Carson's 2nd Birthday

My baby is two.

My sweet turkey baby that won't stop growing despite my wishes.

We celebrated very simple this year.

With different family over several weekends.

That's how it is when you're a turkey baby.

The birthday that seems to never end. I don't think he minded.

We celebrated with Gammy, Don and Big Nana at the farm.

Then, we celebrated just the three of us on his actual birthday.

Followed by an small gathering with Nana, Papa, Uncle Ryan, Aunt Amy and Maddie right after turkey day.

 There was plenty of present-opening for this two-second-attention-span child.

 It was great practice for Christmas, which came just a mere three weeks later.

Legos, blocks, work bench and tools, cars and trucks.

He was in his element, that's for sure.

Then came time for birthday cake. 

Or store-bought cupcakes because mama was too lazy to bake after baking fall treats for neighbors and teachers, and hosting Thanksgiving.

I was worried he wouldn't eat the cupcake.

He hadn't shown much interest in the past. 

Which had me questioning if he was my child.

Without hesitancy, he chose the red velvet cupcake (mama's favorite) and we sang. 

He was fascinated with the flame and stared for a bit, but then blew it out. all. by. himself.

I was so proud.

Then, he dug in like he had never seen a cupcake before.

He was happy. We were happy.

 It was a happy day to celebrate our two year old.

Get Your Fix

I'm sulking. Pissed. Disappointed. Drowning my sorrows over the K-State loss today. Three times, seriously Cats? I'm not going to say much else about it, other than I hope the tourney has a better turnout.

Instead, I'll sit here with my glass-o-wine and reminisce the crazy Saturday night I had last weekend.

Since I was out of town on my b-day, some of my friends insisted we go out to celebrate my 27th b-day. Friends and cocktails? Ok, no need to twist my arm.

We wanted to do something a little different than the usual so we decided to go to P&L, a place we don't frequent. For all you out of towners, I'm referring to the Power & Light District, a development created to revitalize downtown KC.

While it may be a sought-after area during the day with an overabundance of great dining choices and hang out spots, by night it transforms into an interesting, trashy, Vegas wannabe (but not even close), classy establishment. Now, this is just my opinion, you don't have to agree.

Do we have fun when we go? Of course we do. We create a party. But what's even more fun? The people watching. I'm talking about pimps, hoochie-mamas, cougars and cowboys people. All in the same place. It's awesome.

We only went to two bars, but that's because our first stop, Howl at the Moon, is like an addiction you don't want to come out of. I mean, who doesn't love singing screaming the lyrics to Midnight Train and watching someone get on stage and make a fool out of themselves?

While we were there, we witnessed some old women make out (I'm talkin' upper 50s), a thug (with a cookie monster hat on) act like a pole while his wife danced on him on stage, some teeny-tiny wardrobe selections, and an old guy in cowboy boots shake his booty on stage (but it was cute:).

We had a blast. I can't get enough of the band (is that what you call them?) and all their hilarious improvisation. And the mirrored wall where you pay to have a message posted. Funny stuff.

Our second stop was PBR. Not the country music bar you would expect. The beer trough girl was dressed like Lady Gaga and had two feet of feathers coming off her head. And you wouldn't believe what some girls hoochie-mamas were doing on that bull. Utter dirtiness I say.

Alright, here's some pics from my 21st b-day. I mean, 27th. Although I did sort of act like it was my 21st.

My dear hubby, who was our DD. Bless his heart.

 There was major war going on between KU and Texas. A guy paid $300 (not kidding) to have the band end with the Texas fight song.

 

Smack shacked at our house. We stayed up until 4:00 am talking and tried to cure our hangovers with coffee and taquitos.

Bethany was excited there was someone shorter than her in the bar. Ha.

I love these joksters.

Shots for my 21st birthday:). Lemon drop, me and beth's fav.

Ha ha. Cole made me sign for my "24th" shot.

At PBR. Taking a pic when all of a sudden...

Beth's beer goes crashing to the ground. She got beer dropped by Mark.

Our friends Scott and Katie were in town from the Ta.

I don't know the random girl who decided to jump in our pic.

And that concludes my montage from our P&L night. Go get your fix. It's necessary every once in awhile. You'll laugh your ass off, that's for sure.

Age Appropriate

My birthday is in a few days and I'm not too excited about turning yet another year closer to the big 3-0.

I know I talk about my old lady syndrome, but I honestly don't feel like a 27-year old. Yeah, I've converted from a tube top to a cardigan on a Saturday night, and now fear for my hangover when I'm pressured into taking a jager bomb, but I'm young. I'm hip. I'm not a day older than 22, right?

Of course not, but really, at what age do you wake up and really feel like your age?

Speaking of an age-related topic, my friend and I just couldn't go through with it yesterday. We had a date planned to see the Bieber movie. I've never kept my Bieber crush a secret, but the thought of paying more than $5 (movies during the week are $5) to sit in a theater with a bunch of drooling teeny boppers didn't seem age appropriate.

So, we saw Just Go With It instead. It was cute and funny. A little far fetched kinda story line, but I love me some Jennifer Aniston. She is so hot. Curious though...why can't she keep a boyfriend?

Not that John Mayer can even be grouped into the same category as suitable. He's a little d-baggish. Did you see him at the Grammy's? He was posing like Johnny Depp and looked like he was on something. And for the record, I thought he was a poser before I saw it on Fashion Police.

Man, I'm all over the place today.

So, age appropriate? Thirty years ago, many 27 year-old women would have been married for 7 years by now and have anywhere between two and six children, depending on the religion. Us Catholics like to have lots-o-kids. Joking about the religion part, but there is some truth to the Catholic part...we find enjoyment in creating really big families. My daddy is one of 11.

Well apparently, 27-year-old-women of today like to stay out until 2 am and play flip cups, and snap photos of the guy holding an empty keg above his head.

But birthdays are worth celebrating. And that's exactly what we were there for. A birthday bash.

So whatever age you are, don't stress about the small things. Live it up. Laugh uncontrollably. And make it worth it. Because the truth is, it's appropriate for you and that's all that matters.

This soon-to-be 27-year-old is off to devour a new recipe: Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil. If it turns out tasty, recipe coming soon.

 

 The Birthday Boy

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Who doesn't like red velvet cake? It's probably the next best thing to chocolate.

I made these decadent beauties for my friend's birthday party get-together last night. Happy Birthday to Heather!

It was my first time making these, and I must say, they are pretty delish! When I first read the recipe, I almost ran away screaming when it didn't call for a boxed cake mix.

Yes people, I made these from scratch. I can't believe it myself so you're entitled to have reservations.

Putting the cute apron my mom made for me to good use.

She's so handy.

Here's the recipe:

Cakes:
4 ounces 62% bittersweet chocolate baking bar (I couldn't find 62% exactly, so I got 60% in the Ghirardelli brand)
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon red food coloring

Frosting: (I just used store bought cream cheese frosting to make it easy)
1 pkg (3-ounce) cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
Assorted sprinkles (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° Paper-line 18 muffin cups.

Microwave chocolate in small, uncovered bowl on high (100%) power for 45 seconds; stir. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave an additional 10-15 second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature.

Combine, flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Combine milk and vinegar in a small glass measure. Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in large bowl on high for 2 minutes. Carefully beat in melted chocolate and red food coloring. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with milk mixture. Spoon the mixture into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full.
Bake for 22-27 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Top with sprinkles, if desired.

Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla in medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy, scraping bowl occasionally. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Makes about 1¾ cups.
Tips: Store bought cream cheese frosting may be used. Frosting can be piped on for a professional look.

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We also met to watch the much-anticipated 2010 Chi-O Reunion video directed and produced by our one and only Bakian. It was freakin' awesome! What a fun way to display our trip back to the little apple.

The Little Apple=The greatest place in the world

Pre-movie

During Movie, cracking up

Post Movie