Weekly Dinner Menu #15

Sunday - Chicken Salad in pitas and fruit.***

Tuesday - Penne Asparagus Egg Dish with salad ***

Thursday - Super Sloppy Joes and Fries and grapes ****

Sale Item

I thought I should get a better picture of the Pottery Barn Kids rug and showcase it again. It really is a great rug and the picture before didn't do it justice. So, here it is again it all its glory. If anyone is interested in this ... I am asking $250. It is brand new condition and I purchased it for $400+.

Finding your Center

Okay, that title sounds more deep than this post really is.

I love interior design. It is another thing I would love to do. But for now, I just love looking at all the different ideas and rooms out there.

The one thing I have concluded about decorating a room (and my personal style) is that each room should have that "center focal point". That "something" that is the main focus of the room. That whenever anyone walks into a room they notice and comment on "that piece".

It could be a piece of artwork, a collection of favorite things, a piece of furniture, a great window or a strong color choice or just pictures. I have concluded that as I start to decorate our new home, I am going to be on the search for those special pieces that "center our rooms".

For Sale

I thought I would put some items I am trying to sale on my blog just in case any readers were interested. I have a few things that we don't need anymore, don't use or just don't have room for.

They are all in excellent condition (most are like new) and for a fraction of what they really cost. So, if you are interested... you can comment or email me.

1) Pottery Barn Kids girl quilt and bumper. The quilt only hung on the back of our rocking chair. The bumper was used in the crib, but is in great condition. Asking $40 for both.

2) Pottery Barn Lamp Shade. This was hardly used. It originally cost $70. I am asking $20

3) Leap Frog Word Launch. This was used a handful of times. It cost anywhere between $25-40. Asking $15.

4) Fisher Price Walk-along Hippo. This is in excellent condition. It doesn't come with any of the blocks, but works when helping kids walk. Asking $12

5) Crate and Barrel CD holder/tower. It is in excellent condition. It is several years old, but it stainless steel (i think). Asking $25.

6) Jumbo Blocks. All the pieces are there (I don't think any are missing). Never really used. Asking $10.

7) Pottery Barn Kids 8X10 Rug. This is less than a year old. It was hardly used and is in brand new condition. It retailed for over $400. Asking $250.

If you are interested and are willing to pay for exact, cheap shipping, I can mail them to you.

Happy shopping :-)

What I Use

I am always curious to know what other every day people like me use. I read the stuff in the magazines, but that is more of wish lists items and things you might buy if you could find it and if you had a lot of extra money lying around.

So, I thought I would take some time to share what I use... just in case you are looking to try something new. This entry will focus on my Skincare and Makeup Favorites.

My Foundation: Infallible Never Fail Make-up by L'oreal. I have tried a lot of department store foundations and have only been so-so happy with the coverage. This one is great. It covers, but doesn't look like I am wearing a lot of make-up and it is cheaper than MAC or Clinque.

My Mascara: MAC Plush Lash. I again have searched and searched for a good mascara. This one stays on well (without flaking), but comes off with soap and water. It adds volume. I really like it.

Day Cream: I don't typically use one. But if I do, it would be whatever my brother-in-law the dermatologist gave me the last time we saw him. He always gives me stuff to try that he gets from conferences or reps.

My Beauty Product Brand: I prefer Bobbi Brown (hands down), but it is expensive, so I can't always get it. But when I can... I love all their stuff.

My Essential Beauty Product: Lipstick. I have to have lipstick. The more kids I have, the more I forget to put it on. But I still do it once a day and it helps me feel just a little more put together.

My Favorite Makeup Product: Bobbi Brown Lip Shimmer in champagne

My Perfume: Ralph by Ralph Lauren. I love the clean, fun smell of it. It is my staple fragrance.

Three Products to bring on a Deserted Island: Love Spell lotion from Victoria Secret, Aveda Smoothing Fluid, and Sunscreen.

Ginger Blossom

So, I have had my eye on this fabric for some time now and finally bit the bullet and bought some fat quarters of 8 of the different fabrics in the collection. It is so bright, cheer and beautiful. I love the colors and the patterns. It is even more beautiful in person.

I am planning on making a bunting flag banner (without the letters) for Hannah's room. Can't wait to get started. Wish me luck.

Weekly Dinner Menu #14

Sunday - Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Canadian Bacon and fruit.****

Monday - Turkey Picadillos and Cornbread *****

Wednesday - Broiled Salmon Over Parmesan Grits*****

Friday - Coconut curried Chicken and broccoli****

New Family Photo Shoot

I had the opportunity of photographing a soon-to-be new family. The happy couple is getting married next week and I got to capture their new happy family. They were were fantastic to photograph and the setting was awesome (the Japanese Gardens at Woodward Park). So, here is a preview of some of the pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

Back in the Day

I was going through my computer files and spent some time looking at old digital scrapbooking pages I had created. I am so behind on keeping up with my kids and their memories. I have video I still need to download, I haven't written in their baby books for 2 months, I am trying to do another blurb book, so much and to do and to think of doing something cute and non-essential (like this) is a distant memory now.

But I do love the idea of keeping memories of such detailed things in the life of my kids. Not just the soccer games and the trips to Disneyland, but the little things like their favorite sayings (Hannah's right now is "that's what I'm saying") or the things they do on a daily basis (Hannah colors with her princess crayons each afternoon and loves to wake up her sister after Ella's nap).

Oh, well. All I can do is try my best and do what I can when I can and hope that in years to come they have a good collection of life stories and memories.

Mini Gift Ideas

Now that I have a child in school, I am always looking for cute phrases and gift ideas, to give to teachers. I received a list of just those ideas the other day and wanted to put them on my blog for me and for you.

The great thing about gifts is that even the smallest item can seem wonderful if presented in a cute and meaningful way.

NOTE: The words surrounding the "punchline' can be changed according to occasion, recipient or purpose.

IDEAS:

• SODA - "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as ......
• BEAR SHAPED HONEY - "You are "beary" sweet."
• MICROWAVE POPCORN AND 2 LITER SODA - "Pop, pop. Fiz, Fiz. Oh, what a good friend you is."
• HOT CHOCOLATE MIX AND A MUG - "Just giving you a hug in a mug."
• BUBBLE GUM - "You have a "bubbly" personality."
• ROOT BEER - "We're "rooting" for you."
• BREAD & JAM - "Hoping your (day) is "jam" packed with love/fun/cheer."
• PASTA & SAUCE - "Have a "pasta-tively" easy dinner tonight."
• SOUP MIX - "You are "soup-er".
• OVEN MITT WITH TREATS - "We have to ad-"MITT" you are a great friend/teacher."
• FROZEN PIZZA - "You have more than a slice of "pizza-z"
• APPLES AND HERHSEY'S HUGS - "A teach can't live by apples alone. She need hugs too."
• ANY CLEANER - "You add "sparkle" and make my life brighter."
• MEASURING CUPS OR SPOONS - "Your friendship has blessed my life beyond "measure."
• CINNAMON SUGAR FOR TOAST - "May your day be "sprinkled" with laughter and love"
• SALSA AND CHIPS - "Add a little spice to your day."
• PIE - "No matter how you slice it, your a good teacher/friend." or "Just a little HI and a tasty pie."
  
• RICE KRISPIE TREATS - "Snap. Crackle. Pop. We think you're the tops."
• BANANA BREAD - "Banana bread just for you. Because you have so much to do. We also love you a whole "bunch" too."
• DONUTS - "Donut" you know you are the best teach/friend ever"

The cute gifts pictured above are from Pine is here.. She is extremely talented.

Ughh.. they did it again.

Pottery Barn has done it again. Their latest catalog features new items for the summer. I am in love with their outside entertaining items. Here are just a few. Oh to have the storage space, the money, time and energy to entertain like this.

While on the topic. I have to say if you ever have an opportunity to go to a Pottery Barn Outlet, it will be well worth the trip. I went to the one in Temecula, Ca and it was AWESOME! Seriously some of the best deals I have seen. They had all their sofas on sale for %50 the outlet price. Sectionals (perfectly good) for $800. I did get their Isabella chair for $54. And their furniture for 40% off outlet prices. I was like a kid in a candy shop. If only I had a u-haul truck. So, if you can GO!

Next Time in London

The movie Notting Hill put this neighborhood on the map as places to go when in London. But I have discovered the best idea ever that makes me want to travel there (more now than ever). It is Books for Cooks Book Shop and Cafe.

It is great. My favorite things all together in a cute little shop. Recipes, cookbooks, cooking, food and quaint-ness. This is the best idea and if I had time, money and needed something to do.. I would open up something like this here. Maybe in 20 years, but until then... I will just have to keep an eye open for something like this in the states.

Night with the Grizzlies

Last night we went to our first Grizzlies baseball game (Fresno's minor league team). Besides being in downtown Fresno, it was a really fun night. It started with free drumstick ice cream at the gate. Then winning free drumstick baseball bats. Once we were in the park (which I thought was pretty nice - (reminded me of smaller Coors field), we had fun with Totally 80s night. Although Fresno was stinking it up against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (GO COLORADO!), the entertainment between innings was a blast.

Some Highlights:

• They had the guy Billy Zabka from Karate Kid (the one Ralph Macchio fought at the end of the movie) made an appearance. And they quizzed him... he was pretty funny.

• They had the mascot Parker reenact the final fight scene of Karate Kid.

• They had Garbage Pail kids pictures and names on the big screen for the opposing players when up to bat and 80's teen heartthrobs (Tom Selleck, Eric Estrada, Kirk Cameron) for the home team.

• They had the Drag Kings (the guys that sweep the field) dance to Thriller while sweeping the field.

• Hannah wanting everything that the vendors walked by with. "I want cotton candy. I want water. I want lemonade. I want peanuts. I want snow cones." She wanted a lot and only got water."

• Ella dancing/bouncing to the music every time it came on. Which was a lot.

• Hannah playing pretend baseball with her new mini-bat and her dad.

• Ella drinking water for the first time from a plastic bottle and looking shocked each time it hit her mouth, but not getting enough.

All in all, it was a fun night and something I would definitely do again. I told Chris it would be fun to be on the marketing team for the Grizzlies. A lot of creativity and fun!

PS - You might not have noticed, but that is me with my new haircut. The girl cut a lot, but I think I like it :-)

Organizing can be Fun

I love Flickr. there are so many great ideas out there and Flickr is the place to find them. Here are just a few fun and adorable organizing ideas I found that can really be easy and so darn cute.

1) an old card catalog from a library sale turned into a colorful filing system. LOVE THIS!
2) a simple square shelving unit turned colorful and cute.
3) perfectly coordinated canvas boxes and wire baskets with pink... way too much fun.
4) A simple wooden drying rack holding little girl's dresses becomes the room's cute centerpiece. Adorable and practical all at once.

Go Ask Laurel

I have this cousin who is about the coolest thing ever. She is slowly but surely making a name for herself in the Young Women church market. She has CDs, participates in Time Our for Women and Girls, speaks at youth conferences all over the country and now has the coolest blog/website for young women called Go Ask Laurel.

It is a place where girls can ask Laurel questions about navigating through this crazy little thing called LIFE. Laurel (again, MY cousin!) is about the wittiest, most fun and smartest little cookie your young women will ever meet. She connects with them in a way most only dream of. Seriously... if you are part of the young women's program in our church, check her out.... the girls in your life will love her.

Especially check out her May 7th entry. I love it! That is what I try to tell all the YW I teach, she just does it in a much better way.

Congrats to all the success Laurel - no one deserves it more (and to payback the compliment... you are insanely talented too... YOU ARE TOO, YOU ARE TOO! :-)

Disney Cont'd

I think Snow White is the sweetest of all the princesses and this captures it.

This is Hannah running and almost knocking over Sleeping Beauty. She looks like she enjoyed it.

Hannah waiting for the parade to make it down the street. She kept checking to see if they were coming.

My sister enjoying King Arthur's Carousel

Hannah tried on about 5 different hats. Here is another one

I think it goes without saying, that Disneyland is a photographer's dream. So many things to take pictures of. I want to share all the parade and character pictures I took, but for now... I will post these last remaining photos (so I don't bore you). But I thought these were great and captured many moments we had on the trip. Enjoy!

A Disney Recap

This trip to Disneyland was a great trip. I think it was because my sister Jill was with us and she hadn't been to Disneyland in 20 years, so it was fun to be with her as she experienced it basically for the first time. Here are just some of the highlights of our trip.

- Jill and I were walking down Main Street with Hannah in between us holding our hands and out of the blue Hannah lets go of our hands and starts pretending like she is dialing numbers on her palm (like her hand is a cell phone) and than puts her palm to her ear and starts talking to someone. Jill asked her who she was talking to and she said, "Peter Pan."

- My favorite part of Disneyland is the Parade of Dreams. I love, love, love it. Now California Adventure has a new parade called Pixar Play Parade and it is just as good as the original. The music isn't as touching (I love the music to the Parade of Dreams), but it is still pretty darn good.

- Hannah had a great moment at the parade. The big number where the parade stops and the characters dance was the Alice in Wonderland portion of the parade. Before they started to dance and perform, Alice came to talk to Hannah. Hannah told her about her Alice in Wonderland birthday party. Alice had to leave to do her dance, but then came back afterwards to finish her conversation with Hannah. One is lucky if they characters even stop to look at you, let alone have two conversations with you. It was the highlight for me and Hannah.

- When we went to see the Princesses, Hannah would run full speed into each and everyone of them. She knocked Princess Aurora over. Snow White was by the sweetest and spent the most time with her! She even came looking for Hannah before she had to go backstage so that she could say goodbye to her.

- We were walking to Fantasyland and we noticed Cinderella's Fairy Godmother walking alone through the park. We went up to her and she took Hannah's hand and walked with her through the park to the place she greets and takes pictures. She asked Hannah who her favorite princess was and Hannah in all honestly said "Cinderella". The she asked her what the magic words are and she started "Bibbety" and Hannah finished "Boobity boo".

- I almost finished my Disneyland ABCs. I left with only 2 letters missing - the "V" and the "X".. I have ideas, but I just left the park without them. I can't believe I am that close, with only 2 letters missing. So, this project still might have to wait until later this year. Maybe in time for Christmas.

Well, I think that is it. It was a great trip and probably our last trip until September. It was kinda sad to say goodbye. It really is a fun place!