The Moment My Life Changed.

The Moment My Life Changed.

November 22, 2013.

Welp, that’s definitely two lines. Two pink lines, one a bit more faint than the other, but definitely present. Definitely THERE.

Two lines.

Two. Pink. Lines.

Maybe I should take another test.

“STEEEVVVIIIEEE!!!!!!!!!!” I wailed with the vigor of a thousand bloodhounds. It was 8 am, he was dressing for work and babbling about something that wasn’t baby-related. Like taxes?

I thrust the tattle-tale test into his hand and screamed a whole lot more. “What if it’s true? What if it’s real? What if it’s a false positive? WHAT IF ITS TRUE?!!”

I was feeling an unfamiliar kind of rush, like a flush of the senses. Like an eclipse of reality. Like happy and freaked and scared and expectant (ha.) But most of all, I felt far too young for this to actually be true. Aren’t I too young to have a, a, um…?

No time for thinking.

“SSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEEVVVVIIIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Yelling seemed to be the only volume my voice could produce. But before I could do any more -

His perfect reaction.

He took the test from my hand and just looked at it.

That man’s calm face was immediately saturated by his grin, from his sunny eyes to his ears. Combined with his lethal blonde beauty and a flurry of encouraging words, he swept me up in a hug, and for about 3 seconds, our house was quieted with THE MOMENT.

Then I started hollering again.

“Do you think it’s trrrueeee?!!?!??” I cried, much like a dying cat.

He had to go to work. We agreed to call my sister and get advice. Ha, yeah right. More like I DECIDED to call my sister. And he nodded and kissed me, then sort of floated out the door. I think he actually pranced down the hallway and out of the building.

After a frantic phone call to my big sis (what in the world do people do without big sisters?!), I followed her sound advice and took a (calm) journey to the drugstore. Where I proceeded to purchase three more tests. In a different brand, of course. The package says to wait until morning to test again, and being an obedient kind of girl, I decided to wait.

That lasted about ten minutes.

I went downstairs and knocked out two more tests. The word “pregnant” came across the tiny digital screen. Pregnant. That itty-bitty word. Is so definitive. And so piercing.

And just like that, my life changed.

Taste: Valentine Heart Tarts!

Happy Valentines Heart Tarts.

These Valentine Heart Tarts are so adorable. They make a great handmade treat for your loved one. I learned this recipe from my incredible day with

Mary the Cookie Lady

, and have made them a few times since our grand baking extravaganza. My family devoured these in ONE DAY. Officially known as Moroccan Jam Cookies, these cookies are special because they have a shortbread taste with a delicious tart jam filling. And they're shaped like hearts. Duh.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups flour + more for flouring the pastry surface

- 2 1/4 sticks butter (unsalted)

- Little more than 3/4 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup eggs, beaten (I usually end up using 2 eggs, but just see what works)

- Cookie Filling (I use apricot & raspberry baking jam)*

*Baking jam is different than regular jelly or jam. You don't want to use jelly/jam when baking, because it will burn more quickly than a baking jam will. You can purchase baking jam online or find it at a local bakery. Or you can wing it with jelly. Just remember, I told you so :-)

Tools:

My food processor really comes in handy with baking. Instead of mixing the ingredients with a hand mixer, I just throw everything and process it. Until I get one of these bad boys, using the food processor is the way to go. Also, I got my heart-shaped cookie cutter at William-Sonoma. And for the center cut-out, I used a bottle top (from bottled water). Just find whatever works!

// Using a food processor makes this recipe SO EASY. As long as you're not afraid of getting your hands a little messy :) //

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour & butter together in a food processor or mixer, just as you would for a pie. (It's best if you use ice cold butter cut into cubes.)

2. Add the beaten egg (s). Knead the mixture well, it should be sticky at this point.

3. Roll out the dough on a pastry surface. Make sure to lightly flour the surface before rolling out the dough, this will keep the mixture from sticking. Make sure to bathe your rolling pin in flour, as well!

4. Cut out the hearts with a cookie cutter. You will want to count so that you have an even number of hearts with a hole in the middle and without. Eventually, you will layer these one on top of the other, so you want to make sure you have an even number!

5. Bake hearts until lightly brown, about 10-12 minutes. Give them plenty of time to cool.

6. Spread the hearts (without cutouts) with baking jam. Top with the hearts with cutouts. Voila! You should be able to see the jam through the hole in the center of the cookie.

7. Optional: You can lightly sprinkle the cookies with powdered sugar. I chose not to because they already look so pristine!

// The friendliest cookies on the block. //

Oh Happy Day.

If you're snowed in this weekend like me, you could try out this recipe for your special someone. Whipping up a batch of these delicacies is a surefire way to get a whole lot of "I Love Yous!" Also, if you're still looking for a gift, you can check out my Valentine Guide. And if you want to make a loving weekend brunch, try out these yummy crepes.

Happy Valentines Day!

Treating Yourself. To A Self-Date.

Treating Yourself. To A Self-Date.

It's Valentines week, in case you're behind the curve on your candy purchases. Valentines Day seems to evoke a wide variety of emotions, depending on where you're at in life. Perhaps you're a hopeless romantic and you adore the notion of dreamy flowers and treats. Or you might be rocking independence this season and the idea of V-Day brings up mixture of annoyance and pity for those who dote on it's sentiment. Perhaps you're somewhere in the middle, one of those "it's not a real holiday, so why celebrate?" types. I have found myself have oscillating between these range of emotions. But I feel like there is one element people tend to neglect when it comes to this day: celebrating themselves. You don't have to wait for someone else to make you feel special or important. Take some time for you!

I love myself. I'm a fun girl. And I know that I'm worth a little pampering every now and then. When the winter is making me sad and I'm missing my family and friends (and growing larger by the day), I know it's time to enact a Self-Date. What is the Self-Date? You're gonna want to know. You're gonna want to do this, too.

Ways to celebrate YOU.

1. You like flowers.

So treat yourself. Those tulips would look nice on you.

2. You like pretty nails.

So get a manicure. And pick a FUN color. I'm sporting a shade of purple that a 5th grader would wear. Because I can.

3. You like hot beverages (especially in this weather.)

Splurge on that ridiculously overpriced herbal tea with the jasmine. YOU DESERVE IT. Even better, for all you non-pregnants, order a nice glass of vino. Mmm I miss my old friend, red wine.

4. You like to read.

Pick a totally indulgent read and immerse yourself in the story. Snuggle up on your couch (with the above-mentioned bevvy nearby). Maybe light a yummy candle. Perhaps throw on some John Legend, crooning in the background (didn't he just kill it at the Grammys?) Perfection.

Other add-ons? Take yourself to see a movie (and don't forget the Sour Patch!), treat yourself to some fun art supplies, invest in a cooking class or those personal training sessions you've wanted. The point of all this? To remind yourself that you are worth it. It's not just about loving yourself. It's about treating yourself better than you even think you deserve. Because if you don't, how can you expect others to?

Would you add something else to this list? Who's joining with me on the Self-Date? 'Tis the season!

For My Valentine: Gift Guide

For My Valentine: Gift Guide by oykristen // 1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case // 2. John Mark Comer's Loveology // 3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace // 4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud // 5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card // 6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon // 7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe // 8. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank // 9. Aeri Silky Chiffon Boxer // 10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother //

Happy Valentines, Valentine.

Oh Valentines Day. Some years I think that this is such a silly holiday. But this year, I am thankful for a frivolous reason to celebrate, especially with the weather being so dreary. (I haven't complained enough about the weather, have I??) There's just something nice about all that fluffyness and flowers and the relentless red and pink. And I think it's especially fun to love on people around you - your grandmother, your nieces and nephews, your in-laws. It's a grand affection fest! So dip your toes in this ocean of loving potion and have some fun with it.

These are some fun gift ideas for that special someone. PS, that can be YOU! You're worth celebrating, my friend.

1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case

Adorable, who wouldn't want their phone decked out in such whimsy?

2. John Mark Comer's Loveology

Great read. This is one Seattle pastor's take on the theology of love, sex, and marriage. Woo hoo, getting crazy!

3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace

A bit pricey, but oh so unique. A worthy splurge, if I could :-)

4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud

Does Kate Spade ever get it wrong? These are the peppiest way to perk up the ears. A little sparkle thrown in for good measure.

5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card

All cards should be this awesome. And bright. And foiled.

6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon

This one makes me giggle. I would really like to whip this out on an unexpected day for a heaping of baking bliss.

7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe

Oh, I'm lusting. I want this with a fiery passion. The photo doesn't do it justice. I took at peek at it in-store and it is just sooooo decadent and soft. Such a pretty way to lounge, yes?

8. & 9. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank & Boxer

How adorable is this set? Again, I'm not one for a fancy night out on Valentines. Just a good movie and comfy, semi-frilly home clothes.

10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother

This is the big kahuna. If you've ever had a Nespresso espresso beverage, you've officially died and gone to Heaven. When we were in Paris this summer, the couple we stayed with (via airbnb) had one of these delicious contraptions. I made like, 2 espressos every day. And I've been craving it every since. If this were a Valentine gift, ooh baby... I don't know what I would do. Other than stay hopped up on lattes 24/7.

Ladies, just send your guy this link and (hopefully!) he will snag something good for your Valentine celebration this year.

Happy Gifting!

Upper West Side Snow

It's Still Snowing.

Friends. Wherever you are, I hope there is sunshine streaming through the window and a hot steaming beverage nearby. I hope your feet are wrapped in cozy, thick-knit socks and your ears are toasty with warmth. But I mostly hope that winter is on its way out the door for you, no matter what that asinine groundhog says. Please, dear God, let this winter come to an end. Please. PLEASE!!!

I don't mean to sound desperately over the weather. But I am. I've done the New England winters for two previous years, but this New York winter has thrown me for a loop. I'm not sure why. Is it the howling winds? Is it the teasingly warm weekends (you know, in the 40's),  followed by painful "highs in the LOW teens" weeks? This winter has got to end. I hear you laughing. Yes, I know that I have a minimum of 8-10 weeks left of this mess. This MESS. Yellow snow. Icy sidewalks. Windburn smacking me in the face as I attempt to walk (and not slip on ice AGAIN) down the stairs into the subway. The dark cover of night arriving at 4pm. It's so dark, you guys.

Ways I've been managing in the cold?

- Whining.

- Journaling my whines. Sometime they're really clever. 

- Netflix.

- Going to museums. (Okay, we've only gone to one so far... but we aspire to visit more.)

- Cooking and baking. Ugh my waistline.

- Thinking about exercising. I'll let you know when I am ACTUALLY in a state to exercise again.

- Watching HGTV. I have a major crush on the Property Brothers. Stevie's response to that? "Yeah, I always knew it took two men to replace me."

- Incessantly calling my mom and sisters. I think they might be screening my calls at this point.

- Begging people to come visit me.

- Dreaming of warm vacations.

In the meantime, the snow around my neighborhood and the park is rather pretty. Let's just focus on that and pretend that Spring is just around the corner, k?

// Central Park //

// Central Park West //

// A bench. A snow-covered bench. //

// Aren't those people walking cute? I thought it was cute. //

// Who says we don't have woods? //

// In the summer, this garden is PACKED with exotic flowers. //

// Don't walk. //

// View outside my window. The progression of snow covering the wilt-y tree. //

Happy Friday.

We are expecting more snow this weekend. So my wish for you... I hope your weekend is warm and fun and WARM.

Love love love.