Favorite Things Party

For some time now, I have been wanting to host a Favorite Things Party. I always loved the element of surprise and joy shown in the audience of Oprah’s Favorite Things. So we’re not going to be giving each other a little box containing the key to a NEW CAR (insert Oprah’s excited voice here) or a $500 Cashmere Sweater in all the pastel colors you can think of. But this will be a fun way to get together with my besties to share those little things that make us happy. It’s been a nice diversion in my work day trying to figure out which one (or ones) of my favorite things I plan to gift away. There are so many!  I will be sure to post pics from the party (which is in March).

 

 

The Creative Pay-It-Forward

Posted this on my FB wall this morning:

“The first 5 people to comment on this update will receive a surprise from me! There will be no warning & it will happen whenever the mood strikes me! The catch? Those 5 people must make the same offer in their FB status. You must pay it forward too! ♥”

I cannot wait to send out little surprises to the 5 (actually 4 right now) people commented.

Words to Live By

“Not everyone should have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you let go of or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships. Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don’t really understand, know, or appreciate you? The more you seek quality, respect, growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to
sit in the front row and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.” -Adam Malone

Phoebe

It’s been awhile, I know. I’ve had my hands full, mostly with my new bundle of joy, Phoebe Kaleah. She arrived on August 8, 2012 and changed my world forever. Phoebe looks just like her Daddy! She’s a little over two months now and is smiling and cooing a lot!

Phoebe, I am so excited to see you change every day and always wonder what kind of person you’re going to grow up to be, what kind of personality you’re going to have, what kind of food you’re going to like and dislike, and what excites you in life! You have made me so happy and proud to be your Mommy. I love you so very, very much.

#2 – Makeover Our Patio – DONE

It’s still a work in progress, but we’re getting there. Hubby and I are so excited for this transformation. I cannot wait to sit outside and enjoy the cool breezes in the summertime and sip on a warm drink in the fall. I cannot wait to host our next get-together and make use of our new outdoor space. Take a peek at what we’ve been working on.

Some progress…

More progress…

Did You Miss Me???

I’m still here – just been a little busy. ;-) Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been a little preoccupied with.

I remember when she was just starting pre-k and now here she is…ready to enter Jr. High! All grown up, and I must say, I am very proud of this young lady. Congrats! XOXO

Aly’s 5th Grade Promotion

To celebrate a special “milestone” in her life, I was happy to continue a tradition I started for all of the girls in our family – Women’s Day. I took her to The Cheesecake Factory, gave her a long…letter full of advice about growing up into a young lady, and showered her with gifts. It was indeed a special day. <3

Women’s Day

I was also busy discovering some delicious NEW places…one being Gordy’s. Thanks to my SIL, I have found a new place to get my sweet fix. :-) BTW, they have the most amazing Peanut Butter Bars that remind me of elementary school, and they are perfectly named “Lunch Lady”.

Gordy’s Bakery (photo from yelp.com)

And, it’s been 30 years since I’ve been to one, but I finally made it to a drive-in theater to watch Brave with our little one, our nephew and our extended family. What a wonderful experience (would have been more enjoyable if I wasn’t sick and pregnant – LOL).

Santee Drive-In

The Hubby and I have been in “nesting mode” and have been cleaning and organizing like crazy. Here’s a look of me consolidating all of our scrapbooking/crafting supplies.

Organizing, organizing, organizing…

In the midst of all this, my best girlfriends managed to surprise me with a lunch/baby shower! For those of you who really know me, pulling off a surprise goes down as one of the most impossible things to pull off. LOL I have the most amazing friends!

“Welcome Aboard” theme – love it!

And yes, I’m just growing bigger and bigger as the days and weeks go by. I am close to the finish line and cannot wait to see my little bundle of love soon. <3

Getting ready to POP!

 

Tried & True (Thank You, Pinterest)

I think I’ve tried more recipes from Pinterest in the last few months than I have from my numerous cookbooks and magazines put together. Here are some amazingly delicious recipes that I tried out myself and loved:

Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats

*Notes: I used generic puffed rice cereal that was on sale. The second time I made these, I added MORE cake mix. The taste is very subtle, but very good. I love the sprinkles – they just add that “happy” pop of color!

(photo credit: http://pizzazzerie.com) 

Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread

*Notes: Instead of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures, I used the regular sized ones and just chopped them up. If you are like me and love banana or peanut butter flavored ANYTHING, this is for you. It’s a pretty dense, rich loaf but you’ll love it!

(photo credit: cookiesandcups.com)

Strawberry Yogurt Cake

Notes: OMG – this cake was SO GOOD and I think I owe it all to the Greek Yogurt and lemon zest. Only downside is that this cake stuck a little to the bundt pan, so it kind of ruined the shape a bit. Have no fear…all I did was cut slices and arranged it on a platter. We served this up for our Memorial Day BBQ and it seemed to be a big hit! So moist and full of flavor, and perfect for the summertime. My SIL said that it reminded her of a Starbucks pastry – I’ll take that as a compliment. The taste was everything I had imagined…next time I will grease up my pan even more to avoid the sticking. Must try!!!

(photo credit: http://aspicyperspective.com)

#27 – Take Ella to the Children’s Museum – DONE

The mini-me and I had a wonderful one-on-one date last Sunday. It was our first time visiting the New Children’s Museum in San Diego, and on top of that it was Diversity Day so many different cultures were celebrated that day including our own. She had a blast and as I explained to my Hubby, if there was a museum that was “so us”, it would be this one. We will definitely be back!

Check out this video of Ella dancing: Ella Dancing on Diversity Day

 

#1 – Make Popsicles From Scratch – DONE

The proof is in the popsicle! : ) This was delicious – it was like eating a frozen smoothie on a stick. Sweet, healthy, refreshing treat. Can’t wait to try out more recipes!

Ready to Let Go…Are You?

“You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.”

I read this quote by Jan Glidewell and thought it was extremely fitting for some of the changes that are happening in my life. Time to let go and embrace the beautiful things in front of me.