Adorbs Party Idea!

Okay, who has a birthday coming up? Because I just planned your party. Or my party even though I am 8 Months out.

As I was perusing my favorite blog, I came across this adorable party idea, and

decided we must celebrate SOMETHING soon so we can put these cute crafts to use. SO here's the skinny: It's a Wonderland-themed party. But not in the traditional Alice + Cheshire Cat way... In the "Wander the Land" kind of way. Full of Travel, Globes, Treats, Suitcases, Ribbons and hat boxes. Talk-About-FUN.

Now granted- this party is geared towards children. The birthday girl was probably like 7! But I would totes have that party as a 25 year old lady. And I am SURE you would attend? See for yourself...

And WHO doesn't like a good Globey Cake Pop?

Ladies Night!

I love love love dates with my husband, but sometimes a girl just needs a night full of predictable plots, ridiculous love stories, chocolate and nail polish.

That's right- a GIRLS night.

Mr. King is a good sport and humors me by going to the occasional romantic comedy where I bawl my eyes out and he eats movie candy...

only girls fully appreciate a good chick flick in its entirety.

Tonight, I am hanging with a slew of gals- some I know really well, and some I don't. Based on their ability to cry and laugh in a split second at what is happening on the screen, I will be able to gauge our friend-compatibility.

And now, an ode to some of the best Girly Movies of all times, and my recommendations:

"My Best Friend's Wedding"- Amazing movie- even better 90's clothes! If you have not seen it, What are you waiting for?!! One of my all-time favorites.

"The Wedding Planner"- Classic J Lo and Matthew Mcconaughey love story, where J Lo actually puts on a good performance. Mcconaughey is always charming... and also finds himself in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days".

And "10 Things I Hate About You"... If you were not in middle school in the year 2000, you just wouldn't understand. RIP Heath Ledger.

"Pride and Prejudice"- Amazing character development and scenery. And You'll seem smarter by knowing about a real piece of English Literature. Go buy it today and watch it until you understand what they are saying.

"Serendipity"... Worth seeing just to learn about Frozen Hot Chocolate. Yes it is a real thing!

"You've Got Mail"... About the time I fell in love with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Such a great love story- Great Script, Scenery, Acting. All-around best flick.

The original Chick Flick- GREASE! If your mom didn't let you watch it when you were growing up, it's time to take the plunge. If your mom made you watch it like mine did, then you spent your elementary years making up plays about it and searching for your own Danny. (only my BFF Bailie will know the extent to which we went... suuuuuch dorks).

And now for the first Girl Movie to steal my heart- CLUELESS!

A total waste of time if you are into deep, intellectually challenging story lines.

You will feel more shallow after you view it, but man Alicia Silverstone was SO COOL as Cher when this came out in 1995! Wanted to be her. Until I watched it in high school and realized some of her clothes were tacky and the boys weren't even cute. Once again, RIP to one of the stars, Brittany Murphy.

Come on girls! No Girls Night is complete until you've eaten something fattening. So here is a recipe for you to pick up from Cookies and Cupcakes! Talk about To Die For!

Snickers Popcorn....

Don’t forget your Kleenex and OPI polish- See you soon!

Why I love Pinterest?

Because I just learned there is a such thing as Cinnamon Roll Waffles.

Want to make them?

Start with these:

1. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar filling on top.

2. Drizzle with cream cheese icing.

(Should look like this when you are finished with this step)

And that's all there is to it! Even I can do that!!!

(For help with your waffle making, here is the recipe)

WAFFLES:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CINNAMON TOPPING:
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 Tablespoon grond cinnamon

CREAM CHEESE TOPPING:
4 Tablespoons butter
2 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Prepare waffles: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center of the mixture; set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Pour into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened; batter will be slightly lumpy.

3. Preheat a waffle iron and spray with nonstick spray. Pour batter into waffle iron grid and close the lid. Bake until waffles are completely done- follow your waffle iron's instructions. Use a fork to remove finished waffles. Repeat with remaining batter. Keep waffles warm until ready to serve (a 200 degree oven is perfect).

4. Prepare cinnamon topping: In a medium bowl, mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Scoop the filling into a small zip baggie and set aside.

5. Prepare cream cheese topping: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl- heat butter and cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds; just until melted. Stir together until smooth; whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

6. When ready to serve, place waffle on plate, drizzle cinnamon topping, then drizzle cream cheese topping. Use as much or as little as you'd like. Serve immediately.

Source: RecipeGirl.com

The Best Thing in Italy..

Today I am day-dreaming about my favorite thing about ITALY. My huz and I were in Rome in June, and we consumed massive amounts of this best-loved dessert. Sure, Italy is known for its Pizza and Pasta and Ruins and Cathedrals...

But. The Gelato takes the cake.

Ask for a small, and you will be handed a cone or a dish a foot-high. Those italians really have a handle on portion control. My favorites? Coconut and Chocolat. My hubby's? He tried several new flavors at every stop. Love him!

If you are wondering,

YES! I am pretending I am hanging out with some of my favorite designers today. What is it to you?

Pool Day with Michael Kors

Pool Day with Michael Kors by caitydawl featuring open toe sandals

CALYPSO ST BARTH batik top
$169 - calypsostbarth.com

Betsey johnson
$73 - betseyjohnson.com

Betsey johnson bikini
$63 - betseyjohnson.com

DV by Dolce Vita open toe sandals
$165 - heels.com

3 1 Phillip Lim tote hand bag
$495 - lagarconne.com

Cargo handbag
fossil.com

Juicy Couture oversized jewelry
$48 - nordstrom.com

Juicy Couture sparkle jewelry
$48 - nordstrom.com

Trina Turk snake jewelry
bagborroworsteal.com

Stella McCartney straw hat
£63 - net-a-porter.com

Times, They are A-Changin!

So if you know ANYTHING about Moi and my husband- you know we both have rawwwther awful sweet tooths. As in, eat a sweet every hour on the hour and extra if you need a boost!

But recently, my husband has been thinking "skinny"- eating healthier, running in the 110 degree heat, not allowing so many treat binges a week... Which has inspired me. I am not sure if it is the idea of my husband being skinnier than me or my clothes being a smidge tighter than months past. But either way, I am officially motivated to be healthier. And to hold my feet to the flame- I agreed to run a mini marathon! Nothing like jumping in head first. Mind you, I haven't consistently worked out all summer. So here goes nothing.

My 9-mile race is in October, so I have roughly two months. Some say that is not a lot of time, but I am making it enough time because I need something to force me to stay on course.

Main Concerns:

1. Will this new running hobby interfere with my tv watching? Probably

2. Will running every day make my legs thick? Man I hope not

3. Do I already feel better about myself? Yep

4. Will I be proud of myself and my friends when we finish? Beyond

5. Where can I buy cute work-out clothes?

I really think my priorities are starting to come together!

London Lovies

Surely you've seen the sweet movie "Notting Hill" with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant! The one where an average Joe (Hugh) falls in love with a super star (so Julia was pretty much playing herself). Anyway- The movie is set in the beautiful neighborhood of Notting Hill, in London. Such an adorable area, with a great market held on Portabello Road. People come from all over to sell their produce and works of art... Definitely worth the trip off the beaten path.

Exhibit A:

While there, I suggest you stop by Hummingbird Cupcakes...

I mean, why wouldn't you??

London

Londy = walking, walking, walking!

We did it! We really did it!

This summer, Mr. King and I took the trip we had been dreaming about since the dating days, and I had been planning since the engagement days. It was literally a dream come true. We had the time of our lives, traipsing from Londy to Italy. It has been such a relief to me that my huz is such a good traveler- happy on Zero sleep and down for trying anything and everything we come across. he is the ultimate good sport when traveling. Another fun fact: He never gets worn out. Ask anyone who knows him. He does laps in the airports for fun. I sit, eat and read glossies. To each his own. Anyway- We divided our time between London, Paris and Rome. All three were magical in their own way. London was chilly and we probably hiked a million miles each day. This city is "liveable" in our opinion. We had such a grand time exploring and seeing all there was to see. At night, we would collapse- my feet would be falling off in pain and he would be wide awake with jet lag watching lame '90's movies! Paris was totally different and super romantic! We didn't walk nearly as much- Taxis were the name of the game. I now understand why Paris is the City of Love- being there with my Sweetheart made it all the more enchanting. The language, pastries, architecture, style and art made this my favorite stop on the trip. Next came Rome, which was yet again different from the first two stops! We totally took our time going from one landmark to the next, stopping to shop and eat whenever we fancied. Because of that, we didn't see everything there is to see- but we saw enough to absolutely love it and have the best time. I think this was my hubby's favorite place, because of the amazing history.... and gelato. All in all, we had such a fun time.

We both agreed that you need a vacation to recover from a vacation when you go to Europe. We were tired for a week upon return. Well worth it- can't wait to jetset across the ocean again soon. The following posts are some of our highlights. :)

What a Loooooosaaaa!

And I am back again- scraping the bottom of the barrel for one more apology. I've been a loser in the blogosphere, totally neglected my page and I really have had lots and lots to share! Since you're a true blue friend, I know you will give me another shot... so let's pretend we just spoke last night!