The Bubbas - A name evolution

I don't nearly talk as much about my cats, as I do talking to them. We have conversations every morning usually along the lines of...

Me: Did you sleep good last night? (and yes, I know it should be "well" and not "good")
Hazel: mrrrrow
Me: That's good to hear! Are you ready for breakfast?
Hazel: mmmyow, purr-rowa
Oliver: ea-ehh-eee-eh

A little later on that morning, Hazel and I usually talk about the birdies outside the kitchen window, and what our plans are for the day. Also, I initiate several more exchanges with their many variations of names. Before the time of Hazel, it was Oliver and Hootie, "the boys". That didn't work once Hazel came around, so it then morphed to "the bubbas".  Now, Oliver is the bubbs, Hazel is boo, and I am surprised they know I am talking to them and still come running when I call their names!

Anywho... they've been cuddly the last few days, so I've taken a few pictures and would like to share them with you

 Sleepy upside down Hazel-boo

Oliver-bubba getting his belly rubs!

Oliver must have sensed my loving thoughts about him. Because he laid right on my arm and in my lap while I was typing this post. Love that cuddle buddy!

Incredible Edible Cake

Our wedding cake was a-maz-ing! It froze so well and that yummy cake lasted all week! (I am tempted to buy another every time I go to publix).

 

The foil and saran wrapped cake

It was still dotted, but a big piece of icing was missing from our cake topper

We actually had to pry off the piece of plastic that was at the top of the cake. It was used to stabilize the cake for the topper, but had columns going into the cake itself, so it was cumbersome to remove.

Yummy!

I wish I could eat a piece right now! (Yes, at 8:30 in the morning).

Wedding Memories

Sunday is our first wedding anniversary. I can't believe a whole year has flown by already! I am working on a recap video and posting all the pictures I've never quite sorted through on facebook, but here's one of my favorites.

Alicia Biehl Photography

I know, it's not even a picture of me and my hubby. It's of the maid of honor and best man right before they made their entrance to the reception. I love the motion of Alix's dress as she's dancing, and Mike standing perfectly still making that ridiculous excited smiley face that my husband and all of his brothers make. That picture always makes me smile and think of how lucky I am to have been born into and married into such wonderful families!

Wedding Memories Video

I just remembered that I needed to share my complete wedding memories video with you all! Enjoy!


Wedding Memories from Brittany on Vimeo.

Paper Blueberry Anniversary

Today marks the beginning of our second year as husband and wife. It's our first anniversary, and according to the traditional anniversary gift list, it is our paper anniversary. Bobby and I both made each other presents this year, in hopes of saving a few extra dollars towards our to-be-determined summer vacation. Our paper presents were also both origami!

Bobby made me a beautiful bouquet

I created a poster, with "I love you" and a heart in origami letters.  No picture of that though..

 Today we went blueberry picking. The first batch of the season was ready for picking, and after we took a "scenic drive" (which may or may not be the same as "getting lost") we found the farm and ending up picking 7 pounds of berries!

 love him :)

Tonight we will be going to Napolatano's (who catered our reception... delicious italian food!) for dinner. For dessert is the top tier of our wedding cake, and our last bottle of wedding champagne. I will keep you all updated on whether or not our cake was edible :)

Crochet Lesson Learned: Always count your stitches

Since winter I have searched for a simple, yet still cute, knit or crochet pattern for slippers. I finally found one! My first pair was definitely practice... one, because I hope to make a pair for a friend as a gift, so I wanted to practice on a pair for myself. Two, because they didn't turn out quite like they should, so I have a few adjustments to make on the next pair.

I found the pattern via Ravelry, and was brought to ohmygoodknits! for the pattern. Super simple, and they probably would have come out perfect with a more experienced hand. My biggest lesson learned - always count my stitches. I ended up restarting my first slipper because somehow I added 20 or so extra stitches to the toe. :/

The adjustments I will make on the next pair:
- adjust the yarn/hook for tighter stitches
- perhaps not make the last increasing row in toe
- to adjust for the finishing border, leave more toe stitches unstitched, to allow for narrow feet and a wider space on top.
- when increasing rows for the size of your foot, make one less row than you think, because the yarn will stretch, and making it as long as your foot in the first place results in too-big slippers.

The dancer in me also thinks these would be great for dancing in. Changing the yarn would make them more or less slippery.

Agenda for today: house hunting! Bobby and I finally have an appointment to see a house we're interested in, so hopefully this marks the up swing of our house hunting adventure.

Fabulous Dinner Creation

Since my brother-in-law and his wife, M2 (read M-squared) moved back to Gainesville this past winter, we've started a tradition of Saturday dinners.  We are often joined by their neighbors, and my contribution to the dinners has always been dessert. I am the baker of the three wives, and my friends are definitely much more talented with the savory food items. I am often inspired by their farmer's market meals, so today I experimented for dinner with my fresh green beans and a purple pepper.

This idea originated from M, so I can't take the credit. And I did some recipe reviews on All Recipes to find some common ingredients. Here's the final result, and I must admit, that it is surprisingly delicious.

Honey Garlic Glazed Green Beans and Peppers with Orzo Pasta

I don't think I am going to veer from my love of baked goods, but I am excited to try a few new things in the kitchen :)

My recipe: Saute the peppers and green beans in a pan, add garlic and honey. Cook until the beans are crisply tender. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with al dente orzo pasta. Yum!

Twin Hats

My latest crochet project, twin hats for twin boys! My wonderful friend, E, recently found out that she had two little men on the way. My next trip to Michael's, I found some boy-colored Lily cotton yarn and found a simple pattern for crochet newborn hats.

I first found this pattern through Ravelry, and I was then brought to Imagine for the wonderfully easy pattern that this beginning crocheter needed. I highly recommend this pattern for an easy newborn hat. I am also looking for easy patterns for some matching booties, and I know I will find something on ravelry. I can't wait to meet the little men and see how handsome they are in their hats!