Hello Cupcake!

I'm spending a lovely evening in baking up a storm while my honey's been cooking a big new year's eve dinner for the two of us. Last year was the first year I had made a New Year's resolution that was not only constructive, but realistically attainable. This year, I'll up the ante from learning 8 new recipes to learning 9 new recipes. I figured there was no better way to get off to a good start then by taking a stab at making cupcakes and frosting from scratch.

I got a cupcake decorating set for Christmas this year (something I've been wanting to play around with) and had the perfect night to sit down and do exactly that. I've never made any baked goods that weren't from a box before, so this was quite a personal feat! I made my favorite kind of cupcake, red velvet, and used this recipe from Paula Deen on the Food Network. Yes, there were 2 whole sticks of "buttah" involved in the making of said cream cheese frosting..."Hey y'all."
The night before January 1st counts as one of my new recipes for the new year, right? Right...only 8 to go!

Headed back to NYC...

Here's leaving you with a little candy cane til we meet again...

Boxing Day Sale at Contrary!

In honor of Boxing Day and in an effort to offer some end of the year deals to all of my dearest, all items located in the "Boxing Day Sale" section of the shop will have an additional 30% taken off when you enter the code "boxing day" in the message to seller section of checkout. After checkout, wait for a revised Paypal invoice reflecting your discounted order price!

Sale lasts through Midnight Friday, December 26th.
Happy Shopping!

A very merry new generation

I got to meet little Virginia this past weekend over at my sister's house. Everything is well and they are all getting settled just fine. She was decked out in pink from head to toe and is destined to be spoiled. I can't wait to partake. When thinking of her, I cannot help but deny the fact I am in a new generation in my family now.

Dear Virginia,
Meeting you touched me in a way I cannot describe. I only hope I can do being your aunt justice and will try my best to make the very best memories with you.

A very Happy Christmas to each of you today.
xoxo

3 year boots

I've been on the prowl for the perfect pair of boots for three years now. There were a couple stipulations they had to meet and nothing would do until this point. They had to be tall, plain, (not too dark or too light) brown, leather, and in an equestrian style of flat boot.

Mary meet your boots:

I spotted them a while back at Urban Outfitters and tucked them in the back of my mind. On a late night visit to see if they were still in stock online, I found a pleasant surprise! They were on sale...and there was no turning back.

Hello World!

Miss Virginia Elizabeth is here and is hamming it up already! She arrived at 3:15 this morning, is 7 pounds 6 ounces, 19 inches long, and just perfect.

I'm up here in NYC so I couldn't go to the hospital to see her. I'll be heading down this weekend to meet her in person. For now, I sent in my trooper to get the good shots and send them my way asap (thanks sweety!). Go see all of my doting aunt photos over here if you find her as captivating as I do!

xoxo