Friday Favorites and Some Goosebumps.

Happy Friday my beautiful Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakes Readers! I hope you all had an amazing week and are ready to kick off the 4th of July Weekend if you are from the States, if reading from across the globe, I hope you also have a fantastic weekend! I had a jam packed week which is going to be followed by an even busier weekend and I can't wait, because when you are busy and productive and surround yourself with good people, that's when you're living. 

The following pictures captured my favorite moments from this past week and the video at the end captured my guys banner championship season. Thank you to the fan who put this highlight video together, it is simply amazing and I get goosebumps every time I watch it.

Go out and be great! Happy Weekend!

Summer Sunday with my Love, enjoying some vino.

At the Beach Boys Concert with Kyle, such a great night. 

Finally being able to relax now that my love is home, really enjoying a nice beer. 

God Only Knows What I'd Be Without You! Such a great moment. 

I cracked the screen on my iPhone4 in March when I was living in France, my insurance sent me an iPhone4s as a replacement, SCORE!

Wooden being introduced to my cute little nephew, William.

Yesterday we went to browse at some cars, a few hours later we purchased a new truck! I'm so in love.

Here is an amazing highlight video of Kyle from this year. I don't know if you've noticed, but this boy can shoot it. Love you babe!

New Beginnings.

Happy Wednesday Beauties! Hope you are having a great week, getting stuff done and doing something for yourself, because you deserve that.  My guy and I woke up early this morning put on our trainers and hit the park for a great morning run. As I've said before, I love early runs for the simple fact that you are watching the world wake up around you. After our run we got our daily Starbucks fix and took our pup Wooden for a walk and now I'm here writing to you. Gosh, I love productive mornings and what's even more exciting is that we are going to the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Concert tonight! I have loved the Beach Boys forever and this is something that has been on my bucket list for such a long time and to be able to share it with my love makes it even sweeter. I'm looking forward to rocking out to some Good Vibrations, Wouldn't It Be Nice and of course God Only Knows, my absolute favorite song. I'll be sure to post about our Beach Boys experience.

Yesterday was the start of something that I've been working towards for a very long time, it has been my dream to be my own business and yesterday cemented that. Last night was my first group yoga class in a studio under Yoga by Meg. I can't tell you how nervous I was, but Kyle reassured me that being nervous is a good thing, it shows you that you want to succeed. Well, it was indeed a success, it was a small group but a great workout and everyone enjoyed it. I have to thank Rhythm Central Dance Studio for giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and fly on this new journey. For more info on Yoga by Meg click the link here yogabymeg.com and join me for a session!

Yoga by Meg at Rhythm Central 

Celebration Beers.

Happy Monday Loves, hope you had a fantastically awesome, productive weekend! I had a great one, which I've been looking forward to for a long time. Now that my guy is home in New York after a year in France, it's time for us to enjoy the things we love most about our home and we got off to a great start this weekend.

On Friday night I arranged a little celebration at one of the local bars, to celebrate Kyle's homecoming and the championship title he just won. So I rounded up our family and friends to have some celebration beers with us and it sure was a good time. The support and love we've received from our friends and family is amazing, which makes being home even sweeter. Friday was a late night so we were looking forward to a more relaxing Saturday and Sunday.

The rest of our weekend consisted of walks in the park with our puppy Wooden, trips to Starbucks,  running errands and BBQs with our families. It's so great to have Kyle and Wooden home with me and I am really looking forward to a nice summer with my guys.

Here are some pictures of our night out Friday.

Kyle and I.

I love candid pictures. Kyle, my sister Lia and brother Brendan.

Pretty Girls; April, Tara, Kristy, Taryn, Kelly, and Me.

My brother and myself.

Kyle and I.

Me and Sammy girl.

Kyle's brother Ryan and Kyle

fat bottom fridays... yummy yummy cupcakes.. and a welcome home

hey everyone it's mrs. fatbottom over here... what a beautiful but HOTTTT day... yesterday was actually much hotter, and humid.. ugh... i hate humidity, it makes my hair curl uncontrollably... it's a bummer... and being the smart chick that i am, i decided to bake yesterday, during the heat of the day no less... brilliant, i know... thank goodness for air conditioners... anyways... i haven't baked cupcakes in a while... and being that my sister meggie is all about cakes and cuppycakes, i figured some pretty cupcakes would be a good post...

i've been knocking around the idea of making a ruffle cake, they are so cute and girly... and since i am usually surrounded by superheros and sword fights, i was kinda in the mood for something pretty... but i knew if i baked a big cake i would be more tempted to eat it, where as with cupcakes i can easily give them away... so i made some ruffle cupcakes, but booo... the heat and humidity started making my ruffles weepy before i got to take some pictures... but they still tasted damn gooooooood!

vanilla cake recipe adapted from dorie greenspans perfect party cake (makes 18-20 cupcakes)ingredients:
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
seeds scraped from one vanilla bean
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

directions:
1. center a rack in the oven to 350 degrees F and line cupcake pan with paper liners
2. in a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt
3. in a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg whites
4. in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla bean seeds at medium speed for 3 minutes, or until the butter and sugar are very light
5.add in the vanilla extract and alternately add in the flour and the milk, beginning and ending with the flour
6. once ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed
7. distribute the batter between 18 muffin wells, filling each well 2/3 full
6. bake for 18-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers come out clean... cool on wire rack completely before frosting

and before i say goodbye, i wanted to give a big welcome home to my sisters main man kyle... after having an incredible year of playing pro ball over in france he is finally back in the states, finally home with his family and friends... i was lucky enough to visit meggie and kyle back in april, where i got to see kyle in action on the court... his hard work, dedication and drive paid off with his team winning the championship... not only is the city of limoges beaming with pride, so are alot of people back here in the US... i can't wait for all of us to be together again, it's been almost a year since my hubby and boys have seen kyle... (a side note, just the other day while playing basketball my two little guys were arguing over who gets to be kyle, so eventually they both were kyle, one wearing white, and one wearing green (those are his team colors)... now thats funny)

welcome home kyle :)

and now, go out and enjoy your weekend everyone... much love... and happy baking :)

and remember to check me out over at fatbottom cupcakes!

Friday Favorites.

Hey there Beauties, Happy Friday! It's going to be another hot one here in New York and all over the United States, so stay cool. I hope you're ready to enjoy the weekend, do something for yourself because you deserve it!  I'm a happy girl because I finally have both my boyfriend and my dog back in New York after a long year in France and we will be celebrating there return all weekend.

Here are my favorite things that helped me through this rather hot week in New York. Have a great weekend!

Wooden and I enjoying the air conditioning. I love when he smiles. 

Kyle receiving his Limoges CSP Championship Jacket, a happy moment. 

A simple tank dress to keep me cool on a very hot day. 

Wooden getting adjusted to New York living. 

Tiffany Blue French Manicure.

Welcoming Kyle Home with some goodies. 

The Day I've Been Waiting For.

Happy Thursday Loves! It's a scorcher here in New York City for the second day in a row but I am all smiles because it has been one amazing week.

On Monday I headed to JFK Airport to pick up one of my men, my puppy Wooden, who really doesn't look like a puppy anymore, more like a pony. The process to get him was crazy, since he was flying from France to the United States there was a lot of paperwork involved. So even though Wooden landed at 4pm I didn't get him until 6:15pm! But boy was it a sight, Wooden is quite large so he actually came out in his crate on a fork lift. I saw his eyes and my heart skipped a beat, he made it! I called out his name and he lost it, he was trying to get out of the crate to see me, pure love. He was a champ and I know he is just a dog but I was so proud of him, he was in a crate for 12 hours and he didn't have an accident, he definitely was worthy of some treats.

It's great to have Wooden in New York, a moment Kyle and I have been talking about since the day we brought our pup home. I love that he can be around our families, enjoy the parks that we love so much and accompany us on our daily Starbucks runs.

Now all I need to make my time in New York complete is having both my men by my side, which by 8:00pm tonight will be a reality. Kyle is making his way to New York as I write this, a moment that I've been counting down since one of the hardest days of my life, August 14th, 2011, when we were separated for 74 days. That time apart and this year abroad has certainly been our biggest test but even though it wasn't always easy, we made it. This year together has solidified Kyle and Meg, we've created a family life, with the addition of our dog Wooden, who has brought us so much happiness, that he'll never fully be aware of.

Even though there were some struggles this year, for the most part it was amazing. I loved France and I am really hoping we are back there next year. Kyle's career skyrocketed this year which consisted of a perfect game (Not easy!), a first place standing, a trip to the French All Star Three Point Contest, the Fan Favorite Award, advancing to Pro A, winning the Championship and what I am most amazed about, shooting 52% from the Three Point Line.

Who knows what next year will bring but until then we are really looking forward to spending our summer in our Home of Homes, New York City with our family and friends, remembering to appreciate the little things and remain humble for all the things we've had the chance of experiencing at such a young age, because you must never forget, "From humble beginnings come great things."

Here's a video from Kyle's trip to the Finals, it only makes me more proud of him. Once again, congratulations Limoges CSP on a Banner Season!

CSP Champion ProB 2012 from LIMOGES CSP on Vimeo.

A New Champion, Celebrating Dad and Wooden is On His Way.

I can't believe the amazingness that was this weekend, my heart is still a flutter from all that went on. It all started early Saturday morning, when I woke up way before the sun was ready to get up to talk to my boyfriend in France, before he took the court for his Championship game. I then headed over to Starbucks to pick up some coffee to bring to my brothers house, where my family was congregating to watch the game, it was at Starbucks where I received a sign and I knew it was a good one, I ordered a Box of Coffee and they only had FRENCH Roast, I giggled and said "that's exactly what I want, I'll take it ", since Kyle was playing in the French Championship.

The game took off and the first play of the game, Kyle pulled up for a sweet three pointer and we were on our way to Victory. Kyle and Limoges CSP won with an 87-78 Victory and were crowned the Champions of France Pro B 2012, an amazing accomplishment that brought tears to my eyes. I know how hard Kyle has worked for this moment, he did it and it was so well deserved. He had a banner year, not only did his team finish first in the league which advances them to Pro A, they closed out the year with the title and Kyle's individual stats this year were amazing, he shot over 53% from the three point line which is a percentage unheard of. Congratulations Kyle, you continue to amaze me, I love you so much and can't wait to see what the next chapter in your career is.














After the excitement of Saturday, I was looking forward to a relaxing day celebrating Father's Day with my Dad and all the other great dads in my life. We enjoyed a great Brunch at one of my favorite spots on the Island, Pasticceria Bruno where we toasted my Dad and my brother who was celebrating his first Father's Day. It was such a nice morning and I hope they both know how much I love and appreciate them.

Following Brunch I stopped by Kyle's parent's house to wish his dad a Happy Father's Day and then headed to My Aunt and Uncle's for a family Father's Day BBQ. I was such a nice day filled with so much love and laughs, which always reminds me to relish in the little things.

















Early this morning, I received a text from my guy to let me know that our puppy Wooden was checked into the airport and will soon be making his first transatlantic trip from Paris to New York. I am so excited to see my Wooden-ba-Gooden, who I haven't seen in a month and introduce him to the great city of New York and his new home. Safe travels Wooden, I'll be there waiting for you with a bone for you. Love you pup.

Friday Favorites and Some Good Luck.

Hey there beauties! Happy Friday, I hope you are ready to enjoy the weekend. Have a great Father's Day Weekend! I had an extremely busy week, I'm really getting my yoga teaching off to a great start, right now I am just doing private lessons until June 26th when I'll start teaching group classes at Rhythm Central in New York. If you are interested in taking a class visit Yoga By Meg for all the information you need to get involved.

Having a busy week was good for one thing, it kept my mind off of Kyle's big game which will take place tomorrow. Kyle and his team Limoges CSP made it to the final Championship game and I couldn't be more proud of him. He's playing for the title in Paris and I am super bummed I can't be there. So, because I couldn't physically be there I wanted to show Kyle how much all his family, friends and myself support him. Check out the cool video below. Good Luck Kyle, we are all so proud of you, one more game, one more moment to shine. (This season!)



Along with the video, here are my other favorite things from this week.



I love Hydrangeas and Mason Jars, these freshly picked flowers were perfect for my office space.




My nephew William took me to my favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch, what a guy!




They may be high in calories but boy are these amazing. If you like Piña Colada!




Love Maxi Dresses for the summer.




I saw this ring on Etsy and had to get it!




Afternoon pick me up between yoga sessions. Yes, it's a Trenta but it's unsweetened. ;)




My go to look and the outfit that inspired the name of this blog. Nothing better then a fresh tee and some denim.




Kyle and his teammates as cartoons, great shirt for the Championship. I need one!

Home.

There's something about early mornings in New York City that I am utterly in love with. It's hard to pinpoint what sets it apart from all the the other places I've woken up in but I'd have to go with the combination of sounds out my apartment window. To hear the birds waking up and garbage trucks at the same time, may sound weird but it makes me feel so happy, it's a feeling of being exactly where you want to be, it's being home.

It's really quite funny, as I write this my Pandora radio is on and Michael Bublé's Home came on, which always makes me think of my guy and our relationship and how we seem to always be trying to find some version of "home", which with his career as a professional athlete can make for quite the challenge but we've always managed. In about a week and a half my boyfriend will be in our home of homes in New York and I can't wait to wake up to the sounds of New York with him next to me, I'll probably be nudging him to stop snoring but that will make home even better.

What's do you love about your home, that sets it apart from every other place you've ever visited?

Cookies and Cupcakes.

I don't know what has gotten into me lately but I've caught the baking bug. I figured why not, how hard can baking be? I just have to be patient, follow a recipe and as my sister says," Have fun, baking is fun!" I have to be honest, I've been having fun! I get all the necessary ingredients out, turn on either Sara Bareilles or Michael Bublé on Pandora, pour myself a glass of wine and I get cooking, while sending my guy Kyle picture updates of my progress and to let him know that I didn't burn Dow. The kitchen.

Yesterday, after perusing Pinterest and looking at the rainy weather outside I thought it was the perfect day for some baking fun and the recipe I found knocked my socks off and made my belly rumble. The challenge would be Oreo Crunch Cupcakes that I found of Pinterest via A Little Inspiration Blog .(Such a cute blog by the way!) Where you can find the simple recipe.

The recipe didn't seem too difficult and to give it a Jeans and Tees and Travel and Cakes twist I used Mint and Blonde Oreos instead of Classic Black and White. The result was amazing and with 24 delicious cupcakes staring me in the face while I was all by myself in my apartment, I knew I had a problem on my hands. If I kept all of these cupcakes in my apartment I would indeed eat all of them, so I divided them up and dropped them off to various family members to make their rainy day a little better.

Here is how my Oreo Crunch Cupcakes turned out.



Front: Vanilla Cake with Mint Cookie Crumble, Vanilla Icing Topped with a Mint Oreo Cookie. Back: Vanilla Cake with Blonde Cookie Crumble, Vanilla Icing Topped with a Blonde Oreo Cookie



Blonde Oreo Cookie Crumble Cupcake.



Mint Oreo Cookie Crumble Cupcake.



The inside of the Mint Oreo Cookie Crumble Cupcake. Yep! That's a Mint Oreo at the base of the Cupcakes, yummy!



Oreo Cookie Crumble Inspiration.

Happy Baking!