June 27

June 26

June 21

June 19

June 15

June 12

Photo Shoot: Katherine

My computer contains so many images of Katherine looking gorgeous that it’s kind of ridiculous. I’m pretty sure Katherine doesn’t have the ability to take a bad photo!

I had been looking for a model to take around town and Katherine is at that point in life where she needs senior portraits—it was a win-win situation. Plus we truly enjoy each other and the conversation with her (and her sisters) is always a pleasure. Thanks, Katherine, for a great photo shoot on Sunday!

Bridal Shower & Raspberry Truffle Fudge

I’ve known Ashley since she was a peanut of a kid, so it was extra special to help host a bridal shower for her last week. I like these images of the party and wanted to share them here.

The square candies picture above are Raspberry Truffle Fudge. It’s the simplest candy recipe I’ve ever made (seriously) and it tastes amazing. I’ve posted the recipe on Needs More Butter, but wanted to list it here as well:

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
salt to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup raspberry flavored liqueur
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Spray a 9×9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray, and line with wax paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 cups chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in microwave until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it scorch. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Spread into pan, and cool to room temperature.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream, liqueur, and 2 cups chocolate chips. Heat in microwave until the chocolate melts; stir until smooth. Cool to lukewarm, then pour over the fudge layer. Refrigerate until both layers are completely set, about 1 hour. Cut into 1 inch pieces.

**Based on others’ reviews, I exchanged seedless raspberry jam for the raspberry-flavored liqueur. I simply melted the jam in the microwave and made the easy substitution. Also, I drizzled more melted jam on top of the fudge. Mmm, mmm good!!

Spring at the Zoo

There are new things at the zoo this year…

And old things too.

We had fun playing with the fastest two year old on the planet…

And her baby brother, a bonafide member of the Two Finger Suckers Club. Just like Liv.

Happy Earth Day, and happy spring!

The Young Redbud

The magnificent purple trees you see around town right now are redbuds. Some are quite large, but most are smallish trees. And they are absolutely gorgeous this time of year.

A few years back, our friend Karma gave us a teeny tiny redbud. It looked like a weed of a tree and was so small we had to mark it in the garden so that we wouldn’t accidentally step on it or pull it up. But Karma told us that this tree would grow successfully—and she was right.

Finally our tree, now as tall as the garage, has actual red buds on it. It’s taken three years (or it is four?), but we’re seeing the trademark blossoms. And we’re enjoying them like the proud parents we are.

I love this season. Have I said that before? ; )