the right mix of class. Fun for both child and parent!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicA8mgZL1xlwSq0sv6Nd6W16sCOdwT3FGmURx985zFCRjuxCbEMPWtw86JXfxz6Y11srSgJrlRpon4LeZn_xahFF5QTmmlImfQ0tu8ERvk_kiC2tJAfpUj7xALr53PoWx0S6o1v1CiUmp/s320/450312-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622162709832756770" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Type A planning part two sneak peak:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrHav40v4EpIi6D3IZE3uyTTUZmdoEE_HRgGVzvYm7o2epmNdyTLI5fe4FNJkJiq6O3yJnhdS1Q8xnFEOB1YCT3wjEd5sbug58Qi05inYNOIww5nYHA3zhu49sAPMJ1xjRbx6MdWptqid/s320/51M3%252B6T40HL._SL160_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-dp%252CTopRight%252C12%252C-18_SH30_OU01_AA160_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622162706935304386" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a lovely day!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Elle :)</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-88731239068282241692011-02-02T19:42:00.002-06:002011-02-02T20:00:12.555-06:00Busy, busyWell for a change, I'm having a busy social weekend sans kids. No birthday parties for the 6 & under crowd! All work related but should be lots of fun.<div><br /></div><div>Dinner tomorrow night, party on Friday evening & brunch on Saturday morning. The party should be quite swanky and we are setting up an <a href="http://www.amyatlas.com">Amy Atlas</a> inspired dessert table. HOPING to get some pics to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>Signing off for the weekend (at least). Hope you have a great one!</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-90257922433385346502011-02-01T20:35:00.004-06:002011-02-01T21:30:27.677-06:00More miscellany<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>See another great thing about keeping a blog is you have logged when your last pedicure was. I knew it was about time for another one.. My MiamiBeet is getting a bit dull.<div><br /></div><div>Wondering what I've been up to? Birthday mania. My eldest turned 5 about 2 weeks ago. Had a ridiculously expensive joint party with a classmate a week prior, a tiny party at home just she and I, Daddy & little brother joined later for yet another song & candle, family party 2 days later and the final family party for the in-laws about a week ago. I couldn't wait to take that freakin' Tangled plastic tablecloth off the dining table! I baked cupcakes, cupcakes, a small cake and a regular cake. And yes, I ate too much cake. Now tomorrow is my mom's birthday. I was looking for an excuse to make Gooey Butter Cake because I tried a piece in early January and it has been haunting me ever since. But no, my mom wants her standard malted milk ball cake and it is, after all, HER day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Work has also been crazy and will continue to be through the weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally my little one (2.5 and wild) started limping last week :( Doctor visit, ultrasound & x-ray and thankfully no irregularities. So just a mystery limp for now that has definitely improved and will hopefully disappear very soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And now just to spice things up a bit a couple of photos:</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1f4NRxisK6-nxndhU-4_RpbzQnF3YzkxAw_ukxTbPYGcE3uSG4Mbby26unZNyFwuwxtIct4NO6Ew5jxVhIY5gOo_-Sfu7-Mz6YEZqw6yRfEzRfH_9CFuCSPsL5neZvEMok2XhUtGrHFl/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568928020993511234" /><div style="text-align: center;">She was apparently getting a little tired of the endless festivities as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOrjKnLrKmgwQbDzhWtyRJIJdyHFu7-oWheY7GIfGq4m8QkAi41v6IGS21Q5S6zIhhrN84cf4I0Ldg_pW6j4uLGyvIPOvSsT3j_e_hkQZVckgAGFA3_GKNVuVPpArpDd4V3iWe91Eqp5a/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568928017971909778" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A photo of the aforementioned small cake taken without the auto function I might add.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Elle :)</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-67011335068499500392011-01-12T20:37:00.006-06:002011-01-12T21:21:26.055-06:0010 7 things about today +1<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Look at this - second post this week! <div><br /></div><div>I'm crap at remembering to take photos and so I just decided to do this today. I'm going to write 10 things about today. Here goes:</div><div><br /></div><div>1) I made a really-bad-for-the-size-of-my-thighs discovery this morning. <a href="http://www.juliansrecipe.com/">Julian's waffles</a>. Toaster waffle heaven here people! I discovered them at the store this week and thought I'd try them out on the kids. They prefer Eggo. Such unrefined palates they have...</div><div><br /></div><div>2) I don't want to call him creepy, because it's not nice, but he is kinda creepy. There's this guy that works for the complex I work at. Many mornings when I park in the garage, he is there sweeping and he just gives me the creeps. I chose a different spot this morning because there he was, sweeping where I normally park {<i>shiver</i>}. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) I brought the gift that my boss gave me for my birthday last month to work today. I want to return it. It's a beautiful <a href="http://www.penhaligons.com/shop/accessories/shop-by-product-type/crystal/crystal-atomisers-497112.html">Penhaligon's crystal atomiser</a>. But really, who uses an atomiser? Not me I'm afraid. I have one single bottle of perfume on my dresser and it's SJP NYC and cost less than 50 bucks. Clearly I am not a perfume connoisseur. Wasn't able to return it today, maybe tomorrow...</div><div><br /></div><div>4) My son got his first "time-out" at preschool today. He just started last week. I'm sure it's a sign of things to come. He and 2 other boys were throwing sand at each other. No way!</div><div><br /></div><div>5) I got a pedicure today. OPI Miami Beet "a racy red-violet". I like it. A little less violet than it looks in the bottle and for me, that's a good thing. It was a lovely pedi, I was overdue. I had repolished and top coated my last pedi, um a couple times.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>6) Polished my own nails because I really find manicures a waste of money. Unless my cuticles are in really bad shape, it bothers me to pay for a manicure that chips in 2 days. That's just me.</div><div><br /></div><div>7) I'm getting my haircut tomorrow - yay! I'm also overdue for a haircut. I can get away with it bcs my hair is dead straight. Wait - I guess that isn't really about today. Well I made the appointment today.</div><div><br /></div><div>8) What do you think of this watch? I've wanted a Philip Stein for a while - just want to try out the Teslar technology. My mom swears she feels a difference. I have a gift certificate to use that can just about cover the cost of this. I tried it on but I'm not sold on the rose gold. I wish it was stainless. (I'm getting off-base here as this is not about today either!)</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 119px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIXocPfzc-CCzswRXEXuOY9OKI8tzJfw4P-KhzuE-QRIYT4p0pWSnSQWAJ_KfuWoJrFa3OtC1iLppwdAl37HzUpCm-tRKE41V5gV0QJsjAJU2zPdcpAEyAFU92BsPibCHS_ijyRCR_ukB/s320/31-ARGW-RBW_0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561504588906272098" /><div><br /></div><div>9) Hmmmm... I think that about covers it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's 10:13 so time to turn this thing off and hit the sack, for as you know, 5:45am will be here too soon!</div><div><br /></div><div>Goodnight! </div><div>Elle :)</div><div><br /></div><div>PS - <a href="http://llama-tales.blogspot.com/">Llama</a>, I swear I had to look back at your email from ages ago to figure out how to strikethrough that 10! One day I'll remember all by myself! :D</div><div><br /></div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-29787849697875929072011-01-10T21:21:00.002-06:002011-01-10T21:25:55.952-06:00I resolveto <i>try </i>to comment more often and to blog more often. And maybe even tweet more often. <div><br /></div><div>See I almost had a nice long post tonight, but then I read and commented and now it is 23 minutes past my bedtime and 5:45 am comes way to freakin' early.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh I also resolve to find some other lovely blogs that I look forward to reading.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goodnight :)</div><div><br /></div><div>PS - Want to know what else I got caught up in? Brave Girls Club/Camp. I don't feel like linking it, just go google it. Does that look great, or what? </div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-27741153038941435132010-12-10T11:47:00.002-06:002010-12-10T12:04:43.714-06:00Happy Holidays and all.Hi there! I know it's been a while. Seems the only time I have enough time to post is on the odd day (thankfully not often) that I am home with a sick child. Actually I should be doing one of a long list of other things right now but what the heck.<div><br /></div><div>Thought I'd take a moment to say Happy Holidays. I hope that you share a wonderful holiday season with the ones you love.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've got about half of the decorations out. My tree looks like crap because my 2 year old enjoys taking ornaments off, playing with them and putting them back where he sees fit. And you know what? I like watching him do it. Nevermind that my MIL & SIL silently gasp when they come in and see the condition of it. I also am having trouble locating the tree topper. We have a lone gold spike up there waiting for the star that sits on it. I think I'll find it this weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am longing for a trip to the mall & Target. I have neither where I live. I didn't make a Pottery Barn Kids and Amazon order this year so I've been scouring the local stores (which do a decent job) for gifts. I just miss the experience, the selection, the PRICES. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still a little bitter because I was forced to stay home for Thanksgiving this year. I wanted so bad to be back in the US with my Stateside family but no. I had to work for 4 stinkin hours so we had to nix the whole trip. Grrrrr.... </div><div><br /></div><div>But my sister arrives in 10 days and I do get to take some time off for the holidays. There are many days I wonder why I thought it was a good idea to go back to work - then the tuition bill arrives (for PreK-4 no less) and I'm abruptly reminded. Folks if you can send your kids to a good public school - thank your lucky stars!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This weekend I will be:</div><div>attending my 4 yr old daughter's ballet performance</div><div>attending 2 birthday parties with her</div><div>making card for the other kids in her class because they have requested no baked goods (bummer!)</div><div>finishing the holiday decorations AND putting the boxes back in the garage (I am shooting high here)</div><div>possibly having a date with my husband if this tummy bug my 2yo has is a 24 hour thingy</div><div>and hopefully a load of other fun family things!</div><div>I should squeeze in some gym time since the dozens of treats I got to take home from a cookie exchange have mostly been consumed by yours truly.</div><div><br /></div><div>So yes, this is scattered and likely unexpected - but hey, that's what my life is all about. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope this finds you all enjoying your day. Happy holidays!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Till next time-</div><div>Elle :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-69852670035037927262010-09-09T11:19:00.002-05:002010-09-09T11:28:14.810-05:00My DayToday I am spending my day in my little boy's bedroom. He's been attacked by a tummy bug :( You see, his big sister started school last week and that inevitably means virus bombardment in our house. He's 2 & she's 4. I hope this gets better soon. I'm so irritated - I really thought they'd stay well for longer than a week. Grrrr... I wonder if I got sick this much when I was in preschool. My mom doesn't seem to think so.<div><br /></div><div>So I'm here - sitting and waiting. Feeling guilty about doing not a lot of anything while he's sleeping. I had time for a short little post. Maybe I will start a book. Or download a new app on my phone to occupy my time for the day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hoping my little man fights this one off quickly. Till then I'll be.... </div><div><br /></div><div>Elle :(</div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-46288328882426874822010-08-09T09:43:00.004-05:002010-08-09T09:53:52.169-05:00Style Me!<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ok, I admit it. I am at work and I'm totally goofing off which is very unusual for me (seriously!). I have friends arriving today from California and I just can't get into work mode. I'm too distracted and excited! So I sat down at my desk this morning and decided to catch up on my blog reading. Tisk, tisk. </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">So anyways, I'm wearing an outfit today for the first time. And I don't know - something about it is a little uncomfortable for me. Is it because it's my first boyfriend cardi? I'm not sure - so tell me what you think. Is my ensemble complete, or what am I missing?? </div><div align="center"> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503422423695894626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehifCVsYCy9VA74osMeeG_SMXyQPvu8s2PHkL-cC-6Pf2wjyVQFBzhbBHuDKVAhBKDRyrwoLzFeuWNx69No2Kv1UYPBWOYX0VE9KKxFiMKiN32fV9fFZkL6Njke-FI4jFooFD3kLnEoBd/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Cardigan & tank - Lilly Pulitzer...Cotton Skirt - Island Company (a new fave brand)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Bangles - Kate Spade....Necklace - Queen Bee...Flip-Flops - DVF</span></p><p align="center">Forgive the off color, this is all navy & white - I'm just in a very pink room & it's taken with my phone!</p><br /><br /><br />Happy Monday!<br /><br /><br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-40415420957943758042010-08-08T07:58:00.002-05:002010-08-08T08:00:48.131-05:00Shhhh....Do you hear that? It's the sound of near silence in my house on a Sunday morning. Excuse me while I enjoy it! <div><br /><div>Happy Sunday-</div><div><br /></div><div>Elle :)</div></div>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-15675188118052023402010-08-06T12:53:00.004-05:002010-08-06T13:21:08.676-05:00Polo's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJKIfWyxfwPOV1fP5V97mknVolqe5OTbqNnGyS5HJpzKqhGcVYbUrqYsnFFwLbsB8BuZt9WkW592gM6wJciV5ThAVR0APIBoJUyRrnuIE3Try8jXa94F2btneHeoUdZl29n2ppFNBKYQE/s1600/919007_fpx.tif.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 173px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJKIfWyxfwPOV1fP5V97mknVolqe5OTbqNnGyS5HJpzKqhGcVYbUrqYsnFFwLbsB8BuZt9WkW592gM6wJciV5ThAVR0APIBoJUyRrnuIE3Try8jXa94F2btneHeoUdZl29n2ppFNBKYQE/s320/919007_fpx.tif.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502361721922397202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">{lacoste at bloomingdales}</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So I was at work the other day and I work with 2 supercute gals. One is a twentysomething and one is 19 (I'm the old one in the bunch!). I discovered that neither one wears or really even likes polos. I was shocked! Huh? You don't like polo's?? <br /><br />For me, polo's are a wardrobe staple. Most of my weekends are spent in some cotton twill shorts and a polo. Admittedly I'm a bit of a prepster, but I'd like to think I'm still fashionable. Fashionable in a classic kind of way - only occasionally trendy. Oh and I should note that my weekends are generally spent at home with the kiddies & running errands.<br /><br />So I was wondering what you think - do you wear polo's? Why or why not?<br /><br />Wishing you a wonderful weekend!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-43135623477472466272010-07-18T16:38:00.002-05:002010-07-18T16:44:56.397-05:00New Fall Arrivals?I just saw this on a website. Hello?!?!? It's still July! Am I the only one who thinks mid-July is too early to have "new Fall arrivals"? Let us enjoy Summer will you? I just bought a new swim ensemble Friday - that seems like appropriate July shopping to me. Certainly not sweaters and trousers. <br /><br />That's my little Sunday complaint. <br /><br />Hope you are finishing up a nice weekend. I'm thinking a cold glass of wine by the pool sounds like a great idea right about now....<br /><br />:) ElleEllehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-42727687530415857652010-07-14T05:31:00.002-05:002010-07-14T05:58:05.480-05:00Stating the ObviousWell I guess I needed a blog hiatus. I say need because it really wasn't something I wanted. Somehow nearly 3 months have passed since my last post. Where has the time gone??<br /><br />It all started with a computer repair that took much longer than I thought. Add a new job into the mix, your 2 existing kids and viola! No blog time.<br /><br />Here's my quick catch up (as if there are hundreds dying to know! )<br /><br />My baby will be 2 on Saturday!! And he got glasses about 2 weeks ago. We are on pair #2 and are figuring that this new expense could really cut into the budget!<br /><br />My job is going well. Sometimes I wonder why I thought it was a good idea to go back to work, but for now I look forward to going in most every day and I look forward to going home too. So I figure that's a good thing. Oh and paychecks are really exciting. Though small by most standards, I haven't had this much cash in my wallet in almost 5 years! ( don't let your mind exaggerate - we are talking $25 most of the time!!)<br /><br />I got 3 new rugs in my house and I love them. Only thing is it really just whet my appetite for more upgrades which do not fit in the current budget. Especially with the addition of toddler eyeglasses.<br /><br />I'm still in love with Kate Spade. Thankfully fall is around the corner which doesn't work well in the tropics. Cashmere on an 80 degree day? I think not! So hopefully my temptations will be smothered with wool.<br /><br />I've been totally sucked into the Bachelorette this season. I found myself watching the last episode this morning at 4 am (I was awake, couldn't go back to sleep and realistically it's the only time I can squeeze it in!!) with tears in my eyes. What the heck?!?! I admit it's the craziest silliest thing, but I totally understand why it works - it suuuccckkkkkssss you in. So judge if you want or email if you want to discuss bcs I have no friends who share my obsession. <br /><br />If you are about to splurge on a laptop - I'd totally recommend the extra $300 for the lit keyboard. It just took me 3x in the dark to find that dollar sign. <br /><br />Well it's approaching a reasonable hour in my world so I will sign off - time to make the lunchbox for camp & hit the shower.<br /><br />OH WAIT - I almost forgot. I had my first fellow-blogger sighting recently! You read it right. In my little remote corner of the world - there I was waiting for my fast food drive through order and I almost felt like I was living a celebrity sighting. My dad was in the car - and his former concerns regarding my mental health were completely confirmed as I got giddy and explained to him who she and her husband were. Of course I kept it all inside the car. And actually haven't even gotten around to emailing her. But anyways it was kind of exciting.<br /><br />So for now who knows, maybe I'll be awake at 4 every morning and have a little time to post OR maybe I will just continue to be the occasional commenter. I'm non-committal at this point because sometimes my lack of blogging makes me feel guilty which is just plain silly. So here we are.<br /><br />Hope you are having a grand summer wherever you may be!!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-80654775432528076442010-04-24T10:15:00.002-05:002010-04-24T10:17:25.877-05:00AbsensePlease excuse my prolonged absence. MacBook in for repair and repair is more complex than originally thought. Remember when I spilled water on my computer? Yeah, well that is haunting me months later. Have so much to share so hope to be back pronto!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-663079573702878092010-04-16T06:48:00.002-05:002010-04-16T06:53:30.560-05:00Sneak Peek<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH9q0o357N1VIQeG41OrsxQRZoRmwaF7rn3j_xI6c2vd4Bv-l3h_uoo3OoZbl-0mNg_sbXg9vU0eIVgGbto7Ng6-5Ip1bDJEGmOVYlHFLpGq5veQfeCCOsq9YIcHWC7X1yziGYVwgHXat/s1600/25231_114535021897702_110440848973786_199357_6816470_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTH9q0o357N1VIQeG41OrsxQRZoRmwaF7rn3j_xI6c2vd4Bv-l3h_uoo3OoZbl-0mNg_sbXg9vU0eIVgGbto7Ng6-5Ip1bDJEGmOVYlHFLpGq5veQfeCCOsq9YIcHWC7X1yziGYVwgHXat/s320/25231_114535021897702_110440848973786_199357_6816470_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460702072355921666" /></a><br />Well here it is: The lovely place I spend my mornings! But not this fine morning - I'm in THE city of cities and I can't wait for husbs to wake up so I can go out and devour some cheese blintzes. Rain, rain stay away. Pretty please??<br /><br />Have a fab weekend lovelies!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-2393730646057477732010-04-13T06:53:00.002-05:002010-04-13T06:59:02.407-05:00I'm excited!For a few reasons...<br /><br />The store I am working for finally opens TODAY!!! I promise to share photos one of these days.<br /><br />My husband & I are NYC bound on Thursday sans kiddies!! (our first trip alone in over 4 years)<br />**cheese blintzes, here I come**<br /><br />Hope you are having a fantastic Tuesday (I'd insert more exclamations here but my enthusiasm may be considered moderately annoying then)<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-55335813831151721512010-04-06T21:38:00.002-05:002010-04-06T21:42:45.751-05:00Lame-oThat's me! I've been a horrible poster lately. I'm sorry - I have been soooo busy. Adding a career into the mix is very time consuming. I've been exhausted and in bed early almost every night. Plus my son has decided that 5:55 am is a great time to get up in the morning. I've done some brief reading today and I hope to have some time later in the week to do some commenting. <br /><br />My goal is to do at least one post a week and at least one night to catch up and comment. We'll see how it goes. <br /><br />I really, really want to take some photos of the store and share them with you. We should be open on Friday if all goes well. <br /><br />I hope all is well with each and every one of you.<br /><br />Until next week-<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-37115599845476319952010-03-14T21:50:00.002-05:002010-03-14T22:41:21.064-05:00Hi again!I'm back. Yes, I got back a week ago - it's just been busy. As usual!<br /><br />I'd love to make this post all fun and full of photos but truth be told it'll never happen unless I sit here right now to catch up, photoless. <br /><br />Thanks for all your suggestions. I did end up scouting out the local shops and was lucky to find a few bargains. I got 2 solid tops. Kind of fancied up t-shirts with nicer sleeves & a cute neck in a solid turquoise & kelly green. Paired them w white pants and dark jeans respectively, dressed them up with some BARGAIN jewelry and voila - I was set. I even got a compliment on my heels that look brand new but are really "I can't remember how old"! <br /><br />Our meetings were over around 3pm on Friday. We were staying in West Palm Beach and meetings in Palm Beach. I'd never been and had always wanted to go to Palm Beach... Worth Ave, the Via's, The Breakers, etc... But heck, when that meeting was over my boss and I made a beeline for the closest nice mall ($40 cab fare away) and hit the shops. Such a shame we didn't have time to explore Palm Beach. <br /><br />Sidebar here - I discovered the MAGIC of Moleskin while I was away. Moleskin is an inexpensive adhesive felt (you can find it in the Dr Scholls section of your local drug store/supermarket) that you cut and stick on to your foot wherever your shoes are uncomfortable. Ladies let me tell you - this stuff is awesome. You may remember me mentioning a while back that I wear flip flops or the sort 24/7. My feet survived the business trip quite well thanks to this simple product. I've even used it since I've been back on an adorable pair of flip flops that had a metal piece where the 3 straps meet that was terribly uncomfortable on the tops of my feet. Cut out a little piece of moleskin and I don't even notice the piece anymore. Go out and get some!<br /><br />Apparently I'm getting old. I say this because my trip to the mall was a little anti-climactic. Banana Republic was a little blah to me and I found most of the tops a little odd. It was such a muted palette I was a little bored. It's spring people!! I did score a cute pair of dressy jeans, a cute black shirt dress & some fake jewels. Then I went to J Crew. Cuter colors but a tad strange. I don't know - I just can't get excited over racks of Dukes of Hazzardesque plaid shirts that look like they've been crumpled up on the floor forever before they were hung up. Anyone else relating to me here or am I truly just getting old? I didn't even have palpitations in the Nordstrom shoe department. They had a sale going on and it was a little too crowded and confusing. Thankfully our shopping was topped off with buzz-worthy margaritas and a yummy dinner at PF Changs.<br /><br />I was so busy I hardly had time to fret over my babies. I was gone for less than 48 hours. Of course, they did fine without me but they were super happy to see me. Nothing like that greeting - oh the love!<br /><br />I'm so proud of my weekend project... I made a velvet lining for my jewelry drawer! I can be quite crafty & innovative when inspiration strikes. I mentioned my recent bargain/fake jewel acquisitions. I couldn't take the mismatched boxes and ziploc bags any longer. I went out and got me a piece of foam board, some black velvet, dusted off my glue gun and $18 later I had a pretty impressive drawer liner if I do say so myself! Fake on the left, real on the right. I don't really have a very extensive jewelry collection. I'm a classic kind of gal with a few diamonds and pearls. Wasn't much into the fake scene for a while. But with the latest "statement pieces" trend, it was either pass the trend all together or embrace costume jewelry. I chose the latter.<br /><br />What else has been going on. Oh yes - work. We got our first merchandise delivery last week. Ooh-la-la how fun! This week our components & cabinetry are supposed to be installed. Hoping to open early next month. I WILL share photos of the shop because let me tell you it is going to be nothing short of FABULOUS! We attended a hoity-toity fundraising tea on Friday and donated some items to the auction & raffle. The response we got was fantastic. Our auction item went for triple the minimum bid and I know the winning bidder. Yay!<br /><br />Well I guess that pretty much brings you up to speed here. Oh I must mention that I watched Precious last night. My goodness I had a splitting headache all night from crying my eyes out. Have you seen it? It just broke my heart to pieces. Geez Louise, if you are ever feeling like life's dealt you a crappy hand - sit down and watch it and you will likely feel like the luckiest person alive afterwards. Unfathomable to me, yet way too common in our world. How? Why? Ugh....<br /><br />Nighty night everybody. I'm going to catch up and comment on what some of you have been up to!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7038329197066717006.post-83785732764371501142010-02-28T21:16:00.003-06:002010-02-28T21:42:21.672-06:00Business travelSo I'm super-d-duper excited because on Thursday I'm going on a business trip. Read: free trip to the US, land of Target and malls galore! I was a tad disappointed when my boss sent me the itinerary as it doesn't leave much time at all for shopping. But a little and that's all I <s>need</s> can afford. <br /><br />Today I decided to go through my closet because I was having a tough time thinking of what I could pack. Well for once it wasn't a case of memory loss. I really have nothing to take that I'm happy with. First of all I have to take weather into consideration. It's a little cooler in Florida so I can't exactly dress up some of my summery dresses. Second of all I haven't done much shopping for chic items in a long time. The single item I pulled out is a winter white trench with lavender lining that I got at Benetton in London 5 years ago. How depressing. And Im working in fashion retail. Double whammy. I've got to come up with 2 traveling outfits a meeting outfit and a post-meeting outfit. I'm sooooo tempted to scout out the local shops but I'll end up spending a fortune. It's really bugging me. <br /><br />At first I didn't even have a "look" in mind. I went to visit <a href="http://www.thechloeconspiracy.com">Chloe</a> (that girl knows how to dress!) and did get some inspiration. Thanks Chloe!<br /><br />Tomorrow I just may embark on a hunt. Any suggestions from savvy & chic business travelers out there?<br /><br />BTW this will be my first trip away from my kids. Only 2 nights. I'm looking forward to it but I know, at the same time, my heart will be aching.<br /><br />And if you are wondering what I wear to work normally - we are still at a pre-opening stage. So I can wear pretty much whatever to our temp office. Our first deliveries should arrive next week from which my work wardrobe comes.<br /><br />Hope you had a lovely weekend - I did!<br /><br />Elle :)Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11350633103655934321noreply@blogger.com5