We LOVE Halloween!

This is Brody's 4th Halloween and we love costumes. This year he wanted to be a juice box so we said "why not" and made him one. Definitely a labor of love. See below for Brody's costumes through the years as well as Piper's first Halloween as a little punk rock baby. Her mohawk will be perfected tonight. Happy Halloween!

Brody 2005

"Man Eating Shark"

Brody 2006

"Yoda"

Brody 2007

"Breakdancer"

Brody 2008

"Juice Box"

Piper 2008

"Punk Baby"

My Computer

This is my computer and I love it. Besides actual people in my life, it is my number one best "thing" friend. I love having a desktop. I prefer having a desktop. It keeps me centered. Yes, my screen is a 24-inch. Yes, it way too big for my tiny little media center at the top of our stairs. It was worth every penny of my investment. It is a definite favorite thing.

Little Tikes Swing

Best $19.99 investment ever! We bought this Little Tikes swing at Toys R Us for Brody and now our little Piper is enjoying it. She likes to hang on to the ropes with both hands, as if she is hanging on for dear life. It's hilarious. We hung it where the garage and the driveway meet and we put it up as we use it and take it right down. Piper swings happily while all the big kids play and since she is in the open I know she likes the breeze (although it's still like 90 degrees here so there isn't much breeze). Anyhow, if you don't have one, you should.

Post-it Notes

Ok, so I never knew that I had a problem, until I tried using other Post-it notes that are not lined. It was awful. Things didn't look right and it wasn't organized perfectly. So I had to switch back to my yellow, lined Post-it notes. They are stuck all over my computer and the keep me organized. Honestly they are one of my favorite things. I have my general to-do list, my 4 things I want to do list, my work list and my bible verses note. They are all on my computer with perfect lined notes on them. Yes, I am that person who makes a list with pen and if I write something wrong I can't just cross it out, I have to start over! Ha!

Do you shop?

I am looking for someone who wants to be my "No Shopping" blogger for November. Now I know this will be a hard one since it is so close to Christmas, but maybe it would be good for someone who usually procrastinates on Xmas gifts or we could make a rule that would okay some Christmas shopping.

Times are tough right now and if you are searching for a way to get rid of a bad shopping habit (like I did) and you want to do it in a fun way, then let me know! Leave a comment with your email address and I will email you!

Cuddle Bugs

Once I found out we were having a girl, I started looking at bedding for the nursery. I am so picky about that kind of stuff and I already knew that first, I would only use the chamois Pottery Barn Kids sheets and second, I didn't want her crib set to be all pink. I was finding that I didn't like any of the patterns out there and I looked everywhere!! And, why would I pay so much money if I didn't want half of the stuff in the set like the sheets or the pillows. After a few months of looking and the only thing I barely liked was over $500, I knew I would have to look at another option. So I started to look into having them custom made. I found Cuddle Bugs Custom Baby online and as soon as I found it I started creating Piper's bedding! By doing it this way I could pick mostly brown fabrics so I wasn't overwhelmed with pink, and I could pick the way everything was laid out, including the type of dust ruffle because I only like the single pleated kind. I put in my order and paid around $375 for the dust ruffle and the bumper. When it arrived 8 weeks later (order early) I was thrilled! The quality was above my expectations and it was worth every penny. I would rather pay the $375 for two perfect items then buy a whole set with things I don't need and fabrics I don't love. I am so bummed that you can't see the dust ruffle in the picture above, it's straight out of PBK. I definitely recommend using cuddle bugs if you can't find what you are looking for. The fabrics I chose are below!

main

dust ruffle

inside

trim

Cupcake pops

I am so excited about these chocolate cupcake pops by Bakerella. I saw her on Martha Stewart and fell in love with these tiny little cupcakes dipped in candy. But why do I really love them? Because I get to make them for a party I was hired to do! Woohoo. Wish me luck.

Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow

Now if you are a part of the blogging world you have probably already read about Gwyneth Paltrow's website and emails called Goop. But, for all of my non-blogging friends, I wanted to share a new definite favorite. Goop is a website, or newsletters you can subscribe to that are about nourishing the inner aspect. The emails dish about food, places, fashion, things to do and see and spirituality. I have already received an email with recipes, about Paris, on fashion and on spirituality. I love getting them, in fact I can't wait to receive one. And even if I'm not planning a trip to Paris soon, I appreciate reading about her favorites. I have always liked and respected Gwyneth Paltrow. I love her fashion taste, her exercise regime, her daughter's name (Apple), and so much more. So these emails provide a little bit of insight into her life and her fabulous taste. Go to www.goop.com and sign up for her newsletter! Below is a picture from one of her newsletters with an outfit I am trying to duplicate for Fall!

Not a favorite, but an opinion

Today as I was driving back from Costco there were a bunch of people with their Prop 8 signs near the entrance to the freeway. They were just out there supporting their view when a car of about 5 people drove by putting their hands out giving them the thumbs down and flicking them off while screaming whatevers out of their mouth. Seriously, why? You don't have to agree with them but to have a total lack of respect, I mean come on. When did this country get like this? 

I remember when I was in high school and college my peers would say, "I'm never having kids because I don't want to bring them into a world like this." I scoffed at their remarks knowing that I would one day bring children into this world. But lately with the hatred in the media and the total lack of respect people have for one another, I feel so sad for my children because I am afraid of the world they are growing up in, a world that has so much good but the bad is so bad. I don't know about you but I feel like it has all happened in recent years. The media picks apart anyone famous in the most cruel and demoralizing ways. When was it ever okay to demean a 16 year old? Or when was it ever anyone's business what kind of marriage or addiction celebrities had? It's mind boggling to me why we care so much about the personal habits, sorrows, or lives of so-called celebrities. Shouldn't we only care about their acting or singing? Why do we allow the media to report on aspects of famous peoples' lives that are totally private? I don't get it.

One thing that bothers me a lot is that it is okay for people to bash the President of the United States (any president). I definitely understand if you do not like him or do not agree with him. But to bash him at awards shows, through skits on tv and in written media. I'm not talking about plain disagreement, I'm talking about using defamatory words. I think that as Americans we should be respectful, even if we disagree. Key word=respect. Our children will grown up believing that no one is off limits to bash. I mean if they watch celebrities saying horrific things about the President, who is off limits? No one. It's okay in today's culture to belittle anyone in public. Freedom of speech has gone too far and I am afraid we cannot go back. I am afraid that my children will never understand the true definitions of respect and tolerance because they never see them practiced. I am afraid for my children to ever be in the spotlight because I know that no one is protected anymore and it would break my heart to see them ripped to shreds. I feel sorry for whomever wins the Presidential race, they have no chance. A President will never get the respect they deserve anymore.

It all makes me sad. Sad that people treat each other the way they do. Sad that children watch adults scream at people who accidently bumped into them or watch their parents treat other people like dirt. And I guess my question is, how do I protect my children and teach them to be good people and good citizens when I feel like all their other influences will teach them the opposite? How do I not only teach them, but protect them? How do I make sure it's not my child flicking off people of an opposing view? And, how do I stop myself from crying every time I think about how inhumane people can be?

Chili

I always have a can of Hormel Vegetarian Chili with Beans in the cupboard. It's a great low fat addition to a meal. It tastes great, even my meat-loving husband enjoys it! I feel good about the protein and I love having a vegetarian dinner at least once a week. The best way to have it is on a salad with avocado, salsa, light sour cream, black olives, low-fat cheese and a few low-fat tortilla chips. There are a million other things you can make with it like nachos or burritos. The best part is that it is very satisfying. So stock up! 

Cousins

A personal fav is that my son was blessed with a cousin only 4 months older then him. They are total opposites in every way. But, Brody and Jospehine are a dynamic duo and when they get together they are crazy. It is interesting to hear them screaming and fighting from the other room and wonder what we will see when we get there. But every day that they get older they love each other more and play better together. They are besties and the pictures below (among thousands) will hopefully be displayed at their dual high school graduation party in 15 years.

3 Years Ago

&

Today

Collapsible Colander

A kitchen fav is our collapsible colander. When Mark bought this I totally whined because we already had our "stainless steel- we registered for it years ago for our wedding-Crate and Barrel colander." I didn't understand why we would need a new colander? Ummmm..... because it folds down and is so easy to use, wash and store! I use it everyday and I am so glad he bought it. Our brand is Chefmate, but since we have purchased it there are many brands that make them. Good job Mark, here are some words you don't hear often, "you were right," it was a great buy!

New Adventure

Big announcement for me. I have officially launched my own design business called Creative Nest Designs. I do graphic design/events/marketing. To see my website go to www.creativenestdesigns.com. I am so excited!

Splendid

I love, love, love Splendid clothing. I first coveted it when I saw their baby clothes at Nordstroms. Beautiful and simple dresses in the softest cotton. I love the bright colors and the stripes. But mainly it was the appeal that I wanted to wear it too so I knew it would be cozy for Miss Piper. I heart their women's clothing too and their website is delicious. But it's better to find their stuff at Nordstroms or online at Tutti Bella. Or if you are lucky, as I have been once, you can get it at Loehman's.

Bugaboo

The Bugaboo Stroller is nothing new for sure! I think the first time I heard about it was before I was even pregnant and I knew I just HAD to have one too. So when Brody was a bun in my oven, it was our big purchase. Now the stroller topic has come up a lot over the last few years and two babies. I've been asked numerous times "why on earth would you spend $800+ on a stroller." Ok, so I will tell you why. I am on baby #2 and my stroller works as well as it did the day I got it. It cleans well. It's versatile; baby facing front, baby facing back, baby lying back, or baby in bassinet. It's all terrain (we've been through snow, dirt, hills, sand, mud, etc). It's been everything I need. I've watched other friends buy new strollers for their 2nd baby...but me, I just have my one. When Piper was born we bought the attachment so Brody could stand and ride, no need for a double stroller. I know this stroller could last through a 3rd child if we decide to have one. I love the bugaboo and I recommend it to any parent who wants a great stroller. Just had to share an all time fav.

Anniversary update!

Pics from our anniversary below! It was fabulous and fantastic!

Roses before we left to our getaway

Beautiful view at the St. Regis

5 years and going strong

Beautiful surprise with champagne, chocolates, strawberry's and more!

Feeling Fabulous!

Feeling fabulous is a definite favorite thing! It's our 5 year anniversary tomorrow and we are heading off to the St Regis in Monarch Beach today for a night. I'm feeling a little fabulous right now with anticipation. We will also be having dinner at the Chart House and brunch in the morning at the hotel. Luxury rarely happens anymore so it feels good to enjoy it for a little while, but I'll be just as happy to get back to wearing my sweats and wiping up spit-up on Monday with my kids.

Happy Anniversary Mark! I don't know how you put up with me....but I love you for it. I think our marriage is pretty fabulous in our own way. I love you.

No Shopping Aftermath

So I wanted to update everyone on the aftermath of my "No Shopping" experiment (by the way check out how Chela is doing this month with her no shopping). I am a changed woman, my friend Noel witnessed it first hand yesterday and was a bit shocked. I've only purchased two things since my experiment ended and I am returning one of them. I am very careful about my purchases and want to make sure they are long lasting pieces. I went to Home Goods the day after my ban ended and filled up my cart with pillows, but I felt so guilty because I didn't love them so I left the cart in the back of the store (sorry Home Goods employees). I walked through Nordstroms last night and even though I saw the PERFECT outfit for Fall, I left it there. I went to Pottery Barn Kids and even though I saw some Halloween decorations I would have never left behind, I did. I think that by fasting, I let my body get rid of all my impulses and now they are all gone. I have guilt now that I never had before and I think it's because I understand that I don't really need anything. 

Party Favorites

Here are my favorite pics from a 40th birthday party I was hired to plan. I made everything myself. I did the invites, decorations, flowers, favors and even took the pics for the birthday girl all night! Only thing I did not do was make the cake. Enjoy the pics below!

invitation

cake/favor table (I used wrapping paper for the table runner). 

Cake from All About the Cake in Dana Point.

banner close-up

picture garland

ding dong lollipop favors

twinkies lollipop favors

flowers with a saying she always uses, other flowers had different sayings

more flowers

close up of the confetti I made

Picky Eater?

Brody has never been a picky eater, but I've noticed that since he has become a preschooler he only wants pb&j or macaroni and cheese. This doesn't go over well with me so I have to battle him every day and hear his disappointment when I have to tell him he can't have them all the time. So I tried a new approach to getting him to eat other things and be happy about it. Monday night we had "Make Your Own Burrito Night." I know that he loves doing things himself so why not incorporate that into dinner. Before I knew it he was spooning ground turkey meat, beans, black olives, and cheese onto his tortilla and boy was he excited about it. I thought, well let's try this for lunch. As I suspected, when I picked him up from preschool today he asked for a pb&j and was disappointed when I said no. But when he heard we were having a "Build Your Own Sandwhich Party" for lunch his frown turned upside down. I had purchased the whole wheat hoagie buns and right before my eyes I watched him stack the turkey, cheese (he didn't know it was soy cheese), black olives, avocado, mayo and mustard on. He never eats mustard and I was pretty surprised about the avocado, but he really wanted to keep adding to it. I don't know if this technique will work with your picky eater but it's worth a try. I'm going to keep thinking of meals I can do this with and I will keep adding different veggies to the mix! Just wanted to share!

Whatever, Martha!

Whatever, Martha! is a show on the Fine Living Network hosted by Alexis Stewart (Martha Stewart's daughter) and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt. I love Martha Stewart so I really wanted to catch this when I heard about it. It's a 30 minute show where the two hosts make fun of some of Martha's shows and give their own commentary on their lives and thoughts as well. I wouldn't say that you should stay up waiting to watch this. But, if you have a DVR I would record some and when you feel like sitting down and having a laugh and being entertained I would watch them. I've watched 4 episodes so far and I think it's really cute and they both have funny things to say. Anyhow to read more about the show check it out here.

Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker

I just saw a commercial for this Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker and I want one (too bad I'm not 8 years old). It reminds me of the Easy Bake Oven. I really wish I knew a cute 8-10 year old girl that I could give this to for a birthday or Christmas gift. The set includes:

Cupcake Maker

Microwave container

Mixing Bowl

Cupcake Holder

4 Cupcake mixes

4 Frostings

1 Pack of Sprinkles

1 Spoon/Spreader

4 Cupcake Cups

4 Recipe Cards

You can buy a cupcake carrier separate or the ice cream sandwich maker. It makes cupcakes in 30 Seconds. Does anyone know of a girl who has this and would invite me over to play with it? It's $29.99.