tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313710822024-02-28T01:46:45.448-05:00Pensieve - Personal Blog of Matt & Erin BrowneErin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-2027473080185137982010-02-24T23:18:00.001-05:002010-02-24T23:18:21.379-05:00Our blog has MOVED!Hello readers!!<br />
<br />
Our personal blog has gotten a fancy schmancy makeover and is now located at <a href="http://www.browniebites.net/">http://www.browniebites.net/</a><br />
<br />
Update your blog readers! Pronto! That's an order! Chop chop!<br />
<br />
If you want the direct link to the RSS feed: <a href="http://erinbrownephoto.com/personal/?feed=rss2">http://erinbrownephoto.com/personal/?feed=rss2</a><br />
<br />
See you on the flip side!Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-69520209771388634472009-12-27T14:08:00.000-05:002009-12-27T14:08:39.827-05:00Christmas FrostThe morning after Christmas was so COLD! I stood in the driveway, dancing around in my coat and pajamas, pleading with Dex to hurry up and do his business so we could get back inside before I froze to the concrete.<br />
<br />
I did manage to get some cool shots of the frosty foliage, though!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4219680006_acdd46d4b8_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/4219680184_c445338689_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4218912969_f08d2df61b_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-32800939694881993782009-12-27T14:02:00.002-05:002009-12-27T14:13:38.827-05:00Christmas - Hermit StyleMatt and I ended up completely alone for Christmas Eve and Day this year. We made the best of it by whipping up a full blown holiday dinner (with a week's worth of leftovers) and indulging in an embarrassing display of laziness. <br />
<br />
Here's a peek at our tree and general deco-goodness<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/4217941772_568da9e3b5_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4217941976_1c9a665961_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4217941818_96a9662108_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4217941870_b8db2501b6_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4217941956_f00cdf83bf_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g170/OdysseyA13/lightsblog2.jpg" /><br />
I'm cheating a bit with this photo, since it is from last year. I didn't get a chance to get a new one, but our lights are the same!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/4217941926_7b3b714e87_o.jpg" /><br />
We bought this angel 5 years ago, and it has never worked until this year. What does it MEAN?!<br />
<br />
Christmas Eve, we spent most of the day cooking. Every year, we make a chili cheese dip which is ridiculously easy to throw together.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4219677370_446bc595b2_o.jpg" /><br />
This is what you'll need.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4218910523_d56d774339_o.jpg" /><br />
Chop up the Velveeta into cubes.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4219677494_bce0e9e337_o.jpg" /><br />
Toss it into a crock pot, and set it to a low temperature.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/4219677586_f6b5532b16_o.jpg" /><br />
Once the cheese has softened, toss in the Rotel.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4219677828_74afba47da_o.jpg" /><br />
And the chili.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4219677922_d76a9c67b2_o.jpg" /><br />
Not gonna lie, it's gonna look suspiciously like dog food at this point, but pop on the lid and leave it alone for a couple of hours.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4219677958_74a9802f97_o.jpg" /><br />
.. this is what you'll end up with. Yum yum!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4218911049_f548f263f3_o.jpg" /><br />
In the meantime, the bird went into the roaster.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4218911129_0aef44fb56_o.jpg" /><br />
The night before, we baked biscuits and homemade cornbread in preparation for my family's Super Top Secret Dressing recipe. <br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/4218911193_1734ffc141_o.jpg" /><br />
All of that gets crumbled into a big container.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4219678334_b2223763d5_o.jpg" /><br />
You'll need some of these.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4218911405_15ccfc55a9_o.jpg" /><br />
Minced and sauteed with some sage sausage.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4218911489_e272e9092e_o.jpg" /><br />
Then you mix that in with the biscuit/cornbread crumbles, along with other Super Secret ingredients. Oh, and it must be mixed by hand.. because it's good for the soul.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4219678574_fc189afdfd_o.jpg" /><br />
One recipe makes two 9x13 pans of dressing, so one goes into the freezer for Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4219678618_f10251381a_o.jpg" /><br />
We had some time to kill while the turkey cooked, so we took the Dex Man outside for some fetch. He lives for fetch. Seriously. We have to spell B-A-L-L in our house, because if you say the word he'll go into a frenzy searching for it.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4218911673_4da444a024_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4219678710_53c5f64794_o.jpg" /><br />
The photo on the left is him humoring me with a half-second glance at the camera, even though he'd much rather keep his eye trained on the B-A-L-L that daddy is holding (photo on the right).<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4218911769_cd45e4bd7c_o.jpg" /><br />
Once he was tuckered out and had collapsed into the grass, Matt played a game while I read Stephen King's new book.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4219678788_b155b13203_o.jpg" /><br />
An hour later, and it's back to work! We mashed up some fresh boiled sweet potatoes..<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4218911881_a16869c8f1_o.jpg" /><br />
Added a dash of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and some milk. There's really no way to screw up sweet potatoes. Some like them super sweet, and some like them not-so-sweet (our preference) Add as much or as little as you like.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4218911941_46d21163bb_o.jpg" /><br />
Spread 'em into a pan and top with either marshmallows or a pecan glaze.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/4218912017_5728ac432f_o.jpg" /><br />
While the dressing and potatoes cooked, Matt carved the bird.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4218912087_ea5855daa6_o.jpg" /><br />
Finished potatoes.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4219679216_6fcb62eebd_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4219679262_53eb174fe8_o.jpg" /><br />
Dinner time!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4219679326_ae55166a02_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4219679404_edfc899e34_o.jpg" /><br />
Champagne in the toasting flutes from our wedding. D'aw, aren't we sentimental and stuff?<br />
<br />
*chuckle snort*<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4219679560_f66ea6f751_o.jpg" /><br />
And for dessert, pumpkin pie!<br />
<br />
The upside about cooking a huge holiday dinner for just the two of us? We have so many leftovers we won't have to cook again for a week!!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4218912545_33f7d20baa_o.jpg" /><br />
Since we were bums all day there are no photos of us (thankfully) but here's one of our elderly girl, Peanut. 16.5 years old and still going strong. She's a tough one!<br />
<br />
We finished out our Christmas Eve watching A Christmas Story (my all-time favorite holiday movie) before going to bed. Our Christmas Day was spent at home opening stockings. We decided not to exchange real gifts this year since we are putting so much into the new studio, but we had a great couple days of laziness and enjoyed the break from work!!Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-48821886756376358092009-12-23T09:29:00.002-05:002009-12-23T09:29:43.185-05:00Elf Yourself, 2009 styleThis never stops being funny.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyNjE1Nzg1MzQ4NzcmcHQ9MTI2MTU3ODU1MTAwMiZwPTQxODgxMyZkPTIwMzUwMiZnPTImbz1jNjhmMjJiMzIyYmM*MGYwYTdhNDAxNDFhMWZhMTFiNyZvZj*w.gif" style="height: 0px; visibility: hidden; width: 0px;" width="0" /><br />
<div style="background-color: #e9e9e9; width: 425px;"><object data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=JeA2NNr228Dch3gA&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself" height="319" id="A487408" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" wmode="transparent"><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=JeA2NNr228Dch3gA&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=JeA2NNr228Dch3gA&service=elfyourself.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 6px; text-align: center; width: 435px;">Send your own <a href="http://www.elfyourself.com/">ElfYourself</a> <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a><br />
</div></div>Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-58253752120828865112009-12-17T10:36:00.000-05:002009-12-17T10:36:50.986-05:00Look! We built a house!.. a gingerbread house that is. One that's made for 5 year olds, cause that's about all we can handle.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4193024554_52345ed6b5_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
If I were to be honest, I'd say that I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas.<br />
<br />
There, I said it. Man, I feel SO much better.<br />
<br />
Ok, I don't *hate* Christmas, but it's certainly a holiday that is most magical for the little'uns.<br />
<br />
And.. since we don't have any little'uns, and do not plan on it for a long long long long long long time, we'll continue doing crap like this to put a little fun back in the season.<br />
<br />
Here's an ugly, low-quality, poorly-edited video of the construction process. You know you're just dying to watch it now!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HfijV8UC1Zc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HfijV8UC1Zc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center>Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-1538135402828473072009-12-12T20:27:00.001-05:002009-12-12T20:38:23.277-05:00Thanksgiving LessonsWe learned several lessons this year at Thanksgiving dinner.<br />
<br />
1. I will never be as good as my sister at adding little touches to make a home feel cozy.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4179644317_2654f3cb98_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4180368344_110bb000b0_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
2. Matt looks like a serial killer in low kitchen lighting.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4180368382_445217b021_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
3. Never trust your husband to make sure your hair is in place before taking a photo.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4179606923_1d65290ed4_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
4. Let's go ahead and double that last lesson.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4179606959_fd292b2cbf_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
And finally, when tossing potato peels into the trash, you might want to make sure you open the lid first.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4179606989_8fa96b1dfa_o.jpg" /></center>Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-76603208778048194992009-12-08T23:43:00.000-05:002009-12-08T23:43:29.926-05:00Adorable Puppies & Kitties - Oh My!Thanksgiving Day, we journeyed Southward to spend the day with family. Our first stop was at my bro and SIL's house to visit with them and see their brand new puppy.<br />
<br />
Ok, I pretended to visit, but I really only cared about the puppy. Can you blame me?<br />
<br />
I kid, I kid.<br />
<br />
But, just look at this little lady. Her name is Bella.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4170378543_4b0ed0eaa2_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Toothless puppy grins do something crazy to my heart.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4170378599_f896b6ecf0_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
It's not all fun and games, being tiny and adorable. Turn your back for a moment and look what sneaks up on you!<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/4171138004_36389f540e_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
At least they seem to get along.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2737/4170378745_f1bcec37b5_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
...maybe?<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/4170378811_83675d8eca_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Oh my.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4171138160_f61d6dfa23_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
No puppies were harmed in the making of this blog entry.<br />
<br />
Here we see the culprit up close. Take notes, kids. You'll be identifying him in a lineup later.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/4171138216_4a405dbfcc_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
From puppy to curtains in 3.245 seconds. This one is going to be a handful, for sure!<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4170378965_27caf5b26f_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Bella, not one to back down, revved up for round 2.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4170379011_5ea438bf5a_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Who wins? Stay tuned, my little ones.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4171138348_a8e17a9f51_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
This handsome stud's name is Murphy. I'm told that he is SIL's favorite, but shhh. Bella is far too young to endure such emotional trauma.<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4170378467_76eee30c4c_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-82762157204232380712009-12-07T08:00:00.031-05:002009-12-07T08:56:10.480-05:00It's Halloween!Really, it is.<br />
<br />
I fully intend on using my free time to get caught up on our personal photos. By free time, I mean the 3 hours on Sunday evening when I can sit down at my desk and not feel guilty for doing things other than client work.<br />
<br />
Though I love my clients. Every single last one of ya.<br />
<br />
So, where was I? Ah yes, Halloween. My favorite holiday marked the official beginning of our vacation this year. <br />
<br />
Let us begin with our typical long-armed self portrait<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4165446288_027acbc0c7_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Though most of the day was spent frantically packing for our trek to NYC the next morning, we cooked a sinful (shh, don't tell anyone) meal, dressed up, watched scary movies, and had fun blasting our remote-activated fog machine at poor unsuspecting trick or treaters.<br />
<br />
We make our own fun.<br />
<br />
And Matt makes good enchiladas.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/4165446194_c8bddc3b1b_o.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
Really, really good enchiladas.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4165446414_fbb800b5a1_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I found the recipe. Yep. You can <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Enchiladas-V/Detail.aspx">find it here.</a> We substituted the chili powder for taco seasoning, and the green chiles for Rotel.<br />
<br />
Our drink, Green Grog (<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Green-Grog/Detail.aspx">recipe!</a>) in progress. I used diet 7-UP instead of Sprite for mine. Matt says I am gross.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4165446358_3f3b2666fd_o.jpg"><br />
<br />
We found these cups for 50 cents each at Halloween Express.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2742/4165446162_53d5bc1b8b_o.jpg" /><br />
<br />
And, I can't believe we went through the entire night without a real photo of our ridiculous costumes. This cell phone shot is the only proof that they existed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4164687823_b564d6d372_o.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
Too soon? Don't judge. We love MJ, really.Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-4732667857995177342009-12-06T20:11:00.002-05:002009-12-06T20:21:11.619-05:00First SnowI woke up on Saturday, rolled over, and glanced out our bedroom window.<br /><br />Snow!<br /><br />Wait. Snow?!<br /><br />A peek at my Blackberry sitting on the nightstand reaffirmed that it was indeed only December 5th. Another peek outside confirmed that yes, there was indeed a layer of white, sparkly snow covering the outside world.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4164095073_2303d5b906_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4164852396_418caef3e2_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Before reaching over to smack Matt into consciousness, I realized the challenge this snow presented.<br /><br />You see, Dexter has a serious phobia when it comes to snow. Well, ok, two phobias. The first is the fact that he absolutely-will-not-despite-bribes-of-milk-bones-and-pupperoni go down a set of steps that are covered in snow. He'd rather stand at the top of the deck stairs, crossing his legs and doing the pee pee dance.<br /><br />His other phobia involves a reluctance to do his business anywhere near the white stuff. After we leashed His Royal Highness to take him out front for a supervised bathroom break, he putzed around for about 15 minutes, ate roughly 6 cups of snow, and finally did the deed.<br /><br />He's a punk.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4164095201_250869ef0c_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4164095245_30d7d7d64e_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-74396459819229823502009-11-04T23:22:00.002-05:002009-11-04T23:35:24.779-05:00NYC Pics of the DayIt's always been a dream of mine to visit Rockefeller Center near the holidays and watch the ice skaters. We walked over from our hotel at night and it was just as magical as I'd expected!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4077130946_30d36f154c_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4077131144_8b5c0751c1_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/4076398271_5ba80702d2_o.jpg" /><br /><br />This is Jefferson Market Courthouse in Greenwich Village - voted 5th most beautiful building in the country. I wanted to get a shot of the full building, but it sits on the corner of an extremely busy intersection, so it just wasn't happening. I'm completely taken with SoHo and the Village - it's so full of energy and character!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4076376309_5f51249acc_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-41696726461725988502009-11-02T23:10:00.002-05:002009-11-02T23:13:19.286-05:00NYC - Day 2 POTDWe took a gillion photos today, and it was nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one or two to share with everyone tonight. We have completely fallen in love with this city, and have decided that if we ever win the lottery, we're moving to a 5th Avenue penthouse. :-)<br /><br />This first photo was taken this afternoon at Battery Park on the Hudson River. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4070353167_2c19b739f5_o.jpg"><br /><br />This next one is, obviously, the Statue of Liberty, backed by a blazing sunset on the Staten Island Ferry<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/4071108586_1b407396e0_o.jpg"><br /><br />We're shooting an engagement session tomorrow - so excited to see what we can come up with!Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-28411500585293322342009-11-01T23:44:00.003-05:002009-11-02T07:32:54.632-05:00NYC - Pic of the DaySince we're in NYC, we thought it'd be fun to throw up a photo or two every day and keep a live blog going of our trip. When we get back we'll post full galleries of all the fun photos we take while up here, but this'll be a fun sneak peek!<br /><br />Please excuse any weirdness with color or densities in the POTD posts - I'm working from our hotel on our un-calibrated laptop monitor (I adjusted it the best I could) so things might look a lil' off!<br /><br />Here's a couple shots of our teeny itsy bitsy "boutique" hotel room. "Cheap" for Times Square, and good enough for us since we won't be spending any time in here anyway!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4067672015_7a855041d9_o.jpg" /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4068421872_ef85217f50_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2694/4066747549_b2ac059a49_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Follow our personal blog to get new pics throughout the week. You can also follow me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/erinbrowneErin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-43048305156002450552009-09-13T21:43:00.002-04:002009-09-13T21:54:44.632-04:00Boomsday 2009Matt and I took our usual perch in Downtown Knoxville last week for the annual Boomsday fireworks show. We're not big fans of fighting the crowds down by the river, so we usually choose a place with a good view for pictures without all the extra hassle. Our location also allows us to have a great view of our cute little city:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday0910.jpg" /><br /><br />The obligatory self portrait:<br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday0911.jpg" /><br /><br />Taking pictures of fireworks is fun, but tricky! The Boomsday show is especially challenging to shoot because it is such a large show, and that means tons and tons of smoke. Here are some of our favorites:<br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday091.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday092.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday093.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday094.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday095.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday096.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday097.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday098.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday099.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/blogphotos/boomsday099a.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-48343895016222316532009-08-29T20:58:00.002-04:002009-08-29T21:00:02.556-04:00Storms and RainbowsI took these photos last week when I spied some impressive storm clouds off of our deck.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3868560103_d7ddb4041e_o.jpg" /><br /><br />About half an hour later, the clouds broke up and left us with a double rainbow (the second bow is very faint)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3868560843_3781804843_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-36993125500519838142009-08-04T21:16:00.002-04:002009-08-04T21:45:07.187-04:00American Idol Tour - Charlotte, NC - Part 2If you've had enough of the performance shots, there's a few other shots at the end of this post to see. :-)<br /><br />Moving right along.. next out of the gate was Matt Giraud<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3790801426_488b49bf25_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3789987985_0970076a71_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3789988003_84f7925231_o.jpg" /><br /><br />A fun crowd shot<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3790801502_4c3d3006c8_o.jpg" /><br /><br />And another<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3789988087_095171a71c_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Next was a group performance by #10 - #5. The stage lighting was pretty wonky during this set and this was the only decent shot.. Matt & Scott on dueling pianos<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3789988113_a38b471212_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Back to the solo performances, #4 - Allison Iraheta. She's only 16 and she sounds like she's 40 and has been smoking for 20 years. Crazy talented.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3790801622_0aaba12a53_o.jpg" /><br /><br />A little blurry, but I still like it<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3790801658_95f2c3c6c4_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/3790801724_f41bea9dcd_o.jpg" /><br /><br />#3 - Danny Gokey<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/3790801780_3889d41ae8_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3790801898_50788b41da_o.jpg" /><br /><br />I love the clapping hands in this one<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3790802038_999dd8dca4_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Come close and I'll let you in on a little secret. Ready? This next contestant is the only reason I cared about coming to this concert. As soon as Danny left the stage and the lights were lowered, the screaming in the arena reached a deafening level before his name was even announced.<br /><br />Yep, you don't even have to have watched the show this year to have heard his name.. it's Adam Lambert, the most talented contestant I've ever seen on American Idol (at least that's my opinion!)<br /><br />Starting out with a super fun Bulb shot showing the number of simultaneous flashes that were going off when he came on stage. All Matt's idea. (A tip: if you're at a concert with a camera, turn the dang flash off! All you're doing is lighting up the back of the head of the person in front of you!)<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3790802176_e0dd1ea238_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3790802216_95f9461ff9_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3789988709_fbd2d7879b_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3790802334_d3f7b19aee_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3789988847_02f9f8cfd9_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2448/3789988893_80af8ce010_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3790802494_1b7e05b1dd_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3789988969_2aa463815d_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/3790802612_6783a76934_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3789989009_6abb06a676_o.jpg" /><br /><br />He brought out Allison for a repeat of their "Slow Ride" duet from the show. Yes, that's a bra he's holding, and it wasn't the last one that was flung on stage during his performance. I guess these ladies didn't get the memo that he's not interested in anyone who would need one of those. ;-)<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3790802652_3e549f0f8b_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Wind up..<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/3789989137_4bef0031f3_o.jpg" /><br /><br />And off it goes<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3790802730_3a0f596840_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3789989351_8e7b84eeff_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3789989323_e0c037cfdd_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3789989277_15562ff3dc_o.jpg" /><br /><br />And this is our "Hay look, we got a picture with Adam!" shot<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3789989771_bf9c41f518_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Never heard him sing? Then listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXGBWQdHsyQ">this</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmmzaeKx8B4">this</a>, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3CYIUvBrew">this</a>. Enjoy.<br /><br />The winner, Kris Allen, was the last to perform solo. I really like Kris, but his set kinda fell flat after Adam's high energy performance.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3790802970_a4eccb7056_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3789989383_5a0a75fe32_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3789989419_4839389c19_o.jpg" /><br /><br />A final group number ended the show.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3790803050_5d47a5d05a_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/3790803090_3ee00a43fd_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3790803102_4a5e54d080_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Then it was back to the hotel where, of course, more silly shots were taken.<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3790803166_f97466fdc3_o.jpg" /><br /><br />We love our doggy. A lot.<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3789989631_7c4d5f47fe_o.jpg" /><br /><br />O hai. I r cute. I can has biskit?<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3790803238_8d382333e4_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Grateful for pet friendly hotels, we try to respect the room and leave it looking as if no animal has been there. Dex had to make that as hard as possible by falling in love with this dark purple chaise. Thank goodness we remembered the lint roller.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3789989715_842d11516c_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Yeah, YOU try looking into that face and tell him to move.<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3789989737_a7d5763afd_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-14955909605410710122009-08-03T00:59:00.001-04:002009-08-03T00:59:38.574-04:00American Idol Tour - Charlotte, NC - Part 1Matt and I drove to Charlotte this weekend to see the American Idol tour. I'm a gigantic fan of the show and religiously watch it every season. I've never had the desire to go to the tour until this year because there are so many contestants I loved.<br /><br />Our wedding this week was on Friday, meaning we were free and clear to attend the Saturday night concert. Talk about lucking out!<br /><br />All of our "dates" begin with a hideous driveway self portrait:<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3784100156_9b89aea844_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Our hotel (taken with point 'n shoot) right next to the arena. The second photo is what happened when Matt said "strike a pose" while testing light inside of our room.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3783290565_e1282c7465_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/3783290605_8cf2a8176b_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Hehe<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3783290651_0d50379808_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3783290669_9aeb09d5fa_o.jpg" /><br /><br />The hotel was perfect. We upgraded to a large corner room, we were a 3 minute walk from the arena, and it was pet friendly, so Dex could come along!<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3784100236_3e39c0ac66_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Matt is better in front of the camera than I am, so he gets extra shots<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3783290705_719e299f6f_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3783290751_330c982943_o.jpg" /><br /><br />These next three are from the point 'n shoot. An outdoor mall we walked to for dinner before the concert.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3784100392_5c886345b6_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3783290839_21802967a1_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3784101536_0d78b9234c_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Rules regarding photography in the arena were pretty lax, so we were able to walk right in with a 5DMkII armed with an 85mm f/1.2 with no questions (the longest zoom I was willing to risk. I figured a 70-200 would have been a bit too conspicuous). I also packed the point 'n shoot for obligatory self portraits. We had GREAT seats!<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3783290887_c39e11a9a5_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Also a point 'n shoot shot.. wide view from our seats.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3784100520_cbbe9d1fe9_o.jpg" /><br /><br />MkII shots from here on out unless noted. Watching these lighting operators climb into their chairs freak me out.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3784100568_7f8ec61ea8_o.jpg" /><br /><br />The Top 10 performed in reverse order, starting with Michael Sarver.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3783291071_1e1121683e_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3784100598_9524c8f4ca_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3784100668_7f38023754_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/3783291153_dfd4084f91_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3784100722_8a4f0b6c09_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Next up was Megan Joy. She sounded much better live than she did while on the show. I'm also a little in love with her pink shoes.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3783291229_5527873c36_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3784100836_bea7a2c2c4_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Next two from the point 'n shoot:<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3783291309_c6a589e323_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3783291337_1fd6ff1481_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Then it was Scott Macintyre's turn. For those who didn't watch the show, Scott is almost completely blind and recently underwent a kidney transplant. I don't prefer his voice, but he's a master on the piano and was one of the most likeable contestants of Season 8.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3784100914_cbd7c19b5c_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3784100940_989d998f69_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3784100982_9ae57f63d1_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Lil Rounds was next. She looked gorgeous and also sounded much better live.<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/3784101068_16946916a0_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3783291597_6fa45a9381_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Hands and arms sometimes obscured the shots, but I think that they make them look kinda artsy!<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3784101178_6ef4bfc76d_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2676/3783291699_d23ee1bcbd_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3783291749_273ffe4653_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Next was...<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3784101314_4580a4f17a_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/3784101346_5fee3b0a3e_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Love this guy!<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3784101376_22f585a0b8_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3784101486_ffb7f344c4_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3784101418_f15c944c94_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Many many MANY more photos to come! Stay tuned tomorrow night!Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-30577538241680559982009-07-05T19:44:00.005-04:002009-07-05T20:04:05.772-04:00Anniversary 2009I have a dream of one day being completely caught up on all photo work, album designs, and both blogs. Unfortunately, that is all a pipe dream. What I CAN do is make good use of a fabulous long(ish) weekend to get a little ahead.<br /><br />Matt and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary on May 28th of this year. Wanting to keep things low key, we decided to lock ourselves in the house with pajamas, good food, and good TV and have an old-fashioned slumber party. Just one of many perks of being married to your best friend.<br /><br />I was in charge of the evening's uniform, and these retro video game pajamas were just too awesome to pass up.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3692249880_d5c273c088_o.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/3691445003_0766f27db6_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3692250150_1927bba9c3_o.jpg"><br /><br />Matt provided a centerpiece using my favorite flower:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3691443947_db7a3a3d47_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3691443841_450acbb5d3_o.jpg"><br /><br />Matt was in charge of food, and found this adorable pan for making a giant cupcake:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3692249012_65e4fe4996_o.jpg"><br /><br />Since we were trying to be as lazy as possible, the cupcake was made using box mixes and, of course...<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3691444191_f1d5859e84_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3692249414_fe8f8e9f45_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3691444559_39d3a07fab_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3692249254_6d799f7683_o.jpg"><br /><br />Assembled!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/3692249610_742cb2e913_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3692249678_054bfb69be_o.jpg"><br /><br />Rawr<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3692249780_1783020cb4_o.jpg"><br /><br />Dinner was strawberry waffles and omelets. Yum yum!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3692250292_f1000ee940_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3692250404_399577e178_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3691445659_d82221f89d_o.jpg"><br /><br />Me looking shamefaced over using Bisquik for the waffles (nah, not really.. that's probably what we'd use anyway)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/3692250670_2f08ec597b_o.jpg"><br /><br />Matt thinks he is hilarious for giving me "kisses" for our anniversary:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3692250748_d76813e864_o.jpg"><br /><br />After a night of movies and TV (I was in charge of entertainment) the real reason for the kisses was learned.. Matt wanted to try his hand as making a chocolate martini.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3691446097_2627de0120_o.jpg"><br /><br />I thought it was pretty gross and only got through one sip (he made it perfectly, it's just not my taste!) I prefer apple martinis any day. <br /><br />.. and a last parting shot. While we were cooking, Peanut gave Dexter several warning yowls when he was getting a little too close!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3691446219_e409d0f524_o.jpg">Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-80633811336971437732009-06-21T23:28:00.002-04:002009-06-21T23:37:45.222-04:00More Ripley's Aquarium PhotosI love Sundays! Matt and I had the day off, and spent most of our time running errands and doing chores. I also spent that time whining that I want to hire lawncare and housekeeping people, so that our free time is actually spent doing things that are fun! <br /><br />I did devote some time working on more of our personal photos, which unfortunately takes me all the way back to Easter weekend. Enjoy!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3649506242_7c9ab879b9_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3648700857_250b3ba0bb_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3649506456_e345be8688_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3648701071_953f254fd4_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3648701247_a5df46cb40_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3648701389_226b971509_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3648701563_84bc5f4a41_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3648701745_c022c0a81d_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3648701847_e3c1e77a8a_o.jpg"> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3649507478_e76b8e4cfa_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3649507762_a44190bc87_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3648702369_25e848ed06_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3649508246_97528c80e9_o.jpg"><br /><br />Leave us a comment with your favorite things to do on a lazy Sunday!Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-58173103035744646052009-06-05T22:54:00.002-04:002009-06-05T22:57:43.175-04:00More from Easter weekendWith wedding season upon us, our personal photo collection is being pushed to the back burner, but I thought I would revive this blog a bit with a few more shots from Easter weekend at Ripley's Aquarium<br /><br />A couple of fun shots of each other:<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3598942099_c68a786400_o.jpg" /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3598942059_98a36f0904_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3598942135_6b419d1ee2_o.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-64026418128616970382009-05-11T14:52:00.003-04:002009-05-11T15:01:47.894-04:00On Sunday, my family surprised my Granny at her nursing home in Collegedale. <a href="http://www.erinbrownephoto.com/slideshows/mothersday">Click here</a> to see a slideshow of some of the photos we took. I think the look on her face says it all!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3522361093_8d3d770e9c_o.jpg">Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-60334430401504212752009-04-14T15:46:00.004-04:002009-04-14T15:55:06.958-04:00Easter weekend, Matt and I went to the mountains to mentally prepare for the "official" start to wedding season. I'll break this post up into several over the next day or so to make it easier to swallow.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3439174243_d8f3378a94_o.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3439174373_8c3c5fd6ee_o.jpg"><br />Even when we're getting away, we still love to cook! Matt made strawberry crepes for us on Saturday morning.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3439985196_b2b736b9ff_o.jpg"><br />A little outlet shopping took up part of the afternoon. This is me with my guilty pleasure purchase.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3439174509_5024e95105_o.jpg"><br />Lunch/dinner was at the Apple Barn, our favorite non-tourist-trap place in the Smokies!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3439174609_99980e28b4_o.jpg"><br />Looking toward the farmhouse restaurant.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3439985486_97e221c8c3_o.jpg"><br />Looking back toward the barn and other shops. This was after we replenished our stock of their fabulous Apple Strawberry and Apple Blush wines!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3439174761_2beb5a8a57_o.jpg"><br />By coincidence, we were seated at the same table we had when we first came here for a date, nearly 8 years ago. D'aww.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3439985594_ba8799ee4f_o.jpg"><br />Wondering if calories REALLY count during a weekend away.<br /><br />If you want to learn more about the Apple Barn, take a peek <a href="http://www.applebarncidermill.com/">at their website</a>. If you're local and have never been there, then shame on you! I demand that you make a special trip over to Sevierville this weekend. Just make sure you don't confuse the cider bar with the actual restaurant. That's a common mistake, I hear. Not that we ever did that. Nope.Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-24417824165848000362009-04-07T20:33:00.002-04:002009-04-07T20:36:55.977-04:00<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3421991361_48ebf052a5_o.jpg"><br />Meet Max.<br /><br />Max belongs to my parents. He is a Coton De Tulear (don't worry, I'd never heard of it either)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3421991401_c4ba979f98_o.jpg"><br />Don't let that sly grin fool you. He is a stinker!<br /><br />He also has my parents wrapped around his little doggy toes.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3422800744_c879822858_o.jpg"><br />He looks very sure of himself, doesn't he?<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3421991499_b07ea134c6_o.jpg"><br />I told you - he is a stinker.Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-40934779409535092372009-03-28T21:47:00.002-04:002009-03-28T21:53:54.538-04:00Just stopping by to share some pictures of a cake we made a couple of weeks ago. We definitely have little to no skill at cake decorating, but it's something fun to do every now and then. We are, however, skilled at making delicious cakes from scratch!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3394039990_faaa6b4123_o.jpg" /><br />Leveling off each layer<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3394040154_c80bc00d11_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3394040272_87f2fff4aa_o.jpg" /><br />Adding the fill<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3393229181_33c5807b9d_o.jpg" /><br />Adding the crumb coat<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3394040464_4eae1d3e07_o.jpg" /><br />We didn't take pictures of the final layer of frosting or the piping (it was done in a hurry on a different day) But here's a look at the final result. We won't be trading in our cameras for piping bags anytime soon, that's for sure.Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-189077074281383602009-03-23T11:19:00.001-04:002009-03-23T11:20:41.739-04:00Matt is coming home today! I was pretty shocked by the teddy bear in the last entry, but I was even more shocked to find a riddle in my e-mail every single morning with clues pointing to yet more cards, hidden all over the house. I won't spam up this post with all of the individual shots, but here's a nifty mosaic of everything I found.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3379526990_220024c6d9_b.jpg" />Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31371082.post-72263588884526212282009-03-16T21:51:00.002-04:002009-03-16T21:52:07.523-04:00Matt is out of town until next Monday.<br /><br />I'm sad.<br /><br />But!<br /><br />When I arrived back at home after dropping him off at the airport, I found this waiting for me:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3359019087_b8cf439b6a_o.jpg" /><br /><br />I think I'll keep him.Erin Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13298001159604403859noreply@blogger.com0