Tree, Myself and I

Tia did most of the decorating!

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!

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>

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!

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!

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.........

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!