Boys, Boys, Boys

Yep - we are surrounded by boys. Two on the left, three on the right...stuck in the middle with you. Oh wait, that is another song and another story.

After I wrapped up work this afternoon, we (the girls, Gagi and me) ventured next door. We encountered six boys playing baseball, soccer and some random sports that involve balls but probably don't have any names. Ellery approached confidently with her mermaid barbie in hand, her green flirty skirt twirling and her jelly shoes on. These six boys weren't about to intimidate her. Vaughan entered saying "hi, hi" followed by "shnack, shnack" translated this means - hello, I really want some goldfish.

There was some talk of ex-girlfriends (mostly from the 7 and 9 year olds) and some talk of no girls allowed (except for the McKnight ladies) and then, we took to the road. Me, Elle and the Vaughanerator meandered down the street and around the block. The air was crisp, the grass was a clean, vibrant green and the girls were loving it - and each other, I might add. It is amazing how well these girls love each other -- especially when there are no other girls in sight - at least not on this block.

And so, home we came, dinner was had, baths were taken and another night was lived. All in all, no complaints from anyone but we sure do miss Daddy.

Crumbs

It was a delightful weekend. The weather was supposed to be overcast and rainy -- booo. But, who said those meteorologist know anything? They were wrong - the sun shined bright all weekend long.

Saturday morning brought a visit from Maximus. The girls anxiously greeted him on the porch. They were excited to see another person their size. And while I think he might have been overwhelmed initially, the McKnight ladies won him over. Ellery proudly showed him her new house and Puddles was quick to point out her many babies she had littered around the house and yard. And before we knew it, we were all in the pool.

Gagi and I snuck away Saturday night with Irena and Tokyo and enjoyed a fine meal at the Tuscan House. The food was good and the company was even better. With full bellies and tired eyes we were all happy to find our way home.

And while I would like to say I woke up Sunday morning bright and early with the girls...that would be a lie. Gagi gave me the gift of sleep and sleep I did until 10:30AM! Wowsers. I must have been tired. Ellery and I adventured to Amaganset to pick up Alex. Ellery entertained us both with her fabulous singing and then impressed Alex with her swimming skills.

And to finish off the weekend, Danielle returned from the city with these fabulous cupcakes from Crumbs. We are all still licking our lips!

In between the swimming, eating, playing and singing...the girls keep asking where their Dada is?? I think sweet V is super confused. We are counting down the days for Daddy's arrival!

Southampton

So, here we are at the beach. See me? In the upper right hand corner? What, you can't make me out?

That's probably because this IS NOT what the beach has looked like here this week. You see, we came to the beach just in time for some rain and a cold snap.

Here's to hoping the cold snap snaps right on outta here soon!

Oh what a day to celebrate!

It truly was a day to celebrate -- both of my charming children granted me my wish -- they slept late. After we fed ourselves, journeyed outside, and tried to let the Knight sleep, we brought him breakfast in bed.

The girls played in the backyard and waited for Pop Pop, Uncle Jared and Uncle Tony to arrive. And play they did in the hot, sticky heat while Uncle Jared tended to the ribs on the grill for what seemed like the better part of the day.

It was finally time to open presents. The girls were excited to show Pop Pop what they made for him (a picture.)

And what better way to finish the night then to pile on Uncle Jared. And, I will have you know, that while not pictured...the sweet Vaughanerator "shared" her Stinky Pig with Uncle Jared.

Somehow this is how things ended. Two naked babies with not a stitch of clothing on. Which worked out well, because these ladies needed a tub.

Cupcake

Quite recently, I have become slightly obsessed with cupcakes....making them, decorating them, and (of course) eating them. So, when I stumbled upon this.....

on PoppyTalk I was immediately drawn in. This delicious porcelain cupcake was created by KG & AB. Not only is it exquisite to look at - it opens up and you can stash secret goodies inside too.  The best part, because it is inedible -- it will last longer than a day.

What would you hide inside this treasure?

Kitchens

I am drooling over this kitchen designed by Erika of Urban Grace Interiors.



This kitchen is at a beach house and the sea foam green walls are perfect. There is space for a tv to be mounted on the facade of the vent hood (it will be covered by retractable art work).

I love the double sinks and the double refrigerators even more. Who doesn't need more fridge space, right?



This is the butler's pantry. Not only is it spacious, it is beautiful too.



Finally, my favorite part, the office. Give me this office right off this gorgeous kitchen and I can ensure you all bills will be paid on time. The grass cloth adds some texture for interest and the simplicity and clean lines of the light fixture are spot on.



Did you notice the desk top and the floors? They are reclaimed wood from an old cotton mill in Albany. I. Want. Those. Floors. I can just imagine how they feel on the feet. Smile.

Ready, Set.. Let's Save the World

These days Ellery is all about dress-up.  Really anything will do, as you can see from the picture above.  One minute she is a fairy princess and the next she is a super hero saving the World.

What will she be next?

Summer = Fireflies and Fairy Cakes

It hit me this weekend....summer is here. Ellery and I kicked off the weekend by whipping up some Fairy Cakes. If you are looking for an easy cupcake recipe, look no longer.



Introducing Nigella Lawson's Fairy Cakes


Recipe yields 12 regular size cupcakes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
7 Tablespoons sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup self-rising flour
*1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-3 Tablespoons milk

Directions :Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with baking paper cups. Put all the ingredients except for the milk into a food processor and blend until smooth. Pulse while adding the milk down the funnel to make for a soft consistency. (I added milk until the consistencyt was drippy) It doesn't seem like enough batter, but it will all work out, scrape every bit from the bowl and try to fill each cup equally.

Bake for 15-20 or until they are golden on top. Cool on a wire rack, but remove from the tin as soon as possible.

For the icing:
2 cups of powdered sugar
enough milk to get the right consistency
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract




Sunday night, after everyone was bathed and Vaughan was asleep, we snatched Ellery from her bed and took her back outside to find fireflies.










image from apartmenttherapy.

The End