Roasted Carrot and Tomato Soup with Basil

I had a bunch of carrots in my fridge, and even though it's summer time, this soup sounded like a delicious way to use them up. I made it this afternoon. I put a little sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Just make sure you have a loaf of yummy bread with you because I didn't have any, and it would be so good with bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Alphabet Cookie Cutters

My mom saw these cute little Martha Stewart alphabet cookie cutters at Macy's. (I found them online for about half the price.) They came in the mail today! Marné was really excited to get a package. She loves getting the mail. I can't wait to try them out!

Hearts Baby Shower

I helped a bunch of other ladies from church with another baby shower a few weeks ago. The about to be new parents had just found out they would be able to adopt a baby boy within the following month. It was a whirlwind for them getting things ready, and it was great to participate in their excitement.

I was in charge of decorations. I found some cute paper at Archivers and made lots of little hearts. I sewed lots of them together to make a little backdrop in the pavillion where the guests gathered and scattered the rest on the table. I also made some little cards to write notes on to the mother-to-be. I think it turned out really cute. Everyone else contributed with food and another friend made the darling diaper cake.

Grilled Cheese on Focaccia

This is a sandwich my mom started making when I was in high school. It was based on a sandwich she had tried at Wild Oats. I haven't eaten it in years, and I thought it was about time. It was also a great way to use up the rest of the focaccia bread we had eaten with the roasted sausages the night before. I brushed the outside of the bread with a little bit of olive oil first. Then, using the ingredients below, you just build your sandwich with as much or as little of each thing as you would like. I also used a brush to add the balsamic vinegar since mine pours out really quickly. I soaked the first piece of bread completely through.

Focaccia bread, sliced open
Smoked provolone, sliced
Smoked mozzarella, sliced
Smoked/sharp white cheddar, sliced
Tomato, thinly sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh basil
Balsamic vinegar

Heat skillet to medium-low heat. It takes longer for the cheese to melt since the bread is thick, so if it's higher than medium heat, the bread with get too brown before the inside gets gooey. Simply delicious!

Spring Baby Shower

My friend Alli and I hosted a baby shower a few months ago. The mother-to-be did not know the gender of the baby, so we decided on a simple fresh, spring color scheme of shite and pale green. Alli made the food, and I did the decorations. I picked up some white hydrangeas with light green centers, green ribbon, and coordinating paper and tulle. It came together perfectly, and the event was lovely.

Roasted Sausages with Balsamic Burst Tomatoes and Cauliflower

I'm a big fan of Rachael Ray recipes, and I tried this one the other night. It was a nice light, tasty summer meal. I found chicken basil sausage that was absolutely delicious. I also tried making focaccia bread for the first time. It turned out pretty well, and I will definitely be making it again. It was perfect to soak up the leftover balsamic.

Perfect Combination

I think pink and brown make a perfect combination for a new baby girl. I attended a baby shower a little while ago, and I asked the mother-to-be what her favorite colors were, and she told me pink and brown. I then went to the fabric store and picked out some adorable pink, white, and brown fabrics to make some of my favorite baby girl items. I also had this darling wrapping paper and ribbon that matched perfectly, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to use it.

Pink and white hat box, brown and pink polka dot wipes case, baby bows, and burp cloths.

P.S. This baby girl is coming to the world today. Hope all goes smoothly for mommy and baby.