My baby sister went away to college last week and she starts classes tomorrow. I remember so clearly went she was a bitty baby. Just so adorable. And when she was old enough to walk she would take a run at me and give me a giant hug any time I came to visit. She grew up into a kind and wonderful young lady who I am proud to call a sister. KB, if you are reading this, I love you and I hope your first day is the first of many great days at college.

When I was in grade school we were given the task of inventing something to solve a problem. Being all of 10 at the time I decided I wanted to be able to make a batch of brownies that would all have sides because everyone knows that the chewy sides of a brownie are the best part. I took a few aluminum baking pans and with adult supervision cut them and put them back together so that all the brownies would have two sides. I don’t remember exactly how the whole thing went down, I do remember there were a lot of rejects that made their way into the teacher’s lounge despite wanting to share them with the class. Well wasn’t I surprised to read that Megan at Not Martha has been baking up a storm with a Baker’s Edge Pan! Who knew I was such a visionary at 10? If only I had thought to patent my invention… I have to say that this version is a bit sturdier and has less sharp edges than my version. I may just have to get one.

Although I am eating a cupcake right now, I am craving a cupcake from Magnolia Bakery. I admit that I have only been there once, but the cupcakes were outstanding. As usual it was super crowded so once we grabbed our cupcakes M left me to pay. I had to kind of fight my way outside since there was a line of people trying to cram in. I noticed that finally there was someone giving me the chance to come out and once out I spotted M and walked over. He said, “didn’t you notice that was Alec Baldwin standing right in front of you letting you in?” My reaction was “What! Really? Where!” I apparently had looked pretty much right at him and didn’t even notice. So Alec, if you are reading this, would you mind getting a cupcake for me? I like the pink with white sprinkles.

I don’t have a kids at this moment but I have friends who have kids. The other day while visiting we started talking about how many of the toys out there are made in China. While it doesn’t bother me, these toys are obviously mass produced and therefore lacking that handmade touch. Since that conversation I have been seeing the most adorable toys that are either handmade or have that handmade touch and I thought I would share.

This little guy is adorable. I had an elephant when I was young, Ellie, and loved him to pieces… literally.
This wooden sushi set is just… well I am not sure there are words for how cool I think this is. I can’t wait to be able to give it to someone as a gift.

I admit it, I am a gadget girl. I get it from my dad. (Did I mention he has had the iPhone for weeks now!) My new favorite site is Geek Sugar. I have seen some of the coolest gadget and gadget accessories since I have started reading like this shuffle case that just happens to look like a watch. Unfortunately a lot of the colest gadgets are only available in Japan for the time being. I guess I am just going to have to take a trip.

Phew is all I can say. Just when I thought I wouldn’t be able to take it anymore, the sun made an appearance that afternoon. I am so glad I sit next to window so I can get some much needed vitamin D. It is amazing how much mood is effected by the sun. Well, my mood anyway.

This is the 5th day in a row without sun. I am not a happy camper. I don’t know how people in Seattle and Ireland do it.

This is the 5th day in a row without sun. I am not a happy camper. I don’t know how people in Seattle and Ireland do it.

Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary. The leather anniversary. Three years ago today M & I stood up in front of friends and family and made the commitment to love and cherish each other. Time has gone by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday on that muddy day in August we had our first dance to “It Had to be You” sung by Harry Connick Jr. I am still a terrible dancer. M learned a new trick this year. In addition to the new mac keyboard (which is totally sweet!!!) he also got me a lovely bracelet that I have had my eye on for a while now. It was a complete surprise, especially since we agreed we weren’t going to get each other gifts. At least I know that he is still competely ignoring what I tell him. M, if you are reading this, I love you.

How fast can you type?