queenbeeofthepeachtree

Punk Rock Dads-The other F word (new documentary)

2011-10-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Its no secret that we love documentary films around here, and I can't wait to see this one!

Car guy

2011-10-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt G is on track to be a car guy too. Look what Poppy traded a tattoo for(he's a professional tattoo artist,for those who don't know)...it had me asking,"who got the better deal?" Its in pretty raw form, but as always Poppy has plans to make it a master piece and sell it, which I was glad to hear. :) Have you ever noticed how men NEED to have a project going at all times? Well,it put a smile on both there sweet faces and its not inside the house so I guess I can't complain.

Switching subjects...can you believe how big my boy is? Just two months from turning two. If feels like just yesterday that we were having a robot party. He's such a happy little guy,and so so sweet. He's starting to talk more each week, and lately He's constantly saying, "thanxs Mum", even when He's thanking his Daddy, he says, thanxs Mum Dad. Haha. I love it. XOXO

*The car is a 60 something ford falcon wagon,for anyone wondering. He wants to paint it a light pink pearl color and will be for sale in a few months if anyones interested. :)

Yummies orange juice ever.

2011-10-05T13:46:00.000-07:00

Fresh California orange juice...in October! I know its apple picking season but we couldn't help ourselves from picking all the amazing oranges from around our house. This little juicer from Rite Aid of all places made it super easy,and squeezed ever last drop of juice from the oranges. By far the best oranges juice we've ever had! Isn't the color amazing. :)

ps. I heart Ikea jars!! Can't get enough.

This looks awesome...A Puppeteer's Journey

2011-10-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

via acupofjo

Find out more here.

I'm back...

2011-10-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back! To be honest I really wasn't interested in blogging the last couple months. Summer was busy and we where out doing stuff and spending time working on a some other projects, (that I will be sharing more of later on)... but this fall like weather(which I'm LOVING) has put me back in the mood. How bout you? Do love fall or miss the warmer weather? We are expecting our first real rain here in Southern California tonight and tomorrow, and I couldn't be happier. We are going to stay in and build our first fire tonight in our newly cleaned fireplace,make some hot tea and boiling a few cinnamon sticks...makes the house smell so yummy! We have to enjoy this while it lasts, it could be 90 again next week. :( I promise to be back soon with some decorating,and news of whats up with my not so baby lil guy! Hoping I still have a reader or two left out there...Enjoy the rest of this cozy fall day.xoxo

images via my pintrest

Vintage Chair Makeover

2011-08-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Thrift store chair-$20.-

Vintage Mexican Blanket-$40.-(have had for years)

Professional re-upholstery$200.-

Very Anthropologie, wouldn't you say?

La Jolla Trip Photos

2011-08-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

We got our toes sandy,watched sleeping seals,talked with a friendly seagull,played in the park,took walks with cousins,made yummy dinners,watched the swimmer swim far out in the ocean, and colored on our feet! We had a great end of summer trip in lovely La Jolla, California.

Organic Skin Salve

2011-08-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Long time no blogging. I just wanted to pop in and spread the word on this miraculous herbal skin salve that a friend let me borrow. G has had a little tummy bug and/or teething the last week which has resulted in a very raw and red little bum. Ouch. I was out of The Burts Bees diaper cream I usually use and try the store bought Desitin, which resulted in a burning bum and a few loud screams. We quickly washed it off with a warm wash cloth and borrowed this amazing stuff. Its sounds strange but I literally watched the red fade away as I applied it to his chapped skin. His bum is completely healed. I'm placing an order for a jar today! I once heard someone say, don't put anything on your skin that you couldn't put in your mouth, in this case its true,this stuff is so pure and its ingredients include Calendula,St. John's Wart, Comfrey, Lavender and Plantain.

Used on everything topical from A-Z such as acne scar, burns, bumps, bruises, scraps, wounds, hand salve, chapped hands or lips, cracked heels, increase new cells or skin growth, abrasion, surgical areas delayed in healing, bug bite, bees sting, paper cut, nipple ingrown, splinter, ingrown toenail, nipple care, umbilical cord site, dermatitis, (dry lips, skin, or around eyes, skin ulcers, postpartum care, vaginal dryness, chemical burn, hives, chafing, frequent washed hands, wind or sunburn, scarring, dissolves scar tissue, circumcision area, bed sore(s), shingles or chicken pox scar, open sore, boils, surgical incisions, vaginal healing, and everything else from a-z.

after tattoo care (speeds healing), regular tattoo or permanent make-up tattoo
after facial surgery or face or body lift/suction

Giant Tomato

2011-08-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

We've had a surplus of yummy bright red tomatoes around here and they are amazingly good. I've made homemade pizza again and yummy caprese salad. Cooking anything special or new lately? I got two new cookbooks for my Bday and can't wait to start trying some new recipes. Once you change your diet and start eating healthier foods, you find the knowledge and trying new foods is almost addicting. We are having a good time with it! We also bought this, and are looking forward to starting a garden soon.

Hope your summer is going well, I'm soaking up every second of it. We are off to La Jolla for a couple days with some family. Hoping to even go snorkling. :) Pictures when we return. xoxo

G and a few of His Friends

2011-08-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Juice it up!

2011-07-30T21:59:00.001-07:00

Via this lovely little blog. :)

A little humor for your weekend

2011-07-29T22:58:00.001-07:00

Slow Week & A Cleanse

2011-07-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

My weeks off to a pretty slow start. Its been an uneventful couple of day around here. I started this herbal cleanse, that I got for my birthday(per my request) on Sunday and have been feeling pretty crummy since. Guess its part of the process. Have you ever done a cleanse? I'm also drinking a ton of water with liquid chlorophyll, which means I'm pretty much going pee every five minutes and haven't left the house too much. Yesterday, C was home in the morning and I got to take a nap, and G went with his Mimi to the movies in the afternoon and I took a second nap! I did however wake up to make a very yummy vegan dinner and watched The Bachelorette. Did you watch it? Who do you think, Ben or JP? Oh, and I made these cookies too! Highly recommending both easy recipes! I already can't wait to make them again. The spring rolls were amazing!! Be sure to check out Ohdeardrea for more vegan recipes.

The Story of Cosmetics

2011-07-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

Find out whats in your products here!

We are using for the most part all natural and safe products like Toms toothpastes,and deodorants and Dr Bronners soaps. I also love coconut skin trip lotion and Pureology shampoos. I even use Dr Bronners on G and sometimes Burts Bees products. Have you made the switch to any safer products? Did you have any idea how toxic all these cosmetics are? I have even given up dryer sheets,and am searching for a safe alternative. The natural ones are just too pricey. Any ideas?

On Turning 31..yikes

2011-07-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

Man, that's kinda hard to say,31. Wooohooo. (I kinda miss saying 25!) Today is my Birthday! We will be spending the day at my favorite place...home. Some friends will be coming over tonight to make homemade tomato basil pizzas with whole wheat crust and yummy salad. Looking forward to good food, good conversation and a mellow night on the patio with a glass of wine or two and a warm summer fire. My friend is even making homemade organic chocolate cake! As hard as it is to feel older, I couldn't be more grateful for the blessed life I have, the people who complete it, the health of my family and the journey I have ahead.

Have a beautiful weekend! Promising pictures next week and a post on gifts and such.

ps. my birthday last year!

Frog Price Rug

2011-07-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

How sweet and adorable is this rug for a childs room? Love the playfulness and and soft colors.

Find it here.

Additions to Tufted Sofa

2011-07-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Remember this craiglist sofa? Well, I've added a couple things. What do you think? Of course, I change my mind quiet often, so this look might not last forever, so here's the lowdown on the added accessories. I chose the woven rug to tone down the blinginess of the trunk and mirror.Honestly, I think it looks better than the pictures show. (There would be some nice coffee table books,vase with flowers and maybe a candle and magazines on the truck, but with a 20 month old nothing would be left untouched. )

Mirror-$100.- via here.

Rug-$49.99 via here

Coffee table trunk-$19.00 from Goodwill

Rescuing Hug

2011-07-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

I couldnt't help but to share this amazing story. This picture is from an article called the “RESCUING HUG”

The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Apparently each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby’s heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal.

Read more about the story, here. Read this to learn more about the proven benefits of skin-to-skin care for preterm infants.

Via the wonderful, Marvelouskiddo.

How We All Fall Asleep..

2011-07-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

This wonderful CD has become part of our bedtime routine around here. Honestly, I look forward to it every night! It gets G to sleep peacefully in just a few short minutes. (Us too. :) Honestly I'm not even the hugest fan of lullaby music and I haven't even got tired of hearing it night after night. This is one of those must have items as baby shower gifts!

ps. Thanks Candy Gram

Happy Saturday & A Yummy Summer Salad

2011-07-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Took a blogging break this week, didn't really feel like there was much to share. Do you ever feel that way? We've been hanging at home and still enjoying these beautiful summer days, attempting to keep this toddler busy. I wanted to pop in and share this easy salad I've been making this past week. Its super yummy and super easy!

Yummy Summer Salad

Lettuce

Walnuts

Green Onions

Tomato-diced

Pomegranate Seeds

Feta or Goat Cheese-Crumbled (I've come to the conclusion that I can't really live without cheese, so I use it as condiment,not as dairy as a food group.) I little bit won't hurt! :)

Goddess Dressing-Okay people...if you haven't had this, its my new favorite thing!! So so good and sold at Trader Joes for $1.99!!

Try it out and let me know what you think...

I'll be back next week with some of my new Homegoods finds. :) Ps. Its my Birthday week next week, that's how I justified these new splurges.

Linked up here.

What We've been up to..

2011-07-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

{G still loving his Daddy's sunglasses}

{silly}

{Beautiful baby girl, just two hours old here}

{G's first watermelon}

{Yummy grilled veggies}

{Toddler yoga}

Are you enjoying summer so far? In my opinion this summer rocks in comparison with the too cool and gloomy last summer. We've been enjoying our pool now that we invested in a solar cover, the water is so perfect! G is turning into a little fish and my Mom is teaching his to swim. The kid is pretty much fearless. I've been juicing carrot ginger juice (yummy) and learning more everyday about vitamins and herbs, and nutrition. I recently visited the doctors office, which I rarely do, did some blood work and turns out have a Hypothyroid. All though I was prescribed medication (big surprise) I'm taking another route for now and taking some herbs and supplements to feed and nourish my thyroid. At least I know why its been hard to loss the after baby weight... even with the 80-90% vegan diet and exercise! My energy level is also improving already,which is nice. I went to the local herb/vitamin shop and got a live blood analysis done this week. Have you heard of it or have you had it done before? Its pretty interesting and gives you clues about whats happening in your body. I'm also drinking TONS of lemon water and we started private yoga class in our living room with a friend who is a teacher! We plan on practicing three times a week, until we feel confident enough to go to some classes. We been cooking lots and taking long evening neighborhood walks. Oh, and I forgot to mention I attending a beautiful,amazing,fast home birth delivery last Saturday evening!!!! She had about 1 hour of hard labor and the baby girl was born in just two pushes!!!!! I gave birth at home 19 months ago with the same midwife, who I must say is one of the most knowledgeable people I've ever met! She has delivered over 4,200 babies in San Diego county over the last 33 years!! It turns out she even delivered one of my best friends. Ok, I must sound like a totally hippie earth child by now...yoga, home birth, vegan...but honestly I have learned so much over the last couple years and its exciting to see the positive changes in our lives everyday. Even last night I turned on this film, that Mrs.T, Naturally shared on her blog. Another great documentary that I would highly recommend watching.

So my friends, what have you been up to this summer? Leave a comment below or become a follower so I know your reading along. I'd love to hear whats happening with you!

xoxo

Beautiful Framed Bandanas

2011-07-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

Have you seen these beautiful framed bandanas in the new Martha Stewart Mag? So Pretty!

Cool New Stamps

2011-06-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Check out these new stamps that go on sale tomorrow 6.29.11 Pretty cool, right. I'm going to be sure and pick some up.

via here.

What I'm Loving Today

2011-06-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

{My cool gold antler on my fireplace mantel}

{That G has a little buddy to hang with}

{Yummy dinners and my lovely flatware}

{Grilling Veggies and then going for evening summer time walks}

{Watching the moon rise over our moutains}

{Our new living room rug,totally different but reminds me of a soft sweater}

{How much G loves to draw and color,anytime,anywhere}

{How He walks around the house in these glasses constantly}

{Salt Water Sandles}

LOVE

2011-06-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

Love never gives up~Love cares for others more than for self~Love doesn't strut~ Love doesn't have a swelled head~Love doesn't force itself on others~Love isn't always "me first"~Love doesn't fly off the handle~Love doesn't keep score of the sins of others~Love puts up with anything~Love trusts God always~ Love always looks for the best~Love never looks back~ Love keeps on going to the end~ Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. (The Message) Love is patient~Love is kind~ Love knows neither envy nor jealousy~Love is not forward & self assertive~Love is not boastful~ Love is not conceited~Love does not behave unbecomingly~ Love does not seek to aggrandize herself~Love does not blaze out in passionate anger~ Love does not brood over wrongs~ Love knows how to be silent~Love finds no pleasure in injustice done to others~Love is full of trust~ Love is full of hope~Love is full of patient endurance~Love overlooks faults~ (Weymouth) Love makes no parade~Love gives itself no airs~Love is never selfish~ Love is never irritated~Love is never resentful~Love is never glad when others go wrong~Love is always slow to expose (Moffatt) Love is slow to lose patience~ Love looks for a way of being constructive~ Love is not possessive~Love is not anxious to impress~Love does not cherish inflated ideas of it's own importance~Love has good manners~ Love does not pursue selfish advantage~ Love is not touchy~Love does not keep account of evil~Love doesn't gloat over the wickedness of other people~Love know no limit to its endurance~Love has no end to its trust~Love has no fading of its hope~Love can outlast anything (Phillips) Love will hardly ever notice when others do it wrong~If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost, you will always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.~ (Living Bible) Love does not insist on its own rights~Love is not touchy, fretful or resentful~Love takes no account of the evil done to it~ Love pays not attention to a suffered wrong~ Love bears up under anything and everything that comes~Love is ever ready to believe the best of every person~Love hopes are fade less under all circumstances~Love endures everything without weakening. (Amplified) Love isn't indecent~ Love is not quick to take offense~Love keeps no score of wrongs~Love has unquenchable faith~ Love exercises faith in everything~ There is nothing love can't face~ Love gives up power to endure everything~ Love endures without limit~Love shall never pass away~ Love takes no pleasure in wrong doing. (misc translations). 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

Linking up with Katie @ Minivan Diva

Fireplace Makeover-Part 2

2011-06-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

So we are a little slow when it comes to home improvement projects since G was born. We tiled our out dated brick fire place shortly after he was born, and about six months ago a light bulb when off in my head and I realized, what the heck were we thinking, the grout color was horrible and all wrong. See the first before and afters HERE. So after staining all the grout with grout coloring and q-tips here is the final outcome. What do you think? Btw, it was one of those totally mindless jobs you can totally zone out on, kinda fun and I finished it in two nights.

Ps. The lines don't show as much as in the photos! Pss. I've been meaning to do this post for months now. Pss. Idea and inspiration first seen on Hgtv.

Lamps, frames,and throw pillow all from Homegoods Sheepskin from Ikea.

Happy Fathers Day Poppy!

2011-06-17T12:04:00.001-07:00

We love you and think your the BEST Daddy ever. xoxo Happy Father's Day Poppy!

*Photos take 6.6 at Live Oak Park. Both cool hats are vintage.

Tiny Tattoos

2011-06-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am constantly asked if I have tattoos. (I don't) Since my husband is a tattoo artist its hard for people, especially his clients to believe that I don't have a single one and that I'm not really interested in getting one. The problem is I could never ever decide on one. I change my mine constantly about fashion, decor, what color I want the walls painted in our house, what kind of rug I want on the floor...you get the picture. I could never commit to putting something on my skin that is permanent, I do however appreciate the art that it is and am grateful that he has such a artistic talent and full filling career that supports our family. I actually had never been in a tattoo shop or seen the process before we started dating. Funny huh. Curious, do you have any and could you ever decide on getting one? Or is the answer no way!? My favorites are the tiny tattoos. I especially like the Waldo tattoo, isn't it funny!

{images via pintrest}

What it is like to (not) sleep at night (love this)

2011-06-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

Mom Amber Dusick account on not sleeping through the night. I was laughing out loud when I found this and had to share! Enjoy and visit her blog here.

what it is like to (not) sleep at night - illustrated with crappy pictures

INTRO: Here is installment #2 in my "real life parenting" series. The first one was here. I draw crappy pictures because I don't have actual photos of these experiences. Here goes...

------------------------------------------------------

I've always been jealous of my husband's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It isn't his fault that he is a deep sleeper. But I can't help it. It totally pisses me off.

We climb in bed at 9:00PM...

By 9:03 my husband is completely asleep.

I'm nursing my youngest and haven't even begun to think about sleeping yet. I lay there motionless, pretending to be calm and relaxed so he'll fall asleep. Anyway, I'm cold since the blankets aren't on my top half.

So I pretend to be sleeping but really I'm going over the "to do" list or re-winding conversations from earlier. Or having pretend conversations that might happen in the future. On a good night the baby settles pretty fast.

Finally, around 10:00PM he is asleep. Success! He rolls over and my body is my own for the first time all day. I can pull up the blankets a little. I close my eyes for real. Start to relax and let go...

Until I hear a noise.

Becoming a mama has given me heightened spidey senses. A tiny noise a mile away wakes me up like a mama bear, ready to protect her young.

My husband did not inherit this quality with parenthood.

Wide-eyed, I strain my ears to hear. This particular noise is one I'm all too familiar with.

Enter 4.5 year old. I thought he was asleep by now. He has no concept of being quiet while people are sleeping, so he barges in loudly asking for random shit. I have to jump out of bed and rush him out of the room so he doesn't wake the baby. This attempt is successful about 50% of the time. Lets assume it was successful tonight.

So now I'm in the hallway, hearing my 4.5 year old's demands and bargaining with him. Water, bathroom or covers on or off, etc. I have no real power here, I'll agree to anything to get him back in bed quietly. When he has exhausted all the standard stuff, he finishes by needing to tell me somethingvery important, like "I saw a rock today on the ground and it had dirt on it and I forgot to tell you! " and I steer him back to his room.

By the time I head back to my bed, the baby has turned into a starfish. Legs and arms stretched out, taking up my whole side of the bed.

I slide next to and under him being careful not to wake him. I can't move. I'm scared to breathe. This is a very delicate situation. I have to move him. I have to risk it.

The first attempt to move him just makes it worse. He swings both arms and legs on top of me. He is stirring now so I can't move a muscle. I'm like a statue while I listen to his breathing to hear when he is in a deep sleep again to move him.

Finally, it is midnight and I've successfully moved him. I haven't heard my 4.5 year old in a while so he must be asleep too. I fall asleep for the first time!

Until I'm woken by a foot in my eye. I try to ignore it. A foot in the eye is a sign that he is starting to move into a lighter sleep. This means he'll wake up completly to nurse soon.

So we're nursing again. I'm half asleep but not mostly just feel like a zombie. My mind wanders to weird stuff. I close my eyes and see flashes of people and places like a dream except I'm awake.

Finally he settles again and rolls away. It is 2:30AM and I can finally get somereal sleep! It is very unlikely that either kid is going to wake me up again. Sweet sleeping bliss.

Until the two cats come in at 5:00AM and announce that they are hungry. They continue make this announcement every 15 minutes or so. I ignore them. But they know. They know I'm their target. They know I'm awake no matter how hard I pretend. They finally settle on my feet so that they will be alerted the moment I stir. I get a few more minutes of sleep.

Only to be woken at 7:00AM for a new day. My 4.5 year old skips into our room and gleefully sings, "Morning! It's morning time!" Which wakes up the baby who replies with "Mownin!" Then they start jumping on our bed.

Even this doesn't wake up my husband. He is sound asleep. Sometimes I look at his chest rising and falling with his breath to confirm that he is alive before unleashing the kids on him.

"Go see Papa" I grumble.

They have to poke his head and repeat "Papa!" over and over and he finallywakes up.

And what is the first thing out of his mouth? The one and only thing I DON'T want him to say?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Favorites at Trader Joes

2011-06-08T10:48:00.000-07:00

Do you shop Trader Joes? (Well, if you don't you should.)When shopping at TJ I'm always curious to see what other people are putting in there cart. So please, share. What are your all time favorite TJ items? What are your staples that you buy over and over again? I have quiet a few that we buy almost every visit.Do we share any of the same favorites? Here my list..some of the items are pre our new vegan diet,but you should check them out anyways!!

Dr. Praeger's California Veggie Burgers
Flaxseed Raisin Brand
Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
Southern Greens Blend
Organic Unfiltered Apple Juice
Wine Country Chicken Salad
Trader Jose Salsa Verde
TJ's Greek Style Yogurt Mango or Honey
Dark Chocolate Almond W/ Sea Salt & Turbinado Sugar
Brown Rice Medley

Little G at Eighteen Months

2011-06-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Its G's half birthday this week! Its a trip how fast time goes once you have a child. Especially since I should be thinking about a sibling for G, but still not feeling ready yet. G has become such a happy toddler, hes funny, spunky, and social! G is very friendly to everybody, he loves to wave, blow kisses, high five and gives knuckles too! From the second he opens his eyes in the morning G is all smiles and and ready to go. He plays all day,everyday. His favorite show is Yo GabbaGabba, and I'm a little embarrassed to say but sometimes its the only way to get him in the front door after being outside. He loves the outdoors, so we have been spending lots of time on walks in the neighborhood and little time napping this week. Yikes. He has 16 teeth now. Some of his favorite foods are pancakes, avocado, veggie soup, beans, pasta and he loves asparagus! However, he is still a very finicky eater and sometimes just won't eat. G can now say the words dad, dadda,hi,bye,ya, NO, babba, and wow. He even said " I did it" a couple of times! Like most toddlers he is strong willed and smart. He knows how to throw a tantrum, and he knows I just walk away! :) G, I feel so blessed to spend all my days with you and so proud to be your Mamma. (Even though you won't say my name.) You are loved my Lil boy boy! So looking forward to a fun summer and your second Birthday this coming winter! xoxo.

{Driving cars is one of his favorite things to do}

{His Candy Gram taught him to hula hoop}

{He has a new friend named Jack.}

{ G!)

{He loves his Daddy's stuff,even these silly glasses}

{He love to draw with chalk}

{and gives sweet smiles for the camera}

{He's already a museum supporter}

{This is one of his sad "I'm in trouble" faces}

{He love love loves his Daddy}

{He wears cool sweaters}

{and loves his stuffed Ikea Bulldog }

7 Vegan Alternatives

2011-06-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

When changing to a plant based diet, you may ask how can I give up things like coffee creamer or butter? Those were two that were tough for us to let go of. So I've made a quick list of the items that are replacing those hard to give up foods. This has made the transition much easier. Hope this helps someone and its a good place to start when replacing those hard to give up foods. Do you think you could make the switch to any of these foods?

Regular milk-We now drink Almond Milk or Coconut Milk. Perfect for cereals and over oatmeal.

Coffee mate Flavored Creamers- I can't even tell you how many of these we use to go through in a week. Yuck. We were truly addicted to them. We now use dairy free Coconut Milk Creamers in selected flavors. Really really good and we use alot less now!

Butter-Earth Balance Butter w/ Olive oil is my new favorite.

Cheeses-Daiya Cheese, tastes great, very melt. 100% dairy,soy and gluten free!

Mayo-Vegenaise (we rarely use it except for on sandwiches.)

Sour Cream-Tofutti (another item we rarely use, but perfect for bake potatoes and great with a black bean and brown rice bowl.)

Chicken sandwiches-Veggie burger/sandwiches (my favorite brand is Dr. Praegers California Veggie burgers.)

Eating-The Documentary

2011-06-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

C and I watched this film a few weeks ago and instantly wanted to share it with all our family and friends asap. I ordered the third addition on amazon, this is the second addition but worth watching for sure. Please watch and see why we have changed our diet to a plant based diet. Of course, its an ongoing process to change to a 100% plant based diet,but we have cut out all meat and most dairy products over the last couple weeks, and I'm not missing any of it at all. There are so many option out there. There is even vegan cheese called Daiya that is delicious and tastes just like regular cheese. (perfect for garden melts and grilled cheese) C has lost ten pounds, I have so much more energy its sometimes even hard to sleep at night! We are having fun in the kitchen preparing our meals, trying new recipes and visiting the farmers markets weekly. The Kind Diet Book, has also helped us too. We are learning more and more every week. I will be sharing more and giving updates soon, so please check back soon. xo

ps. Please pray for my Uncle Tony, He is have a triple bypass surgery tomorrow!!

Kimono Onesie

2011-06-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

How adorable are these Kimono onesies? Find them here.

Summer Fragrance

2011-05-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite summer fragrance? Do you wear different scents in fall and winter than you do in spring and summer? I wore this years ago and can't get it off my mind lately. This is definitely going to be my signature summer scent. Next time your in a mall check it out. Its the perfect summer scent and reminds me so much of living at the beach! Plus, isn't buying yourself parfume always a nice treat?

If one scent could capture the atmosphere and attitude of summer, this best-selling fragrance is it. Designed with a lightly intoxicating blend of sand jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin, this eau de parfum is wearable anytime, anywhere. Comes in spray bottle for light application.

Available at Nordstom.

Vintage Stevie Nicks

2011-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to get this video off the brain since I first saw it shared on Domestic Reflections. So take a look and enjoy. Off to spend some time outside today, its beautiful out and I know a little boy who would love to go play outside.

New Counter Stools

2011-05-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

It only took three years for us to decide we really need counter stools, and we finally found some that we love. Have you ever shopped for counter/bar stools? Its surprisingly hard to find the perfect ones at the perfect price. We ordered these from an online company called Industry West. They are hand made and were delivered pretty quickly, I wouldn't say they are the most comfortable but they do the job and we are loving them. Its been so nice sitting at the kitchen counter and chatting over lunch, and C also likes to sit and draw his tattoos for the next day when I'm cooking dinner. I think the kitchen is probably the most social room in the house. Whenever we have people over, everyone seems to stand around the kitchen counter. Now they can sit!

Vote for G in the Cute Kid Contest!

2011-05-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last years Cute Kid Contest photo-6mo.(2010)

This years entry- 17 mo. (2011)

We are taking part in the Fallbrook Cute Kid Contest again this year. I think its something fun to do while supporting local businesses and we get great professional photos out of it!

Also, as a added bonus if he is one of the winners the pictures go in the local newspaper and we get great piece to add to the baby book.

Please vote for G on Facebook at Ahrend Studios. You must first like them, and then like G's picture or leave a comment below his picture.

ps. Its funny how he looks so much the same but so much more grown up this year. Last year we joked that it looked like a senior class picture. :)

Kindness Matters

2011-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Its been a different kind of week this week for me, I didn't finish all my household tasks, I didn't blog at all,I forgot to pay a bill on time but I've had the opportunity this week to be kind and show kindness to people who very much need it. The theme of my week has been kindness and in thinking more about it this morning, I realizes how very very important it is to be kinds to people, it can change situations and change people. Its something we can forget when floating through our everyday lives but kindness defines love and what is more important than love?

Here are some of my favorite quotes out of this amazing little book.

My religion is kindness. Dalai Lama

I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness. Mother Teresa

An eye can threaten like a loaded and leveled gun,or it can insult like hissing or kicking; it its altered mood, by beams, of kindness, it can make the heart dance for joy.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution. Kaklil Gibran

The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. William Wordsworth

Kind words can be short & easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa

Have a beautiful and KIND weekend. We will be down on the coast this weekend for a mini weekend getaway. Looking forward to posting all about it next week along with the 4 other post I've started and not finished!

ps. A wonderful lecture by Anita Roddick- A Revolution in Kindness

New Documentary Film-Forks Over Knives

2011-05-13T17:52:00.001-07:00

New Documentary out and looks pretty good. Just watched this one last night. The more and more I hear the more I want to give up all animal products. Curious, do you think you could ever work up to being 80-100% vegan?

Blogger takes the day off..so am I

2011-05-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

Well not really, headed out the door to Costco for Tp, baby wipes and a 5lb. bag of organic carrots for juicing..exciting right? Then, maybe a quick stop at Home Goods, I'm addicted. Need to check on a rug I think might work in the living room. Tomorrow Candy Gram,Aunt Torrie and all of us are having a little post Mothers Day lunch at my Moms store. Oh, and did I say that we got our new counter stools yesterday! Promise to post pictures Monday. Have a beautiful weekend!

ps. Where you having blogger withdrawals for the 18+ hours it was shut down?

Imagine via here.

Haircut # 3

2011-05-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we picked Uncle Mikie up from the airport,and headed over to Aunt Torrie's work in Liberty Station. G was in desperate need of a haircut and we found this great place called Pigtails & Crewcuts. He had a ball this time around and we had so much fun watching. (Wish I could upload the hilarious video Mike took on his iphone.) He sat in a firetruck, watched a little tv,played with the cool train set and despite Dad saying no, Mom said yes and he even got blue tips. Go figure he would be the conservative one..

Where do you get you kiddos haircuts at? With G's super straight hair its so hard to get a good cut.

Also, if you ever make it down to Liberty Station, Eat HERE. Happy Vegan plate is my fav.

Why G will never eat a Happy Meal

2011-05-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

Can you even believe this? It literally does not decompose even after six months!!

No Women,No Cry

2011-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to watching this. More info at everymothercounts.org

In her gripping directorial debut, Christy Turlington Burns shares the powerful stories of at-risk pregnant women in four parts of the world, including a remote Maasai tribe in Tanzania, a slum of Bangladesh, a post-abortion care ward in Guatemala, and a prenatal clinic in the United States.

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day! I seriously tear up thinking about how much motherhood has changed my world, all it means, and how I love it so. Wishing you all a beautiful Mothers Day. Here are few great Motherhood postings from around the web.

Coping with Motherhood

What Mamma Says

Famous Mothers & Sons

Every Women Counts

Last years post on Mother Day

The most important thing she has learned over the years is that there is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.-Jill Churchill

Elephant Sandwiches

2011-04-26T13:34:00.001-07:00

Via Smallable

Benefits of Dry Brushing

2011-04-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of dry brushing? Since I got my new juicer a couple weeks ago, I've picked back up my juicing books and have noticed dry brushing is mentioned quiet a bit. Pretty interesting stuff. Check it out...

What it is: Dry brushing is an exfoliation of the skins using a soft brush to gently brush the skin. It works to remove dead skin cells, improve the circulation of blood and lymph and to enhance detoxification through the skin.

Did you know? The skin is the largest most important eliminating organ in the body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day? (and in some circles it is elusively know as the third kidney).

Look at all of its benefits!
1. Removes cellulite
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
3. Removes dead skin layers
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
7. Tones the muscles
8. Stimulates circulation
9. Improves the function of the nervous system
10. Helps digestion

** and it will also give you the smoothest skin in town! yes that's right.

How to do it:

It is pretty simple.
Start with the areas farthest away from you heart and work your way in.
Brush in circular motion on the tops and soles of your feet and the brush upwards working your way up you legs. Do the same for you hands and arms.
Then do your stomach and back, always brushing towards your heart. That means, on your neck brush down.
Go easy on your chest using circular motions.
Make sure you shower right after to wash away all the nasty stuff you have just uprooted.

I got a dry brush last night at Fresh n Easy for only $4.99!!

Pampers Commercial Featuring Home Birth

2011-04-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share this pampers commercial featuring a home birth. Pretty cool...especially for such a main stream company.

Shower Notepad

2011-04-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Do you need this in your shower as much as I do?

If your like me and have a baby or kiddos, showering might be your only alone time everyday. Every time I get in the shower I seem to remember all the important things that I have forgotten to add to the to do list,people I need to call, and bills that need to be paid and all the good ideas I have. No more great ideas down the drain... I love this thing!

Craigslist Find-Vintage Sofa

2011-04-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

What do you think of my new craigslist 70's sofa? Its in really great condition and very clean. Spotted on craiglist last week,went to check it out because the picture listed was pretty blurry and was so surprised by the condition and pretty light green color, I had to have it. Do you shop craigslist or sell on craiglist? I have pretty good luck finding and selling on the site.

ps. It was $277.- Not bad for a tufted sofa.

Ottoman Makeover

2011-04-18T18:41:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to share this project. About four years ago I came across an ad on craigslist for this ottoman. It was $50 dollars but I knew a piece its size was worth the money even in fair condition(a little dirt and some cat claw damage). When I arrived to pick it up I noticed it was Ethan Allen...sold! I have hung on to it over the last few years waiting to find the perfect fabric and have the funds to have it professionally reupholstered.

Last week I posted and sold a hand me down chair I didn't loved and used the money to have the ottoman recovered. Inspired by the burlap furniture in higher end stores like Via Terra, Hudson Goods, and Anthropologie I used a few old burlap coffee sacks and gave this baby a makeover! Totally worth the wait and I love it.

Breakdown

Costs-Ottoman $50.-

Coffee Bags-Free

Upholstery-$175.-

Total costs-$225.-

Not too bad considering it a $600 piece to begin with. Since then I have picked up a couple more items on craigslist and the local Catholic thrift. Stay tuned for details on those pieces. Its been a fun and looking forward to the next find and upholstery project.

dear noah

2011-04-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

A little humor for your Monday. Via here.

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

2011-04-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

I love love blood oranges and we have a blood orange tree on our property,so Im gonna give this recipe a try this weekend. What you do think, sound good?

recipe and photos via bliss.

The Recipe: Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

3 blood oranges

1 cup sugar

Buttermilk or plain yogurt

3 large eggs

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Whipped Cream, for serving (optional)

Honey-Blood Orange Compote, for serving (see Note), optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Grate the zest from 2 oranges and place in a bowl with the sugar. Using your fingers, rub the ingredients together until the orange zest is evenly distributed in the sugar.

2. Supreme an orange. Cut off the bottom and top so the fruit is exposed and the orange can stand upright on a cutting board. Cut away the peel and pith, following the curve of the fruit with your knife. Cut the orange segments out of their connective membranes and let them fall into a bowl. Repeat with another orange. Break up the segments with your fingers.

3. Halve the remaining orange and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. You'll have about 1/4 cup or so. Add buttermilk or yogurt to the juice until you have 2/3 cup liquid altogether. Pour the mixture into the bowl with the sugar and whisk well. Whisk in the eggs.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Switch to a spatula and fold in the oil a little at a time. Fold in the orange segments. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

5. Bake the cake for about 55 minutes, or until it is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes, then unmold and cool to room temperature right side up. Serve with whipped cream and Honey - Blood Orange Compote, if desired.

(Note: To make the Honey-Blood Orange Compote, supreme 3 more blood oranges according to the directions above. Drizzle in 1 to 2 teaspoons honey. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir gently.

Married on a Monday

2011-04-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce we were married this Monday 4-11-11! Our good friend Zane was kind enough to marry us at home in our living room with Lil G as our witness. It might have surprised a few, but it was exactly what we wanted. I wish I could have captured my Mom's face when I told her. Haha. :) Its only been two days but it feels great to be official and I'm excited for the fresh start. Also, we will be taking a familymoon (honeymoon+baby=familymoon) in the next couple months. Any suggestions? We want tropical and warm waters!

Zico Coconut Water

2011-04-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am newly obsessed with this stuff. I've been picking one up at Fresh N Easy when I run it to buy G's goats milk. I normally drink it by the time I hit the driveway at home. Also G's first little taste of anything besides breast milk was coconut water. He went bananas for it and kept wanting more more more. I remember it well, we kept giving him spoon fulls and even broke out the video camera it was so funny. Now, he drinks coconut water in a sippy cup. Have you tryed it? If you haven't, you should, its good stuff and even has more potassium than a banana. Its also ZERO fat, ZERO cholesterol and ZERO added sugar,includes sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus,and re hydrates faster than water! Sounds like the perfect sports drink to me. Read more here.

I heart spring

2011-03-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, isn't the weather amazing this week. I have to admit the gloomy cold weather was starting to get to me. I honestly forgot what the warm sun felt like. We have been spending so much time outside on walks and in the backyard the last couple days and all this sunshine has given me a boost of much needed energy to get some spring cleaning done, workout, order my juicer,(yah its finally on the way ) and do some minor seasonal decoration. Lil G is also so happy running around outside without the added sweaters and jackets that hes been wearing for months. He looks so cute with no shirt,no shoes and just his basketball shorts on. Today I have all the windows open in the house, the warm breeze feels amazing.

Im feeling spring, are you? Here is my spring want/to do list

Plant flowers in the empty galvanized buckets by my front door
Try load of new juicing recipes
Visit different farmers markets
Find and buy some real cherry blossom stems and add them to my glass vases (LOVE)
Take G on daily late morning/late afternoon walks
Pull weeds in the backyard
Go to happy hour on a warm sunny outdoor patio by the beach, stay for hours and talk with friends
The beach (I love the beach more in spring than summer-less crowns and not too hot)
Exercise(always an ongoing battle but the weather sure is helping)
Finish up all the DIY projects I have put off over winter(finish painting a shelf I started months ago)
Figure out how to take pictures of the house and make them look good(There is a ton of stuff I want share but the pictures are turning out crummy) Any tips?
Submit a Apartment Thearpy house tour..maybe :)
Print picture and fill all the empty frames I have laying around (found some really amazing ones at HomeGoods..addicted!!!
Sell some old furniture on craiglist and buy this dining table.

So what on your Spring want/to do list? Please share.

ps. isn't this baby lamb ADORABLE. I heart pintrest!

The look for less

2011-03-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

Nordstrom-$149.-
Target-$24.99 Just picked these up today!! Im all about buying quality but when it come to a trendy seasonal shoe..you can't go wrong for $24.99

Outfit Envy

2011-03-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE everything about this look! Find it here. Via Nordstrom lookbook March 2011.

New Recipe: Sausage ,Chard, and Lemon Lasagna

2011-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Its not very often I get to post more than once a day or make dinner from scratch, but today I'm home all day, G is asleep and I've got this cooking in the oven right now. Really looking forward to it and hoping it turns out. Its different for sure. What do you think...yes please or no thanks? I will let you know how it turns out. First found the recipe at this little blog. Its one of my favorite reads.

*Update. Its really good, different, not too strong of a lemon taste. I guess boiling the lemon slices first helped with that. I thought it was a little rich at first, but second day left overs where yum. Husband loved it too, I was suprised by that. Will make again!

Cotton in the raw

2011-03-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Years ago I took a solo trip to New Orleans to visit My Bro who was in the Air force at the time. I arrived almost a day ahead of him so I had time to kill. I explored the city and took a cab to Magazine street. As I wandered from shop to shop I noticed raw cotton being sold in the bundle pretty much everywhere. As a California girl, this was something I have never seen before. Now many years later, I regret not shipping some home. I would love to have a huge bundle of it sitting on my fireplace mantel. Now its even being used in wedding bouquets. Have you ever seen raw cotton on the stem before? After a little online research I found you can purchase it here. What do you think..is it something you could decorate with? I love it!

ps. Wedding inspiration here.

Day at the Zoo

2011-03-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday we finally used our San Diego Zoo passes that G got as a gift from his Aunt & Uncle at Christmas. The weather was too perfect, there were no crowds, the animals were out and we had a great day. The panda were the most amazing I think, but I'm always impressed with the giraffes too. The whole day was so sweet and a reminder of how many more trips like these we will have exploring the world with G.

Waving at some monkeys..
Poppy & tired Boy Boy..

G was this close to this tiger...scary.
Nap time.

Have you been to The San Diego Zoo? Its been years since I've gone, I had forgotten about all the hills. What a workout!

G's outfit: T-shirt,Red pants, Gray Vans.

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz

2011-03-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Its been a busier than ever couple of weeks and I've missed my little blog. Looking forward to being back next week with some new inspiration. Happy spring!

Happy Weekend!

2011-03-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Have a good weekend. Hope you do something fun. Since C works Friday/Saturday. Our weekend is Sunday/Monday. I will be back next week, hopefully in a better mood. Feeling a litte down today. Until then here are a few pictures of G that always make me smile.

Aunt Torrie Speaks at The Pentagon

2011-03-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of our Aunt Torrie. She spoke at The Pentagon last week!

What a great accomplishment. Very cool. G is so very blessed to have her as an Auntie.

Meet Chopper

2011-03-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Meet Chopper! A week later Chopper is settling in and getting use to life with a one year old. Looks like He is here to stay. We've had a few bumps in the road, but things are looking up and I think we will be able to coexist just fine. (Although, I think G love him more that he loves G.)

Angel Onesie

2011-03-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

All I have to say is... adorable! Find it here.

Ps. a special kids issue of Sweet Paul Magazine is pretty awesome.

Happy Stormy weekend

2011-02-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Have a good weekend. I will be snuggled up inside with the lil guy and our new (rescued) english bulldog. Yep, we got a dog, and today Im starting to wonder if its going to work out or not. Man, decisions use to be so much easier to make. If he sticks around I will introduce him next week. Until then, stay cozy and drive safe out there. Can you believe so much snow in

So Cal??

Images via Pintrest

Wood pallet DIY ideas

2011-02-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Love this counter idea using stacked pallets. Via Remodelista

Simple plate rack. Via Care2

Pallet daybed for childs room. Via Ohdeedoh

This last post reminded me that a couple months ago I started a post I never finished. So here ya go..creating cool stuff out of old wood pallets. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. Have you come across any useful ones yourself?

Mounting a Staghorn Fern

2011-02-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

I a huge fan of using recycled good and making them into something cool and unique. Something you can't buy in a store. Loving this idea of using wood board or even a old pallet to make a lovely wall hanging for a Staghorn Fern. For the full how to, click here. Beautiful!

UnderCover & My Lil Bro, The filmmaker.

2011-02-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

UnderCover Presents Trailer from Michel Hulsey on Vimeo.

UnderCover is a quarterly project that selects an influential album to be reinterpreted by an eclectic mix of local musicians, each song rearranged by different composers with a variety of instrumentation.

On February 22, 2011, 100+ musicians will recreate the iconic Pixies Doolittle album. Michel Hulsey, a San Francisco based filmmaker, will be there to document the event and film the concert in its entirety. In fact, he has documented this quarter's project from the very beginning, capturing rehearsals, live shows, interviews, and the studio recording of the reinterpreted Doolittle album which will be released at the show by Porto Franco Records. In the end, this will be a feature length concert documentary, allowing fans from all over the world to see this extraordinary concert in full.

This campaign will raise the funds needed to complete the documentary, paying for the concert recording, song licensing, distribution, and all other post-production needs.

Good job brother. To help him out, click here!

Cameo painting

2011-02-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

This is one of C's latest paintings. Its also a clients new tattoo. Isn't it pretty? I think I want to find a frame and keep her.

Happy LATE Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T11:37:00.001-08:00

Valentines day has always been a special day for us because its when we officially became a couple.(Four years ago) My goodness how time flys. Every year on this day we have gone to Oceanside Harbor for fish n chips. Its been a sweet tradition that is mellow, layed back, no pressure, and not at all fancy. Just our style. Plus its always nice to walk around in the harbor. With the cold that has been passed around we have had to postpone our date. Which kinda sucks but ok too cause I love some clam chowder in the rain. Any who, I hope your VDay was sweet and filled with love and chocolate.....ours will have to wait. (Instead we spent the day at home hanging out, C brought home red velvet cake from Fresh n Easy and I watched The Bachelor and He fell asleep on the couch.Hehe.)

ps. I love you Poppy. XO

Pss. Happy Birthday Dad. :)

pss.Cold, go away! your not welcome here a second more.

Images via pintrest

Thanks for dinner Poppy

2011-02-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

My sweets brought home dinner tonight unexpectedly. Thank goodness. I was in no mood to cook after this week that went by so fast I can't even remember it! Its the little things. Just thought I'd share. X&O Poppy-M

Ps. I love Pellegrino.

Have a heart filled weekend!

2011-02-04T17:37:00.001-08:00

Just a few things today...

G's new backpack

I heart these glasses!!!!!

Hillarious video

San Diego Museum Month Free passes at Macys

Didn't this week fly by? Watching the Super Bowl Sunday? Have a heart filled weekend. xoxo

Images via Pinterest

Hundreds gather

2011-02-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Found on FB with caption: "Hundreds gather to protest Global Warming....." By: Greg Vaughn

Quack Quack

2011-02-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

Cutest baby booties I've ever seen. Find them on etsy .

Happy February-xo

2011-02-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

To kick off this month long love fest, here is my all time favorite elopement video. Its so sweet and will make you cry. Find the full story here.

we said vows. from Jeremy on Vimeo.

Ps. I'm really excited for Valentines Day this year. C and I have done the same thing on Valentines Day since we first started dating. Its been a fun tradition and its a nice time marker. I can specifically remember the last four Valentines that we have celebrated together. This will be our fifth! More on that later.

When your up at night and can not sleep...

2011-01-29T22:04:00.000-08:00

When your up at night and can not sleep like I am now...here are seven little video that are worth watching. Do you have any favorite youtube video to share? Happy almost Sunday.

Ladybug plays with sprinkles

2011-01-29T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is so cute!

New obsession-Throw pillows

2011-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

I've never been to into buying throw pillow, until now. I want to spruce up our very lived on brown microfiber couch and going with a new color scheme in the bedroom has made me realize how cool they are. Its fun to check out different stores(Ikea,Homegoods,World Market,Pier1) and hunt for the next perfect one. (Of course always on sale! ) Do you buy them or think there no big deal?

Heres what I'm going for to add to the brown couch.

Ps. Isn't this rug pretty?

Pillows via Pier1.com

How to really love a child.

2011-01-26T22:38:00.000-08:00

I really love this. Especially these two.

Remember how really small they are and if they're crabby put them in water. :)

Billboard Breakup

2011-01-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

LA artist relocating to New York City left these visual goodbyes to the city he use to call home. Funny. Find his site here. Via Designcrushblog.com

Cupcake Genius-Reeses Cupcakes

2011-01-24T17:01:00.001-08:00

Adorable. Aren't they? Now this is something I could pull off. Wouldn't it be sweet to show up at a friends house for dinner or surprise your friends of Valentines Day with these?

*I've forgotten where this image came from, sorry.

Just cause

2011-01-24T16:35:00.000-08:00

It feels like its been a while since I've posted G pictures. So just because... here are a few showing what an active 13 month has been up too.

*Note- He is slightly obsessed with cell phones hence the pretend phone below. Its really a piece of bark. BAD parent! Quiet possible our first major parenting mistake.

Bulldogs

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Today we are going to meet with a local bulldog breeder. We are very excited to meet him and learn more about them. We have been thinking about getting a dog for a few months now. Not at all planning on coming home with one today, but maybe by summer time we will have one of these little guys in our family. I really think G would enjoy it. He loves dog and it would be fun to raise them together. There so adorable!

Busy Bee

2011-01-19T14:51:00.001-08:00

Its been over a week since I've posted. I've been a busy bee. Here's what I've been up to...

Early spring cleaning. All the sunshine has shown all the dusty floors,baseboards,and window ledges.
We took G to his first hardcore show. Uncle Matt was headlining here. He loved sitting on my shoulders, shouting and clapping his hands.
A Friday night trip to Ikea.
Painted our bedroom, added some new decor and this Ikea blanket. Really have the decorating bug right now.Found these bar stools for our kitchen counter. LOVE THEM.
G has been teething, molars!! Wheew. Not sleeping, runny nose,cranky cranky pants,and now a cough. Will I ever have a good night sleep again?
Making plans for C's Birthday Friday. Hoping to take advantage of SD Restaurant week.

Here are a couple of recommendations from Aunt Torrie. Cafe Chloe-I've wanted to eat here for ages. Cucina Urbana-looks amazing. Blue Boheme-love the french music! Island Prime-would be so nice to dine on the water. Have you eaten at any of these places? Which would you pick?

Mondays in the kitchen

2011-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to you. I've decided to try something new in the kitchen. Since Mondays are sort of a down day for us, I want to spend the mornings cooking for the week. We have anything but a regular schedule around here. Since C works by appointment only, many nights hes working late and not home for dinner. I find myself eating eating nothing or just having avocado toast and sometimes waiting for him to be home before starting dinner. It just doesn't work. So Mondays I will be preparing several dinners that we can store and eat the rest of the week. Today I'm making two. This soup and a friends chicken recipe. The house smells amazing right now. Now I don't have to cook again until midweek. I think I'm going to like this plan. What about you? Do you ever struggle with meal timing or planning? Have any easy recipes to share?

Here is whats in the oven now.

Chicken breasts

1 cup brown rice(I LOVE Trader Joes brown rice medley)

1 or 2 jars of green enchilada sauce

diced tomatos/onions/green chilis (optional)

melted pepper jack cheese(last few min.)

back on 375 for 1 hour

Its an easy one and so good.

First Snow

2011-01-07T18:00:00.001-08:00

I'm back! We were gone the beginning of the week in the mountains. Decided to starting the New Year off right with a little getaway. Haven't been much in the blogging mood the rest of this week, but here's a glimpse of G's very first snow...

It snowed most the trip and G loved it.

*Next week... photos of some amazing scenery and review of some of the local spots to visit.

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-28T15:18:00.001-08:00

Goodbye to 2010 and a big hello to 2011. I don't know about you but I could not be more ready for a fresh clean slate. I have a list a mile long of resolutions, changes, and goals for this year to come. Our lives have changed more in the last 365 that any other year I can remember. Baby G has made our lives brighter in every way and has taught us so very much. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and whats ahead as G enters his second year of life.

Here's a few my list-Things I'm ready for in 2011!

*G sleeping through the night. (this will make a big impact in my everyday life and I desperately need it)

*Losing the baby weight! (Hard work but I'm so ready. Its taken forever, but a have written a plan and I'm going to stick to it.)

*Weaning G ( I might regret this, and there are moments I love but I grow more and more ready everyday)

*Fixing up our yard & planting a garden (after you see this documentary you will too)

*Continue to work on decorating the house (painting our bedroom soon)

*Make new friends (have you noticed the older you get, your friends seem to disappear? especially after you have a baby!)

*Write G's birth story. ( I still think about it so often, I really need to write it down)

*Being patient, kind and loving (this is a BIG one and should be on everyones list. An everyday challenge)

*Being the best Mommy and Wife I can be!

*Pray more.

What about you? Whats your plan for 2011?

Oh, yes one more...

*I would really really really love to take a trip somewhere tropical! I NEED to swim in warm water!

With every year there are new and unexpected challenges, don't you agree? I'm always looking back and saying " I would have never imagined this would happen" Keep focused, keep life simple, have fun and in this crazy world we live in, stay close to the ones matter! Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, love filled year!

Hallelujah

2010-12-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours!

2010-12-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

Year of Giving

2010-12-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

A Washington DC man who lost his job this time last year decided to give ten dollars away to random people everyday of the year in memory of his Mother. He created a daily journal of his experience on his blog, read his story and all 365 days of giving here at yearofgiving.org. Very Inspiring, enjoy!

AOL story can be found here.

Do you ever give randomly to perfect strangers? I would love to hear your stories. We have done it often and it always feels great. Even if its a strangers cup of coffee you might brighten there whole day. I even paid for the car behind me at Del Taco once. We recently signed up to give ten dollars a month to help these MiracleBabies.

photo via photobucket

Whats for dinner tonight

2010-12-21T16:22:00.001-08:00

When I first started this blog my intention was to post new recipes once a week. Well, that hasn't quiet happened but tonight I decided to start with an old recipe that the man kind in this house LOVES. For dinner tonight we are having Turkey Meatloaf (also known as tadurkaloaf-I don't know where that came from),Collard Greens and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Yum. Perfect rain weather food. So here's the recipe. I don't measure anymore but here's the estimate. You can't mess it up.

Turkey Meatloaf

package of ground turkey meat

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

two pieces of bread toasted for bread crumbs(extra toasty then crumble)

1/2 an onion

salt and pepper

Sauce-A mixture of..

Ketchup

Mustard

Brown sugar

*I add this the last 15 min or so.

Add all content together in a large bowl and mix, then to a loaf pan and in the oven on 350 for about an hour.

*Of course all organic when possible. :)

Image via raisingfoodies.blogspot.com

More robot fun!

2010-12-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

Adorable. 2011 FOBOT (found object robots) calendars available here.

Honeybee cupcakes

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Im in love! These are the most adorable cupcakes ever! Vanilla cupcake topped with honeycomb shape sugar cookies and honey. Bee's are black jellybeans with black and yellow frosting and almonds for wings. Genius.

Via Hostessblog.com

Have a sparkly weekend

2010-12-17T14:42:00.001-08:00

It's the last weekend before Christmas and its going to be a wet one. We have a Christmas party to attend tonight, but I plan to spend the rest of the weekend where ever its warm and cozy. Hopefully the little Guy will cooperate and we can take some snugly rain day naps together. What are your plans? Do you have all your "holiday stuff "done? We aren't really doing much shopping this year, but I'm super excited that I actually got Christmas cards ordered today. Yay! Wasn't sure that was going to happen, but this morning I decided to take advantage of what dry ground was left and head outside for a mini photo shoot with the Boy. It was fun to dress him up and he loves the camera. Once they are mailed out I will post the finished product next weekend. Have a good one!

Top Ikea picks for Kiddos

2010-12-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

You never really think to shop Ikea for kid toys but they has some amazing toys, furniture and accessories for babies and kids. Here are a few of my top pick. Easy on the wallet too.

POÄNG Children's armchair Only $29.99
Perfect for watchin Yo Gabba Gabba or reading a story. Adorable.

IKEA PS SVINGA Hanging seat $69.99
This looks like so much fun. Would love to have this for summertime on our patio.

EKORRE Toddle wagon/ walker $19.99 (if you can believe it)
G is getting one of these for Christmas. I'm sure He's going to love loading it with toys and practicing taking those steps. *Walkers like these sell in the hundreds elsewhere.

SPEJA Tunnel -$19.99
G has this and loves it. So cute to watch him crawl through.

More Favorites
Children's chair-$12.99 (available in 5 bright colors)
Nite lights-$12.99
20 pieces train set-$14.99
Children's potty-$3.99 (competetors price $20.00+)
Rocking Moose-$39.99
4-piece vegetables set-$7.99

Robot Theme Party

2010-12-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

As you know, last week was G's first Birthday party and robots were the theme. I promised to share a few photos of the festivities. Here is a look at some of the snacks and decorations.

ps. Have you noticed how there are robots everywhere right now...target, gap, yo gabba gabba ? I didn't until after the party.

A Christmas Song

2010-12-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

Years ago while driving in my car I heard this song on the radio (at Christmas time) and never forgot it. Recently I came across it again.

Holiday Mantel Decor

2010-12-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

Every year I try and change up our fireplace mantel. So this year I passed on the tradition green garland and did something a little different. Its almost more fun than decorating the tree. My color scheme was all metallics- silver,platinum,gold,and bronze. The pictures aren't the greatest but it pretty and very sparkly at night.

Here's the lowdown.

Vintage music sheet garland
Bulbs from years past
Silver Pine Garland
Silver Tassels for Dollar Tree 2 years ago
Mercury glass tea lights from Michael's
Grey glitter snowflakes from dollar tree last year
Small vintage gold mirror borrowed from living room wall.