all pink everything

my sunday started with the usual breakfast (oat bran pancakes and egg whites) but this was my lunch:

PhotoGrid_1413675077991Weber Kick 'N Chicken grilled chicken breast and veggie stir fry using every fresh veggie i could find: mushrooms, yellow squash, asparagus, and red bell pepper.

i skipped church (but listened to the podcast later) and stayed home to finish getting things ready for my sister Michelle's  baby shower! this was a #sisterssquared production; something my other sis Kara and i like to refer to ourselves as!  as of may 17th of this year she officially became my sister-in-law as well as my Soror.  i had so much fun hosting with her.

CYMERA_20141022_083458

#skeewee

cake batter rice crispy treats were requested so cake batter rice crispy treats were made! Sonny brought me back the super-duper jumbo size marshmallows from the store which didn't exactly melt aaaall the way down in the cooking process but i was totally OK with that. why? the clumps of ooey gooey marshmallow in the bars was an awesome touch in my opinion! recipeeeee: (fyi, this is definitely a treat that should be eaten in moderation, guys.)

PhotoGrid_1413748815863

Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats

the stuff:

  • 5 cups rice crispy cereal (can use brown rice puffed cereal too)
  • 10 oz marshmallows
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dry boxed yellow cake batter
  • 4 tbsp butter (i haven't tried any dairy-free alternatives in place of regular butter yet)
  • 1/4 -1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

do this:

  1. coat the sides of  a large pot/saucepan as well as the pan you intend to press the rice crispy batter into
  2. melt butter in large pot/saucepan over medium heat
  3. add vanilla
  4. add marshmallows and cover; let melt for 1-2 minutes
  5. add cake batter & sprinkles and stir a few times to incorporate then immediately add cereal and KEEP STIRRING
  6. remove from heat and stir until all combined. be sure to scrape the sides of the pot really good
  7. pour batter into a rectangular or square pan and press down on the batter until even across the top
  8. add more sprinkles
  9. once cool (bout 10 min or so), cut in squares, bars, or however you'd like!

20141019_160354_1who remembers this drink? who still makes this drink lol!? rainbow sherbert and 7 Up (or Sprite, or natural ginger ale). the ugliest, tastiest party drink, ever. it's been a good while since i've had it, whew.

CYMERA_20141019_232044

 Kara made the most adorable, pink cupcakes.CYMERA_20141019_232013

 and she also got another idea from Pinterest: mini strawberry shortcakes in a glass. aren't they beautiful(bottom right)!? there are cubes of light angel food cake, sliced strawberries, cool whip, and sprankles in there. SO.GOOD.

20141019_160317_1

per Michelle's request: subway sammiches, shrimp fried rice, egg rolls, chicken meat pies, wings, and chips.

20141020_005606_1 happy shower day, Michelle! eviction notice goes into effect in 4 weeks (or less).  aaaand we can't wait to plan your shower, Kara! HAHAHAHAHA

thanks for reading.

Q: what's your favorite, indulgent party food?!

le

one...two...THREE #may27th

saturday, this boy woke up singing 'because i'm happyyyyyyyyy!' :P  he knew it was finally party day.

CYMERA_20140526_210507

we threw a joint birthday pool party with friends of ours, Kristina and Allen; their daughter, Celén, was born on May 28th.  the location was at my gym, Lifetime City Centre! it was special to me because i had part of my 30th birthday celebration there, Chiso was finally able to come gymming with me when he turned 3 months old, and now he has celebrated his 3rd birthday there.

20140524_104748_1

excited and picking up the Mickey and Minnie Mouse cakes the morning of.

IMG_0935

the guests of honor! and why do they look like long-lost brother and sister?! LOL

CYMERA_20140526_214551

but before their guests arrived, we put them to work stuffing their favor bags. we paid them in food, no worries.

CYMERA_20140527_113040

on the menu:

 cheese, pepperoni, & BBQ chicken pizza (provided by the Lifetime Cafe), an assortment of subway sammiches, a variety of chips, cake batter rice crispy treats, strawberry-pecan-spinach salad, juice, water, and cake.20140524_133508_1

right on time, Papa, thanks.

we played gym games upstairs on the 3rd floor before hitting the pool. 

20140524_134714_1

does that parachute give you a nostalgic feeling too?

CYMERA_20140526_213124

they had some parachute fun, bowled, played scooter races, and there was even a real live Angry Birds game... pretty neat.

IMG_0956

Chiso had all the pretty girls to himself before his guys friends arrived ;)

CYMERA_20140527_152817

my girlfriend, Michelle (bottom L corner), put her super long legs to work and dusted EVERYBODY in the scooter race! her daughter, Lyonna, and Chiso share the same birthday.

now for the part the kiddos had been waiting all day for-

CYMERA_20140526_205326

it's time to SWIM!

CYMERA_20140526_211957

the party ended at 4, but we were in that pool from about 2:45 to 6:15.  he just didn't want to leave! you know where to find us this Summer.20140524_150546_1

this picture cracks me up- i was just trying to get their attention for the picture and i have no idea what i even said! but ummm, they look so annoyed. ROTFL.

CYMERA_20140526_214918

splish, splash <3

i didn't get pics with everybody, but i'm grateful some of my family and friends were able to come celebrate with us!

20140524_163910

my cousins Angie and Gerrilyn and their kiddos,

CYMERA_20140526_213746

my sorority sister Trashina took a dip with her adorable boys,

CYMERA_20140526_213638

and my friend Krystal was on double duty and held it down! i tell her all the time what a huge inspiration she is to me.  i feel like i'm starting all over balance-wise with Odego on the way and all... heck i feel like i JUST got into a groove with one kiddo (remembering to add an event to my calendar, getting there on time if at all, making sure he has pants on, etc) and she always encourages me that i can. experience is the best teacher and i believe you, girl. alright *clears throat*

20140524_154700_1

let's sing! make a wish, Celén.

CYMERA_20140526_211821

your turn, Chi!  he would not put that pizza down.

CYMERA_20140526_210210

before & after.

 asleep in the car by 6:30pm and didn't wake up til the next day. party POOPED.

20140524_163726

all four of us were! happy, HAPPY, 3rd birthday to our Chiso <3

thanks for reading!

le