Monday, December 13, 2010

All You Need Is...


Last night we were on our way to eat at my dear friend Emily's house. I had just rushed home to pick up my family because I was coming from another get-together. No one was ready to go, and I knew there was traffic; so I was trying to get them going so we wouldn't be late. Tia bypassed our S.U.V and ran over to the front lawn that is blanketed in leaves. I urged her to get in the car when I realized how lovely the image of her throwing leaves in the air was. I told her to get back out of the car so I could take a picture.

The get-together I had earlier was my aunt's idea to get old family friends together "just because"- instead of waiting for a pivotal event. This "leaf" moment  personified this concept. Stop and savor the people you love right now. Don't wait! My other aunt always says, "if you fall off the truck someone else will be on your route in the morning." Most of our must do's are not deal breakers; and even if they are, they truly aren't because L-O-V-E- is all we need and want. This season is about the ultimate gift of love isn't it? Now that's what the holidays mean to me.

Monday, November 8, 2010

The Arrangement is Over!

When we got engaged ten years ago we had an agreement that Patrick would do the cooking in our household. I hated to cook. I viewed cooking as a chore to be delegated to the more willing participant. About 4 years ago when we got cable I fell in love with the Food Network; particularly Giada De Laurentiis on Everyday Italian and now Giada at Home. The food looked beautiful and enticing through the screen. I would put Tia down for her nap and then sit and eat my lunch while watching her bring ingredients to life. I tried a few recipes and was shocked that I could make delicious, edible food.
The creative side of cooking sealed the deal for me! Presentation is such a key part of my personality and as my mentor would say "you eat with your eyes first". I love to eat, and now I love to cook as much as I love to eat. Dangerous? No. I have a healthy outlook on food. I see ingredients as smaller parts of a grand masterpiece of art.
My husband and family love when I cook for them and have an affinity for "home-made" fare.  I thought cooking like that often was spoiling them but the gratification I get from presenting them my love on a saucer is so rewarding.  What was on the menu tonight? Sage and butter roasted chicken, potatoes and mushrooms. The bonus- mini cinnamon sugar cupcakes!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

If I had a Fairy Godmother she would bring me this...

Put out good vibes that I will get a call from Madsen saying "Guess What"! They have a contest going if you link them to your site.
Click here!   <a href="http://www.madsencycles.com/?src=lcf10">MADSEN Cargo Bikes</a>

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Wanted: California King Bed


Last week I was not feeling well so my hubby was giving me some R&R by keeping the kids quiet and occupied while I rested in the evenings. One night, after a while I noticed that the background noise had ended and guessed that they had all fallen asleep in one of the twin beds in the kid's room. I couldn't resist taking a snap shot while they were all crammed into the bed. I love how Tia is completely aware of her allotted sliver!

Monday, September 13, 2010

Repentance and Rye?

The two can go hand in hand. My family celebrates Jewish holidays. We are Christians and that means we are Christ-like; what was Jesus doing this fall?-celebrating Rosh Hashanah. This holiday marks the first month of the Hebrew Calendar and commences the time of reflection and repentance. Often followers will toss bread into a body of water with each piece symbolizes an idea for change.
Last week I took my family to Douglas Park in Santa Monica so we could do just that. I read a page in a children's book that explained the topic and they each said somethings they would like to do better in the New Year. Tia thought this was a wishing well and was asking for things she wanted- I redirected her gently. My son is only three so I helped him say "I will obey Mommy when she tells me something and I will not hit my sister". My sister and cousin were worse than the kids! They were so enamoured by the ducks and water turtles climbing out the pond, the object lesson was lost on them.
Oh well, La Shana Tova! What are you going to do different this year? Get a head start on January!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Black and White is Beautiful

All my life (inside joke related to The Color Purple)-I'll I've ever wanted was a beautiful, dainty apron. This weekend; as we perused the antique stores in Old Towne Orange (Orange County) I looked for the perfect marriage of "Mad Men" sweetness and modern charm. I was overjoyed when I saw a store completely devoted to beauties of its kind called "Heavenly Hostess" ( all the tags have scripture) no less! As history has shown, my brown eyes are always attracted to the highest price points. These gorgeous price-gougers were $80!

I walked away with my head hung low; saddened by my misfortune. Wouldn't you know there was a place around the corner called Blessings. They had a similar product for a lucky $21 dollars. I batted my eyelashes and my DH opened his wallet. I LOVE this store. Turns out they were featured on Extreme Home Makeover. They blend eclecticism and whimsy magnificently. I'm all ready for the holidays now! All I need is my pink Kitchen Aid mixer. Pretty Please.........

Saturday, September 4, 2010

OMG! The Hobbit

Due to unforeseen circumstances, not only is Tia being homeschooled; but so are six of my other family members. My aunt is facilitating their education and yesterday my brothers got a large shipment with a myriad of supplies and books, including a microscope, Shakespeare and classical CD's. My aunt was exploring the box contents and squealed when she saw the book titled "The Hobbit". It was ChristmaHanukaKwanza for her, she is a book worm like me and is relishing in all that she will get to experience with them. I am happy for them all!
P.S. no picture today, as she would have my head!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

51 First Dates


About a year ago my husband and I decided to enact a weekly date night. Shockingly, we have hardly missed a night in 52 weeks. We met a couple who were not from our church at the jacuzzi one night during a church marriage retreat who suggested that there 32 year long relationship was thriving as a result of date night.
I had been mulling the concept over with my hubby for quite sometime at that point- speaking with them solidified our decision.
Now we do a date night babysitting swap with my cousin and her husband who live in our town. I so look forward to Wednesday nights because we have each other's undivided attention and we act like we did before we had kidlets. We usually have just dinner, that way we can talk. We are in our fourteenth year as a couple and we're still chuggin' along! It's really a gift to our kids as well, because it makes us a happier couple.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Placing My Order


Today I'm going to place my order for Tia's Five in a Row (http://www.fiveinarow.com/) homeschooling curriculum- so excited! Based on quality children's literature books, this program makes learning fun!