Eat. Live. Laugh. and sometimes shop!

The Gift of an Ordinary Day.

2013-03-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

My BFF shared this YouTube video with me last week while I was away on a family vacation.

Yes, I look, and most certainly was, delirious. Traveling as a family, especially for a ski vacation, has that effect on me. Either that or I had one too many beers at lunch.

It's really anyone's guess.

But back to the video.

It struck accord with me today.

It probably would have any day, but it did so especially today.

Spending time away as a family is such a magical time.

Returning to the daily grind, however, is not.

It's so very easy to loose a sense of perspective on life.

Because what really is important is the every day.

Not the milestones, or the fancy vacations, but the little every day moments.

Grab the Kleenex and enjoy!

Butterflies and Rainbows. Or not.

2013-03-06T19:19:00.002-06:00

While watching the Oscars {or was it the Grammys?!} a few weeks ago, I saw a tweet that stated Adele and Taylor Swift are basically the same age.

Yes, go ahead and let that sink in a bit.

Taylor Swift and Adele.

The same age.

How can that be when one seems perpetually stuck in boy-crazy middle school and the other has the composure and grace of a much older and more mature woman. No offense to Taylor. She is absolutely darling -- just in a young-girl-head-in-the-clouds sort of way. Adele, on the other hand, is gorgeous and a mother and seemingly much more mature {in my humble opinion}.

When I shared this fact with Little Miss Thang {who adores both artists} she was equally aghast. She quickly recovered, though, and offered this explanation: I suppose Taylor Swift has had a much easier life and Adele's has been harder, because Taylor is more a rainbows and butterfly girl and Adele is tougher or edgier.

An astute observation. I have no idea how accurate this may or may not be, but she makes a valid point that your experiences and upbringing ultimately form, or at least have bearing upon, the person you become.

As Little Miss Thang reaches her 1st decade birthday this week -- double digits and her golden birthday as she says -- I began to reflect on the past decade as a mother of this mighty might.

Nine years of birthday celebrations!

While we are now firmly betwixt child and teen, I can already see she is quite clearly becoming a young lady I admire -- equal parts sweet and sass. Or in other words, a little bit butterflies and rainbows, but undoubtedly, with an edge all her own.

She is annoyed by her boy-crazy friends and still insists she is not getting married.

She has impeccable manners and uses them quite sparingly.

She absolutely loves all animals and hates anything pink.

She enjoys the company of many friends but will not declare a bestie.

She still loves spending time with her mommy but dashes out the door as soon as a friend ~~calls~~ texts.

She plays with dolls but has given away her Barbies.

She inhales 200+ page books in a single day, but she refuses to give away her Rainbow Magic fairy series.

She only cries during movies and books when an animal dies {never when a human, usually the mom, dies!}.

She would skydive tomorrow if we let her but is deathly afraid of bugs.

Just enough butterflies and rainbows to want a dress-up party for her 10th birthday. But a dress-up party with an edge -- red carpet themed complete with an actual red carpet and paparazzi.

10th Birthday Red Carpet Celebration

And so it seems Little Miss Thang mastered this balance with no concerted effort on my part.

In fact, I posit she was born this way.

Amazing how we plan to actively raise our children only to later realize we are really just along for the ride, or perchance, to learn a few things ourselves.

Please remind me of this again in another few years when I am fully enmeshed in the teen years!

Blog-dying-slowly.

2013-02-25T14:24:00.002-06:00

In the beginning {of my blog, not the world} I posted six to seven times a week. Eventually the adrenaline wore off and I slowed to five.

I held steady at that level for some time.

But then eventually fell to 2-3.

Now, however, I feel challenged to post even once a week.

Why is that?

Life has changed, for certain, but I think there is more underlining this blog-dying-slowly movement I'm witnessing.

I offer a few explanations:

1. I had years of stories built up when I started. I had emotions that I needed to work through. Writing was integral in that process for me. Now I have to wait weeks, or sometimes a month, for anything blog-worthy to share. We are a fairly run-of-the-mill family. We do all the same things you do in any given week -- which never seems boring at the time -- but I realize no one wants to read about the mundane if I can't add an interesting twist to it. I don't even want to write about it. Don't get me wrong, I'm quite enjoying this calm period in life. Truly. It is just not good blog fodder.

2. I'm learning to be still. Surprising, I know. But I've realized over the years that filling my world with more and more and more and more does not make be happier; just busier. I've said "no!" more the past few years. I've kept commitments I enjoy and shed a few others that do not add to my joy. I have most certainly made strides in not adding to my plate simply so I can insist to others that my plate is full. Feeling the need to "blog" is not something I do just so I have something to "do." I do not glorify busyness. Some days my plate is not full. I'm proud of such days and think I will have truly arrived when I maintain a standing bi-monthly facial and manicure.

3. I want to move more and sit less. I started this blog in my 30s {late 30s for those who are counting}. Now I'm well into my 40s. I love my 40s, but my "you must have a tapeworm" metabolism seems to have failed me. I need to exercise more and sit on my butt less. I'd like to think I'm motivated by a quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but if we are being honest here {we are, right?}, it's mainly because I have amassed a pretty nice wardrobe in one size. Changing sizes is absolutely unthinkable.

Yes, I realize 2 and 3 appear contradictory, but hopefully you can see why both are important.

4. I've said this before and you've undoubtedly read it elsewhere, but my children's stories are no longer something that can be told over the loudspeaker of the internet. They deserve some privacy. As does my husband. And my friends. What does that leave? I could blog about my travails in again chairing the silent auction at my kids' school. I know you love when I get on a good rant. Look for that sometime mid-April.

5. I refuse to rant about politics. I want to. I have lots of opinions you don't want to hear. I could almost certainly ostracize the majority of my readers, but it just doesn't seem to fit my brand of whimsy. So, all that political mumbo-jumbo swirling around in my head will just have to stay there. But if you want to chat / debate just let me know. I'll gladly unleash on anyone willing. But only those willing. The rest of you are safe.

6. Pinterest ruined me. True. I've thought this many times. I used to share a cute item, cool saying, a fantasy vacation photo, or just a great recipe I found on the internet. It just felt right to share the folly and helped provide fodder when life did not. I can still do that, I realize, but pinning it is so much easier and you don't really need my commentary. It feels a little cheap to just post a quote now. They are a dime a dozen on Pinterest. I've always enjoyed providing fresh content.

7. I've not pursued freelance writing. That is the next step for a blogger. I've watched as many, many bloggy friends tred and then dive into the freelance writing market. I've not even dipped my toe in the waters. Truly, I like writing for me. When I feel like writing. Anything else is work. Refer back to #2.

8. Dinners this Week as a feature was a hit, but honestly, I repeat the same recipes so often now I cannot bear to post if for you all to see. Pork tenderloin and lemon chicken again?! Yes. Nearly ever week. I'm in a dinner rut too. Do you think the dinner rut and bloggy rut are connected? Free counseling is welcome. Comments are open.

I apologize to those of you who find my lack of motivation to entertain you with more frequency sad. Inspire me. Kidnap me and take me on a high seas adventure. That would be blog-worthy. But having a sick kid at home again today {which I how I found the time to type this tirade} is not.

To those of you who faithfully read whatever I post whenever I post: Thank you.

I hope I surprise you from time to time with something worthy of the time you've invested in me!

Pinteresting Valentines.

2013-02-13T16:48:00.004-06:00

I have undoubtedly learned quite a bit from Pinterest. Quite frankly, Pinterest is my favorite form of social media {but please don't tell Instagram, a close second}.

Mostly, I conclude, because it adds tangible value to my life. Other forms of social media add value in terms of interaction with friends, but Pinterest actually inspires me to do more {which you will then undoubtedly see if you follow my Instagram feed}.

I meal plan. I make homemade ricotta. I am inspired to set a beautiful holiday table. I redecorate my kids' bedrooms {happening now}. I consider new pillows for the living room and new plants for my urns. I bake more. I bake more. And I bake more.

Quite simply, Pinterest is a crucial tool for a challenged homemaker such as myself.

You see, I am not creative in the least. Original, creative ideas do not bloom in my feeble mind. I simply copy others' ideas and impress my few friends who are not on Pinterest.

But I also fear I've morphed into one of those moms. You know who I mean. You were already thinking it -- the mom whose kids show up with the perfect Valentine's treat. The mom whose Valentine's box looks as if Martha Stewart made a house call.

No, I don't fancy myself a Martha Stewart-like maven. Again, I'm just copying others, but I nonetheless feel the glares on the back of my head from the other moms at school. The ones whose daughters show up with a common Valentine's box covered in stickers.

I'm sorry, moms. I swear I do have better things to do. Many, many other things in fact, all of which were put on the back burner this weekend while we created the perfect Valentine's boxes and treats. Oh, and I baked.

The Valentines inspiration:

all photos via Pinterest {except my duo below}

The cookies I made to kick-start our Valentine's week!

I kid you not.

Boy Genius's box inspiration and inspired candy of choice.

Little Miss Thang's box inspiration and treats of choice.

Pop Rocks for boys and homemade friendship bracelets for girls.

I've also pinned meal inspiration for the our family celebration. But I won't show that now so as not to ruin the surprise for the Hubs {hey babe!}.

So, yes, I am that mom.

I am the mom who will stay up late at night meticulously formatting the stickers for the bubble tape. I am the mom that spends a good portion of a Saturday afternoon helping her kids make their chosen Valentine's box.

And yes, I am that mom that makes heart pancakes for the entire class on Valentine's morning. And then serves spaghetti and meatballs at lunch.

Because, I can.

I am not that mom to make other moms feel better or worse about themselves as a mom.

In fact, it has nothing at all to do with other moms, but everything to do with this:

Are you that mom too?

THE shoe of the season.

2013-02-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

I'm human. I've struggled a bit with aging.

A bit.

But I'm more or less at terms with who I am and where I am in life. I do, as you know, occasionally wonder whether or not I can pull off a romper or shiny jeans. I fear, however, this is more demonstrative of my well-instilled {possibly misplaced} confidence than of my internal aging struggle.

I strive to strike the balance between aging gracefully and staying current / relevant. I often say I blog because it keeps me in tune with so much of the world to which I would not otherwise be exposed.

Until today I thought that a good thing.

Today, however, my {barely a whisper} internal aging dialog become a booming, cackling laugh in the back of my head. All this was brought to bear by a darling young blogger {who shall remain nameless} who was super jazzed {that's my old word, not her young word which I cannot remember - because I'm old} about her new wedge high tops.

Say what?

Isabel Marant via Net-a-Porter

And get this: They cost $640.

US Dollars, not Pesos.

I wrongly assumed this was a designer-gone-wild incident and this blogger a rogue fashionista.

But oh no, this is the shoe of the season.

THE SHOE OF THE SEASON!?!?!?

Plenty of options at Piperlime

I'm speechless.

Well, nearly.

It is not as if this is the first trend I refuse to embrace. I'm not a trendy girl. I naturally gravitate towards the classics {only occasionally with a twist}.

This is simply the first trend that made me think someone is playing a cruel, cruel joke on young girls by reinventing the hightop as a wedge and charging outrageous amounts of money for the privilege of looking hip {or ridiculous depending on your point of view}.

And so today it is resolved: I am old and proud of it. I do not need to ask whether or not I can pull off the wedge high top. No input from my gracious readers is required. I am now quite ready to sit back and giggle at the trends as they pass me by.

So from my comfy chair far, far away from Fashion Week I say, "Sport your sneakers and rock your heels. Just don't try to do it at the same time."

New York City Girls' Trip

2013-01-30T16:40:00.001-06:00

After Christmas Little Miss Thang and I took a girls' trip to New York City. Our family travels fairly frequently and our kids have always been relatively good travelers, but my Little Miss Thang hit her stride on this trip.

As I've noted before, traveling with just one child is a walk in the park. And while Little Miss Thang is {almost} always a joy, she is absolutely delightful with her twin brother 2,000 miles away!

Even at midnight and after walking all day long!

Me and Little Miss Thang in front of the Rockefeller Center tree

She honestly surprised me at every turn.

Adding up her American Girl purchases to ensure she was within her gift card amount.

Insisting we must shop for clothes for me too. {Well, if you insist!}

Putting her napkin on her lap at every meal and using manners that would make the manner Nazi {the Hubs} proud.

Waiting for tea at the Plaza {only picture without our coats}

Waiting in an excruciating long line in freezing temps to see the 9/11 Memorial without complaint.

Getting started every day by 8:30 am though we'd only turned the lights out at 12:30 am. {We'll sleep when we get home}.

Times Square ~ way too late ~ and with a nice photo bomb.

Waiting patiently at dinner to join the conversation as six women inevitably jockey for the next word.

The whole gang - MIL and her daughter, Hub's Aunt and her daughter,
with Little Miss Thang and me.

Recognizing on her own that Rockefeller Center skating rink is overcrowded and overrated.

Skating in Central Park {yes, I'm wearing two jackets it's so cold}

Managing long days and load and loads of walking, without complaint, as if we do it every day!

Lady Liberty

Marveling at the "snow fall" {read: sleet} that fell our first day. I was miserably cold, but Little Miss Thang was in heaven!

Five years ago I was having a small dinner party when, sua sponte, Little Miss Thang announced to our friends: I want to live in NYC one day. We had no idea what prompted such an exclamation from a four year old, but smiled at her big city dreams.

After visiting, marveling at the vastness {this is all Saks, all nine stories?}, experiencing the diversity {that's not Spanish!}, eating really good food at really nice restaurants, Little Miss Thang's four-year-old impulse was reignited. "Yes," she exclaimed, while busting ahead of the tourists not crossing at the crosswalk the millisecond before the light turns, "I am going to live in NYC!"

I have no doubt.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Favorites this trip:
Musical: Wicked
Dinner: Benoit
Shopping: The Muppet Workshop at FAO Schwarz

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Green Smoothie 101

2013-01-23T14:36:00.001-06:00

My darling husband surprised me with a Vitamix for Christmas. I've eyed them for a couple years but could never justify the expenditure. Now that I've owned one nearly a month, however, I wonder why I waited so long.

I do realize that many gadgets exist and that even the most basic blender is capable of making a smoothie, but this new addition to my kitchen is what got me into making smoothies.

Maybe it's just a new gadget, but I can say quite honestly I have made around 20 green smoothies in the past 22 days. And that, my friends, is why it was worth the expense for me.

You can read as long as you'd like about the importance of eating more leafy greens and whole foods. I'd cite you to sources, but please tell this is not news!?

And I'm not here to convince you or force my delicious green concoctions down your throat. I simply thought I'd share what I've learned and what I like. And perhaps, demystify the green smoothie for a few of you wondering how in the world I choke down so many vegetables in one sitting.

I promise it is painless, quite satisfying as a meal replacement, and delicious!

Basic green smoothie formula:

FIRST, choose your base / liquid

8-10 ounces of coconut water, purified water, or almond milk

SECOND, add your greens

2-3 cups of leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or chard

NEXT, add healthy fats + fruit

1 tblsp of coconut oil or nut butter or chia seeds + 1 cup organic fruit

FINALLY, add a boost

bee pollen, raw cacao, or raw maca all have amazing health benefits. Add as directed.

I've found the key to making smooth delicious smoothies is keeping a bag of peeled, frozen bananas in your freezer. You need a stash from which to pull and the addition of a frozen banana creates a lovely texture and provides a touch of sweetness.

I generally do not follow a specific recipe but simply utilize the basic green smoothie formula, experimenting with various combinations of fruits and vegetables. I've used cucumbers, celery, apples, pears, raspberries and more. You can use fresh or frozen fruit. If you use all fresh fruit simply add a few ice cubes before blending.

Here are a few combinations I return to again and again:

Kale * Pear

almond milk + kale + tahini + pear + frozen banana

Kale * Peach

almond milk + kale + tahini + peach + frozen banana

Spinach * Blueberry

almond milk + spinach + chia seeds + blueberries + frozen banana

Kale * Strawberry

almond milk + kale + almond butter + strawberries + frozen banana

Kale * Raspberry

coconut milk + kale + chia seeds + goji berries + frozen raspberries + frozen banana

Kiwi * Strawberry

orange juice + water + spinach + frozen strawberries + kiwi + frozen banana

Pineapple * Mango

almond milk + spinach + chia seeds + frozen mango + frozen pineapple

Let me know if you have a favorite combination or any green smoothie tips!

Twin differences.

2013-01-15T14:36:00.001-06:00

I am a mother of twins and, as such, feel like a bit of a control group for nurture versus nature. I have treated them equally since birth.

They were exposed to the same foods on the same days. They each slept the same amounts. I read to them both. Equally. I snuggled with them both. A lot. I sat on our playroom floor for hours upon hours and days upon days for years upon years. I was not a hurried mother with an older child pulling me in another direction. I was very, very present.

One sat up earlier than the other. Of course, then the other walked first.

One slept through the night effortlessly and the other gave me a run for my Baby Wise money. One lost four teeth before the other lost any.

One began reading long before the other. And multiplied. And now reduces fractions quite well.

But they started / tried sports at the same age.

They were exposed to the same amount of television. The same vacations and enrichment.

At a certain age their experiences began to differ based upon what they chose. Soccer for one, dance for the other. But they attend the same gifted and talented charter school. And otherwise live quite similar lives.

And yet, they are so very different now. Different not just in the activities they chose (though yes, those differ), but in their inner little beings. Different in sentimentalities. Different in sensitivities and resilience. Just so very different.

And sometimes the differences break my heart.

Because, I wonder, could I have done something different? Should I have recognized the differences earlier and adapted my behavior? Nurtured one more? Encouraged more social activities for one and more sports for the other? Was the convenience of equality a mistake?

For this control group we shall never know.

My duo at the Alamo ~ December 2013

But I do know this with all my heart, and all my soul: There is no greater calling in my life than having the privilege of raising these amazing little people.

A Mother's Prayer

2013-01-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

I'm a huge Tina Fey fan.

This seals the deal.

How to lose weight over the holidays.

2013-01-04T11:52:00.002-06:00

I realize this post comes a little late for those of you who overindulged and now feel the pinch of your waistband in your side. I've been there. I remember the feeling as well as the glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe those pants shrank at the cleaners, which quickly fades as you put on the next pair which was not yet sent to the cleaners. I know your pain. And I know reading this does nothing to assuage those feelings today.

But, there is always next year.

So, here's the plan:

First off, do not do any holiday planning in advance of the holidays. That will not help one bit; in fact, it will completely thwart your efforts.

Do, however, make sure there is plenty to plan. Don't scrimp on holiday details, decorating, cards, gifts, entertaining, parties, or vacation planning. Make one hundred percent certain that your plate is overflowing with obligations. If it seems that it is only slightly overflowing, add more. Perhaps a dinner party for ten at your house, with no help. Perfect. Pile it on! And don't even think about using paper napkins. White linen is a must. Along with silver and crystal. The more labor intensive, the better.

dinner party table for ten

Next, ensure that your husband does not in any way insist on helping with the holiday shopping. Don't let him raise a finger when it comes to gift buying or wrapping. Clearly, he is busy working and shouldn't be bothered. Even if "working" sometimes means "networking" with friends at a local pub. Networking is important too. Do not bother him as you want your plate overflowing.

Also, it is imperative that you are room mom for at least one of your kids' classrooms. If you can take on two, your success is nearly guaranteed, but for me, just one worked fine. Plan an entire day of festivities for the class's last day of school. Make sure there is baking involved. And lots of shopping and wrapping for the class gifts. Oh, and count on the mom who volunteered to bring drinks to arrive with no ice. Bonus, because now you can schlep a cooler full of ice up to school at the last minute on top of all the other supplies, home baked goodies, gifts, and craft supplies. The plan is working perfectly!

Holiday Celebration fun!

It also helps to then plan a fun day for the kids when they are out of school. Yes, you could make use of this time preparing for house guests, but that would not add to the frenzy of the season. No, no, decorate gingerbread houses, make and decorate mountains of sugar cookies. We are making memories here!

Making memories!

I may have forgot to mention it, but if you otherwise have household help (i.e., a housekeeper), you should ensure she develops a horrid staph infection or other such drama so you have no choice but to clean the toilets yourself. Truly, how hard can it be to keep the house clean with the kids home for the holidays and the in-laws arriving in a few days?!? Pish posh.

Now we are truly experiencing the joy of the season!

You may have thought it would get easier at this point. Most of the hard work is behind you now. Of course, now is when the in-laws arrive. Luckily for me, my in-laws are easy. They add very little to my plate. But, if they are here I'm not going to just serve pizza. No, I insist on three nights of painstakingly planned meals served on china {antique no less}, in the dining room {when else do we use it}, with the white linen napkins, sliver, crystal and the whole bit {Grandma would be so proud}. They do not ask for this. I'm pretty sure they think it is a bit over the top, but I insist.

It's the holidays!

It is also imperative to plan an incredible getaway for which you depart on December 26th at 5:20am. Truly, you can't budge on this last detail. You must leave town without having time to process Christmas Day, much less launder the now hundreds of linen napkins strewn about. You must instead, somehow find time to pack you and your daughter for temps at least fifty degrees cooler than that at home. And perchance sleep before the 3:00am alarm.

Whisk daughter away for a four day whirlwind tour of one of your favorite places. I chose NYC, but there is some flexibility in this decision. I simply think it must be (1) ~~cold~~ freezing, and (2) hectic. This is not a time to get away and relax. No, this is a time to run around for at least sixteen hours a day without stopping. Start early. Skip lunch and make sure to change clothes at least twice a day. Do not skip Times Square just because it's nearly midnight and you are both freezing and exhausted. Get your butt down to at least 47th street. Take pictures. Enjoy the crazy crowds. And then repeat the next day substituting Rockefeller Center the next night. Have the time of your life; just don't relax or sleep much at all.

Talk about making memories!

Now, you must return home as your adrenaline supply cannot possibly keep up. You've managed to make it to December 29th running so quickly from one party to the next to the next that you forgot to sit down, drink the nog and eat the fudge. In fact, you discover upon returning home, there is nearly an entire batch of fudge remaining. How can this be? You always eat all the fudge which is clearly what causes the post-holiday pudge.

Now here's the kicker: You have New Year's plans which require you to unpack, repack and depart 24 hours after returning! But wait, this is when the immune system finally gives way to the FLU! You felt it coming on the plane on the way home {though denial kept you going a few more hours}. Twelve hours later simply let the fever envelop you, cry UNCLE!, but insist the rest of the family depart as planned.

Fall directly into bed and do not move for at least 30 hours. Okay, let the dogs out occasionally, but otherwise do not move. Do not eat. Do not drink anything but clear fluids. Take your temperature every time you wake from a fever-induced rest and marvel at how bad 102 feels. Stay in this state for as long as it takes to begin to feel human again. For me, it was around thirty-six hours in bed. At that point I was able to stand long enough to make a green smoothie which I drank lying back in bed. Yes, you could call a friend to bring you food, but food does not even sound good {craziest words ever said}.

After a few days of refusing any food, start small. Don't shock your food-free system. It will take time to be able to eat a full meal again without feeling nauseous. Take it slow.

A full week later, I promise your skinny jeans will not seem near as skinny as they were in November!

And that my friends, makes for a very Happy New Year!

Happy New Year.

2012-12-31T10:42:00.001-06:00

I hope you had a splendid holiday surrounded by family and friends.

My blessings are plentiful but I will ring in the New Year from the comfort of my bed whilst my family enjoys our traditional celebration with friends. The goodness of the season finally took it's toll and my body gave in to a hideous cold.

So I bid you adieu as I slink into the comfort of my quiet house and cozy bed.

I may be down for the day, but

source

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

I am officially signing off for the year so I can remain present and truly enjoy the holiday season!

But before I dash off to bake another round of cookies,

I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!

Here's to all the best this holiday season and in the new year!!

xoxo

What can we do?

2012-12-17T16:56:00.001-06:00

When loss and sadness envelops, we, as compassionate human beings, have an innate need to help. To reach out. To provide solace in some small way.

I know each and every one of you hugged your children a little longer and a tad tighter this weekend. I know most of you said more prayers this weekend than is your norm. And yet we still feel unsettled.

We are simply left helpless and lost in our own form of grief for innocence lost.

So what can we do?

I posit that we can help those affected.

And ourselves by the following actions:

Turn off the television.

Watching and re-watching the horror unfold is not helping anyone, least of all the town of Newtown. We do not need to hear form every neighbor who knows a family who lost a child. We do not need to subject the surviving children to any further trauma. The media is only there because we are watching. The families affected and the entire community need time to grieve. In what little peace remains in Newtown, Connecticut.

Lobby for reform.

Whether you feel passionate about gun control or better care for those affected by mental illness, now is the time to scream it from the hilltops. Use social media. Call your congressman. Do whatever you feel led to do to spur change.

Spread joy.

We cannot undo what was done. And despite reform, we cannot eradicate the world of evil. We can, however, spread joy. We can be the good we want to see in the world.

Start small. Start at home. Show kindness to a stranger. Show kindness to every individual you encounter. Bring gifts to a needy family. Show love and compassion to a homeless person. To a troubled teen. To a friend who is feeling down.

The world desperately needs more joy.

Those in Newtown will not feel the joy today or tomorrow, but they need to be surrounded by a world in which joy exists.

We all do.

God bless you all this holiday season and in the coming year.
____________________________________________________

For those looking for a monetary way to contribute or help those affected, you can give directly to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund.

Greatest story ever told.

2012-12-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

I hope your holiday season is off to a wonderful start.

I, for one, cannot seem to get ahead of my ever-growing list.

But every now and again, I try to be still and

remind myself of the true reason for the season.

Download the free printable at A Pair of Pears.

Cranberry Salsa and parties galore!

2012-12-10T13:01:00.001-06:00

Last week was one of those weeks -- specifically, the one on which every social engagement of the holiday season inevitably collides.

We enjoyed a couple social events for which all that was required was my attendance. I mixed and matched holiday attire like a champ and opted not to include shiny pants in the mix.

You're welcome.

We enjoyed dinner with Santa at our yacht club. Who can pass up a good buffet serving both macaroni and cheese and chicken strips?! Yes, there was adult food too. I also had bread pudding with a burbon sauce. Yummy. Yet another reason why I cannot wear shiny pants.

The kids are fairly certain I'm lying through my teeth about Santa, but I'm convinced they really want to believe. So we are leaving it at that.

For now.

Boy Genius would not sit on his lap.
Little Miss Thang says she's "little for her age."

We entertained a very small group of friends at our home on Saturday night. I made undercooked fennel au gratin potatoes and the Hubs knocked a tenderloin out of the park. This is not usually how it works at our house, so I was glad to let him steal the show.

Speaking of stealing the show, even the fabulous tenderloin was upstaged by my darling friends, one who arrived wearing a fascinator and another in a Dickensesque hat. Love those girls.

A double batch of my cranberry salsa served double duty over the weekend. I brought it to a friend's house on Friday night and served the rest on Saturday night at home. I prefer it globbed high on a warm brie round and served with water crackers. The hubs prefers it straight. I'd even consider it a suitable pork loin relish.

Regardless of how it is served, it always receives warm reviews and requests for the recipe.

For those requesting, here it is:

Cranberry Salsa

3/4 cup sugar
3 green onions, coarsely chopped
1 jalapeno sliced (seeds discarded unless you like an extra punch)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp. cumin
12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries

Add first 5 items to food processor or blender and pulse until evenly chopped. Add cranberries and pulse until chunky, but not slushy.

Serve as a salsa with pita chips. Or, over a warmed brie round with water crackers.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Have your festivities begun or are you prepping for the weeks ahead?

Bear Candelier.

2012-12-07T09:37:00.000-06:00

The 'candelier' chandelier, by New York based artist Kevin Champeny, is made up of 3,000 hand cast acrylic "gummy" bears . The polychromatic light fills a space with a cool saccharine glow.

I'm pretty sure Little Miss Thang would love such a focal point in her room. Talk about sugar plums dancing in your head. Sadly, the $2,400 price tag guarantees it will never find a place in our home.

Too bad, though, because I'm totally loving it!

source

Any sugar plums dancing in your head this season! What have you seen that astounded you lately?

A cup of lemon water a day . . .

2012-12-04T17:24:00.001-06:00

After completing my 10-day detox in November, I vowed to implement many of the great eating habits I experienced. I loved the food so why not eat healthier more often?!

As it turns out my "why" is threefold: (1) because a plate of pasta can be prepared in under 15 minutes after running kids from tennis to violin to gymnastics to choir; (2) because my kids refuse quinoa and butternut squash {as well of the many other very healthy choices I enjoyed}; and (3) because I inevitably attend a luncheon or a dinner or a party two to three times a week {especially this month}.

As a result, I have not implemented nearly as many healthy eating habits as I intended. I am certainly more conscious of what I eat but have not made the strides I intended.

One habit that has stuck, however, is the practice of starting each morning with a cup of warm lemon water. It is so easy and the benefits well outweigh the slightly cringe-worthy minute it takes to get it down.

1. Boosts your immune system

2. Balances pH

3. Helps with weight loss

4. Aids digestion

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

6. Clears skin

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This article, extolling these benefits, sealed the deal for me. Now, if only I could lay off the pasta!!!

What healthy habits have you made part of your daily routine? Inspire me!!

Just be cool.

2012-11-29T17:27:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again -- the time when I disappear for weeks

at a time without so much as a witty dog post

Things are busy in your world too, I'm sure.

So, in the meantime, take a deep breathe and . . .

Jean pool.

2012-11-16T11:00:00.000-06:00

I was told recently, by a much younger and chicer friend, that shiny jeans are the must-have item of the season. And here I thought it was more leopard pieces. I'm always miserably behind.

And speaking of my miserable behind, I'm not sure drawing attention to it with shiny jeans is really my best choice. But I do think they are super cute for a holiday party or date night with the hubs.

7 for all Mankind version.

A bronze version from Joe's Jeans.

A leather-look option from 7 for All Mankind.

Much akin to my romper debacle this summer {no, I never did find a romper I felt appropriate on my frame}, I seek your honest opinion. Is this fool's errand? Or as Jody would say, would I be a mutton in lamb's clothing?

I need the sage advice of {internet strangers and} friends.

Because if left to my own devices, I may fall prey to those bronze numbers.

Zanzibar cake.

2012-11-14T14:24:00.000-06:00

When my duo was younger we received Ella Takes the Cake as a gift from a friend. Ella, the namesake and protagonist, is a delightful little elephant who desperately wants to help her mother in the bakery she runs. Ella's mom is very busy, but of course, she cannot allow Ella to take cakes out of the hot oven or even cut a slice of cake for the customer {the knife is much too big}. Ella is crestfallen because {say it with me now} she just wants to help. In the end Ella "helps" her mother make a zanzibar cake.

It is a charming book filled with beautiful illustrations.

We loved Ella.

And cake.

So naturally, my kids wanted "Zanzibar Cake."

While many mothers would have researched until they found a suitable cake recipe from Zanzibar, I did nothing of the sort. Did I mention I had twins? And at this point they were toddlers.

My solution: lie.

Don't get all high and mighty on me. We lie about Santa, the Easter Bunny and what mommy and daddy are doing in the room when the door is closed. Cake is the least of my worries.

And so I lied and told my kids the yummy Pumpkin Bread I've made for years {passed down from Noni, my life-long friend Ashley's grandmother} is called Zanzibar Cake.

No time to take pictures; we had to have a warm slice.

From that point forward all pumpkin breads suffice as Zanzibar Cake and my kids L*O*V*E it.

This proved quite handy when I desperately needed to get out of the house for a breather {read: coffee}, because Starbucks makes the best Zanzibar Cake. Of course, you have to be a bit sly when you order it. Shouting "two slices of Zanzibar Cake and a skinny latte" is not self explanatory. When you then whisper "pumpkin loaf", they still don't catch on and repeat the order back as "a skinny latte and two slices of PUMPKIN loaf." Cue the cries from the back. Thanks for that.

At age nine we may still call it Zanzibar Cake now and again, but they know it is pumpkin bread, because of course, they love to help!

Pumpkin Bread (aka Zanzibar Cake)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 3/4 cup flour

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup raisins (optional - not in the Zanzibar version)

1/2 cup nuts (optional - not in the Zanzibar version)

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. allspice

Directions:

Sift flour and other dry ingredients together. Cream sugar and oil. Beat eggs into creamed mixture. Add pumpkin and stir to combine. Add flour mixture alternating with water.

Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour.

Enjoy! It is a staple at our Thanksgiving table.

Veterans Day History.

2012-11-11T16:05:00.000-06:00

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In legislation passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day."

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans."

November 11th thereafter became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

via Pinterest

My father served in both WWII and the Korean War, receiving a Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat in Korea. His wounds healed, but his love of country and gratitude for those who defend our freedom never waned. His profound patriotism was contagious and is forever seared in my heart and mind.

Thank you, Daddy.

Thank you, Veterans.

Shame on you, friends.

2012-11-07T08:12:00.001-06:00

I have physically restrained myself from posting political commentary in this space. It was challenging as I am generally quite outspoken in my beliefs. But they are just that: my beliefs. And I find that no matter how compelling one's argument, it is nearly impossible to sway most people's political posture.

BUT, {you knew that was coming, right?!} after living through this election night I am deeply saddened by my friends. I am sad so many I hold in great regard do not hold the President of the United States in much regard at all. I am ashamed that friends find the notion of four more years something that would cause them to uproot their families and flee from America.

Or is that just Facebook fodder?!

Because, friends, you all have it pretty good. You were watching election results in your warm homes. Most of you already dropped your children at an exemplary school this morning. You are blessed. The system is working for you and m-i-l-l-i-o-n-s of mothers around the world would trade places with you in a heartbeat.

The sky is not in fact falling.

The world is not ending.

And as for you and yours, you'll be just fine. Yes, you may pay more taxes and I understand how unnerving that is for many. I do.

But here's the thing: the President of the United States of America deserves respect.

Any President.

And while you can and should be able to express your disappointment in election results, I suggest you refrain from indoctrinating your children in the overly dramatic, nearly Trump-ish, tirade of insults and predictions of doom.

Because, remember, you want for nothing.

I told my children last night before they went to bed {when the election was still too close to call}, that win or lose we do so with grace and dignity. We will not insult the President of the United States - whoever it may be. We are privileged to live in the United States, to enjoy equality, and to vote for who governs our country.

From that perspective, it's hard to complain.

Today is the day.

2012-11-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Source: bakerella.com via Kelly on Pinterest

When the polls open on Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote. It is a right we take for granted, one that defines our nation as a democracy. But universal suffrage — letting everyone vote — did not appear overnight with the ratification of our Constitution (in fact, our Constitution does not mention the right to vote).

Two hundred years ago, you had to be white, male, and wealthy in order to vote. Many people dedicated their lives to changing that fact. Without them, suffrage might still be the privilege of a chosen few.

Here's a brief suffrage timeline of our voting rights:

1790 Only white male adult property-owners have the right to vote.

1810 The last religious prerequisite for voting was eliminated.

1850 Property ownership and tax requirements eliminated by 1850. Almost all adult white males could vote.

1870 The 15th Amendment is passed. It gives former slaves the right to vote and protects the voting rights of adult male citizens of any race. But still no right for women!

1920 The 19th Amendment guarantees women's suffrage. About time!

1961 The 23rd Amendment allows voters of the District of Columbia to participate in presidential elections.

1964 The 24th Amendment bans the poll tax as a requirement for voting in federal elections.

1971 The 26th amendment sets the minimum voting age at 18.

Do not take this right for granted. Make sure to get out and VOTE!

via

Obligatory Halloween pics.

2012-11-01T17:05:00.001-05:00

I'm not in much a writing mood lately as you might have noted. It ebbs and flows and truly when I'm not in the mood, you don't want to read my writing.

You're welcome.

But, obligatory Halloween pics are in order. They are too funny not to share. And sweet Jody asked {her son donned a similar costume}.

Without further adieu {because remember, I'm not in a writing mood}, I present Little Miss Thang and her bestie as Thing 1 and Thing 2 . . . with a twist. Little Miss Thang is Thing 2, which is important to note because . . . . ?! This is why I should not be writing at all. Geesh.

Pictured below is Boy Genius, Little Miss Thang and Hi-Ho. Hi-Ho will one day be Boy Genius's wife. He doesn't know this yet. Nor does she. But, in time, they will appreciate the genius behind this pairing {despite the seven year age difference}. And obviously, there is a large dowry involved because Boy Genius is such a great catch.

Feel free to also note my rotted pumpkins. Absolutely disgusting. Or, perchance, spooky given that I otherwise failed to decorate much at all. Apparently I'm not in a decorating mood either.

Despite my obvious apathy, I truly hope you all had a wonderful Halloween!!

Happy Halloween!

2012-10-31T11:23:00.000-05:00

My duo 2011

I have no time for a real post today, but being that I'm a generous person and recognize some of you do not have to prepare for upwards of 500 trick-or-treaters, I thought I'd provide a "Halloween through the years" post.

You're quite welcome.

Click through for a myriad of spooky costumes and ghoulish delights!

Halloweens' Past - my duo pictured from 2003-2010. This made me laugh again this year. Tell me it's not just me?!? And just wait until you see this years costumes. Oh my!

Green Halloween!? - discussing how to be "green" at Halloween.

Wicked treats - yummy and cute Halloween treats (this predates Pinterest).

Carmel Apple Martini - as the title implies: yum!

Candy Corn Fudge - again: yum!

What a mother will do - the longest and most gut-wrenching Halloween story ev-ah!

Death be not proud - for a good Halloween laugh!

I hope you all enjoy a ghoulishly good time this evening!!