Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hello My Friend

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

Although last week was the official beginning of fall, sunny skies had me holding onto summer. With the weather today I think it is time I welcome back the rain. It has been 2 years since I have lived through a Seattle fall and as silly as it is, I am so excited. I love the rain, the thunderstorms, calling into work because of flooding and snow, power outages (not to long of ones) and the need for candles and silliness to keep entertained. Oh, and definitely this ...

White Hot Chocolate

Ingredients
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla whipped topping, for garnish
Mint leaf, for garnish


Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir continuously until white chocolate chips have completely melted. Stir in the half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally until heated through. Pour into mugs and top with a dollop of vanilla whipped topping and garnish with mint leaf.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Etsy { Doloris Petunia }

Posted by Hugs, Mal!


This fall I am all about statement jewelry. I was doing some "window shopping" online and came across these amazing, unique, and GORGEOUS pieces by Doloris Petunia on Etsy. Check them out!

Happy Monday

Sunday, September 27, 2009

One Year Ago ...

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

Happy, Happy 1st Anniversary to Rich and Shelby! What an amazing couple and what an amazing wedding day.

XOXO!



Friday, September 25, 2009

Weekend + Recipe of the Week

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

There are big plans in the Janes household this weekend. I am helping a friend move tomorrow{ yikes } and then Dustin and I are off to the bar to celebrate Jackson's birthday with everyone. HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!!! Sunday, Dustin will be at Qwest field with the boys to watch the Seahawks kick some butt and I will be logging in some mother, daughter, sister time and playing with my new nephew pup { Koji }. I definitely see a glass of wine and my DVR in my future tonight.

Since I have been cooking a lot lately I have been searching the web for new recipes to try. It has definitely been a hit or miss situation so good thing Dustin has been open minded.

This week's "Recipe of the Week" is Parmesan and Asparagus Risotto. I have been hooked on Risotto lately and this recipe is so DELISH.


1 lb. fresh asparagus
1 med. onion (1 c. chopped)
3 tbsp. butter or olive oil & 1 tbsp. for the end
1 1/2 c. Arborio rice
1/2 c. dry white wine
5 to 5 1/2 c. chicken broth, heated to simmering
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. fresh chopped parsley
Ground black pepper

Cut up asparagus in 2 inch pieces minus the end of stems. Chop the onion. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute the onion until soft not brown (2 to 3 minutes). Stir in rice uncooked. Cook for 1 minute, stirring rice into butter and onions. Add the wine and bring to boil, stirring constantly. When most of wine is absorbed add first 1/2 cup of chicken broth.

Cook rice at gentle boil, stirring frequently. Continue to add broth in 1/2 cup portions as it is absorbed until 5 cups of broth is used up. Add the asparagus after the first 10 minutes of adding the broth. Use last 1/2 cup of broth if rice still tastes too firm. When ready the risotto will have a creamy sauce. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in remaining tablespoon of butter, Parmesan cheese, parsley and ground pepper. Serve at once. Preparation time: up to 1 hour.

{ Serves 4 }


Enjoy everyone and have an amazing weekend.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

HGTV { Inspired }

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

Lately I have been feeling inspired to redecorate our master bedroom. It is always the last room I decorate and this house hasn't been any different. Needless to say it needs help. I have been watching HGTV to get inspired and it has definitely created a monster. I am addicted!

#1 - I love the 4 framed photos (perfect for wedding photos) and the clean, simple bed frame.


#2 - The earth tones in this one are what I love. So relaxing and cool.



#3 - Perfect combination of feminine and masculine. Also, the stone wall is amazing. My next home will definitely have one.



#4 - This is my favorite. Clean, chic, cozy and the perfect place to curl up at the end of a long day. The art for a headboard, perfect for one of Dustin's pieces. Love, love, love!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

2009 Emmy Fashion { My Top 5 Faves }

Posted by Hugs, Mal!






























Mila Kunis in Monique Lhuillier

Lindsay Price in J Mendel

Kate Walsh in J Mendel

Christina Applegate in Basil Soda

Blake Lively in Versace

Tuesday

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

It is officially fall in Seattle but it still looks like it will be summer temperatures for a few more days ... YAY!

Enjoy your week everyone.

Monday, September 21, 2009

New Addition + Poll

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

Yesterday, my sister and I went to the pet store to visit my new nephew puppy. He is so adorable and sweet { hopefully his big brother Sheebz agrees }. I can't wait til he comes home this week and I can log in some serious pup time.


So now for the poll ... naming the puppy. My sister and brother in law came up with one name and I think another is MUCH better so I leave it up to you.

  • Kenji - means healthy, second son
  • Yuki (you-key) - means happiness, snow

So, what do you think???

Friday, September 18, 2009

YAY!

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

It's Friday and 2 days until the Emmy's!!



 Photo by me

This week, I finally got my Etsy shop up and running. Even better, I've sold 4 pieces so far.

This weekend we have no official plans. Amazing!!!

Unofficial plans -- make more necklaces { if I am feeling inspired } finish thank you notes from the wedding { yes, yes still not done } and stain the fence for our landlord { hopefully I can get the hubby to take over that task though }

BIG BONUS, the weather is perfect today!!! If it lasts the weekend, I will definitely be enjoying some sunshine.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. HUGS!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Happy Monday

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

This weekend was filled with good food, great weather and amazing company! Saturday morning I met up with Bria Lynn for some chocolate chip pancakes and memosas then after over indulging ourselves we hit the pool to soak up some amazing Seattle sun. I can not believe in mid-September we had weather in the mid-80's. Crazy!

Saturday night, Dustin and I hit up the Time Out in Snohomish to celebrate the 28th birthdays of Justin and Hyrum { yep, best friends and born on the same day!!! }. Definitely an evening of people watching, awesome music and a few too many pitchers of Stella.

Happy birthday again guys ...


Photo by alwaysreforming

Our Sunday was filled with endless football games in the man cave and endless Lifetime movies in the living room. We topped it off with some Parmesan Risotto and Shrimp Scampi. Delicious.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Hugs!

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Surprise!!!

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

After a lot of "fibbing", Kelli, Mom and I threw an awesome 70's themed birthday bash for Colin to celebrate his 30th birthday. He had no clue and I can't wait to get pictures of his reaction but here are some pictures I took when I wasn't busy filling up on Mexican food and playing Rock Band!

Kelli wishing us all peace

Jeffy looking fly

Travis, Eric and Liz

Birthday cake ... golf themed of course

Dizz and Jeffy

The birthday boy enjoying some wine out of a bag ... birthday gift of champs!

Colin, Matt and Bree rocking out

Can't have a 70's themed party without a disco ball

After ...

09.09.09 { MILESTONES }

Posted by Hugs, Mal!

30 years ago today, my brother in law was born... Happy, happy birthday Colin.

21 years ago today, my awesome parents got married. I can't imagine two people better meant for each other or to call Mom and Brookie. Happy anniversary and congratulations.

Love you guys!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Posted by Hugs, Mal!

I can not believe that it is already September. Summer is almost over and fall is just around the corner. Before we know it, it will be Thanksgiving, Christmas and making New Years resolutions for 2010 but the best part of early September is knowing the fair is just about here. The Puyallup Fair is one thing I have to do every year and want to spend the whole weekend enjoying it. Rides, games, exhibits, fattening food, and fun!!! I can already taste the elephant ears, curly fries, corn on the cob and my favorite... scones.

Another great thing about early September is sifting through your wardrobe and pulling out all your cozy sweaters, knee high socks, and scarves. Whenever the seasons start to change I find myself visiting my favorite clothing websites for those perfect items to add to my wardrobe. So, I leave you with some fun accesories and tops for the new season from Free People.

Happy hump day!