Out and About

Today I spent the day in the heart of funky Portland with a girlfriend from school, Rachel. She lives in a really great (and festive) part of town. For lunch we went to a chill place called the "Laughing Planet".




It was such a great atmosphere, really earthy and laid back. I had the most amazing spinach and black bean burrito, with pico de gayo. I love hot sauce like crazy, and they gave me some of the most fierce hot sauce ever.



Rachel and I played a marble game while waiting for our food to come out. We sat underneath a big umbrella, and played and ate. It was really nice to be able to visit with one of my girlfriends again. Definately reminds me that I need make more of an effort to spend time with my ladies, because today was lots of fun.



I am constantly surprised at all of the neat places I am finding in Portland. This summer is definitely shaping up to be a great one. I want to explore every little corner of PDX. Unlike most cities (which are filthy and disgusting) Portland has an energy and scene that cant be matched



Next Week's Adventure:

Pix Patisserie where they have tons of yummy treats, perfect for a lady like me!



PS we got the pool up and are loving getting off work and jumping right in! We are teaching Lily to swim better. haha

Secret Dessert

This weekend is the birthday of Stephanie, (turning 30) a friend of ours.

She doesn't usually like sweet things (weird right? haha)but now that she is just past 8 months pregnant she is craving them more.

They were also at the BBQ at M & T's, and Stephanie ended up falling in love with my Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake.


Her husband (Truman) got a hold of me around Tuesday and asked if I would make her a special one for her birthday. I love making things for friends, so I decided it would be something fun to do. I dropped it off with Truman at 6 this morning, so he could hide it and suprise her tomorrow night, at her suprise party!

It was really fun and kept me busy for a little bit.

Tutting along...

Loving this summer!

Been plucking away at home sketching cakes and working on a secret project. One of my friends wanted me to make a very special treat for another one of our friends. So I will be working on that for the next 2 nights. Fun! Ill put pictures and the story up this weekend...when its safe!


P.S. I have the most GIANT mosquito bug bite ever on my arm. Driving me nuts!

I have been cooking a little bit more than usual. Ive worked out a low-step system for about 10 different gourmet recipes and have been having a blast. Plus I got some cute new robins egg blue plates that make everything look better.



(Can you tell I spend a lot of time cooking in there? Definitely lived in!)

Last night I made some killer crab cakes.



Now normally I hate all things like green onions and celery. But I personally think that crab cakes need a little crunch to break up the texture a little. So I like to add in chopped up jalapenos. I also like 3 parts fresh jalapeno juice versus 2 parts Worshtecier sauce.

So good.

Other than that, we have just really been enjoying our summer together. I love being in our house. Now that we dont have white walls EVERYWHERE, I really enjoy spending time here.






And Ive been really into Gladiolus lately. THey are all over our house right now.

Life Lately

This entire post will have no quality photos, only grainy cell phone ones....are you excited? Okay.....so whats been going on with us?

1. Lily went to the vet and we found out that she is now 73 lbs.



2. Hyrum broke his toe (making an already super deformed looking toe that much more handsome)



3. Been having a blast at work and working hard



4. Been baking a lot for Hyrum as well (and the 4th of july BBQ)

(a) Delicious cinnamon rolls for Hy's breakfast



(b) Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake for our big BBQ with friends



5. I found one of my most favorite pictures (Man I sure miss him)

Top 10 Reasons I Am Crazy For Hyrum Johnson

1. He makes a KILLER hash-attack breakfast.

2. He is the most understanding and kind man I have ever met.

3. My whole family adores him.

4. He supports my dreams and helps me get there when it seems too far away.

5. He asks for my opinion and actually listens to it.

6. When I am in a foul mood, he just laughs it off and makes me feel better.

7. He thinks everything I bake for him is brilliant.

8. He has seen how weird I am and actually wants to have babies with me!

9. He is a hard worker who will always do whatever it takes for our family.

10. He is a stone cold fox ;)