I spy...

It's amazing I get any work done throughout the day as I've got a constant show happening right outside my office window. On any given day there are a variety of planes, helicopters, boats, fireworks, balloons, etc. being framed by my window. I thought this picture is a perfect example of what a typical view is out my window... Where else can you look out and see a blimp and a cruise ship at the very same moment?

Summer sweets!

A 4th of July cookout gave me the perfect excuse to make one of my favorite desserts - fruit pizza! Not only is it about the easiest and quickest dessert to make, it is so delicious! I almost went all "Martha Stewart" and did a flag design of fruit on the top, but then decided just the color scheme alone was patriotic enough for this gal.

Fruit Pizza
20 oz tube Pillsbury sugar cookie dough
16 oz softened cream cheese
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Fruit (I like to use raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and kiwi)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the sugar cookie dough on the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Combine softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Spread over cooled cookie dough. Arrange fruit and enjoy!

Liberty State Park

So when I think of parks in the NYC area, the first thing that always comes to mind is Central Park. However, lately John and I have become more drawn to another, less known park - Liberty State Park. Liberty State Park is right here in New Jersey, only about a mile walk from our apartment. It is a massive park that overlooks the Hudson River, and as the name would suggest, the Statue of Liberty. For a few weekends now, we've taken Bella over to enjoy the grass, trees, birds, etc. while John and I try to get our tan on. I could stare at this view all day...











However, Bella can only last about an hour here before she gets exhausted!

Introducing Isla Mae...

Well, introducing her to this blog anyway! Little Isla Mae was the newest addition to the Stecher family when she made her grand entrance into the world on April 8, 2011. We were so lucky last week that Isla (along with Mike and Anna) came to visit NYC. I got lots of Isla snuggle time and it was great to see Mike and Anna as well as Anna's family that live in the City.

She is such a little sweetheart and I can't wait to see her grow! This is a pic of Isla and me at the Korean Restaurant we went to the first night they arrived. Such a little honey!