Thursday, March 31, 2011

April Fool's Special!



I love April Fool's Day, always have! We always tried to out trick each other.

This year Grove Gal E and I decided the best trick to play was on ourselves so that all of you can benefit! So if you have been wanting one of these monogram necklaces now is your lucky day...we have posted the special prices for our new pieces on our Facebook page. Make sure you "like" us so you will be "in the know" on our specials as there are more to come!

What's your favorite?


Monday, March 28, 2011

Fab Find Alert: Kleynimals


Grove Gal E and I survived our trunk show last week. Actually we didn't survive, we were thrilled with how it turned out! Our friends Jennifer and Jeannine organized a fabulous event. For those of you that do trunk shows you know that sometimes the crowd isn't what you thought it would be, but with these two chic ladies in charge, we couldn't have asked for more!


We have been busy processing orders and gearing up for more spring shows. Baby C has been hanging out in the Grove with us, and as always he is happy as a clam. (Mr. G says I can no longer say he is as happy as a fat kid with a piece of cake!) I would love to say he is so happy, because he is watching the paper and gift magic happen, but it is because of his favorite toy E-V-E-R.


We were given these keys when he was born and as soon as the teething began they went into his mouth. Let's just say as long as he is holding them he is smiling. Until recently I didn't know where to purchase them, but I discovered the site last week and of course I had to share it Kleynimals!


My mom has tons of photos of me with my Tiffany silver rattle, but they don't sell them anymore and I had Mini K's framed. Let me tell you these are so much better, and the price, wait for it..under $30 and engraving starts at $10.


The best part: they can engrave yours with your baby's name, monogram or any other wish you desire! I am going to be ordering another set, because everyone should have a spare set os keys or Kleynimals in this case!


I spoke to the designer this morning and she is LOVELY! You know I am a big believer in supporting women owned businesses, so take a moment and "LIKE" her on Facebook! These will now be a standby in my must have / must buy baby gift file!


Monday, March 21, 2011

Soup's On...

Clearly since it has been over a week since my last post, I have lost track of time. Baby C has had yet another growth spurt...and another brand new wardrobe. Remember the days when you went to the doctor and there was an all out celebration because you gained weight...yeah I don't remember those days either!

Grove Gal E and I have been blessed with new clients, orders and spring's arrival. We are both trying to plan our meals ahead...not crazy scheduling, just not the what's for dinner discussion....at 7pm. I have given up white flour for Lent and no more eating after 8pm.

So I have pulled out an old recipe of my mom's that is so good and super easy. For those of you that live in the South, you probably know about La Madeline's tomato basil soup. You also know that the fat and calorie count of it is downright frightening.

Well let me introduce you to a healthier version that is finished in 20 minutes or less depending on your stove.

Ingredients
2-24 ounce cans of chopped tomatoes
1- 12 ounce can of chicken broth
18- fresh basil leaves, washed, dried and chopped
1- teaspoon sugar
2- sticks of light butter 9 I use Land O Lakes)
3-ounces light cream cheese

Directions
Bring tomatoes and chicken broth to a boil. Turn heat down to low and add basil and sugar. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Turn heat to medium and add light cream cheese and butter. Once butter and cream cheese have melted (cream cheese will still be a little lumpy) blend with stick or immersion blender. Garnish with salt and pepper to taste.

This is the easiest soup you will ever make and people always ask for the recipe. It is one of my go to items to take to friends when they are under the weather or need a pick me up. Pair it with some mini grilled pimento cheese sandwiches and gooey brownies and it is comfort on a plate.

I promise tomorrow I will make time to post, because we have a special to share with you...monogrammed of course!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Moms and Moms To-Be...Fab Find Alert

This week I was introduced to a store that I know will be in my rolodex (yes I still have a paper one!) for years to come. Baby C is not a jeans guy, khakis are a stretch...right now he is a bubble guy, soon to be a shortall guy and then more than likely a Ralph Lauren, Castaway, Vineyard Vines and Lacoste guy. Classic preppy, monogrammed and I will confess I am not a huge fan of appliques.

The store is The Ginger House. I am in love with the custom section and Ginger, the owner is one talented and oh so nice lady. Email her, I did, and she replies ready to help you create the outfits you want for your little ones!

Baby C will soon be sporting some new swim trunks, bubbles a plenty and I have finally found a source for my favorite knit shirts with color trim for Mini K.

The best part....the prices! Seriously, for the same amount you would spend at the Gap you can buy your little ones an outfit custom made for them!

Please tell Ginger that Grove Gal K sent you! I am a big believer in supporting businesses that have great quality and service and the Ginger House is my favorite new find!

Can't wait to watch Baby C hit the pool this summer in these!
Mini K won't wear these dresses anymore, but she wore them almost daily from when she was 2-4!
For those of you that love to dress babies in baptiste outfits, you know that $68 is beyond a steal! I have paid over $250 for them at other stores.


Monday, March 7, 2011

Counting Down To Friday..iPad 2!


I admit, I am counting down until Friday. I have scheduled our fabulous sitter for Friday, because I have a hot date...at the Apple store. A colleague from my day job and I are contemplating hiring a line stander ( a job that one can only get in D.C.) so we will be at the front of the line.

Am I alone? I hope not! I am thinking we will give the grandparents ipads for Easter so they can "ichat" with Mini K and Baby C!

SO I am filling the time until Friday deciding which cover I need come Friday...

I always share a fab find and we LOVE our new ipad cases!

What is your favorite?


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Kitchen Cake




Since life has been a little hectic at casa Grove I thought I would share one of my favorite recipes. We have all been there, you forgot you were supposed to take someone dinner, or make dessert. I have the perfect recipe for you.

I usually take breakfast for dinner when i sign up to make dinner for a friend. I ALWAYS have sausage balls frozen in the freezer as one batch is never enough. So I take them, make a quick fritatta and what my mother calls Kitchen Cake.

As a child, this cake was someone magical, it required boxes and bottles and anything else we had in the pantry. As an adult I realize this is the cake that you make when you forgot you had to make something!

So here is the basic recipe
Cake
1-box cake mix (I have used butter pecan, red velvet, yellow, white, orange cream and lemon)
1- box of pudding mix, vanilla
1 cup or milk OR 1 cup of sour cream
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Topping
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamin
1/3 cup of white sugar

Options
You can skip the above topping and make a glaze of some milk and powdered sugar, or milk powered sugar and malted milk powder

You can substitute chocolate chips for the topping

You can add nuts to any of the above

You can also crush any type of chocolate candy or Oreos instead

Directions

Mix your toppings in a small bowl and set aside


Mix all of the ingredients for the cake on medium speed with a mixer
Place half of batter in greased bundt pan, layer with half of your topping mixture. Add remaining batter and top with the remaining topping mixture
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes

Let cool for 5 minutes

Invert onto cake stand or plate
Drizzle with your glaze of choice or eat plain

You look like a superstar and your time secret, or lack there of, is safe with me!