Big Sur-part 2 of our road trip

From Simi Valley, we headed to the coast, then drove North, mostly on the 1. I could not believe how beautiful it was. It seemed as if every 5 mins, craig or I would say, " this is so unbelievable." Our path was either along the shore, driving on cliffs overlooking the ocean or driving through valleys of green hills. What could have been a long drive (we drove 21 hours in 3 days), never seemed long because we had no destination. Our destination was the drive. I had a bag of stuff to keep me entertained in the car, but I just sat and starred out the window. It also helped that we stopped at least every hour for little excursions craig planned. he did some reseach on Big Sur and was a great tour guide.

Some of the highlights include: searching for the perfect taco shop we read about in the new york times (chapala resturant), the hearst castle-what i would give to have been a guest there in it's hay day, elephant seals, hikes along the cliffs with views of a waterfall, parker trying sushi, lots of pit stops for the beach and view, hiking down a trail to watch the sunset from a beach, and making the decision to keep driving past Monterey to stay with Scout and some of our favorite friends in El Dorado Hills (Sacramento). They took us on a beautiful bike ride to a park and to church, then we headed straight home to San Diego......just one stop for a picnic on the return.

here's to a good ole roadtrip.

Photoshoot at the farmers market

(with my iphone)

Highlight of my afternoon

Words with Friends is awesome.

I love that I can beat Davis and Ryan in scabble while playing in the waves with P.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

back to the beach

the rest of our road trip was a blast...more on that when i upload pics.

But for now, we are back were we belong-on the beach. Today was the first really hot day this spring. So warm, that at 5:30pm, i made Park put on his t-shirt because he was still getting too much sun (ahhh...daylight savings).

I love this pic with miles and the huge dog we love for a few reasons.
1. he is wearing a bib, but no pants, that is how vital his bib is (one funny thing on that...he is so used to wearing a bib, that he likes it. if it falls off, he brings it to me, then sticks out his neck, as if i'm about to place an olympic gold medal around it, then runs off content after the velcro is secured).
2. he had already been knocked flat by 6 waves at this point, making it even funnier he is wearing a bib, because both his bib and shirt are dripping water.
3. he didn't want to pet the dog at first, i thought because it was so big, but now i think it was because he thought it was a horse. It barked really loud right next to him and he immediately ran TOWARDS it to hug it, happy to know it was actually a dog.

California Road Trip

Parker and I had so much fun taking the train up to LA this week, seeing Ann and riding horses, we decided it was time for a real road trip.

                                                                                         {Bentley biting P's feet}

Since we moved here, Craig and I have been talking about driving up the coast and exploring our new state. He got done with work early yesterday so we threw the kids, a loaf of bread and PB&J in the car and hit the road.

We drove through LA, along the coast of Santa Monica, then stopped in Malibu to play at the beach and explore pepperdine university. Then on to Simi Valley to stay the night at the ranch. Parker was in heaven this morning saying good morning to all of his new horse friends. Miles was a little nervous around the horses, but loved the dogs.

On the train to LA

sunset picnic

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, we drove up a canyon near us, past nurseries and groves and groves of oranges and avacados, past horses and farms for sell that we wanted to buy and stopped for a picnic before the sun went down.

I hope I always remember...

-how EXCITED Parker was while we were packing our picnic basket (especially when he figured out that there were four sets of plastic dishes in the picnic basket and 4 of us) and how couldn't wait to tell dad about our surprise picnic
-how the little 80 year Chinese man looked at craig's face and patted his cheek while hugging him, he was so grateful after craig helped him push his broken down car to the side of the freeway, called his son for him, and waited till a tow truck pulled over on our way to the canyon
-how craig and I laughed till we cried watching miles guzzle his sparkling lemonade from his fancy glass, pleased as punch that he got to have "soda"
-craig trying to explain to the owner of an avacodo orchard next to our car, who pulled up while we were loading to leave, that we were in fact, not stealing his avacodos and that our picnic basket did indeed hold a picnic dinner and not stolen avacados
-the feeling of contentment i felt on our 1/2 hour drive home

preseason

 

{parker at 2 1/2 weeks old at his 2nd! red sox gmae}

Who is ready for another season of baseball? Not me!

Do you think Parker will be a die hard red sox fan even if he grows up on the west coast?

   

{view off of our first apt in NY-2006}

 

I've been missing New York lately. Not the winter weather. Just the city and the people. I'm due for a visit. Mitt is on the Today show, the View and Letterman tomorrow (Tuesday) to talk about his book and I'm really wishing I was there to watch it all happen. And to hang out with/shop with Ann. And to see friends.

Why, oh why, didn't I go?? I'm really not sure.

Black bean and Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

This is the ultimate easy, healthy, weeknight dinner. I love any sort of mexican food, but I would rarely make enchiladas because of how much cream, cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, etc.....most recipes called for. I found a version of this recipe a few years ago and have been making it quite often ever since. It's a good one to make when you are taking dinner to someone else because it's in one pan and they heat it themselves, so it doesn't have to be hot (it also freezes really well).

{waiting for cheese}

 One pan for us, one to freeze for later, one for visiting teachee that had baby, and one for weeknight dinner swap with Laurie...this is a great system. For every 4 meals we eat over at their house, I make one for them. :) I'm so lucky.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 t. from a jar)
• 1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (sometimes I just shred a rotisserrie chicken from costco)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1/3 cup jarred or fresh salsa, mild, medium or hot
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• juice of a lime
• 5 (8-inch) flour tortillas
• shredded Monterey jack and Cheddar cheese (for the top)

I have never made this without doubling it-and none of the amounts above are that important-just a guide. Sometimes I throw in a can of diced tomatoes to make it go a little farther or I'll leave out the green chiles so parker will eat more. I also usually add some cheese to the mixture to help it stick together better.

Directions

Sautee onion for 5 mins. in oil, then add garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Add the chicken and the rest of ingredients (if doubling, switch to a larger pot). Spoon mixture into tortillas, roll up and place seam side down in casserole dish. Freeze one pan full at this point if desired.

Sprinkle a mix of Monterey jack and cheddar cheese over the top (be generous), cover with foil and bake for 15 mins. or until cheese is melted.

Jelly snot and yogurt tears

where did my babies go?

{manhattan-oct. 2008}

 

{hawaii-jan. 2009}

my babies are getting way too old, WAY too fast. Miles is no longer a goofy little baby and parker is no longer a little toddler. Since they were born, especially when they were little, tiny infants, I have constantly said to Craig, " i want to freeze them right here. I don't want them to grow up any more."  Lately, I've been saying it even more often. I LOVE the phase of life we are in. They are both so fun and EASY. I don't want that to change.

Parker, at 3 1/2, is one of the most perfect ages, i think. still little enough that everything he says or does is cute, but old enough to have a conversation with, to joke with, and to take care of himself. I am constantly amazed at how little he needs me and how independent he is. When I tell him it's time to go somewhere, he puts on his shoes, goes out and gets in the car and straps himself in to his carseat. He helps himself to food and snacks all day, making his own yogurt mixed with cereal or cuts open granola bars with scissors, or anything else he can dig up. He has always been amazing at playing on his own, but lately, even more so. He'll go exploring around the yard for hours at a time, collecting snail families, piling rocks, hauling his stuff around in the seat of miles' little scooter and who knows what else. I love when he comes running in, so excited, to tell me about his latest find, always starting with, "It's SO cool mom!" And he constantly makes me laugh. This morning it was because he was measuring a ruler with a tape measure.

Miles is currently in one of my current baby phases. I love 18 months to 2 years. still little enough to be your baby, but old enough that you don't have to even think about them waking up at night or spoon feeding them baby food. Their little personalities really start to shine through, but they haven't started their 2-yr old tantrum phase yet. Miles just waddles around the house all day, usually in search of me or his brother. He loves to play with parker's collection of plastic animals and likes it even more if parker plays with him. I took him to Ikea with me the other night and when we passed the kid section he grabbed a stuffed dalmatian he kept on his lap for the rest of the shopping experience. He immediately turned to me and said, "moooo!" (while he still says very few words, he's mastered animal sounds). I said, "No, it's a doggie"-showing him the face and ears, "ruff, ruff". He looked at it.....cocked his head to the side, raised his eyebrows, and said, "ruff?" then gave me a huge smile. completely unconvinced that it was a dog, but positive his mom was crazy. we had this same conversation about every 5 mins. for the next hour while I shopped. It was cracking us both up.

just please freeze boys.

introducing....

shabby apple new spring line is out.

LOVE the dresses, but i think they may only look that good because Andrea, that hottie, is modeling them!

Swapping decor

our morning by the numbers

5-the number of pictures Park painted before I woke up this morning at 7:15...he was still asleep at 6:45 when craig left for work

 

28-the number of signatures we counted on Parker's cast this morning (2 is the number of holes he's worn on the bottom of it).

53-the number of times i've kissed miles today

3-the number of times it's gone from raining to bright sunshine this morning-and it's only 10am

100-roughly the amount of items on the ground after miles decided he needed to empty the kid craft cupboards (childproof locks removed by mr. indepentent 7am-ish)

 

2-the amount of times i've lost at candyland today -parker's favorite thing is when our "guys" would pass each other going opposite directions on the board and give each other a high five.

2.4-the number of inches away from the tv that they have decided is ideal for viewing playhouse disney

 

 

 1-where i would rank being a mom on the list of things i could do with my life

    

 

 

like crazy

 

{from last summer in central park}

I have been craving this cake, but i'm feeling 

too lazy to make it. Can you 

whip some up and bring me a slice?

Chocolate Cake

nocoupons

• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, shaken, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup good cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Kathleen's Peanut Butter Icing, recipe follows
• Chopped salted peanuts, to decorate, optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and 2 sugars on high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Lower the speed to medium, add the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and coffee. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds to the mixer bowl, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until blended. Fold the batter with a rubber spatula to be sure it's completely blended.

Divide the batter into greased and floured cake pans (optional:use 3 cake pans with a little less in each).

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, remove from the pans, and allow to cool completely before frosting.

*this is important...look at my melting frosting above....

*you can skip the coffee if you want or get a packet of instant decaf somewhere

 -by ina garten

(you can also just use a cake mix)

Bittercream Frosting
1 pint heavy cream
11.5 oz. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips
½ c. butter
4-5 c. powdered sugar

In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream until a thick, smooth ganache forms, to keep the mixture from burning, stir constantly. Put in fridge until chilled. Remove from fridgidaire and beat in butter & powdered sugar until frosting is a spreadable consistency. Frost. Chill cake. To serve, remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before serving.

You can layer the frosting between the cakes or use this mousse...

Mascarpone Mousse

1 c. whipping cream
¼ c. sugar
1 c. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips
8 oz. mascarpone

In a large bowl, whip whipping cream until fluffly. Add sugar & mascarpone and whip until smooth. In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips in microwave, stirring every thirty seconds until smooth. Chocolate should not be warm to the touch, if it is, allow it to cool just slightly before spooning the melted chocolate into the whipping cream mixture & beating until light and fluffy. Spoon carefully atop one layer of cake. Spread evenly, then top with the second layer of cake. Refrigerate until ready to frost.

prom 1985-post edit

Valentine's dance and brit's Bday

i do love a good party.

POST EDIT: it has to be mentioned that the dress I am wearing is my sister-in-law, Laurie's actual prom dress from the 80's. her mom sewed it! amazing. My friend Heidi is also wearing one of laurie's old dresses...the peach, lacy one.