Happy Birthday Oscar!

So, today is Oscar de la Renta's Birthday! He is a whole 4 years old today. Not to sound sappy, I remember the day we brought this ornery little pug home. He was so adorable, especially when he barked at us from the top of the stairs. Who would have thought a 6-month old puppy would be afraid of the stairs.

Needless to say Oscar's phobia of the stairs has disappeared, and he has grown up into the grunting furry meatloaf that we love so much. We will celebrate this evening with some special doggie birthday cookies I bought at Paws Around Town. The birthday boy may even get some new "babies" (photos to come soon). I guess they are well deserved since both pugs received a much needed bath this evening.

I have placed some of our favorite photos of Oscar below.



This is Oscar when he was only 7 weeks old. Little did we know this little wrinkled face we would be ours a few months later!



Oscar suckling one of his favorite babies, Patty the Platypus.



And Oscar at the dog park. What a goofball! Happy Birthday Little Man.

Proud to be an Okie!

Hello dear friends and family! I know it has been almost a year since I have updated our blog, but something inside of me has prompted to start writing again.

Since this is my first blog back, I would like to tell everyone how proud I am to be an Oklahoman, or "Okie"!!! To be honest, in my adolsecence, these are words that I never thought I would utter.

Throughout the majority of my childhood and adolscence I lived in the suburbs of larger cities, such as St. Louis, Houston and Atlanta. You can imagine my enthusiasm at the tempermental age of 13, almost 14, when my parents told me we were moving from Houston to the much smaller town of Edmond, OK. Let's just say that I was not the happiest teenager for a while until I made some great friends in school. However, I still missed everything that Oklahoma seemed to be missing and that other places had.

In high school I thought that I would be heading to an out of state college as soon as my diploma hit my hand. However, God had different plans for me. I was in a relationship with a wonderful young man (now my hubbie Michael) and the thought of being too far away from him broke my heart. Plus Oklahoma State University had offered me a partial scholarship, which meant more opportunities for fun college kid things such as spring break trips. From Stillwater I then moved to Tulsa after graduation. My Opa was very sick with cancer and I just felt the need to be near by him and my Oma. When I became engaged to my husband Michael I then moved to Oklahoma City to move in with him and begin graduate school.

Fast forward to 2010, and Michael and I, along with our 2 pugs, Oscar and Leo, still live in Oklahoma City. I could not be happier to live in this city as I am right now. I have seen this city and community grow and change over the past 17 years, and I am amazed. "The City" now has worlds more to offer than it did when I first moved here. Outstanding restaurants, eateries, stores, events and sports are just the tip of the iceberg. What I do love most about this place is the COMMUNITY. To me Oklahomans are so increibly respectful and kind to one another. I sincerely cannot think of a friendlier place to live (however I am biased, of course!). All of these feelings of pride that I have for our city came to a head when I was visiting with my Uncle Mark and my father when they came to Tulsa a few weeks ago. My Uncle Mark could not shut me up with all of my talk about how awesome OKC is and how much is has to offer the community and its visitors.

The following week was the 15th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing. Such a tragic event, but the recovery is also proof of how Oklahomans "Rise Together". I was also going to be participating in the 10th OKC Memorial 5K. Then Michael and I were fortunate enough to get tickets to the first ever NBA Playoffs game in OKC of our Thunder vs. the LA Lakers. As the game unfolded and when the OKC Thunder won, the crowd was unbelievable. Almost every person was in Thunder Blue and the cheering was nothing like I had ever experienced. Once the victory had been clenched, I looked around the Ford Center and got chills. I thought "this is my city and I am so proud ot be a part of this".

The Thunder were unforunately defeated by the Lakers yesterday evening, but I heard from those that were at the game that our team received a 5 minute standing ovation after the game. With all of these events, my pride was bursting and I felt it was appropriate to show it! I <3 OKC and I can officially say I am proud to be an OKie! Have lovely weekend everyone...THUNDER UP!

Cheers,
Allison

Michael & I at the the first NBA Playoffs game in OKC. Go Thunder!

OKC Thunder vs. LA Lakers: NBA Playoffs

One of the most amazing and peaceful places in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Memorial in the Autumn of 2009.

Wonderful Tonight

Today is our 3rd Anniversary and every year I make Michael look through our wedding album so we can laugh and talk about our wonderful and FUN wedding day. Our anniversary coincidentally lands on a Champagne Wednesday this year, so bonus! I think we will go a little bit fancier tonight and make our regular glass into a kir royale. Michael is grilling steaks as we speak, but I am honestly looking more forward to the homemade mashed potatoes he is making with it ;) Ah, good dinner along with some 'So You Think You Can Dance' & 'Top Chef Masters'.

Now, I know I have not blogged in over a month, but I have a laundry list of fabulous excuses...parents visiting, MULTIPLE birthdays, holiday weekends, work, dogs, traveling to Missouri & Mexico, etc. I promise that I will be back on my game now that I am home and settled. I will be posting blogs soon which will include fun info and pictures covering the last 6 weeks.

Have a lovely evening!

P.S. If you click on the photo, you can see the whole thing

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the beautiful women that I know and love that are mothers. I have posted a wonderful photo of my mother, Margaret and Michael's mother, Fern. We would not be who we are today without these two women.

Today I was watching one of my new favorite movies, Grey Gardens (HBO version), for about the 4th time. I asked my mother to watch it this week and she loved it. Under all of Big Edie and Little Edie's codependency and criticism, they really do love each other...how else could a mother and daughter stay in that dump together?! All I have to say is "Yes, Mother Darling" and "We all march together for love is divine!".

Kreativ Blogger

Thank you Nicole for choosing me for one of Kreative Blogger. Unfortunately I am not as savvy as you with the blog construction, but I am trying!

One of the responsibilities of this award is to list 7 things that I love in this world along with 7 blogs I love following. These 7 blogs I mention must do the same. Let's do it to it shall we?!

1. My husband, Michael. He is my best friend and the yin to my yang. We are very different, but fit together very well. We have been together for almost 12 years and married for almost 3 years. The photo above is one my favorite photos of us together. The day of our wedding was the happiest day of my life.

2. Audrey Hepburn. I love everything about her. She was beautiful on the inside and out. Always a perfect role model for fashion, style, grace, philanthropy and selflessness. Sounds funny, but I have many childhood memories that involve her. At the ages of 5 and 6 I would watch My Fair Lady over and over (I live for the part when she descends the stairs transformed and magnificent). As I got older I discovered Breakfast at Tiffany's and it is still my favorite movie to this day.

3. My pugs, Oscar and Leo. I could go on and on about them. They both have the most adorable faces, but very different dispositions. It is truly amazing how your troubles from the day can melt away when you come home and see your dogs so incredibly happy to see you.

4. My mother Margaret. Isn't she just so lovely?! She has always been there for me even if at times she is not in full agreement with me :) She has taught me to love and appreciate the arts and culture, tradition and family, and how to make even the most simple of things special. "Maggie" is an incredible and passionate person and I am so blessed to have her as a mother.

5. Christmas. It just involves so many wonderful things...family, friends, gifts, cooking, parties, and of course the hope and faith that go with the whole day itself. The most wonderful Christmas I have ever experienced was in 2007. We were in Salzburg, Austria with my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and sister. It was the most picturesque holiday I have ever experienced. However, it was very cold (very hard for a sun bunny like me!)

6. I HEART NY...and Sex and the City! If I ever had the opportunity to move to a large city in the U.S., I would pick NYC 100 times over any other place. The city is never-ending with things to do, see, and eat...that is my kind of town. Plus, it is our fashion capital, which leads me to ...

Sex and the City! Probably my favorite television show of all time. The two best things about the show are the friendships and the fashion. As silly as it sounds, when I moved to Tulsa and lived by myself, these 4 characters got me through some tough times since my Opa had just passed away and I had not made any friends in the T-town yet.

7. Food! I live to eat, cook and bake! However, when it comes to food, I love thinking about the question that Anthony Bourdain often asks so many chefs...if you were going to die today, what would you want your last meal to be? I have narrowed it down to 2 choices. The southern girl side of me would want some hearty and comforting chili, cornbread, and red wine.

However, the Austrian half of me would want Wienerschnitzel (pork, not veal), rice and peas, and champagne (w/raspberries). Bon Apetit!

7 Blogs I love:

1. http://newlywedsavages.blogspot.com/

Nicole and Matt! Such wonderful friends and I love our dinners. What I always find hilarious is that when we get together we talk about our animals and food most of the time. Nicole, your blog is adorable and it inspires me to blog more!

2. http://kmawds.blogspot.com/

My baby sister Katherine! She is studying abroad in Bamberg, Germany right now. Stinky, you are my heart and I love all your writing, witty observations, and photos.

3. http://thepotatoqueensays.blogspot.com/

Tami, the Potato Queen! You are the one who introduced me to blog spot and I love you for it! I miss seeing you every day at work, but then it just makes it that much more fun when I see you and your sassy self.

4. http://detjessandalltherest.blogspot.com/

Long story short, I believe Jess and I were separated at birth. It is astounding how we have so many common likes and loves. Jess is also becoming a master baker and just remodeled her newlywed nest, modern ski-island style!

5. http://www.hostessblog.com/

The blog for the "Hostess with the Mostess". This blog is a feast for the eyes. So man chic ideas for parties, decor and food.

6. http://dallaspugrescue.blogspot.com/

This is the Dallas Ft. Worth Pug Rescue blog. We actually resued Leo through this organization. They are the largest pug rescue in the nation and are awesome because they will leave "no pug unturned". Warning: some of the photos are hard to see if you have any kind of heart for animals.

7. To be Announced (I need to follow more blogs!)

Hooray, it is almost Friday!

Love is in the Air

Happy Easter everyone! I apologize for my lack of blogging lately. Since Michael and I were in Kansas City last weekend, we were very busy this week. Okay, so here are updates for all of you:

-Michael and I were in Kansas City to attend the wedding of our dear friends, Kim and Angie. Kim has been one of my best friends since we attended Oklahoma State University together. The whole trip, festivities and wedding was such a fabulous time! As you can see, I have posted some of my favorite photographs from their day. Kim being the true OSU fan that she is, wanted the wedding colors to be orange and black. It looked beautiful and it is a bonus that Kim's birthday lands on Halloween. The ceremony was gorgeous as well and they had the most wonderful soloist I have ever heard at a wedding. The man sang so well, it almost sounded as if it was not live. Even though I am not fond of public speaking, I did a toast and managed to hold it together without crying (but almost did twice). It is just so amazing to be in the true presence of love and that day for Angie and Kim was a perfect representation of their love for one another.

-I just found out a couple of weeks ago that my brother Andrew and my sister-in-law Christy are pregnant! My brother is currently in Iraq, which provides a challenge, but I know that they are making the best of it. I am so happy for my little bro and Christy and I cannot wait to be an aunt! Speaking of aunts, I will actually be an auntie for the first time twice over this year since Andrew and Christy are expecting in October and Michael's brother David and our sister-in-law Amber are expecting in late July! They are having a girl and I am so excited that I will have a little niece to spoil!

-Easter has arrived and in true Oklahoma fashion, the weather is not cooperating and it is gray and raining outside. No worries, Michael and I are stuffed to the gills after a brunch of buttermilk pancakes, berries and mimosas. Later today we plan to make egg salad and have an Easter egg hunt for the boys inside. I cannot wait to see the sniffing of plastic eggs and trying to get the treat inside.

Love you all and have a wonderful week!

~Allison

Good Bye Winter, Hello Spring...kind of...

Happy Champagne Wednesday folks!

Last week I decided to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring in two different ways. As a nod toward the winter, I made a DELICIOUS beef stew from my new favorite cookbook. Michael and I enjoyed the stew with a delicious bottle of Jester shiraz (thank you Margo and Kyle!). In celebration of spring, I decided to go out and buy a dozen roses in one of my favorite colors, orange!

Well, it seems that in true Oklahoma spirit, the weather gods have decided to drive us crazy again! I cannot believe that it is almost April and this weekend it is supposed to be around 30 degrees and we are expected to get some snow. However, this does not surprise me since this is the same state I moved to when I was 13 years old in March of 1994 and there had just been a blizzard. I tell you, living in Oklahoma is quite the fashion quandry. One day I am wearing a skirt and peep-toe shoes and the next I am wearing lined pants and boots! This is one of the reasons I truly do not store my cold weather clothes.

I hope all you lovely friends and family have a fabulous rest of the week and weekend. I write to you as I am finishing up my last glass of bubbly with 'Will & Grace' in the background and as the hub begins to sleep off the ridiculously hot yellow curry dish that made him cry this evening.

Much love,

Allison

Eden Salon

I know, I know...you all must be thinking "2 blogs in one day...how much caffeine has Allison had?!". I just felt compelled to share something that I just found.

No wonder I love my new hair stylist and salon! I was just signing up on the Eden Salon website in order to receive coupons and updates, when I saw this picture. This is my stylist, Tiffany, with a certain famous someone...

I truly do love the Eden Salon! Everyone is so friendly and professional, and the quality of service I have received there has been excellent. I just got my hair colored and cut on Tuesday and it is probably the best color I have had yet. Also, for Valentine's Day the hub gave me a certificate for a one hour massage and I can sincerely say it was the best massage of my life!

If you are interested, here is the web address: http://www.edensalon.com/ Sweet dreams!

Make Me a Supermodel Darn It!

In honor of the new season of Bravo's 'Make Me a Supermodel', I have decided to post a blog that I wrote last year on MySpace. Happy Champagne Wednesday everyone!

*Did you all know that Michael and I have been taking part in Bravo's new hit show, Make Me a Supermodel? We have been keeping it top secret and the commute to NYC has been killing us. However, they have transformed us into quite the supermodel...just check out these before and after shots!*

10 Things True About Myself

Jess, this is all your fault! How can I be expected to show my true self on this blog?! (jk) So here it goes...10 Honest Things about myself:

1. I can be very much like a child when it comes to sugary snacks. Give me anything...sour patch kids, gummy bears, skittles, Twizzlers, jelly beans, Gushers, candy corn, Lucky Charms, Froot Loops...I HEART it all!

2. I never thought I would be one of those "little dog people". Growing up I always had golden retrievers and had a strong preference for bigger dogs. I would make fun of the toy group while watching dog shows and scoff at people who would put clothes on their dogs. Once Michael and I got married we decided we really wanted to get a dog, but it would be unfair to have a large dog in a condo with no true yard. We decided on the pug...once little Oscar came home with us, that was it for me. I will forever be a little dog and a big dog person...who occasionally puts little sweaters on her pugs :)

3. I miss my Oma so much. On February 28th she passed away 3 years ago, but I know and feel that her spirit is constantly with me.

4. I strongly dislike knock-off designer purses (for me, not for others). I would rather hold out for the real thing.

5. I think that there is a strong correlation between Austrian women and their social staying power at parties/outings/events.

6. I absoloutely love things that have to do with paper...stationery, greeting cards, thank you notes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, bows (okay, so that's not paper). I have boxes and boxes of it and I am very particular about my choices. Can you tell my "love" language is gifting?

7. My sign is Leo and I live up to many characteristics of my sign, but not to the typical Leo extreme (i.e. pride). However since I am right at the beginning of the Leo dates I am more of a Leo Lite, or maybe a lion cub...

8. I used to play competitive tennis and was pretty decent at it. I always preferred singles opposed to doubles (I only wanted to be responsible for myself). However, at 18 years old I got burnt out and quit cold turkey. I have not picked up a raquet in 8 years and I miss it now.

9. I love visiting modern art museums. As silly as it sounds, looking at all the amazing and cooky art somehow feeds my soul.

10. My husband is my best friend...no matter how much he annoys me by reading over my shoulder (this just happened).

Monday is almost over. Yippee!

Mama Bear is out of Hibernation

Hello dear friends and family! Do not worry, I did not fall off the edge of the earth :-) February is an odd month for me. It is by far my busiest month at work and the Oklahoma February weather has never agreed with me. As a result, I often hibernate a.k.a. watching lots of Bravo television (even reruns) in my pajamas in the evenings and on weekends, and enjoying the occasional glass of sangria. During February my brain is often like cottage cheese when I come home, so that the last thing I want to do is be on the computer. I usually just want to chat with the "hub" and cuddle with the puglets.

Good news is that I am out of the hibernation cave and ready for Spring to bring it on! Sunny and warm weather often energizes me and places an inexplicable smile on my face. In fun news, Michael and I are redoing our guest room/office! I will keep everyone posted on the great changes for the room (furniture is supposed to be arriving this week).

~Al

Champagne Wednesday's

Every Wednesday at the Bahrenburg household, Michael and I have "Champagne Wednesday's". Through my love of the movie 'Failure to Launch' and our mutual love of cheap Andre champagne, our version of Hump Day was born. At about 8:45 every Wednesday one of us takes the puglets out for their last walk and we then pop open a bottle of delicious bubbly and watch one of our favorite shows, Bravo's wonderful 'Top Chef'!!!

As we were watching this evening's episode of TC (so upset Jamie got eliminated by the way), I discovered I had a new dream. My new dream is that one day we will be able to dine at Le Bernardin in Manhattan. Not only is it my dream that we will dine there, but that Eric Ripert himself will come chat with us in his adorable French accent in all of his Silver Fox glory. As we watched his food on TC, I swear Michael and I were salivating at the thought of just having one bite of one of his dishes. If I had to choose, I would have chosen his Red Snapper.

Champagne wishes and red snapper dreams to you all!

Life's Simple Pleasures

It is definitely the simple, little things in life that often make my day. Good examples for me include taking that first hot sip of your latte or cappuccino, the smell of soft, clean sheets, or the satisfaction of finishing a great book or novel.

There are two other simple joys that I want to discuss in particular. First, the thrill of finding a fabulous sale item. The phenomenon of the fabulous sale item usually only happens to me about twice a year, if that. However, it happened to me today!!! All throughout the holidays I had noticed this adorable black sequin dress at one of my favorite stores. At full price this dress still would have been out of my price range even if it had not been the holidays. Well, while browsing at the mall today the sale gods decided to shine their light upon me and show me the dress on sale for only $22, which was over $200 less than it originally was! As fate would have it, I tried it on, it fit perfectly, and I went skipping out of the store like a little girl out of a candy shop.

The second simple joy is one that also helps me relax...BAKING. I made some delicious corn raspberry muffins this morning from the original Barefoot Contessa cookbook (thanks Mami!). The recipe makes 12 regular-sized muffins, but I decided to make 6 jumbo muffins. The muffins are very moist and are said to be just as good without the raspberry preserves. I looked for the recipe online, but alas, it was not there. If anyone would like it, just let me know.

So happy that it is the weekend. Happy SuperBowl watching!

~Allison

Happy Birthday Michael!

Well, it seems that we have already been slacking off on our blogging responsibilities, but I wanted to wait and post for Michael's birthday as to deliver all of the fun details of his celebration. Michael's birthday was actually last Thursday, but we agreed since we were both working all week that we would have more fun celebrating on Saturday. However, I did not want there to be zero fun on his actual birthday, so I woke up at 5:00 a.m. (for those who know me well, this is a big deal) to decorate the kitchen and make Michael a big breakfast of Barefoot Contessa pancakes, eggs, OJ, and hot cocoa. I sent him off to work a very full man!

We decided to celebrate the b-day at Bolero, a tapas restaurant and bar in Bricktown. Michael and I had eaten there the weekend before and really enjoyed the atmosphere, food and drinks, so we decided it would be a fun venue. We were joined with some of our awesome family and friends for the occasion and had a fabulous time. First, the food...very tasty. They have a whole list of savory tapas to try and my personal favorite was the dates wrapped in bacon. If you like dates, this is the dish for you. Michael, Margo, Kyle and I decided to split a huge pan of paella for our entree. I will say that the paella had a little too much tomato base for my taste, but the fact that it was so loaded with mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari made up for it. The drinks that I tasted were delicious as well and were very generously poured.

Last, but not least....CAKE!!! I ordered Michael's birthday cake from Ruth's Sweet Justice in OKC. As you can see from the photo up top, the cake was adorably decorated (I told them "modern and masculine") and hit the perfect sweet spot. The cake was a 2-layer chocolate cake with a hazelnut chocolate mousse filling, and buttercream icing....are you drooling yet? Ruth's Sweet Justice will now be my go-to bakery for all of those special occasions that demand a cake that I do not have the baking skills to make. If you live in the OKC area, I highly recommend it!

I am so relieved that Monday is over. Have a great week :)

~Lady Bahrenburg

Cheers to a New Year!

Happy New Year! One of my New Year's resolutions was to start a blog for Michael and I, so there is one thing marked off of the list. We are very new at this, so please bear with us. I have not kept a journal since high school so this should prove to be interesting.

This holiday season was very busy for us, but still very fun. Michael, Oscar, Leo and I drove down south to Texas to first visit with Michael's parents in Ft. Worth. Then on Christmas morning our brothers and sisters arrived to celebrate. We then proceeded to all chip in and cook the most decadent Christmas meal including a rib roast, sweet potato mash (courtesy of Michael), parmesean potato gratin, green bean casserole and numerous desserts.

Then it was off to the Woodlands to visit my parents and sister. This was very fun and relaxing with the exception of herding 2 pugs and 2 golden retrievers. However, it did bring many laughs. My parents got us what I consider to be my adult version of the Red Rider bb gun from 'The Christmas Story'...a chrome Kitchen Aid Mixer! I have been lusting after this kitchen appliance since I saw Ina Garten using it in every Barefoot Contessa show. This is dorky but true :)

I also wanted to share that on the holiday drive I read the book 'The Last Lecture' that Michael's mother gave to us a few months back. The book is beautiful, sad and inspirational all at the same time. It made me realize even more so in the midst of the holidays how blessed Michael and I are to have our health along with wonderful friends and family. We love you all and can't wait to spend 2009 with you.

Cheers!

Lord & Lady Bahrenburg