Another One

Today was another one of those “not-so-much-day-of-rest” Sundays.

This is the first time I’ve managed to sit down on the couch all day!

Good thing I had a hearty breakfast to fuel me through the numerous things on my to-do list.

Breakfast

Since my sister spent the night, I wanted her to wake up to a yummy breakfast.

I decided to make walnut Greek yogurt pancakes, which I made by following this simple recipe and adding 1/3 c. chopped walnuts to the batter.

In no time at all, we had pancakes hot off the griddle.

Addin' the Syrup

I topped three pancakes with syrup and dug in!

I think this is my favorite pancake recipe ever. Though I absolutely love fluffy pancakes, there’s something about the doughy, eggy flavor of these ‘cakes that I just adore.

'Cakes

Take a Bite

Since I had a little extra time before we had to head out the door for church, I made a batch of scones using Stonewall Kitchen traditional scone mix that I received from my friend Merri who got it from her boss who told her the mix was the “best scone mix in the world.”

He wasn’t lying!

Stonewall Kitchen Scone Mix

These scones were unbelieveable.

Scones

Before baking, I brushed the top of the scones with egg whites and sprinkled them with sugar for a sweet effect.

My sister, Ryan and I all enjoyed a hot scone fresh from the oven and agreed that the scones were wonderfully moist.

I don’t typically enjoy scones too much because I find them rather bland and dry, but these were totally different. They were buttery, moist and slightly sweet. YUM.

Church + Errands

With full bellies, my sister Leslie and I headed off to church while Ryan headed to soccer practice.

After the service, Leslie and I drove to the outlet malls and did some serious damage at Banana Republic.

I am in love with the Banana Republic outlet! I cannot afford 95 percent of the stuff in a normal Banana Republic, but at the outlet, I can almost always find shirts for less than $15 and bottoms or dresses for less than $40. It’s a steal!

Upon our arrival back home, Sadie was quite curious about my purchases.

"What did ya get me, Mama?"

Lunch

After dropping off our finds at the apartment and picking up Ryan, we headed out to Chipotle for lunch.

Chipotle

Leslie & Ryan - Wasting Time in Line

Me & Les - Wasting More Time

Chipotle was slammed, but the wait gave us a chance to decide what we wanted to order.

I opted for a vegetarian burrito bowl with guacamole.

Chipotle Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

Guac

I love Chipotle’s mild salsa and guacamole. I think I could eat an entire salad made of just those two ingredients!

Along with my burrito bowl, I had several helpings of Ryan’s chips and guacamole as well.

Once we were done eating, we came back to our place and said goodbye to Leslie as she headed back to her apartment in Gainesville. I miss my lil’ sis already!

Before Leslie left, we tried to log onto my computer and had no luck because the charger thingy (that is its professional name 😉 ) wasn’t working. When I tried to adjust it, the thing broke in half!

Unexpected trip to Best Buy!

Once I had a new charger, I ran a couple more errands and brought home a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ to make Ryan smile.

When I revealed my surprise purchase of a box of funfetti cake mix to him, a big smile appeared on his face. You see, Ryan has a serious obsession with the funfetti cookie dough that I make when I bake a batch of funfetti cake mix cookies.

Naturally I got to work in the kitchen making a batch for us to enjoy immediately.

Funfetti Cookies

I had two fresh outta the oven (as well as an inordinate amount of cookie dough).

Colors of Tastiness

I absolutely love baking. Cooking is fun and I adore making yummy meals, but my heart truly lies with baking.

Do you prefer cooking or baking… or take out? 😉

Laughter is the Best Medicine

You know what they say? Laughter is the best medicine.

Nothing feels better than laughing until your abs are sore!

During last night’s performance by Sinbad, my family and I did just that.

Sinbad

Before heading to Hard Rock Live to see Sinbad’s stand up comedy routine, Ryan and I met up with my family at Emeril’s Orlando located in Universal’s City Walk.

Ryan 'n' Me

Since Emeril’s is a pretty pricey restaurant, my family and I ate dinner before meeting there and just ordered dessert (which is the best part of the meal anyway, right?).

The entire evening was organized by my mom, sister and I as a birthday present for my dad, so of course we had to have the restaurant staff sing happy birthday to the big guy! 😉

Birthday Boy

He was more than a little surprised. 😀

Ryan and my dad both ordered appetizers, and my mom, sister and I had a few bites and also enjoyed some  freshly baked corn and French bread before ordering our desserts.

For dessert we selected the strawberry shortcake and two slices of the banana cream pie, since Ryan and I loved it so much the last time we visited Emeril’s back in May.

Emeril's Strawberry Shortcake

Banana Cream Pit x 2

Check out those chocolate shavings!

I think it’s safe to say that between the five of us, we demolished these desserts!

Though I loved the banana cream pie in the past, strawberry shortcake took the cake (pun! 😉 ) for me. I’m a sucker for cold, creamy strawberry gelato, fluffy puff pastry and a plethora of whipped cream. Sign me up!

Once dessert was devoured, we walked to Hard Rock Live to head inside and laugh our little booties off all evening.

Me & Dad Outside Hardrock Live

The Ladies

We were really lucky to have amazing seats in the second row, so we actually made eye contact with Sinbad and were able to see his expressions and mannerisms.

He had the whole crowd cracking up as he talked about the insanity of amusement parks, the differences between men and women and his upbringing.

Stand up comedy is a wonderful way to sit back, relax and laugh until you cry! What an awesome night!

Today

My sister spent the night with us last night, so once she wakes up this morning we have plans to head to church after breakfast.

Also on the agenda:

• Church
• Dog park
• Outlet mall (?)
• Selecting the tuxes or suits Ryan and his groomsman will wear for our wedding
• Registering at Bed Bath and Beyond (?)

Time to get crackin’ in the kitchen! Lata! 😀