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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

O turned 2 a few weeks ago and we celebrated with a cowgirl party at Nana and Papa's house. I had grand plans but of course in the end life got in the way and things were scaled down. I made horse shoe sugar cookies that the kids decorated, they played in the "watering hole," and took turns on the "pony ride." Lunch was O's favorite - hot dogs, beans and watermelon. Dessert was cupcakes with really cute toppers designed by Miss Pickles press (as were the good grub utensil bags and party favor tags). We finished the day with the pinata (the tackiest psuedo horse ever but O loved it) and a hay ride around the ranch. The best part was spending time with family and our best friends who made the five hour drive to celebrate with us. All the great pictures were taken by the amazing Jason Lee of Lee Photo. The bad, grainy ones were taken by me on my iphone! Up next, L's Minnie Mouse party!

Lewis

We finally did it. After months of debating, we finally broke down and got the girls a dog. We had our hearts (and wallet) set on adopting the newest member of our family. We had been perusing pet finder here and there. Then one day, on our way to see Toy Story 3, we happen to drive by a pet store (Bark-n-Bitches - love the name) with a sign out front that said "pet adoptions." My husband, the long hold out in the pet - no-pet debate said, "why don't we just look." He warned everyone before we went into the store that we were absolutely, under no circumstance getting a dog. We were only looking! Of course everything changed when a cute, scruffy terrier mix crawled into his lap. The next words out of his mouth were. "who wants to keep him!" Lewis has turned out to be a great addition to our family. The girls love him - O maybe too much. Poor Lewis can often be found under the bed hiding from her. He has the sweetest disposition and couldn't be more loving. We are one lucky family.

Sprinkles Cupcake Mix

I love Sprinkles Cupcakes! I remember waiting with bated breath for the original Beverly Hills location to open. I was there on opening day and I have been a fan ever since. I was skeptical when I saw the Sprinkles Cupcake mixes at Williams-Sonoma. They are expensive ($14), they only make 12 cupcakes and I have to do all the work! But when I spotted the spice cupcake mix on sale I had to give them a try. They are delicious! They even come with the cute, signature cupcake toppers.

Living with less

The dollar bin has become my nemesis. My kids see a sale sign and think I will buy anything. We have too many things at our house. Things we don't need. The play room has been in such a state of chaos that I finally broke down and told my girls that they could clean up or I would start donating everything. They called my bluff and chose the donation route. I have since hauled off six garbage bags full of toys. They haven't missed a single thing and neither have I. We are talking a lot more about saving and about things we need versus things we want. We are taking the money we might have wasted on those unnecessary things and instead treating ourselves to fun activities we can do as a family like movies and concerts. I feel liberated!

Chili Colorado

red hot chili pepper ... dried
Originally uploaded by guphotography.com

I am trying to cook at home more. First, it is more economical. Second, I need the practice! My family LOVES Mexican food. If all else fails I know I can make beans and rice and everyone will be happy. My husband's personal favorite is Chili Colorado. Daunted though I was, I tried a recipe from All Recipes promising to be authentic Chili Colorado today. I made a few modifications (adding garlic, tomatoes and a few spices), but after simmering for three hours, it turned out pretty darn good. It is definitely a keeper for our family!

Cupcake play date

pink cupcakes
Originally uploaded by ♥ digitalShe™

I consider myself pretty social, but I sometimes find scheduling play dates for my kids a little daunting between school, homework, classes, and just plain downtime. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful people close by so I am making an effort to host one play date a week ( modest beginning)! Yesterday seven little girls sat at my dining room table and decorated cupcakes. I love to bake, the girls loved to frost and sprinkle and everyone enjoyed eating. Maybe brownies next week!

Halloween Books

Goodnight Goon
Originally uploaded by Chris Devers

As Halloween approaches, we have been reading lots of books about mummy's, witches, ghosts and goblins. Here is a list of a few of our favorites.

1. Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex

2. The Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex

3. Brooms are for Flying by Michael Rex

4. A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee

5. Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee

6. Five LIttle Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino

7. Whoo's There? by Charles Reasoner

8. The Creepies Books by Rose Impey

9. Fancy Nancy Halloween or Bust based on the Jane O'Connor books

10. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (my personal favorite)

Happy Reading!

Stan's donuts

Stan's donuts
Originally uploaded by Donut Stud

I am obsessed with donuts! What's not to love about these deep fried, frosted dough balls of heavenly perfection? Of course not all donuts are created equal and I will admit to being a bit of a donut snob. I have discovered a handful of donut paradises (and I am always on the hunt for more) and hands down, one of my favorites is Stan's Donuts in Westwood. Forbes Magazine even named Stan's the best donuts in America. Everyone in my family has their personal favorites. My husband loves the chocolate round, I'm partial to the coconut and my kids dream of the pink frosted Simpson donut. My oldest daughter is such a fan that for her 5th birthday she requested Stan's donuts instead of cupcakes. Stan surprised her by making a giant Simpson donut that fed 25 kids. I don't think I need to tell you it was a big hit. While we try and eat healthy most of the time, on Saturday mornings like today when my kids wake up and beg for Stan's, I am happy to oblige!

Survivors

pink
Originally uploaded by Parisienne2008~*

This October we celebrate that my mom and aunt are breast cancer survivors! They are amazing, strong women and I am so happy to have them in my life!

Octoberfest

We recently moved into our first house in a new neighborhood and decided a great way to get to know our new neighbors was to have a little party and entice them over with desserts and lots and lots of good beer. BBQ'd hot dogs, chili beans and a bounce house for the kids completed the festivities. We found out we have some fantastic new neighbors and I see many more parties in our future. Here is a picture of the dessert table. The homemade caramel apples I was intent on having had to be tossed after sticking to the wax paper. I followed the instructions, greased the paper with copious amounts of butter, let them chill and still no luck. Oh well, next time...

Martha Stewart Halloween Dessert Table

Oh Martha - how do I love thee? There are few magazines I hold on to, but Martha Stewart demands saving. And for that matter, referring back to for constant inspiration. I love this Halloween dessert table. It makes me want to try my hand at homemade carmel apples!

Image via dragonflydesignstudio via flickr.

Halloween Screamsicle Cupcakes

Halloween Screamsicle Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by Fields of Cake

Love these halloween cupcakes. I am going to have to try fondant decorations soon!

Amy Atlas Halloween Treat Table

Amy Atlas Halloween Treat Table
Originally uploaded by HeatherCooper

I love holidays, big, small and in between. We celebrate everything at our house! Halloween, though, is one of my favorites. I love the fall weather, carnivals, costumes and of course the treats. My idol Amy Atlas has created the most amazing Halloween treat table. If only she could come to my house!