Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Stokes Family take on Disney

When I heard that my cousin and family were taking their first Disney trip, I was over the moon excited!!  I couldn't wait!!  I love my little cousin, Sydney.  And once you see these pictures, you'll love her too.  She has the sweetest, most grownup, sassy personality.  I had so much fun seeing Disney through her eyes. 

Her princess dress..  I only wish they had this in my size.
About to get her makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique.
Making a wish
I got caught in the reflection.. dang it.  Their photographer was in my spot!
Princess SYDNEY!
The princess and her castle!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Two Downtown St. Pete shops you have to visit.

Bryan and I took a day vacation to Downtown St. Petersburg yesterday.  I LOVE this city.  The restaurants are amazing, the stores are awesome and the museums are always really cool too.  We live in Downtown Clearwater, so we aren't as close as we'd like to be.
But I just wanted to tell you about two of the places we visited yesterday. 

We went to this place called Kalamazoo Olive Company on Central Ave.  http://www.kalamazooolive.com/  Can I just tell you, this store is HEAVEN!  As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with the friendliest smile from the owner, James.  He invited us to sample all the kinds of balsamic vinegars, and oils.  At first, I gotta be honest, I was intimidated with so many flavors, and the fact that I've never sipped oil before.  But I am so so so happy I tried it.  I started with the white fruit vinegars.  My favorite was the Peach White Vinegar.  Then I ventured to the darker balsamics.. FIG balsamic.. hello, love of my life.  I was really nervous to try the oil, but James gave me a sample of the Roasted French Walnut oil.. TO DIE FOR!  With every sip of every sample, I had the biggest smile on my face.  The whole thing was such a fabulous experience, and James was so much fun, and so sweet.  I could have stayed in that store all day.  Here is the list of products.  http://www.kalamazooolive.com/koc_web_menu.pdf

The other place we went to was The Cupcake Spot!  FINALLY, I got to try these amazing cupcakes!  This is probably the most popular cupcake store in the area with two locations in St. Pete and Tampa.  http://www.thecupcakespotinc.com/  I know a lot of brides and grooms are opting for cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake OR as favors for their guests!  And I totally recommend The Cupcake Spot.  I couldn't decide between the "Berry Squared" and the "Chocolate Better Thans".  After a long and hard debate, I went with the Berry Squared (strawberry cake with strawberry cream cheese.. yes please!!).  Bryan went with the Red Velvet.  SO delicious!!  Since I couldn't share my cupcake with you, I thought I could share a picture.  So I told Bryan to whip out his phone and snap away.
Side note.. I hate my big nose.

Anyway, I hope my friends in the area get to visit these two awesome shops, within walking distance from each other.  You will LOVE them!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Christmas 2010

Finally, here are my Christmas pictures.  It's better late than never, right?  Bryan and I spent Christmas with his side of the family.  One of the reasons why I love this is because Christmas is always more fun with kids.  In this case, with my little nephews, Alex and Aidan.  And this was an extra special Christmas because it was just a few days after we found out Sandy is a perfect match for Bryan, and he'll be receiving her kidney.  (We found out a few days ago that the transplant will take place on Valentine's Day!)

Thank you for my awesome sister-n-law, Kelly for taking this picture.  It's our angel Sandy, Bryan and Linda, Bryan's aunt and Sandy's life partner.

A close up of me..  Merry Christmas, I know you wanted it.

Alex received the game Mousetrap for Christmas.  I haven't played since I was little, and apparently neither has his dad, Stephen.  We ended up setting the whole board before the game started, and then realized it was a 'build as you go' kind of thing.  The cool thing was, Alex could care less.  He loved the mousetrap.
Stephen with my other nephew, Aidan.
Can I tell you how much I love this kid?

This is me losing.



Alex with Jingles, the elf who comes to stay with them during the holidays to make sure they are good boys.
Christmas morning

This was the only thing he wanted for Christmas.  He has the best expressions. 

The guys taking their Christmas naps.

Now it's time for some of my presents to get the spotlight.
When Bryan and I were walking around the French Quarter when we were in New Orleans for Thanksgiving, I came across this teapot and completely fell in love.  He remembered it, and ordered it online when we got home.  How thoughtful is my guy?

I needed a case for my Ipad, and Mr. Thoughtful got me a custom one with my logo printed on it!! 

You know I love my saints!  I'm currently reading Drew Brees' book.  And yes, it's awesome!  I also can't wait to get in my Brees Jersey!! 

I am a Glee FANATIC!  I mean big-time.  I've been having these songs stuck in my head since I got them.  Especially Pokerface. 

Present of all presents..  Season passes to Disney World!  Weeeeeee!! 

My mom gave me this teapot.  It's very special.  It was a gift given to my grandparents at their wedding.  I'm sentimental like that.   
BEE-FENSE!

Like 'Goodnight Moon'?  Like New Orleans?  You'll love 'Goodnight NOLA! 

It was such a great Christmas.  I loved every single moment.  Thanks to everyone who made it so special.  Now here's to a great Valentine's Day!! 







 
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