Monday, July 29, 2013

It Finally Happened

Sophia has been anticipating this moment for quite some time. Seems like most of her friends starting losing their teeth about a year ago. And now, her time has finally come:

There were squeals of joy and a few tears shed when she wiggled her tooth out. 
The squeals from Sophia. The tears from me. 
This milestone just cements the fact that Sophia is growing up faster than I want. 
But as my dad would say, "Such is life."

Our "little" girl is really excited for tonight's visit from the Tooth Fairy. 
I hope we don't get too many fairy visits at once. : )

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

** I have updated this recipe since this post. 
Click here to check out the newer and improved version!
But please stick around and read this original post too; the models are pretty darn cute!**

A few days ago, I was craving an oatmeal cookie. But I didn't want the usual with chocolate chips or raisins. I stumbled upon this recipe at Hostess with the Mostess. These cookies are so delish! I've made them twice in the last week. Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. Brown sugar is very moist, so next time I might substitute part of the brown sugar for granulated sugar to give this cookie more of a crisp texture throughout.


BLUEBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES
(originally discovered at Dinner with Julie and doubled below)

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup canola oil
– 
2 cups packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 cups cups old-fashioned oats
– 
2 tsp baking soda
– 
1/2 tsp salt
– 2 cups (or so) fresh blueberries
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Beat the butter, oil and brown sugar until creamy; beat in the egg and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda and salt, then pour this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, a little at a time until fully combined. Finally, add the blueberries and mix well. Drop large spoonfuls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
Makes about 2.5 dozen cookies. 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Best Hubby & Veggies Galore

A few months ago, I mentioned to Darling Hubby how I really wanted a raised vegetable garden. I didn't request anything specific, just something to keep the critters out and the veggies flowing. I would have been totally fine with a prebuilt box. Darling Hubby had something else in mind . . .
The very beginning:
 His outlined vision:
His backbreaking project:

OMG! A 5ft by 9ft garden?! Give a man some tools and a lot can happen. Luckily our friend Erik had everything David needed. And Erik was kind enough to help out on the first box. And because one wasn't enough, David built another "smaller" one just above this monstrosity. The depth on both of these is insane too. Part of our property is on a hillside, so this made for a time consuming project. Not to mention a costly one with having the soil hauled in and placed.

I feel like it took longer than most to get our veggie garden looking prosperous. Not sure if the soil was amended too much or too little or bad seeds or not enough water or too much water (thank goodness for drip lines), etc. But nonetheless, here we are:
We have a lot going on in our boxes. Pictured above: English cucumber, squash, tomatoes, basil, mint, bok choy, and peppers. We also have asparagus, carrots, onions, snap peas, parsley, oregano, and the list goes on.

Looking forward to creating fresh and healthy meals with our bounty. Thank you Darling Hubby. I love you.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Weekend Getaway

It all started with this . . . 
To some, this just looks like an empty bag. And well, they would be correct. But for me, and for any other mommy, this empty bag (for one) represents GIDDINESS.

I was lucky to have a Hall Pass last weekend and meet up with my good friend, Kathie. We decided to meet up in Cambria. It was somewhat of an equal distance drive for the both of us.

El Colibri Hotel aka Home
(at least for a few days)

We wasted no time on Friday . . .

Sunset and oysters? Ok, twist my arm : )

On Saturday we had The Wine Wrangler pick us up and take us wine tasting in the Paso Robles area.

And well, the rest is . . . 

Sophia's First Swim Meet


This is Sophia's first year on swim team. We have been wanting her try it for the past 2 summers, but she never showed any interest. And we didn't want to push her either. But this summer, she asked if she could try it out. We were thrilled she decided to give it a whirl without us mentioning it.

Sophia competed in her first swim meet on Saturday. SHE WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!

25M Freestyle 29.06 seconds
Super close race with being the last in the water.
FIRST PLACE

25M Breast Stroke 49.27s
THIRD PLACE

25M Backstroke 52.38s
THIRD PLACE (darn lane lines) ; )

4th place 25M Fly 45.32s (Didn't get a video for this one) : (

We are so proud of you Sophia! You will always be a winner in our eyes!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Kalista the Fish

Although Kalista has more swim lessons ahead of her, we are so proud of her early summer accomplishment!


Sunday, July 7, 2013

Raspberry Smash

If you ever get a chance, have a Raspberry Smash at The Biltmore. It is the most refreshing drink on a summer's eve. Ah, if only I could escape there as often as I'd like too.

But since reality must set in, this is my version of that lovely cocktail when you don't want to pop open champagne for just one . . .


Muddle handful of raspberries with an ounce or maybe two of vodka. Hey don't judge! Some cocktail glasses are bigger than others. ; )
Add a litte splash of sparkling french berry lemonade and ice.
Get your shake on.
Strain into cocktail glass and top off with more lemonade. The amount will vary upon your desire of a stiff drink or not.
Top with raspberry and sprig of mint.

*For the true Biltmore Raspberry splash, click here.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

A sight like this almost makes me forget the sadness in my heart . . . 
at least for a split second.

June Wrap Up

Just a "few" pics to sum up June . . .

Ronda and the "flag guy". Don't know if I ever got his name.
That night was a blur, if you know what I mean ;)

Nancy's baby shower at the lovely San Ysidro Ranch

Date night at the Bowl. 
Nothing like a little Pat Benatar and Cheap Trick to take one back in time!

Bourbon Room outing!
Love these PEP moms!

Belated birthday celebrations for Talina, Cherise, and me : )

Fun with my two loves

Happiness is a play date at Knit Fit
and at CPK!

School is out = Sophia time . . .

My new workout partner!

 Beach fun with Lulu!