RESISTing the temptation...

I used to wake up looking forward to Wednesdays.  Why, you wonder?

Because Wednesdays are days the corner break room is freshly stocked with Panera bagels, croissants, scones, cookies, and/or donuts.  And this bounty of beautifully tempting & tasty treats extends throughout the remainder of the week.

Each time I walk to the water cooler, it's like I have to talk to myself into obedience.  I, at times, consider taking just a little bite (ok, if I'm honest, it crosses my mind often).  Somehow I have manage to talk myself out of self-sabotaging by reminding myself that I can never have just one, but not after I give these little sprinkled wonders a good once-over.

Some days are worse than others.  But bypassing the temptation does get slightly easier as time goes on and I have more separation from processed/complex carbs.  The fact that I feel better without them is a nice consolation; however, I sometimes wonder if I will ever forget the euphoria of the first crumbly break of a sprinkled cake donut, or the melted glaze of several donut holes, or the crunch of a freshly toasted everything bagel with melted cream cheese dripping off the edge onto my finger.  Like I said, somedays are harder than others. :)

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Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey- A Must Read!

Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey from Todd Porter & Diane Cu on Vimeo.

I ran across this video created by White on Rice Couple the other day.  Not only is it beautiful, but the tragic reality behind the creation of this video evokes raw, true, introspection and evaluation of how we live our own lives each day.  These may be strangers, but when live brings pain and suffering like this to a fellow human being, you can't help but get emotional and empathize with their hurt.  I shared this story with B last night, held him tight, and told him I never wanted a day to go by where he did not know how much I am in love with him.

Mikey, a fellow food blogger husband, died of a heart attack suddenly and without warning about a week and a half ago.  Her posts since this life-altering tragedy are inspiration to us all, not only to always pursue our dreams, but to live like each day may be our last, and never letting loved ones whom are closest to us go a day without feeling loved.  My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to Jenny, her family, and Mikey's family and friends. 

You can read posts about Mikey on Jenny's blog here.

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Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes - My Cousin's Baby Shower!

Over the weekend we celebrated my sweet and beautiful cousin at her very first Baby Shower! My cousin, Sunny threw the baby shower.  She was stressing about throwing a party for one of the MOST creative people we know (my cousin Kacey is a photographer, among her many talents....see her website here.) But there was no reason for her to stress as you can see below! It was a BEAUTIFUL and perfect shower with family and friends!

While I was limited in what I could eat at the brunch, due to the gluten and sugar restraints, which can be so hard at events like these, especially when you have cupcakes like THOSE....) I still HAD to show off these adorable chocolate cupcakes with multi-colored frosting and a raspberry on top! 

 My beautiful Mama and the Mama-to-be!

 Me and the beauty!

 Mama-to-be and her mama!

 Only Kace can rock being 6 months preggers in white stilettos!

 Baby things basket was our idea for putting her gifts together in a basket that she can later use for a changing table station or toys or whatever she needs!

 Don't freak out...this is just me stealing beautiful baby Ruby while she napped, giving her mama a break.  PS - Ruby is 6 weeks old and her mama already is in her pre-preggers jeans! Props to her!

 The cousins :) Sunny on the left...who despite being stressed about the shower (i.e. making it "cute and creative enough") pulled it all together with the help of her daughter Grace and put on a tremendous Shower Brunch!

 Yep, that's your mama, baby Swayze....

How beautiful is SHE?

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