Snow in the City

"Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow." Its absolutely gorgeous here in NJ/NY. We had a huge snow storm last night -just one day shy of making it a White Christmas but thats ok - if it came earlier our guests and family wouldn't have been able to celebrate the holidays with us so I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

Now my whole family is home, including baby Gabe, we're all in our pajamas relaxing, watching movies, baking, eating, laughing.....everything that reminds me of home.

If i were to guess we had about 10 inches last night and everything in sight is pristine white. Love it. I've already seen snow in MN - they had 20 inches afterall, but nothing beats the first snowfall of the year. Its when everybody still appreciates the snow. After this though, when it prevents people from going to work, when kids stay home from school, and when the roads are slippery, people are going to start coursing this weather. So for now, I'm enjoying it with everyone.

Stay warm everybody

Happy Holidays!

(Gabriel - 6 months)

Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas!!

Happy New Year!!!

Here's to another fabulous year - cheers!!

Late Latte

I'm getting my latte on late this afternoon :) and i'm loving it. I tried the caramel brulee from Starbucks -its a good substitute for my normal caramel macchiato.

Don't you love hot coffee in cold weather?

This little piggie

Gabe's my little piggie. As most of you know, Gabe has an extensive pig collection (courtesy of his dad's love for all things round and pink.) So, it was only right that Gabe have a piggie hat for the cold weather. here we are with my sister visiting Athen, GA this past week. Its a great college town where the University of Georgia is located. It has cute boutiques and pubs in its downtown area. Gail's boyfriend Jim went to Supply training there for the Navy years ago so we decided to visit it for the day. It was a nice day trip for us. Gabe had a great time showing off his hat :)

I'm wearing an H&M turtleneck sweater with my David Yurman ring. Gabe's wearing a graphic tee with a Carter's l/s onesie. I ordered his hat from etsy.com. Gail is wearing an American apparel top with a United Colors of Benneton scarf.

Gabriel - 30 weeks

Gabriel 30 weeks

Its starting....he's transforming into a little boy. This week a huge week for Gabe. Not only did he start sitting up on his own, but he started crawling! I wasn't ready for that. I knew he was going to start sitting up at some point but i didn't expect him to start crawling! I can't help but hold him a little tighter at night- he's just growing up so fast - i wish i could hold him forever.

You better watch out

(Gabe - 28 weeks old)

...You better not cry, you better not pout i'm telling you why...Santa Claus is coming to town!!!

We took Gabe to see Santa at the mall last week. I'm telling you, Christmas is a completely different world once you have a baby. I know he's too young to understand or know what's going on, but i can't wait for those christmas's when he'll wait for Santa to bring his presents.

The mall was beautiful, it was nicely decorated with gold trim and deep red velvet ribbons - they had Christmas classics playing in the background. They had a pretty set for the "North Pole." My absolute favorite part was they had a mini train that went around the mall that kids could ride. i'm sure Gabe would love to ride it next year.

I loved seeing Gabe next to Santa Claus, but i do have to say i wasn't impressed with the Santa Claus at this particular mall - i was hoping he would be the jolly big santa with a big red suit. This one was a bald one with a brocade type vest - i guess they were going more for the St. Nick look. Not my fav. But still, he was Santa - none-the-less.

I meant to have Gabe in his cute elf hat but i didn't have it with me at the time so he was in his bear suit instead.

Anyway, here are some tips for those going to see Santa to ensure its a smooth experience:

- make sure your baby is well fed and rested so they're in a good mood

- if possible have 2 of you with the baby so one of you can take a pic with your own camera while the other one is trying to make the baby smile

- make sure to bring your baby's favorite toy so you can use that to make them smile

- make sure you're slightly dressed because there's a possibility you'll be in the picture too if baby gets fussy

- you don't have to buy a picture package so don't feel forced to

- make sure your Santa smiles (for some reason mine didn't feel the need to be jolly)

- to avoid long lines go early in early December - the closer to Christmas you go the more crowded the mall will be

- try to go during the weekday during the day while everyone else is at work

Chocolate Chip Cookie Stuffed Cupcakes

I made the most amazing treats to celebrate Gabe's 6 month birthday and I wanted to share the recipe with you. I got it from:


http://picky-palate.com/2009/08/17/chocolate-chip-cookie-stuffed-cupcakes/

Chocolate Chip Cookie Stuffed Cupcakes

1 box butter/yellow cake mix

1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix

4 eggs

1/2 Cup water

1/2 Cup vegetable oil

1/2 Cup sour cream

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

8 oz softened cream cheese

1 stick softened butter

3 Cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water, oil and sour cream into a stand or electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for close to 2 minutes or until well combined. Scoop into 24 paper lined cupcake cups just over 1/2 full. Next, press 1 Tablespoon prepared cookie dough into the center of each cupcake batter. Bake for 18-24 minutes or until toothpick comes out mostly clean from center. Let cool completely.

2. Place cream cheese and butter into mixer, beat until well combined. Slowly add in powdered sugar until good frosting consistency then spread with cream cheese frosting or chcolate ganache.

Enjoy this tasty treat!!

Lazy Moments

Hope you're all having a great week! I spent the last week in Minnesota and LOVED it. It was so nice being around friends and family and especially having people to watch Gabe for awhile. Of course I loved every second with him, but its also nice to just be lazy and bum around for a bit without having to worry about the baby. Wil's parents were eating Gabe up like candy. He was always smiling and laughing with them. I know they wish they could see him more often. Trust me, with the rest i get when they're there to help me, i wish we were there more often too!!

Let it Snow

Its starting to feel like Christmas! Wil, Gabe and I are in snowy Minnesota to see our out of town family from Australia. Its Gabe's first time seeing snow! And its his first time seeing a Christmas tree, and its even his first time being in the COLD! I have to say, i don't miss this weather at all. While it definitely feels more like the holidays, its tough being in this weather with a little one. But its ok - i like hibernating in our pj's drinking hot cocoa, and watching cartoons all day long :)

Pictured is a famous landmark sculpture here in Minneaplis of a spoon and cherry - covered in powdery snow.

Stay warm everyone!