Camo-Moose

Nothing says baby shower like camouflage, right????

Leave it to my girl Dr. Nicky to turn a VERY unique request into something absolutely adorable!  And this was produced a mere few hours after stepping off of the red-eye back from a business trip... A-MAZING!

Pink Poodle in Paris

Looks like Dr. Nicky has done it again...... or outdone her self again I should say!

Our little neighbor girl was having a "Pink Poodle in Paris" theme birthday party on Saturday- and Nicky rocked the pink butter cream and modeling chocolate. I'm sure it tasted as good as it looked! Well done Doc!

mmmmm margarita cupcakes...

Many of you know that I've been trying to live a better and healthier lifestyle the last 6 month- and through diet and a lot of exercise- I have managed to lose 30 pounds... which I'm very proud of!

In fact- yesterday- my youngest daughter wrapped her arms around my waist for a hug yesterday and she pulled back in surprise and exclaimed, "MOMMY!!!! my hands touch when I hug you now!!!!" I think that was probably one of the best compliment yet.

Of course- we can't be good ALLLLLLL the time- so I give you my pastry creation from this weekend..... 'ritacakes..... I made margarita flavored cupcakes- and they were/still are amazing!

I hope you are all out enjoying the sun this week- Cheers! xoxo D

Post Cards from Home Tour

I'm not sure I even had time to mention in all of the chaos that has been the last couple of months that I was invited to show with my famous daddy over the 4th of July in Grangeville!

He was holding his 23rd Annual Geis Bronze Show at US Bank on Main in Grangeville. I and Mallory Silversmiths from Enterprise, Oregon were the guest artists. We had a great 3day indoor event with constant foot traffic- and we all did very well. :)

I feel like my first show was a success- I sold several framed prints, cards and calendars that feature my work. I called my exhibit Post Cards from Home. It features the images that are significant to me about my life growing up in Idaho County- and they were aged out- as if looking back nostalgic... and they become more vivid in color and contrast as you moved toward where I was sitting- in the present- in my crazy and colorful world in Seattle.

I have since received more requests for the calendars since arriving home.... for the images of Idaho County.......so in this first grouping- you can get a glimpse of the feel of that calendar. The next two sets feature the color and feel of the other calendar that I also have stock on hand for, the 2011, 'A Walk in the Park'. The calendars are gorgeous satin finish 10x13 heavy stock papers- on a double spiral binding. {$22.50}

And I also have prints in simple elegant glass only frames (w/ minimalist silver clips ) @ {$25 & up} and 10 packs of cards with my images on them {$15} for the perfect gift! (or treat yourself....)

Gifts from the Heart

There is nothing sweeter than gifts from the heart.....

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and a perfect example of the above statement. Big Daddy and I woke early yesterday morning to the faint smell of waffles wafting up the stairs....(and that well seasoned cast iron when it's hot smell... ).

At first, we were both thinking, 'mmmmm..... waffles'.... and then our eyes popped open wide in cartoon fashion when, we realized- that the other of us.....was still in bed- and why on Earth did we smell scorching hot cast iron????????????????????

We both hopped out of bed to go and investigate... only to be met at the top of the stairs, by our youngest- age 8... with a plate that contained a waffle that was roughly the size of my head (and weighed about 2 pounds- no joke here) and a little ramekin of butter and one of syrup- and a fork! She had made me breakfast in bed for Mother's day!!!! (this is an enormous upgrade from the traditional toast that they've made me over the last few years....)

I'm sure I don't even want to know how she got to the pancake mix on the very top shelf of the pantry- or how she managed to create the batter without play dough or Barbie shoes in it....or
how and get the waffle iron turned on and heated up and produced a mighty waffle all by herself- without burning herself, falling off of God only knows what she climbed on to reach the ingredients or burning the house down..... To say that I was amazed- and very proud- was an understatement. :)

Both girls made me some pretty awesome cards and hand made gifts that showed their talents and flare for color. I was the prettiest mommy on the block sporting my nearly neon bling!

I'm so blessed- and so grateful for these two girls- I was given two miracles in this life- and I won't ever forget that! And to my husband- who is the most amazing man, who helps me raise these miracles to be confident, beautiful, talented and smart young ladies.... thank you- I love you so much!

I hope you all had a great day yesterday- I know I did! xoxo D

PS- this is the cake that Oni and I made together- I'd show you the cookies that Gabbi helped with- only they were snatched up and consumed without mercy before I could manage a shot...

Whine a little...

Anyone want to venture a guess as to where I was this weekend??????

Ok- I'll tell you.... only the yummiest place on Earth... NAPEEQUA!

More to come- but I'm tired- and it's been a crazy good weekend......

There's a newly re-vamp'd tasting room and new releases and TRUFFLES... yes- Napeequa infused TRUFFLES!!! For you wino-choco-luvas..... THIS is THE answer for you. Run- don't walk to the tasting room or a PC near you and order a box NOW!!!!! OMG... Can you say oral sensation??????????????????

Sweet Treats

HoppyEaster y'all!

I hope the Easter Bunny brought everyone something sweet! He was sure good to the Miles girls!

We met for brunch in Kirkland with the family earlier today. (more pix on that later...) And for the first Easter in 4 years- it was nice out- so it was fun to set up a little table outside and show off my handy work... a cocktail that screams spring, some sweet treats and a fun center piece.

I hope you all had a great day! Cheers! xoxo D

Oh! and how divine is that serving ware??? Made by my girl Trishy!!!

The Sweetest Things...

Ok... how freakin cute is this cake- seriously?????? My girl Dr. Nicky called and said she needed help taking pix of her newest cake creation- so I set up the garage studio and was totally blown away when she arrived- she did an amazing job on her daughter's birthday cake! Not to shabby considering it was only her SECOND time working with fondant!!!!!! I'm sure it will be a huge hit tomorrow!

Mimosa Meeting

A couple of months ago- my friend Amy and I hatched a plan..... she recently graduated from Massage school- and I volunteered my house to host a get together with my friends. A way for her to meet lots of new people and potential clients- all in one place. And I have a great group of girlfriends- all of whom are all crazy busy with work and family- and really- who couldn't use some girl time and some pampering and oodles of good giggles?

So everyone arrived yesterday morning in their pj's, no make-up, with brunch food and champagne in hand. We made yummy decadent coffees, mimosas in every flavor, and ate all manner of brunch foods bad for you. (calories were exempt from this party)

Everyone got in on some pampering massage from Amy and the rest of us snuggled up and watched old movies and giggled and talked while we waited our turn. It was fabulous-

You know you've all seen the email forwards about "have a group of girlfriends".... and it's true... we lift each other up when we've fallen or feel down, take each other's kids when needed, laugh and cry together, fill in when the others are sick or broken... you just do, because you love each other- and know that they would do for you in a second.... I love my friends- I'm so blessed. :)

I know that many were worried that it was too much-so soon for having a party here- but it was exactly what i needed...... I was energized by a day with girls. So thank you to all my lovies! My pretty tulips from Andrea- spring is coming- I promise. (even if my house is very confused right now- I got the Xmas down outside and Valentine's up.... but inside is still Xmas, and there are lots of spring flowers all over my kitchen....I need to get my holidays back in line!)

there were many casualties (fallen soldiers) at the end of the day- but it was a fun and bubbly day!

we only managed a partial group photo- but aren't we cute??? :)

Happy Birthday to me......

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday Didi.... happy birthday to me! What a fun, crazy birthday- we had a soggy Halloween yesterday (more pix to follow...) and my mommy is here this weekend to help me celebrate. And when asked what kind of cake I would like...I said, "your cinnamon rolls...." So away she went- making cinnamon rolls and orange rolls..... have I mentioned before how amazing her cinnamon rolls are?????)
Look at all that good goo in the middle......

They get sliced and laid in the pan- on top of more good caramel goodness. They rest and rise again.... and then get baked to golden goodness.And you must click on this last image and see it big- because- THIS is pure bliss!

I'm having a laid back morning after the chaos of our Halloween hoopla yesterday.... lovin life.... and loving my mommy for making these for me. :)

The kids both made me the sweetest birthday cards ever and Big Daddy hooked me up with a great and useful gift!

I feel so blessed- I feel pretty darned blessed every day- but especially on days like this where I get to be the star of day. :)

The sun is shining- go out and play! xoox D

Girls Night In

You know how life just seems to get in the way of doing the other things in life- You know.....like having fun?????

This summer has vaporized- seriously- where did it go?????

I've maintained being on the go with a calendar that looks like my pen bled on it- so darned busy that I haven't taken the opportunity to enjoy my neighbor ladies and good girlfriends, my immediate community of friends, my support staff- my FAMILY... hell- even my dahlias out back called and said they missed me!!!!

So when my neighbor-ladies phoned and said here's the deal... "we went to a 3-DAY fundraiser the other night and won a catered 4 course dinner for the winner and 6 friends- wanna join us?"

Erica graciously offered up her home on Lake Stevens with a perfect La nai and killer view. Ever the perfect hostess at the ready- she had a gorgeous table-scape!

Dinner was delish- starter of bruschetta, a baby spinach salad with a hot vinaigrette and herb'd goat cheese, salmon cakes with asparagus and a rice pilaf & pine nuts. All followed with a rockin, feather light cheesecake. We each brought a bottle of wine and happily worked our way through a bottle each course. ( I of course brought Napeequa - and the Trillium was a perfect pairing with the salad into the salmon...)

Nicky snagged my camera and snapped me being silly because I'm never actually in the photos at any given event I participate in......

Our chef was a doll- and this auctioned item was part of her fundraising efforts- she still has $300 left to fulfill her goal to participate in the 3DAY (which is over 2K!!!) So- if you would love to help this lovely lady to the finish line- contact me- and I can put you in touch with her- any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Based on last night- and the smile I was still wearing on my face this morning- I know why taking a time out- and spending time with a good girlfriend- or half a dozen in this case- is so good for the soul. We need to remember that just because we are the mommy/wife/employee- woman who makes the world go-round.... we still need to giggle and be silly with our friends. :)

Call your friends-your gal pals- leave the kids and boys at home once in a while- let your hair down, have something refreshing to eat and drink- and laugh out loud- REALLY loud, and enjoy!

Run- don't walk to your phone- and put it on your calendar- make time to have fun! I'm gonna!

Enjoy the sunshine today! xoxo Didi

The MANN Turns 60

Celebration time, c'mon.....

(Tom the baker's Napeequa infused cheesecake with fresh fruit compote- OMG!!!!)

Mmmmmm..... talk about a rock star surprise party!!!

Our dear friend Michael is turning 60 (shhhhhh don't tell anybody tho....) His family and friends managed to pull off one heck of surprise- citing a bbq while they were riding bikes the other day..... Michael & Anni arrived and wandered back to the back yard as Darby wasn't answering the front door..........boy was he surprised when 40+ of his friends poured out from behind ever nook & cranny in Darby's funky bohemian back yard! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, the company was riotous and the food was killer!!!!

Barb & Bob's Washington Peach pie.....

Chocolate layer cake to make you weak in the knees...

Sweet baby faces... good enough to nibble on. :)

Enjoying the sun and whimsy in the magical garden....

OMGosh- how cute is she????

Darby's backyard had so much to look at and explore- too fun!

And this Orzo salad???? Seriously- could have just grabbed a spoon the bowl and left with it- and devour with no mercy! Yellow squash, Greek Olives, tomatoes, feta, basil..... oh- man- need I say more????? YUM!!!

OH- and this smoked turkey salad? Ridiculously good!

Poached salmon rocked with shrimp lollipops & gazpacho! Their friend Kay- catering rock-star- seriously!

Party goer Dianne, could she be any more Lolita-cute????

There's oodles of pix from yesterday- but this is the quick run-down!

The host with the most....... Darby- Great home- and perfect party venue! Thanks for letting us all invade!

Happy birthday my friend- we loves ya!