Fade Into

Dream Life

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Must watch. Absolutely fascinating, moving, inspirational. Read more here.

Spring Thrift - Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:51:00 +0000

I can't remember the last time I went thrifting, which is quite a change from my once habit of going every week. With a busy work schedule and seemingly something always coming up, it's been hard to find the time. On Wednesday the sun was shining and warm, I had the day off, and my sister-in-law is in town visiting... there couldn't have been a better opportunity. I lucked out on my first major score of the season, picking up some new Spring bedding, two pairs of Italian leather shoes, an Easter basket and decorative bowl, some vintage pyrex, and this delight of a set you see above. I was intitally on the fence about it, but then my enthusiastic three year old insisted it was "really cool" and the colors were "pretty". It's official - I can't go anywhere without him.

With a little luck...

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:35:00 +0000

...these rainbow cupcakes turned out for us! My son and I spent the last few evenings baking our little hearts out all for a good cause - my company bake sale being held today. It's been awhile since I've gotten to participate in a fundraiser, and it feels great to get one in this early in the year. This particular one will be kicking off what I hope to be a lucrative year of giving. Now that my son has reached an age that allows him to feel the gratification of giving (he is excellent at sharing) I hope to instill that in him for a lifetime. When I was young, volunteering was something my heart called out for, though I wasn't particularly savvy enough to figure out how to get involved. Already this year, some pretty amazing opportunities have presented themselves, and I'm looking forward to taking advantage of some of them. Looks like the luck of the Irish is on our side. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Winter Extreme

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:59:00 +0000

It's been awhile since my last post, and since then there have been many changes. After much anticipation and consideration, I've returned back to full-time work. Having begun my new position three days before Christmas, the last four weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and adjustment. Things are going really well; I love my new job, my son and husband are spending more time together, and plans are big for 2012. Among all this we are managing our way through a blast of snow that has suddenly hit our area... and it couldn't be more crazy. After nearly a week of wild weather and playing in 6+ inches of snow, I'm ready for things to return to normal and to get back to my resolutions for the New Year, which are...

Save for a family cruise
Begin a membership at a pilates gym
Teach my son to read
Tackle projects as they surface
Get a promotion
See 3 shows with my husband (we love live music)
Watch my husband teach our son how to BMX (we're watching lots of videos on youtube now)

What are you're resolutions?

Get Hypnotized...

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Pretty Polish

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 01:39:00 +0000

I love nail polish. For me, it's a lot like lipstick is for other women, a quick pick-me-up. Anytime I need one, I peruse the endless variety of colors out there and choose something pretty to add to my collection. Generally, I've stuck with simple manicures of one color applied on short nails. But I've recently discovered the world of nail art and have to say that now I'm hooked. This is becoming an incredibly addictive hobby that has me doing my nails every night after my son goes to sleep. For my most recent manicure I tried the newspaper nails technique with holiday magazine print and let me tell you it's cute cute. Here are a few of my favorites across the web, and be sure to click here for some incredible tutorials.

btw - this tumblr sort of rules...

Can't Wait to See It

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:05:00 +0000

The latest Diablo Cody film, Young Adult, will be playing at my town's art theatre this weekend. I'm looking forward to hopefully going to see it if I can find some time. Check out the Pop-Up Screenings art created for the movie... I especially love the one for Los Angeles.

Casper Babypants

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:15:00 +0000

On Friday I took my son to his first 'rock' show, Caspar Babypants aka Chris Ballew from The President's Of The United States. While the music he creates for kids is really great, I think us parents were the ones who were really having all the fun. It was near pandemonium at this show (ok not really but...) and the room was full capacity. We arrived early and got great seats, and before long cameras were flashing. After the 45 minute show was over, he personally met with parents and had his latest cd and cute books written by his wife for sale. Being a big fan of the band in high school, this was all a real treat, for me and my son!

waiting for the show to start

Trying for Bokeh

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:00:00 +0000

While trying to figure out how to do this, I ended up with this effect instead. I don't even know if it will actually work with my point and shoot... although I do really like the way these photos turned out and may play around with it a bit more. Anyone have success with trying bokeh? I could use some tips!

Our Friday Night

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:43:00 +0000

I love gingerbread houses. I love the whole idea of them, from baking the gingerbread, cutting out the pieces, collecting cute candies, and making stained glass windows. I even picked up a book at the library the other day full of architect-designed gingerbread houses and the instructions to go with. Like I said, love it. Just... not with a three year old. When I began contemplating taking on the enormous task of making one, thoughts of catastrophe began entering my mind. Crumbled walls, icing gooped in places it shouldn't be, half-eaten candy. No, that sort of thing will have to wait some years. But the tradition still beckons... that's why when I passed this on the shelf at the market recently, I had to grab it. And to my delight, we had a blast constructing it.

our new tradition - he's allowed to eat off one piece of candy each day till Christmas

A Simple Happy Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Yesterday we celebrated my husband's birthday. He's officially one year over the hill, and has never been much into parties that solely celebrate him... humph. But he is very generous when it comes to Lars and I celebrating him, and we started the day off by presenting a couple of handmade birthday cards to him as soon as he woke along with lots of jumping on the bed. We enjoyed a long relaxing morning just hanging out, then when we finally got hungry headed to a favorite eatery of his for some french dip sandwiches. Once home, it was time for cake. I made this one I talked about here and it's made it's way into my permanent collection. It turned out so delicious that I think it will be making a regular appearance on this special day for years to come. To top the day off, I captured this iconic image below... Sixteen Candles anyone?

Happy Birthday to my honey. Here's to another 40+ years!

Let it Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:47:00 +0000

While I worked on my husband's birthday cake my son was more interested in making tracks with his hot wheels through piles of flour. This, combined with his santa pj's ended up being a cute holiday photo op, especially as he pretended it was snow. Although it created a big mess (with flour making it's way even into our front room) I was relieved he was contented to play while I constructed the three layer cake we're looking forward to giving my husband on Thursday.

Getting Festive

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:48:00 +0000

We took some time this weekend to put out our holiday decorations. After my husband brought in the Christmas tote from storage, my son showed a serious interest in how things should be displayed; I basically followed his requests as to where to put the lights, garlands and tree ornaments. Since everything we used is from last year we ended up with a sort of funky bohemian look that feels fun and offbeat in a juvenile way. Letting my son take the lead when it comes to things like this really takes the pressure off me to make everything 'perfect'. I also like that he finds so much more joy in anything we do when he's allowed to be creative and participate. We still have yet to pick up our tree, and I'm looking forward to his suggestions on decorating that as well.

- pleased with his work -

Holiday Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:21:00 +0000

After spending nearly every day at home this week (my son was in a somewhat unusual 'hunker down' mood) our cabin fever was getting to an all-time high; the neighborhood Holiday Fest couldn't have come at a better time. Starting with a Live Paint (more on this incredible program in a later post) interactive story time and craft at our library, we made our way to the Santa hanging out in the local eatery. Lars was happy to tell him what he'd like for Christmas, but had no interest posing for a photo, which is why you'll see me in it below...

From there it was a quick stop into the historic theatre for choir carolers (wonderfully festive) while we snacked on our favorite candy weakness, sour licorice. Not quite ready to go home yet, we headed back to the library for family game night where Lars met up with his friend for a fun game of Candyland. Finally, on our way home we marveled at the trees now completely bare of their leaves.

It's that time again...

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:14:00 +0000

... and I don't mean the holidays (although that is nice). No, I'm talking about getting my hair done. Colored, to be specific; which I get both excited about and anxiety ridden at the same time. The anxiety doesn't come from worry, it comes from a severe lack of patience. While I love to get my hair done, I have the most difficult time sitting in the salon chair. From the beginning it's been undeniably excruciating. A book or magazine can generally ease my frustration, but to this day I can't seem to get past it; wonder what that's all about...

Well that aside, Ombre is my color style of choice, and I'm really loving the cut in the photo featured last... and my husband will be happy I actually have some pics to convey what I want this time.

Baking In Anticipation

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:53:00 +0000

My husband's birthday is coming up, and every year we celebrate with his favorite flavor of cake, german chocolate. For the first five years or so, I ordered the cake, with one coming memorably from this bakery (amazing). Then a handful of years ago I got the brilliant idea of attempting to make the cake myself. The first year I attempted this, we ended up with cupcakes. But after some years, and time and practice, I managed to pull together this one here without completely losing my sanity. With his big day less than a few weeks away, I'm looking forward to trying yet another new recipe, this delicious looking one I found here.

Singing Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:02:00 +0000

Although we all woke up a little under the weather, the day went off without a hitch. All my dishes turned out well, dinner was ready by 1pm, and afterword we had time for an adventurous bike ride in the rain. But the best part came when it was time to say our thanks; instead of a simple statement from each of us, my witty clever husband gave us a song right before carving the turkey. I think a new tradition has been born...

Meal Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Last year on Thanksgiving I spent the entire day preparing food in the kitchen. I'm talking from 6am until the turkey was done, which was about four in the afternoon. Now don't get me wrong, I was more than happy to cook for my family and everything turned out delicious, but I felt a little sad when 30 minutes later we were done eating and the day was pretty much gone. I didn't get to spend any time playing games or watching movies with my husband and son, and I was so beat by the end of it all even an after dinner walk was out of the question.

This year, I knew one thing... I wanted it to be different. I wanted be able to prepare the meal and hang out; to look forward to sitting down to eat without feeling like I was going to collapse; to actually enjoy the day with my family. So I came up with a solution.

Instead of spending all day tomorrow making dinner, I spent nearly all day today doing it. After my son and I braved the crowds at the market, we came home and got to work. I made everything but the turkey, including the stuffing. Now the only thing left to do tomorrow is stuff and roast the bird and assemble some pies. I probably should have made the desserts today as well, but I am looking forward to a little baking tomorrow; and a movie; and most of all spending time with my family.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone :)

Everyday Food Thanksgiving Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:49:00 +0000

For the past six years, give or take a few, I have been preparing our Thanksgiving dinner using the menu from Everyday Food magazine. The dishes are always slightly different, super easy to prepare, and absolutely yummy all-together. The way the flavors of each one compliment each other is beyond delicious, and we have yet to be disappointed by the way dinner turns out. My family and I look forward to it each year all month long. If you're looking for some inspiration for your dinner this Thursday, find the menu and recipes here.

Teach Your Toddler To Put On His Coat

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Thanks to this video, my son now knows how... becoming more independent by the minute!

Spontaneous Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:04:00 +0000

Sundays are pretty typically our family day. Whether we stay in or go out, we always do it together. It feels good to reconnect after a long week of work and gives each of us a break from our routines. But occasionally my husband or I will make a personal commitment to a friend or activity outside of our little trio. A few Sundays ago I headed to the city for brunch with a girlfriend, and today my husband woke up at 6am and went to the mountain with a friend of his. So my son and I were left to our own devices, and after such an early wake up call it was starting to feel like a long day... and it wasn't even 10am. I hadn't made any certain plans for the day since my husband's were somewhat last minute, but I knew we were going to have to do something fun or the day would drag by while we both sat missing him like crazy.

Always up for some time in the neighborhood, we headed out first thing for coffee (did I mention being completely out of coffee and not knowing this until our alarm was going off? Not good). After charging up on an Egg Nog Latte for me and hot chocolate for my son, it was still a little early for lunch so we headed to the park to kill some time. The air was crisp and quite chill, but the sun was shining and we kept cozy warm in our thick fluffy down coats. After a few turns on the swings, it was closer to lunch time.

We made our way over to a popular neighborhood diner (and favorite of mine) for a split plate of burgers and fries. Not needing to rush anywhere next, we spent a good hour eating and laughing and coloring. My son was remarkably good the entire time, and it was a relaxing, pleasant experience (which as we know isn't always so when dining with a three year old).

Next up was the neighborhood art gallery, recently voted best art gallery of the city and where we purchased our son's first art piece. It's a tradition for us to give him a new piece of art for his birthday each year, and we are still looking for the right one for this year. It looks like he'll be getting it for Christmas instead. I did find a piece I really liked, a lithograph in primary colors of children playing. If my husband likes it we will hopefully have it under the tree in the next few weeks. On our way past the art gallery is the hobby store, and inside is a train table all set up for play. We stopped in and it took me quite awhile to pull my son away... I eventually lured him with the promise of a cupcake... where I found a new babysitter. Yay!

The counter girl was the sweetest and made all kinds of gushy remarks about my son. He couldn't tear himself away from conversation with her. She was very mature being a senior in high school and holding a somewhat managerial position; I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.

By this time it was nearly 2pm, so we began making our way back home. It had warmed up quite a bit and the walk home was relaxing. Once in our front door, we settled in for a movie and before we knew the day was nearly done. What a great day with my kiddo.

Stovetop Mac & Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Like many kids, I ate a lot of boxed mac and cheese growing up; I really couldn't get enough of the stuff. But then something happened; my aunt had her first baby when I was nine years old, and I began to spend a lot of time helping her once he was born. I loved being her little assistant, taking care of little tasks like getting something she needed while giving her baby a bath, or vacuuming the carpet, or just entertaining him to give her a minute to herself. Since I was helping out so much, I would often be there for lunch, and what I remember her making most was stovetop mac and cheese. I thought it was the best tasting mac and cheese I ever ate, and vowed to make it for my kids once they came along. This recipe is slightly different than the one she used, but equally delicious.

Ingredients:

4 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
3 T. all-purpose flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
2 1/4 c. milk
2 oz. cream cheese
2 t. dijon mustard
2 t. worcestershire sauce
1/2 t. minced garlic
1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Place flour, 1 t. salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by the teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over med-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts; stirring occasionally. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl and toss well. Recipe from Cooking Light

Children's Concert

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000

On Thursday night I took my son to a children's concert at our local library. We arrived early and there was already a line nearly out the door. Kids and their parents stood excited and eager to get into the large vaulted meeting room where the concert was being held. The performers, known as The Harmonica Pocket, entered shortly after everyone was seated. Dressed quirky and theatrical, I knew we were in for a treat. The show was incredible, and after we returned home I discovered why; after viewing their website I learned they are an award-winning group who perform both nationally and internationally. Their "thoroughly catchy, toe-tapping indie-pop tunes" were truly a delight. Check out the video with your little one below.

Play Series : Playmobile Racecar Found

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Last summer one of my son's Playmobile toys went missing. While he did noticed it was gone, I was the one who was devastated. We still had the race car driver, but his race car was no where to be found. So I mourned for a bit and then left it to the universe that it would show up again someday. Which is exactly what happened one kinda pretty day while I was in the backyard raking leaves. All the wildflowers were over grown and many needed pulling. I began yanking a few out and low and behold, there it was - our beloved race car. Having spent half of summer and nearly all of fall outside in the dirt, sun and rain, it was in remarkable shape... just a little dirty. I cleaned it up as best I could and my son hasn't stopped playing with it since.

And I'm 15 Again

noreply@blogger.com (Barbara) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 04:17:00 +0000

This morning my husband introduced me to Mac Miller...

...and something incredible happened - I was immediately transported back to high school, where I spent most of my time hanging out in my best friend's very awesome poster-covered bedroom listening to a combination of hip hop, grunge, and Bob Dylan. A time in my life when I had more freedom than I actually realized, with little obligation outside of my friends, part-time job, and dance. Aside from my mother's strict grip, each day was full of promise and anything truly could happen. At least that's how it appears to me now. Of course then there were many obstacles blocking my dreams, though somehow I think I've pulled through okay. That's why I love kids like this, so young and full of hope and energy and drive; an attitude that can be maintained through life but is just so strong when we're young. This post is going in a bit of a different direction than I intended, so let me finish it off with this... does he have mad style or what?! Oh nineties, it's so good to have you back.