Rhubarb Cake with Toasted Sugar & Cinnamon Top

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The rhubarb in my yard keeps growing, and so I’ve been trying some new recipes. This rhubarb cake is another wonderful dessert. Serve with coconut milk or vanilla ice cream! 🙂

Ingredients

1/2 c butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 c buttermilk
2 c of flour (you can use white flour, I used a blend of coconut and almond flour and added some more liquid to the recipe)
2 c rhubarb, finely cut (remember to remove leaves which are very poisonous, and clean/wash stems)

Topping

1/2 c sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Cream butter and sugar, add egg
Mix other dry ingredients (flour, baking soda)
Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture with buttermilk and vanilla
Add rhubarb, mix gently
Spread in baking dish
Top with sugar/cinnamon
Bake for ~45 minutes at 350*

Magical Fog…

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We’ve had the most amazing foggy mornings lately. I guess that’s the first sign that fall is on it’s way. It’s been even more nice because it ends up blowing over and we’ve had some gorgeous sunny days that follow.

As a side note. This is the dress I wore to the hospital when I had Maya. It’s not a maternity dress, but is made out of this super soft stretchy cotton. Suffice to say, I am never getting rid of it 🙂 On me…

Jacket- StyleMint (sold out)

Dresss- T Los Angeles (old)

Shoes- ShoeMint “Zandra”

On Maya…

Jacket- H&M (sold out)

Romper- Three Little Tress (thrifted)

Boots- Xhiliration (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

I’ve been wondering recently if it’s bad that Maya and I spend so much time together. Should I expose her to more playgroups and organized activities that don’t involve me? But then I hear her giggle uncontrollably over some simple act I’ve done or hear her ask for hugs or cuddles, and I know there’s plenty of time for her to be around others. The time we have that’s just us two is special, and I’m not letting that go anytime soon. Selfish? Not sure if I care…

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Staying cool in dresses and overalls…

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I was never much of a dress girl, but am becoming one recently! I think it’s because we are having such a warm summer here in Seattle! Upper 80’s/low90’s is HOT for us, and dresses are so easy to throw on and COOL! And by that I mean temperaturewise 🙂I was trying to pose on my own, and she kept running up to me. Totally NOT complaining!!! I mean…who really likes looking at me by myself?? 🙂

Um, and her little bandaided elbow that is barely in the frame? LOVE! “Mommy, tickle me!??” And…more licking :{ Not going to lie. I was super impressed with her soccer skills! Who knew!?? I’ve never even given her one to kick around (I will NOW!), and she was a pro with this deflated basketball haha.And then an epic game of peek a boo 🙂I want to eat her up!!!Shhh! 🙂On me…

Dress- Geren Ford (old, love this one here)

Boots- Nine West (thrifted, similar here)

On Maya…

Top- Circo (thrifted, but similar here)

Overalls- Osh Kosh (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes-Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Not much to keep real. Been having really good days 🙂

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Rhubarb Sauce

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Rhubarb sauce is probably the easiest rhubarb dessert recipe to make! Rhubarb + something sweet + top with coconut milk, cream and optionally crushed almonds or something crunchy = totally yummy goodness!

Ingredients

Rhubarb – select hard crisp stems, remove leaves (very poisonous) and chop up in bite size pieces
Water
Some sweetener – honey, agave, maple syrup, cooked and pureed dates, or good old white sugar
Splash of vanilla
Coconut milk or cream (optional)
Toasted nuts or seeds (optional)

Directions

Put rhubarb and water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the pieces are starting to come apart and are soft
Add sweetener and stir until well blended
Remove from heat and add vanilla
Serve warm or cold with cream and any toppings you fancy
Enjoy!

Super mom tip: raw rhubarb pieces and rhubarb sauce both freeze very well! Make a batch of sauce and freeze in small or large containers for easy re-heating later! 🙂

Playing on the beach…

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I really need to get one of those tide schedules, because low tide in Seattle is SO amazing! Maya LOVES to run around in the water, and really….can you get a more beautiful setting?? And the shoes come off for both of us 🙂Another plug for thrift store shopping. NO worries about getting down and dirty 🙂On me…

Top- Free People (via ThredUp) similar here

Hat- Banana Republic (thrifted, similar here)

Belt- Vintage (thrifted)

Jeans- Levi’s 501 (thrifted, DIY cut off)

Shoes- Birkenstocks (20 years old, and still hanging in there!

On Maya…

Top- H&M (via ThredUp)) similar here.

Skirt- Gap (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes- Old Navy (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

As a side note. For those of you that are potty training your toddler or have a toddler that is trained, I HIGHLY recommend the Kalencom 2-in1 Potette. It’s been a LIFESAVER when we are out and about either running errands or down at the beach/park. It has legs that stand it upright, but it can also fold flat out to be put over a toilet seat. I also bought this pack of these liners. Super easy to use, and Maya loves using it. It folds up pretty small, so I just keep it in my car, or I throw it in my beach bag. Not really sure what the laws are about toddlers peeing in public haha, but that falls under the beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission category for me 🙂

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Lemon Almond Shortbread Cake aka…HEAVEN in your mouth!

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Here’s another favorite from my childhood, before anyone ever uttered Paleo or Whole30 :).

It is in no way healthy, but again…worth every caloric bite. I mean, what’s life without the occasional indulgence?? BORING 😉 Ingredients

Crust/Topping

2 2/3 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 Soft Butter
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Egg

Filling

1 Cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon lemon peel
1 Egg (slightly beaten)
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 and grease a 9 or 10 inch spring form pan
Mix crust on low either in mixer or cuisinart til it forms a ball.
Divide dough in half. Spread 1/2 in the bottom of the pan. Put other half in the refrigerator.
Toss almonds in Cuisinart until finely chopped (or buy pre diced almonds). Toss the rest of the ingredients in and blend.
Spread filling over crust to within a 1/2 inch of the edge.
Press remaining dough on waxed paper to 9 or 10 inch circle. Place over filling and press into place.
Place foil underneath pan and bake for 55-60 minutes until edges get light brown. It will leak all over your oven if you don’t.
Cool for at least 15 minutes. It keeps really well, so I even make it the night before I want to eat it, and it’s still dense and moist. YUM!!! Serve all on it’s own, or with yogurt or ice cream and some fresh fruit! ENJOY!

Good to be HOME + another entirely thrifted outfit!

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First of all…can I just say how GOOD it is to be home after being gone for 4 days??! Having an anniversary getaway with the Huz was AMAZING, and I am SO thankful to my parents for watching Maya for us. But…being gone from her for 4 days was tough! They picked me up from the airport last night and as I got in the car Maya says- “MOMMEEE!! Hi Mommy! You’re BEAUTIFUL!” Granted, it was dark haha, but still…MELT MY HEART! Good to be home…

Now, onto our regularly scheduled program 🙂 I got this entire outfit one day while thrifting at Value Village with my 30% off coupon (Minus the belt. I thrifted that on a different trip). Total outfit cost me less than $20!! Rarely do I find total outfits when I go thrift store shopping. Usually, it’s a piece here and a piece there. This was a total windfall day!

Ps-Maya is sitting in the car next to me eating her sandwich 😉These jeans are technically high waisted, but on my jumbo torso, they look more like a mid rise. I’ve mentioned before my love of shoes and taking pictures of shoes. These next three might be my all time favorites of the ones I’ve taken!!! Um, the little foot cross??!! Like I could even TELL her to do that. And the sippy cup that I didn’t quite move out of the way completely…LOVE!! And lastly…because this is how I keep Maya occupied while I take pics haha. Seemed appropriate to document it 😉 She’s always loved to sing. We do this thing now, where I imitate her for a few bars until we end in a crescendo! Maya has been wearing this top for aver a year. It started off as a tunic, and I’m sure I’ll keep having her wear it when it’s a crop top haha. I LOVE it. And yes, her entire outfit is thrifted too. I am fairly certain the entire outfit cost me less than $10 🙂 These Joe’s Jeans are size 18 month, but I scored them for $2.50, so I thought I’d give them a try. I think they make the cutest capris! And because they super stretchy and are made for a diaper but, they totally fit her comfortably 🙂On me…

Top- Abercrombie & Fitch (thrifted, LOVE this here)

Jeans- Citizens of Humanity “Carlton Retro High Rise” (thrifted, sold out, similar here)

Belt- Vintage (thrifted)

Boots- Sam Edelman “Petty Suede Boots” (thrifted for $8.40!!!)

On Maya…

Top- Crewcuts (thrifted, but loving this here)

Jeans- Joe’s Jeans (thrifted, but similar here)

Shoes- Cherokee (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

Nothing to keep real. We were away all weekend in Napa to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary and my 40th birthday. It was a magical weekend filled with wine, food, relaxation, and fun. Coming home was pretty fantastic too. Only bummer is that the Huz got a last minute apt and had to stay behind in San Francisco 😦

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

Happy Anniversary to us…

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I got married 5 years ago today. I can honestly say it was the best and most FUN day of my life. The advice I give every bride who’s wedding I shoot? Forget everything once the day arrives and enjoy it for what it is. A great big party with all of your favorite people there to celebrate you marrying the one you love. It’s as simple as that. And that is what we did…

We got married at the San Juan Vineyards, and went with a local photographer, James Krall. He didn’t have a blog or a fancy website, but I loved the way he captured people. Loved the way he captured us…

I did my own bouquet from wholesale flowers. My dress was a designer sample (no tag, so I don’t know who it’s by) from Belltown Bride. It was exactly what I wanted, only better. Kind of like the Huz 😉

Here’s a few images from that amazing day. My Mastiff of Honor…I still miss her every day. The little chapel on site held a maximum of 50 people, including us. I LOVED IT! It was so intimate and exactly what I wanted. We had a larger reception at the covered pavilion with more family and friends.

LOVE how excited the boys look up at the altar with us haha. I was trying to think of something eloquent to write, but writing isn’t exactly my forte. Precisely why I take pictures. Those tell my story for me… Then, I went to reread our vows. They said it all then and I can honestly say that they say it all now….

From this day forward I promise you these things.
I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow.
I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals.
I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement.
I will help you when you need it, and step aside when you don’t.
I will remain faithful to you for better or worse, in times of sickness and health, through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future.
You have shown me what love feels like and for that I thank you.
You are my best friend, and I will love and respect you always.

I found my other half later in life, and it was sooooo worth the wait. He doesn’t read this blog, but…love you Huz! 🙂

Strawberry, Mint and Goat Cheese Salad

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Strawberry season is in full swing – ripe, sweet, juicy strawberries. Love strawberry salads? We do too! Add some roasted chicken to make it a meal!

Ingredients

3 cups quartered strawberries (about 1 lb)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
salt/pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (tip: chill goat cheese in freezer for five minutes to make crumbling easier!) (omit cheese for dairy free and paleo)
4 cups mixed greens or spinach
1 cup cooked chicken (optional)

Directions

Combine quartered strawberries, mint, vinegar, salt & pepper and toss gently to combine
Cover and chill for an hour
Divide mixed greens on to four plates with strawberry mixture and sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese
Serve immediately
Enjoy! 🙂

An acceptable outfit that feels like pajamas? I’m IN!

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I got these pants during the last “Clear the Rack” sale at Nordstom Rack. I had meant for them to be to wear to shoot weddings. I kept meaning to test them out first (an all day wedding is NOT the time to try something new!), but just remembered about them last night. It’s been in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s lately, and these were PERFECT! They are super light weight. The flat front is flattering, yet the elastic back makes them super comfy. I originally meant them to be dressy, but threw on loose T and sandals instead. Basically, I felt like I was wearing pajamas all day. LOVE THAT! Pretty sure I will be living in these from now on haha. Oh, wall art? Don’t mind if we do haha 🙂“Maya, can you go stand under those wings?”

“They’re not wings…they’re EARS!”

Ok, then… 🙂On me…

Top- Zara (from ThredUp)

Pants- Free People (Nordstrom Rack)

Shoes- ShoeMint “Zandra”

On Maya…

Romper- Gap (thrifted)

Shoes- Converse (thrifted, but similar here)

Keeping it Real…

I love, love, LOVE that Maya is getting more adventurous! I’ve mentioned before that she’s been kind of a scaredy cat when it comes to the playground. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a catch 22. Part of me loves that she’s so scared and I don’t really have to worry about her doing anything dangerous, but part of me is so proud that she’s starting to climb more and take some risks. Go Maya!!

(all pictures taken with a self timer and tripod, except ones of Maya :))

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