Elleinad Spir

There’s a girl over there she’s got mahogany hair...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I am off for the (long) weekend to meet my friend Kate. I leave (or left I guess) at 7am. Yes, my flight actually took off at 7. Brutal. Anyway, we meet up yearly to hang and relax. I have spent many weekend in SF with her, we met up in New Orleans one year and Chicago another. This year we are meeting in Phoenix and then driving to Sedona to stay here.

I love Kate for many reasons. I can do anything with her. We can get dressed up and hit he town, or we can lounge is sweats and watch trash tv. We both have an affinity for Mexican food and Mexican beer. And cheese. And bread. And sweets. This weekend will be a mix of long day hikes, relaxing massages, red wine on our balcony (our room has a balcony!), everything off this menu and a few movies we downloaded to our iPads.

Back in the day RBB, Kate and I would listen to this late at night at high volumes. I am sure I have posted about it before and I will again. Kate is our mahogany haired girl. I will never tire of this song and the memories of her singing with us. (by the way, did I ever tell you she sang at our wedding? Father/Daughter dance. Thank You by Natalie Merchant. Best man played guitar. Amazing.)

On the best of the good days, and the worst of the bad ones...this at high volumes helps. This and a song by my friend Jack's band...not sure I can find audio or video to post of that...but you Nathan's Hand fans out there know the one I am talking about....put it all in a U-Haul trailer....

Have a great weekend!

This isn't the Glichtman Barmitzvah is it? Mosha are you in here, no?

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I have always shy-ed away from "tag" type posts. I guess they just remind me off chain letters and e-mail and I revolt against them. But....Miss Haley from Cardigan Junkie tagged me and I decided to answer. But...I just can't bring myself to tag anyone else. I know it is all in fun, but I just have a mental block against it I guess. Instead, pick one of the questions and answer it in the comments ok??

1. Describe your blog in 5 words.

Food.

Fashion.

Family.

Fun.

Fantastic!

Sorry....I just started with "F" words and it went from there.

2. Why did you start blogging?

My friend Kate asked me to write a guest post on her blog, that same post was my first post here on this blog. But why? I don't know. I guess it was more of a "sure, why not?" And then I kept doing it because it felt good to have a "me" project. An outlet.

3. What's your favorite book?

So many it is hard to say!!?!? Classics? More modern? I can't. I am so bad at favorites. I can say my least favorite...Eat, Pray, Love. Melissa and I share a hatred of this book. Sorry Estelle.

4. What were you like in high school?

I wasn't anything really. I wasn't "popular" but I knew lots of people. I wasn't a "jock" but I ran track. I wasn't a "nerd" but I got good grades. I have no idea how to answer this one.

5. Cat person or dog person?

Cat.

6. What's your favorite city in the world?

San Francisco.

7. Do you think J.Crew is overrated or the most perfect example of branding ever to exist? (or somewhere in between)

Somewhere in between....but mostly pretty genius.

8. What app do you use most often?

My Fitness Pal.

9. Are you a Mac or a PC?

PC with a side of iPad and iPhone.

10. What movie never fails to make you laugh?

The Sweetest Thing.

Ok you go. Pick one and share your answer in the comments....

Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping? I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Bonham earning the 1st stripe on his orange belt

My broken (?) toe. If it's broken it's my first ever broken bone. Even if it's just sprained it would be my first eve sprain. It was a kickboxing injury. I'd like to have a cool story to go along with it, but really it just got stuck under my own foot and pulled by the mat. Lame. And wow..I need a Pedicure BADLY.

Lego wall.

The most fog I've seen in OKC. Looks like the drive to Stockton through Tracy.

My Birchbox for the month.

My hobby is stuffing things. You know - taxidermy.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Round up...

I ordered these. In fuchsia. Not sure I can pull it off.

OKC Bloggers. Lots of them.

I love this husband's valentine.

Want to know my must have make up item? I am sharing it on Cardigan Junkie today. Check it.

I never thought taxidermy would make me laugh. I was wrong.

I was looking at Valentine's and the Disney ones reminded me of this....

Speaking of Disney, sort of related....we watched Wally-E this week. I am shocked that Bonham liked it and never once asked what was going on or when it would end. I like slow movies and so does RBB, I guess it runs in the family.

Need some work out motivation? Add this to your reader. She will slap you with plenty all week long. And I mean that in a good way.

If this was in OKC I would sign up in an instant. I might still...even though I'd have to drive to Tulsa for it. Climb 50 floors....booyah. Since when did that sound like fun to me? Oddly, it does. I asked RBB if it was odd that I wanted to do this and he said "not anymore." I guess I have become a worker outer. Now if my body would just get on board and show it...

Anyway...

Have a good weekend!

I saw the sign...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I have been working out more often and more intensely than usual these past few months, and especially the past few weeks. I have a few trip coming up and I doubt I will have time to hit the hotel gym. I don't want to do nothing....so I am considering taking a deck of cards with me for the trips. Something I can do while RBB is getting ready. Plus, I am pretty sure Bonham will volunteer to count reps for me. There are several "deck of cards" work outs out there. This is Jillian's version.

2 through 10 – Do that many repetitions
Face cards – Do 10 repetitions
Ace – One minute break

Diamonds – Push-ups
Hearts – Lunges
Spades – Crunches
Clubs - Reverse Crunch

What do you think? Can I make it through the deck? Will I be able to up my game and instead of the 1 min rest do 1 min of jumping jacks like some versions suggest?

I'm not sold on the reverse crunch. Maybe squats? Maybe not.

Have any of you done this work out? Feedback please.

We live and we die by the clock, that's all we have....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

RBB has been wanting a wall clock in our home. And since Bonham asks me what time it is roughly 27 hundred times a day, I thought it was a good plan. So in an extremely unromantic turn of events, I bought my husband a wall clock for Valentine's day. Just to be clear, I asked for a pair of ballet flats from him....so it's not like I got diamonds and he got a clock. We went the utilitarian route all around. Although I guess my flats only benefit me, so that isn't really utilitarian.I guess we went practical. Anyway....

Retro Modern Wall Clock

Cale Haan, Air Bacara Ballet Flat

the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

250 for 3-4 min until you can push the ends together and they stick.

Fill with melted white chocolate and sprinkles.

Make some without candy canes for the boy who won't eat candy canes ;)

Put in fridge or freezer until set up.

Oh what a night (oh what a night)...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

We had our third Oklahoma Bloggers Night Out on Thursday. We were so lucky to be hosted by The Make Up Bar. Not only did they host and organize our event...but they offered free brow shaping throughout the night and showed us how to create the perfect smoky eye for spring.

True North Living came and introduced us to their great furniture which is customizable and all made in North America. I have now bookmarked this store as my go to whenever we need new pieces!

We learned about the importance of having a well fitting bra thanks to The Lingerie Store...and seriously...I needed this talk. And now I need all new bras.

We were treated to food by Deep Fork Grill as well as some tips on new food trends and cocktails. The sweets were provided by Green Goodies...and they were sugar free....and good!!!!!!!! Salted caramel wins me over every time.

The talented Rex Barrett of Glass Eye Studios was there taking shots. Please visit his site! The pics posted here are by Rex. Please head over and check out his complete Flickr set.

We also had some giveaways...

Emery Jo won an amazing clutch bag from my friend Danielle from Dandelion Goods.

Rachel won a beautiful bracelet by Stella and Dot piece from Laura Kriegel.

Erin now owns beautiful new earring thanks to Brandy from Bella Vita.

Melissa, Kara Kae and Kelly all went home with paintings by the talented Erin from Pippin and Pearl.

Caroline has a gift card from Deep Fork and I'm hoping I get to be her date!

Nikki and Stephanie both got gift cards to Coriander Cafe. I can't wait to hear how they like it. Menu looks amazing.

I love that such a great group of bloggers exists here in OKC. I know we will have lots of great gatherings and events and will all support each other both on and off the Internet. Thank you to all who attended.

I wore this amazing scarf by Dandelion Goods.
I took this lame iPhone pic...not Rex ;) His work is much better!

The bloggers...

Danielle from Elleinad Spir

Susan from The Working Closet

Shana from Gorillabuns

Melissa from Pineapple Lily

Alison from Shop Crawlr

Caroline from Greedy Girl

Allison from Feeding My Temple

Kelly from Design Crush

Allyson from Allyson In Wonderland

Brigette from Settling West

Evie from Evie-S

Sally from Sally Spins

Erin from Pippin and Pearl
Rita from Me and my Shortloffs

Brandy from Bella Vita Jewelry

Emery from Emery Jo
Stephanie from Stephanie Bice

Kathleen from Jeremy and Kathleen

Marek from Marek Musings

Anna from And Everything Nice

Rachel from Pencil Shavings

Melissa from Sassafrass 2.0

Rachael from Rachael Really
Nikki from Bradley Birth
Kara Kae from The Mom Diggity
Elle from Memoirs of a Wannabe Gypsy
Laura from Steen Style
Whitney from Whitney Kolb
Katie from Dishin and Dishes

If you wrote a recap of BNO, please link up!

Gonna dress you up in my love...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:09:00 +0000

We celebrated Valentine's Day this weekend. I am clearly horrible with outfit pics, and need a decent mirror....but I wanted to post because I never posed a decent picture of this dress the last time I wore it. Estelle made it for me and I LOVE it. How talented is she!?!?!

I am posting a tad early because I have a recap of BNO posting tomorrow. But I will link up with these ladies tomorrow. If you post outfit posts, even just the occasional and poorly photographed like me...link up! They even do a giveaway among those who link up! It makes photographing myself worthwhile!

Let your soul glo....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Round up.

You know all those before/after weight loss/work out pics? This video shows there is more going on than you think.

The other day Metalia tweeted "The fact that Eriq La Salle's red fringed jacket from Coming to America is not in the Smithsonian is one of our great tragedies." I replied "Let your Soul Glo"...but I wanted to reply "Sexual Chocolate." I would never claim this as a movie I love...but whenever it is on, I don't turn it off. And I recite the lines right along with the movie. So....maybe I do.

Other movies I know by heart....Breakfast Club, Clueless, The Sweetest Thing, Billy Madison and all the good lines from Fletch.

Did you see this Old Navy dress posted on What I Wore? Love.

I have been wanting a Dodo case for months and was thinking of getting one soon. But now Pencil Shavings might do similar ones? I die. I am so in.

Probably no bits post on Monday, instead I will recap our OKC Blogger Event. So I will add a few bits to this post...

Sometimes I will suggest a nap and Bonham will say no. Really he gets mad at the mere suggestion of needing one. And clearly he doesn't need one right? And clearly he didn't take one right? Because when I asked how his nap was he said he didn't nap.

My new Tom's. They are super cute...but be warned, they run wide.

That's it for this week. Have a great weekend! We have a party at Bonham's karate place on Friday night, we are celebrating Valentine's Day Saturday night and my mom comes into town on Sunday,

Something of value...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Earlier this year we worked our way through the Magic Tree House series of books. Bonham loved them and already talks about re-reading them. Now we are onto Value Tales. RBB read these as a kid, I had never heard of them. We bought a boat load (like 30 some odd books) on Ebay. I think they sell a new version that has a bunch of the books in one, or you can Ebay it to get the individual books. Bonham likes achievement...the act of finishing each book and picking the next one appeals to him. So we went the individual book route.

Anyway, what are they already right? They are a value paired with the story of a historical figure.

The Value of Determination, the story of Helen Keller.
The Value of Love, the story of Johnny Appleseed.
The Value of Boldness, the story of Captain Cook.

You get the idea.

We have read about 12 of them and so far I am really glad we bought them. They are pretty straightforward and historically accurate. There is usually a light heart-ed friend (a make believe animal) that helps tell the story to kid-friendly it up a bit. I'm kind of shocked that Bonham likes them and wants to read them nightly, but he does...so good. Anyway, check them out! They are great for kids Bonham's age all the way up through 3rd or 4th grade.

*RBB just pointed out that the picture I used has different books in it, not Value Tales...these are "the power of..." they look like they are by the same people...and they look good too. Anyway....

You want to know what it takes to sell real estate? It takes BRASS BALLS to sell real estate. Go and do likewise gents.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A bit of random for your Wed. My dad built this house. He's not a home builder or an architect. He is a dentist. He ran point on several remodels that we lived in, and then one year while taking a break from dentistry back in the mid 80s...he built this for spec. Isn't it the perfect story book home? It is, but according to my sister it sits on haunted land. Dad bought the land and was building on it when J was in college. She came home that year on vacation and was horrified to learn that he was building on an empty lot that she and her friends used to drink beer on. It was "haunted" and therefor a logical beer drinking hang out. One of the guys on the crew did get hurt....so maybe it is a bit tainted? Ha. Anyway, I was randomly doing some internet searching and found this so I wanted to share. I realize this is interesting to about 6 of my 25 readers and they are all related to me. Anyway, here's one for those family peeps. Those same peeps should also click here. It barely evens looks like it did when we lived there huh? This was another one done by my dad. I am not posting a pic because none of the ones in this link do it justice. It had great street appeal that is not shown in the pics. Ok...I'll stop now.

And we were dressed from head to toe in love... the only label that never goes out of style....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Things I want to make for Valentine's Day....

Cookies and Cups

Strawberry Fugde

The Sweet Adventurers of Sugerbelle

Cake mix cookies. So easy and so good.

Pleasant Home

Candy Cane Suckers.

I am going to attempt these for Bonham's class to go with whatever store bought cards he picks. I tried to show him cute ones on Pinterest, but he wants store bought. Boo!

And of course sugar cookies. Store bought mix and thinned out store bought frosting. Nothing fancy, but easy and yummy and fun for Bonham...and for me.

and the Thunder rolls....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I have often said that Bonham is a Thunder fan...a really big fan. I thought I would share with you what he wore this week. With zero prompting from me, this is what he picked each day. I had to sneak most the pics since he is on again/off again against taking pics.

Monday is a Thunder Basketball camp tee. Thursday he is showing me a lego piece. And yes, his hair is uncombed in a lot of these, again, I was sneaking pics while he was getting ready. Not that combing does much. He has decided to grow his hair and it is a mess. By the way, if I ask him to pose for a pic, this is the look I get....

And as I was typing this Bonham went and got dressed. Shocking news....nevermind. Yep, here he is today (Saturday).

I'm not bald, okay? I shaved my head.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Haley at Cardigan Junkie has a new series of "must have" items. Stop by and check out my pick for a must have earring.

Erin's niece is shaving her head. How cool. (it's for a good cause!)

How cute are Rachel's new cases?

I thought ice cream made from a banana was a neat trick, then my friend Danielle altered me to this. 150 calories for A PINT! I'm sold.

I don't want my hair long, long again...but I do want enough length to try these headband curls and sock buns.

Have a good weekend. We are headed to a Thunder game tonight and Tulsa to see family tomorrow. Should be a good weekend.

These are my heart songs...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Have you guys seen this fabric spray? It made for the easiest project ever. No mess, no fuss.

They make templates and stencils, but we just used foam stickers....

Spray on the paint (they needed help spraying, but I think by 6/7 years old they would be able to spray this alone).

The paint would have taken awhile to dry on the foam, but on the tee it was pretty dry pretty much right away. I didn't want to leave the wet stickers on, so I took them off after just a few minutes and it was fine...my fingers were messy, but that was it.

Pin It

I tried a few with doilies...

Pin It

This was a pretty clean project. We did a few of them on the counter with no protection and it was fine. If you want to get the edges more, then put some trash bags or paper down - that was what we did with most of them.

Can't wait to try this again with different stickers. St. Patty's Day? Alphabet stickers? Endless options.

I'm hungry. Let's get a taco.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This is all over the web. Originally it was found in the flat belly cookbook (I'd link to it, but I see a few on Amazon and am not sure which one...sorry). I got it from a friend.

2 teaspoons sugar (next time I think I would leave this out altogether. RBB said the dish was overall a bit sweet. Honestly I don't think it is needed. But I have not tried it without yet.)
2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 12 ounces pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1/2" cubes (I used 8oz and probably trimmed a bit smaller)
1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced crosswise 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (gross. I left this out.)
12 corn tortillas (6" diameter), warmed

Avocado Crema:
1 avocado, mashed
2 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt

In a cup, mix the sugar, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, and salt.

Mix half of the spices with the pork, then toss with the oil.

Mix the remaining spices with the pineapple. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing the avocado crema.

Whisk the avocado with the sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.

Coat a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray. Warm over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the pork and cook, turning once or twice, for 8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Add the cilantro and toss to combine - if you like cilantro that is. Transfer to a clean plate and cover loosely to keep warm.

Add the pineapple to the pan and cook, turning once or twice, for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Remove from the heat.

To assemble each serving, place 3 tortillas on a plate. Divide 1/4 of the pork and pineapple between each tortilla. Top with the crema and roll up.

The details....
Most the copies online of this say that it is 410-420 calories for tacos.
I used 8 oz pork and divided into 3 servings...Using MyFitnessPal I got 220 per serving of pork and pineapple. The corn tortillas I used were 45 cal each...so I think I was at 355 for my meal (actually 310..I only used 2 tortillas).

Yeah, and we're not gonna fall for a banana in the tailpipe.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

My friend Leigh posted on facebook last week about "ice cream" made from a frozen banana. That's it - one frozen banana mashed up into a mock ice cream. I was skeptical.

I know my blender is a bit temperamental, so I chopped my banana into pieces and then froze it rather than attempting this with it frozen whole.

I was making just one serving...so my blender was kind of unhappy. The pieces just kept getting caught under the blades...but I did see hints of progress, enough to keep going. I added a tbs of milk and a tbs of peanut butter (just for kicks) and kept at it. I had to stop and start a million times to get the pieces from under the blades, but I'll be damned, it made a frozen desert that was yummy.

I will for sure make this again. No doubt in my mind. Instead of peanut butter you could add chocolate, or both. Or leave them out and do just the pure banana. Next time I'll try my food processor instead of the blender and see if that is easier and if I can omit the milk. I am telling myself that the potassium benefit of this "treat" makes it almost required. I mean...I need to ward off sore muscles. So I HAVE to eat this 3-4 times a week right?

Hey, take a gander at them moccasins!

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Bit of my ~~weekend~~ week...

My Coatt Necklace

Pineapple Chicken Tacos - Recipe next week.

My new Mocs. First I have ever owned.

Bonham with one of his favorite coaches after earning his orange belt this week.

Trying on his new belt and practicing his karate face.

Taking a pic in a mirror of a tee with writing on it doesn't work. Duh.

Here's the thing. I am a CA girl. Through and through. And there is a lot about living in OKC that is tough for me...and although not on this blog, I complain about those things often. But there is also a lot about OKC I love. The development and progression of downtown and the surrounding areas that has happened in the past 10 years is amazing. And the love and support the city shows for the OKC Thunder is really fun to be a part of. I seriously know more about the NBA than I really should. So when my friend Ryan made these tees, I knew I wanted one. For those of you local, you can buy them at Blue 7.

My little brother got his arm stuck in the microwave.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:06:00 +0000

I realize I have a bit of an oatmeal obsession going on right now. I've shared with you both baked oatmeal and oatmeal breakfast cake. Today friends....another oatmeal. But this one can be made in under 3 minutes and is 105 calories. Microwave Banana Oat Cakes. I just had one as a snack and I am in love. I topped it with a tsp of peanut butter. Next time I am thinking of adding some chocolate chips...4 or 5 is all you would need. Or any of the add ins suggested by Averie in her post. Yum. This is now in the breakfast and snack rotation for sure.

1/2 Banana, mashed
3 Tbsp Oats
1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Cinnamon

Mash it all together and mix well.
Spray a bowl with non stick spray and dump your mix into it.
Microwave for 90 seconds. Let stand for 60 seconds.
Flip out onto a plate.

I made and ate mine in about 5 minutes total, so no picture. I apologize. And I could wait to post this until I made it again and take a pic...but instead I am just going to post. If you like oats...try this!!!!

Check out Love Veggies and Yoga for more great recipes. I just added her to my reader and you should too.

I don't know....Maria says she's dying...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Round up.....I have nothing. Nada. No bookmarks to go to. No posts saved in my reader. It was either a really boring week, or I just slacked.

So let's wing it.

Based on the comments from yesterday's post, I can keep the monitor for now, but I do need to start pro-actively working on night time potty training. Ok. I listen to you guys. I will get on it. Bonham actually wants to do it, so that is a good step. BUT...my mom is coming in a few weeks so our sleeping situations are going to be moved around for a few days, then I go out of town for a long weekend and then we are in CA for Spring break. It seems wrong to start now, right? Can I get a pass to start in March when we get back from LA? What say you peeps?

And more things I want from Gap. Well, really just this. And this.

I love these pocket totems Kelly posted. I would love to give one to Bonham to hold when his nerves got the better of him and I wasn't around.

I think I have posted this before, but now I can't find it. It is another variation on baked oatmeal - but with peanut butter. This one is more like a bar that you keep and eat at room temp. If you cut it into 6 portions they are 170 cals each. Oatmeal Breakfast Cake.

Hey look at that. I pulled off a round up after all.

Sounds of silence....

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

At what age does a (baby) monitor become an invasion of privacy?

Bonham has never come into our room to get me. Ever. If he wakes up at night and needs me, he call for me. When he gets up in the morning, he calls for me. He has gone through phases where he will come get me in the morning, but never at night.

In our old house I could hear him from our room. I hadn't gotten rid of the monitor yet, but I was feeling like I could and should...but then we moved. We live in a smaller place overall, but the placement of our rooms makes it so I cannot hear him...unless it is 100% silent and he screams.

That might be ok. I mean, if he really needs me, he will scream. But....it's not really the middle of the night that comes to mind. Right now the monitor allows me to hear him even when we are in our room with the TV on. If I take away the monitor and he calls and I don't hear him, then eventually he will start just coming into our room to get me. Do I want this? Right now we live in pretty much certainty that the "pop in" visit will not happen.

Another obstacle is potty training. Yes, Bonham still wears a pull up at night. Look, please don't judge me or tell me I suck. Bonham potty trained early....by 2 1/2, at least with pee....poop was a longer process. We didn't even attempt night at that time. I kind of thought a time would naturally come when his pull up was dry in the morning and we would try then. But that hasn't happened. He refuses to get up and go on his own at night. So, I have told him that starting now anytime he calls me in at night (he sometimes has bad dreams or whatever. He's just never been a great sleeper and sometimes he calls me in...anyway agin, don't judge) that we will go potty while I am in there. And I have said he call ask to go potty anytime and I will take him (which makes me cry....the thought if increasing my night trips to his room rather than decrease...oh god!) So....these lead me to think we need to keep the monitor.

But honestly I feel like a jackass for still using/having one. Btw, ours is usually set so low that I barely hear him over it. So I'm not like listening to him breath or sleep or anything. It just helps make it so he can call to me without screaming.

Am I the only one out there with a monitor in their 5 year old's room? I almost want to give him a walkie talkie to just call me when he needs me...seems more age appropriate. Anyway....let me hear your thoughts. Be gentle with me....

If you want to find all the cops they're hanging out in the donut shop...(part 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Music Quiz, Part 4...the end.

This is REALLY hard for me. I hate stopping mid stream....but I also don't think anyone is really having any fun with these posts....so this is the last one. If you want answers to the last ones, or the rest of the lyrics/answers....let me know and I will e-mail you.

Anyway...a few more since I had this ready to go...

76. I can't help recalling how it felt to kiss and hold you tight
77. Will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound?
78. Watching every motion in this foolish lover's game
79. You make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day
80. Loving would be easy if your colours were like my dream, red, gold and green
81. They threw an American flag in our face
82. When I'm dancing close to her, I can smell the chemicals
83. She told me to come but I was already there
84. Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
85. It belongs to them, let's give it back
86. Everything you do is quite angelicate
87. Rolling like thunder under the covers
88. I don't know what you expect staring into the TV set
89. My eyes dilate, my lips go green
90. I touch you once, I touch you twice
91. To have you with me I would swim the seven seas
92. Crazy little woman in a one man show
93. Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
94. Got in a little hometown jam, so they put a rifle in my hand
95. There is freedom within, there is freedom without
96. But whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you win or lose
97. I need fifty dollars to make you holler
98. So let's sink another drink `cause it'll give me time to think
99. Goddess on the mountain top
100. Couldn't see how much I missed you (now I do)

What can I say, some ideas for series work, others do not!

If you call an audible, always make sure your fellow Crashers know...

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This post has 2 recipes in it. The one I was going to make, and the one I made. This is the recipe I was going to make. My friend Farrah gave it to me ages ago. Its a copy of a Johnny Carino's recipe...but I have only eaten this version, never the one at Johnny Carino's. It is so yummy.

Spicy Chicken Pasta (Johnny Carino’s)

1 lb sliced Portobello mushrooms

¼ c chopped garlic

2-4 tbs olive oil

1 c chopped green onions

2 c chopped, cooked chicken (best with seasoned, grilled chicken)

1 small jar roasted red peppers (chopped)

1 small jar sun dried tomatoes (chopped)

1 jar Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce (Classico Brand)

½ lb shredded asiago or parmesan cheese

1 pint heaving whipping cream

1 tbs cayenne pepper

1 box penne pasta

Sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil. Cook until almost soft. Add cream and cheese. Mix until melted. Add Alfredo sauce. If too thick – add more cream. Add all other ingredients except pasta. Simmer on very low heat stirring often for 15 minutes. Serve over cooked pasta.

Once made can be put in a casserole dish and then heated in oven before serving – is better this way because the sauce thickens more and sticks to the noodles.

So that was the plan. Then I went to the grocery store and they didn't have the Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo. So in the middle of the store I called an audible and decided to wing it. I bought everything above except the Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo. Instead I bought regular Alfredo sauce. Here are the additional items I bought....

1 jar ~~Sun Dried Tomato~~ Alfredo Sauce (Classico Brand)

~~1 can petite diced tomatoes~~ I forgot to add these, but they would have been good I think.

Eskridge Sausage

Spinach

And I didn't use any heavy cream.

I basically made the same dish, but I added sausage and ~~tomatoes (drained)~~ and spinach, used the regular Alfredo and left out the cream. I made it in the morning and put it in a casserole and then reheated it at dinnertime.

And I took no picture.

Wow. This post sucks. But both recipes are good. Trust me.

We make sacred pact. I promise teach karate to you, you promise learn. I say, you do, no questions.

noreply@blogger.com (Danielle (elleinadspir)) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Bits of last week...

Our last meal At Nichols Hills Drugstore. A real soda fountain. A Classic. Bonham's favorite lunch spot in the world. This place will be missed by all of us. I actually held back tears as we said goodbye to the counter staff.

I have been taking TRX at Bonham's Karate place for a while now, but last week they convinced me to try the kickboxing and core classes. I have now done 2 of each and I love them. Very new for me. Way outside of my comfort zone both physically and mentally. I feel like an uncoordinated dumb ass....but I feel good about trying and doing it. And I am now officially a student and a white belt. Bonham outranks me by 2 belts...or he will this Thursday when he moved up to Orange.

I swear this looked better in person than in this pic.
Anyway, dressing like a real adult for lunch with a friend.
BR Flannel pants that are maybe 10 years old - seriously, how is that possible? Are they now vintage? Geeze.
GAP tee from my sister, Target belt, very old Green Nine West heel that I love.