Plan & play

Photo Journal from Scotland

2013-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Saint Andrews, East Neuk and Edinburg

More Scotland here

Off we go... to Istanbul

2013-05-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

"Don't tell me how educated you are, tell me where you have traveled..."

Prophet Mohammad

Appropriate thoughts for our trip to Turkey... Full report when we're back.

In the meantime I will leave you with some posts from last Summer's trip to the UK and Ireland. I hope you like them.

See you back here in couple of weeks.

20/52

2013-05-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

I quick stop at the store for some last minute shopping... They kiddos can't help themselves...

Happy Monday everybody!

Easy pillow cover

2013-05-16T04:00:00.000-04:00

This pillow was so easy to make... I did not take many pictures. I will explain it step by step, in case you want to give this a try:

You need:

Pillow form - I used 18"x18" (these go on sale 50% off quite often at Joanns)
Fabric for both the front and back of the pillow - I have been wanting a Union Jack pillow for a while so on our trip to England, last year, I got myself a tea towel and turned it into a pillow, I used regular white fabric for the back.

Instructions:

Before cutting the fabric use a ruler to draw the outline of the pillow with a fabric pencil to the exact measument of the pillow form (18x18). Cut allowing 1/2 inch allowance for the seam. Cut two pieces from your backing fabric that are the same length of the pillow, but 4 inches shorter on the width. My pieces were 18 x 14 (with 1/2 inch seam allowance).
Create hems on the 2 shorter pieces by folding the fabric over towards the back 1/2 inch and iron.
Next, lay your front fabric piece face up. Lay one of the backing pieces on top, facing down, so right sides are together. Position the raw edge of the backing piece on the left edge of the front piece. The hemmed edge will be in the middle. Pin in place.
Lay the other backing piece on top with the raw edge aligned with the right edge of the front fabric piece. The hemmed sides will overlap in the middle. Pin in place.
Sew around all four edges using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Remove your pins and trim the corners.
Turn the pillow case right side out. Using the eraser end of a pencil, push your corners out. The pillow case is done! Put your pillow form into the case. The back pieces will overlap nicely in the back.

And you've got a new Union Jack pillow! It's really that easy. Give it a try!

See another easy pillow here and how to embellish your pillow here

Farro salad

2013-05-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

I have been in a healthy eating kick as of late... Mostly trying to stay away from meats (really, trying my hardest to keep a vegan lifestyle... Some days are good, other not...) Here is a colorful salad recipe I've tried and loved, I wanted to share it with you

Farro Salad

Ingredients:

4 cups water
10 ounces farro (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
1 pound tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 sweet onion chopped
1/4 cup snipped fresh chives
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Combine the water and farro in a medium saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the farro is tender, about 30 minutes. Drain well, and then transfer to a large bowl to cool.

Add the tomatoes, onion, chives, and parsley to the farro, and toss to combine.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add the vinaigrette to the salad and toss to coat.

The salad can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Recipe from here

See other healthy salads here

19/52

2013-05-13T12:43:00.000-04:00

Running errands and visiting with friends... It was a lovely weekend indeed.

Have a great week everybody!

The {Unofficial} Atlanta day tour

2013-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00

So, the husband has been on a business trip in Malaysia for couple of weeks now, we have been living vicariously through his time there (the little free time he gets is spent visiting the sites and indulging on the food). He calls us everyday and tell us about the places he has visited, so that got me thinking... If a friend was to come to town and ask me what to do for the day... What would I suggest?

Here are my {humble}suggestions, feel free to leave a comment with any suggestions:

Start your day with a yummy breakfast from West Egg Cafe

Picture from here

Make your way to The High Museam of Art - Free the first Saturday of every month to Bank of America card holders and Fulton County residents.

Picture from here

Visit the permanent exhibition. Make sure to check the calendars to see the temporary exhibitions too... Don't forget to let the kiddos discover their inner artists at the Greene Family Learning Gallery

Picture from here

After getting a dose of art, walk your way to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Picture from here

Or even better, take a walk at Piedmont Park (right next door to the Botanical Gardens) - If there is a festival going on, hang around for some people watching and food tasting from our local food trucks

Picture from here

Or pick up a picnic lunch from Metro Fresh and leisure walk the park... Great views of the city!!!

Picture from here

If you are craving a change of scenery, head to Virginia Highland (just a short drive) for window shopping and people watching.

Picture from here

Once you worked up an appetite, choose from a variety of restaurants around Virginia Highland for dinner (Murphy's is a favorite but there are many others, with different price ranges)

Save some space for an after dinner treat. Walk up to Paolo's and grab a gelato... Call it a day...

I hope you like my Atlanta-in-a-day itinerary... I had fun putting it together.

For other things to do around our town, go here.

Atlanta Area Photographer

2013-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

Hey there... Did I forget to mention I take family portraits?

How sweet are these girlies! They were so great too... Such a pleasure to photograph.

Contact me at planandplay1{at}gmail{dot}com to set up a photoshoot!

18/52

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

She: Looking forward to our trip to Turkey... (Did you hear the news?... Go here to the the scoop)
He: So done with school... Ready for the Summer to start.

Happy Monday friends!

Menu for the week

2013-05-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

Chicken tortilla soup/Salad
Potato, cheese and bacon pie/Salad
Braised butter beans over polenta
Potato Tikka Masala/Basmati rice

Breakdown:

Aldi $25
Kroger $20

It's been awhile since I share thoughts about school lunches (need a refresher? Go here and here)... Ann Cooper is a hero! Tell it like it is Ann...

I credit Jamie Oliver for showing me the way our schools are feeding our children. He's pretty awesome too.
Have a good weekend!

Where in the world?

2013-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hello friends, I'd like to tell you about what we're scheming.

We are going to Turkey!!! So excited about that! Really busy doing some research right now. Be nice and share any tips if you have them... And thank you!

Someone (Miss V) is already getting inspired...
The kids are getting excited, everyone in their own way... Miss V is intrigued by the Whirling Dervishes and the little man is day dreaming about the food...

Let the planning begin!

The breakfast project

2013-04-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

My sister shared with me a recipe for Bolivian empanadas (turnovers) that she learned from her friend from - guess where?... Bolivia!!! - Last time I ate them, I was preggers with the littlest... All of the sudden, the conversation of the empanadas came up recently when I was talking to her... I was obliged to make them again.

WOW are these empanadas good!!!... And super easy too... Just a few ingredients, so yummy. Here is what you do to make Salteñas Bolivianas (Bolivian empanadas):

Ingredients:

1 packet of empanada discs for frying, 10 discs per pack - Brand recommended: Goya
1 small bunch of green onions, chopped
1 cup of shredded mozzarella
Powder sugar for dusting
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Mix 1 cup of shredded mozzarella with the chopped green onions.
Place a small amount (about 2 Tbsps) in the center of the disc, moisten your finger in a little bowl with water and wet the edges of the disc.
Bring the edges together and press them firmly with a fork, to avoid opening while frying.
Fry empanadas in batches of 2 on a pan with enough oil to cover them... (Make sure the oil is hot enough)
When the empanadas are golden brown, remove from oil, drain and lightly sprinkle with powered sugar.

Few ingredients... Really good empanadas... Enjoy them friends!

17/52

2013-04-29T07:30:00.000-04:00

At the library... Doing research for our next trip...

More on our next family trip later this week.

Have a good week everybody!

Menu for the week

2013-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Gnocchi with tomato and pesto sauce/Salad
Socca with tomato, cucumber and feta salad
Rotisserie chicken/Green beans/Rice
Braised beans over mashed potatoes

Breakdown:

Aldi $ 25
Kroger $24

With thunderstorms in the forecast this weekend's plans have been pretty much squashed. We will hunkerdown in the basement and do scrapbooking, watch movies, maybe go the the library...

Regarless the weather, I hope you have a good weekend

Around our house

2013-04-25T04:00:00.000-04:00

Lately...

Covered refrigerator with Instagram, just because

English muffin bread gifted by our neighbour... So, so good

Miss V, inspired

See more pictures from around our house here and here

Through their eyes

2013-04-23T04:00:00.000-04:00

Continuing on with our adventure in California, we split out time between National Parks, exploring and city dwelling. Here are some pictures from our time in San Francisco:

Boat trip to explore Alcatraz - I won't lie to you, this was a little scary, even for me, but very interesting for sure.

Visiting Twin Peaks for breathtaking views of the city

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and taking in the view from Battery Spencer

Riding cable cars + stopping and exploring the streets around

Hanging out at Alamo Square and sketching the painted ladies

Watching the seals interact at Pier 39, Highly entertaining, need I say more?

Other highlights: Dim sum in questionable Chinatown establishment, sourdough bread, giving our legs a work out, San Francisco style and sun shining... Yes, the sun shined the whole time. We are lucky ducks... It was all good!

See more pictures from California here and go here to see all "Through my kiddos eyes" posts.

16/52

2013-04-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Springtime is in full swing...

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Menu for the week

2013-04-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Pizza Margarita/Salad
Venezuelan BBQ (grilled chicken, steak, sausages, yuca, pebre, grilled onions)
Chicken noodle soup/Salad
Chicken and steak tacos/Refried beans

Breakdown:

Aldi $22
Costco $13
Kroger $25
Super H $5

We have all sorts of fun activities plan for this weekend: Mom and daughter scrapbooking day, son and dad school carnival, a dear friend is coming over to hang out with us on Saturday and we'll be BBQing with our neighbors on Sunday... It's going to be a good one... I hope yours is good too.

Through their eyes

2013-04-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

When I think back on all the things we did on this trip to California it feels a little overwhelming. However, our time there was relaxing, fun and most definitely unforgettable. We truly enjoyed ourselves immensely. Exploring National Parks is addictive, I want to see more of them... Here are some highlights of our visit to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

Breathtaking Sequoias... 'nough said

General Sherman and General Grant - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

Grizzly Giant - Yosemite National Park:
Sequoias tunnels - Cheesy? Yes. Fun, even for grown ups? You betcha!!!...

Climbing Moro Rock - Sequoia National Park

Enjoying the very fist view of Yosemite Valley at the Tunnel View stop, simply amazing - Yosemite National Park

Taking the Junior Ranger pledge very seriously (if you have kids, I highly recommend doing the Junior Ranger, it is just such a good way to introduce kids to conservation and preservation) - At Yosemite National Park

Hiking Mist trail all the way to the top of Vernal Falls - Wow, this hike was so much fun, I totally recommend it - Yosemite National Park

Lazing around in the meadow - Among other things we: cloud shape gazed, played bullfights, snoozed off...

Sprinkle in among all of these a few junior ranger badges, beautiful weather, delicious picnic lunches and spotting wildlife everywhere... Ah, I wish I was there right now!

I am currently working on a "Through their eyes" post from San Fransisco, look for it here, next week.

See more of the kids favorites activities while visiting a new town or country here

We are back

2013-04-16T11:26:00.000-04:00

I could quote John Muir here about all the beauty of California's Sierra Nevada but I will spear you... You simply must go and see it for yourselves... We are back recharged and inspired. I wish I was still there! I miss it... A lot!

We are tired friends, these few weeks (before and after the trip) have been really busy for us. Pictures will be trickled down slowly as I am still working up the strength to get back into the swing of thing...

I hope you have a good week!

15/52

2013-04-15T11:26:00.001-04:00

California Edition:

He: Milestone! First baby tooth lost, while on vacation. My baby is not longer a baby :( The next day, after this picture was taken, another tooth was lost... We staring a new era friends... Trying my hardest to not burst out crying.

She: Her favorite activity when traveling... Sketching - As first documented here! I treasure all of her sketchings... I am foreseeing a Moleskine in a pretty color for her birthday.

Menu for the week

2013-04-12T11:26:00.000-04:00

Vegetarian Spring rolls with spicy sauce
Pasta with pesto/Chopped salad
White chicken chilli/Salad
Garbanzo and orzo salad

Breakdown:

Costco $19
Aldi $25
Kroger $14
Super H $7

I hope you are enjoying the Spring weather out there. Ours has been eradic... Some hot days follow by some cold days... Sprinkle some tornado warning and tons of pollen and you know... It is Spring here in the good old South.

I hope you are taking advantage of it, wherever you are!

Happy weekend everybody!

Scenes from NYC

2013-04-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

A sail tour of the Hudson River

Can't get enough of this lady

Scenes from NYC

2013-04-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn's Prospect Park

DUMBO

Views of Manhattan, by day

and by night

Scenes from NYC

2013-04-09T07:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pictures from our mother-daughter day in NYC. See more here.

Bicycling around Central Park (more scenes from Central Park here and here)