ok so i can now wash dishes…in a REAL sink. Not my bathroom sink.

I almost cried the other morning when I spilled coffee grounds all over my white bathmat. Sigh…

And here’s a snippet of the white counter top on the island.

I think I might go back for seconds after I post this…

Oh yes…the end is near. I can just TASTE it.

and there is!

The sink, fridge & dishwasher will be plugged back in this Wednesday. Wallpaper…eventually…Cabinets…still in painting mode.

I cannot express my anticipation ENOUGH. I dream of putting all of my stuff back in the cabinets…and cracking the whip on the list of things I want to make this summer. Look out Black & White kitchen—HERE I COME!

So the kitchen isn’t complete…but I am SOOO thrilled that I was able to make breakfast on something other than plywood this morning.

And by Sunday…I won’t have to make coffee in the bathroom!!!! It’s the little things!

I just read Whitney’s list of What She is Loving at this Moment….

and got inspired to share with you some of mine!

Besides my cats & my hubby… I looooove:

-The First Communion- mixed media piece by Erin E. Wilson

-Coffee Cuffs from Craftybitch.com -I keep one in my bag so I’m never without them!

-Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine -I carry one in every purse & there’s one in my car too! It’s refreshing!

-Sukie Sticky Notes- because Post-Its should BE this CUTE!!

-Neutrogena Norweigan Fast Absorbing Hand Cream- cuz I HATE it when hand creams leave your hands sticky. I like to apply it when I’m at a really long stop light in the car. It’s the only time I remember to do so!

-Method Aroma Pill- in Vanilla Apple Even though my house is a mess with the kitchen remodel, at least it’s smelling fresh!

-The FURminator- If I didn’t have this, my house would be filled with too many cat tumbleweeds to count! It’s WORTH every penny. I swear.

-This American Life Podcast- It helps me get through my long commute everyday! Their program on Showtime is really good too!

-This Blog CRACKS ME UP like you wouldn’t believe.

-I’m also enjoying the combo of Cranberry Juice, Lime & Sparkling water. MMMMMMM. It makes me think I’m having a cocktail when I’m at work!

That’s it for now!

Now share some of your current favorites! It’s fun!
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Hope everyone had a fun Father’s Day!

At this point in our kitchen remodel I have no counter tops or sink! I was going to have Father’s Day at my house this year, but quickly realized…WHAT WAS I THINKING? There’s no way I could possibly pull together a dinner without a sink!

In preparation for dinner at my parents, I spent the morning pitting some cherries on my back porch. I got a huge dose Vitamin D in the process….and have to admit it was kinda fun spraying my cutting board off with my garden hose. The power! If only I could put a drain hole in my kitchen floor! Imagine….

And then I hijacked my mom’s kitchen and started making the cherry tart for dessert:

and tada!

OK! First off…it was good! Soooo good. I had two pieces (well, one normal…and a sliver…and my dad did too!) It was a hit! Think: LIGHT + FLUFFY + CHEESECAKE

Fresh Cherry Tart
(Everyday Food Magazine)

- 9 graham crackers (each 2 1/2 by 5 inches)
- 2 tablespoons plus cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound fresh sweet cherries pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon seedless raspberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers and 2 tablespoons sugar until finely ground. Add butter, and process until combined. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Using the base of a dry measuring cup, firmly press mixture into bottom and up sides of pan. Bake until browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add cream, and beat until soft peaks form; spread mixture in cooled crust. Scatter cherries on top.

3. In a small saucepan, combine jam and 1 teaspoon water; heat over low until liquefied, about 2 minutes. Using a pastry brush, dab cherries with glaze. Refrigerate tart at least 30 minutes or, covered, up to 1 day.

And because I’m feeling generous…I’ll show you the rest of the meal I made:

Here’s the spread:

My plate- cowboy rubbed steak, cauliflower puree, roasted peppers & mushroom couscous :

I grilled some mushrooms for my vegan bro:

And here’s the vegan dessert- Dark Chocolate Fondue:

And here’s my dad DIGGING into to it:

Happy Father’s Day! I love you Dad!

there’s nothing like fresh fruit for breakfast. Don’t you agree?

My neighbor shared this with me on Sunday

This is a reminder to myself to have more breakfasts like this one!