Friday, December 31, 2010

Eve of Eve

Last night I went out with some girlfriends from high school to celebrate the Eve of New Year's Eve. Well, actually it was my friend's birthday. Either way, this is me cheesing it up before I went out to get some drinks. It was so cold out so I had to dress warmly.

I love the princess dress up box that is making an appearance.

Hope everyone has an exciting New Year's Eve! Hubbs and I are out to a nice dinner and from there we will probably find ourselves on the couch trying to stay awake for a countdown.

Open Cardigan: GAP
Tank: Old Navy
Skinny Jeans: GAP
Heals: Alfani
Belt: Forever 21

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sweet Skillz

So with all of this time on my hands, I thought I would dust off the Nikon DSLR and practice some sweet photo skills. I tinkered around and was able to figure out the auto timer. But since our house is crammed and outside is gloomy, I didn't have many places to set it up. Case in point, the kitchen counter:

Hey, more plaid!
Then I started taking a bunch of pictures of all of the Donald Duck ornaments on the tree. I love Donald Duck, and for the past 10 years or so each Christmas I tend to accumulate another one. Here is a pic of the recent addition.
Still practicing on the Nikon. Gonna take me awhile to figure out better picture taking settings and tinker with lighting.
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Monday, December 27, 2010

Closet O' Mine

I am on vacation until next Tuesday. I couldn't be happier... but I am finding myself with so much time. Time to make coffee, breakfast and brush my hair 537 times if I so please. Time to file my nails after I trim them rather than dash to work with unfiled razor sharp claws. Time to look through the ol' closet o' mine and realize there is a crap load of clothes I have been hanging on to that I keep thinking I just MIGHT wear when/if I get pregnant again one day and need something nice and roomy in the first trimester, or for a special night of going out which doesn't happen often enough, or maybe for a trip to Palm Springs for lounging by the pool, because heck I only wore it once on our Jamaican honeymoon and the dress wasn't on sale for the love of... you get the picture.



I worked in a trendy boutique in college very similar to Anthropologie. While working there I accumulated a lot of higher end labels (for me) that I don't even wear now, yet it was when I was really poor in college... makes sense right (My commission paid for the threads)... So a new little consignment shop has opened up close by and I want to bring in some of these things that I have never gotten rid of because they were kind of worth something....to someone? I have some Free People tops, Michael Stars, a Betsey Johnson beaded sweater which I think was like $250, a Prada purse, a Diane Von Furstenberg dress, etc. etc. All of these items don't fit me right anymore nor do I care for their more "loud" style. And btw... aside from Kate Spade, DVF is my favorite designer, so it really saddens me to part with this dress, however it was a gift and is a light purple gray and sherbert orange striped dress. On my fair skin it looks capital H- Horrendous.

Back to this tanget. With all of this time on my hands, I will be dropping off these more valuable purged items to this consignment store this week and giving the rest to Goodwill. But because I will now have so much more room in my closet... do you think I can work this item in?
This little number is one of the new Spring arrivals at Bannana Republic.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Plaid Business

Folks, I love things plaid. It is up there with tweed, sear sucker and cashmere. During the colder months I inevitably bust out plaid a lot. Plaid scarves, plaid pajamas, plaid pea coats, plaid skirts, plaid blazers, and of course, plaid shirts. Just last week I wore plaid two days in a row. So of course I couldn't help but incorporate more plaid into this short week before Christmas.


Here is a casual office look. Damn, I really need to get away from taking pictures with my Blackberry. My Canon and Nikon are feeling neglected and cheated. However, being a busy working mommy, I am all about convenience....

Cardigan: J.Crew
Plaid Shirt: Old Navy
Belt: GAP (old)
Legging Jeans: GAP
Boots: Entienne Aigner

Monday, December 20, 2010

Loop it Up

We celebrated Hanukkah with Hubbs' family this past Saturday night. Instead of getting gifts for everyone and their mom, literally, we drew names and only had to get one gift each. It was great! My trendy and future sister-in-law gave me a really cute heather gray scarf loop thing. I am not sure exactly what they are called but basically it is a huge circle that you loop around your neck as many times as you would like. I busted it out this morning. Looking at this picture it looks super sloppy, however, I have since made it look better.

I have a feeling this is going to be a staple this winter. So easy and so soft. Two of my favorite things.

Except for the scarf, the entire outfit is GAP. The sweater is from 2000 or 2001. Super old and I rarely wear it.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Festive Friday

Today is Cheesy Sweater day at work. I coordinated the event, so I thought I would show what I wore. This sweater is actually my mom's. She is an elementary school teacher so she gets a bit festive during the holidays. You can't tell because the quality of this photo is bad, but I am wearing a red turtleneck with snowmen, a snoman pin, jingle necklace, Tree earrings and antlers. Pretty awesome. People were looking at me a bit strangely when I was at Starbuck's this morning. I think they were just jealous.

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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Muggin'

I just wanted to give a shout out to my favorite coffee mug of all time. I collect pretty Starbuck's coffee mugs. And by collect, I mean I have about 5 or 6, not a hutch full of them on display like little figurines of kittens.

A couple of Autumn's ago, Starbuck's was doing a really pretty watercolor series of mugs for different cities around the country. It was also a time I was doing a lot of fun business travel. I found a watercolor Washington, DC mug when I was there and snagged it up. A couple of months later I was in NYC and snagged another up there.

Needless to say, both are my favorite, but I edge a little more towards the NYC mug because it is my absolute favorite place in the world. Those mugs have avoided many catasophes, somehow. Hubbs, now knows that they are not allowed in the car after I caught one in the cup holder one time. Not cool. So here we are. My NYC mug. Its sister, the DC mug, was in the dishwasher. Maybe it will get its 2 seconds of fame eventually.

Enjoying those first sips of coffee in the morning.


Thought I would add in this pic. I wore a plaid skirt on Monday and the plaid blazer above on Tuesday. I like plaid! Epecially at Christmas time.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Exercise, Shmexercise

Okay, so maybe I don't really need to work out. I already have an exercise regimen, and it includes a lot of cardio. My fitness of choice? Running. Lots of running.

And she's off...

You can't catch me! I'm helping you burn off those cookies!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Holy Guacamole, 16 Days Left...

How is it there are only 16 days left before the main event? Good thing Santa has been doing online shopping this year because there are only a few gifts left to get, but unfortunately will have to brave the stores for. Shoot.

I know one person who hasn't done his Christmas shopping yet....and that would be Hubbs. To him 16 days is about 14 days more than he needs. He is known for the late night shopping on the 23rd just so he can say he wasn't out on Christmas Eve. Okay, some years that's the case, but usually when I point out EXACTLY what I would like, he takes care of things earlier.

Things I still need to do in the next 16 days:

- Get manicure/pedicure
-Start exercising so I can combat the holiday cocktails/cookies I have been indulging in lately
-Make some cookies. My favorites are usually good ol' Sugar Cookies, Special K bars and toffee.
-Wrap presents
-Watch Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Elf
-Take Miss S to see Santa Clause

I was in a crazy rush this morning, but I had to show you my shirt. I busted out my  Canadian Tuxedo denim shirt  from 10 years ago. Seriously, I wore it in my SENIOR PICTURES!!! But, I never got rid of it. I had some sort of attachment to it, and now that they seem to be more popular, it is making its way back into the rotation.

This was taken at the end of the day. My skirt and belt looks messy at this point.
Skirt: Old Navy
Denim Shirt: GAP circa 1999
Cardigan: Kohls
Belt: Forever 21
Bracelet: Metropolitan Museum of Art NY
Tights: Hue
Socks: Hue
Boots: Entienne Aigner

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Martha Stewart's Long Lost Cousin

I read a lot of awesome blogs that are written by people that have the following sweet skills:

1) Great sense of style...every.stinking.day

2) Culinary expertise when it comes to crafting the best recipes ever

3) Ability to take an object like say, socks, and take a photo of said socks with a special angle and lighting where now the socks look all exciting and stuff

4) Home decorating suaveness (is that a word?). This area is a component that I am completely lacking. As we are totally in the midst of house hunting, I have no desire or clue to decorate the shanty bungalow we are living in currently. However, I do hope to decorate our future new house with inspiration from many of the design blogs I read as well as pages from Potter Barn. Duh.

5) Craftiness. Again, not an area that I am strong in. Never been good with being patient enough to construct, build, create things. Although, I really wish I could. I am impressed on end of the cool things some of you out there are able to create out of balls of twine, toilet paper holders and bobby pins. Okay, not exactly those items, but you get what I am saying. Having a toddler makes me really want to get more crafty. While I know my way around the sewing machine, sort of, I think it would be cool to take up sewing. Maybe aprons to start... But this would require me to get a sewing machine first...

Basically, after reading awesome blogs all the time I begin to feel like Martha Stewart's inferior long lost cousin Fran, from West Virginia. No offense to those in West Virginia. I am sure it is a lovely place.

To finish off this productive post, check out my new scarf! I really love it for the color, how soft it is and the fact that it is freezing around here.

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

In the Christmas Spirit

I have the Holiday bug. I am loving the wintry weather, cozy nights and of course dressing the part! Hello, Fair Isle Sweaters! Today I had a casual work function (on a Saturday, ugh) but I wanted to look festive. So instead of donning my "I Love Santa" sweatshirt (I kid, I kid), I wore my always in style, red pea coat. Also, I finally found some great flat light brown riding boots.




Coat: Nordstroms
Scarf: Eddie Bauer
White Sweater: GAP
Legging Jeans: GAP
Boots: Etienne Aigner
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Friday, December 3, 2010

Five Favorites Friday

I just made that up. Go ahead and steal it. I am so  freaking clever. Maybe I should of titled this post "Smart Ass Friday".
1) Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chip from Baskin Robbins. The smaller bits of chocolate slivers are what seal the deal.

2) Favorite Sport: Baseball, although right now it's football. Tom Brady, even with that new shaggy mop of his? I'll take it.

3) Favorite Store: J.Crew. I wish there was one closer (well my bank account doesn't). Until then, I drool via the Internet.

4) Favorite 80's Song: Adult Education by Hall & Oates. There is no way I can pick just one, but this one is definitely one I have been listening to on repeat quite a lot lately.

5) Favorite Condiment: Mustard. Especially the bright yellow kind. That stuff is amazing on soft pretzels and  hot dogs. I also like spicy mustard too.
Now that I have enriched everyone's minds, have a great weekend.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Bribery is a Good Thing....

So what  that I am using these for  Potty Training. It's working... it's really working!


Don't Judge.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Folks, Thanksgiving is behind us. My ass is a bit fuller thanks to the load of carbs I demolished for four days straight. It was wonderful having a stretch of days off. I was able to clean, decorate the house to look like a Christmas Pottery Barn catalogue (well, attempted to) and got a nice start with my Christmas shopping. I said "f- the crowds! I take my my money online!". I finally ordered my holiday cards from Shutterfly after taking about two weeks to finally decide on a design. Now, I sit here second guessing the picture I chose. Ah well.

Aside from the lounging and visiting with family, Miss S took a nice tumble off the back of the couch while I was in another room. She followed that off by barfing all over the couch, not sure if it was the crab she had tasted for the first time, or the fall. Needless to say our couch cushions are still in disarray in the garage as they air out from the stench of puke. We might need to get them cleaned.... To top off the week, she took a nice header into the sidewalk yesterday evening as we gathered in the front yard to admire the lights that Hubbs so happily put up on the house, a la Clark W. Griswold. She had a nice pink scrape on her forehead this morning as she greeted her friends in preschool.

Oh... and it's been frigid. Well, frigid for the Bay Area. Here are some pics to prove my point.
Close to taking ski's out and trying some tricks.

This picture taken from my Blackberry Bold, really doesn't depict the amount of ice. Not frost, ICE.

When it's 28 degrees outside, I decide to wear a dress. Because nothing goes better than peanut butter and chocolate, like freezing weather and dresses.
Charcoal Cardigan: The LOFT
Silk Black & White Dress: Banana Republic
Tights: Hue
Faux Crocodile Black heels: Alfani
Necklace: J.Jill
Belt: Forever 21

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

Got these questions from one of the new blogs I am reading, Roots & Rings.


1. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you travel at Thanksgiving? If you celebrate Christmas, do you travel then, too?
Both Hubbs' and my families are local. So we typically don't go anywhere. Sometimes I wish we actually had far off destinations that we would be visiting, relatives to travel across country to see.  I like when the News shows the airports at Thanksgiving & Christmas with all of the travelers frantically trying to get to their loved ones. Reminds me of Love Actually.


2. How do you make the plans for the holiday? If you have a significant other, how do you decide which family to visit?
Having family close does make the Holidays tricky because its always a matter of trying to make everyone happy while spending equal time with all parties. We usually juggle a couple visits into one day which usually leads to me stressed out and  and me mumbling at various times... "we need to go, Grandma and Grandpa are waiting, the prime rib is almost done at their house! Wait, one more cocktail. Did you get the gifts? Don't forget the artichoke dip, okay, another glass of Pinot won't hurt..."

3. Do you have your Thanksgiving meal at lunch or later in the day?
Who eats at Lunch?  So I will be in bed at 3? If we are eating at my parents, we start at about 4-5. If it's at the Hubbs' side, we're not sitting down until at least 6:30 I prefer the 4-5 range so that I am passed out on the couch by 6:30.  It prevents me from filling up on four pounds of brie and crackers and allows me to fully partake in true Thanksgiving gluttony.

4. Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
I usually say I am excited to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade each year, but when I finally sit down to watch it I realize that I really don't prefer seeing floats with Soap Opera stars waving. I also like to scour the ads and map out my shopping plan of attack for Black Friday.

5. After a big meal do you lounge around or get up and take a walk?
I usually end up plopping my ass on the couch, but now that we have a little spunky toddler to chase I am able to get exercise in.

6. Do you shop on “Black Friday” or do you avoid it?
Depends on what is on my list. This year I plan on going out on Midnight before the craziness. We'll see if I actually do that. If I am not out of the house by the early morning, then I won't go out. I might just sit in and shop online instead.

7. When do you usually finish your Christmas shopping?
Probably about 2 weeks before. I really like to enjoy those last weekends before Christmas and not rush around. Plus it seems like we have more engagements so it gets hard to squeeze in shopping.

8. Do you and your significant other exchange gifts? Is there a budget?
We do exchange gifts. I usually point out exactly what I want to Hubbs: sparkles, cashmere, etc. He usually points out electronics or um... more electronics. We always set a budget so that neither of us is not surprised or feels like a moron for not throwing down enough for their gift.

9. When do you decorate for the holidays?
This weekend I will be decorating the house. However, we won't get our tree until the first weekend in December so that it is nice and fresh. I have already seen houses in our neighborhood with their lights up on their houses. Can you say Clark W. Griswold?


10. Do you go “all out” with the decor or do you keep it simple?
I would say I am go in between. Our house is typically a cross between a Pottery Barn catalogue depicting a nice mantel with fresh greenery and a Gingerbread house.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Winterizing

I have been inspired by many blogs out there focusing on using clothing they wore through the spring and summer and working them into their fall/winter wardrobes. Today I decided to Winterize this cotton GAP skirt that I wore throughout the warmer months with wedges and flats and breezy tops.

A closer shot of my argyle socks. I like argyle.


What do you think? Am I pulling it off?
Blazer: Express
White Tee: GAP
Necklace: GAP
Skirt: GAP
Tights: Hue
Socks: GAP
Boots: Nine West
Belt: Alfani?

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Conceal It

In the last year I have realized the importance of spending a bit more sweet moola on certain beauty products. The latest item for me to switch from Drug Store to Department Store? Concealer. I did so with Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic.  I had been using Cover Girl or Revlon, etc. for my under eye area. But by lunch time my the dark shadows are back and I am not happy. I started researching and heard that Benefit had really good concealers, actually so many that I didn't know which one(s) to choose. I purchased this kit so that I could get an idea of what worked, what I really needed, etc.

So far I love the Erase Paste for my under eye region. I look awake all day, which is nice and maybe a bit shocking to my coworkers.

The other products are nice too, however, I know I will continue to purchase the Paste.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Take it Back Tuesday

The other day I remembered back to a pair of shoes I purchased during one of my first visits to New York City. I had some time to kill by Rockefeller Center, and I wandered into the Nine West store. They were running some sort of "Buy One Get Second Pair 50%" deal. I quickly found one cute pair of black patent driving mocs, and for some reason I was drawn to another slightly different pair. Maybe it was being in the Fashion Capital of the World that made me go for them, but I did. They were white, patent leather, point toe shoes with KITTEN HEELS! Now separatetly, those are not bad, but when combined....not so good.   However, I purchased them anyways, traveled back home and tried them on with some of my clothes and to my horror realized I looked like Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Vacation. Remember these bad boys?

Yep, I was pretty much wearing the same exact thing. I was too embarassed to even show Hubb's so I made a bee line to the nearest Nine West store and quickly returned them. I don't know what triggered that thought. Have you ever had horrible judment when making purchases? You get caught up in the moment and later wonder what the heck you were thinking?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Stylish reading

I have been considering the Kindle, Reader, Nook, etc. until I saw that these existed. Now I am convinced that reading has never looked so good.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Happy Holidays Cards!

I am pretty proud of myself. It is November 10th and we have already completed our family holiday pictures that will be showcased in our annual Holiday Cards. I decided this year I wanted to have plenty of time to mull over the designs so I could pick "THE PERFECT" card. This year I am going to be getting my cards from Shutterfly. Holiday cards really are that one chance to show your family's personality without being in the same room, and that is why I get so into them, and also why I got the photography taken care of so early this year.  Shutterfly not only is great spot for cards, but also for photo books and calendars. Last year I made calendars for my parents and in-laws showcasing some of Miss S's cutest pics. They loved them and it is always fun to see them hung up on the wall at all of their houses. I definitely will be doing the same this year.

Shutterfly has so many great designs. Designs that are classic, vintage, contemporary and whimsical. How will I be able to pick out just one? However, it just so happens that I have narrowed my selections down to these three... can you help me pick one? Remember, I like classic and preppy things with a vintage edge. Got that?



Another cool thing about Shutterfly is this great promotion they are offering Bloggers right now. You can get 50 cards free! Check it out here. Now that is what I am talking about. We all know the lists of gifts you will be shopping for this holiday season, so get a little help from Shutterfly and get 50 free cards and better yet.... you know they will look great.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Why I Love this Time of Year

Halloween kicks off my three month period of gluttony. What with the leftover candy at home and at the office, it is amazing I am not 400 lbs. heavier. Then we launch right into Miss S's birthday, followed by Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving leftovers, holiday parties, holiday cookie baking, Christmas and New Year's.  I have to say though, so far I've been pretty good about not eating too much candy, so hopefully that parlays into the rest of the season. But besides the mashed potatoes and gravy, the artichoke dip, stuffed mushrooms, cheese balls, truffles, glasses of bubbly, fondue, prime rib and other treats, there are many reasons why I love this time of year.

1) I have a lot days off in a short period of time. From Thanksgiving to New Years I get a total of 3 weeks off (including weekend days) which is pretty frickin' awesome.
2) The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A Charlie Brown Christmas
3) Uggs
4) Plaid Flannel Shirts
5) Hot Cider
6) Dean Martin Christmas classics
7) Hot cider
8) The smell of a fresh cut Costco Christmas tree, no plastic one in this house!
9) The smell of fires burning in chimneys
10) Brisk walks around the neighborhood
11) Need I even say the awesome colors on all of the leaves?
12) Love Actually
13) Pot Roast
14) Monday Night Football
15) Pea Coats
16) Online Shopping deals
17) Christmas lights
18) Holiday Cards
19) Peppermint Ice Cream
20) The red cups

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Weekend Ware

So I took Friday off which meant I wore sweats, etc. and not exactly worthy of pictures. On Saturday, we hosted Miss S's 2nd Birthday party for family and I forgot to take a picture of my outfit until about 8 that night when I was wrinkled, tired and tipsy. Here you are:
Dark Gray Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Silk Top: GAP
Skinny Cropped Black Jeans: GAP (my new favorite clothing item)
Silver Sequin Ballet Flats: American Eagle from TJ Maxx

Today I was lazy again due to gloomy and wet weather, but decided I needed to post something even if I was wearing comfy clothes. All we did today was lounge, go to In & Out Burger and run an errand at the mall but not in that order...

Navy Tee Shirt Dress: GAP
Charcoal Tights: Old Navy
Cream Cashmere Scarf: Charter Club
Boots: Uggs
Plaid Jacket: GAP

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Black & White

Keeping it simple again today in Black & White. On the agenda today: Meetings.


Black Blazer: Express
Black & White Striped Tee: GAP
Jeans: Paige
Faux Crocodile Black Heels: Alfani
Gold Bracelet: Some place cheesy
White Bracelet: Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Gold Earrings: Banana Republic
Scarf: GAP

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: Preppy Office

So this Fall Fashion week isn't exactly going as planned. This is because the weather has turned Spring-like. Therefore, my plans for wearing tights went out the door. Also, my sweaters seem a bit too bulky for these 75 degree temps so I have had to wear layers. Today, I kept it simple. Because, that is what I do, when all else fails. If you need sunglasses  because my legs are too white, I completely understand...




White Blouse: GAP Outlet
Dark Denim Pencil Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: GAP
Tweed Blazer: GAP (we all know my love for Preppy Tweed Blazers)
Faux Crocodile Brown Pumps: Style & Co.
Necklace: Banana Republic

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: City Chic

Okay, I named this post City Chic because a co-worker just called me that. In store for me today are back to back meetings followed by a work lunch, thus I needed to be comfortable.


Dark Blue/Purple Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Grey Tee: GAP
Black Skinny Cropped Jeans: GAP
Ballet Flats: GAP
Silver Belt: GAP
Hair: Crazy

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fall Fashion Week: All Greyed Out

It's typical for me to get on the Fashion Week bandwagon about a week late. But, better late than never, right? I seem to be having some flash difficulties. I was using our small digital camera this morning and couldn't figure out how to turn the flash off so I have a huge glare in the mirror. As it's just me and the almost 2 year old in the morning, I have to rely on my awful self portrait skills rather than rely on Miss S to take pics that probably would be of my knees.

So here we are. All in grey today. I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't accessorize much.



Wow, how awake do I look in that last shot? Must be to red wine consumed last night while trick or treating....Also, love the comb over. Not a good hair day.

Dark Gray Corduroy Boot Cut Pants: GAP
Striped Charcoal Top with Stitched Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT
Gray Blazer: Banana Republic
Gray Suede Heels: Marc Fisher

P.S. That IS a huge bottle of LA Looks in the background. It's Hubbs', don't judge. I am working on graduating him to Pantene, or heck maybe even Herbal Essences...

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A little bit Martha

Each evening is a mad dash to get dinner on the table by 6.   I have been churning out average meal after average meal night after night. Mind you, I am a good cook. Since I was in such a hurry  I would forget to season the dishes that well or I would take things out of the oven prematurely. I know, all bad moves.

On Saturday I sat down with my cookbooks and went through and wrote down a bunch of recipes that I want to make because I usually will see a recipe some place and forget to make it and end up preparing something boring.

Then I picked three recipes from that list to make this week. I only picked three because I knew they would have leftovers. I wrote out my shopping list like I usually do to include things for the recipes, but I made sure to include EVERY ingredient for each recipe. I have found that if I say I will go back later in the week for an ingredient or two, I don't end up making that dish and resort to grilled cheese.

One of my recipes was a Vegetarian Minestrone. I bought some extra BPA free storage containers and made the soup on Sunday night after Miss S was in bed. I doubled the batch and put both containers in the freezer. Last night we ate the soup for dinner and we still have some for another weeknight in a the freezer.

Besides the soup I have made a good meal each night this week because I have had all of my ingredients ready to go. On Monday night I made Paula Deen's "Quick Pot Pie". Instead of cooking chicken and cutting them up, I ended up using two packages of Foster Farm's Chicken Breast Strips which made things that much quicker, and that chicken really is tasty, take it from me, someone who usually doesn't like chicken, unless it is fried.


So now the plan is that on each Sunday night I will cook one meal but double the batch and freeze one for a later time and eat the other that week. I know all of this is not rocket science. And I know probably majority of people are already doing this. It has just taken me awhile to realize that I don't like bland food.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Mom of the Fricking Year

Since Miss S started walking a solid year ago, I must of acquired about 500 gray hairs. However, I hi-lite my hair so you would never know. She is a wild girl. We have had our share of falls, scrapes, scratches, nose dives, face plants, etc. Good thing she is so tough or else we would of have had endless days of tears. However, since she is so tough, it is sometimes hard to distinguish when she really does hurt herself. Case in point Sunday.

I was fixing dinner (pulled pork sandwiches to be exact) when I heard her run full speed into the living and fall. Hard. So hard that she immediately started screaming but then wound up so hard that she let out no noise for a couple seconds then started wailing again. I asked her where her "boo boo" was but she couldn't tell me. She calmed down in a few minutes and acted like nothing happened. About an hour later in the bath a red line started appearing over the bridge of her nose indicating that it was the thing that took the brunt of her fall. I also noticed a little swelling. I immediately began to worry because I broke my nose in junior high and since then have a bump on it. Here she had a perfect nose and I didn't want her nose to be funky like mine. I know, such a shallow thought.

Hubbs assured me she was fine and that the doctor wouldn't be able to do anything anyways. Fast forward the next day and it was more blue. Yesterday it was really blue. Today it is better. However, taking her out in public is pretty embarrassing. People eye us up suspiciously. But I am used to that, she always has something on her. Come to think of it, this post seems very familiar. Seems like I just wrote a similar one a couple months back when she busted her lip open (which did leave a scar). I tell ya, just when I thought she was mellowing down, she starts falling again!

I definitely do not feel like the Mom of the Year.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Five Things

Okay, I am stealing this from Just Jiff and participating in the Five Things You Don't Know About Me. Because, I need some blog fodder as well, nothing is that exciting these days.

1) My thumbs are double jointed. I bust out this skill when I meet new people hoping to impress them but basically it typically just grosses them out.

2) I'm 5'4 and a half! This makes shopping for pants difficult. I am just about a half inch too tall for regular length pants, talls are too long so I have to get them hemmed or short length are just too short to wear with flats. Lately I have wearing more skirts and dresses.

3) I have recently discovered 6pm.com. A great online shopping site to score name brands way cheaper. And when I say "name brands" I mean good name brands. I have found my designer jeans there for 50% off. No joke. They have really cute and cheap shoes too.

4) Growing up we didn't have a lot of money, so I wore hand-me-downs from the really rich girl across the street. I think doing that until I was in high school and got a job at the GAP, made me now obsessed with always looking my best. You don't need to spend a crap load, your just need to be smart at the way you put outfits together. My motto at work is, "don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want". You never know when you have to have an impromptu meeting and those worn out jeans with the stretched out turtleneck, will definitely be something that people might be focusing on.

5) Lately I have been eating frozen pineapple chunks every night for dessert. I discovered this healthy treat at the beginning of summer. Between the three different grocery stores I shop at, Trader Joe's has the best kind. The chunks are smaller and the bag they are packaged in I believe prevents freezer burn. When I go shopping there, I load up on it. I will buy at least three bags at a time and will eat half a bag in one sitting.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Toddler Throwdown

My toddler tends to pull her diaper off when she is in bed. She likes to get undressed then redress herself. Even if it means two legs are in one pant leg or her head doesn't make it through it's hole but her arms do. She likes to put each leg through a swim diaper and keep them on her ankles so they look like leg warmers, or leg flotation devices. She spreads out her blankets, random rugs, towels and napkins on the ground and then places her dolls there for them to "shhh....sleeping" or she will simply lie down for a quick 2 second nap. When she sees her Play Dough she says "I make!!!, I make!!!". She dances with great rythm to California Gurls. She calls Grover, Groger and sings the Caillou tune over and over. When people start singing Happy Birthday, she blurts out "Happy Birthday Cupcake!" because she automatically assumes cupcakes will soon arrive when we sing that song. She plays dress up with my high heels. And prances around in front of our full length mirror showing off her new assecories. She bursts into tantrum with no warning from the weather center, but with great flourish and drama. Somehow, she can quickly forget what upset her with any slight ounce of distraction. She is the sweetest thing and she is so right about her love for cupcakes. She is my cupcake and I am so happy that she is my girl.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Let's Catch Up....

Folks, I am frickin’ tired. I am burnt from my ongoing lists of chores. House cleaning, cooking, driving, laundry, grocery shopping… I wish I could just outsource all of those to someone else, like celebrities, but that is not the reality.

The reality is that it is Mid September and we are headed into the busy season. It’s birthdays and holidays back to back so I refuse to be a slacker this year. I want to get gifts ahead of time instead of scrambling last minute. I want to bake goodies more regularily just because I feel good when I do that. Not necessarily my gut, but you know what I am saying.

Tonight I plan on heading to Target to load up on supplies for organizing my madness going into the holidays. I have bags of clothes that just need to be taken to Goodwill. While I am at it, I might as well clean out our pantry so I can make room for all of the baking ingredients. I also want to get some better Fall décor. Maybe a wreath for our front door to take me through Thanksgiving. Especially since our plants are about done for the summer, the front is looking boring.

What does everyone do with all of those crafts their kids make? Miss S has already been bringing home so many cute things and she isn’t even 2! Where do I store them? Some of them are really freaking cute where I think I want to put them in nice frames.

Maybe if I stop being tired, I might actually have things to talk about on this blog.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Flat Out

I have found a new obsession. Flats. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love my pumps, particularly my BCBG peep toes, however, with the new skinny jean styles, flats couldn't look cuter with them. Adding more fuel to the fire is that it always seems like they are in the cuter colors and patterns than pumps. When I wear flats, I walk quicker (burning more calories), feel a bit more sturdy on my feet, and just have a spring to my step. With this new obsession, I definitely plan on working flats into more wardrobe so that they aren't just for weekends anymore, but for the week too. I have recently loaded up with a couple of pairs from Target to add to my slim inventory.

Here are my top picks for cutest and most versatile season after season.

Tory Burch Reva Metallic Flat- A bit out of my price range, but some day I will own a pair, dammit. I love the gold, but I also really like the black. Nothing says "chic" more than these. To me that gold icon at the toe is like the Burberry plaid. It makes a statement.

Report Lem- A great classic black flat with some bling. I've always been a sucker for some shoes with a little Bedazzle. I picture wearing these with cropped black pants or skirts and dresses with tights this Fall and Winter.

Kate Spade Abbie- Another pricey one, but do these make me giddy. Basically, I have a larger obsession with Kate Spade, but that is a whole other post. How cute would these be with a black dress?


J.Crew Driving Moc- I always love driving mocs. Maybe it's the preppy in me, but they just scream Fall and sweaters and scarves. All my favorites. Plus, you can't beat J.Crew's quality.