Lili's First Birthday Party

I think it's safe (if not socially acceptable) to say that I've been effectively planning Lili's first birthday party since about last Christmas. I have changed the "theme" about 85 times, but I think I've finally settled on one that I'm really excited about. 

Submitted for your approval:

All via Pinterest

Where to even begin? The gold balloons, the ruffle smash cake, the tablecloth! I'm just so in love with all things ombré at the moment. I have so many ideas for birthday crafts, I think my head is going to explode. I'll share them all here, of course, so do keep in touch.

The first order of business was to design and order her invitations. I made this one up on PicMonkey. Don't get excited, that's not my real address ;) 

I'll post a tutorial on how I made this invitation, as well as a few other ideas to utilize this great (free!) program early next week.

I can't believe that in a mere two months, I'll no longer have a baby. This year has gone by so incredibly fast.The last few weeks have been a little emotional to say the least, and I'm only jut gearing up...poor Steve! Ha! 

Linking up here:

My Fashion Forward

House of Hepworths

A Glimpse Inside

Chocolate, Chocolate and More

What We Wore Wednesday

For this edition of WWWW, I'm wearing one of my favourite outfits. If I had to guess, I'd say I wear this outfit at least once a week. The dress is so light and breezy, and I love the pattern. I also have one in green, which you'll see in some upcoming WWWW without a doubt. I got this dress two years ago for $8...It is hands down the best purchase I've ever made in terms of the "price paid to number of times worn" ratio. 

Lili tried to look her happiest for you guys in spite of the extreme pain she is in from teething...


As always, I hope you'll link up below. I absolutely love seeing everyone's beautiful outfits...and all the babies!! I die!!

On Mama:

Dress: H&M // Cardigan: The Gap // Sandals: Birkenstock

On Bébé:

Cambray Romper: Baby Gap // Sandals: Sea Wees by Salt Water  

Weekend Rewind

Here are a few scenes from our lovely, busy weekend in Niagara visiting my parents for Father's Day. We managed to squeeze in a trip to the Niagara on the Lake Strawberry Festival (after realizing the Beamsville Festival of the same name is now defunct...my Beamsville people, what the heck?!), an impromptu s'more party and of course a Father's Day barbecue complete with the grandparents. The only thing that could have possibly made the weekend even more complete was a little bit of sailing...but there's always another weekend!

Linking up here:

Sumo's Sweet Stuff

The Oliver's Madhouse

A Manly (i.e. Meaty) Meal...

Father's day is nigh, friends. Here's what I'll be cooking up this weekend for my own Dad...and my husband of course. 

Via New York Serious Eats

I have been making these ribs for years. They are a labour of love, but if you find yourself some nice, meaty beef ribs, they are definitely worth it. The recipe comes from New York's renowned barbecue restaurant, Blue Smoke. You can substitute pork baby back ribs. They're more readily available.

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons course-ground black pepper
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons course salt 
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 racks meaty beef (or pork) ribs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients except the beef ribs.
3. Rub the mixture all over the beef ribs. 
4. Place ribs meaty side up on a large baking sheet. **You may want to put another tray on the rack below to catch any drips. These ribs are fatty!**
5. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hrs or until meat easily pulls away from the bone.

**If you have a smoker, smoke these for 5 1/2 to 6 hours according to the manufacturer's instructions. I've also had good success using a smoker box on the gas grill set to about 200 degrees.**

I'll be serving these up with some creamy coleslaw. For dessert, I'll be grilling up some cinnamon dusted pineapple spears and these grilled s'mores using my homemade marshmallows.

What to drink? Beer is the obvious choice. This meal is quite fatty, and benefits from something a little bitter to cut all that fat. I recommend a nice, hoppy IPA. We love Muskoka Brewery's Mad Tom IPA and Spearhead's Hawaiian Pale Ale (a little hoppy, a LOT pineappley- yum!). If you prefer your suds a little less bitter, try Beau's Lug Tread or, my personal fave, Mill Street Organic. You'll find these Ontario craft brews at your local LCBO or online. 

I am so excited to celebrate my husband's first Father's Day! Needless to say, he's absolutely killing it as a dad, and he deserves some recognition.   

What We Wore Wednesday

Welcome to the second edition of What We Wore Wednesday. As always, we are linking up with A Life From Scratch and The Pleated Poppy to bring you some pretty mama wear.

This week has been pretty stressful here at Casa Burtch. We are dealing with a straight-up nursing strike, teething, and bottle rejection in one tiny package (see below). This week's outfit was my attempt to brighten my mood and remind myself: "Don't worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright." The sun has been shining, my baby is healthy if not (at the moment) happy, and this too shall pass.  

A million "thanks" to those who linked up last week, and to those who shared their outfits on the FB page. I hope even more of you are inspired to link up this week. It`s super simple! Just click the button at the bottom of the posts and follow the prompts.

On Mama:

jeans: Costa Blanca // t-shirt: Winners // scarf: Winners // shoes: Toms //

bracelet: Stella and Dot 

On Bébé:

Ombré Romper: Joe Fresh // Shoes: Tiny Toms 

Maple Cinnamon Brown Butter Puffs

I devised these puffalicious little treats last Friday, as I was searching for a baked donut recipe to celebrate National Donut Day. I wanted a healthier version of something like this. These puffs almost have the consistency of a pancake (picture a baked raised donut...like that) with distinct cinnamon and brown butter flavours. If maple isn't your preference, you could easily sub in an equal amount of any liquid sweetener. 

These puffs are best enjoyed warm from the oven (aren't all baked goods for that matter?) but they'll last a few hours at room temperature. Bake up a batch for your next brunch or as an afternoon snack. They come together in a snap, and you can eat two (ok, five) without guilt.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour (I used white whole wheat, because I'm literally no fun)
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg (lightly beaten)
3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (use 2% or higher if it's what you have on hand)
1 tbsp oil (not olive, but any other works)
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
2 1/2 tbsp maple syrup (or liquid sweetener of your choice)
1 tbsp cinnamon
6 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*

Grease mini muffin tins (24)

In a small bowl or ramekin, combine the cinnamon and the sugar. Stir well and set aside.

Put the butter in a small saucepan and set it aside as well.

Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl until well combined.

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well. Fold gently until just combined. Do not over mix.  

Fill each mini muffin cup 3/4 full. Be sure not to over fill them, or they won't puff up as nicely.

Bake for 12 minutes.

For the brown butter:

While the puffs are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the butter continuously as it melts. It will begin to foam, then the milk solids will begin to turn brown. Remove the butter from the heat as soon as it turns a golden brown and pour it into a ramekin. Brown butter quickly turns to black butter (i.e. burnt) and we don't want that! For more detailed brown butter instructions, click here.

When the puffs have finished baking, they will be golden and well-domed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. When cool to the touch, take a puff and dip it into the brown butter. Let any excess butter drip off, and then roll the top into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining.

Yields 24 puffs

Hope you enjoy!

Father's Day 2013 Gift Guide

Alright ladies, it's time to honour that most important man in your life. Whether you're shopping for your own father or the father of your little ones, it's important to find just the right gift to convey how special he really is. I've compiled a list of my favourites below. I definitely had my own husband in mind when culling ideas, but he just has such excellent taste...

1. Home Craft Brewing Kit // 2. The World Atlas of Beer // 3. Watch // 4. Clock Radio //

5. Camera and Laptop Bag // 6. Whiskey Stones // 7. Wired Magazine Subscription //

8. The Art of Shaving Cream // 9. Matching t-shirt and onesie

Be sure to check back on Monday for some of my favourite grilling recipes. They're perfect for a Father's Day family barbecue!

Happy weekend!