Monday, February 28, 2011

Milk and Cookies


My oldest one is home sick today. She is snuggled up on the couch watching countless episodes of The Wizards of Waverly Place and Good Luck Charlie, sipping 7-up and taking it easy. Trying to keep the other wee ones entertained, we decided to make some homemade cookies. My husband bought me a standing mixer for Christmas and it is high time I used it. In my defense I would have used it earlier but after my adorable (but not so handy) hubby tried to fix a broken outlet, we are now down to a single outlet that works in the kitchen. Since we are about to undertake a kitchen remodel, we have done nothing to remedy the situation. So...I hauled out the mixer and an extension cord! We opted for one of my husband's favorite cookies, one of many variations of the famous Neiman Marcus cookie. Maybe it's just me, but warm, fresh baked cookies make all right in the world.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Teacupcakes


I love getting packages in the mail. I especially love getting packages with presents inside for no particular reason at all. My lovely cousin Devon made my day by sending me a set of adorable silicone teacup cupcake molds that she found at Z Gallerie. They even come with little saucers. The girls and I have been having lots of fun using them for our fancy tea parties. Today we were in the mood for chocolate! Thank you Devon!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Ice Pops


It has been just warm enough to enjoy an afternoon popsicle. The girls have been dying to make our own and I found a cheap popsicle mold on sale at Target so I figured why not give it a whirl. We haven't tried anything too fancy yet, but yesterday's pink lemonade ice pops were a big hit. I think it is time for some adult ice pops next. I want to try Bobby's Flay's Sangria ice pops very soon!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Ramona and Beezus


We took our own little Ramona and Beezus to watch this movie on Sunday. (It was $1 popcorn and soda day!). The girls and I have been reading the books are I honestly wasn't expecting the movie to come close. I was wrong. It was much better than I was anticipating. Cute story, good cast, plenty of humor, kid appropriate and frankly who doesn't love a little Josh Duhamel eye candy! The girls are excited to keep reading and they are hoping for a sequel.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Minnie Mouse Party


L turned 4 recently and for the second year in a row she requested a minnie mouse party. This is a girl who loves everything Minnie. In fact, if there is a polka dot anywhere, on anything she dubs it a Minnie. Because her birthday fell on a Monday and because J was out of town for the week, we opted for a small party at home with a few friends. Dinner was pizza, salad and fresh fruit. Dessert was cupcakes and lots of candy. I am the least crafty person around, but the girls and I had so much fun with a few projects for the party. We made Minnie Mouse centerpieces by painting styrofoam balls black and attaching two smaller round ones to a large round one. I originally saw this idea at this adorable minnie party. We cut out lots of minnie faces to use for signs and gift bags. My favorite project was the pinata. Since they only make a pink minnie pinata and L wanted red I copied a project I saw here to make one more consistent with the party. In the original, she creates a pinata from scratch using a large diaper box. Not quite brave enough to attempt it on my own, I purchased the mickey mouse pinata and covered it in layered, black crepe paper and a signature red polka dot bow. L loved it. I hated to throw it away at the end of the night. Another highlight for the girls were the "minnie mannies." I painted fingernails red and added white polka dots. L had a great time celebrating with her friends and was thrilled to receive a beach towel, sunglasses, coloring book, markers, water bottle, backpack and pajamas all featuring the one and only minnie. When J got home we celebrated again with a trip to Disneyland. As a special treat we took L to the Pat E. Cake Party at Carnation Plaza with Minnie and Mickey. The kids got to decorate their own minnie cake and meet the infamous duo. All in all it was okay. Not sure I would do it again or recommend it to others. Here's to hoping next year we celebrate with a different theme!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Despicable Me


If you haven't seen Despicable Me yet - go! This is my favorite kid movie of the summer. Steve Carell is genius as Gru and Margot, Edie and Agnes will melt your hearts. It is incredibly rare that a film can appeal to adults and be equally appropriate for kids. Despicable Me gets it right! So get your popcorn and enjoy!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Swing!


I have never met a kids who didn't love to swing. We recently put up an inherited swing set in our backyard and the kids are in heaven. They can spend hours swinging, perfecting the perfect pump and daring dismount. I am in heaven too. I love watching these pure moments of joy. Now and then I get asked for a push and I love those smiling faces staring back at me as the whoosh of the swing throws there hair back in the wind. I vow to never live in a house without a swing again!