We can hardly stand the wait, please Christmas don't be late!

what a cute yet busy week! You guys know how much I fancy the Holiday season, but there's nothing like Christmas in the City..... New York City that is. You could just feel it in the atmosphere and although my Starbucks order was never less than 8 bucks.... I had a wonderful time! I have an embarrassing confession to make.. I'll only share with you guys.. As I enjoyed my lunch at a very NY corner cafe.. for just one moment... I pretended to be Carrie Bradshaw.. HA!

I surprisingly missed NC... and my little bumble bee.... and you guys.... and my pink xmas tree.

So how's the Christmas shopping going? Tell me about all of the neat, out of the box, crafty gifts you're giving this year! I could use the inspiration. I hope you all are soaking up the season and the real reason we celebrate! Donate to your favorite charity in lieu of gifts for Brody Joseph and myself*

Look closely, there are little snow flurries..... can't.stand.it!
apparently this is what goes on when mimi's away... ugg boots and dancing!

xoxo

have a great weekend!

*this does not apply to nana, papa, auntie lala, auntie cai, uncle buck, and lowellthomas*

Happy Thanksgiving, my lovies!

A day late, I know.... but we thought about you with every single bite of cranberry sauce. So, I had it all planned out. I would prepare a special mini meal just so Brody's one year old little body wouldn't have to endure the grease, gravy, and lard of Thanksgiving dinner. Don't know what I was thinking. Brody Joseph wasn't having it. As I sat beside him on the couch, plate in hand, he proceeded to dive head first into my cornbread dressing! It was hilarious. I said, "BrodyJoseph, that's very animalistic!" HA! Needless to say, we fed him lard.... and he was in heaven!

We are thankful for soooo many things, large and small! Especially my Brody Lovers! You guys are a large part of the reason I am loveloving life right now! Hope you had a lovie Thanksgiving with the ones you fancy and plenty of yummy food!

sloppy kisses (those are from brojo)

p.s. had a faux Pumpkin Spice Latte from a local gas station...... YUCK!

Pssssstt.....

Brody Joseph and I are hand making our Christmas cards this year! Can.Not.Wait to share with you lovies! Ok, back to internet surfing and Ugly Betty re-runs....

SQUEEEEEAAAAAALLLLL!

Do you guys remember when Maria Shriver was on Oprah and she talked about how her mom would have fresh baked cupcakes waiting for them after school and Oprah had her 'ahh haa' moment? I thought that was sooooo special and sweet and the prettiest little childhood memory ever! But really, who wants to bake all those cupcakes??

This week I stumbled upon a cupcake lovers dream! The cutest little cupcake shop called SAS cupcakes! I.AM.COM.PLETE.LY.IN.LOVE! I want to live there! Pleaseplease try the pumpkin cupcake with toffee icing.... or the red velvet..... I just can't stand it! I promise you wont regret your visit! The best cupcakies I've ever tasted (with the exception of Sweet C's, of course)... gogogo! 9941 Rea Road, Suite C Charlotte, NC 28277 http://www.sascupcakes.com/

I Totally Cheated.....

Hi there,

So, as excited as Brody Joseph and I were to dress up in costume and walk neighborhoods knocking on strangers' doors and asking for unrefined sugar filled candy, the Halloween weather was just too........ well, scary. I'm just getting to the point that I can admit it, but...... we did not go trick-or-treating. Not only that, but I didn't have my camera and couldn't even take pics of him in costume...... So what would any sensible mimi do?

A. Suck it up and just wait for next year's Halloween

B. Go trick-or-treating the following day and declare you forgot

C. Choose a random Wednesday night to make the poor child dress up once again so that you can take pictures and pretend this Halloween Holiday was actually eventful....

Of course, I chose Cee!!

cutest puppy ever!

fresh out of candy, but this milk would just have to do

p.s. is this masculine enough for ya, mr. burnett? :-)

p.s.s. i would like to play the "I'm a busy mommy" card please...... I'll post the B-day pics soon! scouts honor!

prettypretty.

Today was such a perfect little Autumn Sunday! Brody Joseph and I set out to have the most cliche, inside of the box, "what you're supposed to do" Sundays before the Halloween weekend EVER. And we succeeded! A day laced with gold paint, pumpkin carving, apple cider, and pumpkin spice lattes..... ahhhhhh the only thing that would have made it prettier is if my BrodyLovers would have been able to join ;-) So, enjoy the pics and Happy Sunday before the Halloween weekend!!!"Excuse me ma'am, but I'll take that little pumpkin right there in the center" :-)

Welcome little pumpkins.... we'll take good care of you!

A wonderful helper


He really thought the pumpkin goo was yucky! Similar to how he felt about smashing b-day cake...He's really a hard worker
lovelove you, Pumpkin Spice Latte... One day you and I will be together year 'round!

"Pumpkins should be scary.... not glamorous" -L.Thomas

Brody's pumpkin turned out great!

P.S. apparently, pumpkin seeds do not take very long to cook..... ah well

Hey Sweet Peas,

I just can't wait to give you the play by play run down of the BIG bday party! I'm putting it together and you'll have it soonsoonsoon. Anyway, October is starting to give December a run for its money as my favorite month! I've finally rested from the weekend of October fun and now its on to planning for Halloween! Kanaa and I decided to use the 31st to not only let the boys trick or treat in their little costumes but to celebrate the survival of the first year of mimihood! Now, I've vowed that this would be a simple little get together with plenty of laughs and tons of fun but very little dinero...... until i saw this

I can't stand it!

May I propose a toast????

Cheers to cow's milk.... to not having to break out the calculator when someone asks his age.... to food that doesn't require a blender.... to front facing car seats.... clothes without teddy bears on them.... to sippy cups and straws.... and special Cheers to having the perfect excuse to eat cake! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRODY JOSEPH!!

I've been tagged! (officially a blogger now)

What are you wearing now? MK jeans and white tank, Brody in Jeans and a wh..... wait a minute we're dressed alike!!!
How often do you blog? Not often enough :/ soweee
Who was the last person you hugged? why, Brody Joseph, ofcourse
Who is the last person you kissed? hahaha.... Brody Joseph, again!
Who is the last person you texted? my LoLo
What did it say? listed the dates and cities for the Jay-Z BP3 concert! YEAH!
What's for dinner? for me hmmmm don't know, for BJ hmmmmm don't know
What was the last thing you bought? well apart from food, some stationary from Salutations in Ballantyne
What are you listening to right now? nothing
If you could have any super power, what would it be? tough question!
What is your favorite weather, and why? oh Autumn, you all knew that... and because it's perfect
What time do you usually get up? 7:15ish
What is your most challenging goal right now? LiLi's.... totally.... never backed down to a challenge though
Say something to the person who tagged you: You're such a super star!
What movies can you watch over and over? Devil wears Prada ... and we do!
What is your favorite tea flavor? Apple Chai (insane)


ok, cupcakes I'm not tagging anyone but feel free to cut and paste
smoochies!

Excitement.

So, guests who RSVP'd for Brody Joseph's party received this message this week:

Howdy,

As we 'round up all the details for Brody Joseph's first birthday hoe down, we reckon we'll get you involved with all the fun. Show up Saturday in your best interpretation of COUNTRY CHIC attire for the chance to win a rootin, tootin, down right good prize!

see yall there,

YEEEEE HAWWWW

Ok, so for all the guest who were slightly confused about this COUNTRY CHIC attire, here ya go!

hope this helps, cowboys and cowgirls!

cutest thing i've seen all day

2 1/4 c. sifted cake flour
2 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. oil
2 large eggs
1/2 c. canned pineapple, diced and patted dry
1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
Splash of dark rum (optional)
2 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped vanilla frosting:
1/2 bag of shredded coconut
Maraschino cherries, drained and dried

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan with baking cups.Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.Combine rum and coconut milk in small bowl, mix to combine and set aside. Place sugar and oil in mixer and mix until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and coconut milk mixture alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in vanilla and fold in pineapple.Spoon batter into prepared pans. Sharply tap the pans once on counter top to remove air bubbles. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on wire racks, and remove from pans. Cool completely on wire racks.When cupcakes are completely cool, frost with whipped vanilla frosting and roll tops in shredded coconut.Top each with a cherry.Serve with cut straws for a fun presentation!

Baby Aiden Turns One!

So, Aiden took over the world yesterday and made it super cute! Brody's bff and god brother celebrated his very first Birthday in the jungle!!! YAY! Lions and monkeys and bears were everywhere..... the kids moon bounced and munched on cake and pizza..... check out some of the pics!

you all know how much I lovelove cupcakes! Aren't they just darling!

Aiden had no trouble taking care of his cake!



Brody Joseph's party hat made me smile

Aiden in one of the moon bounce thingies... tons of fun
Aiden gave great party favors! Check out mr.cool's sunglasses! Thanks Aye!

Ok Lovelies, have a wonderful autumn sunday filled with apple cider and the aroma of cinnamon

crystal

Dear Brody Lovers,

I miss you! Let's be friends again.... Like we use to.... when we'd chat a few times a week. When I would have NEVER skipped out on letting you know about Brody's first steps.... or his latest visit to the retirement home.... or how he spent his First first day of Autumn.... Let's rekindle our love! Soon, my wonderfuls, soon....

p.s. no one could ever take your place :)

xoxo
crystal

Bebes Who Lunch

My favorite duo dined this holiday weekend and they were as cute and funny as ever. I think they recognize each other and are starting to accept this arranged bro-mance! The best friends have grown sooo much and it's funny to watch them around the same stages in life at the same time. Kanaa and I both had to push our plates far away as they quickly grabbed for the food as soon as it arrived. LOL.... funny little men.... And these guys don't stand for happy meals.... Only the finest..... Ahhhhh I just love them..... obsessed times a million!

Oh, and how rude of me..... HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

Brody Joseph fancies the Bookstore!

Like mother like son...

"Excuse me, ma'am, where'd you get those lashes"?

Happy dreary, rainy, sleep-in Monday!

Hope you all had a dreamy weekend! This weekend was really exciting for me as I had fantastic plans of dinner and theater (the Color Purple.... I know I'm like two years behind). With this HOT evening planned I wanted to be nothing less than a doll! So I set out to purchase faux lashes! While walking through Belk the pushy make-up gal at the Benefits counter insisted I come over and try their new cheek stain because Beyonce and Madonna were wearing it. Needless to say, I went right over.... While I was there, the pushy sales gal insisted I also try their "fake lash in a bottle" mascara. Sooooooooo glad I did!! It's totally my new favorite! One of my closest friends thought my lashes were fake. And the beau.......... well, he didn't notice at all. BUT, trust me, this is a must have.

Scene from the musical with Shug Avery in the juke joint

there would be no need for this post if we only had this guys lashes!

Back 2 School

So, I was told it's not cool to carry your lunch to school anymore....... YEAH RIGHT!!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to Me!!!!!!!!

So, everyone knows Brody Joseph's Auntie, Yolanda, luvs luvs luvs Sephora! And she should..... great store! Anyway, today BroJo and I visited South Park and decided to stop by Sephora to check out the latest in cosmetics... When we approached the counter to make our purchase, the super cute sales rep asked, "Do you have a rewards card with us"? Hmmmmm, I thought to myself. I don't have one but I bet I know who does.... "Yes ma'am," I said, thinking I'd get some sort of discount. "OK, What is your name," said the super cute rep. "Yolanda..... Yolanda Broadie.... Y-O-L-A-N-D-A." Needless to say, she IS a member. However, members don't get discounts :(

"Yolanda, you have a birthday on Monday!"

"Yep"

"We have a gift for you!!!!"

"Umm Hmm" (fighting the laugh)

I'm now the proud owner of....not one.....but THREE lip glosses!! Turns out, identity theft does not get you a discount at Sephora, but it does get you a birthday gift!!!

Hi my lovelies!

So, I don't think I need to make an announcement, but...... I don't have an infant anymore!! Brody Joseph is such an independent MAN now! And he gets sweeter and sweeter every single day!! Can you even believe he's 10 months+ already!!? I can't! I'm knee deep in 1st birthday party plans and loving every single minute of it! As you read in the previous post, those coos and yaaas are starting to form audible sounds that actually make sense to me. The only thing is, Brody Joseph does things in his own timing. You should dare not ask him to, "Say Byeeee, Brody" He'll look at you as if you have two heads. Oh but when he feeeeellllss like it, he'll part those sweet lips and actually speak the words! I just love it! As his personality becomes more and more defined, I enjoy him more and more..... and so does the Trader Joe shoppers, Panera Bread eaters, church members, fellow strollers and anyone else in his path....

Hey Hey Hey!

I love you guys....... REALLY!! Mean it!!!!

So my schedule is super jammed packed lately and I haven't been able to update! :( But I miss you.... and I miss sharing..... and there's sooooo much to share.... and so much to hear about..... Anyway, I had to let you guys know (so that you can mark your calendar) Brody Joseph spoke his first word today!!!!!! Can't wait to give the details! But as I fight to keep my eyes open from an overworked hectic day..... I'll have to save the juicy details for later.

Smoochies

Forgot to mention.....

Brody Joseph 93 and I were invited to a 999999963 special dinner party this week by our absolute favorite retirement village! You can only imagine the excitement. Anyway, the dinner was just lovely (as expected). Much to my surprise 'guess who' was recognized 999999999 for being the youngest volunteer! I was sooooo proud of the little butterfly! 958888Congratulations Little Man! I just luuuuuvvvvvvvv you!9

The Villages' regional director, activities director, and director

The lad and I

By the way: Brody keyed all of the numbers

Note to self: Blog during nap time...

The Tragedy of the Elizabeth Taylor book....

So, I've been the proud owner of the Elizabeth Taylor collector's edition book for the past, ummmm, I don't even remember how many years. I caught it on sale at Barnes and Noble back when I was in undergrad. Brody Lovers, that was some years back (you'd better be gasping in disbelief as you thought it was just last year). Anyway, Elizabeth (I want to call her Lizzy) and I have gotten along fine through the years. She lived on my bookshelf until she decided to adorn my coffee table. Every now and then a guest would peruse her pages and Lizzy enjoyed that. A simple life she had. Until yesterday.... Lizzy met her fate.... Brody Joseph.

I sat on the couch. Laptop.... well.... in lap. Brody Joseph happily playing in his walker. Everything normal until the piercing sound of ripped paper filled the air. The culprit... Brody Joseph - smiling. The victim...Elizabeth Taylor - decapitated.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Autumn

Ok, not really but, gosh, I'm so excited about the fall!! The nip in the air, apple cider, the brightly dressed trees, football season, Brody Joseph's b-day.... and most importantly.... THE WARDROBE! Yes, I know it's only July but you know how fast these months go by. So, I'm inspired! Not only to create my own chic look (squeal with excitement) but the fall look of a toddler boy! Now, we all know shopping for little boys is much harder than shopping for little girls. Especially little boys like Brody Joseph. But, with a vision and a little determination, we can make it happen! I pulled a few looks to help us get started.... whatcha think???

There’s No Place Like Home

You know how every once in a while you smell a certain fragrance or taste a certain flavor that wraps you up and whisks you away to yesteryear. It takes you back to the time and place you were when that taste or fragrance was prevalent. I LOVE THAT! Well I took a yummy trip back with a visit with Auntie Thelma, Brody Joseph’s great great auntie. We listened to several wonderful tales and shared countless laughs. With a mind as sharp as a tack and a memory twice and good as mine, Auntie Thelma shared eighty year old stories and even reminded me of things about myself I had so conveniently forgotten. I can’t quite put the feeling into words but it was very similar to towels straight from the dryer on a winter’s night. It feels like home to me.

I just love my Auntie Thelma and her fabulous cheek bones!

I Just Can't Live Without You! Part 1

Butterflies!!!

How are ya? So, I know it's been over a week, but my notebook (aka lifeline) came down with a nasty NASTY cold and was hospitalized for a few days. Needless to say, we're back up and running and ready to blog. So, I compiled a short list of items necessary in a chic Mommy's life. Of course we don't have the time nor gigabytes to list them all but hope these help!

Chic Mommy Must-Haves

1. A hands-free baby carrier

I just love these! Of course Brody Joseph would just stare at me if I tried to put him in it now... but, it was great while it lasted...

2. A quality at home spa set

Just in case two weeks turns to four turns to eight.... your toes shouldn't have to suffer... neither should the person sleeping beside you!



3. A knock-out dish everyone loves!

You'll find yourself invited to more and more brunches, play-dates, meet and greets, etc... find something quick, easy, and Goooood you can perfect and whip together at the drop of a dime!

4. Magic Eraser

You'll understand this one when you notice the sweet potato hand print on your living room wall!

5. A sexy yet forgiving dress

Michael Kors

6. At least one good-looking lounge out-fit...

so that you can go from home to the grocery store to the bank to Michaels....

7. At least one indulgence

Mine would be an asiago cheese bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers... YUM!