One Fabulous Mom

Pink Swap!

2012-02-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hopsy over at Monograms and Manicures hosted a Pink Swap and I was only a little too excited to be a part of it! My partner was Summer Is A Verb, so I had to make it good!!!

Here are the goodies I found and sent to her!

Remember we had a budget of $30! I think I did pretty well!
1) Pink Dish Towels with circles
2) Mojito soaps in pink and green bamboo pattern box
3) Golf Princess notes and post its
4) Pink gardening tools!
5) Pink flower note cards
and last but not least...

6) Lilly Pulitzer Lemon Notecards! (That was a serious find!)

Can't wait to open my box from her! It arrived yesterday and I am about to rip it open!

One Fabulous Husband- He's With The Band! Supporting your mates passion!

2012-02-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

There's something that happens when you get married. At first it's cute. You get comfortable around each other, let loose a little...next thing you know you're wearing cotton undies and sweatpants.

For God Sakes Brit put on a bra...
No Bueno.

Thank God she is now engaged again and looking like this:

Anyhooo...

Remember when you were dating? Engaged? First married? Ooooh the diamond was sparkling and you were feeling sassy! That was before kids, bills, life....dragged you down!

One sure fire way to keep that spark alive is to make sure you cultivate and support each others passions. I mean that is what life is all about. Now you could be jealous of a passion, because that passion of your husbands could take him out of the house and leave you home with the kids! I know ladies, it's tough. Trust me though, in the end, this makes a better marriage.

Case and point:

One Fabulous Husband is a drummer. A good one. Now there was a time, not so long ago, where we were in a financial tailspin and Fab Hubby wanted to SELL those drums. I said "hell to the no". I knew he needed them one day. That day has come.

Husband has been playing with a band around town. Let me tell you not only is he good, it's HOT! Look at him back there. He is so cute!

What a blast to see everyone dancing and having the best time while One Fab Hubby was on the drums. Made both of us feel good. Keeping the spark alive! I am all for the drums. Or anything else that makes a man feel like I do when I've got a mani/pedi, a nice tan, and a fabulous Lilly Pulitzer dress on. It's good times I tell ya.

What's your husbands passion? Do you support it?

One Fabulous Mom Channels Kelly Wearstler- Our newest addition!

2012-02-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

No, we didn't have another baby.

But baby this is fabulous!

I had seen the fabulous book cases at the Viceroy Hotel many times.

I always loves the concept and the way the books we laying on their side! I asked The Mr. to build one, the preppy modern version, for our house. Guess what? He did!

I am loving it. Look closely and you can see I have even grouped the books.

Of course I have all the required reading. In The Pink, A Privileged Life, How We Lived Then, True Prep, and of course Social Climbers by the fabulous Beth Dunn!

Here let our model Coco step in to really do these shelves justice...

She's standing awfully close to "How To Be Rich".... she's a smart one that Coco.

Michael Jackson Cirque Du Soleil

2012-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness.
If you have the chance to see this show GO!

I love Michael Jackson and I love Cirque Du Soleil so this was the perfect show for me! I found myself bawling through the entire thing because I can't believe he's gone! It was moving, gorgeous, creative, exciting and worth every penny!!! Here's the official preview:

The thing that really blew me away was how proud and happy the dancers seemed to be a part of this show. It was so moving!!! What's your favorite MJ song?

Psychic Fortune Cookies- The greatest dinner conversation starter!

2012-01-25T05:40:00.000-08:00

I had heard about Kimberly Berg through a friend of mine. She had told me that she did Psychic Fortune Cookies. Not just fortune cookies like you get from your Chinese food delivery order, but real psychic readings in your own fortune cookie!

Since we were set to go away with friends for Hubby's birthday, I thought it would be a great surprise for hubby and our guests. Boy was it!!! Most of the fortunes were pretty spot on, leaving even a few skeptics to be slightly convinced...Mine was amazing. She had never met me but had figured out what was going on with me. Gave me some great advice which I took!!! It made for great conversation about what was going on in out lives, who we were and where we were headed!

I ordered them for my family for Christmas and it was a huge hit at our Christmas dinner.
Here's how it works:

Go here: http://www.psychicfortunes.com/

Give your first and last name. You pay for the cookies and she ships them. You can do it for anyone. Would be so cute for a Chinese themed dinner! After all it's the year of the Dragon!

Don't Judge Me. I Bought A Bounce House!

2012-01-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking.

One Fabulous Mom? What are you running a day care?

Who do you think you are Melissa Gorga from Real Housewives Of New Jersey? With a bounce house inside her house "on display, on display, on display...."

Trust me when I tell you this is the best money I have EVER SPENT.

Landon's playdates are now filled with kids laughing, sliding, jumping and having a ball. They are worn out at the end of the day and beg for me to blow it up starting at 6 am.

Now this is not a huge bouncey. It's for young kids and can only hold 3 or 4, but let me tell you:

1) It's a snap to set up and blow up, takes seconds.
2) Entertains the kids for hours
and
3) It's fun!

So don't judge me.

Get one here. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EHJ7GG/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details

Fabulous Recipe! Seared Scallops over Wilted Spinach and Parmesan Risotto

2012-01-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on Pinterest (my new obsession) but it's from Skinnytaste.com which is my new favorite website!! It is amazing and soooooooo good!!! Try it!
Seared Scallops over Wilted Spinach and Parmesan Risotto

Parmesan Risotto
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 3 • Size: 3/4 cup • Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 309 • Points: 6.5 pts

1 cup arborio rice
2 tsp butter
1 shallot, minced
1/2 cup white wine
4 cups fat free chicken stock
salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley

Heat chicken stock in a small pot.

In a medium size heavy sauce pan, add butter on medium-low heat. Add shallots, sauté about 1 minute. Add rice mixing well until well coated and transluscent, about 2 minutes. Add wine, salt and pepper and mix well until it is absorbed into the rice. Ladle 1 cup stock into rice and mix until all stock is absorbed, add another ladle, and continue adding and stirring until all broth is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes. Add parmesan cheese and parsley, mix well and serve.

Seared Scallops over Wilted Spinach
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 3 • Size: 5 oz • Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 172 • Points: 3.5 pts

16 oz (about 12-14) sea scallops
salt and fresh pepper
2 tsp butter
1 tsp olive oil
1 shallot, minced
10 oz baby spinach, washed

Wash scallops and pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Heat a medium size pan on a high flame. When pan is hot, melt 1 tsp butter and place half of the scallops in the pan. Sear without touching them for a few minutes until the bottom forms a nice caramel colored crust. Turn over and cook about another minute or 2, until the center is slightly translucent (you can check this by viewing them from the side) and the bottom is seared. Be careful not to overcook. Remove from the pan and set aside on a warm plate. Add addition tsp butter and cook remaining scallops.

Add olive oil to the pan and sauté shallots, add spinach, salt and pepper. Toss until spinach wilts.

Serve over spinach over risotto topped with scallops.

Back To The Gym- Dance With Me!

2012-01-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

I went back to the gym yesterday, this was no small feat considering it had been MONTHS and MONTHS! There I was with two girlfriends ready to take my favorite class: Dance With Me. It's taught by these two sweethearts Billy Blanks Jr (Dad is Billy Blanks of Tae Bo fame) and his wife Katherine.

These two are so positive, uplifting, and sweet you ALMOST forget you're sweating. They teach an aerobic class featuring all styles of dance. Yesterday was Country, African Jazz, and Balinese among others! I think dancing and having fun is a wonderful way to burn calories. We are all in there smiling out heads off.

Here's a little of what we do:

I really think if you are going to exercise it should be fun. Or something you have a passion for. Otherwise why would you invest that time! You can buy their DVD's on amazon if you like what you see!

I've heard Zumba is great too, going to check that out as well. How about you? Are you back at the gym? What's your workout?

A Perfect Day

2012-01-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

I remember what my "perfect day" used to consist of.

Usually it would be a day in the week, when I had not much going on. I would lunch with the girls, shop, get my nails done, do some writing, and then maybe a great dinner out. That would be a perfect day. That still sounds pretty good...but funny how things shift.

I have my share of stress. There are many days when I am grinding my teeth at the thought of another day, or up all night worrying about something. I sometimes dream that my perfect day is back in Santorini with The Mr having lunch looking out over the ocean....but then back to the stress.

Last week, however, was a different story. Landon has been star of the week at school, and yesterday his Dad was his special guest. Since Landon loves the drums, Daddy brought his HUGE drum set.

Coco and I watched as the kids got a chance to play and Daddy told them all about how the drums worked. Landon was smiling, I was smiling, and Coco was full of joy as usual!

Then I went to drop Coco off at her class and she was already dressing up in animal costumes with her friends and laughing. I got in my car, and headed back to the house. I did two conference calls for work, cleaned my house, and came back to pick the kids up at noon.

We took a bunch of kids and their friends to CPK for lunch and riding the carousel there. It was the usual mahem, but the kids were having a blast and the moms are my good friends.

Back to the house for Landon's physical therapy with Tracy whom he LOVES. They laughed and played, I worked a little more. Coco did her puzzles. Then I realized I left my favorite sweater at the carousel. I called around to find it but nothing. Oh well....

Onto Landons first tennis lesson. He loved every second. He had a half hour lesson and wanted more. The head coach let him stay and play with the older kids. He kept hitting every shot over the net. Everyone was amazed. I called The Mr and had him come over to see. We stood there beaming with pride.

Landon rode home with his Dad, I got in my car to meet them there. As I started the car I thought: "This is my perfect day!" No stress, kids are healthy and happy, work is going well, 80 degree weather at the cute tennis courts in my neighborhood, and my son, even with one arm that doesn't work as well as the other, has a natural ability for tennis. I thanked God. I had to acknowledge when everything is going RIGHT. I had been caught in the groove of stress and worry and had to remind myself this is nowhere to hang out! This was a perfect day. I was enjoying every second.

That night I went back to the same area for dinner with The Mr. As he parked the car I was still reveling in my perfect day. Then I remembered my sweater. I was a little sad about it being gone, but I was not going to let it ruin my perfect day! I asked the parking attendant if he had seen it. He went into his office and came out with it. I squealed and hugged him. He was smiling too.

I felt lucky. I felt blessed. I felt grateful.

There may be more stressful days, but I am learning that the "perfect" ones are closer than you think.

Top Baby Names Of 2011!

2012-01-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

I love this list. No idea why. I think it's because I was a Sociology major in college and I wonder about how society influences us!! I must say I know a ton of Sophias, Isabellas, and Avas! I get a slight sense of satisfaction in seeing my kids are not in the top 20! What do you think of this list? Anything surprise you? I saw Kaylee on there and about fell over. See how the news creeps in? (Casey Anthony's poor daughter).

Top 100 names of the year

Girls' Names

Boys' Names

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T05:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my dear readers out there....thank you for listening, reading, commenting and being great bloggy friends. I hope this 2012 brings you everything your hearts desire.

For me that means:

More chances to wear Lilly

Some time with The Mr. on a fabulous beach

Happy times with the kids

and maybe some Michael McDonald...cause I love him!

What would you like to have in this New Year? (we will get to resolutions later). What's on your hearts desire list?

Christmas Recap and a let down?

2011-12-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

Christmas was fun around here but busy. Got my purple and pink tree up early this year...

Mantle was ready for Santa to come fill the stockings!

And when Santa came the kids went crazy.

Later that day in Lake Arrowhead we opened even more presents and got to have a blast with family....

But after it all....sitting here I feel a little...Holiday let down! So many fun events, so many great times and then a kind of silence! Are you feeling it? I think this means it's time to kick it in gear for 2012. I need to get those resolutions brewing. How was your Holiday?

White Elephant Party

2011-12-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

I went to three white elephant parties this year but this one was hilarious and fabulous! Our host, Shannan, is a Cordon Blue trained chef so the menu was outstanding! She made White Truffle Risotto. I am telling you, you have NOT LIVED, until you have had it!!

Served with shaved white truffle on top as well as truffle oil! I DIE! So good. Shannan is all about the details and as you know "Love Is In The Details!"

She also served lamb. So good! We could not have been more happy for girl time. She had poppers for us with gifts inside.

We rocked those silly crowns and then moved on to the gifts! Normally a White Elephant is defined as a gift no one wants that you re-gift. Each person brings one wrapped gift. You determine in what order you will take turns choosing gifts. The first person opens a wrapped gift and the turn ends. The second person then chooses whether to open a wrapped gift or "steal" a previously opened gift. If a person has their gift stolen, they also have the option of choosing a wrapped gift or stealing an unwrapped one. When a wrapped gift is opened, the turn ends. When all gifts have been unwrapped, the game ends! You can imagine how rowdy it gets.

We play with nice gifts so even higher stakes! We set a limit of $30 and people brought gorgeous things! I brought a silver plate leaf server from an antique shop and Shannan picked it and loved it.

Even "Frenchy" the dog though the evening was a hit!

Gingerbread Party!

2011-12-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

Bestie outdid herself again at this years Gingerbread Party. Such a great idea and the kids had the best time!

Coco couldn't wait to break into the candy...

She made placemats for each of the kids. Could you die?

She had our adult buffet set out with my hostess gift to her from last year! But hubby was drooling over the ham she was cooking.

The kids had a ball.

So did us girls.

And Coco got to be with her Bestie too.

Life is good.

Best Christmas Music- EVER

2011-12-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am really in the spirit this year.
Feeling thankful and happy to see so much joy in my childrens faces. We are literally pumping the Christmas music out of every corner of the house and every car ride. I am loving it!

I love Christmas music and have my usual favorites. The ones that just make me tear up, or smile even in the worst moments! Here are my top 5 this year:

1. The Christmas Waltz by Frank Sinatra- His voice, and the words...love it. "It's that time of year, when the world falls in love....."

2. Have Yourself A Merry Christmas - James Taylor version! Have you heard this? So sweet.

3. This Christmas- Donny Hathaway- Brilliant!!

4. Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Can't get this one out of my head! Landon's favorite!

5. Oh Holy Night- This is the Mariah Carey version. I tear up every time. The words are so powerful.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

One Fabulous Mom's Christmas List!

2011-12-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Just in case in anyone's reading.....HINT!

Here are some things I am wishing and drooling for!

1) Tickets to the Michael Jackson Cirque Du Soleil show!

I saw a five second clip of this on the news and nearly passed out. I want to go!

2) Monogrammed Bracelet!

From here! http://www.dannijo.com/product_info.php?products_id=620

3) Tory Burch Leopard Flats!

4) Brown Leather boots by Steven Intyce

http://www.zappos.com/steven-intyce-cognac-leather

5) Kate Spade Black Heels- Licorice

Those are just a few things I am dying over. What's on your list?

Holiday Gift Guide For Toddlers!

2011-12-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share with you what Miss Coco will be getting this Christmas as well as some other things I just think are the best!

Can't beat this princess tent from Overstock.com! $29! http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Discovery-Kids-Indoor-Outdoor-Princess-Play-Castle/5307188/product.html

You can bet I got this on cyber Monday! This bounce house is for two or three kids and makes playdates a snap! Blows up in minutes!!

Got it on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bounceland-Castle-Inflatable-Bounce-Bouncer/dp/B001EHJ7GG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323309393&sr=8-2

Coco thinks she is moving to Paris asap and who am I to judge....

Now the even offer dvds 1-6!
http://www.amazon.com/Early-Lingo-Colors-Shapes-French/dp/B004GIIVTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323784758&sr=8-1

Coco loves gummies and since these are healthy they are going in her stocking! Yeah Tasty Brand!

http://www.amazon.com/Tasty-Brand-Organic-0-8-Ounce-24-Count/dp/B004U49T36/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323784880&sr=8-2

Coco played with these Mega Blocks at Uncle Wakeys house for hours! Had to get her some from Santa!!

Get them here: http://www.amazon.com/Megabloks-80pc-Mega-Bloks-Pink/dp/B000MDOYZW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323785022&sr=8-2

And of course many princess things for my little lady because she is my princess.

What are your little darlings getting? I will show you my wish list next!

Christmas Tea- Peacock Theme!

2011-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy bee, shopping for Christmas, working and juggling fun activities like the yearly Christmas Tea!

I absolutely feel so honored I have been able to host a tea table three years in a row! This year was a Peacock theme. I think JoAnne, my co host and I outdid ourselves!!

Take a closer look:

Notice the peacock napkin ring holders and each guest received either a peacock necklace, or earrings! Custom made! How fabulous is that!

Other tables nearby were great too. Look at this one with the boas!

Here's a more classic one....

Aren't we a cute group! All my preschool Mommie friends. Love them! At the church service before they always read "A Cup Of Christmas Tea". This is one of those read aloud books, where you realize just what Christmas is all about. Perfect to give to a girlfriend!! Get it on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Cup-Christmas-Tea-Tom-Hegg/dp/0931674980/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323307894&sr=8-1

What fun events are you going to this season?

And The Winner Of My Papercourt Press Give Away Is:

2011-12-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

Shauna at Satori Design for Living!!! Congratulations darling! You have won 50 Holiday cards of your choice!!! Quick like a bunny email Courtney at: courtney@papercourtpress.com and give her all your info!! So happy for you!!!

Thanks to Papercourt Press!

I might have to head over there now and buy one of these monogrammed phone covers!!!

Cyber Monday Christmas Card Give Away With Paper Court Press!

2011-11-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Calling all shoppers! My dear friend at Paper Court Press has agreed to NOT ONLY do a give away but also a discount on her Holiday cards this year! She is GIVING AWAY 50 cards with envelops to one lucky winner! She is also offering 20% off orders of 125 cards or more (through this weekend) using the code ONEFABMOM!!

Read below to see how to enter to win 50 free holiday cards! She did mine and I LOVE THEM!!!

To win the free 50 cards enter by leaving a comment and telling me how many entries you have!

1 entry- Like Papercourt Press on Facebook Here: http://www.facebook.com/PaperCourtPress

1 entry- Like One Fabulous Mom on Facebook Here: http://www.facebook.com/OneFabulousMom
1 entry- Follow Papercourt Press on Twitter Here: http://twitter.com/#!/papercourtpress
1 entry- Follow One Fabulous Mom on Twitter Here: http://twitter.com/#!/Onefabulousmom
1 entry- for a comment on which card is your favorite on: Paper Court Press website!

Good luck!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! We have carted the family down to Nashville (or Nash-Vegas) to see my family. Granddad and Minnie Moo are fabulous hosts. They took us to The Stockyard for dinner.

The Stockyard has quite a history, it used to be the livestock company trading offices back in 1926 for 50 years! Now you can get amazing steaks and seafood in their restaurant. The kids have been having a ball as we make our rounds to the Science Center, Chuck E Cheese, and today the Madagascar Ice Sculpture Show!

While we were here we got to witness my cutie pie half brother get baptized and The Mr and I were sponsors. I had tears in my eyes. What a special day! Good times in Nashville. How's your Thanksgiving? Hope you are having a good time with family!

Christmas Tea Time Again!

2011-11-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past two years I have co hosted a table at a Christmas Tea. It's such a wonderful event. First a holiday church service with an inspirational speaker, then we sit down to tea and are waited on by butlers!

Here's my table from the first year I did the tea. A woodland theme!

Loved the birds nests!

The next year we did a more fun table that was all about what every girl wants for Christmas! Shoes, jewelry and bags!

Notice the gold shoes on the table! Everyone got a set of bangles to take home too. This year we are trying to out do ourselves, and although bestie is not hosting with me this year :( , I may pull it off. Our theme this year?

PEACOCK!

Here are some of my inspirations from Pinterest:

Going to be fabulous! Can't you just see the table!!!

Kitchen Reveal! My New Cork Floors!

2011-11-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

When we moved into our house it had orange shag carpet and dark brown wood walls. Everywhere. The kitchen was no exception. The darkest room in the house! Since the whole house needed a facelift we decided to do a cosmetic makeover in the kitchen. We painted the cabinets white, got new silver drawer pulls and then....nothing. We were debating floors, counter tops etc. Finally we decided on cork floors.

Here's the before pic:

This was what was underneath the yellow and brown stained glass pattern linoleum. Yes, doo doo brown checkerboard linoleum! YUCKO!

Now look at my new cork floors!!

Not only does it hide dirt but it's warm and soft! Shelby our dog loves the floors. And what is that peaking out? That pop of canary yellow?

That's right friends, my bamboo chairs! Can you believe someone had thrown these away? Hubby had them redone and painted for us. I LOVE THEM!

Now on to counter tops and wall paper! Let me ask you....here's our Jonathan Adler wall paper.

It's going over the little nook area.

With our canary yellow chairs, and our white table (have to find) what color would you do the counter tops?

Do tell!

Perfect Children

2011-11-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

See these perfect children dressed in gingham? Off to a farm party at school last week. (Ignore the light up shoes, I do) Yes Landon has a pink cast now. We've had red, green, blue, orange and now pink. Two more casts to go....hope they have enough colors!!

Anyway these perfect children....

Make me forget that before this Coco went into my makeup drawer and put on "lip gloss".

Can't turn your back on her for a second. Mascara on the lips. Dontcha love it? I'm getting her a job at Sephora.

Halloween Recap- Is This Christmas?

2011-11-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

The trick or treat party was hard to pull off (why does Halloween have to be on a work day?!) but, we did it and the kids had a blast. Once again I used my neighbor Cooking Underwriters tables, chairs and table cloths. Thanks She She!

I had simple pumpkins I painted on the adults tables. One said "Boo", one said "Holla-ween", and one said "Keep Calm, Scare On!" Hahahaa.

I had a craft laid out for the kids. You can see Cinderella Coco even got right in there. I went to the bar! I love my caldron as drink holder!

We served wine, beer and Apple Cider Margaritas! Notice Landon left his Halloween light up card from Grandmommie on the table!

The kids had "English Mummies" and "Candy Corn Pizza!" You can see it was a hit!

The adults had Dip in a Pumpkin, Devils on Horseback and of course GRILLED CHEESES!

My neighborhood has amazing trick or treating. Everyone decks out their houses, there are barely any cars driving around. The number of kids in the streets is unbelievable. It's sheer heaven for them. Landon was so excited he was running and screaming all over the lawn "I see Trick Or Treaters!!!" I realized. For them, this is like Christmas!!!

We couldn't wait any longer so we lined them up....(notice Landon Dragon, and Coco Sleeping Beauty) and we hit the streets!

Landon Dragon and Elvis were buddies.

The neighbors didn't know what hit 'em! Our kids said "thank you" every time. So proud.

Besties Sarah and Coco held hands all night! Everyone had a ball. And of course we came back and had our RIP Pudding!!!

How was your Halloween?