Pretty Things

A lil' Taste of Texas

I spent the weekend with Marshall, my 88-year old grandpa, my 84-year old grandma, my sister and my brother-in-law. We hung out at my grandparent's house in Kingwood, TX (right outside of Houston). It was a great mini vacation. What a treat to hang out with some of my favorite people.

My grandparents are such great hosts; driving us to the store just for rice cakes and bringing us to fun (and delicious) eateries. They also always make me laugh. My grandma affectionally refers to Marshall as "the old one" and then she asked Brandon if he was over 18 (he is 24). She is incredibly accommodating, always reminding me "not to worry." My grandpa is cool. Like really cool. He showed me pictures of him riding a camel, in India, during WWII. He also got himself an iMac computer and an Apple TV (his technology knowledge has far surpassed mine).

Here are a couple pics from Taste of Texas restaurant (AWESOME place, go at 3:30 if you want a seat...my grandpa wasn't kidding) and Sunday lunch/brunch/dinner (everyone happy?).



My grandpa and his passport

The Most Beautiful Baby in the World!

Sunday (1/30) was a wonderful day. My sister and brother-in-law welcomed Brielle Joy Bryant into the world. She is a 7 pound & 3 oz. bundle of beauty. Since the birth was in CO, I was unable to be there. Priscilla gave me the play-by-play throughout the day. Christina is a champ and she made birth look easy. She took such good care of the sweet baby all throughout her pregnancy which sure helped with her labor.


Brielle Joy Bryant, you are so loved! What a joy to welcome you to the world. Christina and Iain, you two are absolutely incredible. Brielle is so blessed to be raised under your love, nurture and encouragement.


I won't get to meet Brielle until March when I am in Colorado for Spring Break. I am counting down the days until I meet my NIECE! :-) I am so in love already.

Oreo Truffles

There are some foods that are so uniquely Texan. Yes, that includes queso. I do realize queso is all throughout the nation, but, in Texas it is not made with velvetta AND you can order it at even a fancy Italian restaurant. However, there is a Texas food that beats queso (although hard to image) and it is the oreo truffle. It requires 4 things. That. is. it.

What You Need
1 (1lb 2oz.) pkg Oreos
8oz. cream cheese, softened
Chocolate-Flavored Almond Bark
*1/2 tsp. vanilla (optional- may add other extracts to enhance flavor)
*Crisco if needed (to thin almond bark once melted)

What to do
- Crush Oreos using a food proccessor, or even by putting them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin.
- Add softened cream cheese and vanilla (if desired) and mix until smooth.
- Make small balls out of the mixture
- Chill mixture in fridge or freezer until firm.
- In microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark. If you want a slightly thinner coat of chocolate on each ball, add about a teaspoon of shortening (non-flavored).
- Drop Oreo balls into melted almond bark. Make sure to coat the entire surface then use a spoon to place on wax paper or aluminum. Let almond bark harden (you can use the fridge to speed this process up). ENJOY!

Houses for Generation Y

Interesting article about what generation Y wants in a house. Proximity to work is key.

Here is the article