Candle Making

Melting the wax

 arranging the wicks in jars (we recycle used jars from our pantry/fridge)

 shaving the dye - we went with lavendar

 keep the heat as low as you can - will allow the wax to settle nicely and also neccesary when adding scents

 the cooling phase

Our finnished product...

This is the beginning of many more to come.  So far, a success, and a nice addition to our home in the city.

Porch Picking & Margs

After being in Cincinnati, with snow,  for the week, it was time for some good ol' southern weather.  Last Saturday Joe brought Maya over, I practiced my photography, the boys played their guitars (I often sang along), and made a pitcher of margaritas! Ahhh - life is good. 

 

 

PAR-TAY in the HOUSE!

We had a celebration for sure for Ben's 30th!  I was so surprised when Ben wanted to have a party - he is not the type that wants to be the center of attention (unlike you know who).  I was so excited to see him be the center of attention and be surrounded by his closest friends and family. 

The day started with his family coming over and we walked to Tin Lizzy's to have lunch outside on their rooftop.  We had a wonderful time and so glad that his Aunt Laura and her family were able to come too!

Now for the PAR-TAY in the House

It was a blow-out1  Our neighbors, friends, and Ben's siblings all joined.  Food was prepared by Joye and Tony (thank you soooo much), we hired a D.J., had a keg of Ben's favorite beer (Sweetwater IPA), wine, and of course - Jello Shots.  I have never seen Ben so happy so I will say it was a success!  Happy 30th Ben!

  

Ben - 29 & 11 mth present

Ben turned 30 on February 22.  However, Ben's celebration started in January with his present from me.  If you know me, I am not good at keeping a birthday surprise - but I tried REALLY REALLY hard this time, because it was the best present I have ever gotten anyone.  Ben loves his bicycles so much - quite an obsession, actually.  I knew he had been wanting this track bike, so I bite the bullet and bought it for him.  I knew how much he wanted it and it was so sad when I realized how broken hearted he was when he realized our friend Chris had sold HIS bike (he owns Loose Nuts Cycles in our neighborhood).  The bike was his, I purchased it that morning.  It broke my heart that he thought it was gone, but I did not budge - I kept it a secret...... UNTIL, Ben found his 2nd favorite bike and "couldn't let it go because the favorite bike was gone."  This time I had to do something.  I couldn't bear the surprise anymore and was afraid I would come home to the new track bike (his 2nd favorite) and the surprise would be over.  I coersed Ben into going on a walk when I got home from work on a Friday to take pictures of the snow in Grant Park - we walked in to Loose Nuts Cycles, and there it was - HIS FAVORITE TRACK BIKE AND IT WAS ALL HIS!  I love him so much and I cannot wait to see him race at the Dick Lane Velodrome this season on his new track frame! 

Ben with his 29 & 11 mth present!