21

I'm still slightly in disbelief that I'm actually 21. I feel as though September 19th would NEVER come. But sure enough it came and went in the blink of an eye. Celebrations started Tuesday, well technically Sunday when I met momma at the outlets for some shopping and then dinner with Al and Mrs. G. Happy day to see best friend. And load up on homemade goodies from momma including sauce for Tuesday's birthday dinner. Mariah made pasta and meatballs, pretty sure t polished off 10 in one sitting. Then that was followed by the best.chocolate.cake.ever with salted caramel buttercream. Drooling thinking about it. (blurry pics because I was tooooo excited to eat)

Wednesday night was so surreal. We went to Faegans which I had never been to, they are rather strict with the whole ID thing so we just stayed away. Kitty dropped us off and first thing the bouncers said when we walked up was "Whose got the fake??" naturally, as obnoxious as possible I yell IT'S MY BIRTHDAY and flash my ID. Wednesdays at Faegan's is flip night so essentially you order, the bartender flips a coin, you guess heads or tails, you get it right free drink, you guess wrong ya gotta pay. I'd say 2/3 isn't too shabby.

Probably one of my favorite nights thus far this year.

Thursday was the longest day of classes ever because the whole time I knew J was on his way and I was so excited for him to be here. Poor kid did not know what he was in for, he's only been here with 3 as maximum girl capacity, surpirse all 6 of us are here now. Thursday night was mom-dad-daughters night. J and I unoffically- officially became parents to Taylor this summer, and newly adopted Teresa and us three girls love to tell him this and he freaks out.

 

Friday was just even more exciting because Kevin came, and we were all anticipating that so much. I think everyone had a countdown to when Jared and Kevin were going to be here, we're all a bit in maaaaaajor withdrawal from our boys. Me, t, Mariah, J and Kevin went out to dinner (where I ordered my first legal drink at dinner, woohoo!) and then continued on with birthday festivities. (with a little pin the tail on the mariah left over from her birthday)

 

 

Saturday momma and daddy came and cooked everyone a feast and everyone was more than loving life being waited on and eating their hearts out. thanks momma & daddy!!!

 

and more festivities saturday..

Sunday we went out to breakfast before the boys had to depart.

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday and I am so, so, so grateful for everyone who made it so wonderful. I love, love, love alllll of you.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Oddly enough I have been wanting fall to be here for a few weeks, coming from the girl who lives for the sun and warmth. September 1st marks the beginning of 1. my birthday month (SO close to being legal) and pumpkin season! I think I love pumpkin so much because pumpkin bread was (and still is) my absolute favorite. When I eat it now it reminds me of my momma and home and my childhood. We used to cut slices and slather them with butter then cut them in half and devour. yummmmmmmmmmmmmmy.

Last weekend I took a spontaneous trip to Maine to spend some time with J because it's been like foreverrrrr and I just did not want to wait until he comes here next week for my birthday so spontaenously bought tickets to see him without him knowing, then surprise hi! see you friday. Obviously needed to bring treats and since it was September I deemed it appropriate to make a pumpkin flavored treat.

It's a miracle any made it to Maine with the hungry little mouths in this house.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
source: Sweet Pea's Kitchen

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 3/4 cup sugar, divided
2 sticks butter, softened
1 large egg
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the egg and beat until combined. Add the pumpkin purball, ee and beat at medium speed until combined.
3. Add dry ingredients and beat at low until just combined.
4. Place remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon for rolling in a shallow bowl.
5. Roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into 1 1/2 inch ball, roll the ball into the sugar mixture and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until soft and puffy.

Honey-Mustard Salmon

I think this was the first meal I cooked in forever this summer. One weekend I was here alone, Tay and Kitty deserted me to go home and I had to work so I was stuck here all alone. My mom, dad and Lootie came for a visit and came bearing the new Everday Food so obviously I had to check it out and snap pics of recipes I wanted to try. Super easy and quick weeknight meal!

Honey-Mustard Salmon
source: Everday Food

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons honey
4 teaspoons dijon mustard
3 tablespoons champagne or white-wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 pound boneless, skinless salmon filet, cut into 4 pieces

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar and oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss onion with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and bake 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, stir 1 tablespoon vinaigrette into breadcrumbs. Coat fish wih 1 tablespoon vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Top the fish with breadcrumb mixture and add to sheet. Bake until fish is cooked through, about 7 minutes.