This was my first attempt at making Boston Creme Pie. I made it for a co-worker's birthday, his request. Other than I think I need to test my oven (I had to bake the cake almost double the time the recipe listed), it wasn't that difficult and it turned out to be pretty yummy!!
The recipe is from the February 2012 issue of Food Network Magazine. Find it online here.
Got to spend a weekend in Okoboji with Dan while he is in Northern Iowa for a clinical rotation. As is customary with lake trips, it's always beautiful on the day you leave for home. I think it's so you have to remember to relax....
Dan is gone on his six week clinical rotation, and I find myself without someone to cook for. So I return to some crafts that were set aside and now can be finished!
I finally took down our winter wreath in hopes of making a springy one. I decided that with my track record, I better make a wreath that could last through summer if necessary!!
I wish there was a store I could find all my favorite materials in one place at a cheaper price. I was lucky with coupons this time and found all of my things at Michaels for about $20. I could have run all over town and spent a little less, but I would have wasted gas and time so I stuck with Michaels.
I love the end product. Yarn wreaths are an easy weekend project, especially if there are a few movies you want to watch and have the time! I wrapped about half the wreath on Saturday and finished wrapping and putting on the flowers and pearls on Sunday.
We'll see if I end up making a summer wreath :)
I became an aunt yesterday!
Ryan Michael McClelland was born Sunday, March 25 at 5:09 pm, weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz and 20.5 inches long. Dan and I are so proud to be an aunt and uncle! I can't wait to spoil this little guy with auntie love!
So it wasn't a real family reunion, but Drake Choir was my family for four years, so the reunion was like going home. I really miss my Des Moines girlfriends too, so another kind of family was reunited as well
Friday night was girls' night out, and I got to see all my favorite friends from Des Moines. I was telling Dan the other day the only thing I would miss about Omaha would be Whole Foods. My friends told me that Des Moines is getting a Whole Foods this summer!! I would love to move back to Des Moines, but that just sweetens the pot :)
I miss these girls so much, and I love hanging out with them! It was a Coach girls reunion, too!
Me, Bonnie and Leah
The beautiful Lani, who graciously let us stay at her place for the weeend!
I guess this means it was a good night!
Lani, Dan and I went to Baby Boomer's for breakfast on Saturday morning. This is the restautant that President Obama always visits when he's in Des Moines for a chocolate chip cookie. It was pretty darn good!
I then went to my dear friend Ellen's jewelry boutique, Leona Ruby. This boutique is absolutely darling. Everything is white and grey, and the jewelry and accessories is of course amazing. I bought a pair of navy pearl studs, a fun flower for my hair and a pair of camera earrings for Christina.
Then it was of to Drake for a reception, rehearsal and concert. It was surreal to be back on Drake's campus, back in Sheslow auditorium, standing on the risers with my folder and music in front of Dr. ABC, and so good to see these people again.
Sorry for the not-so-great picture on these videos, I was more concerned with capturing the audio.
Os Justi
Shenandoah
The concert was great, and of course, the trek to The Lift was inevitable.
Marcus came from Boston just to see me. Or probably for Dan, realistically.
The Hoff. How could you not love someone who speaks fluent German and has spent the night at ABC's house!?
Sweta Soni. A little slice of heaven.
I miss all of you terribly, and hope that it isn't another four years before I see you all again!
My mom and aunt told me about this recipe from The Novice Chef, and I decided it would make super cute treats to take to work.
These are Marbled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, and I used smaller cookie cutters to make them into bites. Enjoy the day of love!
I'm currently reading The Nazi Officer's Wife by Edith Hahn Beer, and what an amazing story! A Jewish woman living in Austria escapes certain deportation and potential death by marrying a Nazi. When he visits her in Vienna, he stays in the Hotel Wandl.
I had the opportunity to stay in Vienna at Hotel Wandl in 2008 during the Drake Choir Euopean tour. I couldn't believe that I had stayed in the very same place and had a connection to this woman.
Beautiful courtyard in the center.
Edith Hahn Beer was incredibly brave in one of the darkest times Europe has ever seen. I really enjoyed her story and feeling a connection to the past, however small.
I'm heading to Des Moines next weekend for a Drake Choir reunion and I'm so excited to sing with these people again!! Drake Choir was my family for four years, and I miss them all terribly. Reading this book and being reminded of a little Viennese hotel brought back memories of some of the best times of my life.
Isn't it funny how we're all connected?
