Southern Blossoms

Meet Me...At Chocolatine

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

I promise that not every "Meet Me Monday" will center around food, but with Valentine's only a few hours away, how could I not share a lovely French Tea Room & Bakery that revolves around chocolate?

Chocolatine is such a place, and as a surprise I took the children there for an early Valentine's treat.

Though it's not located in the most picturesque area of Thousand Oaks, once you cross over the charming threshold, you're whisked away to an authentic French patisserie~and with good reason. The owners Hugo & Sabrina are both from France, one from the Loire Valley, the other from further North. If anyone is going to understand the nuances of what makes French delicaies so special, it would be them.

Both have worked hard to bring the experience of enjoying decadent desserts and drinks to their shop by inviting their patrons into a beautiful and cozy atmosphere. The small space exudes warmth, as does the lilting of the French language spoken by each employee.

Eldest was entranced by it, asking every so often what they were talking about. My French was a little rusty, but I did an adequate job explaining what could be understood.

But let's get to what y'all really want to know: the menu. True to French form, the menu was small, but filled with delicious choices. From the traditional Croque Monsieur to a most unique & spicy libation~the Nana Chocolate~your appetite is not left wanting.

Much as we wanted to try their quiche du jour, it was late in the afternoon. The children and I chose to live dangerously and opt for desserts and cafe au lait instead.

The scallywag nibbled on a butter cookie shaped like a heart, while I enjoyed a citron tarte and Eldest a chocolate croissant.

With each and every bite, we fell a little more in love with this little chocolate tea room. Each of us savored our afternoon treats, and as the children goofed off I took time to appreciate the details Hugo & Sabrina put into their shop. From the white-washed floors,

to the gallery walls & assortment of various cafe chairs,

the entire space had a vintage, chic feel, with the fruits of their labor~their pastries~at center stage. They were the jewels in the middle of a very beautifully crafted jewelry box. From eclairs, to truffles, to macaroons, there was a little bit of everything you'd expect to see~and more. What wasn't seen, though can be on their website, was their laundry list of cakes & crepes that are available.

Oh, la la!

Also available? A sample tray filled with an assortment of meringues. The children and I nibbled on some while waiting for our order, and they were the best I've ever had.

Undoubtedly our trip to Chocolatine was everything we'd hoped it would be and more. But what made me happiest were the small gestures of love my children showed one another.

They clash sometimes, as brothers and sisters often do, but at the heart of their relationship is a true love for one another. I don't need to tell you what it does to me when I see it on display.

That's a special kind of sweetness that chocolate can't beat.

With that in mind, I'll wish you all a lovely Monday morning, and in case we don't chat tomorrow, a very Happy Valentines.

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

When many little things crop up together~the funny, the wistful, the lovely, the precious~it's always good to have a place to store those memories. Thank goodness for the return of "A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That"!

~As we live in California, I've temporarily forgotten what a real winter is like. Instead of being bundled up in cashmere and coats, we've been enjoying skinny capris, sweater sets, and polos. And no one wears a polo better than the scallywag!

~Superbowl Sunday made us happy as could be! In our hearts, we were happy because no matter who won, an Ole Miss Rebel would be on the team. In our heads, however, we were seriously pulling for Eli and the Giants. These mini-cupcakes helped us celebrate the sweetness of their victory. We ate them on our La Plates plates, completely ignoring the fact that our market couldn't seem to get the red icing quite red enough.

~What we could not ignore was the awesomeness of Vegas Night at the scallywag's school. Not only did our class basket pull in a healthy final bid for the auction,

but if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you also saw my transformation into Miss Taylor.

A few called it a "Valley of the Dolls" look, but either way it was a hoot pulling the outfit together. It was a fabulous evening! Everyone's outfits were a scream and we all danced the night away. I can only imagine what next year will bring.

~Eldest returns home tomorrow and we can hardly wait. We've missed her so much! Looking back on the pictures from earlier in the week, I couldn't help but laugh. For all our efforts to make sure her clothes were warm, comfortable, and friendly to the outdoors, her Imperial Trellis fitted sheet still managed to make its way into her suitcase. It was for the bed in her cabin. I suppose my girl likes to enjoy the little luxuries where she can!

I suppose I do, too. With Valentine goodies everywhere you look, I can't help but want to whip up somethiong special for Eldest's homecoming. Nothing chocolaty. I'm thinking scones with tea and heaps of clotted cream. After spending time in the great outdoors, it will be nice to sit together by the unlit fireplace, sip our drinks, and chat about her week romping about the woods.

I hope each of you manage to find a quiet moment to enjoy with someone you love as well. Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you on Monday.

Lovely Lemon Squares

2012-02-09T04:00:00.001-08:00

Because love isn't always sweet...Sometimes it's also a little tart! Why not enjoy an unexpected Valentine treat that's a bit of both?

The Barefoot Contessa's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

For the crust
1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature1/2 cup granulated sugar2 cups flour1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling
6 extra-large eggs at room temperature3 cups granulated sugar2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (4 to 6 lemons)1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice1 cup flour

Confectioners sugar for dusting

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the crust, cream the butter and sugar until light in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine the flour and salt and, with the mixer on low, add to the butter until just mixed. Dump the dough onto a well-floured board and gather into a ball. Flatten the dough with floured hands and press it into a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking sheet, building up a 1/2-inch edge on all sides. Chill.

Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until very lightly browned. Let cool on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature.

Cut into squares and dust with confectioners' sugar.

The next step is fairly obvious: enjoy with your sweethearts! I know I will with mine...

I'll see you tomorrow for the long-forgotten "A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That.

Missing her

2012-02-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

This sweet girl.

I am missing her like crazy right now.

Today she is off on the great adventure known as "Outdoor School". It's the big event for sixth graders. For four days and three nights the classes, along with their teachers, venture to the woodsy, mountainy Camp Bloomfield in Malibu.

Yes. I did say they would be camping in Malibu. Sounds like the premise to a Shelly Long film, doesn't it?

Under the guidance of counselors, they'll enjoy activities such as hiking, conservation, and nature lore. The hope is that the experience during those few days will help bring them closer to appreciating what the outdoors have to offer.

As a parent, I think it's a wonderful thing. I'm excited for my daughter. She's going to have the best time and learn so much.

I'm just not excited that we won't see her smiling face again until Friday afternoon. Silver lining? The fact that she's attending the camp this week as opposed to next week~the week of my birthday. Call me selfish, but it's not a birthday unless I can share it with the people who've given my life so much light, love, and meaning.

I'm thrilled that she'll be home for the big day!

Until then, home will be much quieter. We'll miss our gentle ray of sunshine and her dynamic silly sweetness.

Friday cannot come quickly enough! Best wishes to you Eldest, and have a magnificent time exploring the great outdoors. I know you'll have a wonderful time.

Meet Me...At Jinky's Cafe

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Banana's foster. Pecan pie. Cobbler. Pralines. Bread pudding. There are just some desserts that are quintessentially Southern. You know them by name, crave them at first sight, and enjoy each and every nibble & bite.

But how can we discuss Southern desserts without mentioning the crème de la crème of all sweet treats? Of course, I'm talking about red velvet.

It doesn't seem to matter how it's prepared, cake or otherwise. The moment the words "red velvet" are spoken, everyone wants a bite. Goodness knows my daughter & I no exception. We love our red velvet in every way, shape, and form. And though we always return to the classic red velvet cake, there's something to be said for its various incarnations.

Imagine our delight when Husband mentioned a place nearby that served red velvet pancakes. Red velvet for breakfast? Yes, please!

Friends, I'd love to take you to Jinky's Cafe, where their motto is "better than breakfast in bed".

Jinky's is a very cozy restaurant~perfect for an early breakfast or a late dinner. Dark floors, dark wood paneling, darkened booths and tables surround you like a warm hug. Vintage prints from around the world keep the restaurant from being too stodgy and oppressive, as does the playfulness of the food and staff.

When I asked my very perky waitress for some coffee, she returned with an entire carafe. Surprise! I only wanted a cup, but as I was told, it was the policy to give each customer an entire pot~and once I had a sip, I was thankful. Usually I don't like restaurant coffee, but Jinky's won me over. It was strong, hot, and rich.

But I hadn't travelled from home for their coffee. I was there for red velvet pancakes.

Gorgeous aren't they? My very happy waitress placed them before me and the anticipation was so great, I may have clapped my hands like a delighted child. Not only were they large and three deep, but they smelled divine. The marscapone atop the pancakes was an unexpected detail~a lovely departure from the traditional cream cheese.

It didn't take long for me to make a significant dent. Each warm bite was savored and the creaminess of the melting marscapone was throughly marvelled over. Without a doubt it was very indulgent~almost too much so. I didn't even come close to finishing.

But that doesn't mean I didn't try. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all.

The next time you find yourself in Agoura Hills or Sherman Oaks, stop by Jinky's Cafe and have your own red velvet pancakes, or perhaps a bananas foster's crepe. Whatever you choose to order, I'm pretty sure you'll walk away full and happy.

A lovely Monday to you all!

Simply Southern Saturdays : Fundraiser Fun

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest joys I've experienced in 12 years of parenting has been my involvement in both children's schools. From a PTO VP, to Cultural Chair, to a room parent, I've done it all and loved every moment.

Since the scallywag began school this year, I was excited to go back to my roots as a room parent and tackle party planning, picture taking, and social outings for our children. It's been so much fun.

One of the more unexpected joys, though, has been in preparing for tonight's fundraiser, 70's Vegas Night.

As a room parent, I had the responsibility of choosing a theme for a basket to be raffled off during the auction portion of the evening. "Date Night" was my first choice since there were infinite ways to make it amazing. Mulling over a few ideas, I decided to get my other room parent's thoughts since she was familiar with the area and more of the parents. She would know what people would want to bid on, and to this day I am so glad we talked! After informing me that she could get tickets donated to the Hollywood Bowl, the basket and its contents became a clear picture in my mind. The whole thing almost took on a life of its own as it went from "Date Night" to "Date Night Under the Stars".

For the most part everything seemed to fall neatly into place. Soon our basket was overflowing with both purchases and donations. We had champagne, wine, chocolates, nuts, crackers, glasses, candles, and a very plush picnic blanket, a voucher to a local restaurant as well as the tickets to the Hollywood Bowl. It didn't take long for our class basket to become the talk of the school. It was exciting being right in the thick of it! Getting it to this point wasn't without its frustrations, believe me, but seeing it on display this morning made it all worth it. It makes getting ready for this evening's event so exciting!

Bell-bottoms, mod, Brady Bunch-esque outfits, tie-die, and retro glam will be all the rage tonight as we gamble for a good cause!

As for me, I'll be channeling this grand dame in all of her 70's glamour:

From the cascading hair, to the dark brows, to the violet eyes & over the top jewelry~I'm going to try to do Ms. Taylor proud. I'll also try to get pictures as I boogie down to the tunes of the 70's!

Until next week, let the good times~and the dice~roll!

Grillades & Asiago Cheese Grits

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

We're fairly settled into our little California bungalow, and as such, many of our favorite kitchen items are in full use.

Some are not.

We loved the idea of a slow-cooker, but I have had an irrational fear of the "set it and forget it" mentality that comes along with using it. Tell me I'm not alone. I'm begging you. Please. Because there is a part of me that feels if I leave something to cook on its own for 3-4 hours, disaster will strike.

It's taken me a little while to woman up and finally meet this strange worry head on, but this weekend I did it. The stainless slow-cooker was placed on the counter, I flipped through several magazines, and ultimately decided on a classic southern dish: grillades & grits.

Could you think of a better meal to initiate yourself into the slow-cooker club with? I couldn't, and since the recipe was met with unanimous "YUMMY"'s, it was going to happen.

Long story short, the entire process was incredibly easy and our home didn't burn down. There was no terrible disaster, and we barely had enough remaining to call leftovers.It was that good~and you know what that means...I just have to share this easy recipe from Southern Living with you all!

Southern Living's Grillades & Asiago Cheese Grits
For the grillades:
Serves 6

1 1/2 lb. top round steak, trimmed, 1/2 in thick
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. Creole seasoning
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 14 oz. can of fire-roasted, diced tomatoes
1 10 oz. package of frozen & diced onion, red & green bell pepper, and celery thawed*
3 garlic cloves, pressed

1.) Place the steak between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and flatten to 1/4 thickness, using a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet. Cut into 2 inch squares.

2.) Combine flour and seasoning in a large freezer bag. Add the steak, seal bag, and shake to coat.

3.) Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the steak, cooking 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer steak to a lightly-greased slow-cooker. Repeat with the rest of your oil and steak.

4.) Add tomatoes and next 2 ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.

5.) Cover and cook on HIGH 3 hours or until tender. Serve over Asiago cheese grits.

*A note: I wasn't able to find a bag with the frozen onions, bell peppers, and celery so I used fresh ones instead, and used a little bit of guess work as to how much would be inside a 10 oz. bag.

For the Asiago Cheese Grits:
Serves 6

If you have a second slow-cooker, it's suggested you use the following recipe. That said, as most of us don't own two, follow the stove-top directions on your grits carton using the same ingredients. It will yield the same results.

1 cup uncooked stone-ground grits
1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1.) Stir together grits and 3 cups of water in a slow-cooker. Let stand 1-2 minutes, allowing grits to settle to the bottom. Skim any solids off the top. Cover and cook on HIGH 2 1/2-3 hours or until grits are creamy and tender, stirring every 45 minutes.

2.) Stir in cheese and next 3 ingredients until blended.

A few more notes: As I used the stove-top for our grits, and we like our grits to be more firm than runny, I used one cup less of water. It cooked beautifully, but was a little too thick so I thinned it out with a 1/4 cup of milk. It reached the perfect consistency and helped make our grillades & grits heaven on a plate!

Now if any of you are looking to give your slow-cooker's a whirl~start with this recipe! I know you'll love it as much as our family did.

Meet Me...At the Farmer's Market

2012-01-30T04:00:00.001-08:00

Sunday's are peaceful, quiet days. They're filled with spiritual nourishment, early family meals, and if you're lucky, a trip to your local Farmer's Market.

They open early, but once the beacons of white tents start appearing in local shopping centers, you know it's time to get out and enjoy. Come with me to two such wonderful places. Just grab a pair of comfy shoes and a cup of coffee, and we'll be off!

Living in California, there are an endless amount of Farmer's Markets~and they're not strictly for the weekends. I happen to prefer the weekend, as do many others, but if you hit it at the right time, the Market is a wonderful place to walk around at a leisurely pace.

This particular morning I arrived at Westlake Village's Farmer's Market just as they were opening. Everything was being unloaded, tents weren't fully erected, but many beautiful products were already out for purchase.

And whether it's on a rustic table, or fruits displayed on vintage tablecloths, seeing how the food is displayed is just as wonderful as seeing the food itself.

The colors are just so fresh and raw.

All produce is locally grown and organic, and the vendors take as much pride in their food as they do in how they choose to display it. They understand the power behind a well-designed stand~and more often than not, it works in their favor.

Because there were so few people at the Market, I was able to take my time wandering through the produce stalls, enjoying the sights and tastes along the way. I even stopped to smell the roses...

and many other beautiful flowers. For Farmer's Markets don't only have great deals on amazing produce, but on plants and flowers as well. I'm sure you all know this, but it still amazes me that you can get so much of a quality item for such good prices.

So good, that I had to pick up a few treats for my family from a French baker. His bread and pastries were delicious!

I couldn't leave without grabbing some croissants and rolls. Once the purchases were made I returned closer to home to the Agoura Hills Farmer's Market.

It's much smaller than the one in Westlake, but I like it more. The prices are a little better, they have a wider variety of produce to sample, and best yet, the nearby restaurants cater to those who are hungry. Falafel anyone?

The blood oranges were so juicy and ripe, I was craving a mimosa by the time I was done.

But it was the continued sight of bright and lucious food that continued to catch my attention.

I don't know about you, but when I see wonderful food on display, it pushes me out of my culinary comfort zone. It encourages me to try new things. And why shouldn't I?

Come back later this week to get a sample of what we cooked up, and come back next Monday as I take you somewhere very fitting for the month of February.

A lovely week to you all!

Simply Southern Saturdays: Sweet, Sweet Strawberries

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Louisiana, Strawberry festivals were an event you looked forward to each spring. It involved a little bit of traveling to get to the site in Pontchatula, but once you arrived, it was strawberry serendipity in every which direction. Picking, eating, drinking~all the while there was dancing to music and playing games.

I'm happy to say my children have inherited my love of this pretty red berry, and though I usually have to remind Eldest to eat hers, the scallywag~our voracious eater~is always asking for them.

This is a very common scene:

My son sitting atop the countertops nibbling away at some fruit. If I happen to be in the kitchen preparing a meal, he'll ask to be picked up then request a snack. I'll cook, he'll eat and jabber away. We always have the sweetest, silliest conversations! On this particular day I was whipping up grilled cheeses with strawberries on the side.

The side quickly disappeared as he inhaled everything that was left in the carton!

Ever cautious, he rinsed each strawberry before indulging, allowing me to cut off the stems. Then down the hatch they went.

I'm forever thankful that both children are good eaters, and more often than not, at least one of them will ask for a healthy handout if they're hungry. I'll go on record as saying it's why they have such amazingly long lashes and rosy cheeks.

As for my son and his countertop snacks...Adorable. It warms my heart to spend time with my children, and it's in the unexpected moments that the most joy is found.

They're just as sweet as strawberries.

Ciao Bella!

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

During the summer I spent a good three weeks in Italy with my college choir, I experienced bliss in many forms: culture, landscape, architecture, shopping, language, music, food... and, oh yes, meeting my Husband.

Never mind the fact that we'd been in choir together for the better part of a year. It was Italy that brought us together (as well as a well-timed gondola ride or two).

Japan brought us even closer as we were thousands of miles from family and friends.

Now what do Japan, Italy, and our new home of California have in common?

My continued explorations into the many flavors of gelato.

The best by far was in Italy. You cannot possibly get a more authentic cone of gelato. And in case you're wondering, yes, it really is best to enjoy it while wandering the ancient streets of Venice with your beau!

Or future beau...

Years after visiting Italy, I found Ciao Bella in the freezer selection at our local Tokyo supermarket. Intrigued by the flavor selection, I found myself enjoying it now and again, appreciating the little tastes of the past that were recalled with each bite.

Fast forward a year later and though it's January, California is preparing for a heat wave. It will hit about 80 degrees, and I for one cannot think of a better way to enjoy this "hot" weather than to indulge in a pint of my new flavor of gelato from Ciao Bella: Key Lime Graham Cracker.

Good Lord, y'all...run, don't walk, to your local market to grab this treat. It's creamy, a little tart, and when that graham cracker hits your palate you will explode with happiness.

Explode.

Of course, only give this particular pint a whirl if you enjoy a good slice of Key Lime Pie. If you don't, try their S'mores gelato, the blood orange, the mint chip, matcha...you really cannot go wrong.

And if the flavors aren't enough to convince you, the vivid, and beautifully simple design of their containers will certainly draw you in to investigate a little further.

So go ahead and try something a little different. You'll be very glad you did.

Ciao!

Meet Me Monday: The Coffee Bean

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning all and welcome to a new segment of the blog: "Meet Me Monday". Every Monday you'll journey with us to various places we love to frequent, as well as the new ones we discover. I hope to show you the savory, the pretty, and the fun!

Let's begin with one of our new favorite coffee spots: The Coffee Bean.

Also known as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, The Coffee Bean is a very well-known and loved establishment. It has a profoundly loyal following. Founded in Southern California in 1963, it remains the oldest and largest privately-held specialty coffee and tea retailer in the United States. It's also become an international icon with 800 stores in 20 countries!

True this may be, but before California the only place I'd seen a Coffee Bean had been in an airport in South Korea. Crazy, right? Starbucks were everywhere, but it wasn't until we made our move back to the US that Coffee Bean's became just as visible.

Our favorite Coffee Bean is located in a beautiful outdoor shopping area in Westlake Village.

Set beneath the shade of numerous trees, you can people watch in comfort while enjoying your coffee. Women in yoga gear often frequent it in the mornings, as do men in their business suits. Pet-owners sit outdoors to enjoy the fresh air with their drinks and treats. Parents & children spend their time with one another over muffins and juices morning, noon, and night.

As a mother, I love being able to go places where my children are welcomed with smiles and cheerful dispositions~especially when my daughter and I are spending some much needed time together.

The Coffee Bean has a more subdued atmosphere than Starbucks, which is great when you want to have an actual conversation. But much like it, they have coffee-free drinks for your children to enjoy. Eldest loves her Pure Chocolate...

and her red velvet. I suppose it's true what they say: you can take a girl out of the South, but you just can't take the South out of a girl!

On our last visit we split a cupcake while sipping our drinks. The entire time we nibbled, laughed, and delighted at the chill in the air. It was a wonderful afternoon.

After our outing and some discussion, we came to this conclusion: what we love most about The Coffee Bean is the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's very family-friendly. Not only that, but there's something calmer, less chaotic, and more inviting than that of Starbucks. It could be the attention given by the servers, the quality of their product, the warmth of the decor, the set-up and layout of their individual locations...

Perhaps it's all of the above! In the end, I don't suppose it really matters. Any way you look at it, The Coffee Bean is a wonderful place to delight in a cup of coffee, by yourself or with others.

And they've certainly earned two new, loyal patrons.

Thank you for joining us on our inaugural "Meet Me Monday"! I hope you'll share your favorite coffee locales and return next week for our following adventure.

A lovely Monday morning to you all!

Crumbs

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Eldest's teeth were no longer aching, the scallywag had woken up with his first cold of the New Year, Husband was exhausted from work, and after watching our Saints loose to the 49'ers the night before, we were in dire need of some sugary resuscitation.

Knowing Crumbs Bake Shop was only a few minutes away, we decided to make our inaugural trip and try their legendary cupcakes. Husband used to tell me about their cupcakes while working in New York, and I won't lie, when we lived in Tokyo, I desperately wished for those or the other well-known cupcakery, Sprinkles.

They always sounded like confectionary perfection~mostly beacuase everyone said they were. Who was I to argue? I love cupcakes and was happy to believe it. I was really excited when the day rolled around that we'd all be able to eat some!

Along with the children, I drove to Calabasas, grabbed a very pretty selection, then headed back home. We were ready for some primo cupcakes!

On our plates were a Red Velvet, a Grashopper, an Avalanche, a Milkshake, and one wee Classic Chocolate for the scallywag. There was a little mishap with the box carrying our cupcakes and each of them wound up wearing icing from the others, but it didn't really bother us when it came time to eat.

Overall, the children loved their treats. Eldest deftly ate her Grasshopper with a fork, savoring every bite, while the scallywag devoured his...and wound up wearing most of the icing (which is always the sign of truly enjoying something, in my humble opinion).

Husband and I liked them as well, but they weren't exactly what I thought they would be. Maybe it's becuase of all the hype that I'd built up these cupcakes to be the end all be all of cupcakes. But after all was said and done all they were was good. Not spectacular, just good.

There is certainly nothing wrong with good, and I'll definitely go back since I still want to try the Artie Lange and Blackout. I'll just ground my expectations a little bit.

Maybe second time will be the charm.

Have a very sweet day, all!

Bees & Braces

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last week Eldest found herself facing two big B's: the Spelling Bee & braces.

Eldest is a phenomenal speller, winning the school Bee when we lived in Charlotte. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a mix-up with spelling lists this year, and while she spent a good two weeks pouring over hundreds of words from different origins it all turned out to be for naught.

She'd been given the wrong spelling lists.

We were floored, and a little angry on her behalf for such a huge mistake. She'd spent countless hours learning word after word...It didn't seem to matter too much, though, as Eldest finished 6th out of 30 people. I don't know about you, but all things considered that's not too shabby. We were so proud of her!

Eldest's amazing work ethic and good nature got her through those lists of words and the disappointment of a mix-up. As a parent, that made me more proud than you can imagine. A trophy is no replacement for a person's character, and Eldest's was shining that day.

She had other things to look forward to anyway.

We arrived at Dr. Bar-Zion's office at 2:00, and within moments she was whisked away to a reclining chair for one final inspection.

The expanders had done a very good job~maybe too good. With all the extra space, her teeth had gone in every which direction. They didn't know what to do with all that room to move!

Thankfully the braces are solving that little problem. Would you believe that only after a week her two front teeth are already almost straight? It's amazing, I know, and Eldest is beside herself with happiness.

So sorry, I thought I said "beside herself with happiness".

Eldest was in such good spirits after having her braces put on she had no problem hamming it up for the camera. All joking aside, she was in a good place, and amazed at her transformation from before to after:

She had some pretty intense discomfort that night, it even woke her up, but it passed after a few days. Thanks to each of you who offered kind thoughts and offered to pray for our sweet girl! No doubt they helped her through the rough moments. We celebrated her recovery with some sweet treats on Sunday from Crumbs Bake Shop.

Come back tomorrow and join us as we delight in some decadent looking cupcakes! Our thoughts on them just might surprise you.

Have a lovely day!

Changes

2012-01-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Today will be the last time I see this sweet smile as is.

Today Eldest is getting her braces! Originally they were to be put on during her oral surgery, but you know how doctors can change their plans. Both our oral surgeon and orthodontist decided to let the expanders complete their job before placing braces on Eldest's upper teeth.

And today is that day!

I'm excited for my daughter, but I'll miss this un-bracketed smile, as it's familiar and precious. Endearing.

This said, we're all welcoming what will come with the changes from her braces~and so is Eldest. She's excited about the rubber band choices, watching her teeth move and align. The knowledge that in no time at all her teeth will be a thing of straightened beauty only sweetens the pot.

Two years from today we'll see a completely new smile emerge from months of care. And we will love this new smile as much as her old one. The sweet person beaming at us hasn't changed a bit, after all.

It's amazing to see how quickly things progress in the world of orthodontia now. What a change from when we were all going through it!

We are all thankful for having such amazing doctors caring for Eldest. They're not only at the top of their field, but they're also good people. Do you know many doctors that will meet you on Christmas morning to fix a broken chain?

I love our orthodontist, and so does Eldest.

If you could, please keep our sweet girl in your thoughts today. While none of us are concerned about the actual braces, Eldest may experience some pretty intense discomfort as they begin using the chain attatched to her braces to pull her impacted canine down. Unfortunately, we're still not sure if it will descend. Only time will tell.

All prayers would be appreciated, by Husband & I, as well as Eldest.

Have a lovely day all, and as always, thank you for stopping by!

Simply Southern Saturdays: It's Carnival Time Y'all!!

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

It doesn't matter where we are, Carnival follows us wherever we go. Being born and raised in New Orleans creates such an unbreakable bond. Mardi Gras is as big a part of our year as birthdays and all other major Holiday occasions.

We may be far from home, but we still celebrate Twelfth Night, and we cheer on our favorite parades with the help of beads, doubloons, and King Cake from our family friends, the Haydel's.

I may have mentioned these lovely people several times in the past, but they as they were a big part of my childhood, as well as the ultimate bakers of all things sweet and savory, they must be acknowledged again. I'm not being compensated in any way for writing this~but I do love to sing the praises of people with great products and even greater hearts. The Haydel's do as much for the community as they do for the community's appetite.

Above is my Daddy with Mrs. Dottie Haydel, one of the owners. The Haydel's and their employees are just as nice as can be.

If you live in Louisiana, or even if you don't, you must order their King Cakes. They're the ultimate bake shop for all your Mardi Gras needs and as such, they ship nation wide.

Believe me, the demand for their product is there.

When you order their King Cakes, you'll have several options to choose from. Our family prefers the traditional with icing and the purple, green, and gold sugars, but you should give the cream cheese a try! Look at all the goodies that come with your King Cake when you order it:

There's a little something for everyone. Coffee, beads, doubloons, a porcelain collectible, a history of Mardi Gras, and so much more!

Enjoy a slice of your King Cake with a cup of coffee (preferably one with chicory) and you'll feel like you're right in the middle of Mardi Gras in the Crescent City.

Nothing truly captures that feeling more than actually being there, of course, but this does bring you to a close second!

Now what are you waiting for? Give Haydel's a call and enjoy a slice of Mardi Gras in your home or workplace. And while you're at it, enjoy Lucky Player's King Cake Vodka during a more adult-friendly gathering.

Inspired by the flavor of Haydel's King Cakes, it's said to have captured the essence of what makes their creation so delightful. No other Bakery has inspired such a libation, so don't wait any longer than you have to.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

New Year, New Art

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

A belated Happy New Year to you all!

It's been a really nice break away from the computer. Time spent with my family has been precious and as expected, over far too soon. I was not ready to send the children back to school on Tuesday.

Christmas was good, a little quiet without visits with family, but it was still really nice and laid back. We had a chance to see movies, dine out, play, and even do a little shopping.

We all made good buys~including some crazy orange kicks purchased by Husband. They're insane! But my favorite by far was the painting I found for the scallywag's room.

I'd been looking for something to put over his chest of drawers for a while, but nothing seemed to fit. There was no way I was going to force a purchase. Whatever made its way above the dresser, I wanted it to work in our little guy's room. It had to be young, fun, and unexpected.

One trip to the Salvation Army changed everything!

Hidden on a very high shelf was this whimsical rainbow wheel painted by Una Lawrence. It was brilliant, and as Eldest said, loud and happy just like her brother. There's sisterly honesty for you!

I tend to look up artists and nothing was found on Ms. Lawrence, but she was obviously local and tried to sell the painting for a lot more in an art show. The tag for the show was still on the back, so our find was a steal!

After a week, I'm still not sure what I love most: the texture of the acrylics, the pretty linen and aged gold frame, the vivid color...it's just perfect for the scallywag's room.

Best yet, the picture pulls from other elements in the room, namely the green in the striped Dash & Albert rug and the tan from the houndstooth coverlet on the bed.

Yes, it needs to be ironed badly, but it's a task I'm getting around to. Hopefully soon!

I know we've all heard it before, but never discount your local thrift stores. Not only are the prices always right, but you never know what treasures you're going to find. Go to Goodwill, give the Salvation Army a chance, visit your local Habitat for Humanity home store and other consignment shops in your area.

Your pocketbook won't be hurting, and you're helping those who are in great need.

Perhaps that's the greatest treasure of all.

A lovely Friday to each of you, and as always, thank you for stopping by!

Christmas Around the House

2011-12-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas in California is like no other we've experienced before. Though it's been very cold and windy, the actual day we'll experience a nice temperature of 75 degrees. 75 degrees! Can you imagine?

That's sundress weather y'all!

In keeping with our West Coast surroundings~and due to decorations being stuffed in boxes we haven't reached yet~I decided to go with the colors that seem to always surround us: green, blue, gold, and brown.

From wreaths, to our tree, to wrapping paper, the colors are all over our home in different, but striking shades of those colors seen above. I'm kind of in love with the palate.

Our decorations are more sparse than normal, but I'm sure by next year we'll have every box opened, all decor arranged. Until then, come with me on a little tour of our Christmas bungalo in California!

Our tree is bling-bling-blinging with a glittery aray of beautiful baubble ornaments. Turquoise, gold, copper, and lime green cover the tree from top to bottm. They're especially brilliant when the sun hits them!

Of course, the biggest "YES!" moment came when trying to figure out what to do about the tree skirt. We have a great burlap and gold one~in a box~but I couldn't get to it. A solution presented itself while shortening the scallywag's houndstooth coverlet.

A rather large section was removed, and while trying to decide what to do with it, inspiration struck. Et voila! A tree skirt was born.

I like it!

Near by, our two linen-covered chairs from Tokyo flank the fireplace.

I love our stockings, the simple green wreath, but oh my Lord the windows are driving me nuts! We just have to get some drapes in here.

The side table holds seasonal reads and a great little bowl we picked up in Kappabashi Dori in Tokyo. Inside are a bunch of Christmas candies (that are slowly disappearing), and by the bowl are the cutest little Elf statues I found at Goodwill.

They are so sweet and cherubic. I love them almost as much as a par of angels my mother sent to me.

One stands and one sits, but both are so dear. Eldest and the scallywag take turns putting them in different places during the day, only to return them to their perch at the end of the evening.

On our buffet we have a vivid tea display.

We finally had the art from Hong Kong stretched on a canvas, and while it usually hangs in the hallway between the bedrooms, right now it adds brilliant bursts of colors behind the porcelain whites and silvers of our mercury Christmas trees. "The Polar Express" and "The Cajun Night Before Christmas" are Christmas Eve reads. We keep them out around the house in anticipation of the night before Christmas!

The children have their own decorations. Again, they're very simple, but speak to both of them.

The scallywag's Louisiana alligator and Eldest's beautiful butterfly remind me of times spent with both. The colors compliment their painted initials, and just happen to go with our Christmas palate this year. Both children like their wreaths, and enjoy knowing they have their own decorations for the holidays that they'll be able to grow with.

And so concludes our Christmas House Tour!

We don't tend to go in an ornate direction to begin with, but this year simplicity reigned supreme in our decoration. And there are no complaints! It certainly was less time consuming. This entire Christmas season has been filled with less decorating and chaos and much more time just being with family and friends. It's been a real delight.

It's also been a delight to know each of you. I'll be taking a brief blogging break over the holidays so the family and I can enjoy our time together. I'll see y'all a little closer to the New Year!

A very Merry Christmas Eve's Eve to you all!

Re-Post: Decadent Hot Chocolate

2011-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Several times a year I post this recipe for homemade hot chocolate. It's a wildly delicious drink, and since I receive many requests for this coveted libation, I'm happy to share it with you all once again!

'Tis the season, and on a blustery night could you imagine anything more delicious?

Though I can't take credit for the recipe itself, I am big supporter of anything created by Ina Garten. It's often referred to as "Worth the Effort" Hot Chocolate as it is a little involved.

But guess what friends? If you have some smaller sous chefs, I know they'll love helping out as well as savoring the end result.

It's thicker than what you might be used to, and it's certainly not diet friendly, but it will add pep to your step.

And did I mention you get to actually chop the chocolate?

Seriously. You've never had more fun in the kitchen until you chop chocolate. The scent of freshly cut choclate will do something to your brain molecules.

Suddenly you become very popular with everyone!

When all is said and done, and your ingredients have melted together and are poured into your cup, it will also warm you from the inside out.

Enjoy this tempting treat!

Rich Hot Chocolate (from the Barefoot Contessa)

-2 1/2 cups whole milk
-2 cups half-and-half (or 2 extra cups of milk if you want a less thick drink)
-4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
-4 ounces milk chocolate (or white chocolate), chopped
-1 tablespoon sugar
-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Heat milk and half and half in a saucepan on medium heat to just below the simmering point.

Remove the pan from the heat and add both types of chocolate.

When they are melted, add the sugar, vanilla extract and whisk vigorously. When you're done, it should look like this.

Reheat gently and serve immediately.

Can you say delicious?

I don't make this as often as I'd like(these hips would tell another tale if that weren't true!), but it's worth the little bit of effort. My family enjoys this special treat and as the days and nights grow progressively colder, why not whip up a nice pot for your family? Be sure to add a dollop of homemade whipped cream for extra indulgence or a stick of peppermint if you want to spice it up!

Nothing ends a cold Winter day quite as well as a delicious cup of hot chocolate.

I hope y'all enjoy this decadent treat as much as we have.

Grilled Chees Bites

2011-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

My family and I love the classics. This love extends to our food, but sometimes doing the same thing over and over again takes the charm from your meal.

Take the classic and always delicious grilled cheese sandwich. Butter, bread, cheese, and if you want to shake things up, perhaps a little something extra in the middle. It's a simple, yet gooey & delicious treat for everyone.

Why not make it a little more interesting though?

Here's why my children and I did last week while preparing a hot meal of grilled cheeses and tomato soup. Instead of a traditional sandwich we cut them into little bites for easy dipping! They're fun for the children, make less mess than dipping a full sandwich, and for those who don't like crusts, that problem is now eliminated.

Dubbing them grilled cheese bites, I'd love to share this super easy and fun recipe with you all!

First, and this is important, you must use a nice, crusty bread so your bites don't rip apart while being cut and they don't become flat squished pieces of grilled cheese. We used sourdough. Not only is it a flavorful bread, but it retains it's fullness throughout the entire cooking/cutting process.

Oh, that melty cheese! That gets me every time.

Butter your bread, cook as you would a normal grilled cheese, then cut into cubes.

Put a handfull onto their plates then let your family use their fingers, forks, or fun skewers to dip into their soup of choice. We're kind of purists with our love or combining grilled cheeses with tomato soup, but whatever floats your boat is a-ok!

I promise everyone will be left with a smile on their face (unless they're annoyed because you asked to take their picture).

A lovely Tuesday to you all...

Girlfriends on Ice

2011-12-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, this Saturday was a day of great anticipation. I was taking Eldest and two of her girlfriends from the neighborhood skating at Thousand Oaks Holiday Ice Rink.

Nothing quite says Christmas like bundling up for an afternoon of ice skating, don't you think?

Even in southern California, the weather is cold, and they're able to maintain a lovely outdoor ice rink.

We had fun plans for Saturday: a bookstore stop, ice skating, then hot chocolate to warm us from the inside out. Plans things changed slightly when I came down with a horrendous case of food poisoning while at the rink, but Husband really saved the day.

God bless him.

He took my place, the girls never noticed, and they continued on with giggles and big smiles.

Eldest was a little hesitant when she first stepped onto the rink, but after a few minutes of hugging the wall, she ventured out onto the ice on her own. One of her friends had more practice on the ice and encouraged her to keep going~which she did!

I was proud of her. Their other friend wasn't quite as ready, so they all stuck together, making sure no one was left out.

What a wonderful gaggle of girls Eldest has as friends! They are so sweet and thoughtful~not to mention swept up with the Christmas spirit.

Though I was stuck in bed, I heard them as they all came caroling at our home last night. The scallywag was so excited when they sang his holiday favorite, "Jingle Bells". And if that wasn't enough, a parade celebrating Christmas rolled down our street for everyone to see.

Normal Rockwell couldn't have painted a more beautiful picture of a small-town Christmas...and to think it was all happening in our front yard!

It's a year of celebrating so many blessings. Even though I'm still not completely recovered, my heart feels light and happy. That my family is experiencing such a wonderful holiday in our new home means so much.

I couldn't ask for much more this Christmas.

A very Merry Monday to you all!

A Garden & Gun Gift Giving Guide

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Chances are most of you know all about Garden & Gun Magazine. It celebrates every aspect about the South~both old and new. From literature, to cuisine, to art, to the very act of living, it redefines what being Southern means. Sometimes it dispels a stereotype, but more often than not, it offers insight to the great fortune of being from the South.

If I'm lucky, I'm able to read through the website once or twice a week. It keeps this girls heart filled to the brim with pride. There's always interesting finds and amazing articles.

This past week the one that caught my fancy was their Gift Guide for the 2011 Holidays. I just have to share some of my favorites with you! A few aren't at all kind on your pocketbook (unless you happen to be that person with 20K to drop), but they are so unique and pretty that it would be a crime not mention them.

If you see an item in bold, click it to enter the site where you can find these pretty little things.

Enjoy!

I don't normally go for the chunky rings, but these Van H. Cocktail Rings are so pretty~and not too big. They're just the right amount of sparkle a gal could wear year round. And what lady doesn't enjoy uniquely crafted stationary? Maison de Papier in Atlanta offers some gorgeous choices in both notecard and stationary form. What makes these cards extra special is the nod given to the sporting culture of the South. How charming!

The style of this caryall from Fleabag reminds me of the old Dooney & Bourke bags. I like it. The waxed canvas gives it a weathered look, but there is still something very chic about it. You could wear it anywhere...Just like the ankle boots from Hermès. Oh, the price is scary, but I'm sure you could find something like this at a more affordable price somewhere else. The appeal is the play on sporty riding gear. It's said to be a perfect compliment to sporty slacks and a shirt. That's great! What's even more fantastic? If that shirt helps to pay it forward to children in need. For every shirt purchased from Read's Clothing Project a book will be donated to a child in Africa. Christmas is the season for giving, right?

I love a good throw pillow. Just ask my husband. He'll roll his eyes and groan, thinking back to every single throw pillow I've found at Marshall's and TJ Maxx. I may have a problem. But how could anyone say no to these remarkably beautiful pillows from Lacefield Designs? Each season the designers come up with a palate then hand sew each and every pillow. That is just amazing. So are these pretty little baubles from Towne & Reese Jewelry and Billy Moore. Described as flapperesque and delicate pieces, they are just that: dainty throwbacks to another time. Days of elegance and unquenchable fun. Don't you want to be a part of something like that?

Be still my heart! This trio is my favorite from G&G's gift guide. They personally speak to me~cliche, I know. I just love a good, tailored trench. It's timeless, feminine, and though the cost of this woollen Pendleton is a bit much, it can be handed down from mother to daughter and worn with anything from jeans to dresses...that can be worn to tea! Y'all know how much my family and I adore taking tea, and these tea canisters from Bellocq have been featured everywhere lately! This is not an exaggeration. How am I expected to not try it when the caddies are so beautiful? And speaking of beautiful...this watch it exquisite. It's also ridiculously priced, but as it's vintage and part of Girard-Perregaux’s line it's apparently justifiable. Dears, if you want the beauty of a mans watch along your wrist, you can easily find something more affordable. It is lovely, though, isn't it?

Finally, what home isn't complete without a bottle opener? Or what tailgate for that matter? As an Ole Miss graduate, our school is famous for tailgating in an elegant fashion. Again, this is not an exaggeration. This year Ole Miss has been named the most beautiful college campus, the campus which holds the most beautiful girls, and one of the best tailgating spots in the nation. True, we may not win every game, but we never lose a party. Believe it or not, that's one of our actual slogans. And if I were there to celebrate every win~or loss~ one of these beautifully crafted bottle opener from American Forge South would be on hand.

Now go ahead and tell me how badly you're drooling over these gift ideas? If you need even more, go to Garden & Gun's website for the complete list. It's amazing and difficult to choose just one to like best.

But if you had to...which one would you chose if given the choice?

I'd love to know!

Happy Holi-Days

2011-12-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's always nice to know that even with our crazy days fun is being had by all.

Whether it's at Christmas concerts,

enjoying special school pajama days,

while giving grilled cheese a fun little twist,

decking the halls,

and finding more than one use for the houndstooth fabric covering the scallywag's bed,

everyone in our home is enjoying our holiday happenings.

Now school is out~we're thrilled to bits~and ice skating awaits Eldest and her girlfriends tomorrow. I foresee a wonderful wintry weekend in store for us all!

Happy weekend to each of you. Be sure to come back tomorrow for a special Garden & Gun gift guide...you know you won't want to miss it!

Stories With Santa

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

The little guy hasn't expressed any real desire to see Santa this year, and in this situation, my philosophy is this: don't force it.

Next year he'll probably be very excited to meet him.

This year he was happy enough to see Santa and Mrs. Claus from a distance. Where was this great celebrity sighting? None other than at his school's big Christmas celebration: Stories with Santa.

Dressed in his reindeer pj's, the scallywag was already feeling very festive that morning. It carried over to the later part of the day as we arrived at Kolbe's Korner for activities and play.

Needless to say, both Eldest and the scallywag had a very good time!

But the best was yet to come. After their cheeks were made rosy by the cold, everyone was invited into a large meeting room. As you can see, it was a bit of a madhouse.

And when the man with the bag entered with his wife by his side, the children erupted into cheers and applause!

It didn't get much quieter after he sat down to greet everyone, but what can you expect when the average age in the room is 4? The spirit of Christmas was alive and well and it showed on the glowing face of every single child.

Nibbling on sugar cookies, Eldest and the scallywag listened to Santa read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "The Gingerbread Man". There was an undercurrent of great excitement as he peered over the pages, glancing at the children. He'd smile at them, wave, give them knowing winks.

He was great with this very large room of children. From his bellowing "Ho, Ho, Ho" to his warm greeting to every wanting child, Santa was a hit.

Both children are wrapped up in the Christmas spirit right now, but I don't believe it really settled over our home until that morning. It's amazing the feelings Santa can inspire in children of all ages. Admission: seeing him makes me feel happy, too. It brings to mind all of the very special Christmases with my own parents, and the excitement seeing Santa brought every year.

I hope this pure joy and love for the season never fades in the hearts of my children. May the magic of this season stay with them always.

And with that in mind, I'm off to a very special Christmas concert for my wee scallywag. Seeing little ones all dolled up and singing songs praising the birth of Jesus and the sweetness of Rudolph is such a wonderful sight!

A lovely day to you all, and as always, thank you for stopping by.

Pictures from Christmas Cards Past

2011-12-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to get your children to sit still for pictures...especially when one of them is three. I'm sympathetic to this, but as we live away from family I like to try and capture that shining moment of brotherly/sisterly love on film for our Christmas cards.

It's just one picture. One picture from the entire year.

In the past I've gotten some really sweet ones, others that are undeniably cute.

But there are a lot of in-betweens. Most of the time the Scallywag is looking somewhere else, or talking, or messing with his sister. Sometimes Eldest blinks right when we take the picture. Either way, the picture taking experience for our Christmas cards isn't necessarily fun.

This year I finally asked myself why on Earth I was compounding to the stress of the holidays.

To make things simple this year I decided to take a different route for our pictures. Instead of trying to get the children to sit together and pose, I thought I'd use pictures we already had.

It's been the easiest Christmas card ever. And with both pictures already on my computer, it's made making a Christmas card that much easier.

No complaints, no fuss, everyone is happy. See the bebe above?

Happy, happy, happy!

My Christmastime suddenly feels much merrier and bright!

A lovely, wintry morning to you all...

Winter White Chicken Chili

2011-12-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

I'm sure y'all have heard all about the Santa Anna winds we've been experiencing. It's made our California days and nights unusually blustery.

If I'm to be frank, it's just plain freezing.

And when it's this cold there's only one thing to do: cook chili.

But this isn't just any chili. It's your Southern Lady's winter white chicken chili. It has some heat, but unlike its molten red counterpart, this dish is lighter, leaner, and doesn't leave you feeling quite as heavy afterwards.

I guarantee you'll enjoy this refreshing take on one of Winter's more popular dishes.

Enjoy!

The Southern Lady's Winter White Chicken Chili

- 1 roasted chicken from local market
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cans chicken broth (I prefer Swanson's fat-free flip-top for the purpose of re-sealing)
- 1 can green chili peppers (optional if serving to children)
- 2 cans great northern beans/cannellini beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can great northern beans/cannellini beans rinsed, drained, mashed
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (feel free to cut back on this if you're serving to children)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil

The easiest thing to do is to buy pre-raosted chicken from your market. You're welcome to roast your own, of course, but there's no harm in buying one already prepared. Simply take the meat from the chicken and shred. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Prepare your beans as indicated above and set aside.

Once your onions are diced, heat the oil in your large pot over medium. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until onions are wilted and tender. Add the chicken.

Once you've stirred things around, add your chicken broth, green chile peppers (optional), cumin, oregano and cayenne pepper. Bring this to a boil.

Looking at this makes me ravenous. I love it when a meal comes together!

After your chili is bubbling away, reduce heat to low and add the beans. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.

You'll notice as your chili cooks the broth will turn a creamy color thanks to the mashed beans.

It looks even creamier when you put in a bowl, add a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese. Eldest may have had three dollops last night. I lost count after two.

And because I couldn't leave well enough alone and needed a little something extra, we added corn.

Not only did it give the meal some crunch, but it took the chili to an entirely new dimension of delicious.

Plus, it made our bowls look so sunny! We were completely warmed inside and out. I didn't bother to make it look pretty when I went back for a second bowl, though, as some things are meant to be savored, and others, devoured.

And this bowl was devoured.

I hope you'll give this chili a spin around your cooktop. It's very easy, lighter than most chilis, and best of all, super delicious!

Let me know how it turns out for you!

Simply Southern Saturdays: A Different Type of Wreath

2011-12-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

If you have children, particularly those who want to do their own bit of decorating around the house, this Christmas craft is for you!

When I first began blogging four years ago it was around this time of year. Eldest and I were trying to make our Charlotte home festive and colorful for Christmas.

We had garlands hung, the tree decorated, and our moss green stockings of four were happily hanging at the hearth. We had several wreaths as well, but Eldest wanted one of her own.

Something special for her bedroom door.

Enter excess wrapping paper, a spool of red ribbon, an hour of free time, and a styrofoam wreath.

We cut strips of different wrapping paper~lots of strips.

There was no measuring involved but it was enough to wrap up like a cone and tape them. Once wrapped up, we hot glued the cones to the styrofoam, careful to alternate patterns.

When we reached the center of the wreath, we stapled and hot glued the ribbon hanger down, then continued on wrapping and gluing.

Once we were done, Eldest was so happy! She ran upstairs with her special wrapping paper wreath and put it on display.

We thought it turned out pretty well! We loved how different it was. For the most part we used what we had, only purchasing an inexpensive styrofoam wreath. But we also had the best time working on it together.

Have you seen any unique ideas for holiday decorating? I'd love to hear about it!

Stay warm and enjoy your December weekend.

Glimpses of Christmas

2011-12-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's been one of those weeks when everything seems to be happening all at once. It's sheer madness. I've been able to get a few things done around the house for our California Christmas, just not as much as I'd like.

Thankfully I have a very understanding family who are equally busy.

I'd like to give you a glimpse of what we're doing this year, but before that, a look at Christmases past, both in Charlotte and Tokyo.

In Charlotte, the moss green stockings I'd sewn the year before went missing. I still don't know where they are, but it was hard to see our first stockings as a family of four disappear. They were a true labor of love.

But in keeping with the spirit of the season, I looked on the bright side. Literally. I threw together a warm palate of oranges, golds, and whites for our last Christmas in the States. Inexpensive felt fabric from Michael's gave us the jumping off point and created beautiful stockings.

Our front door was inspired by one by Martha Stewart and came out wonderfully!

I just thought it was fun to do something out of the ordinary, but you wouldn't believe the number of neighbors that stopped by to ask how they could replicate it.

We decorated with orange calling birds,

,

satsumas,

and even used a Fall wreath in our decorating.

The orange just worked, and was such a welcome hue during the holidays.

Last year, however, due to space and our belongings being in storage, Christmas in Tokyo was very low-key. This wasn't a bad thing, but it was different.

We used orange again, but only a smattering on our tree combined with cranberry.

Our stockings we ordered from home and have become our permanent ones.

For gatherings we used our plates from La Plates and our gold Christmas tree plates from my Mother.

We enjoyed our smaller Christmas. It was much simpler to do and more of our energy was focused on Christmastime as opposed to decorating for it.

I'll be honest, though, it is very nice having our Christmas boxes back (even if half are still in the garage). Feeling inspired by our new home, though, we've gone in a new direction this year. From the ocean blues to the grassy greens, to the sparkling golden sun...they're all represented.

Are you ready? Here's a tiny glimpse:

I hope to have everything finished over the weekend, and if so, will share each special spot in our home with you. The children have had a hand in our decorations this year and I know they'd love to show it to you.

Be sure to come back for a good look!

A lovely December first to you all...

Seasonal Music

2011-11-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas music~especially the classics. Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Dean Martin, the Andrews Sisters...the more traditional, the better.

Though I've tried, I've just never been able to get into the Christmas songs sung by our current generation of musicians. There are a few that are okay, but they don't jingle my bells.

Despite this, there are three musicians that make this time of year merry and bright even without being Christmas classics. Somehow they've always warmed my spirits and lifted the festive atmosphere in our home.

Perhaps it's their voices, their renditions of yuletide lyrics. It could even be the instruments supporting their vocals. For whatever the reason, it all comes together magically. It's a treat to include them on our yearly Christmas rotations.

I hope you'll give them a try as well!

Kenny & Dolly Once Upon a Christmas

If you're Southern, and even if you're not, this is Country royalty at its finest. There is something so joyful about Kenny and Dolly when they get together~and even moreso when putting their spin on Christmas tunes.

Michael Buble Christmas

Though I've heard his other albums, I haven't listened to this one yet. But honestly, how can you go wrong? He brings that vibe of yore back to our favorite Christmas songs and he does it with such panache!

Red Mountain Church Silent Night

After learning about Red Mountain Church's music through Darby of Fly Through Our Window, I had to give this music a try. I love church musicians. They really put their hearts and souls into their songs and this album is no exception. It's acoustic Christmas and gloriously beautiful. Haunting at times. "Silent Night" is achingly wonderful to listen to as is "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus". I encourage you to listen to their other songs as well as they're both spiritual and lovely.

And now that I've shared my favorite more contemporary Christmas albums and musicians, why don't you?

What makes your holly jolly and your spirits merry and bright? I'd love to know!

A glorious last day of November to you all...

Hot Buttered Rum

2011-11-29T04:39:00.000-08:00

There is celebrating going on all over our home, for things both big and small. The scallywag's rug arrived and looks fabulous. Celebrating! Even with all the dental drama, Eldest finished her first trimester at Colina with straight A's. Celebrating! The holiday stations are playing the tried and true classics: Perry Como, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams. There hasn't been one "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" yet. Celebrating!

And with the advent of Christmastime, we're also celebrating the reason for the season: the birth of Jesus.

Celebrations both great and small~we're relishing each of them as much as we can.

On cold evenings we like to wind down with hot, frothy mugs of our favorite wintertime drink: Hot Buttered Rum, also known as HBR. If you're going to raise a cup of cheer while celebrating, why not this one?

Enjoy this family recipe, handed down from my Mother to me, and from myself to my daughter. It's rich, it's creamy, it's delicious, and beset of all, family friendly.

Don't let the "rum" part fool you. It's completely optional!

Now grab a hearty mug of something warm and sit back to read this recipe. You may just want a cup the next time you snuggle up by the fire.

This is a warm concoction my mother has been preparing for us since I was a petite, and is yet another tradition we've continued in our family. This drink usually marks the beginning of the Christmas season for us. When the days are nippy, carols are playing, lights are twinkling, and someone walks into the room bearing mugs filled to the brim with creamy HBR's, we know the holidays are here.

My parents were wonderful at filling my childhood with warm memories. They made the Christmas season very special, something I hope to do for my own children.

But back to the HBR-a word of caution...

If you want a low-cal, low-fat, low-sugar, low-anything warm beverage-this is not that drink. Do not read any further unless you intend to imbibe a most delicious creamy and buttery drink certain to warm you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. It is sugary. It is super simple and it is a cup of wondrous winter indulgence.

Are you still here? Then please read ahead and enjoy!

The Doiron's Hot Buttered Rum

Ingredients:

1 container for hot buttered rum storage
1 lb. melted butter
1 16 oz. brown sugar
1 16 oz. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 gallon of your best vanilla ice cream (if you're gong to do this, you may as well go all the way, friends. Indulge!)
*Optional nip of rum can be added to the drink.

Directions:

Let the ice cream soften, but careful not to let it melt. You should be able to scoop it easily without it being watery. In a large bowl combine butter, sugars, spices. Beat until fluffy. This should be about 2 minutes. It will resemble the color of caramel when you're done, and smell just as sweet!

Add the ice cream and beat once more.

The color is much lighter now and you can see specks of nutmeg, brown sugar, and cinnamon in the mixture. And boy does it smell good!

Go ahead and take a taste. It's soupy right now, but perfectly fine for you or any other little sous chef to sample. This year Eldest wasn't able to help~which was unfortunate, but she was okay with that as she was able to have the very first cup of the season!

Once you're done sampling, pour the HBR mixture into your chosen container and freeze.

I'd suggest overnight for the best results. The mixture should not actually freeze, but become taffy-like and cold and kept inside the freezer until it is gone or you're done with the hot buttered rum mixture.

To prepare and serve:

Take two generous scoops of mixture and place inside a festive cup, pour hot water over the mixture and stir very well, until completely melted. It should be frothy and will smell heavenly! You can choose to add a little rum to your drink at this time. To add sin atop of sin, feel free to add homemade whipped cream with chocolate shavings or cinnamon and nutmeg.

I hope that you all can enjoy this drink as much as my family does.

It's guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face and warm them from the inside out.

Cheers!

A Beautiful Day

2011-11-28T04:52:00.000-08:00

With my parents safely back in New Orleans, our home is quieter. It seems like such a strange thing to say, but it's true. Even with our two children there is a noticable difference within our house.

It was a wonderful month with my mother, and a greater week once Daddy joined us. Thanksgiving was a feast for the stomach, heart, and soul, but the day after? Undoubtedly the best.

We don't participate in Black Friday. We never have, and I doubt we ever will. But with the gorgeous & cool California weather, we had to take my parents on a coastal tour by way of the P.C.H. (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway).

We drove 15 minutes from our home to Malibu. There was so much beautiful ocean to see, grand homes to observe. Mother and Daddy couldn't stop marvelling over the views~and neither could we.

It's pretty cool to have a place that beautiful so close.

We continued on to Santa Monica, and to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

We parked so we could walk around and enjoy the scenery. It was fairly early, and at times we almost felt as if the Pier was ours alone.

I'm not sure what was better: sharing this moment with family, the fresh, salty air, or the people watching.

I know a few people who would argue that the best part were the fabulous, home-made burgers at Pier Burger.

They were spectacular.

Everything was freshly made in their little stand and you could tell with each and every bite. The scallywag was so excited by fries he kissed his Daddy in thanks!

As good as the Pier Burgers were, however, the best dishes were yet to come!

We were taking my parents into Hollywood to see the Farmer's Market at The Grove. Isn't it already looking Holiday ready?

The Grove is a "must-see" place when in Los Angeles. If not for the shopping, then for the infinite stands of food that are made daily and served with panache. Your menu will be varied: Indian, Mylasian, Spanish, English, Greek, American, Mexican...the list goes on and on.

Every single item you eat will send you into culinary heaven! It may not be friendly on your hips, but your eyes and stomach will thank you.

We sat at our table for quite a while. We took turns nibbling, watching people, and in Edlest's case, reading. All of our appetite's were satisfied.

We had a hearty sampling of several booths, and ended our day out by grabbing Bob's donuts for our next breakfast.

It was the best outing. Good food, beautiful weather, and the most wonderful company a gal could ask for. There are times when you may be asked about the best day you ever had, and if someone were to ask me, this day would come to mind right away.

I miss my parents terribly right now. We all do. Christmas cannot come fast enough, but we have many memories to tide us over until we see each other again.

We also have the Holidays to prepare for!

Come back this week for these fun and delicious treats: our family's hot buttered rum recipe, preparing for Christmas around the house, and a simple, but fun craft for your children to partake in as they welcome in Christmas.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Our lives are filled with many blessings.

Today we celebrate and give thanks for them.

We observe Thanksgiving by enjoying a great meal with family, reading our blessings from the Blessing Bowl, laughing and getting full together, watching a parade or football game.

This year we're also opening our home to those who are far from those they love. Having lived in Japan, we understand only too well what this is like. We are grateful to spend the day with our new friends and share this special day together.

My heart is full of gratitude for my personal blessings~the ones I hold most near and dear to my heart. This gratitude and thanks extends to each of you who stop by to read and leave a kind word. It is a pleasure to hear from you all, and to know you.

Many blessings to you on this Thanksgiving Day!

Turkey Trotting

2011-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving upon us, it seemed fitting that Eldest's school call their yearly Fall run the Turkey Trot.

The seven fastest boys and seven fastest girls from each class, sixth grade through eighth, are chosen to run 3/4 of a mile around the school. For Eldest this was a real privilege. She loves to run, she's very good at it. And to be chosen to do something she enjoys was such a delight!

Of course, she was chosen before her surgery and there was some question of whether or not she'd be able to participate. It was cautionary more than anything else.

But this morning she was up, eager, and ready to trot with her fellow turkeys.

And trot she did!

From the two laps around the soccer fields,

to the mad dash up a dirt hill,

to a final lap around the parking lot and track field,

Eldest ran hard and did wonderfully!

I was so happy I was able to be there to cheer her on~and she was glad to see me.

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Our health is just one thing~but after last week we are very grateful to have our daughter back on her feet and running her heart out.

Is there any one thing you're particularly thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin Cupcakes: A Fall Favorite

2011-11-21T06:53:00.000-08:00

While we're all in the full throws of Autumn, and preparing for Thanksgiving, we may find ourselves very busy. I know we are!

Not only are we readying ourselves for a very large Thanksgiving dinner in our new home, but tonight my Daddy arrives! We are all very excited~especially my mother. For while it's been wonderful to have her here with us for the month, that's also how long she and Daddy have been apart.

That is not easy. Believe me, I know.

In celebration of my sweet Father's arrival I'm sharing one of my most popular posts~and edible treats: pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Journey back with me to Tokyo as we make this decadent and delightful cupcake treat.

Enjoy!

OCTOBER 9, 2010

It's no secret that I have a slight addiction to pumpkin. By "pumpkin" I mean its various edible dishes and treats, and by "slight" I mean possibly in serious need of an intervention.

One of my nearest and dearest, Ruth, is a complete enabler, but I thank her for it. She thoughtfully sends a little note by messenger every time she comes across a new recipe.

Love you, Ruth! Thank you for your continuous help in my downward spiral.

In any case, it's Fall, pumpkins are everywhere, and I promised the family a month filled with pumpkin delights. This first week we made a family favorite: pumpkin cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese icing.

You may recall these delicious beauties from this time last year?

They were shared with two sweet girls, Casey and Michelle, during a Halloween movie night. The cupcakes received such rave reviews, I knew they'd make another appearance sooner or later.

Thank goodness sooner is here! It was a real task finding canned pumpkin puree, which was all sorts of shocking considering the stores in Tokyo sell every pumpkin delicacy imaginable. But we were successful in finally locating a can (or 6) and were able to make the most scrumptious pumpkin cupcakes this past weekend.

This recipe comes courtesy of the website Patent and the Pantry. You should check out the other recipes not only for their timeless appeal, but because they always turn out beautifully.

Now without further ado, I'd love to share this yummy treat. May you enjoy making these as much as the children and I did~and delight in eating them even more.

Don't be surprised at how quickly they disappear!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

~2 cups all-purpose flour
~1 teaspoon baking soda
~1 teaspoon baking powder
~1 teaspoon salt
~1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
~1 teaspoon ground ginger
~1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
~1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
~1 cup packed light brown sugar
~1 cup granulated sugar
~1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
~4 large eggs, lightly beaten
~1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and the spices. In another bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and eggs. Add dry ingredients and beat or whisk until smooth.

Then in pumpkin puree.

Due to the consistency I beat the mixture at this point. Or, if I'm to be completely honest, Eldest beat the mixture. She's a pro and really enjoys baking!

Line the cupcake pan with liners and fill each about halfway with batter. Bake until the tops spring back when touched and a cake tester comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate the pans if needed. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely before icing.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

~8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature (very important that it is room temp)
~1/2 cup butter, room temperature
~3 cups icing sugar, sifted
~1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Beat the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla and sugar.

Due to the fact that we have a Japanese oven~something that's about the size of a microwave~it took 2 hours to bake 18 cupcakes. I could only bake 6 at a time.

Many prayers for patience were said, but as expected, the wait was completely worth it.

The cupcakes came out beautifully every single time. They were fluffy, light, and rich in flavor.

The icing was even more delectable. It was temptation incarnate. Eldest and I may have succumbed a few times, and we may have eaten the leftover icing.

Or not.

If we did, however, I may be able to tell you that there is nothing more fun than giggling over a small bowl of leftover icing with your daughter.

We made enough cupcakes that I knew trouble would come a'calling if we didn't share.

Several went to our friends and neighbors and our language teacher. I had a few, the children did as well.

I suppose it shouldn't have been too surprising that by yesterday evening they were completely gone. Not a crumb was left behind.

Those pretty and tasty cupcakes may have been kind of good.

But you don't need my word for it...

Just ask my favorite taste-testers.

I'm pretty sure you'll get an honest answer.

Now friends, go ahead and make these delicious treats! Whip them up for a Thanksgiving dessert or for yourself and your family.

Either way, you'll be so glad you did! A lovely Thanksgiving week to you all...

Simply Southern Saturdays: The Scallywag's Room

2011-11-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

You may recall a post I did about the things I wanted to do for the scallywag's bedroom once we moved into our home. They were grand ideas surrounded by colors, patterns, furniture, and accessories.

Some have come into fruition, others have changed, others still we'll have to wait for. As always, the tricky part of making your visions come to life is when your imagination meets your reality. I don't know about you, but my last name isn't Rockefeller. Making things happen within our home sometimes involves saving, compromising, or improvising. Sometimes it's all three.

Let me give you an example. The turquoise blanket I'd envisioned for my son's bed? The price tag was ridiculous. The color may have been beautiful, but the quality certainly wasn't worth the price. It took a little looking, but a perfectly good substitute was discovered at Home Goods. The turquoise blanket changed to an embroidered navy coverlet from Ralph Lauren.

We love it!

I can also reveal that a big item I wanted for his room is on the way.

This was also a great deal that involved a good bit of research and waiting.

Dash & Albert's Yacht Stripe Cotton Rug in green & white has been a favorite for ages. It's perfect for growing with my little guy, the rug is an indoor/outdoor which means it's incredibly durable, and the colors are just so crisp.

I was just having a problem getting over the price tag.

But after searching high and low for over a month, I located it on Layla Grace, a website that offers free shipping, and after adding a 15% discount code the price was knocked down quite a bit.

Oh happy day! Good deals make this mama want to dance. Do you see how adorable this rug is? Placed on dark hardwoods with the new color scheme in the scallywag's room it will look fantastic!

I'll show you pictures once it's in next week, for now, though, why don't y'all join me in a little boogie with a cup of cheer? Good deals always make me extra happy and I just have to share that joy with all of you.

Happy weekend everyone! I hope y'all enjoy a little joy of your own as well.

Thank You & Recovery

2011-11-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

Good morning, friends!

I want to thank each of you who took the time to think about Eldest yesterday. Your prayers certainly reached her! Not only did her surgery go quickly and with promising results, but after some initial grouchiness and nausea caused by the anesthesia, she is in no pain, and feeling wonderful. You wouldn't know she'd had surgery the day before.

As her parents, our personal prayers were answered in spades.

We're keeping her home an extra day just in case things change, and taking the time to count our blessings for skilled doctors, understanding teachers, and an unyeilding support system.

At her request I took pictures of the before and after, but she was in no mood to participate once we helped her walk back to my car.

I can't say I blame her.

This morning we can laugh about her delirious state post-op~initially, she was a riot~and reflect how quickly she bounced back after a deep sleep later in the afternoon.

Currently she's enjoying a soft food diet of Pinkberry, milkshakes, asparagus soup, water, oatmeal, and well-cooked mac 'n cheese. But we anticipate adding more solid foods back this weekend. This is great progress!

Thank you all once more for praying so hard for our sweet girl. She's in great shape and on the road to a swift recovery.

We couldn't be more pleased for her.

A lovely weekend to you all, and as always, thank you for stopping by.

Surgery

2011-11-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Madeline is heading into surgery as I type. If you all would keep her, as well as her recovery time in your thoughts & prayers, we would greatly appreciate it.

Eldest's Room

2011-11-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

As you may remember from my last post, all of our belongings from Charlotte arrived on Monday. We hadn't seen any of our possessions in almost a year and a half, so it felt a little like Christmas morning~all day long.

There were many moments of, "Oh my God I forgot we had these!", and squeals of happiness as our movers unwrapped some very precious things.

My top priority, however, was making sure Eldest's room was put together before her surgery tomorrow. This was made a little difficult when the movers informed us that the hardware to her bed was missing. Can you believe that?

Ordinarily this would not be an issue. But when your daughter sleeps in a tester bed that was passed down to her~and the hardware was antique and specifically made for it~complications will ensue.

Thankfully, I can report that with a little ingenuity and lots of elbow grease, we were able to remedy the situation and put the bones to Eldest's room together.

She's so happy.

Tomorrow afternoon I will bring her home to her room, where all the comforts will be waiting for her.

There is still much to do, but after we fill her bookcases, hang a little artwork as well as her drapes, her corner of the house will really be spectacular.

Of course, someone already thinks it's perfect as is. As of yesterday evening, we could barely get Eldest to leave her room! She was delighted to rest in her bed, and sleep beneath familiar covers.

With her permission, Eldest would like to share her room with you. Enjoy the tour!

Eldest's bed used to be mine, and when I learned 12 years ago that I was going to have a little girl, my heart lept for joy. Heirlooms, much like family traditions, are very important to us. I was so happy to have someone to pass it down to.

With the exception of the honeycomb matelasse, all of her bedding was custom made by myself and my Mother. It was a labor of love, and one Eldest cherishes. She has been praying that her bedding survived being in storage, and blessedly, it did. The duvet has two different sides: one is the Chinese damask, the other a yellow and white check.

Her bed skirt and matching drapes are a larger raw silk check.

The dresser was picked up in Oxford, and to keep things honest, here is how it looks right now. We'll get it gussied up this evening!

Her French lamps are a favorite. An antique yellow, the curves and scrolls are so feminine they're perfect for the bedroom of a budding young lady.

We still have a little more work to do, but we all agree that when Eldest returns from her surgery tomorrow, she will be surrounded by the people, as well as the things that she loves most. She will be able to rest and recover very comfortably.

Enjoy your Wednesday all, and if you would, please keep my sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow morning.

Thank you for stopping by!

Carefree Moments

2011-11-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

This post is a reminder to myself of the carefree moments, the fun times we spend together as a family.

Because in between the schedules, doctors appointments, the hectic days, and the sometimes crazier weekends, they do happen. And I love them. We all do.

On Friday we spent the morning at Oak Canyon's community park. It's a beautiful sea of rolling, landscaped hills, and well-maintained playgrounds.

It was perfect for a class play date, and a great way to begin our weekend. The activity may have been scheduled for my wee son and his friends, but it was most important to me that Eldest really enjoy the day.

While Mother sketched,

and the scallywag played,

I watched as Eldest ran, swung, and climbed. As our children get older, they don't have as much free time as we'd like. It's important to make sure they have these moments of frivolous fun...

Especially if they have a rough week ahead of them.

My car arrives in L.A. on Monday, as do all of our belongings from Charlotte. But Monday also marks the day Eldest receives her expander.

In case you're not up to date with your braces lingo, an expander is a device that is affixed to the upper back molars. It gradually pushes the upper jaw further out in the back~expanding it so teeth have room to straighten out. It will also fill the spaces you see in the corners of a persons mouth when they smile.

Then on Thursday, when she would be taking her Math midterm, she'll undergo oral surgery to reveal and force out an impacted canine.

Here is what our oral surgeon is dealing with.

Impacted canines aren't uncommon, but they always do root damage to the permanent teeth they're growing above. We're anticipating some, but we won't know how much until the tooth is revealed and the area examined.

During the operation, not only will her braces be put on, but a chain will be placed on her impacted tooth. It will connect to a brace on one of her molars and slowly bring it down.

This is the best case scenario. There are things that may or may not happen once the tooth is revealed, but we won't know until Eldest is under and the surgeon can get a closer look at things.

It's not a lengthy operation, only about an hour and a half, but any procedure that involves general anesthesia makes me anxious. I'm thankful that our Doctors, both the oral surgeon and orthodontist, are exceptional. Eldest will be in the best of hands.

I'll be asking for your prayers this Thursday, friends, and I know Eldest would appreciate them.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and if you have a moment, please keep us and our crazy week ahead in your thoughts. Every bit will help us make it through with a little more grace.

My best to you all...

Mad For Plaid

2011-11-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

As the sight of plaids in the Fall always make my heart flutter, it's clear that my Catholic school girl days still hold a very fond place in my heart.

To me, plaid evokes a feeling of warmth and security, style and timeless grace. It also reminds me of picnics in the park with your family, cozying up beside a fire with your loved one, and snuggling up with a good book.

There's a school of thought that plaid must be associated with stodgy and stuffy. It must be uncomfortable. But to me, the colder months are never quite the same without a healthy dash of plaid. And I've seen plenty of stylish ways to express your love for these interwoven stripes!

What do you think? Are you mad for plaid as well?

Girls Day Out

2011-11-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Mother and I decided to take Eldest to the outdoor outlet mall in Camarillo. Our mission was to find some stylish, but fun boots. It was a gorgeous day: sunny and chilly~perfect for spending the day sidewalk shopping.

Husband offered to watch bebe, which opened up our shopping time exponentially.

And with a few sweet~and humorous~pictures to note the day, we sped north towards fun and a well-needed girls day out.

It took us no time at all to find Eldest her boots~two new pairs of tall Uggs. While I'm not a fan, and believe me, I have tried as it is the boot everyone wears in California, they looked so good on her!

Saturday marked the day when I had to re-examine my thoughts on Uggs and admit that sometimes they really do work. My sister-in-law swears by them and looks cute in them to boot (excuse the pun), so perhaps it was time to change my tune.

It was also the day I noticed how much my daughter has started to enjoy clothes shopping.

We've been anticipating this day for years, but it really snuck up on us. For ages Eldest could have cared less about shopping. She was content to let me pick out her clothes and arrange them. But this past weekend, we flitted from store to store, watching her try on jewelry, pull out the shirts and scarves that she wanted to hold up against her person, and watched her happily dance around when she found a hat she favored.

It was such delightful fun!

We concluded our day out with an impromptu meal at Johnny Rockets.

With Elvis, the Shirelles, and Frankie Valli crooning as we dined on Patty Melts and sipped black forest milkshakes, we relished being taken back to a simpler, and sometimes more innocent era.

Of course, no trip back to the sixties and seventies would be complete without a little dancing! Our waitress and her co-workers shuffled along to every Donna Summer song. Clapping and spinning, they put on quite a performance.

We were so tickled!

Eldest had to have her picture taken with our waitress after all the fanfare. It is L.A., after all, and you never know when you'll see a show put on! It's rather fun, and as it was on Saturday, a wonderful way to cap off our day together.

Today marks a return to schedules and bedtimes, but we're looking forward to all the afternoons and weekend we still have to spend together.

It's sure to be a wonderful time!

Happy Monday to you all...

Simply Southern Saturdays: Tea Time Edition

2011-11-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

If you've read this blog for any length of time, you'll know how much we treasure our tea time. It's been a time-honored tradition in our family for three generations now, and we anticipate taking it whenever we're together.

From the coziest of tea cottages and living rooms, to the more refined surroundings of former castles and hotels, my mother, daughter, and I have enjoyed tea many times and in many places. We love everything about the practice.

It's difficult to peg what we enjoy most as there are many aspects to consider, but I could hazard a guess...

The classical music is always sweet and soothing, and the warmth of scones flavored with clotted cream, tart lemon curd, and sweet preserves are divine.

The conversation is also really nice. Without any of the normal daily interruptions, conversation flows with greater ease. Both listening and speaking is done more thoughtfully. There are no cell phones, televisions, computers, or even people vying for your attention. No one speaks loudly, and everyone respects the quietude of the others around them. There is a great calm and serenity that comes with tea time.

Sometimes we'll indulge in a glass of sherry or a flute of champagne, but more often than not, sipping tea with my favorite girls is what brings the greater thrill.

What is most important, though, and what really makes the actual practice of taking tea so special to us is the company. When the three of us are together there is something very magical about that time. The sharing, the advising and divulging, the soft laughter, and the relaxed silence that comes with reading...I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

On days like this past Friday, we like to have tea in the comfort of our home. With the cold, rainy weather, all we wanted was to sit around the table and talk, nibble, and sip. I was busy chasing the scallywag (and snapping pictures), so Mother and Eldest managed the scone making, whipping the cream, and making the lemon curd.

I loved watching my Mother and daughter as they fashioned our afternoon tea; instructions and stories were being passed down as they worked~a balance of seriousness mixed in with lively laughter as they mixed and cut, tasted and sweetened.

And the end result? Perfection. The scallywag played happily with his trains, and we were able to sit down together, our group of three, and enjoy lovely conversation, warm tea, and a delicious treat of scones.

As my mother is here for the rest of the month we're hoping to have High Tea downtown at some point. We can only cross our fingers! If not, though, we're happy to enjoy many more afternoons by the fireplace with our store-bought tea and homemade accompaniments.

It is, after all, spending that time with two of the most special people in my life that make the tea so memorable.

Enjoy your weekends, everyone, and as always, thank you for stopping by...

Cute Booties

2011-11-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

Little feet need a great deal of protection during the colder months. For splashing in rainy puddles, crashing through leaves, and running amok on playgrounds and at school they need to be kept comfortable, warm, and dry.

We found such shoes at Marshall's this past week and the scallywag has been wearing the heck out of them ever since. Did you know Crocs made fleece-lined boots? As a gal who never wears them, I'm obviously not in the know, but goodness was I glad to be shown the light!

My little boy loves them to bits and while running errands and walking around our neighborhood his feet have been kept roasty toasty.

They've been perfect today. It's cold, rainy, and my mother has been working on scones, lemon curd, and whipping cream since we arrived home. Because while my little boy chooses to keep warm with cute Crocs and sweet sweaters, the ladies in my family take tea to warm up instead.

Come back tomorrow for a special Simply Southern Saturday that focuses on my family's love of High Tea and tea time in general. I cannot wait to share it with you all!

Stay warm, friends, and enjoy your weekend ahead.

Red Beans & Rice

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

With my wee one battling the tail end of his cold, our evenings and morning feeling positively frigid, and my mother in town, we are all craving the comforts of our Southern home.

So when my mother pulled out a carefully hidden bag of Camellia red beans from her suitcase, we all cheered. Because no southerner~especially one from New Orleans~is going to turn down a hot, flavorful bowl of red beans & rice.

My mother's recipe happens to be a treasured one, loved by all near and far. And that it not an exaggeration. Eveyone who has taken a fork (or spoon) to her southern cuisine always asks for seconds as well as a copy of her recipe.

Thankfully, she guards this secret very well. Am I selfish for appreciating her secrecy? Perhaps, but some things should be honored by being kept within a family.

No worries, though! If you're ever in need of a hot bowl of the best red beans & rice on either side of the Mississippi, I'll be happy to send you a pot or two.

All you have to do is ask.

We'll even send along a pan of deliciously buttered cornbread.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a slice that ndeds to be slathered in butter and honey for my breakfast. It should be just the thing to help wake us all up this morning.

What do you crave when you're missing home?

You Say Good-bye, I Say Hello

2011-11-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to November all!

Did you enjoy a marvelous October and Halloween? Ours was very laid-back~which we appreciated. We saw some of our neighbors and friends as Eldest and I wandered the neighborhood, while the scallywag stayed at home to hand out candy with his Daddy and Mimi.

We're all have a wonderful time together, by the way. Thanks for the many well-wishes!

Eldest was a neighborhood favorite in her Ghostbusters costume. Everywhere we went people were shouting, "Who you gonna call?" and telling her how much they loved her outfit.

She was both flattered and embarrassed by the attention, but had a great time exploring our new neighborhood, meeting neighbors, and learning her way around.

Considering the evening we were celebrating, it's funny that there were so few Ghostbusters out on All Hallows Eve. Eldest and her Halloween persona were right at home.

With all the ghosts and ghouls running about, she had much busting to do!

It was a very cold evening, and the streets were pretty dark. It made for a chilling atmosphere as we wandered the unfamiliar roads, but it was such a fun time! Eldest filled her bucket up to the brim.

Unfortunately, because she has spacers between her teeth in preparation for her expander, she could eat only a handful of what she received. There wasn't much complaining, though. She had plenty to nibble on after all was said and done.

Now that November is in her early days, we're starting to prepare celebrations for giving Thanks. Slowly our home is starting to warm up with the colors of Autumn and a feeling of home. And with Mother here, it feels that much more like one.

Thank you all for coming along with us as we settle in. We've appreciated each and every kind word of encouragement!

We're enjoying a very blustery Fall day with coffee and pancakes this morning, and hope wherever you are, you are keeping warm and cozy as well.

A lovely Wednesday to you all!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, y'all!

I love this piece of art the scallywag and his class put together for today's festive celebrations.

Last week the scallywag had a Halloween Party and Parade and I thought I'd share some sweet pictures from that "treat" of a day.

He was going to go as Wilson from "Chuggington", but decided he didn't like the costume at the last minute. Thank goodness for his Japanese Yukata, or day robe. People thought it was a darling outfit and imagined him to be a Samurai!

We went with that. I was just happy to see him comfortable in his Halloween gear.

Since being sick he's had a hard time readjusting to school and comfort has been key.

Thankfully he really enjoys the company of his friends and had a good time with them at the party and in the parade.

At the end of the day, my son was exhausted. It had been a very exciting day, almost too much. So he was happy that I was right there to take him home when all was done.

He told everyone Happy Halloween, grabbed my hand, and started his holiday a little early with some very sweet treats from some of his friends.

It's now several days later, and it looks like his cold is almost passed. Hallelujah! This means we'll be able to go Trick or Treating with some neighbors and new friends this evening.

I'm so happy about this. But I'm also happy that my sweet Mother is here with us for the next month! She arrived last night and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to have her with us in California.

Friends, whatever your plans with friends and family, have a hauntingly good time this evening. Have fun, be safe, and be sure to enjoy a healthy handful of both tricks and treats.

I'll see you in November!

Simply Southern Saturdays: A Halloween Carnival in Black & White

2011-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

I love Fall festivals. There's always an excitement in the atmosphere, a fervor sweeping the crowd. Perhaps it's the delectable foods, the stomach-churning rides, the ideal weather for outdoor carousing. It could even be the crowd watching.

Whatever the reason, it's a thoroughly fun and crazy time.

Friday evening was Eldest's Halloween Carnival. And though it was a drop-off event where parents didn't really linger, the scallywag and I had to go along with her as my Husband, a volunteer at one of the booths, was running late.

Despite her earlier proclamations of "I ain't 'fraid of no ghosts!", even Eldest was stunned by the costumes that greeted us.

Of course, it didn't last long.

Eldest ran off with her friends, all of whom were dolled up in costumes that delighted and frightened, while the scallywag nibbled on a proffered brownie.

We waited for Husband to arrive, taking in the sights and sounds of Halloween. There were shrieks of laughter, blood-curdling games, and enough visual treats to last us until the actual All Hallows Eve!

Together the scallywag and I saw several ghostly visions,

brutal-looking pirates,

scary clowns,

and happy hippies.

Once Husband arrived, the scallywag and I left (he's still sniffly), but we were glad to get a little glimpse into the middle school fun and shenanigans. Everyone was in good spirits, and more than ever I knew that Colina had been the right choice for Eldest.

That is indeed the sweetest Halloween treat I could ask for.

A lovely weekend to you all!!

Fur Anyone?

2011-10-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

With chilly mornings, brisk days, and even colder evenings, my mind is constantly turning to thoughts of sumptuous fabrics and warm furs.

In Los Angeles, something full-length would be borderline silly as the climate is often temperate. But we do have very crisp days ahead and something shorter would be perfect for running about.

As always, Kate Spade nailed the elegance and youthful vibe that a properly designed fur can bring to an outfit. The Victoria Faux Fur Pullover Jacket not only has a playfullness to it, but as it's faux, keeping with the times and sensitivities of others.

Faux can be beautiful, don't you think?

Of course, as a mother it wouldn't be practical for me to wear something like this (let alone spend the $845 for it). Instead I opted for something smaller, but still stylish. Something that can be worn both dressed up or down.

The fur vest.

There are so many choices today: real and faux, pricey and affordable, simple and ornate, fitted and full. There's a little bit of something for everyone, and that's fantastic. Because what gal doesn't want to add a little bit of glitz and glam to their ensemble every now and then?

I happen to have two and let me tell you, they provide great warmth and panache to what may otherwise be a simple go-to outfit. One is small and fitted, the other, full and plush. Both can be worn with pants or dresses and skirts, and as the season is in full swing, I cannot tell you how excited I was to pull them to the front of my closet.

I know this is not for everyone, and it doesn't have to be. But what if you want a touch of luxe added to your home rather than your person? My favorite solution for the colder months is a fur throw.

Jackie used them in all of her homes. And if we're to acknowledge her as the timeless style icon she's been declared, then we also have to acknowledge that she was onto something!

Our Zanzibar throw came from Z Gallerie, which means it's affordable and still very stylish. It's very plush, very soft, and after using it for three years in various rooms, I can verify that it hasn't lost any of its warming abilities or "fur". It's in the same condition as it was when I first ordered it.

Goodness! With all this talk of fur and colder weather I am in need of a serious cup of coffee...or three.

With Autumn here to stay and Winter steadily approaching, what do you do to usher it in style-wise? I'd love to know, so please feel free to share.

A lovely day to you all.

Primary Colors: Blue

2011-10-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Little Boy Blue...he just doesn't know what to do.

This weeks color at the scallywag's school was very appropriate, as my son has been under the weather and just blue as can be. Don't let these pictures fool you.

He made it to school on Thursday, and he was happy to play and participate, but the rest of the week he was puny. My heart just hurts for him when he's so uncomfortable.

Can you see how tired he looked? I almost didn't send him to school, but he was fever free, didn't have any other symptoms. He seemed to be right as rain.

Well, friends, you know how deceptive that calm before the storm can be.

He probably slept all of three hours last night due to a terrible cough and stuffy nose. Can you guess who spent most of their night in bed with him to keep him calm and comforted?

His favorite method of soothing is to hold my hand over his heart. He likes the contact, and thankfully, it settles him down so he can fall asleep.

I know we all complain about lack of sleep when our children are sick, but I try to have a little perspective on the situation. Yes, I've lost a few hours of sleep. But I'm still healthy. I can go through my day without sneezing, coughing, or feeling as if the mother of all monster trucks just ran me over.

My son, not so much.

This week was hard not only because he was sick, but because he missed out on three very fun scheduled activities at school: the petting zoo, the pumpkin patch visit, and yesterday's class playdate~which I organized.

He was so sad when he learned he would miss these things. But parent after parent emailed to wish him well and his friends helped pick out a special wee pumpkin just for him. He just adores his baby pumpkin.

We're going to be very low-key over the next couple of day so he can enjoy all the Halloween festivities at school next week. We don't want him to miss out on anything else, so I'm not taking any chances.

Enjoy your weekend, friends, and take care of yourselves!

My best to you all...

Decadent Caramel Apple Cider

2011-10-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love mornings like these.

It's what I like to call deliciously spooky! The fog is dense and damp, the air is cold. It seeps into every pore.

Days like this call for cashmere cardigans, snuggling beneath warm blankets, a fire in the hearth, and a deliciously warm drink.

Something guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

As it's Fall, I'd love to share one of my favorite~and simple~Autumnal beverages.

This is a repost from Fall in Tokyo, but I received so many rave reviews and emails I just had to share it again!

How did we come up with this very simple recipe? Well, I'll tell you. I owe it all to my daughter and her request for something new and simple to warm her up.

It was a little early in the season for our favorite cold-weather drink, Hot Buttered Rum, but she said whatever I surprised her with would be fine. The only request was this: no pumpkin.

This may have been an indication that my obsession has gone overboard, but that's allright. I'm flexible. There's always another trusty fruit ready to be enjoyed during these crisp, blustery days: the apple.

After considering the options I decided to go the classic route and make apple cider. But being as we're Southern, and we simply cannot do without those extra little lagniappe's. I decided to do classic...with a twist.

I decided to make Caramel Apple Cider.

Sounds delicious doesn't it? Apple cider and caramel apples are two wonderfully yummy things to look forward to in the Fall. And while I'm sure it's not too uncommon a drink, you would have thought I'd struck gold when I asked Eldest what she thought.

She was a little excited.

I was a little daunted.

Again I ran into a stumbling block while searching for the primary ingredient: apple cider. The only ones available were sparkling, and my daughter doesn't drink the bubbly stuff.

In the end I made my own cider~which was surprisingly simple~but I'll save that for another post. I'm pretty sure y'all have plenty of cider on hand back in the States.

This sweet drink was also very easy to make and the end results, divine.

Enjoy!!

Caramel Apple Cider

Apple Cider or Apple Cider Mix
Caramel Sauce
Whipped Cream (homemade is best!!)

Take your mug of choice,

and pour caramel sauce into the bottom. As I have yet to master homemade caramel sauce~and believe me I have long been trying~bottled is fine. Just make sure the caramel coats the bottom of the cup...or even more if that's your bag.

If a little of the sauce gets onto the side of your mug, don't worry about it!

I suspect someone in your home will be more than happy to assist in this clean-up.

Pour your heated cider into the cup o' caramel and stir.

Your cider drink will be a milky, caramel color and smell just delicious. It really did remind me of caramel apples~and for good reason!

Once your caramel and apple cider is mixed well, add a dollop (or two or three) of your whipped cream on top.

Again, I recommend homemade whipped cream as it's easy to make, and so much better than the store bought stuff. Whip one pint of heavy whipping cream while slowly adding one cup of sugar and a touch of vanilla flavoring if desired. Let your mixer whip the mixture until it has semi-stiff peaks and resembles whipped cream. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

They'll also thank you for this:

Pour a little more caramel sauce atop your whipped cream and enjoy!

Now tell me friends, when you're facing another chilly Fall night, don't you think something like this will warm you right up?

According to my daughter, it will do that as well as leave a happy smile on your face. But don't take our word for it~try it out for yourself!

I'd love to hear how it turned out for you.

Hello All!

2011-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Though it seems I've fallen off the face of the Earth, this is not the case.

Settling into our new home has taken up much more time than I anticipated, and between the children's two schools, getting our A/C repaired, and enjoying an evening out with visiting family, life has been super busy.

Until this past week no one had even given a thought to Halloween. This is completely unlike us, as we revel in Holidays. But with all the back and forth and most Holiday goodies still in Charlotte, we've been remiss.

This said, we've been taking steps to make amends for our lack of celebrations. From delighting in these delectable mini-pumpkin cakes with cream cheese frosting,

to admiring potential pumpkins at our grocers,

we've been making up for lost time. We're even taking a trip to our local pumpkin patch for fun and pumpkin picking tomorrow.

Until then, take a look at the progress we've made in our home! As it's what has been keeping me away, the least I can do is give you a wee glimpse. It's been a gradual process, but so far we're happy with how things are pulling together.

We're enjoying the daily view of the mountains from our windows,

preparing meals with some lovely new cookware,

and anxiously awaiting the hardware to our bookcases that were lost in the unpacking process. Right now all surfaces in Husband's office look like this:

God bless.

Friends, I cannot wait to get back in touch with all of you in the Twitterverse, the Blogosphere, and Facebook. It's been a mad couple of weeks and I for one am looking forward to some down time so I can catch up with you!

Take care and enjoy your week.

UPrinting.com Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Morgan T.!

You're the winner of The Southern Blossoms first sponsored giveaway.

I'll pass along your email to Drew from UPrinting.com, and he'll be in touch to help you along your way.

Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations again to you, Morgan! I hope you have a wonderful time creating your postcards.

Simply Southern Saturdays: Bedside Manner Makes All the Difference

2011-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Dentists.

They may do wonders for our smiles and can be the nicest people, but I don't know anyone who looks forward to visiting them.

We're very blessed that we found an truly amazing one in Oak Park. She's just five minutes from our home, and yesterday was the first time I could recall being so glad to have one.

Dr. Velarde has a wonderful family practice. She came highly reccommended by quite a few parents, some of whom had been seeing her for over 15 years. And with her warm bedside manner, I knew she was the right dentist for us when Eldest began complaining about pain in her mouth.

It seems one of her permanent molars had pushed the baby one to the side of her gum and every time she would take a bite of something, the part of the tooth that was loose would cut back into her gum.

Ouch!

Dr. Velarde was amazing with Eldest.

She was congenial and compassionate, making my sweet girl very comfortable. You could even hear her laughter throughout the office!

The scallywag had a good time exploring the office while his sister was in Dr. Velarde's chair. He played with his trains,

and a giant colorful abacus.

It kept him very well preoccupied while Eldest's other teeth were examined.

Afterwards, the news that came back from our Doctor wasn't entirely unexpected, but Eldest was a little uneasy nontheless.

Her tooth had to be extraced.

But wouldn't you know it? With a combination of Eldest's bravery and Doctor Velarde's gentleness, the entire proceedure went smoothly and without any discomfort.

Eldest didn't even flinch when her gums received two shots to numb it.

They were given a good amount of time to numb while her teeth were cleaned, and as the molar was already loose the pliers had to do only a little work.

A little pink box held the offending tooth after all was said and done, Eldest's teeth were proclaimed very healthy and in good shape, and we were headed to Pinkberry for a post-extraction treat to help soothe her sore gum.

I'm happy to report that Eldest only had a little achiness after the procedure, and that was due to the anesthetic wearing off. She was able to eat with the rest of our family when we went out to dinner and was in good spirits for the evening.

Unfortunately the story won't end here. On an x-ray it was revealed that Eldest has a severely impacted permanent eye-tooth. This means we're off to the Orthodontist next week to see what our options are to get this resolved.

I'll let y'all know how things proceed. In the mean time, a few prayers for my daughter would be appreciated.

Have a wonderful weekend all. I'm planning on getting a few things to make our home seem a little more Fall-ish, then with my family settle further into our new home. We're so happy to have a place to call our own!

Take care all!

Secondary Colors: Orange

2011-10-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Friends, it has been such a busy week, I barely remembered to get pictures of my little boy in his orange for school.

Thank you iPhone!

Needless to say, I think y'all can tell what color they were focusing on for the week.

Isn't this the cutest t-shirt? It's from Darby's Honey Bee Tee line, and I can't say enough great things about it. It's very soft against my little boy's skin, the orange is still vibrant after several washes, and the owls dressed in Halloween garb is so appropriate.

He loves it. And he loves school even more!

I'm happy to report that he's gotten back into his grove this week. He even brought home several pieces of art. They are just so sweet!

Today he brought home a large piece of white paper covered in orange paint. He told me it was a pumpkin.

Do you see it? I sure do. The masterpieces of a three-year old are interpretive abstract art at it's finest. You have to love it.

The scallywag certainly did. He had streaks of orange paint on his face, his John-John, and his sock was completely wet! But that was due to a completely different art project (Footprint ghosts! How footastically spooky!).

With all of these pieces of art coming home, I've been considering the best way to store them without creating a mess. My husband has begged me to stop getting file folders for the smaller ones, so his hat will be tipped to Pinterest for this inspired idea.

Source: kayewinieckidesigns.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

One savvy mom had the answer to this eternal question: How can I keep all of my child's artwork without creating clutter?

Why not create a photo book of all their wonderful creations? It's a brilliant soloution, and not only does it allow you to "keep" every single piece of art preserved for a lifetime, but it does so in a very stylish way.

Kaye went through Shutterfly to create her son's art book, and it is just stunning. If you click on the picture above it will take you to a page with the link to her blog. You'll be so glad you stopped by to visit.

I know I am. These sweet memories created by my son will be kept safe and sound for a very long time. So even though he's growing so fast and won't always be so small, flipping through a book filled with his works of art will always bring me back to these wonderful days.

I cannot wait to get started!

Have a lovely evening everyone, and please don't forget to enter to win 100 custom designed post cards through UPrinting.com. The contest ends tomorrow at noon, so leave your name and email address if you're interested.

Toodles, all!

UPrinting.com Giveaway!

2011-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! I just wanted to remind you all about the fabulous giveaway I'm hosting. It ends this Friday so you still have time to enter to win 100 of very own personalized postcards!

Offered by UPrinting.com, a great source for printed material at extremely resaonable prices, this is an offer too good to pass up! Read below for the contest rules, and if you haven't entered already, please enter today!

100 customized postcards that you get to design yourself from start to finish? Imagine the fun and possibilities! And with the Holiday's creeping up on us, wouldn't it be nice to have one less item on your list of things to do?

CONTEST

Continuing to run from today until noon of Friday, October 14th, one person will have the opportunity to win 100 5x7 postcards of their choice. From start to finish, the winner will be able to custom design the entire thing! Requiring absolutely no folding, they'll come in a 14 pt. card stock gloss, front only printing, and best yet, will be shipped to you for free within the two business days it takes for print turnaround.

RULES

Simply leave your name and email address in the comments section, and on October 14th I'll choose a winner!

I've been asked to limit the giveaway to US residents 18 years old and above only, so please bear this in mind.

The entire giveaway is being sponsored by UPrinting.com, and while I'm not receiving any financial compensation, they're letting me design my own postcards for the holidays in thanks for hosting. I am so excited that I will have one less thing to do this Christmas and cannot wait to get started!

I bet you can't either, so what are you waiting for? Take a chance, and on Friday I'll announce one very lucky winner.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your glorious Fall week ahead, and most importantly good luck!

Primary Colors: Yellow

2011-10-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

As evident by what the scallywag was wearing, the color at school this week was the primary color yellow.

I'm pretty sure if my son was a color, this would be him! He's such an energetic, joyful child.

Bebe was as bright as the brilliant canary sun on Tuesday~even with the chilly temperature.

It's already time to layer shirts, friends! What a change from everywhere else we've lived.

Here are a few of the things the children did in class this week: they separated yellow bears from orange ones, finger painted with yellow paint, read a book about freight trains, made their yellow pages with their cut-outs, and played musical instruments.

The scallywag is always so happy to go to school, and tells me about his favorite parts of the day every Tuesday & Thursday.

I'll tell you something, though. Even though my little guy has been as cheery as his yellow shirts, his week hasn't been quite as stellar.

He's been behaving well~having a ball, in fact. But he hasn't wanted to do this weeks art projects.

The teachers don't mind. He's not the only one, and they don't like to force these things. I guess I'm a little sad because his little masterpieces are things I look forward to, and I'm not sure why he doesn't want to do them.

He enjoys drawing, and finger painting is right up his alley.

I suspect part of it has to do with the fact that he has to do some of the work with his teachers and he hasn't fully warmed up to them yet.

School is still so new to him. Going two days a week for three weeks doesn't make him a pro, but he's certainly happy to be there with his friends, playing and learning. These are things I'm grateful for.

He's made a pretty good transition and I'm very proud of him.

In time he'll warm up, I know this, and there are still plenty of art projects for him to do over the next couple of years.

I'm going to try & not dwell on this. Instead, my focus will be on these things: the fun that he's having, the lessons he's learning, the friends he's making, the fact that he's being taught a little more about his Faith.

Every child is different as they adjust to school, and as I know my little guy can be stubborn, I knew it would take him time to open up to his teachers.

They're not concerned, so I'll focus my attention on the bigger picture. Overall, the school experience has been a wonderful one~Tuesdays & Thursdays are always greeted with real excitement. The love for school is there, and in time everything else will fall into place.

Until then we'll simply enjoy all the sunny moments our little guy is soaking in.

A lovely weekend to you, friends, and may you all have many a sunny moment with those you love.

Moving In

2011-10-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Good Lord am I tired.

Yesterday was fantastic, friends, and it's all due to 150 boxes and the three men who proclaimed themselves "The Three Amigos".

That's right! Yesterday, despite experiencing a winter storm (yes, a winter storm), we had our possessions from Tokyo delivered to the new house.

It was such an exciting day! Both myself and the scallywag spent the day at the house doing what we could to make the process easier on our movers, and as rooms came together, despite the great messes, we could see our home taking shape.

A part of me feels ridiculous even mentioning my fatigue, though. I didn't do the unloading, unpacking, or assembling. I certainly didn't do the trash collecting either. Our movers were gracious enough to do that.

But for almost ten hours straight I was trying to keep up with the scallywag (who didn't take a nap).

I was running around cleaning and moving things behind the movers. My eyes were constantly searching for the box numbers on our check lists, and my stomach lurched when the movers told me they couldn't find the legs to our sofa.

They found them in one of the last boxes...naturally.

I figure that even though I may not have been a "heavy-lifter", I certainly had enough going on to leave me feeling completely tuckered out.

And there are still miles to go...

Goodness knows I wouldn't have it any other way. The whole moving process is exhausting, but it feels so good to know our temporary housing days are at an end. To have a house is a blessing, and making into a home even moreso.

We are all ready to move in this weekend, and I'm doing my darndest to make sure all bedrooms are cleaned and organized. This way allergies (for bebe) aren't an issue and neither is clutter.

The living areas, on the other hand, are going to take a little while.

Why not let everyone pitch in & help out?

I'm sure our little contortionist would be happy to help drag things from room to room.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support during this time. It was a stressful road getting to this point, but each of your words lifted our spirits and hearts. We can't tell you how grateful we are for your kindness.

A lovely Thursday to you all, and as always, thank you for stopping by.

Where Humor & Trains Collide

2011-10-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

Trains. Trains. Trains.

My little boy loves trains. Perhaps I've mentioned this before?

Thomas, Chuggington, toy or model, you name it, he loves it.

And from the moment he wakes up until the moment he falls asleep, most of his thoughts revolve around his trains, their colors, and their stories.

Let's not forget the songs either. Because we sing them all the live long day.

I love playing with my little boy, no one quite makes me laugh as hard. But when you play with the same characters, sing the same songs, and see the same videos over and over again, you start craving some variety.

I am very thankful he's starting to become interested in dinosaurs! It's a nice change of pace.

And a change of pace is exactly what I found last night.

After putting my little guy to bed, I stumbled across a hilarious parody of Thomas the Tank Engine. We'd been watching Thomas sing-along videos on You Tube earlier, and underneath one of them was a link to a parody entitled "Trains-Formers".

I just have to share it with you all. It's a hoot!

Created by another parent whose child adores Thomas, it uses the familiar characters, but adds some cheek by combining it with some rather unexpected famous movies/older children's television shows.

I guarantee that if you have~or have had~a child that loves Thomas as much as mine does, these videos will make you laugh.

Now sit back, relax, and delight in Op"Thomas" Prime and his adventures with his friend, Vector.

Trains-Formers

Trains-Formers 2oot

A lovely October morning to you all! My son and I (and his trains) are off to wait for our furniture delivery in our new house.

Take care and thank you for stopping by!

Our New Home

2011-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend we will make our move from temporary housing and into our new home! We're all so excited.

I may have mentioned that securing this home wasn't easy, and believe me, that wasn't an exaggeration. The first day our Agent took me to look at potential homes, my spirits were a little low. We saw some homes with promise, but we also saw some that were just plain horrendous. Given what I saw, I was worried that we wouldn't find a permanent home in enough time.

Temporary housing would only be covered by Husband's firm for 90 days, and we've lived in said housing for over half that time already.

We could hear a clock ticking in the back of our minds daily.

But in a moment of true serendipity, at the end of the home tours our Agent pulled out a sheet of paper. Pausing, she looked at me, looked at the clock, the put the question to me.

"There's a house that just came on the market this morning. It's in your price range, and it's near our current location. Is it too close to pick-up time at your daughter's school to see it?"

It wasn't, and not wanting to rule out any potential homes, I told her we should definitely go. We pulled up in front, and I knew the moment I put our car into park that this was our home. Walking through each room only reinforced my initial reaction.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

We made the offer that day, and a week later~with millions of papers signed and many hoops jumped through~we had our home.

The biggest part of the challenge? Husband was out of town the entire time. You can only imagine how fun that was for us, and it was an incredible leap of faith for Husband to sign papers for a home he'd never seen.

But I think it all paid off!

Now come with me on a little tour of our new home in Oak Park.

Built in 1976, our home was a flip. The home was half this size a few years ago, until someone came along, gutted it, and rebuilt the entire home with the purpose of entertaining in mind. It's a very open floor plan with most of the square footage in the living spaces.

When you first approach, you'll notice a lovely landscaped path lined with lamps for night time...

and a very generous & beautifully tiled front stoop.

.

Don't be fooled by the first picture, the entire front walk is actually pretty long!

It enters into our main living area, which as you can see, has a large stone fireplace flanked by two windows. The natural light pouring in is gorgeous! The entire room just glows from sun up to sunset.

The living room is very large and allows you to enter into the kitchen and hearth room,

or if you turn in the opposite direction, down the hallway which leads you to the bedrooms. Ah! All of these empty walls are begging to have a gallery of some sort. Black and whites, perhaps, or maybe the art work done by the children? Maybe even the oil paintings we picked up while travelling in Beijing and Hong Kong! The possibilities are endless, but they make my heart pitter-patter with excitement.

The kitchen is also an area we are super excited to use! And though we've yet to install our new fridge (which has yet to be purchased), we're already planning meals and dinner parties.

Here are a few of the elements that make up the kitchen and living areas. Obviously the Viking appliances were a major squeal factor when first checking out the house. Becuase as those who know my husband are aware, the man enjoys cooking. And someone who is as good at what he does as he is should have a kitchen this nice to work in.

The cabinets were custom built for the area by Kraft Maid, and have shelves that spin, pull out, and do all that fun, fancy stuff that make us go crazy. The cabinets are a beautiful compliment to the travertine tiles on the floor.

There are smaller travertine tiles used for the back splash, and stained concrete that is not only used for the counter tops, but for the bar area that extends into the hearth and dining rooms.

The hearth room leads outside to a nicely landscaped yard. We're fortunate that the house comes with a gardener because I do not know a thing about half the plants growing behind our home. Plum trees, rose bushes, fresh mint, and other various plants~some of which you don't find in the South~require attention and knowledge that I hope to gain as our gardener works.

They're certainly beautiful, and give our yard privacy as well as shade~something very important when you have two young children. The wrought iron fence and gate don't hurt either.

The shade from the trees extend around the living area and the sleeping areas. So let's visit that part of the house now.

We'll start back in the hallway off of the living room...

To the left are two very large closets, one for coats, jackets, & bags, and the other for storage. At the end of the hall is the master bedroom~and it's just perfect!

It's nice and large, with roses that always tap against the windows from the outside. We can look into the garden and see the children as well as the lovely greens. It's very picturesque.

Our closet also has custom built-in's, and beside it is the master bath. I won't tap-dance around this truth: it's small. Small, but every inch is used wisely. From the pedestal sink,

to the beautiful flooring,

to the spacious shower with rainforest shower head and spa tub, the space is very well-equipped.

So is the bathroom belonging to the children. It's perfect for the two of them as well as our guests.

If you head from the master bedroom down another hallway, you'll find a linen folding area to the right, and then the second full bath.

Eldest is so ready to enjoy that rainforest shower!

The detail in every room of our new home is remarkable, but the children's bathroom is really something special. From the pale, celadon tile on the walls, to the individual sinks, to the antique knobs in the bathtub, this room showed extra care. I suspect the person who flipped the house imagined what he'd want in a bathroom for his own children.

Isn't it just lovely? We do need to get the scallywag a step-stool so he can reach the sink, but I think he's going to enjoy his bath times in this room!

And when they're done with their respective baths and showers, the children can go to one of the three bedrooms at the front of the house. They still haven't chosen which ones they want, but isn't this part of the fun? They're just happy to have their own rooms again.

Have I mentioned that the children have been sharing a room for almost two months?

No?

God bless, they've been great about it and there hasn't been any real complaining. I'm even willing to bet that they'll miss one another once they're in their own rooms once again.

But as they are such different ages and not the same gender, they need their own spaces.

The rooms are all perfect squares with nice, deep closets for clothes and whatnot's. They're a good size, also; not too small, not too big. They're just the right size for our children.

In fact, each room is the right size for all of us. We're thrilled with our new home!

We made do with smaller spaces while living in Japan, and found we actually liked it. It had alot to do with the layout, but through it all we learned how to live~and love living~in a smaller space.

Our new home certainly isn't that small, but when we searched for a home, we acknolwedged that a smaller home was what would suit our needs best.

And to have found something almost custom tailored to our personal likes as well as needs...well...I did say it was a moment of serendipity, didn't I?

This house was meant to be!

And though our belongings don't arrive until Wdnesday, some of us are alreayd making ourselves right at home.

After all, there is no place like it.

Simply Southern Saturdays: Home Sweet Home

2011-10-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning all!

I have some pretty exciting news...we have a new place to call our home!

The whole process of finding & securing it has not been easy, but with house key in hand, I can officially say it was worth it!

And goodness is it a real beauty. Great neighborhood, hardwoods, tumbled travertine, rainforst showers, Viking appliances, rosebushes & plenty of shade...it's a dream come true!

Be sure to come back Monday for a glimpse into our empty home. It won't remain that way for very long, but it will give you a nice look at the lovely, blank canvas we have to work with.

For now, though, here's a little sneak peak! Enjoy!

Farewell temporary housing~we cannot wait to make this sweet house our new home.

UPrinting Postcard Giveaway!

2011-09-30T06:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that we're currently undergoing a little sprucing around the blog, but two days ago I was asked to host my very first sponsored giveaway!

Drew from UPrinting.com contacted me and asked if I'd like to offer someone a chance to win 100 5x7 postcards for the holidays! How could I possibly say no to that?

Of course, I had to see what all the buzz was all about, so I visited their site & goodness was I impressed with their products! Not only does UPrinting.com offer the gorgeous postcards in this giveaway, they offer business cards, canvas prints, invitations, and so much more!

The Internet has provided a lot of opportunities to see different designs of postcard printing that are presented by leading online printing companies. But UPrinting.com has that extra something special; not only are the prices very reasonable, the customer service is a top priority as well. It's right up there with the quality of their products.

So let's get to this giveaway, shall we?

CONTEST

Running from today until noon of Friday, October 14th, one person will have the opportunity to win 100 5x7 postcards of their choice. From start to finish, the winner will be able to custom design the entire thing! Requiring absolutely no folding, they'll come in a 14 pt. card stock gloss, front only printing, and best yet, will be shipped to you for free within the two business days it takes for print turnaround.

RULES

Simply leave your name and email address in the comments section, and on October 14th I'll choose a winner!

I've been asked to limit the giveaway to US residents 18 years old and above only, so please bear this in mind.

The entire giveaway is being sponsored by UPrinting.com, and while I'm not receiving any financial compensation, they're letting me design my own postcards for the holidays in thanks for hosting. I am so excited that I will have one less thing to do this Christmas and cannot wait to get started!

I bet you can't either, so what are you waiting for? Take a chance, and in two weeks I'll announce one very lucky winner.

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend, and most importantly good luck!

Primary Colors: Red

2011-09-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

With the scallywag now in school, his teachers spend time reinforcing the things they already know, and teaching them things that are new.

One particular subject they're reinforcing are colors. They've begun to separate them into the categories of Primary & Secondary, building their daily lessons around the color chosen for that particular week.

Tuesday marked the first Primary Color Day. They celebrated red by making applesauce with the apples they brought in the week before. My bebe missed Tuesday as he had a pretty nasty cough and I didn't want him to spread it or worse, for it to become exacerbated.

But today he made his happy return to school!

As requested by his teachers, he was dressed in the color of the week,

and carried a little bag of red picture cut-outs for an art project in school.

He loved using scissors, but I really had to distract him once we were done removing the pictures. He did not want to stop. But I didn't want to demolish any more magazines.

Thank goodness for the help of big sisters!

Friends, I am off for the day. Eldest has the day off, we're picking up the scallywag for lunch, then we're home for naps and relaxation.

Tomorrow you should definitely come back! I'm hosting my very first sponsored giveaway and I think every single one of you will want to join in.

A lovely day to you all...

Under Construction

2011-09-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

As y'all can see, the blog is undergoing a little face lift. It's been three years, so I'd say it's about time. I'm doing it myself, so please bear with me!

And if anyone can help me figure out how to get the background to fit the entire page, I'd love some advice. Thank you!

Thank you for your patience, and enjoy the new & improved Southern Blossoms!

Fall Loves

2011-09-27T09:58:00.001-07:00

With the advent of Fall, there are many things our family savors. Every year a few new things pop up on our list of things to do, but there are others that remain constant. Shall I share a few?

Well since you asked so nicely...I'm happy to!

What We Love...

Pumpkin Patches

In Tokyo, pumpkin availability was limited, and we certainly didn't have patches to visit. We really, really missed it. Still, we made do with our over-priced gourds and welcomed Autumn with a simple, elegant vignette.

The children cannot wait to head to the pumpkin patches next month. The scallywag gets to make two trips this year as Kolbe's Korner makes a special visit just for their wee classes. We are so, so excited!

Scarves

I know it's au courrant to wear scarves year round. And as much as I like the cooling silks during the warmer months, who doesn't love the warm, sumptuous feel of a good scarf during the colder months?

It's purpose is many. From adding a pop of color, a bit of comfort, or a touch of whimsy to your outfit, scarves are great accessories. Eldest agrees wholeheartedly, and enjoys pairing them with simple tee's on her school days...even when she's not quite awake.

Any Pumpkin Food

My daughter and best friend Ruth will tell you that I'm a bit of an addict. From pumpkin cheesecake ice cream to pumpkin cupcakes and pancakes, is there anything pumpkin can't improve?

Boots

Who doesn't love a good boot? The most comfortable I've ever worn are the taupe colored pair we purchased at Uniqlo in Tokyo. Not only are they super soft, they are very forgiving to my tootsies and all the time I spend on them.

Above are the boots in a chocolate brown. They're really pretty. Unfortunately I think Uniqlo only sells shoes and boots in Japan. As fashion-forward as Japanese society is, it's not too surprising that they chose to launch there!

Hot Chocolate

It's a tradition my daughter and I share. We love making homemade hot chocolate together. Eldest enjoys the mixing, and I enjoy the chopping!

Making hot chocolate from scratch is a little time consuming, but it always turns out to be super decadent. In other words: the effort is worth it. Eldest and I tend to inaugurate October by using Ina Garten's Hot Chocolate recipe.

This year, however, we've been fortunate to find a hot chocolate mix (yes, a powder) that comes with toasted marshmallows. Toasted marshmallows y'all. Thank you Starbuck's for your incredibly yummy hot chocolate mix. It only takes moments to whip up, and as it's made with milk, still very rich.

My suggestion, friends? Add homemade whipped cream to the top for that little something special!

Little Somethings Extra Special

~I am so excited for October to hit and orange to be the color of the week at bebe's school. Darby of Fly Through Our Window has the sweetest tee's for your young ones to wear.

And I cannot wait for the scallywag to wear his!

~Hayrides

We may have allergies, but for some reason we never react to the hayrides in Autumn. And isn't there something about a hayride that really brings it home that the cooler months are here? I tend to think so.

~Soups

My husband is an amazing cook. Phenomenal, even. I love it when he prepares a meal because I know we'll devour every last bite. My favorite of his dishes are his soups. This particular potato soup was remarkable. I can only hope we locate the recipe once we receive all of our belongings from Japan.

~Pumpkins

No, not as food, but as accents for the season. Goodness, aren't they beautiful?

They come in different shapes, colors, sizes. This children love looking over the different types available and picking their favorites each year. And then comes the decorating at Halloween!!

Oooh, I am so excited that we're home in the good old US of A this year!

Friends, I have only touched upon the many reasons why our family adores Fall. But if you need any more, try doing some of the things listed below on the Fall Bucket list.

It may give you some things to look forward to in the lovely months ahead! Some you might do already, but why not try something new?

Enjoy your day and take care. And as always, thank you for stopping by.

The Social

2011-09-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is how Eldest's bed looked yesterday.

No, it's not the norm. This was Eldest's outfit planning board. But why, you may be wondering, was she planning out an outfit?

Because tonight, on the first Eve of Autumn, Eldest will attend her first Social!

Now that she's in Middle School they'll happen regularly, and as she and her classmates are only in sixth grade, it's from 3:30-5.

The dress is casual school wear.

She wondered what that meant exactly.

After all, isn't all school wear casual?

Truth be told, I'm probably more excited about this rite of passage than she is. I remember my Middle School days, and how much fun we had getting together outside of school for these specific events. In New Orleans we had Miggy's, Ice Breakers, and Eight O'Clocks~social groups for the Private Schools.

But Eldest has always had boys as friends and she doesn't get giggly about these type of gatherings. To her it's just another opportunity to spend time with her friends. This makes her happy.

Besides, at this age that's all it should be.

Hanging out.

She does talk to me about the "boy-crazy" girls in her class, but Eldest is still at a point where she thinks it's just weird.

That's fine with me.

She'll have nice, late afternoon get-together with her friends, and without the worry of classwork or completing assignments looming over them, they'll all have a great chance to hang out, eat, and talk.

And that's how we're treating the entire event.

Of course, as I write this, I'll confess that I've never seen my daughter tear through her closet like she was doing last night.

She declared she was exhausted after it all, and had to take a break from the clothing insanity.

But after a few moments, and eyeing various combinations of tops with bottoms, as well as going through varying degrees of dissatisfaction, she found an outfit that left her looking pleased as punch!

We had quite a few laughs while trying to figure out what went best with what. It was a joy to shop in Eldest's closet with her, helping to plan her casual social wear.

Now are you ready for my sweet girl's reveal? From the tip of her head,

to the bottom of her cute black flats,

she is happy with her ensemble for tonight's Social!

Now all that's left is for the fun to begin!

A lovely Fall weekend to you all~I'll let you know how everything goes tonight.

My Bebes

2011-09-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love my children. I love my free time. The funny thing is, I spend alot of that free time thinking all about my children.

Don't worry Husband, I think about you, too ;)

On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have three hours that I can fill with uninterrupted errand running, bill paying, or even time to sit quietly with a cup of coffee.

Funnily enough, I often spend the post-errand running/bill-paying time thinking about what my children are doing. Are they happy? Did they do something exciting? Was their snack or lunch delicious? Is there anything I need to get them for school tomorrow?

I'm pretty sure this is normal for parents. Still, I'd love to share with you my thoughts from today.

As I dropped Eldest off at school, I took a moment to consider how much she's grown, how independent she's become. The type of young lady she's turning into.

She's a gentle-hearted girl, but it is a very large nad brave heart. Do you know many ten year olds who could live through a world-changing natural disaster, yet remain calm, helpful, and always ready to offer comfort?

She handled the earthquake in Japan and the fallout with more poise than most adults.

She adjusts to situations easily. In two years she's changed schools twice. But each time she's found her place, made friends quickly.

She enjoys school.

She enjoys everything about it. The lessons, the socializing, the teachers. Right now her favorite studies are Economics and English. She's been running in P.E. for 12-16 minutes at a time~and she doesn't take a break. My girl can run!

She's not fond of the length she spends on her papers and homework these days, but she doesn't complain about the work too much. I believe she enjoys it. She has a genuine love of learning in her heart which I'm forever thankful for.

I'm also thankful that her little brother seems to take after her in this respect.

My sweet little scruffymuffin.

I always thought he'd be my clinger. At home he is all about the snuggles and being held. But at school he has found a happy little niche. There have been no tears~not even on his first day. Every school day is greeted with a cheery disposition! He loves playing with his school friends, the excitement of his daily activities, and he's gotten so good at listening to his teachers.

Did I mention he has no issues with sharing? Eldest can hardly believe it.

The scallywag goes to a different seat in their circle every day, sits, puckers up for a kiss, and waves good-bye. Today he didn't even wait for me to walk him in. He ran in, grabbed his new seat, then said with a smile, "Love you, Mama. Go on now." So funny! I almost expected him to follow it up with a skedaddle. But I got lucky. Instead he followed it up with a kiss.

He is the sweetest!

At the end of his school days every day he waits until his name is called, then grabs his little Thomas backpack, and runs into my arms.

Smiling. Happy. Jabbering all about his day. Next week he'll be making applesauce with his class! Can you imagine a more fun and messy activity for ten 3 year old's to partake in?

I've recently been made Social Room Mother for his class, and as Eldest doesn't really have in-school activities for me to partake in anymore it is such a treat to be able to be deeply involved in a school once again.

I suppose the conclusion I've come to as I've randomly jotted down my thoughts this morning is this: I love both my children and my free time. That time to myself allows me to really give good thought to who my children are, who they're becoming. I need moments like that. I don't want to miss little things about them or their days.

Don't misunderstand and think that all I do is think about my bebes. Because I do have just "me" time. But there are many moments that I do just loose myself in thought, musing on my children. They're worth every moment.

And I thought I'd share that with you all.

A lovely evening to everyone, and thank you for stopping by!

Dog Collars

2011-09-20T07:23:00.001-07:00

When your children are under the weather, you want them to rest and have quiet play. To get the scallywag to take it easy we had to watch Nemo and Thomas a few times. But he was well enough that I didn't want his entire weekend spent in front of the television.

When children have colds, I find the best way to occupy time other than a good movie is a good, simple craft. They'll sit and be able to have creative play as opposed to physical.

Friday evening, when everyone was still in good health, we dined at the Lazy Dog Cafe. As a parting gift to the children, our server gave them a tiny container which held a handful of fruit loops and a string of licorice.

With a wink and a smile she told the children to feel free to make their own dog collars when they arrived home.

Needless to say when Saturday dawned and all were not well, I knew what we would be doing that afternoon.

The children were happy to have something to do.

Even the scallywag's little hands were easily able to string his fruit loops along his strand of licorice.

And when all was said and done, there were two triumphant children with a completed craft, as well as a snack!

Eldest was the only one who actually ate it.

I thought about it as they napped, and wondered the other ways we could do the same activity. It's not necessary to use the sugary supplies we were given. You could use simple string and cherrios.

Uncooked noodles and yarn.

And if you want to use something else sweet, you could use the mini-fudge stripe cookies. They'd be a serious chocolaty mess, but sometimes a good craft needs to be really messy!

It was nice to break up the monotony of our Saturday with an unexpected craft. Not only were the children happy to make their dog collars, they loved being able to have some good, quiet fun.

Not that giggling and laughter is ever really quiet!

Do you have anything you do when you or your children aren't feeling well?

Our Weekend

2011-09-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

As it can happen at times, plans will change. Ours did this weekend.

Husband left early Saturday morning for training in Atlanta, and when the children woke two hours later the scallywag had a stuffy nose. It quickly turned runny. The little guy gets colds every now and then so I wasn't too worried. We know how to roll with these sort of things.

But when Eldest, who never gets ill, came down with a stuffy nose, I scrapped our plans. Instead, we spent our Saturday and Sunday morning indoors, resting. There was lots of watching "Thomas the Train" for the little guy and "Castle" for myself and Eldest. We enjoyed little creature comforts to get us through the moments of exhaustion, sore noses, and disquiet.

We definitely used quite a few of these!

By Sunday afternoon, being forced to stay indoors was pulling on everyone's nerves. It didn't help that it was simply glorious outside. The scallywag was pressing his face against the sliding doors trying to get the best view of the sun~leaving his facial impressions and runny nose all over it~and Eldest was in a real mope.

I was lacking patience and wasn't in a good mood either. So throwing my hands into the air, I gave in. We were going to get some fresh air and get out for a little while.

Off to the Thousand Oaks Arts Festival we went!

I wouldn't have brought them out if either had been feverish, and in the past a little fresh air has helped not only their colds, but raised everyone's spirits considerably.

Besides, there were cupcakes!

Sweet E's Bake Shop had their food truck stocked with mini-cupcakes, brownies, cake pops, and other delights. We were all in need of a sugary pick-me-up.

Along with Eldest's suggestions we chose a nice selection of red velvet, pumpkin spice, a vanilla chocolate chip cookie dough, and a blue velvet. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I hadn't, but the blueberry mixed with chocolate and cream cheese was a-mazing! The children loved their mini-treats, too.

We followed our snack up with a stroll through the grass. Walking up and down in front of the Civic Arts Center we looked at lots of different art mediums. There were paintings, jewelry, glassware, and antique silver.

There were dancers who were obviously stricken with Beiber Fever.

Eldest wasn't impressed.

There was a small orchestra that allowed children to feel and play their musical instruments.

Even the Conejo Valley Shakespeare Society Players put on a show for those in attendance.

Eldest was surprised to see that this group of thespians were all children! Most were her age if not a little older. We waited to see what they would perform after their break, but they seemed to be shutting down for the day. We did arrive near the end of the festival. It was disappointing, but Eldest made me smile when she asked if we could rent, "Much Ado About Nothing".

She saw a little of it when we were at the Four Seasons and thought it was hilarious. But if you ever see a Shakespearean play or film with Kenneth Branagh at the helm, you know you're in for a treat. The man has a true love for the Bard and his works.

I wished we coud have rented it last night, but I wanted her to go to sleep early.

Perhaps this weekend!

I'm pretty sure both children will be back to their very best health by then. This morning they're much happier and less stuffy. A sure sign they're heading down the road to recovery! I guarantee their short jaunt to the Thousand Oaks Arts Festival has something to do with it. They needed a break from being stuck indoors. Y'all know how that can affect your mental well-being, and I firmly believe a healthy mind, as well as a healthy body, go hand in hand.

Friends, I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. I understand some of you are experiencing the first throws of Autumn with its chilly breezes! Some of you hosted Emmy parties, others enjoyed Football, and other's still ran races for a good cause. I'm sure y'all kept very busy, enjoying every moment along the way.

Here's to enjoying every moment in the week ahead as well!

Take care, and a happy Monday to you all.

Simply Southern Saturdays

2011-09-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning all!

I'd like to thank each and every one of you who have continued to offer supportive and encouraging words as my son begins school. It is so nice to read the words of those who can understand, or who simply want to raise our spirits. You're all so wonderfully kind!

This morning we're sad as Husband is going out of town for a little over a week. We're going to miss him so much!

But we're going to keep busy.

There's a large art festival in Thousand Oaks this weekend we're attending and we'll visit our local Halloween shop to see the life-sized monster masques. Seeing as this is L.A., you know they go all out for anything involving costumes! We'll have a fun movie afternoon tomorrow as well. There's nothing better than snuggling up with your children and some sinfully delicious nibbles.

How about them apples?

And how about these?

Much as I love smothering the scallywag's cheeks with kisses, the apple I really want to talk about is my little guy's first piece of art from school.

To you it may look like red splatters across an apple-shaped cut-out, but to me it's a masterpiece. It's a sign of happily acclimating to a new situation. He has jumped into school with both feet and is loving it! I'm so happy for him. He's done well taking instructions from his teachers, and gets along very well with his classmates.

Dare I say he's even looking forward to returning this Tuesday?

Fingers crossed, he'll do just as well next week! We may set up a get together or two with his classmates after church tomorrow morning. The donut socials afterwards always set the perfect tone for playdate discussions. With children bouncing around on sugar is it any wondery why?

My best to you all this weekend. Enjoy your moments of rest and all the fun times inbetween.

Toodles!

The Scallywag's First Day of School

2011-09-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Friends, yesterday was THE DAY!

Though you may think I am, I'm not referring to the huge Missoni unveiling at Target.

Yesterday was the scallywag's first day of school! What a big day. I'm still amazed that it has come and gone already.

Going to school brought a big change to the little guy's routine, so make sure he was as comfortable as could be, he wore his favorite shirt. Thomas always makes him happy, happy!

I could have used something like that. There was some anxiety and sadness brewing within me. Sadness because I would miss my little one, and anxiety because I know him. It usually takes time for him to adjust to new situations.

But wouldn't you know it? He was so excited to arrive at Kolbe's Korner he wouldn't slow down for a single picture!

He and his special rolling-backpack moved up the walkway as fast as his little legs would take him.

You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was elated! He was really happy to see the boys and girls from last week. Clearly at ease, he enjoyed all the toys and company of other little ones his own age.

He was still a bit bashful with his teachers, but otherwise made himself right at home. Our silly boy had an assigned seat on the carpet...

but decided he'd rather sit with his new friends John and Benedik. The stinker!

Thankfully, the teachers were very understanding. They know this first week is all about the children finding their comfort zones.

Grabbing a coffee in an adjoining room with a few of the other mom's, we commiserated as the clasroom doors closed and our children's first day began.

The parents within our new school/church community have been very kind and welcoming. It's been a real treat to meet some mother's in our community.

Each of us kept glancing at the doors to the classroom. We were all expecting crying children to pour out any moment.

But it never happened.

There were a few little one's who were upset, but would you believe my son was not one of them? He was having the best time!

He played with the bouncy balls, rode on bikes, he even chased after bubbles. The rickshaw~esque bike was a particular favorite.

Seeing him both content and occupied, I chose that moment to leave. It was hard getting into my car and driving away, but I knew my son was in a good place. I cannot tell you what comfort that brings to a mother's mind and heart!

Two hours later I returned to find out that even after I left, the scallywag did just fine. He asked for me a few times, but he never fussed, and quickly became distracted with their daily activities.

Yesterday his class sang "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and painted an apple! I cannot wait to see his first piece of school art. He had just enough red paint on his shirt to let me know he thoroughly enjoyed this activity.

That made my heart very happy.

This is a special time for my little boy. I am so excited that his first day went well. We're overjoyed that he was both comfortable and happy to be there! You just never know. Even the most confident of children don't like the separation that comes with school. And on the flip side, those who have never really been away from their parents can do well in a new environment. Children can surprise you. Goodness knows the scallywag surprised me!

He was obviously ready.

Since he did so well, we headed to Pinkberry for a yogurt treat with Eldest.

He was pretty entranced by his new Thomas toy, but he perked up when Eldest came back with her cup filled to the brim with chocolaty goodness.

Lord be. Tell me why I ordered the original again? Eldest really has a gift with dressing up her yogurt.

And the scallywag has had the gift of a wonderful first day at school.

As a Mother I couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support as we approahced yesterday. It meant to world to us!

My best to you all...Have a lovely day!

A Scallywag Bedroom Daydream

2011-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Life is still busy as can be!

Eldest's school year is in full-swing, and my bebe's first first day is tomorrow. I still cannot believe this day has come.

In the midst of these two big events we're still shopping for Husband's new car and a new home. More progress has been made with the car than housing situation, which is frustrating to say the least.

But as we like to say these days, "One task at a time". It will get done. Things will fall into place as they should.

There's only so much we can do, so we try to busy our days with work, necessary errands, considering fun trips on the weekends, and plans for the new home.

Currently on my mind is the bedroom for our little artist.

There's been a bit of discussion about his furniture. Or in this case, the serious lack thereof.

He had pieces for his nursery in Charlotte~which we sold~and pieces we rented in Japan~which we purchased and for the most part, are planning to sell.

If y'all are interested get in touch!

The scallywag has never had furniture that wasn't someone else's first. It's a silly thing, I know, but I'm really excited to be able to get him some pieces of his very own. To save where we can I plan on using a mixture of things we already own, and hopefully, for the new items we can get them at a budget-friendly price!

In my mind this is what I want to do in his room:

The Dash & Albert rug is an inexpensive purchase, and as it's an indoor/outdoor material, clean-up's will be a snap. The green and white is such a refreshing palate for a little boy's room, don't you think? The plan for the scallywag's room is a twin bed (or two). This particular one from Pottery Barn Kids is handsome, traditional, and surprisingly, a very good price. I'm hoping to sell the twin beds from Tokyo so I can get a pair of these!

Wouldn't they be simply sweet...

wrapped up in these sheets and linens?

The houndstooth fabric we already own, and would like to have made into simple duvet covers. The multi-colored polka dot sheets at the top are already being used in our temporary housing. They're from Target~as are the ones below it~and were a great price as they were Back to School specials. The blanket is a steal from Amazon and comes in an unexpected shade of turquoise. Such a colorful, soothing shade~I love it!

It definitely puts the "fun" in functional.

The one piece from the scallywag's room in Japan I cannot wait to get my hand's on is his bookcase. It's cubby-style, which provides a good bit of storage. You would know I can't find a picture of it anywhere, but the one below is similar in style. The main differences are that ours has rounded corners and the wood is very light.

The bookcase is from a Japanese company and though the color isn't my favorite, we can paint it easily. A cosmetic fix like this would only take a day and a couple of dollars. Music to this Mama's ears! It's a great piece with very deep shelves, good height, and as we can attest, very sturdy.

And if there's one thing we all know our little guy's furniture must be, it's sturdy. He is one bouncy, climbing boy!

Beyond that I haven't really gotten very far~and I'm trying not too. There's a slight difficulty in planning out a room when you don't even have a room to work in! Who knows how big our rooms in our new home will be? They may be equitable to the ones we had in Tokyo, which were just fine, but I would love the children to have bigger bedrooms.

We'll see! For now, I'm dreaming about the basics in our little boy's room, playing with patterns and colors, considering antique versus newly crafted twin beds. It's so much fun and does take my mind off of the things that are left to be done!

Sometimes I get so excited I begin thinking about seating, a train table for his Thomas the Train toys, even art.

The scallywag's own original masterpieces would be front and center, of course!

Now that I've discussed my current daydream, tell me about yours. If you could have one piece of furniture for your own home~no matter the cost or what room it was for~what would it be?

Have a lovely evening all and as always, thanks for stopping by. I'm off to prepare a delicious dinner for my two school bound bebes!

Toodles!

An Outstanding Orientation

2011-09-09T09:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a very big day!

We were all very excited.

The scallywag and I returned to Kolbe's Korner for his orientation.

He was thrilled to be back on the familiar playground, and had no qualms about entering his classroom with the other children.

As expected, though, he didn't want to talk with his teachers, Mrs. Camuccio and Ms. Koff. He ran right past them and went to the stations they'd set up around the room.

His actions certainly weren't a reflection on his teachers. They are sweet and good as can be.

Our little boy is pretty shy around adults he doesn't know, and tends to avoid them if he can. It's typical for his age, and not something I'm going to worry about too much. Having a healthy sense of stranger danger is a good thing. But I hope going to school will help him to be open to meeting new adults that his Mama and Daddy know and like.

I can pray, right?

He certainly didn't have any trouble getting along with the boys and girls in his class.

He's used to playing with older children, and I wondered how he'd interact with the little ones his own age. He was such a sweetheart! He played very well with the other children, finding an instant friend in a little boy named John, and only had to be reminded to share once.

Maybe it's a brother and sister thing, but it's quite a change from home. We always have to ask him to share with Eldest.

For the most part all of the children played around as opposed to with one another, but this is to be expected.

When they did talk to one another, everyone was very sweet and used good manners. There were no issues with sharing, and everyone played very nicely. They were all so cute!! I love this age.

Of course, with parents present, gently encouraging their children to be on their best behavior, that's not too surprising. I'm sure they'll have their moments once they're on their own.

For the most part, the hour of orientation allowed the children to wander through the room and play, as well as getting to see their fellow classmates.

Parents were able to meet one another, and the children were so lost in their own enjoyment they barely noticed when they were on their own.

This gives me hope for Tuesday!

Realistically, I know my son will notice when I'm gone. He will cry. He may be inconsolable for a few minutes. And that just breaks my heart. It's good to be missed, and I certainly don't want my bebe to be sad, but school for the scallywag isn't just about him learning how to separate, socialize, and learn. It's also a time for the parents to adjust to the separation.

It's been a very long time since I've had to send a child off on their first first day of school. Mrs. Camuccio knows that this is hard on both parents and children, and thoughtfully gave us a packet on what to expect in our children over the first few weeks of adjustment, as well as how we can prepare them for their days.

It's always nice to have your child's teacher voice her thoughts on these important moments. It makes me feel even more certain that we found the right place for the scallywag to attend. It's a nurturing, faith-based environment, with teachers certified in early-childhood, small classes, and very involved parents.

It's all we could have asked for!

Orientation ended with a reading of "Biscuit Goes to School".

The children sat on the floor, and this is where some of the them~including mine~lost their focus. A few of them wandered back to play, but Mrs. Camuccio told us not to worry. This is something they'll learn to do as the year progresses.

We didn't leave right away, but stayed to play with a few of the other children from different classes. Can you tell the scallywag had a wonderful time?

He had such a great orientation he took an extra-long nap that afternoon!

We'll go to a special 9/11 Mass at Kolbe's Korner this Sunday to see everyone again, then Tuesday marks the scallywag's big day.

We're hoping for a wonderful first day, and will spend the next few days praying for just that. A few extra ones from you all, dear friends, would be most appreciated.

A lovely weekend to you all! Enjoy your football, friends, and pre-Fall weather.

Thanks for stopping by!

St. Max's

2011-09-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Back to school is a crazy time for everyone. Parents are racing to return forms and purchase supplies and uniforms, children are trying to get their books and plan for their after school activities.

Our family was no exception, although I think ours was a situation made more complicated by the location of the original temporary housing. Thankfully all worked out, and Eldest is enjoying her new school.

Now that she's settled in, we've been working down our list of tasks, the seoncd being locating the right school for the scallywag. It's time for my bebe, my companion of three years, to toddle off to school. And though it's been hard for me to begin this process all over again, it was made easier as we knew exactly where our little one would be heading:

St. Maximillian Kolbe's.

Isn't it a gorgeous sight? The pre-school and early childhood classrooms are attached to our new church by the labyrinth, and the entire program, as well as the school, are exactly what we prayed for.

St. Max's doesn't go above Kindergarten, so the name given to the program is Kolbe's Korner.

Classes are held twice a week for three hours, with time to play and little stations within the room for them to learn. They'll cover art, science, music, and participate in little visits to the Church. While there will be numerous enrichment activities such as pumpkin patch visits, letters with Santa, and visits with local law enforcement, the teachers will use class time to reinforce the basics as well as working on communication, listening skills, and sharing.

It sounds like so much, but it's well spaced out for the children.

There are also numerous opportunities for parents to participate. This really, really made me happy.

When we lived in Charlotte, I was fortunate enough to be elected VP of Academics and Cultural Committee Chair at Eldest's school. So can you guess who signed up for everything at last night's orientation?

I loved all the years I was able to be with Eldest at St. Patrick's. It was always the highlight of my day. Being able to be there with her, getting to know the teachers, her friends and their parents, helping to nurture and enrich the lives of the children...The best memories were made during those times. And it was a joy to watch Eldest grow with her friends.

It's been a year since I was able to be hands on in one of my children's schools, so I cannot wait for our first class party or fundraising opportunity.

Tomorrow is my little boy's orientation with his teachers, Mrs. Camuccio and Ms. Koff. He'll meet his new classmates and together we'll spend the hour getting acquainted with the classroom and the people he'll be spending his time with over this next year.

Due to a miscommunication we thought his orientation was yesterday so we took pictures...

Then arrived at Kolbe's Korner only to realize the mistake. We had a good laugh about it, and the little guy had fun playing while I talked with one of the ladies running the program.

No harm done, and I was able to turn in some paperwork.

We'll take more pictures tomorrow when the scallywag heads to his true orientation, then we'll prepare for his first full day next Tuesday.

Oh, my heart!

It's going to be an exciting time for our little one, and as much as I will miss him he is going to have a wonderful time making friends and learning new things through play.

I guess the next thing to do will be figuring out what to do with those three available hours in the day. House hunting? Yoga classes? Knitting? Trying out new recipes?

What would you do with three hours of free time?

Starbuck's Salted Caramel Frappucino

2011-09-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

With the advent of September comes one of my favorite nods to cooler weather: Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I'm a bit of a pumpkin addict to begin with, and I have several friends that do nothing but enable that love. Thank you, darlings. The Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with Starbuck's Gingerbread Latte, is by far a favorite beverage~especially in the colder months.

During a Target run with my little one this morning I decided to grab one in the hopes of perking up my morning. But something new and delightfully unexpected waited for me instead!

A salted-caramel frappuccino.

Doesn't it look unbelievably good?

If any of you remember my posts regarding a pastry shop in Charlotte called Amelie's, you may remember how much we loved their salted caramel brownies. They're the best sellers and there's no mystery as to why. They're a trinity of salty, sweet, and gooey perfection. We certainly weren't alone in thinking this either! Even the Pioneer Woman herself loved them. She loved them so much she tried to recreate these little bars of heavenly goodness. I'm willing to bet they turned out just fine.

Naturally, a drink with the same salty-sweetness is bound to be just as good. Right?

RIGHT!

From the salty-sugary top to the toffee-esque base this new beverage is a keeper!

So run~don't walk~to your nearest Starbucks. Your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to do so!

A lovely Tuesday to you all. Thanks for stopping by!

HOTTY TODDY!!

2011-09-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

With the first September weekend upon us, everyone I know is all a-tizzy about the SEC football games. Outfits have been assembled, menus for tailgating prepared, and plans to meet up with old friends have been made.

Tomorrow is a day we've all been looking forward to.

I'm a rebel girl, so I, along with my Ole Miss family, will be cheering on our boys this weekend!

We wish we could be there to enjoy the festivities with everyone. Since we can't, we'll enjoy it from our little apartment with delicious nibbles and loud cheers. Ole Miss has changed in some ways since we attended, and we've had our hearts hurt by some of them. But what we love so much about our school, the true traditions that lie within our hearts and mind, never will.

And apparently alumni, attendees, and their families aren't the only ones who feel that way. Here's what Sports Illustrated had to say about our lovely university:

“In Oxford lies, as promised, the most magical place on all of God's green, football playing Earth: the Grove. A school of red, white and blue tents swimming in a shaded 10-acre forest of oak trees, floating in an ocean of good will and even better manners. It seems that 97% of the world's most really really ridiculously good looking people go to Ole Miss.”

HOTTY TODDY Y'ALL!! GO REBELS!!! BEAT BYU!!!

I'll leave y'all with two of my favorite videos from Ole Miss. The first is the performance of "From Dixie with Love" as it was played our band in the Grove. The swells and drama of the brass section will give you chills.

And the newest promo for our school. It's a beautifully made short that gets to the heart of what Ole Miss is to those who love it.

Enjoy your football weekend, all, and have fun!

Let the games begin.

Welcome September!

2011-09-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of September comes many wondrous events we've all waited for with anticipation: football season, Autumn, crisp days and chilly nights. And as my friend Anthony reminded me, the arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks. Y'all run out and get one post haste!

September 1st also brings a challenge. Kate of the blog Southern Belle Simple has issued a month long breakfast challenge. Rather appropriately it's called the Better Breakfast Month.

The goal is to eat a little better in the morning, to improve your morning meal. Whether this means a little less donut and a bit more fruit, it's up to the individual to decide how their breakfast will be a better one. As a mother this struck a chord with me because let's face it, although we always make sure our children have a good, nutritious breakfast, and though it's touted as the most important meal of the day, it's the one most often skipped by adults.

I've gladly accepted this challenge, not because I'm a breakfast skipper, but because I could use a little variety in my morning repast. Today I started with a favorite that could be eaten any time of the day.

It's healthy, it uses two of my favorite ingredients, and best of all it is incredibly delicious.

Ladies and gents...toast with avocado and poached egg.

I cannot for the life of me remember the website that inspired this little dish, but it was shortly after the earthquake in Japan that I began making it. I'm a comfort eater. To make sure that the stress of the earthquake and its aftermath didn't have me running to the wrong foods I spent a good bit of time looking for distractions in the form of healthier recipes.

And after we returned from our leave of Japan, I began making this toasty meal most mornings.

You'll love the simplicity as much as I do!

Toast two slices of bread. Whichever brand you like is fine, I prefer whole grain. Spread one half of a mashed up avocado on your toast slices, then sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on both. Top your toast with a poached egg, a little pepper, and you're ready to enjoy!

I'm so happy Kate initiated this challenge. It can only help me in both health and breakfast creativity.

Will you take up this challenge as well?

Giggles Courtesy of Ann Taylor & Gordon Gartrell

2011-08-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

When the children and I ventured out to The Oaks a few days before school began, I was fortunate enough to get a few minutes at the stores I missed while living in Japan.

My top 3? Anthropologie, J. Crew, and Ann Taylor.

While browsing the latest offerings at Ann Taylor I took my time admiring the Downtown Sheathe Dress (seen here). It reminded me just why I loved this store so much: classic style, luxe fabrics, flattering cuts.

Knowing this to have always been true, imagine my surprise when I saw this:

Every store has its hits and misses. It happens. And this certainly isn't the worst I've ever seen. The cut was lovely, the color was pretty, but the panels at the shoulders...It just seemed incongruous with everything else in the store.

And it looked so familiar...

And then it hit me! Perhaps the design team who was up late one night, stuck on just how to make the Fall 2011 Ann Taylor collection pop. Everyone knows that fashion is constantly recycled and updated, and as the 80's are in full swing with the re-emergence of the shoulder pad, friendship bracelets, leggings, and vibrant neons, they decided to dig up even more 80's gold.

Ladies and gentlemen, I think the design team at Ann Taylor owe Bill Cosby a little financial compensation.

Gordon Gartrell anyone?

Oh, I must have looked a sight in Ann Taylor when it occurred to me. Because once I started laughing, I couldn't stop. Then I had to pull up the video on YouTube once we were home so Eldest could see why I was so tickled.

She was in equal hysterics. And can you blame us? Cosby is some of the best clean family friendly comedy that is out there today. It was always well-written, the dialogues playfully executed, and the story lines/topics are still relevant today. Those were good people telling good stories.

Goodness knows I wish there were shows like that for my children to watch now.

Should you be in need of a good laugh, watch these two clips and enjoy the brilliance and delightful humor of Bill Cosby in the episode only known as "The Tale of a Shirt".

Simply Southern Saturdays

2011-08-26T21:56:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest times of the year is Fall. I don't know anyone who isn't excited by the cooler days, warmer drinks, and cozy clothes.

In the South, it's even more special as Fall ushers in the full force of football season.

Yes, yes, yes...It's football season for everyone everywhere. But there's something very unique and charming about football below the Mason-Dixon. And I'm not just talking about the game itself.

Perhaps it's due to the slightly more accommodating weather, maybe it has to do with genteel traditions and breathtaking tailgating parties throughout the SEC schools. The stylishly dressed gals and their smartly dressed beaus certainly deserve a nod for their contributions. And the friendly waves and genuine smiles that always precede a welcoming, "Hey y'all!"? They're all little, but precious parts of what make Southern football very special.

This is all of the opinion of this Southern Lady, naturally, but as long as I lived in the South, football has had a special place in the heart of every man, woman, and child.

Imagine my delight when I picked up September's issue of Southern Living and found not only my and Husband's Alma Mater, Ole Miss featured as a favorite college town, but two very recognizable people as the focus of the magazine's "Pride of Place".

You may recognize Leigh Anne and Collins Tuohy, but if you don't, that's okay. You will, however, remember Sandra Bullock's Oscar winning portrayal as Leigh Anne in "The Blind Side".

It's not necessary to be a fan of Ole Miss to love this movie, but for those of us who are alumni and currently attending? It's pretty darn cool. We love being able to have the Tuohy's and all of their children as a part of our family. The story is and incredible tale of what human kindness, strength, and compassion can do.

We're moving to our new temporary home this weekend so we'll be without cable or Internet for a few days. A small price to pay as we get a little closer to finding our permanent home. But...there will be no football for us.

Perhaps next weekend?

So for all of you heading to a game or sitting in the comfort of your home enjoying a pre-season one, enjoy. We wish we could be with you.

Have a good time for us!

And on Septemeber 3~Hotty Toddy y'all!

In between Time

2011-08-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

As happy as we all are that Eldest is in school, we're even happier that she had a wonderful first day. As I told one of my Twitter friends, she was aglow with delight!

The road getting to that first day, though, was a very rough one. This past week and a half was filled with emotions ranging from frustrated to upset to offended and put out. Never had there been as many headaches concerning schools as there were for middle school.

So when I mentioned that I was keeping the children busy with fun things to do in between school shopping, those were the moments that calmed and reigned in those nasty feelings. They offered perspective and kept me from missing precious opportunities with my bebes.

They were moments that made us all laugh hysterically, sigh in bliss, and contemplate our blessings.

I'd love to share a few glimpses into our week of ups and downs with you~by focusing on the ups! It's what makes going through those of aggravating points in time completely worth it.

Let's get right to it. We're a family of very serious people~seriously silly!

Both of the children are hat people and love trying them on...even if they are that grotesque shade of neon green. They thought it was fun to pose in front of mirrors and prance about the accessory stores. Rest assured, they weren't being a bother as it was right when the stores opened, and the owners loved seeing children in the store and not the "scary teenagers". Their words, friends, not mine.

Sometimes when I think my little girl is all grown up, she'll go to some pretty interesting extremes to remind me she's still my baby girl.

We all got a kick out of this! And wouldn't you know it? She had no trouble fitting into the toddler seat. Not even a little.

We loved finding a convenient cupcake shop near both the Four Seasons as well as our temporary housing.

Sweet Arleen's is phenomenal. We haven't hit Sprinkles or Crumbs, but I'm not inclined to run there after enjoying these decadent morsels. One day we had a red velvet, two vanilla's with vanilla icing, and one chocolate with vanilla icing. But the absolute best? The marshmallow cupcake with fluff and ganache. It is to die for. And if you don't believe me, next time you watch "Cupcake Wars" on Food Network you just may see this little shop win not once, but twice, and serve their fare at the Tony's. It was a victory well deserved!

Also well deserved were these two frappuccuino's after a long hard day of school searching.

No worries, my long-legged child sipped on a cream-based drink, not coffee. She is not the coffee lover her mother is. She does, however, love the double chocolate chip...with extra whipped cream.

By the by, did y'all know Starbucks has a super secret menu? One of their items actually happens to be a drink that is mostly whipped cream. I haven't told Eldest. I fear she'll never return home.

But in case that day comes, we have an expert navigator who loves to tell us where to go when we're in the car.

No, he can't really read. The scallywag just enjoys a good map. Maybe his bedroom in our permanent home will play host to some vintage ones. Ok, Pinterest pals, time for you to help me by finding some excellent rooms with such a look. Are y'all interested?

Of course, as much as we goofed off and dined our way around Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village we had quiet moments as well.

Eldest spent a few afternoons while her brother was napping writing thank you notes. Our time in New Orleans was a wonderful one, and everyone went out of their way to make sure the children were included and welcomed with open arms. Using Four Seasons stationary (so very Jackie!), Eldest wrote a rough draft or two before putting pencil to paper. She was very thoughtful in how she phrased her letters, thanking everyone for their thoughtful gestures. I was touched that she took the time to do this~especially when I know our summer has not been the most relaxing. It's been fun, fun, fun, but so very busy. I appreciated that she took the time to show gratitude to others when she could have indulged in her own play time.

Of course, for her, play often means sitting back with a good book and falling into a story fraught with mystery, adventure, and rich characters.

Thank you, Mr. Grisham, for writing books our children could enjoy! Perhaps you'll make a Theodore Boone film in the not too far distant future? I know one child would would venture out to watch it.

Until then, I'll continue to watch her, and my little boy. It is my favorite thing to do in all the world. In the midst of all the hullabaloo this past summer, there have been so many distractions. At times I know I missed out on things with my children I ordinarily wouldn't, but I'd like to think that it's okay. We're all still so young, as is our family. There is so much to see and do together still, so I can't let guilt hold onto me as strongly as it has been.

These moments that I have with my children~even in those that are in between~are incredibly sweet and oftentimes hilarious. It is a blessing to have so many memories.

And I am blessed to have the two children that helped create them.

Middle School

2011-08-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

We are just out of our minds with happiness that Eldest...

began school this morning with all of her fellow classmates! She's a Colina Cougar, a sixth grader, ready with supplies and uniforms, armed with a smile.

Last night Eldest was a mixture of nerves and excitement, all wrapped up in high hopes for a new school year.

But let me tell you, she has hit the ground running with a great attitude.

Eldest's day doesn't begin until 9 A.M., which means our mornings have a nice, relaxed pace. She's signed up for career courses, placed her name atop a list that will teach beginners how to play a stringed instrument such as a viola, bass, or violin, and purchased cards so she can attend the social functions throughout the year.

She has a social to attend, y'all! Next month.

Lord, I know how it is at this age: boys on one side, girls on the other. It's adorable, yet a little bit heartbreaking at the same time. Is my first born really a middle schooler now? There's a part of me that can't believe it, but the other part, the part that sees this lovely, gentle-hearted girl growing and blossoming more and more each and every day knows that it's true.

And we could not be more proud of her!

Happy first day of Middle School, sweet girl. We love you so.

Before I go, and the scallywag and I venture into Thousand Oaks to go play, I'll give you a little glimpse into the school Eldest is attending.

Enjoy and a happy back to school week to everyone!

Fall Fashion Fantasies

2011-08-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

With a combination of beautiful weather, the school year beginning tomorrow, and NFL pre-season games every weekend, Fall is begging to be let out and shine her glory on everyone.

We have chilly mornings and evenings in L.A. which has my mind turning to thoughts of lovely things that can be easily layered.

And with the craziness of this past week, I really need a little frivolity to think about!

Would you like to see the pretties I've been thinking about?

Tory Burch's Aaden Riding Boots

A serious splurge, no argument, but the color and style is timeless. Wear them with your skinny jeans, a sweet, flirty skirt, or under some wide-legged trousers and you and your feet will be in sheer heaven!

Ann Taylor's Downtown Sheathe Dress

My Lord, what isn't there to love about this dress? The material is super comfortable, the cut a little sweet, a whole lot of saucy. And it's RED. I love a bold color, and a there's something about a little red dress that seems to break all the rules while following them to the T at the same time.

J. Crew's Perfect Shirt in Leopard

Maybe it's because we're living in L.A., but for some reason I find myself taking more than a passing glance at these bolder choices. And animal print never goes out of style. This shirt with a simple pant, skirt, a jean...it works every single time. It's fun, and who doesn't want to have fun when they're getting dressed?

J. Crew's Sequin Henley Shell

It's not so sparkly that you'll blind people who are trying to get a good look at this lovely top, but it has enough to dress it up for a day or evening wear. And again? You can wear it with just about anything!

Merona's Collin Cardigan

I think people are intimidated by short-sleeved sweaters~doubly so when it's a tie front. But the great thing about this sweater from Target is that it can be worn year round. In the warmer months wear it over a little tank or a darker dress. The colder months make it just as versatile when you wear it over a long sleeved shirt. It's a more casual item, certainly, but we all have days when we want to relax and do nothing. You could easily do that in this little number!

Mossimo's Long Sleeved Cardigan

This sweater also comes from Target and resembles the cardi's from J. Crew so strongly it's amazing. I'm not going to say anything beyond that. I just love Target.

I haven't been shopping for myself in a while, which I knows thrills Husband to no end. And he doesn't have to worry. These are items I'm simply drooling over in my head. It's just a little way to enjoy some pre-Fall fun and to celebrate a love of clothing as well.

And that is so worth celebrating isn't it?

A lovely evening to you all! I'm off to get a certain sweet girl ready for her first day of school.

Good night!

Reasons to Love The Four Seasons

2011-08-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we said farewell to New Orleans and returned to our new home of Los Angeles. It was so hard saying goodbye to my parents.

But we had good reason to be excited about our arrival at LAX...

Husband was waiting for us! We were so happy to see him and believe me, he was happy to see us.

From the airport we made our way to our temporary home:

That's right! We're back at the Four Seasons. In truth we weren't expecting to return, but as there's a shortage on temporary housing here we are~and no one is complaining.

I'd love to tell you why...

Here are some reasons to love the Four Seasons!

~Feeling jet-lagged? Room service will deliver the most wonderful pot of coffee to your room.

Arriving on a highly-polished tray draped with pressed white linens, the entire coffee service is presented in sparkling shades of porcelain and platinum. The prettiest shock of pink lets you know that attention to detail~and you~is very important to the people looking after you. Oh, and the coffee is really good. That doesn't hurt!

~Flowers, flowers everywhere!

No need to worry friends with allergies, unless you request it they're not in your rooms. But the moment you're escorted into the Four Seasons Hotel you will be astounded by the gorgeous array of flowers. When we were here in July, white orchid blossoms were everywhere. But now?

Sunflowers! As we approach the cooler months of Fall, a more Autumnal blossom has made its way onto the table tops. I love fresh flowers, but as three out of our four family members sneeze at the mere sight of flowers, we rarely have them in our home. Our stay at the Four Seasons has allowed me to live vicariously through them and enjoy these pretty flowers.

~The beds. Ohhhh the beds.

I think this picture says it all, don't you? The beds are incredibly comfortable and you tend to zonk out the moment you lay down. That's what happened to this sleepy bebe. He was out cold when this picture was taken!

The children have their own room and as you can see, it's highly traditional.

In fact, everything about the Four Seasons is traditional. This extends to how you are treated as a guest. With all the generous hospitality and a staff always ready with a warm smile, staying here makes me feel like I'm back home in the South. It's wonderful.

~They treat your children with kindness, welcoming them with open arms...

and warm cookies and milk! This was what greeted the children when they entered their room Sunday evening. Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and caramel cookies are never a bad thing~especially when you've been travelling all day. Of course, I know this only because the children were kind enough to share a bite or two.

~Did I mention that they really roll out the red carpet for children?

As a thoughtful gesture, the Four Seasons provide pint-sized robes and slippers for their smaller guests. I have enthusiastic confirmation that certain children happen to enjoy such things.

They also enjoy the playful tableware they're presented with when dining in!

I love staying somewhere that considers my children just as important as the adult guests. It really makes the stay enjoyable for everyone.

~We also enjoy the room service! On Monday Husband had our rental car and we had to stay at the hotel for the duration of the day. This meant our meals were brought to our room for breakfast as well as lunch.

The food was scrumptious! I loved the oatmeal with warm milk and sliced bananas for breakfast. With each and every bite I began thinking more and more about moving into our next home and preparing this delicious dish on chilly Fall mornings...or every morning here.

Have I mentioned the weather in L.A. is phenomenal?

~The bathrooms.

As a girl, I love a beautifully done bathroom. Marble, chrome, & glass? Yes please! The children love theirs, the bathtub in particular, and I totally understand. I love to slip into a hot bath and just be. There hasn't been any of that at all this summer as we've been constantly moving about, but now we're all enjoying the overly large tubs in the bath.

A few someones also love that there's a television in there. Personally I don't see the need. But if you're soaking in the tub and your favorite show is on, why not really enjoy it?

I could go on and on and on.

We're enjoying this brief stay at the Four Seasons during our transition to L.A. It's not at all our norm, but something we happen to be drinking in with complete appreciation. We've needed some down time, and even though Husband has gone right back to work since arriving, coming home to such a lovely place has certainly helped him settle in. It's helped us all.

We cannot wait to move into our real home, but still have one more temporary stop before we get there. Not to mention the children are preparing for school! So much to do, so little time.

Thank goodness for the respite found at the Four Seasons. It's our little island of sanity in a sea of chaos.

And thank you for stopping by! Take care, friends, and stay cool in these last weeks of summer.