Easter weekend was a blast. Nick and I have been working working working on the hillside/garden, and got everything ready in time for 15(!) guests: family & friends. The highlight of our weekend was making our first LAMBIE CAKE!

The vintage mould was purchased on ebay a few weeks prior, as you cannot find too many cake moulds out there with the ears out like ours. Nick was in charge of everything else concerning the cake, and I was in charge of making the actual Lamb for our dinner It was my first time cooking lamb. I made 2 different legs: one moroccan inspired, and the other was more of a red wine braise. Cake: He chose to make a red velvet cake from scratch, and had to make it twice, as the first batch was a very odd recipe with a lot of vinegar...... giving the cake a super sour taste. The second recipe was perfect, and basically meant that Nick spent about 4 days making a cake? We both love Cake Art in San Rafael, and went there for the decorating tip, and lambie cake eyes & grassy knoll sprinkles.

Saturday morning we went for a little hike through China Camp, before getting the house ready for guests. I am totally thrilled to report that after 3 months of clean eating, I've lost 20 pounds. I had Nick take my picture on the top of a hill, after I was able to run (more like a jog...) up the hill. On NYE I was totally in the dumps about my weight, and out of breath after climbing a flight of stairs. More on this later, as I'm only half way to my healthy goal. I will say this: Its more of a lifestyle change, and not a "diet". Yes, my diet has totally changed, but I'm also incorporating mediation to adjust the mindset.

And this is what our backyard patio looks like with a table set for 17! I rented chairs, plates, a table, forks & knives from A Party Center in San Rafael. Our tablecloth was a few yards of fabric from Joann Fabrics, and the daisies on the table are from OSH. Thank you everyone for bringing smiles and funny stories and copious amounts of food & beverage to our Easter. We LOVED hosting, and lets do it again!

all images taken with my Samsung Note 4.