To Do List

1) Work--check

2) Stop ignoring the dirty floor--check

3) Drive down to Scottsdale, drive back up to Prescott--check

4) Make a yummy healthy summer dinner (bruschetta chicken from skinnytaste.com)--check

5) Pay bills (blah...can't they just give you a break once and awhile)--check

6) Laundry--check

7) Pack suitcases--check

8) Pack Corbyn's travel packpack--check

9) Pack car (note: though the prius is great on the wallet, it has a mighty tiny trunk)--check

10) Vacation!!!

photo by alice gardens

Lemonaders

It's hot! The lemonade stands are popping up and I try to support my fellow lemonaders when I can. My brother and I were little lemonade entrepreneurs and for the price of a dixie cup glass I may have to try my hand in it again.

Check out this cute article about a lady who interviewed kids about having lemonade stands in New York City, its hilarious!

For a more sophisticated take on lemonade try this out.

Inspiration Board: Displaying Photos

On a happiness scalle of 1-10 photos make me an 11 in happy. I love that a moment, a memory, a feeling is captured and preserved so I may display too many photos in my house but it makes me happy, so psssh. I did decide I need some creative new ways to display my photos so I went searching, here are some ideas I am tossing around.

So, I love everything about this family room but the three huge square black and white canvases I adore. I also heart the black and white pics in the black and white frames above the tv.

Disguising your tv within a wall of pictures, fab idea.

This is a stunning and interesting photo wall, awesome way to display nine favies. My symmetrical type a personality loves this.



A photo headboard! How fun and colorful! I love how the photos & pillows are matchy matchy.




What an awesome way to spruce up a hallway. Not only do they have photos displayed but cute sayings, sentimental keepsakes, fabric, and prints. (I might have to hire someone to do this though I don't think Wil has the patience for how long this would take me to get right.)



Yay for pictures having a home!

Food: 4th of July Desserts

I love that 4th of July desserts are all about fruit and color, they are so pretty and bonus...if not actually healthy, they at least look healthy =). I am super excited for 4th of July as we are heading to Lake Arrowhead for a weekend of the 3 F's...family, fun, and food. Here are a few 4th of July dessert recipes that might make it up to the cabin this year.

Red, White, and Blueberry Triffle from www.skinnytaste.com: Angel food cake yum, white chocolate pudding yum, fruit yum, and healthy awesome! I have followed Gina's blog for about 6 months now and have not yet made something our family of 3 did not like. She's amazing!

Berry Yogurt Popsicles from www.skinnytaste.com: Corbyn loves popsicles and these are actually made with real fruit and no added sugar, perfect for these hot days we've been having.

White Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake from www.sprinklebakes.com: cheesecake and not having to turn on the oven...perfection.

Red White Blue Chocolate Covered Strawberries from www.divinedinnerparty.com: super easy, super cute, super delish.

Stained Glass Jello Stars from www.gimmesomeoven.com: My husband is kind of a kid when it comes to foods and his favorites are pudding and jello so I think he would love these. Plus, they are pretty.

pssst...for full recipes click on the name of the dessert and it will take you to the websites

Smelly Memories

A smell can bring on a flood of memories, a smell can even influence your mood. There's scientific words why this happens but basically its because the sniffer part of your brain is super close to the memory part of your brain (how's that for scientific explanation). "Our nose is also called our "emotional brain" as it can call up memories and powerful responses almost instantaneously. When you first smell a new scent, you link it to a person, an event, a thing, or even a moment. Your brain forges a link between a smell and a memory-associating the smell of chlorine with summer at the pool or lilies with a funeral. When you encounter the smell again, the link is already there, ready to elicit a memory or mood. Chlorine might call up a specific pool-related memory or simply make you feel content. Lilies might agitate you without knowing why" (Sarah Dowdy for Discovery Health). This is why one person may love the smell of rain and another may hate the smell of rain.


My poor hubby sat by a man for three hours during a play this weekend where he basically sat in my chair smelling my hair, chewing gum, and holding his program up to his nose in attempts to mask what was coming from next to him as the poor gentleman reeked of an adult group home he used to work at. And though this was an unpleasant experience for him I started thinking about smells I distinctly connect to a person or a memory. Here are some I came up with:

Fresh Cut Grass: Reminds me of early morning softball games when the grass had just been manicured and watered, your fingers still hurt when the ball hit the bat because it was still cold, and you knew you had a long day ahead of you. Record: 7 games in a day. Hanai Mori Perfume: Reminds me of me roomie in college. I have it now and everytime I use it I think of her.


Fresh Cut Wood: Reminds me of camping with our family friends sitting around the campfire at night, roasting marshmellows, and laughing!

Cinnamon Gum and Suncreen: Reminds me of my dad. He will always smell of these two things to me.

Sweet Acacia Tree: Reminds me of walking to school on my very 1st day of school in Arizona, February 6, 1995. I was in fifth grade.

Coconut Anything: Reminds me of my other college roommate. She would put coconut lotion on sometimes instead of showering haha and always had coconut smell in her car.

Vanilla and Apple: Reminds me of our first house together (where we still live). When we were looking for houses we walked into "our" house and I immediately loved the smell and fresh feel of it. I actually think the smell sold me and every once and awhile I get a whiff of it and it reminds me of that first time walking through. (I still buy vanilla apple freshners or candles to preserve the smell).

Downey: Reminds me of my mom. Not only does she usually smell like Downey but it reminds me of how my clothes smelled when I lived at home and what my room always smelled like as it was close to the laundry room.

What are some smells you have associated to memories?! Happy Tuesday, take time to smell the roses or your loved ones =)!

Living Louder: Gwyneth Paltrow

I have always been intrigued by Hollywood (people.com is one of my top frequented sites). It is not that I desire that lifestyle or even have talents that would land me in Hollywood. It is that these people, these stars, have a life so opposite of mine that I find it interesting how different and yet, how similar we are. They wear Gucci and drive Range Rover's. I wear Nordstrom Rack and drive an Xtrerra. They have strangers throwing themselves at them. I have teenagers throwing water balloons and handfuls of flour at me. They have an assistant to keep their life in order. I have a desk calendar that forgets to remind me of important dates quite frequently (I might fire it). But yet, we all want to be loved, accepted, and valued. We all want to do something that matters.

One person in Hollywood who I have always found not only to be absoutely gorgeous, but seems to have it together and is uber talented is Gwyneth Paltrow. I saw a lengthy interview with her recently and she was warm, friendly, bubbly, positive, humble, funny, sophisticated, and down to earth...we could be friends. For sure. And though all those are commendable qualities thats not why she inspired me. She inspired me because she continues to stretch herself and explore her talents.

She has a rockin movie career that she could ride out and always get awesome roles but she decided to dig deeper into her talents and has now sung at the oscars, created an amazing cookbook, and writes a fun blog. All while being a wife, mom, and friend (Gwyneth, look me up on fb we seriously could be friends)!

When softball came to an end for me five years ago I kinda felt like a part of me was missing, I had devoted so much time and energy to softball that it felt like it was the only thing I was really talented at. Deep down I knew this wasn't true but I couldn't see past being able to hit a ball over a fence or instinctively know where to field a ball coming off a bat. These past five years I have been discovering new talents and passions that I never really knew I had and seeing someone like Gwyneth pursuing different outlets for her talents pushes me not to just get stuck but to explore my talents and in turn, discover more about myself.

Thanks Gwyn (friends shorten each other's names) for being an inspiration!

Have a Cool Weekend!

My car burned my toosh today, black leather and 113 degree Arizona sun are not an ideal combo. I have started the "I don't care if my car is stolen I am turning it on 10 minutes before I get in it so I don't die". I get just a smidge uber drama when I'm hot so we do all we can to keep the crazy beast from showing her ugly head. I thought moving an hour and a half north would help the heat sitch but it was over 100 in P-town today, not much of a difference when your also much higher in elevation so our plan for this weekend is to keep cool. Our weekend plans include going to a movie, swimming, going to the mall, out to dinner, and to see Sweeny Todd the musical. Coomon thread? Staying cool!

I challenge you to find a new fun way to stay cool this weekend...get a slip n slide, go to a play, meet friends for fro yo...do something fun without over heating. And drinks lots of H2O =).

Happy Friday!

1st Day of Summa!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

School has been out for almost a month around here but today is officially summer! It is summer and we haven't yet turned on our air conditioner (woohoo for low electricity bills), though I have a feeling it's right around the corner. What does summer mean to you? Any fun plans for this summer? Have you turned on your air conditioner?

Happy Summa!

Mommy Mondays: Toddler Traveling Tips

Last month we visited Kansas City, last week we went camping with a toddler, and in less than two weeks we will be leaving for a 11 day vacation with toddler. During these trips we have learned a few things about traveling with our rambunctious two year old that has led to less melt downs and awesome new experiences. Here are some tips and would love to hear if you have more...

1) Keep up their routine
If we are going to be in the car before and during nap time or night time we will pull over change Corbyn into his pajamas, read him a couple books, say a prayer,give him his paci (yes, he still has a paci at sleepy times at almost 2 ½, but that’s for another post) and tell him its night night time just like at home so he knows now is time to go to sleep. Then when on vacation schedule activities around naptime and bedtime even if it means leaving an amusement park and having your hand stamped so you can come back after naptime, another ride or show is not worth a whiny little one.

2) Bring familiar food.

We have a cooler and basket full of (healthy) snacks and even little meals Corbyn is used to eat so that when he is hungry its available and if we eat at a place he isn’t interested in or can’t find something he can eat with his allergies we know we have something nutritious he can eat.

3) Consider renting an apartment/house/two bedroom hotel

You need space. Toddlers need sleep. Watching a movie with no sound or having to have a conversation in the bathroom is quite hilarious. Renting an apt or house or even suite hotel room allows you to invite people over after babies are asleep, cook a nice dinner, play games, or watch a movie while are getting their beauty sleep.

4) New “toys”

When we took our first flight with Corbyn our church secretary told me that for every hour of traveling get him a new little toy even if it was from the dollar store. This was seriously genius. I wrapped every toy individually and gave him one exactly on the hour. It kept him entertained and excited the whole time. Example of some toys I got him… two matchbox construction trucks (him and the kid seated in front of him on the plane played with these for an hour and a half, kids dad thanked me!), a little puzzle, a sticker book, a new movie, and play doh. I also heard of bringing a roll of painters tape and letting them “decorate” the car or their airplane seat or just crumpling it up…easy to clean up and doesn’t leave sticky residue, I am so trying this!

5) Pack a convenient extra outfit for everyone

I pack an extra outfit or two for Corbyn almost everyday in his diaper bag, it never fails he will spill something, or get super dirty, or have an explosion so I always have extra clothes for him. The first time we flew with Corbyn about an hour and fifteen minutes into the flight he got super antsy started climbing all over me mumbling “mommy, mommy, mommy” and then proceeded to puke all over me and himself. We quickly changed him from head to toe but I had to sit for another 3 hours covered in throw up. Disgusting!

6) Bring a babysitter with you

Growing up Carrie came on every family trip with us, she would ski with us, go to the beach with us, and then watch me and my cousins when our parents went out at night, not a bad gig. She became part of our family and our parents always had an extra set of hands and someone they trusted when they went out on dates. We did this when we went to my brothers wedding and it seriously eased all my fears when leaving Corbyn in an unfamiliar place but with someone he was familiar with and knew us as parents.

7) Umbrella Stroller

Rarely do we use our stroller anymore, Corbyn says “I walk all by self” which is usually fine, except we tend to walk a whole lot more on vacation. Bringing a small umbrella stroller allows him to choose when he wants to ride or “walk all by self” and I found he would say “ok, I ride now” when his little legs would get tired or he wanted to look more at what was around him. Plus, even if they are not riding in it you can put your purse and diaper bag in the seat and not have to carry it ;).

8) Bring something to change them on

Public bathrooms totally gross me out, even if it’s the cleanest bathroom ever it still grosses me out not knowing when it was last sanitized and who’s tushies were where. There are many times I have been thankful for the foldable pad in our diaper bag that virtually lets me change Corbyn anywhere comfortably. If your diaper bag doesn’t have one, get one it will save your baby from ewwwies.

9) Talk to them
This may seem like “duh” but a couple weeks before we leave we talk about everything that’s going to happen and when, what is exciting about a long car ride or airplane ride, even what will be difficult about the long car ride or airplane ride, who they get to go visit or what awesome things they get to go do. He may not understand everything but tone certainly helps! By the time the trip arrives Corbyn is well aware of the expectations and is excited for the whole thing.

10) Technology
I’m not a huge advocate of using technology all the time, but traveling with a toddler or kids is a different beast…whip out the iPad (we are so getting the back seat connector before our trip in a couple weeks), the DS, the cell phone, whatever it takes to keep them entertained.

After seven hours in the car Corbyn literally just ran into the ocean, I barely got his pants off he was so excited. Enjoying the ocean view...the drive was worth it!

Hope this is helpful! Any one have any other tips?

Happy Father's Day!

I learned to love and to always be available from him. I learned how to put family first and invest time from him. I learned how to respond gently and listen intently from him. I learned how to throw a softball and sound out spelling words from him. I learned how to love with my whole self from him. I am honored to have an amazing daddy that has loved me and taught me so much. Today, I celebrate you! Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Two years, four months, and 25 days ago I saw your face smile from the depths of your soul and has been ever since. Being a daddy fits you oh so well. You are the most patient, kindest, passionate, most loving dad to our precious boy. I love watching you with him and hearing you two share life and laughter together. He is blessed to have you as his daddy and I am blessed to have you as my partner. I love you and am so happy to celebrate you on this day! Happy Father's Day to my Mr!

Happy Day to the two main men in my life! You are both fabulous fathers!

Gift Guide: Father's Day

Men. Men are hard to shop for. No joke, my dad still asks for socks. SOCKS! Internet, I will not buy anymore socks for him. If not socks, what? Women use subtle, ahem, not so subtle hints, when a holiday comes around, men do not. But they deserve something perfect for them so I searched the internet and tried to find some unique gifts that I know my dad, husband, or even grandpas would love but not buy for themselves (another reason its hard to buy for guys).

Modern Retro Radio- My husband would love this. Combines a retro look with modern technology as this radio is MP3 compatible and a short wave radio. Bonus: For every tree that is used in making these another tree is planted.

Stainless Steel Desk Set- For the business man, spruce up his office with this sleek desk set and maybe he will think of you every time he uses his stapler.

Tip Top Bike Kit- My dad is an avid biker and this little pocket kit I think would be handy dandy on the trail if a flat tire was to happen.
Create your own iPad case- My husband just joined the iPad world and has been buying up gadgets and apps since...I think this would be a really cool addition to his iPad and something no one else would have.

iPhone Photo Printer- An easy way to get your iPhone photos off your phone and finally into your hands.

Classic Braun Watches- scratch resistant, water resistant, leather, and really snazzy looking. Men might not wear necklaces or earrings but they too like a little bling.

Baseball Stadium Tie- For the baseball fan. Graphic sketches of baseball parks from yesteryear.

Mommy Mondays: The cheap babysitter

On this Mommy Monday I would like to talk about the cheap babysitter...aka the tv.

In the United States the average time television is on in a home each day is approaching seven hours. Holy moly batman, that's A LOT.

Taken from the Huffington Post featuring David Perlmutter, M.D. the main areas of concern with reference to television and children are:

1. Time spent watching TV displaces other types of creative and imaginative activities.

2. Television watching discourages reading.

3. Television watching discourages exercise.

4. Television advertising increases demand for material possessions.

5. Exposure to violence on television can increase aggressive behavior in some children.

These are my concerns also. I want Corbyn to have an imagination, it makes me happy when he says to me, "wait a second mommy, (checks his pocket and with a smile and holding some invisible item exclaims) yup, got my screwdriver (or paintbrush or bat or camera whatever it is needed at the time)". I don't want him to lose that creative enthusiasm. I want Corbyn to love to enter into stories quickly flipping the pages of a book wondering what the next chapter holds. I want him to rides bikes, play baseball, and skateboard calling him home only when it starts to get dark out. I want him to be gentle and sensitive. And I believe every parent wants this for their child...in fact, I actually can't think of anyone who has ever told me "yeah, I want my child to be an uncreative, illiterate, unhealthy, materialistic, violent person".

However, if we're being honest, if I'm being honest, sometimes TV becomes the cheap babysitter. You can put it on and for an hour or seven do the laundry, clean the house, chat on facebook knowing the whole time your child is sitting motionless in front of the tv only turning around and calling to you if they need a snack or drink. Their entertained. Your getting stuff done. Sounds ok. But as I have watched my own child get zombified in front of the tv I have decided my quiet, my productivity, is not worth his mental, physical, and social development.

According to Nielsen statistics, children between the ages of 2-5 years typically spend approximately 21.8 hours each week watching television. That works out to approximately three hours each day (not a ton), or 25 percent of their time awake (wow).

It adds up and these are precious moments I have with my boy shaping, teaching, influencing him and though we don't have a no TV rule we are becoming more and more strict in what he watches and how much he watches. What is your TV policy in your home? How much do you think is ok for your children to watch? Do your kids ever look like this haha?

Images taken from google.com

Weekend Wind Up: Girls Weekend

I look back at college and smile. I don't think about the late nights studying, I don't think about crying in my professor's office my freshman year after I found out I got my first "C" ever on a test, I don't think about the cost of tuition and books. I look back at college and I smile because of the relationships I made. I met my bestest friends at Point Loma and five years later and 500 miles apart they are still my bestest friends.

This past weekend we gathered together and did what we do best...laugh, tell stories, and eat. It was a fabulous catching up time. Here are just a few pictures from the weekend...

Me, Lola, and Lisa at the Hotel Del Coronado sitting by a fire pit in big comfy chairs, watching the sunset, and laughing hysterically...perfection.

Almost everyone on Katie's balcony in Dana Point with a fabulous view of the ocean...lots of reminiscing and stories told here, as well as, some great advice.

Everyone at Kammie's bridal shower at Royal T in LA.

Amazing time! And we basically ate our way through Southern California in two days (yummy!)...if you want to know of where to go here's a list of places we went that I highly recommend.

The Mission- i never order the same thing twice because everything is so good but I definitely like their chai coffee.

Santana's- it is now called Fresh MXN but it will always be Santana's to us. Order the Veggie Burrito, my fav is beans, cheese, potatoes, and guac. But if you feel you need meat, go with the California burrito.

Old Venice- our favorite nice hole in the wall place to go and just right down the street from the college, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the food even better. My fav is the Ensalada Venicia with chicken....best.salad.ever.

Hotel Del Coronado- the most laid back atmosphere and spectacular views. You can just go and buy something little and sit on their amazing patio for hours.

Extraordinary Desserts- oh.my.goodness. no matter how much you have ate, you have to finish your day here. Everything is fabulous but my favorite probably is the white tea and banana cream pie.

Javier's- 1st time experiencing and they had THE best shrimp tacos I have ever had!

The Vine- delish! The Mexicali burger was awesome.

Royal T - when I think of LA, I think of an eclectic mix of culture and art, Royal T definitely upheld this image of LA in my head. A uber unique place with really good food. The squash raviolis were yummy!

Here is to a fabulous weekend and more girls weekends to come (this time not 2 1/2 years in between)!