The Better Day at the Garden

Today the Bartley family (barfam as I like to call it, much to my mother’s dismay) took a trip to Huntington Garden. I frequently go because there is always interesting things to photograph, but this was the first time we went as a family. After, we retired home ordered Thai food and ate in our own backyard since we came home inspired by the outdoors. Here are some pictures!

The Better Mothers Day Gift

Because I refuse to drop over $100 for an arrangement of flowers, I decided I’d take matters into my own hands to get my mother a great gift without spending my month’s allowance. I went to the Los Angeles flower mart and spent about $35 dollars for these 2 orchids, the vase was given to me by a friend, and the moss was only a couple of dollars. As much as I love my mom, I could not justify $6 for a card, as cute as they were, so I took a few minutes to make a handmade card. 

The Better Holiday Cheer Lasts Throughout the Year

I love the idea that a simple gift or thought can bring cheer to anyones day, so not too long ago I baked chocolate peppermint sugar cookies that I normally bake around Christmas. After packaging them up in a more spring time theme, they were ready to be given to good friends. Unexpectedly, people ended up fighting over them and looking for ways to steal them. Note: If you don’t want to give them out as gifts, they work really well as bribes.

Ingredients 
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.