Shopping, cupcakes and Easter…oh my!

So I’ve been back from spring break since way late Sunday night, but am just now getting some time to post about the rest of break.

Friday my mom and I spent the afternoon at the outlet malls shopping and was reminded how much I love shopping with my mom. We both always have so much fun. It’s really our only time to hang out relaxed together. I got two really cute Banana Republic tops, both cotton tanks with a gorgeous rose pattern, one in peach and one in brown, a whole bunch of basic tees and tanks from J. Crew, a gorgeous chocolate brown skirt with cream embroidery from BCBG, and the crown jewel, a blue embroidered cotton BCBG strapless dress that ties in the back. The funny thing is that I fell in love with this dress last summer, but wasn’t willing to spend $250 on a day dress. I was about to leave the BCBG outlet and I spotted it. It needs a few alterations, so I won’t be wearing it until summer, but I am super excited.

Saturday morning my brother and I baked lemon curd filled cupcakes with lemon and raspberry-lemon glaze, which turned out amazing. I used this recipe from Chockylit for the cupcake and the curd and this recipe from Bon Appétit for the glaze. If you decide to make them, I would recommend having extra lemon juice on hand for the glaze. The Bon Appétit recipe made glaze that just kind of clumped into a ball and was unworkable. It was fine with a bit more moisture, but I think they may have their ratios off or I messed something up. Here are some pictures:

Hanging out at our house during the endeavor was my mom’s friend’s new Bichon Frise, Julio. The only dog I have ever had was a Bichon Frise named Buttons, who very sadly died in February 2007 of cancer at the age of 8. I may be a little biased, but Bichons are probably the best dogs in existence. They are so intelligent and expressive, even if they can be a bit mischievous at times. If you want a smart pet with a lot of energy who will definitely make himself part of your family, Bichons are the way to go.* I still have my two cats, KC and Rose, but I am honestly much more of a dog person. Probably the first thing the boy and I do when we move in together is get a dog. Here are some pictures of Julio the cutie, who looks like a 13 lb. lighter version of my baby.

Sunday morning we had Easter brunch with my godparents, my dad and my mom’s friend. As you can see from the pictures below, my mom goes crazy about holiday decorations. The cupcakes were a huge hit.

And to leave you, my Easter outfit:

*Small disclaimer/public announcement: Bichons have gotten really popular in the last few years. Be really careful about finding a good breeder. Also Small Paws Rescue and your local animal shelter are amazing places to get a rescue Bichon if you can’t afford the often high price tag of a Bichon from a reputable breeder.

Tags: , , , ,

2 Responses to “Shopping, cupcakes and Easter…oh my!”

  1. MichaelL Says:

    that was a great read with my morning coffee, and yes Bichons are awesome dogs.

  2. anamericangirlinparis Says:

    Wow, I’m just now checking through this blog, so I’m a bit late. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write and to live.

Leave a reply to MichaelL Cancel reply