A Bug full of corn stalks.

 

We saw this Bug outside of Jayson Home & Garden.

Tyson's Birthday

We celebrated Tyson's birthday at home this year; it was relaxing to stay in, cook and enjoy each other's company. You never know what you're really missing kitchen-tool-wise until you have it. My Le Creuset French Oven and immersion blender (and attachments) are proving to be crucial!

I made some tasty snacks including his favorite cucumber sandwiches, spanakopita wedges, patatas bravas and a Spanish inspired chicken + rice dish (not pictured). It was followed by a Jayhawk cake. My mission is to perfect the Jayhawk cake for next year.

^ This is what 29 looks like in the dark :)

St. Louis Trip (JJ & Amanda's wedding)

Check this out- I saw an old fire engine driving around downtown St. Louis this weekend. It had a bunch of kids in the back, too.

Also, here is a picture from the wedding we went to - this is at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park.

We stayed at the Westin Downtown. The rooms were fantastic. I always judge a hotel by the bathrobes. It passed. Only glaring issue was the Cardinals sign outside our windows. Reminded me of the chicken episode of Seinfeld.

Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters - Billings, MT

This Wyoming & Montana outfitter has been around since 1919 and claims to have more than 10,000 cowboy boots. They had some pretty sweet sparkly denim outfits, fancy pearl snaps and of course, COWBOY HATS. I bought Tyson a shirt for this birthday, but couldn't wait to give it to him so now I have to find another present.

Downtown Billings, MT

"Slouchy Nutmeg"

I've always loved Orla Kiely for her cutesy, leafy designs (see: Pretty Prints, http://ashbashful.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-post.html) but this bag is stunning. And absolutely out of my price range at $495, but I had to gawk/share. I found it at Art Effect, a popular boutique in my 'hood, but I'm sure you can find it at other places. I wish I could have this bag for fall, even the name gives a sense of cool weather, spiced lattes and tall boots.

Music to Your Mouth

Pam and Tara from Cakes by My Mom and Me created a spectacular replica of Tyson's Gretsch for his groom's cake.