Knoxville Pixie

Wordless Wednesday- First Day of School

2010-08-18T09:52:00.003-05:00

And the award for most inappropriate float at a 4th of July parade goes to:

2010-07-07T10:02:00.001-05:00

A Slippin' & A Sliden...

2010-06-26T15:44:00.003-05:00

So yeah, I haven't blogged in awhile. It's not that I haven't been inspired to write lately; I very much have. In fact, I have begun journaling again for the first time in years. The truth is, I'm in a very transitory place in my life at the moment. I don't really feel ready to divulge some of the transitions to the information superhighway quite yet, but I can say I'm currently working more hours than I have in years. So many that I actually consider myself to be technically "Part-time Employed". I now check that box. And interestingly enough, it was the best thing I could've done to enhance my life as a stay-at-home Mom. Anywhoo, I won't bore yoou with the details of all that's gone on with me in my life recently, but suffice it to say, I've spent a lot of time doing stuff like this and I can honestly say, I've never, ever been happier.

She's 2!!!

2010-06-07T09:46:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl...

Wordless Wednesday- Family Resemblance

2010-05-18T15:14:00.002-05:00

A love letter

2010-05-13T09:43:00.002-05:00

My 4-yr-old LOVES to draw. You can find crayons in every corner of our house. I carry crayons in my purse in case of emergency. We have gone through reams of computer paper with her priceless artwork. She draws pictures for friends, family members, everybody. The kid loves to draw. It's her pleashaa...

When I got home from work last night, as usual, another original piece of art was waiting for me. Hubs held back his giggles as he handed me the "bookmark" that my daughter so thoughfully crafted for me. This time, she apparently was "inspired" by copying some things she saw around the house. But in her eyes, she was writing a love-letter to her Mommy.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T11:32:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday: Mother & Daughter

2010-04-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

Shaking her money maker.

2010-04-14T10:06:00.002-05:00

Shaking her money maker.
Originally uploaded by knoxville pixie

Last Thursday, the girls and I were invited to join some friends for a special day. My friend and I packed up our snacks, loaded up the car with 4 kiddos under the age of 4 and drove in the pouring rain to an event 50 miles away. Without going into much detail, let's just go ahead and say the day was a challenge at best, although I did thoroughly enjoy the company of my friend as we sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for the better part of an hour. Sabrina had yet another tough time that day (am I sensing a pattern here?) but somehow I was able to capture on film one brief moment of contentment. Amidst the chaos of the day, she took a minute to shake her patriotic little bee-hind, as "The Star Spangled Banner" blared in the background.

Easter

2010-04-06T14:54:00.007-05:00

I was prepared. My mom picked out the girls dresses and their matching shoes. I bought a new dress. I scoured online recipes to find Hub's families' traditional "Easter Pie". I spent the month picking up little jewels for the girl's baskets. I made deviled eggs. I made cupcakes with homemade strawberry buttercream frosting. We dug out the tripod from storage. I looked up the times for our Church's Easter Mass. I was prepared.

I awoke Easter morning. I set the girls baskets out on the kitchen table. I made my fruit salad and put the bacon on the cast-iron-skillet to fry. I made espresso.

Hubs came downstairs and the girls anxiously tore into their loot. We spent a few moments together before I went upstairs to shower and put on my "Easter best". The fussing of wee-one crept into my shower. It continued through my make-up routine. By the time I got downstairs she was in full meltdown. Hubs went upstairs to ready himself. I got girls dressed, one eagerly, one reluctantly. Hubs set up the tripod in the backyard. I was drenched in perspiration before we even walked out the back door. We took photos. Wee-one was not in the mood. The other was posing like something out of "Toddlers & Tiaras". I snapped at Hubs. We quickly gathered our things and rushed out the door.

Wee-one had to be physically restrained to be placed into her carseat. Protesting ensued. Louder taerful protest followed. The other one placed her hands over her ears and started to complain. I sighed heavily. We arrived at Church, looking like the perfect American family. We were hoping Church would provide us the peace we so needed that morning. We were wrong.

While walking hand-in-hand with her Daddy, wee-one fell into a small hole in the parking lot. She began screaming, again. Hubs picked her up and she was in full hysterics as we approached the colossal double doors. We walked right into the "crying room". Music was playing, but could be barely heard through the broken speakers. Wee-one seemed temporarily distracted from her upset by pulling out every item inside my purse and intentionally dropping it to the floor. She picked up a copy of the Church's "Breaking Bread" book and attempted with all her might to tear it apart, page by page. When calmly asked to stop her destruction, she fell to the floor, face down, in a full on, all out, nightmarish tantrum. We gathered her up and walked out the door. Back into the car we drove, heading back to the house without so much as a single "Peace be with you" muttered. I was completely and utterly unprepared for this.

We arrived back at ground-zero and attempted to give the girls some lunch. Wee-one was not having any of it. We loaded her up and brought her upstairs to lay her down for what was clearly a well needed rest (for us all). But, alas, rest would not come. At least not until she kicked, flailed, and screamed at the top of her tiny lungs for the better part of the next 45 minutes. Hubs and I cracked open a beer and collapsed onto the couch.

As we sipped, ok, chugged our cold beers, we talked about holidays. About the pressure we (especially Moms) put on ourselves and on our families trying to make these few days of the year particularly special. I do this and will continue to do this because it is important for me to create memories and family traditions that my girls will carry with them into their own families.

But, sometimes life happens. Life becomes the needle on our internal record-players and teaches us that no person, family, or holiday is the picturesque editorial out of a Martha Stewart magazine. People are messy. Kids emotions are messy. Messy and unpredictable. Sometimes you just have to know you did the best you could, let the chips fall where they may, pop open a cold beer, and be grateful for all the mess you have. And at the end of the day, you can still have a pretty picture or two to remind your children how much fun they had as children on Easter.

Songs I Wish I'd Written Part 1

2010-03-31T21:27:00.006-05:00

This is Part 1 of the "Songs I Wish I'd Written" post. What's on your list? I'd love to know.

XOXO

1. Rachael Yamagata's "Reason Why":

Why my candy stash should be under lock & key:

2010-03-31T07:52:00.002-05:00

Girl Talk Thursday- Favorite Hairstyle

2010-03-24T17:00:00.008-05:00

This week's Girl Talk Thursday topic is all about hair! And seriously, I know a lot about this topic. I have gone pixie-cut short (pun intended) and long. I have been a platinum blonde, neon yellow (yes really, Manic Panic neon-friggin-yellow), hot pink, black, brown, red, and everything in between. In the last few years or so, I have settled in as a redhead and feel quite comfortable that way. The only time I have gone natural in the past few years is when I was pregnant with my two daughters and both times, my pregnancy-hormones told me to go super-duper short like my style icon, Mia Farrow a-la "Rosemary's Baby". Is this not the cutest haircut ever? I think so...

I am currently wearing my hair shoulder-length, heavily layered, with long bangs. But its interesting to see the transformation of my hair in the last few years. Here's a little virtual tour:

Fall 2005, just after the birth of my first daughter:

October 2007:

May 2008 and pregnant with my youngest:

June 2008 and minutes after my 2nd daughter was born:

Christmas 2008:

April 2009:

Halloween 2009, don't worry, it's a wig:

February 2010, enjoying the greatest meal of my life:

I am currently growing my hair out (again) until the next time I decide I'm going to chop it all off.

What's your hair history?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T10:25:00.002-05:00

Girl Talk Thursday: $10 Dinner Challenge

2010-03-11T09:23:00.004-06:00

This week's Girl Talk Thursday's topic is one that is near and dear to my heart: food. And more specifically, food on a budget. I have made some serious attempts at making a dent in my family's grocery budget this year, not an easy feat for someone who loves to whip up expensive gourmet concoctions in my kitchen. But made even more difficult by my desire to use as many organic ingredients as possible, but still making the budget work for my family. Needless to say, it is a huge challenge. But I've discovered a few ways to penny-pinch while still making healthful and delicious meals. So here we go:

First off, I ALWAYS buy organic and/or hormone and antibiotic free eggs, milk, poultry, and meat. Yes, they are sometimes double the price, but the fear of my girls getting their periods at like, age 5 is enough to make this worth it for me. In order to accomplish this, I shop sales on all of these items. I most recently bought 3 organic chickens at my Super Target that were $6 a piece and that day happened to be 50% off. I walked out of the store with 3 whole organic chickens for under $10!

I then make recipes according to what sale protein I have accumulated in my freezer, instead of finding a recipe and then shopping for the ingredients. This way of feeding my family has saved more money than I can count.

I also make a batch of pizza dough at home nearly every week. With my KitchenAid mixer, it's a cinch to put together, and it's amazing how many things you can make out of an inexpensive pizza dough.

Lastly, this of my favorite inexpensive meals that I can make for under $10 and I can even whip up with ingredients I always have on hand. I hope you enjoy and Buen Appetito!

Pasta Carbonara
Adapted from Rachael Ray's Bacon & Egg Coal Miner Pasta

Ingredients:
1 lb whole wheat spaghetti
1 pkg pancetta from deli counter
5 cloves garlic
1/2 cup white wine, vermouth, or stock
2 lg egg yolks
3 TBSP Parmesan or Romano cheese
Fresh Parsley
salt & pepper to taste

Cook pasta in boiling salted water. While pasta is cooking, add 2 TBSP olive oil to large skillet, add pancetta until it begins to brown, then add garlic and saute for a couple of minutes. Deglaze pan with wine/vermouth/stock and let reduce for 2 mins or so.

In separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and add cheese and 1 ladleful of pasta water, while whisking so you don't cook the eggs. Add parsley and pepper and set aside.

Drain pasta. Add pasta to pan with sauce. Toss pasta with pancetta, then add egg mixture and toss 1 minute, then remove from heat. Continue to toss until sauce is absorbed by and thickly coating the pasta. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve with extra cheese.

Wordless Wednesday: Who's Ready For Spring? We are, we are!!!

2010-03-10T09:38:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentines Day From My Home to Yours!

2010-02-14T10:21:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T07:27:00.003-06:00

Girl Talk Thursday- What are you so afraid of?

2010-02-04T09:53:00.002-06:00

Today's Girl Talk Thursday topic is all about fears, those things that creep into your psyche late at night and leave you wide-eyed, sweaty and panic stricken leaving you little chance of sleep. These are the things that made me shudder:

1. Death: my biggest fear. I was not a child who grew up scared of monsters. I was the kid who lay awake at night in the dark contemplating what death is. I'd often wonder if death wasn't similar to the lonely feelings of being up late into the wee hours of the night, in sheer darkness, completely alone. I know, that's friggin deep for a 7-year-old, but that was me. As I get older, my fear of death has evolved into the fear of losing those around me. Thoughts of burying my husband, or God forbid, my children have replaced my concerns for my own demise.

2. Heights: I'm TERRIFIED of heights. I have always been. I thought I overcame this common fear when I rock climbed and rappelled double digit heights one summer during an Outward Bound excursion, but alas, I still get freaked out by even the smallest change in height.

3. Down Escalators: I HATE them. I hate them, hate them, hate them. My mom hates them too. We have been known to walk way out of our way to find the elevator so we don't have to step onto that deathtrap. And the really steep ones at airports? Those are the worst. They allow me to break out in full panic as they combine my fears for both height and down escalators at the same time. I am shuddering just thinking about it.

4. Confrontation: I suck at confrontation. I think I am so bad at it conflicts with my deep need for people pleasing. When I was first in management, I was notorious for writing those passive-aggressive notes to by subordinates in order to avoid face-to-face combat. Through the years my backbone has grown a bit, and now being the mother of two children in a 7 year marriage, let's just say I've had plenty of practice.

5. Being a shitty Mom: this is a fear I face everyday. I try to channel the fear into something positive by allowing it to be the impetus for me to do better. Every day. But deep down, I have a fear that I will do or not do something that will forever scar my children resulting in them appearing on A&E's "Intervention" Season 26.

So those are my top fears. What are yours?

Tales from Snowpocalypse Part I

2010-02-03T06:49:00.006-06:00

What do you do when the entire city is shutdown due to what's predicted to be the biggest snowstorm in years? Why try to shove a wooden "Q" into your Daddy's mouth, of course!

And when all else fails, just poke him in the eye!

I knew there was a reason I married that man...

2010-01-31T18:47:00.004-06:00

Some women dream of a man who will lavish them with diamonds and pearls.
Some women dream of a man who will buy them the most luxurious furs.
Some women dream of a man who puts "The Situation" 's abs to shame.
Some women dream of a man who drives only the finest automobiles.

I dreamt of a man, that after a long day at work would come home and whip up one of my most favorite dinners, just because I told him I had a craving for it. And I found him...

My Hubby's famous bruschetta...It tastes even better than it looks...

Shrimp Risotto

2010-01-23T08:41:00.008-06:00

I made this recipe the other night, inspired by a recipe I found on epicurious.com. I made some changes to the recipe, which you'll find in italics. My family raved over this meal, and even my 4-yr-old and 19-month-old devoured their heaping bowls of this. The thing I love most about this recipe, besides the most amazing flavor and texture, is the fact that for the most part you should have most of these items already in your pantry. And I always buy the 2-lb-bags of frozen shrimp at the grocery store when they go on sale, so I can quickly and inexpensively throw together a yummy shrimp dinner without breaking my grocery budget. Bon Appetito!

Shrimp Risotto:

Ingredients:
5 cups seafood stock
3/4 cup white wine
6 Tbsp (3/4 stick) butter
2 tsp minced garlic
1/8 tsp red pepper flake (or to taste)
1 lb uncooked large shrimp peeled & deveined (reserve shrimp shells to put into stock pot)3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 & 1/2 cup uncooked arborio rice

Garnish:
2 Tbsp fresh parsley
lemon zest -or- pecorino romano cheese

Instructions:
Bring broth and 1/4 cup white wine to a simmer over medium heat and add reserved shrimp shells. Reduce heat; keep hot.

Shrimp shells simmering away in blend of seafood stock and white wine:

Melt 2 Tbsp butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp garlic and crushed red pepper flake, then shrimp. Saute' until shrimp begins to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup wine. Simmer until shrimp are just cooked through, about 2 minutes, Drain shrimp, reserving cooking liquid.

Shrimp cooking away in garlic, butter, and white wine:

Melt remaining 4 Tbsp butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and remaining 1 tsp garlic; saute' until onion is pale golden, about 4 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of broth mixture. Simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often. Continue adding broth mixture 1 cup at a time, stirring often and simmering until liquid is absorbed before adding more, about 20 minutes. Stir in reserved shrimp cooking liquid. cook until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat.

This is what your risotto should look like while its cooking:

Stir shrimp and 2 Tbsp parsley into risotto. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls, and add either zest of 1 lemon or pecorino romano cheese to taste.

The finished product. Look how creamy it is! Yum!

Caroline

2010-01-13T14:22:00.008-06:00

It was 1991 and I was completely taken by her the first time I saw her walk the halls. Her name was Caroline. She was 2 years older than me in school. I would scour the halls looking for her everyday, hoping I'd catch a glance of the outfit she was wearing, the way she had styled her hair, what unique accessory she'd be rocking. She stood out in a crowd. In an exclusive private school full of tanned bodies, sunstreaked hair, perfectly ironed Benetton shirts, skirts that hit just a little too short and long golden legs that donned the latest designer shoe, she stood out like a character from a Tim Burton film. To say she was fair-skinned would be an understatement. I was pale, she was alabaster. Like a porcelain doll, made only fairer by her choice of makeup, which always included a dark shade of lipstick. Her hair was dyed jet black, and hung just at her shoulders. She was tall, much taller than most of the 5'2 Miami-honeys that roamed the halls. She wore her skirts even shorter than her peers, but it was never obscene because she was a big fan of the hosiery. And by hosiery, I'm not taking "Hooter-girl" orange leg hosiery, I'm talking opaque patterned, textured, striped, or printed tights in every color of the rainbow. And her shoes; good God, her shoes; they were like something out of Lady Miss Kier's (the lead singer of Deelite) closet. She was like no one I'd ever seen before.

One day passing her in the hallway, wearing my usual black tights and new black shoes I'd just bought at "The Wild Pair", she smiled at me complemented me on them. She. Complimented. Me. On. Something. I. Was. Wearing. I was on cloud 9, and it added even more fuel to my lil' stalker fire.

One morning, during announcements, I searched for her across the outdoor courtyard (this is Miami, afterall) and was sad to see she wasn't there that day, which was unusual. She was a really good student, excelled in chorus, and I don't think she'd missed a day of school all year. I dragged my feet around all day pouting that I wouldn't be able to see my muse for at least 24 hours. But, the next morning, same thing. Gone. And then the announcements started. Our school's Director announced that the morning prior, on her way to school, Caroline had been involved in a car accident. She was reaching down to pick up a book that slid off her passenger seat and lost control of the car. She was alive but she was not ok. She was broken. She was going to have a long road ahead of her. We should all keep her in our prayers. My heart sank. Gone. She was gone. For how long, no one knew. I was devastated.

I thought about her more times than I could count over the next few months. At times, thoughts of her and her broken body consumed me. She was everything I wanted to be, and now I didn't know if she was going to live or die.

Months went by, and I thought about her less and less. I developed a pretty good social life on my own with a great group of friends, and I was just starting to figure out the person I want to be. I began developing my own sense of personal style, which was heavily influenced by the music of the grunge movement at the time, Sassy magazine, and of course, Caroline.

One morning during announcements, clad in my black & white striped tights, dark lipstick and the shoes she'd complemented me on what now seemed like a lifetime ago, I saw her. She was standing across the courtyard from me. My stomach turned in circles, as I struggled to figure out if what I was seeing was real or just the after effects of the puff I'd taken off that joint the previous Saturday night. I couldn't take my eyes off her. Her once perfect face and porcelain skin was now riddled with bright red scars reminding me of some kids sorry-ass attempt at repairing his parent's fine china vase that he broke, in hopes he'd get away with it without them ever knowing. But the damage was obvious. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. If I'm going to be completely honest, she scared me, no, she terrified me. I'd never known anyone who'd been in an accident like that before and at an age when most feel immortal and invinsible, she was living proof that I wasn't.

Eventually, time passed, her scars began to fade, and summer vacation was just a stones throw away. Caroline was graduating and had been accepted to a prestigious university on the other side of the country. I was prepaing for our chorus' end of the year recital, which was to conclude with a solo performance from Caroline.

The night of the performance, I got my hands on one of the programs and quickly scanned it to see what song Caroline would be performing that night. "I Can't Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt. Huh? For a girl who carved such bands as Siouxie and the Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, and The Smiths into her notebooks (I studied her, rememeber?) I found this quite an interesting choice, but was very eager to see her perform. Our chorus director sat down at the piano and began playing the first notes of the song, just as Caroline approached the microphone. And I was blown away. To say she nailed the performance was an understatement. My eyes were filled with tears as I listened to this amazing voice emerge from this once broken, now reconstructed body and it was truly beautiful.

I don't know whatever happened to Caroline. I presume she went off to college, got married, had a couple of kids, yadda yadda. Caroline and I never became friends. She and I never said more than a handful of words to each other, but she is indelibly marked onto my being. Her influence on me during those formidable years helped to shape the person I wanted to be and I believe who I ended up becoming. I'd be lying if I said I thought of her often, but I'd also be lying if I said I didn't turn the radio up whenever "I Can't Make You Love Me" comes on the radio, and sing along at the top of my lungs and think of her.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-13T11:37:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Wonderland

2009-12-16T07:20:00.003-06:00

2009-12-15T09:29:00.007-06:00

So I have felt totally uninspired to write lately as evident by the fact that it is now December 15th, and I have yet to post this month. There has been SO much going on and I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, I have just had major writer's block lately. What I have felt completely inspired to do, however, is to indulge in some of my favorite activities this time of year, including cooking and baking my lil' heart out. Which brings me to today's post...

One of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite food blogs, Tales From The Fridge, presented a challenge I felt I could really sink my teeth into (a terrible pun, I know). The challenge is this, pick out a recipe from a cookbook (remember those?) and make a recipe from one you have not used recently, if ever, and share your recipe and results with the information superhighway. So here's mine:

One of my oldest cookbooks was handed down to me from my mother, Better Homes and Gardens, New Cook Book circa 1968. I don't make a lot of recipes form the book, truth be told, but I do enjoy thumbing through it from time to time when I'm feeling nostalgic for some good-ol' American recipes from that era. This particular evening, my eldest girl was asking for macaroni and cheese, so I looked to this relic to provide me with a tried-and-true recipe. I doctored it just a tad, substituting white pasta for the yellow box Barilla pasta, to make it a bit healthier, and tossed in a head of broccoli, chopped and blanched in the pasta water before adding the pasta, and added it to the mac & cheese. The result: delicious.

Macaroni and Cheese
Cook 1 & 1/2 cups elbow macaroni in salted water until tender; drain. In saucepan, melt 3 Tbsp butter; blend in 2 Tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and dash pepper. Add 2 cups milk; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Add 8 oz sharp process American cheese; stir until melted.

Mix cheese sauce with macaroni. Turn into 1 & 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until heated through. makes 6 servings.

Its called gratitude...and that's right!

2009-11-27T09:07:00.009-06:00

Every couple of months or so I get up from the computer and unplug. Its been one of those times lately. We've been spending a lot of time with friends, old and new, and family and it's just been a great, peaceful time around our house lately. We had my lovely sister-in-law and her husband in town for several days before Thanksgiving and had a ball with them. Being that they live in Florida and we don't get to see them as much as we'd like, it's just so heartwarming to see the relationship between them and the girls growing each time we see them. Plus, my husband and I absolutely adore them and share their love of dumb comedies, which always makes for some good times.

Early into their trip, I suggested that my SIL and I surprise Annabelle with tickets to Disney's Finding Nemo on Ice. The most surprising thing was how much SIL and I enjoyed ourselves. The show was spectacular. I loved seeing how they brought the movie to life on the ice and the costumes were phenomenal. The other surprising thing: cotton candy for $10? Kids lemonade for $10? Yeah, that's why we don't do these things too often, but it was SO worth it, if I do say so myself.

During SIL and BIL's visit, we also hit up Red Robin and did some Christmas shopping. I was happy to have completed and wrapped my holiday shopping for the Florida family and sent the gifts back with SIL and BIL when they left.

We also spent an evening and the following morning working on our monster "soft-house"(AKA fort). Annabelle discovered a book at the library last week all about a brother and sister making a soft-house out of blankets, sheets, and pillows, and she had to have one of her own.

I even had the opportunity to bring my daughter to work with me on Monday night, and suffice it to say, she totally hammed it up.

It was a great visit, and we can't wait until they come see us again.

And next thing I knew, it was Wednesday, as in the day before Thanksgiving, and it was time for me to throw on my apron and get work. Other than a couple of times we visited others during the holiday, I think I've made and hosted Thansgiving at our home for the better part of the last ten years. Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays, and this year, although it was to be the four of us for the very first time, I was just as excited to host our dinner. I played around with my menu, trading some of my traditional recipes for a few different ones and I must say it was a hit.

Thanksgiving Menu 2009
Martha Stewart's Perfect Roast Turkey
Oyster and Bacon Sourdough Stuffing
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Cream and Brown Sugar
Yeast Rolls
Pumpkin-Banana Mousse Tart
Beaujolais Nouveau

While I happily worked away in the kitchen, this is what was going on in the family room. Doesn't it just warm your cockles?

Soon, it was time to sit down with the three people I am most thankful for and indulge in our feast.

I wish I could say that the girls gobbled up the dinner, and that there were many smiles and much laughter at the table, but the reality is, Sabrina ate NONE of her dinner while Annabelle gnawed on her yeast roll (the ONLY thing I didn't make from scratch). There was a lot of "Sit down properly!" and "Sabrina, don't throw your food on the floor!" and a dash of "If you don't finish your dinner, you wouldn't get any dessert!" and a pinch of "Oww! Mommy! Sabrina's poking me in the ear!"

All in all, despite all the fussing, Hubs and I agreed that it was probably the best Thanksgiving ever and I honestly couldn't be more thankful for my family and now, I'll take a deep breath and get ready for Christmas!

Under New Management

2009-11-25T15:40:00.002-06:00

So I'm feeling a little change coming on...Bear with me while I renovate my new space. I hope to be back soon with a whole new look!

Wordless Wednesday: Not Quite

2009-11-25T11:33:00.002-06:00

I know, I know. I have been a pretty lame blogger lately. I've spent the last couple of weeks stepping away from the computer and living in the real world with friends, family, and lots of new adventures, all of which I'll fill you in on when I don't have a Thanksgiving feast I'm in the midst of preparing breathing down my neck. In the meantime, it is amazing in the last couple of weeks how much wee one is growing and changing.

Wishing you and your family a happy, safe, and delicious holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Girl Talk Thursday- My Fictional Top Five

2009-11-12T06:54:00.004-06:00

This week's Girl Talk Thursday is another top 5 list with a twist. These are my top 5 fictional characters that totally do it for me.
*Wink-wink-nudge-nudge*

1. Lloyd Dobler: I first met his aquaintence somewhere around 1989 in a sweet movie called, "Say Anything". I still say you'd be hard pressed to find a better written male lead character than the one John Cusack portrays in that movie. He's funny, sensitive, everybody's friend, has a great sense of personal style, and an awesome taste in music. I totally <3 him.

2. JD: The first time I saw the movie "Heathers" I was speechless. A total original from the sets and costumes to the unforgettable and totally quotable lines, the movie also introduced me to Christian Slater as bad-boy JD. I mean is there really anymore of a bad boy than the jet-black haired, motorcycle riding, cigarette smoking, strip-croquet playing, clique-killing, JD? Me thinks not. Just hot, hot, hot.

3. Don Draper: I could and have gone on and on about my deep love for Don, despite his womanizing ways. I look forward to Sunday nights at 10 so that me and my man can spend some quality time together. The new season ended on Sunday, and I don't quite know what I'm going to do without him. Thank goodness for DVD.

4. Andrew Largeman: A quieter, more modern, and even more sensitive than Lloyd Dobler is my #4 on the list. Andrew Largeman from the film "Garden State" had me within the first five minutes of the movie and is one of my all-time favorites. I think it is impossible to watch that movie and not be completely taken in by that character.

5. Edward Cullen: Okay, okay. I know this is completely un-original and, at this point, a cliche even. But unlike most people I know, I was not immediately taken by this character when I saw the "Twilight" movie. I thought it sucked. I thought Robert Pattenson was attractive, but found the movie really turned me off until my friend, actually several friends, insisted I read the book before I completely wrote of the series all together. So I did. And now I get it. His character is beautifully created in the story and he is just so damn appealing in those books. So you might not find me screaming with the drones of 13 year old girls outside the midnight release of "New Moon", but you will find his name on this list. And I SO am not ashamed.

Happy Birthday, Little Madeline...

2009-11-11T06:43:00.002-06:00

We think of you and your family today and remember your beautiful smile and your kind little spirit. A life that has touched so many of us that never even had a chance to "meet" you, yet will never forget you.
XOXO

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T06:29:00.001-06:00

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T15:05:00.004-06:00

Our Halloween festivities began Friday evening with a Halloween party given by a friend of Annabelle's. Annabelle and I went while Daddy stayed home with Sabrina. We had a great time with the pinata, spider-egg hunt and lil dance party. We came home worn out.

On Saturday, we hit up yet another shindig, followed by a parade and trick-or-treating in a friend's neighborhood, despite 50-something degree weather and a cold misting rain. Annabelle happily put her Minnie costume back on and Sabrina had this cute little number from Old Navy that her big sister wore a few years ago.

Even Hubs and I dressed the part(even if we were the only adults dressed up at the party, ummm, can you say embarrassing?). I was a Real Housewife of Knox County, complete with (not pictured) 2-inch-long press-on french manicured nails, while Hubs donned a scary cape and mask and was some sort of hellish creature, but I preferred to just refer to him as "Big Poppa". He freaked out a couple of the kids, but in typical Sabrina fashion, she just giggled at her Daddy.

All in all it was arguably the best Halloween ever!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T11:45:00.002-05:00

A very safe and happy Halloween from my family to yours!
XOXO

Girl Talk Thursday- Ideal Lunchdate

2009-10-28T15:05:00.008-05:00

So this week's Girl Talk Thursday's topic is all about the who, the what, the where of an ideal lunchdate. I know a bit about this topic because lunch is my favorite meal of the day. I love its potential to go in many different directions; it is a meal which options the consumption of breakfast, brunch or dinner, and it is perfectly acceptable to wash down this meal with a cool/warm/frosty, alcoholic/non-alcoholic, caffeinated/decaffeinated beverage of your choosing. I also am quite the expert at "lunching" since I birthed two children that I refuse to drag out to a restaurant past 5 pm.

So let's start with the 'who". Or in this case the "who-wouldn't" be there. Now, I love my children dearly and would give my life to keep them safe and happy. That being said, if we're talking fantasy, ideal lunchdates they do not make. At this point in my life, the idea of sitting in a fabulous restaurant, you know one of those that has won a Michelin star or two, by myself, sounds like sheer bliss.

I'd start by ordering an appetizer, something small, salty, and ladylike while sipping on a Kir-Royale. I'd like to try what the chef has recommended for me based on his knowledge of my likes and dislikes (did I mention he looks like Don Draper and I look like Joan Holloway from Mad Men, and I'm wearing a fabulous dress that perfectly accentuates my curves with matching gloves, and my hair is perfectly coiffed, with the perfect shade of lipstick and I'm wearing really sexy undergarments and...oh, sorry wrong fantasy).

Oh, yeah, so the food...A beautifully assembled antipasto platter, brought to the table by a handsome waiter (here we go again...), ok just a waiter, with a glass of wine perfectly suited to bring out the depths and aromas of the cheeses. And the bread, oh the bread! Piping hot, served with olive oil and fresh cracked black pepper hand cranked by that hot lil' waiter.

The main course would be wild mushroom risotto with black truffle shavings (as I've never tried truffles before, but am dying to) and yet a another wine to compliment the "umami" of the dish. And for dessert, a vanilla bean creme-brulee with fresh berries.

Once finished with my meal, about 2 hrs later, I'd dab my still-perfectly lined lips with a starched white napkin, and reach into my Hermes Birkin Bag for my AmEx black card, before heading out the door into the street to flag down my driver with a perfectly manicured finger.

And that, my dear is how I rock a fantasy lunchdate. I mean, can't you just see it now?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T06:55:00.001-05:00

Last two weeks, photographically...

2009-10-26T21:31:00.009-05:00

knoxvillepixie + chantelligence + margaritas= good times...

And the rest of my hiatus:

<

Busy...

2009-10-26T20:17:00.003-05:00

I've been very busy lately, if you define busy as any of the following:

-Driving through 3 states and a total of 9 hrs with a 4-yr-old and 16-month-old in tow.
-Staying the night in a hotel in Virginia [ALONE} with said chitlins.
-Visiting my dear Mom and sweet Dad for 6 days.
-Visiting my dear Whole Foods and sweet Trader Joes for a few hours.
-Trying to find things to occupy self and children during 5 straight days of rain at dear Mom and sweet Dad's house.
-Putting on my makeup-artist hat to adorn dear Mom + friend in MAC cosmetics and faux-eyelashes. (Can you say fierce???)
-Visiting Baltimore Aquarium with youngest 25lb infant ON BACK because Aquarium doesn't allow strollers (huh?).
-Meeting a sweet, sweet twitter friend I've never met before at a Mexican restaurant in a strange town only to find that she was lovely, just lovely...And taking down a few margaritas. P.S.-KnowMeLoveMe, I adore you.
-Driving another 10+ hrs straight with chitlins and Mom in tow, only to be pulled over in Staunton, VA (don't pronounce the "U") by the douche-bag po-po.(*#@^!)
-Getting home to loads of laundry, preschool drop-off and piles of mail to file.
-Waking up Tuesday to a horrendous and disgusting stomach bug, leaving my Mom to take care of my kids and animals, ALL DAY. While I slept. ALL.DAY.
-Waking up, feeling just well enough to "work".
-Hitting up Fresh Market for their 3 for $10 pumpkin special and experiencing a pumpkin avalanche when attempting to take a photo so people will think we made it to a real pumpkin patch this year.
-Helping Hubs pack for his weekend out of town.
-Running out to pick up Hubs car he left at airport.
-Drinking wine, eating yummy cheese, smoked fish, fresh avocado and Italian cured meats.
-Hitting up Sam's Club at 9 am on a Saturday (yeah, it is as bad as it sounds; frigging heinous).
-Attempting to have a nice relaxing morning at a coffee shop only to scurry out of there for fear we, (um, my kids), were irritating the other patrons.
-Stopping by the liquor store to buy wine for the B.Y.O.B. party I'd R.S.V.P.'d to weeks earlier and to grab a hostess-gift, and spending more time with my child arching her back in protest as I tried to place her in the stroller.
-Pick up car, $700+ dollars, 4-tires and 2 hrs later.
-Get all cuted-up for said party.
-Get kids up from nap and drag them to adult-party.
-Chase after kids at said party for a polite 2+ hrs.
-Attempt to feed kids dinner and put them to bed.
-Fall asleep snoring with down comforter snuggling up with Mom on couch, only to find that every time I drift into slumber, she wakes me to inform me I am falling asleep.
-Wake at 6 am to find eldest screaming, "MOMMY!!!!"
-Invite her into my bed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on t.v. in hopes she will fall back asleep.
-Plan fails miserably.
-Spend 3+ hrs scrubbing toilets, vacuuming floors, skype-ing with my sweet, sweet, niece and her dear, dear parents (XOXO).
-Eat dinner.
-Bathe.
-Say goodbye to my sweet Mom holding back tears.
-Say hello to my sweet Husband, holding back tears.

Oh yeah, and just to pour even more salt into these frazzled wounds, I woke up at 5:50 this morning to find that my computer is suffering from a horrendous virus; I fear it maybe the highly-feared H1N1...'cause it is a "National Emergency", you know.

XOXO

Ten Years

2009-10-08T09:58:00.003-05:00

Ten years ago, looked a little something like this:

Ten years ago, I was lonely.
Ten years ago, I went to a party with a friend I rarely hung out with.
Ten years ago, I was tired of the same useless chit-chat.
Ten years ago, I went outside with my cup of keg beer and sat on the trunk of a car.
Ten years ago, you walked over to me.
Ten years ago, I was shocked when you asked if you could sit down and join me on the trunk of that car.
Ten years ago, you offered to give me a ride home when my friends wanted to leave.
Ten years ago, we sat in your car talking when the sun came up.
Ten years ago, you kissed me for the first time.
Ten years ago, I knew I was going to fall in love with you.
Ten years ago, I knew it would be unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.
Ten years ago, I had no idea of the joy that was in store.
Ten years ago, you held my hand for the first time.
And in the last ten years, you've never let it go.

Thank you for the last ten years...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T09:32:00.002-05:00

Girl Talk Thursday-My favorite scents

2009-10-01T14:13:00.002-05:00

So for this week's Girl Talk Thursday posts, I am going to share my love of scents or fragrance rather as I give you a tour of my life and memories from a fragrance perspective. So here goes:

1. Poison by Christian Dior: This is probably my earliest perfume memory. This was a fragrance my mom used growing up on her special occassion date nights with my dad. This fragrance was always wafting through the house as my brother and I inhaled Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and our "goody plates" of celery filled with peanut butter and carrots.

2. Liz Claiborne Perfume and Anais Anais by Cacharel: Not sure which one of these came next, but suffice it to say these were the first perfumes I actually owned. To this day, both of these scents smell like Miami circa 1988, or more specifically, a pair of Guess? jeans with zippered ankles, an I.D. metal button-down shirt, and a pair of high-top L.A. Gears (with rhinestones, of course).

3. Escape by Clavin Klein: I wore this fragrance about 8th or 9th grade-ish and wore it a lot. It's amazing how I could never, ever rock this scent again without being transformed into a braces-wearing, insecure pre-adolscent. The shit still reeks of it.

4. Bath and Body Works "Freesia", "Juniper Breeze" and "Flowering Herbs": sometime after I ditched the "Escape" for good, I discoved my temporary replacement for a cologne and jumped right into the shower gel, body lotion, and body spray combo. I dabbled in different scents through the years, (I spent one rare cold Miami winter rockin the Sun-Ripened-Raspberry variety), but I always seemed to come back to these old standbys.

5. The Body Shop Body Oils: Juba, Vanilla, and (GASP!) Patchouli: Once in high school and throughout college, I decided I was more of a body oil kinda gal and yes, embarrassingly, I experimented with the patchouli (hey it went well with my flannel shirts and burgundy Dr. Martens), but the Juba and Vanilla I have gone back to and back to over the years and I still wear them sometimes today. They are a classic as far as I'm concerned.

6. Dolce and Gabbana "Pour Femme" and "Light Blue": These were the 2 fragrances I wore on my quest for employment once I graduated from college. To me now, they smell like an underpayed, overworked, and overqualified twenty-something struggling to do whatever it takes to make her way in her newfound career, even if the jobs were sometimes incredibly degrading.

7. Angel by Therry Mugler: I discovered this shortly after relocating to TN and getting my first job out of school that I truly enjoyed. I still really love this fragrance and if you are familiar with it, you know you can always spot someone who's wearing it. It is an incredibly unique fragrance that I simply adore. Come to think of it, this might be next on my Christmas List.

8. Bobbi Brown's "Beach": I wore this fragrance when working for Bobbi Brown and wore it all throughout my pregnancy with my first daughter, Annabelle. This is a happy, sunny fragrance that instantly makes you feel like you're relaxing on a beach somewhere, slathering suntan lotion on your glistening legs while reaching for a frozen girlie-drink in an oversized hat.

9. Keihls Original Musk: I started wearing this one after Annabelle was born and I officially became a SAHM. This was a very different fragrance for me, as I'm not typically a musk-kinda-gal. But there's just something about this one...

10. L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani: This one has been my signature everyday perfume for the last couple of years and I am in love with it. It's not too sweet, not too floral, and not too musk-y. Its perfect for me and I always get complements on it. I think this one will continue to be mine for quite a long time...

So that's my fragrance history...What's yours?

My White-Trash Fish Tacos

2009-09-29T07:12:00.002-05:00

Here's a little recipe I put together last Friday night. I was inspired to come up with an easy fish taco recipe after I had the most amazing fish tacos in a restaurant a few weeks ago and was trying to find a way to make them at home easily and affordably. This recipe is simple and so surprisingly delicious, I'm totally making this a part of my repertoire. Hope you enjoy!

My White-Trash Fish Tacos:
Fish sticks (about 4 per taco)
1 bag (undressed) coleslaw mix
1 bunch cilantro
Avocado cream
Flour torillas

Bake fish sticks according to directions. Heat flour tortilla on dry skillet until warm and pliable. Shmear avocado cream on warmed tortilla. Place fish sticks, coleslaw mix and fresh cilantro leaves into torilla and roll.

Girls Weekend

2009-09-29T06:31:00.006-05:00

So, I went on my girls weekend and have been pretty much MIA ever since. I had a good time, ate and drank too much, didn't sleep enough (or really at all, got stuck out in some serious weather at our tailgate, discovered this AMAZING invention called "bar-noculars", Auburn won (!), and I spent some time with my oldest friend.

Before I met my friend, the Bar-nocular:

And after I got closely acquainted with the Bar-noculars:

And then I came home Sunday night to find my two wee ones were battling some nasty cold/flu thing and then I succumbed to the same a few short hours later. By the latter part of last week, I began feeling better, but to tell you the truth, I missed my family so terribly while I was gone, I just wanted to spend some real time with my babies. I've really enjoyed spending time with the Hubs and my girls this past weekend and feel that my weekend away gave me a new appreciation for all the love I have waiting for me at home.

Wordless Wednesday: 1 year ago...

2009-09-23T09:59:00.002-05:00

And where do you think YOU"RE going?!!

2009-09-18T10:45:00.003-05:00

So I'm off. I'm leaving the quiet sanctity of my lil' suburban nest for a righteous weekend with my oldest and dearest friend. I'm also leaving the comfort of twitter, the voices of my favorite bloggers, and the status updates of my cyber friends for some real human interaction. And I'm scared. This is the very first time I have left BOTH my kiddos and Hubs and taken a break just for me. And I'm determined to enjoy myself. Hope you all have a great weekend as well.

Oh, and one last thing,{ahem}, WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-15T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Young and the Breast-less

2009-09-15T12:39:00.003-05:00

I have NEVER liked my boobs. I remember being jealous of the girls in 6th grade who were wearing training bras and I had nothing, nada. I envisioned what I would look like as a grown woman, and that always included having a decent size chest. To me, at the time, that was what distinguished the women from the girls.

Around age 12-ish, one summer, I remember walking into my parent's kitchen and telling my mom how much my chest was hurting. She' smiled and told me she suspected I was experiencing growing pains and that I'd probably soon be waking up to my own set of ta-tas. I went to bed that night dreaming of perfect Christie Brinkley boobs and imagined how much better everything would look once I had a lil' stuff to fill it out with. Little did I know...

I don't recall exactly when I realized not only did I have bewbs, I had "breas-tess-ess". Big, honking, heavy, uncomfortable, DDD+ boobs. I know I was young enough to be mortified when I had to buy "Golden Girl" bathing suits for pool parties because none of the itty-bitty bikinis my friends were wearing would fit me up top. I know I came home in tears a lot because my early adolescent self had been called a "slut" in Middle school just because I was voluptuous; hell at that point I'd never even kissed a boy. I wore sports bras and XL shirts to try to cover up what lurked underneath. I had 1-inch-wide indentations in my shoulders from the gigantic-granny bras that struggled to hold up the weight of my chest. I had pain in my back when I awoke each morning. And I remember so vividly the countless times I'd be in a dressing room with armfuls of clothes strewn on the floor weeping in my mother's arms because truly NOTHING would fit me properly. For a gal who's always been OBSESSED with fashion, waking up to these huge thangs on my petite 5'2 frame, which didn't allow me to wear what I so desperately wanted to wear, was torturous.

I remember how ashamed I felt. Walking somewhere with my Dad and brother and noticing how these dirty old men ogled me. How they saw nothing of the girl I was. I was nothing to them but a "nice rack". It was beyond humiliating. This was my experience for several years during my already excruciating adolescence until one day, I'd had enough.

I don't know who brought up the idea for the surgery first, me, my mom, or some Doctor. But in July of 1992, I had breast reduction surgery to correct my monstrous mammories. It was the best decision I'd ever made.

Now, I would never recommend anyone have the surgery at the young age I did; I was 15at the time. I know some of you may be gasping, judging, thinking how/why would anyone have plastic surgery at such a young age. But believe me, the thought of going through the rest of my teenage years known as "that slut with the big tits" was more than I could take. And it was the right decision for me at the time and I've never come to regret it.

Nor have I ever come to really like my boobs. I still wish they were smaller (like an A would fit me just fine) and because I hadn't finished developing when I had my surgery, my post-op boobs went from a medium "B" to a very-full "C" over the course of the next couple of years. I often think of what they say about people who have lost a great deal of weight and still look in the mirror and see a fat person staring back at them. That's me. Totally. I still see that self-conscious young girl looking back at me, shoulders curled forwards, trying to hide her womanhood from the world.

Now in my thirties, I'm just now learning how to accept my body the way it is. I'll never be a waif. I'll never have anything but a flat-as-a-board British booty. I'll never wear a triangle top bikini. I'll never have a washboard stomach. But I will also never allow someone to make me feel the shame I once felt about just being who God created me to be.

I'll never again give someone that power over me.

Girl Talk Thursday-Favorite Halloween Costume

2009-09-09T16:07:00.006-05:00

I was totally psyched to learn of this weeks topic for Girl Talk Thursday for several reasons. First off, I really love Halloween. Its not so much the dressing up in costumes for me, but I love decorating my home with all kinds of orange and black decor, witches and black cats, burning my favorite caramel candles (BBW's Creamy Caramel are my personal favorite), and using big bowls of candy as centerpieces in my favorite serving bowls I've been collecting over the years. October is also the perfect weather month for me. I love being able to open my windows during the day, and don a cute lil' jacket, but most of all I love warmly snuggling under the covers at night when the temperature drops. I always sleep better in the fall than any other time of year.

Anywhoo, back to the topic at hand: favorite Halloween costumes. I am not someone who is fanatical about my costumes, although I usually throw together my black wig, black dress and black lipstick and go as either a witch, or a throwback to my early 90's style; which ever you find scarier...

But one particular Halloween, I did it up and I did it right. It was actually the first Halloween my husband (then boyfriend) and I were celebrating together and just a couple short weeks into our relationship. We collectively decided to go as Ricky and Lucy Ricardo. We went to a fabulous party (a friend-of-a-friends) and I spent all day getting dolled up. After the party we went to our favorite bar/hangout, where my husband (then boyfriend) proceeded to holler to me all around the bar, "Lucy, I'm hoo-oome!" "Lucy, Jou've got some ess-plaining to do!"

This night will go down in memory as my all-time favorite costume I've had but also a night when I realised I really wanted this guy to stick around for awhile. To this day, I frequently refer to my Hubs as "The Ricky to my Lucy".

*On another note, as I look at this picture, now almost 10 yrs old, I can't believe how similar I look now as I did then. Ok, ok, not the weight part, but after going through numerous different haircuts and styles over the last decade, mine now looks strangely like it did then. And the color? Ok, in this photo it came from a can, literally, but it is not totally unlike the intense auburn shade I'm rocking at age 32. Now that's a little scary...*

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-08T15:34:00.003-05:00

To be Announced...

2009-09-08T08:03:00.003-05:00

I love this picture. But I am at a loss of what to call it.

Suggestions?

White Chicken Chili with Avocado Cream

2009-09-07T08:04:00.005-05:00

So its Sunday evening, and my poor body is wrecked from the pizza, burgers, fries, not to mention beers, I consumed over college football kick-off Saturday. The thought of firing up the grill was so not appealing to me. But, being Labor Day weekend and all, I felt the pressure to make something a little special, a little festive, and a lot healthy. I scoured my cookbooks and the internet for a good way to use up all the avocados I'd bought at the "Super-store" the other day, and found many recipes for a chicken tortilla soup and the like. But to my dismay, they all took hours to make or I didn't have all the necessary ingredients they required. So, I improvised, and came up with what is perhaps the best meal I've made in awhile and I'm pissed I didn't take a photo of it, cause it was damn-purty too! So here's my recipe for what I threw together. I hope you try it and I hope you enjoy!

White Chicken Chili with Avocado Cream-

For the Chili:
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1 lb chicken tenders cut into bite-size pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp dried oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 a can OR 1/2 bottle of beer (I used Yueng-Yling)
2 cups chicken stock
2 cans cannelini or great northern beans, drained

For the avocado cream:
2 avocados
1 lime
3 Tbsp sour cream
Salt and Pepper to taste

Toppings:
Cilantro, Chopped fresh tomatoes, Lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips, cheese, etc.

Directions:
Add 2 Tbsp olive oil to large pot and put over medium-high heat. When oil is almost smoking, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. When chicken has some nice color to it, add in the onion, red pepper, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until veggies have softened, about 5 mins or so. Add in the garlic and cook about 1 minute more. Add in the beer, and reduce, picking up all the drippings from the bottom of the pan and allowing the alcohol to cook off. Add in the chicken stock and two cans of beans. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to a simmer. Allow to simmer while making the avocado cream and prepping the toppings.

Once chili is simmering, slice avocados in half, lengthwise and remove pit. Scoop avocados into a bowl. Squeeze juice of 1 lime over top of avocados. Using a fork, mash avocados until you reach a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the sour cream until well blended.

After 20 mins or so, ladle chili into bowls and top with large dollop of avocado cream, cilantro, chopped fresh tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, and a lime wedge.

Girl Talk Thursday- My Top 5

2009-09-03T08:39:00.005-05:00

I have had this list swimming around in my brain for the last few years. A few have come and gone, but a few of the classics keep creeping back in. So, without further ado, Knoxvillepixie's Top 5:

1. Giovanni Ribisi: I have had a MAJOR thing for him for the better part of the last 20 years. He first caught my eye as one of Kevin Arnold's friends in "The Wonder Years" and again as the love interest on that AWFUL "My Two Dad's" show. I've followed his career for so long and I find him amazingly talented and just plain old HAWT!

2. Jamie Oliver: Jamie has so many things going for him to get him on my top 5 list, such as:
A-He's British, making me get all nostalgic for my U.K. roots
B-He can cook like no body's business
C-He has a lisp (SWOON)
D-He's adorable and has a great sense of personal style
E-He's a Dad to three little girls and and he's a huge advocate for making healthier eating more accessible to children and families.
Love me some Jamie Oliver!
.

3. Jon Hamm: no explanation necessary. If you know me you know I loooove "Mad Men" and he is always the epitome of dapper in that show. But I also think he looks equally as yummy just like this:

Don't cha think?

4. Lenny Kravitz: Ok, so this is a little questionable these days. I mean come on, I have heard all the rumors of his, ahem, lack of personal hygiene, I know he's VERY short, and he is a notorious womanizer. But if you have ever seen him perform on stage you will know why he made the cut. He is pure sexual energy on stage and is immensely talented to boot. So, yeah, I still love me some Lenny, what, what?

5. Zack Braff: probably my most controversial on the list. But I've adored him since "Garden State" (love, love, love that movie) and think he's a great comedic actor as well. I know he's not the most stereotypically handsome guy of the bunch, but there's just something about him.

Honorable mentions to: Dita Von Teese, Chris Martin, Gale Harold, Lorenz Tate, and way too many more to mention. Is it getting hot in here?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T06:37:00.001-05:00

Taco night

2009-08-28T21:50:00.003-05:00

My wee lil' bit is messy. And when I say messy, I don't mean normal-baby-messy, I mean like train-wreck messy. Like, she makes me wish the long-sleeved bibs she owns came with a hood. Like, bathtime is not because its part of our "bedtime routine", but a total necessity, messy. Like, she's a total disaster, messy. And I adore her. Me, the one, who freaks out at the slightest mess. Me, who arguably has a dog for the sole purpose of eating the crumbs off my floor (sorry Cass), adores her mess. Because that's so freakin her...And I adore her.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T07:06:00.002-05:00

Mindfulness

2009-08-21T13:02:00.006-05:00

"Do you ever have those moments in life...where everything is OK? Just for, like, one moment, everything is great...When you, like, catch yourself in a moment...and you're saying, wait, I'm happy here in the moment. And then it just goes away really quickly. I know I've had a couple of those...I always forget them, but I know I've had them." -Reality Bites

I sometimes, ok frequently, feel utterly overwhelmed. I feel like my mind is always going. I'm always thinking, planning, anticipating the next thing I have to do. When I'm feeling especially frazzled, I find myself taking my to-do list with me even to sleep, and when being woken up frequently by my favorite "night-screamer" I can't seem to fall back asleep because the minute I move from an unconscious state to a conscious one, my inner day-timer (yea, I still use the old-school planner) begins reminding me of what I need to accomplish. Sometimes, ok frequently, I literally exhaust myself.

I seem to find it especially difficult to stop and smell the proverbial roses; to really be present in the moment, because I'm so focused on the next task at hand. I think this probably prevents me from truly enjoying myself at times, because I'm unable to be content right where I am. At that moment. In the now.

From the moment we bring a baby into this world we are innundated with to-do lists, with goals and milestones we as parents are responsible for the child reaching. From weight and height goals to when they sit, crawl, and walk for the first time. When they get their first tooth, say their first words, eat solid foods for the first time. Heck, when you go in for those regular check-ups with the Doctor, you are basically given a checklist. If you can check most things off on the list the Doctor deems "age appropriate", you breathe a sigh of relief, and then receive a new checklist at the end of the visit of the next things you need to anticipate/agonize over. We compare milestones with other parents, and sometimes total strangers to make sure our children are hitting those very important milestones. We seem to gauge our parenting on how quickly and easily these things happen. Our society places so much empahasis on these things, that it clouds us from just enjoying the child in its normal state. And then we wonder, as moms why we seem to have such a hard time letting go of the to-do list.

Every once in awhile, and not often enough, I find myself taking a pause. Slowing down long enough to just STOP. To look around me and truly see what my husband and I have created here. Not two beings whose needs seem to be constant; another diaper to change, a playdate to make, an oww-ee to be bandaged, a sippy-cup to be refilled, a doctor's appointment to be scheduled, but rather two amazing little people that, miraculously, somehow I helped to create. Sometimes, in these moments my eyes well up with tears. I watch them in amazement. In amazement of their beauty, their humor, and of their little souls just trying to figure out the world. It is utterly overwhelming in a whole other sense.

One of my newest goals for myself and my own personal development is to have these moments more often. To STOP more often. To appreciate more often. Because that's the funny thing about to-do lists, they are never ending. And that's the thing about childhood, it is ending, and it comes to an end more quickly with each passing day. And that is something I really don't want to miss.

My Crazy Party Weekend

2009-08-16T06:54:00.005-05:00

My family and I have been suffering from a horrendous stomach flu this past week, beginning on Monday night when my Mom got it while visiting. Wednesday night, sweet Annabelle came down with it, and on Friday Sabrina and I came down with it.

Here's how it all went down (as posted on Facebook, August 14th 6:42 pm)
True Story: Part 1: just walked into kitchen & picked up baby to give her a smooch. Baby turns head and vomits on shoulder and over shoulder onto floor. As I react in some sort of "Oh, poor baby!" fashion, baby turns toward my face and throws up ALL OVER MY FACE. Jeremy, feeling quesy already, grabs baby and puts her in the sink, turning green as he attempts to clean her off…

True Story: Part II: All the while Jeremy is gawking at the puke and now tears streaming down my face. Annabelle, hearing peeps in distress comes running into the kitchen with her toy teapot asking what happened. Dog enters room and I am now, puke dripping off my face, attempting to keep 4-year-old and dog out of pukey floor puddle…

True Story: Part III: I throw dog out onto deck in order to avoid the inevitable, which will avoid mentioning here, but you know what I mean, and Jeremy curtly asks Annabelle to fetch towel for formerly pukey sister, now currently clean. Annabelle can not seem to rid herself of this f-ing teapot, which continuously plays “I’m a Little Teapot” while this whole scenario transpires.

True Story: Part IV: I now look at Jeremy and find him to be quite green, and claiming he is moments away from blowing his own chunks. Annabelle comes downstairs with the towel, we whisk baby up to her room for a wardrobe change, and deposit both infected chitlins into Annabelle’s room to take a breather. A few minutes later, “Mommy!! Sabrina just threw up again!!!” “All over my doll!!!”

And that my friends is a typical (ok, not-so-typical) Friday night in the life of a parent.

Later that evening, I awoke suddenly to my own gastrointestinal distress, which lasted through the night, leaving me completely incapacitated by Saturday so, I missed this:

All I can say is thank God for Hubby was off work when I needed him the most and thank God for the technology to caputure this amazing moment.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T07:00:00.004-05:00

"I love my sis-ter. She's the bee-eest! She's cooler than any other girl that I have ever met..."

2009-08-05T11:56:00.003-05:00

Four years ago today...

2009-08-03T13:32:00.007-05:00

My sweet Annabelle,

Four years ago today I was at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital eagerly awaiting your arrival. I was admitted into the hospital on August 2, 2005 for a scheduled induction after you your due date of July 31st came and went. At 5:30 pm on August 2nd,, we arrived at the hospital and I was given Cervadil to prep my bod for the pitocin they were to begin administering at 6 a.m. on August 3rd. By 7:15 p.m. that evening, I had my first MONSTER contraction. At approximately, 3:30 am August 3rd, I felt and heard a "pop" and woke up your Daddy, who was crashed out on the sofa bed next to me. As he helped me to the bathroom, I realized my water had broken. The nurse came in to help me back into bed, and she called the anesthesiologist to bring me my epidural. The nurse predicted we'd see you later that morning. Hours went by, followed by 1 hour and 45 minutes of unproductive pushing. Then the Dr. arrived to look at the monitors and told me that due to your dropping heart rate, we should opt for a c-section. Nana and Grandad came into the room to give me a kiss and wish me luck during the operation. I was whisked away to the OR, and Daddy came in shortly before surgery began. I was so incredibly exhausted, I had trouble keeping my eyes open. About 30 minutes later, we heard you cry for the first time, and Daddy brought you over to me all swaddled in blankets. You were the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. I never imagined I could love anyone or anything as much as I loved you.

With each passing day, I love you more and more. You astound me with your kindness, sensitivity, intelligence, and your inner and outer beauty. I am the luckiest person in the world that God chose me to be your Mom. I will be forever grateful for August 3, 2005 and I vow to continue to love you more and more each day. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for changing my life for the better. I am so proud of the little lady you are growing into and as you grow, I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments and will be the shoulder for you to cry on should you fall. You hold a special place in my heart as my first-born daughter and I will always be here for you. I love you forever, my sweet Miss Lou.

All My Love,
Mommy XOXO

Sugar and spice and everything nice...

2009-08-02T10:44:00.009-05:00

Saturday was Annabelle's much anticipated "Powerpuff Girls" themed birthday party at our favorite local bounce house, The Jumpity Jump. We all had an absolutely fabulous time! The in-laws were in town for the festivities and really enjoyed themselves as well. I found these adorable "Belly Washers" with Powerpuff Girl tops as the guests drinks and party favors and I think the kids really loved them. We got a personalized PPG birthday tee, and I managed to hunt down the three figurines for the cake. I could not have been more pleased with the way the whole party came together. I have never seen Annabelle so incredibly happy!

Before the fun begins, first, the safety video...

And then they were off!!

The look on poor little Sabrina's face! This picture kills me!

Imagine my surprise to turn around in the front seat and see this looking back at me! Totally warms my heart...

LOOT!!!

Duende de Knoxville

2009-07-31T06:57:00.003-05:00

I started my first blog a few years ago on a little website known as "MySpace". Maybe you've heard of it? Probably not. It's really obscure. Anyway, as I am closing my account, I have decided to post some retro-ramblings of the knoxvillepixie, AKA me. But first, the backstory:

Growing up in Miami, Florida, I was so accustomed to living side-by-side people of all ethnicities. I was naive. I thought this was the way the world worked. In the county I grew up in, I, as a pale, freckly Caucasian was the minority. So, when I grew up and moved away to college, I was totally culture-shocked. I couldn't believe the ignorant things I heard people say, bumper stickers I read, flags I saw being flown. Such blatant racism and prejudice terrified this little gringa, and frankly, still does. My daughters and I have a last name now that does not hide our families' or my husbands families' heritage (which I couldn't be prouder of by the way). But it is also something that instantly makes us different when we meet someone. It is a conversation starter. Sometimes the conversations are good, sometimes they are not so much conversations, but stereotypical remarks I'd rather not hear. I fear that my girls will not have the opportunities I had growing up to be immersed in and fall in love with multi-culturalism as I did. It is this multi-culturalism that makes me who I am; it is woven into the fabric of my being.

When my girls get older, how will I explain to them the meaning of "Uncle Sam Wants YOU to Speak English!!" when they see it plastered on the back of a truck. How will I teach them that growing up with an appreciation of other people and cultures is a GOOD thing, not a bad one?

That being said, here is an account of a particular experience I had at the DMV while attempting to renew my driver's license. At the time, I was so frustrated by this experience, I felt the need to write about it. Sadly, now as I re-read this post a couple years later, this seems much less important or offensive. I think maybe I've just gotten used to it, or maybe my skin has gotten a little thicker. And frankly, that scares this little gringa even more.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Que Pasa?

So I went to the dmv yesterday to renew my drivers license. It became a 2+ hour ordeal. I felt like someone in that commercial for restless leg syndrome. So there's all these different numbers, lines, disgruntled workers, and really loud children, one of which sits next to me kicking my chair for 30 minutes...good times. So anyway, when I finally think that I'm getting close to leaving this hellhole, I am informed that due to my last name, I have a block on any identification from the state department. The genius behind the counter proceeds to tell me that this is not because of my particular last name, which is ****** by the way, but that if my name was Smith it would be flagged as well as they are just really common names. Sure lady. I'm sure that if my name was Smith you'd really be concerned about my status as an American citizen. After showing her my passport, proving that I am indeed a US citizen and not a border-jumper, she has to call the state dept to get “clearance”. So while I wait for the genius at the state dept to call the woman at the dmv back, (and wonder why I didn't bring a sombrero and full mariachi band), the teller informs me that I should change my last name in order to prevent this from happening in the future. I don't even bother to respond to this idiotic suggestion. Back into another line after lady verifies my citizenship. Picture taken. Card prints. Big fat face in itty bitty frame, looking like I have five chins, and the fakest smile plastered on my face. As a matter of fact, it is the same expression my husband describes as simply "ass-face". So folks, just wanted to give you the heads up as to where your hard-earned tax dollars are going in this paranoid-post-911 world.

Adios Amigos!

Pastelitos de Guayaba

2009-07-27T14:39:00.002-05:00

These cuban pastries with guava and cream cheese are one of my all-time favorite indulgences and so incredibly easy to make! Hubby and I had a cuban feast this past weekend that included mojo-marinated grilled chicken with cilantro, moros y cristianos (AKA black beans and rice), and these delicious pastries. They are as good as any I ever had growing up in Miami and are unbelievably easy to make!

Pastelitos de Guayaba:
1 pkg Puff Pastry
Cream Cheese
Guava Paste
1 egg (to seal pastry and give your pastry a glossy finish)
Confectioner's sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unfold puff pastry and cut into 9 squares. Place about 1tsp guava paste and 1/2 tsp cream cheese in the center of each square. Fold over to form a triangle and dip finger in egg wash to seal the two corners together. Press down two corners with tines of a fork. Place onto ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops of pastries with egg wash using a pastry brush and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and dust with confectioner's sugar.

Blogher@Home 2009

2009-07-24T19:42:00.004-05:00

Welcome blogher@home Friends!

2009-07-22T09:24:00.006-05:00

We have been busy little bees lately, enjoying the unseasonably cool weather with loads of activity. I've been cooking up a storm and will post some of my favorite new recipes on here shortly. We also have acquired some new fun things I will be telling you all about in a later post. In the meantime, here is a little digital taste of what we've been up to...

Discovered a new park:

Home BBQ's:

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More soccer adventures:

Sabrina found a new group of friends at soccer and had her first kiss:

Annabelle finished her 2nd session of swim classes and is now officially an EEL:

Sabrina likes to imitate local dogs barking:

Progress

2009-07-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

Another fabulous weekend that makes me dread Monday. On Saturday we took the girls to the neighborhood pool so Annabelle could show off her newfound skillz in the pool. We swam in the BIG-PERSON pool with NO FLOATIE! (although there was a noodle involved) This is major progress people.

Sabrina floated around the pool in her little inflatable thing-a-ma-bob and delighted in it as usual, pausing every little while to eat part of said thing-a-ma or drink some heavily chloronated public pool water (her colon is now clean as a whistle by the way), and genuinely enjoyed her lil' self.

We left the pool to pack on the pounds at one of our favorite weekend spots, "Five Guys Burgers and Fries". Followed by a little bit of window shopping as I attempted to purchase a piece of collegiate memorablia that, GASP!, was not UT related for a friend who is moving away to begin her new life at my alma mater. War eagle, Miss Thang!

On the way home we endured, what has come to be the customary pouting session anytime a departure is emminent from our eldest, which told us naptimes were sure to follow. Naps for Daddy and the girls, while I primmed and primed me-self for an evening out. Several wardrobe changes later I was out the door for a highly enjoysble dinner with a great group of ladies. About half the group continued the festivities in a bar-crawl, while I, sensibly, respectfully, responsibly, and reluctantly dragged my ass home.
Sunday morning, I was very happy not to be nursing a hangover as we enjoyed an awesome family feast and conversation over Annabelle and Daddy's bluberry pancakes. We spent the rest of the morning working on little projects around the house and had a lovely, relaxing, and nausea-free Sunday. Had a lazy evening snuggling under the covers while a torrential downpour hit oustside our window. A perfect ending to a perfectly ordinary day.

On Saturday night after dinner, I got a fortune cookie. In it was supposedly my fortune (in bed), no seriously, mine said, "Maturity means embracing imperfections." Hmm, pretty deep for Mr. P.F. Chang.
Hmm, maturity, that's major progress people...

Tales from a newly sex-less marriage

2009-07-08T16:30:00.005-05:00

I spent the afternoon refreshing my haircolor while the kids were sleeping. I had forgotten about it until Hubby asked me if I had recolored my hair and told me that he liked it. Minutes later, while playing around on the floor, Hubby informed me that I looked quite a bit like a character named Flattop, from the Dick Tracy movie. I insisted he google this character on the computer so I could see who he was talking about. And this is what I found:

Nothing like the ones we are closest to in our lives to make us feel AMAZING about ourselves.

He's SO not getting any for awhile.

Lessons learned

2009-07-08T12:48:00.005-05:00

We have learned a few new things in these past few days I'd like to share with you:

1. Babies LOVE other babies.

2. Paybacks a bitch. Ironically, Sabrina became distraught when she heard baby Campbell cry. Oh Sabrina you don't like the sound of screaming baby? Really Sabrina, that bothers you? I'm so terribly sorry. Yeah...
3. Bubbles are always a fun way to pass the time.

4. Grass tastes good and its good for you!

5. Outdoor playhouse/swingset combos really rock.

6. Not all instructors/teachers are ladies. Some are men. And some are strapping young lads.

7. Just because food is free, doesn't make it good (girls DETESTED KFC grilled chicken meal). Should've just gone with a bowl of grass...

8. A smile is worth a thousands words (even if she is 13 months old and I'm convinced only has 2 teeth in her head).

9. Old skool jogging stroller hand-me-downs can be fun (albeit hideous) until the inevitable, "Mommy! Sabrina's leg is touching mine!", "Mommy! Sabrina is pulling my hair!" and my personal favorite, "Daddy! Sabrina just poked me in the eye!".

Until next time!

Happy 4th From My Family to Yours!

2009-07-04T14:17:00.003-05:00

Ah Beetz'

2009-07-01T15:44:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite things to make at home is homemade pizzas. It's a very easy, fun, and a fool-proof lunch or dinner that I find very gratifying to prepare. I have used several different recipes in the past, but I keep coming back to this Wolfgang Puck recipe and it always comes out perfectly. The only adjustment I make is I use 1 & 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 & 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to make the recipe a little healthier. It's also a lot of fun to make with kids! Enjoy!

When it comes to my own thin-crust pizzas, I'm a total purist. Fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and maybe a roma tomato or two and those are all the toppings I need. You can make your own pizza sauce, of course, but in a pinch, this Dei Fratelli tomato sauce tastes totally authentic.

Peace out!

Our Week In Pictures

2009-07-01T15:20:00.008-05:00

We spent a lot of time just chillin'...

My mother sent us a couple of these cute and very practical long-sleeved bibs, and now I wonder how I lived so long without them...

Annabelle and Sabrina had a playdate at Tatarus...

We spent some time catching up with friends at Dunkin' Donuts. (yea, I'm THAT Mom who feeds her baby doughnuts)...

Annabelle and Daddy enjoyed the fruits of their labor when harvesting the green beans they've been growing in our garden...

I found these adorable canisters on clearance at Target and how could I resist?

Oh, yeah, I also FINALLY received my notorious KFC rainchecks in the mail. Yippee!

Home, this must be the place...

2009-06-28T14:08:00.009-05:00

I feel like my life has changed so much in the last few months. Gone is the mother of a toddler and a high-needs infant, and she has been replaced by the mother of 2 happy, active little girls. Annabelle has grown into a very sweet and precocious little person who loves swimming, dancing, playing and watching soccer with her Daddy, cooking, and learning to read and write. These new developments feel like they literally happened overnight, and I am so proud of the little lady she has become.Sabrina has transformed from a colic-y baby into an incredibly happy, curious, and boisterous toddler. How did I get here?
My days that were once spent wondering how I was going to manage two babies at once and just survive from day to day, are now spent driving from swim lessons to soccer practice to dance classes, and I couldn't be happier. I have spent so much time eagerly awaiting the time when I would be able to share these times with my kids in this way. For many months due to Sabrina's paralyzing colic, I wondered if I would ever have the family I had always dreamed of. And now, here I am, becoming the mother I always wanted to be. Sharing and teaching things to my daughters and watching their passions grow. Hubby and I have had some much needed adult time together as well. Last weekend we had the opportunity to share a fabulously-fancy meal together before attending a lovely wedding on Saturday evening. It really made us realize how much we need to make the time for one another and how, after nearly 10 years, its amazing how much we still really like one another. It has been a long road that has led me to this place and it has not been easy. But here I am. In a place where I am full of gratitude for each day I get to spend with these amazing people I call my family. A place where I can look at my daughters and truly feel my heart growing exponentially. A place where I feel completely safe and supported. A place where there is far more laughter than tears. A place where bottles have been replaced by sippy cups. A place where Dora has been replaced by The Powerpuff Girls. A place where my daughters learn to become not only sisters, but best friends. A place where sleepless nights have been replaced by peaceful slumber.A place where I feel that anything is possible with the support and unconditional love of my partner. A place I have always dreamed of. A place I am proud to call my home.

Tiny Dancers

2009-06-25T06:38:00.005-05:00

There are few things cuter than my dear Annabelle in a leotard and tutu...
Don't cha think?

For you...

2009-06-21T07:27:00.005-05:00

Happy Father's Day to the greatest Dad us girls could ever dream of...

My Little Pike

2009-06-16T13:52:00.005-05:00

Here's a little video of the activity that has been sucking up our time lately. We are in week 2 of our daily class and I think I can say I think things are going well. What do you think?

Oh yes, and that baby you hear crying in the background? Take a guess as to who that is...:)

Miss you much...

2009-06-11T06:52:00.005-05:00

I have missed you dearly. The last two weeks have been INSANELY BUSY! We have enjoyed/endured 9 days of houseguests, all in town to celebrate my baby girl's first birthday. I promise I'll catch you up on all the juicy and not-so-juicy details shortly when I have a chance to catch my breath. Were off today for Sabrina's one-year-checkup with her beloved Doctor, and then we race off to Annabelle's swim class (more on that later). Hoping to have a few minutes in the near future to collect my thoughts and share them with you. I have not forgotten you, but family has trumped you once again. Until we meet again, XOXO.
In the meantime, here are some photos for your enjoyment:

I am officially in love...

2009-06-01T09:41:00.004-05:00

I know I am long overdue a post, but for now, this will just have to do. I just entered this AMAZING giveaway for this AWESOME Vivienne Tam HP Mini Clutch Laptop. Ain't it bee-u-tea-full! Anyone that knows me knows the problems we have had over the past couple of years with our evil laptop, and ironically, it kept freezing up even as I was attempting to enter this INCREDIBLE giveaway! To read more about said PHENOMENAL computer, click here. Or if you are as taken as I am with this MAGNIFICENT piece of technology, enter yourself by June 8th. Cross your fingers people, I may one day be blogging, facebooking, and twittering with this GORGEOUS gem!

P.S.-Did I mention how AWESOME it is? :)

Rockin Out...

2009-05-26T18:09:00.003-05:00

This was what was waiting for me in the kitchen when I arrived home from a quick run to the store after dinner. Enjoy...

The song Annabelle is rockin out to is Ben Lee's "American Television", her personal fave...

Me & Hubby + 2

2009-05-25T20:45:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting here watching the season premiere of "Jon & Kate + 8" and something has occurred to me. I have a blog no one but my family and friends will ever read. I have a job no one but me and my family will ever care about. I will never be on the cover of a magazine. No one will ever be stationed outside my house to get the "money shot" of me and my family. No one will ever want to know what "my story" is. No one will publicly criticize me for the outfit I wore yesterday, today, or for the baby weight I have yet to lose since 2005.

My life is real; not for public consumption.

And honestly, I couldn't be happier for it to be mine, just mine and that suits me just fine.

For Papi...

2009-05-24T16:29:00.009-05:00

Another weekend. We had quite the disappointment when shortly after take-off, the in-laws plane's navigation system went dead and they had to immediately turn around and abort their flight, leaving MIL, (mother-in-law) FIL (father-in-law), and BIL (brother-in-law) far from our home for the holiday weekend. We were bummed out. Bummed out because we had been really excited to spend time with our family and to have them see how big Sabrina is now and how much she and Annabelle have changed since they last saw them in December. Bummed because BIL had not had the opportunity to visit us since right before I found out I was pregnant with Annabelle. Bummed because for the last several years, a visit from them on Memorial Day Weekend marked the beginning of our summer. But especially bummed because of what a milestone this was to be for FIL.

I have always had a special relationship with FIL. Since Hubby and I were first dating, he always treated me more like a daughter than his son's girlfriend. He is one-of-a-kind and we have shared many laughs, commonly due to his penchant for really bad dirty jokes, throughout the better part of the last 10 years.

FIL has always been an extremely active, now 60-something since I met him. He is an athlete at heart, truly. When I first met him, he was working on getting his pilot's license, a dream of his since childhood. He loves to ski. He was a very avid runner until blowing out both his knees several of years ago. He then dove head first into bicycling and has even taken a hardcore bicycle trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, not an easy feat for a Floridian biker, let him tell you.

In early March, we got a phone call no one wants to get. On a leisurely bike ride around the lake, FIL was clipped by a truck and wound up in the hospital. He had broken his collarbone and hip, and was told he'd be in a wheelchair for 6 weeks, followed by intense physical therapy. We were devastated. Once it was determined that he would be physically alright, despite the broken bones, we worried about how this injury would affect his spirit, mainly due to the inability for him to enjoy the things in life that he loved. Hubby jumped on a plane a couple of days later to help assist his father in any way he could with the transition. He flew home a few days later, still shaken and worried about how his Daddy would handle it all.

Six long weeks later, FIL was out of the wheelchair, two weeks after that he called Hubby to happily proclaim he was on his way to his first spin class in over 2 months. We couldn't have been more relieved.

Flash forward to this weekend. FIL had mentioned many times during the many phone conversations that his first priority once had the ok from the Dr, was to head up north to visit us. He had been cleared by the Dr just days ago to once again get into the pilot's seat and fly, a major accomplishment to all that knew the injuries he faced just weeks ago. Although we never shared our fears with anyone, both Hubby and I deeply feared that he may never have the opportunity to do so post-accident. We were all looking very much forward to celebrating this major milestone in his recovery together. The disappointment in the instrument failure affected us all, but no one more than FIL. This flight was about much more than the actual flight. This milestone had a larger meaning to him than just the travel and celebrating the Memorial weekend with us. This flight had far greater significance. It was a passage back to his life pre-accident.

Although we wish FIL was here with us, we couldn't be prouder of all he has overcome. We know the last couple of months have been some of the more difficult of his life, and he handled and continues to handle his recovery with such grace, positivity, and trademark humor, which seriously, could sometimes make even me blush! We know he will be here with us soon, and he has a lotta hugs, kisses, and a big fat rum & coke waiting for him when he does arrive.

Papi, I love you more than you will ever know and the Knoxville Garcias all anxiously await your arrival...

XOXO

Going Postal

2009-05-20T16:04:00.002-05:00

A letter addressed to the lady standing in front of me in line at our neighborhood post office at approximately 10:37 a.m. this morning:

Dear Lady,

Please forgive me. You seemed like such a pleasant person when you complemented my two daughters on how cute they were. We chatted for a few minutes while we waited in line for the next available postal agent. When the agent hollered "Next!" and you approached the counter, that's when it happened. I can't say I didn't see it coming. I watched in horror as my three-year-old turned around, looked me in the eye, and proceeded to ask me in a voice loud enough for the entire office to hear, "Mommy, do you think that lady's booty is REALLY BIG?"

I felt terrible but didn't know what to do or say. I knelt down to my too-perceptive-for-her-own-good daughter's level, looked her in the eye and quietly explained to her that what she said to you was very rude and mean and that she should think about what she says and whether it would hurt someones feelings before she says it.
You and I passed one another once again in the lobby as I walked out the door and I attempted to smile at you, but a scowl is all you could muster. Again, I am terribly sorry for this embarrassing incident and I hope to avoid having such humiliations in the future. At the very least I will be ordering my stamps from our mail carrier from now on.

Sincerely,
Mommy of the kid with the totally inappropriate remark

Wanna buy some useless crap?

2009-05-17T10:32:00.011-05:00

Another busy weekend for our family began on Friday. We had a birthday playdate/end of the year picnic at a local park planned for the early afternoon. Because the usual suspects have so much gear they require, I set my alarm early that morning to get half our lives packed up, so we could be prepared for whatever need arose during a 3-hour time period. We loaded up with camping chairs, lunches, sunscreen, hats, wipes, diapers, stroller, snacks, bottles, formula, and well, you get the idea. It literally took me 2+ hours to prepare for this particular outing. In the midst of my packing, Hubby called to let me know that he saw the sign announcing our annual neighborhood garage sale scheduled for 8am on Saturday, the next morning. This was the first year we had planned on participating, and had been waiting to hear about what date the garage sale was going to take place. I had no idea that we would find out with less than 24 hours to prepare. Add to that the fact that we had a BBQ planned for Saturday afternoon with a good friend of Hubby's, his significant other, and their 3 kiddos. Oh well, I was determined to rid our house of the baggage that I had been carrying around for the better part of the last 15 years, and was all about making a little extra money. We all had a ball at the birthday party/picnic/playdate, and I rushed back home to begin preparations for the garage sale the next morning. Girls went right to bed for a nap as soon as we got home, which left me a full 3 hours to get some much needed work done. By the time they awoke, I had organized and priced all the items for sale and was ready for a little break. Fed the girls dinner from a can (I know, I know, and I call myself a foodie!) but it was an acceptable Harvest Farms Organic Spaghetti Rings that both the girls love. Sat with hubby chatting late into the night and it didn't seem that much later that the alarm clock went off and we were back up to make final preparations for our potential customers. To cut a long story short, we made $132 from 8am-12pm and we happily ran off to spend it on our BBQ fare (if you care to see the blow-by-blow details of my garage sale experience, check out my twitter page, but who am I kidding? I mean, you do have a life). This is what our BBQ menu looked like: -Hamburger Sliders with following topping options: bacon, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce tomato, pickles, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Gorgonzola cheese, American cheese, roasted garlic, ketchup, mustard, and mayo -Potato Salad-Grilled Corn -Chips and Salsa -Fresh Squeezed Lemonade (thanks Aaron!) -S'more brownies-Watermelon -Yuengling/Fat Tire Beer for the grownups We got back home from picking up our ingredients just before 2pm, made a quick lunch, and had to prepare all food from menu above in 2hrs. I told Hubby to get in "Top Chef" mode and let's do dis. Believe it or not, we completed everything on menu, cleaned whole kitchen, deck, and grill, showered, and vacuumed, and were completely ready for guests at exactly 5pm, the time our guests were due to arrive. The only thing left to do was cook up the burgers and cut up the watermelon, that and have a cold beer of course. We had a fabulous time, all kids really enjoyed themselves and were so polite and kind to one another. It really was the highlight of our week. Once everyone left, we bathed the girls and put them to bed, too exhausted to even protest. Hubby and I finally hunkered down to watch the season finale of "LOST" that we DVR'd the other night. All I can say about that is, wow...The finale left me speechless. Today, another rainy day. Hubby bummed because his soccer game is cancelled, due to rain, yet again. I have my Baked Chicken Wings in the fridge, so all I'll have to do tonight is throw them in the oven. I plan to serve them with leftover potato salad, corn, and a salad. Is it just me, or don't you find it satisfying to know by noon that dinner is already taken care of? Hubby is content to spend Sunday napping and having a lazy day. Me on the other hand, really wants to get rid of the stuff that didn't sell at the garage sale yesterday to finally purge ourselves of it once and for all. I am thinking about hitting up McKays, a very cool and very large used book store that buys/sells used books, dvd's, cd's, vhs tapes, etc, for cash or in-store credit. Sounds like the kinda place I'd really like to spend my day in today. *Tip of the Day: after being on my feet ALL day on Saturday, my feet were killing me by the time night fell. Since I was out of that yummy peppermint foot lotion, I made a wonderful discovery. I washed my feet in the tub with a loofah and rubbed them down with Tea Tree Oil (something every Mom should have on-hand in her medicine cabinet, click on links for all the uses for it). I put on some socks and sat back as my feet felt just cool and tingly. Will be using this method again! So easy, and when I woke up in the morning, my feet felt so soft and schmoooth... Lastly, here is another video of Sabrina, this time showing just how much she loves the swings. This video was taken during Friday's playdate. Gotta love them legs. Enjoy!

Italians Do It Better

2009-05-13T13:34:00.009-05:00

My love affair with italian food began over a decade ago. I have been working tirelessly ever since, to develop the most authentic, old skool marinara, gravy, tomato sauce, whatever you want to call it for the better part of those last 10 years. My love affair with this particular type of cuisine began as I fell in love with my all-time favorite television show, The Sopranos. Some of my favorite scenes of that show are the kitchen or dining room table scenes. I love the way, despite how much the world is crashing down upon this family, the family mealtime remains unscathed and sacred. I began experimenting in the kitchen italian-style every Sunday, so that my hubby and I could always indulge in a good home cooked meal while we sat glued to the televsion. What began with Better Homes and Garden's spaghetti sauce recipe, transformed through the years to include such authentic Italian favorites such as: chicken cacciatore, osso Bucco, veal saltimbocca, wild mushroom risotto, etc. And every couple of weeks or so, I'd make a pot of yet another different sunday gravy recipe with meatballs. I have made probably over 100 pots, 100 different ways, always trying to create the most perfect one. The one that would make Carmela Soprano proud.

When the show came to an end, I was terribly sad. Sad because there would never be another perfectly written episode of television drama. Sad because the family I had grown to love would no longer be a weekly part of my life. Sad, because Hubby and I began watching the show shortly after we began dating, and it had seen us through graduation, several moves, career changes, our wedding, and the birth of our first child. And sad because I would no longer wake up first thing Sunday morning and begin my ritual of excitedly preparing a big bubbling cauldron pot of comfort that we eagerly anticipated eating each time we walked by the kitchen throughout the day.

But my love for the food did not end when the show did. I continued and still continue making my sauce every week, the recipe for which I could now make in my sleep, and I use it all week to help throw together a easy weeknight meal. There is something so comforting to me about cooking, especially this certain fare, and I have daydreams of one day in the future spending a day with my girls teaching them my own special family recipe I developed that will hopefully provide them and their own families with this comfort as well.

So, i'd like to share with you my tried and true recipe (which I make variations on now and then) for my families' Sunday Gravy with Meatballs. It may not be your grandmother's recipe, but my hope is that one day it will be my grandkids'. I hope you enjoy it!

Gravy:
Olive oil
4-5 cloves garlic minced
1 large yellow onion, minced
6 oz. red wine
1 can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
8-10 leaves fresh basil, torn

Meatballs:
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb gound pork
1/2 lb ground veal
1 egg
1 large handful or so of Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small handful of parsley, chopped finely
salt and pepper
1 large handful or so peccorino romano cheese

For the "Gravy":
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until onions are nearly translucent. Add garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute or so. Deglaze pan with wine and let alcohol cook off for a couple of munites. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper. stir and heat until bubbling. Cover pot and continue simmering over low heat.

For the Meatballs:
While sauce is simmering, combine all ingredients in large bowl and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix. Form mixture into golf-ball size meatballs and place on nonstick cookie sheet(or you can fry them in olive oil). Bake in 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned (the meatballs do not need to be fully cooked, they will continue cooking in the sauce). Once browned and removed from the oven, add meatballs to pot with the sauce, and stir gently until meatballs are immersed in sauce. Cover pot and continue to cook on very low heat for up to 4 hours (the longer it cooks, the better it tastes).

Add torn basil leaves just prior to serving; you don't want the basil leaves to cook down and lose their beautiful color and delicate flavor.

Serve with your favorite pasta (my personal fave right now is Barilla Plus line of pastas), extra peccorino romano cheese, and your favorite baguette.

*If you are feeling really ambitious, or have a whole lotta mouths to feed, add italian sausages, pork chops, and/or veal to sauce pot prior to adding onions. Brown the meats in olive oil (again just to establish the flavor that comes from searing the meat, not to cook all the way through). Remove the browned meats and add onions, garlic, etc and continue to follow the sauce recipe. Once meatballs have been added to the sauce, place the browned meats back into the sauce and simmer on low heat, again for up to 4 hours.

Momma sleepy...

2009-05-12T18:56:00.010-05:00

Today was one of the last days of preschool for Miss Annabelle. As summer nears, I like I'm sure many parents, am finding myself wondering what in the world I'm going to do with these two girls for 2 months? I am in a very comfortable routine right now, dropping off Annabelle 2x a week in trusting hands so I can get some work done, shop, snooze, watch tv, cook, clean, or whatever my little heart desires during Sabrina's morning naps (which usually last 2-3 hours). Sometimes/frequently, Sabrina will forgo the morning nap all together to enjoy some shopping with Mommy. I have come to really enjoy this time that we have together, just the two of us. So, since I only had one more day after today to enjoy this time, I packed up the girls and was prepared to stay out running errands, window shopping, just chillin, from the time I dropped off Annabelle at 9, until I had to retrieve her at 1:30.

First stop was the library, where I ordered my new card having lost my old one somewhere. Getting my new card is a summertime necessity, as Annabelle and I have always spent a good amount of time partaking in library activities over the summer. Plus, I have an awesome system for always getting what I want from the library. I keep a running list of books I've read about or heard about that I am interested in, and every couple of months or so, I go online to the library website and place holds on all of my faves. I then really look forward to getting a little surprise in my inbox when the library notifies me one of the books is available for me to quickly pop in and collect. Today, I snatched up some cookbooks for inspiration for this weekend's BBQ get together we are hosting, as well as a Dora video for Annabelle, and we were on our way.

Next stop, Homegoods, to search for treasures to outfit our master bathroom, my latest decorating project. I found the perfect towels I have been searching for, and happily found them to be on clearance! I also found a set of 4 chardonnay glasses to replace the ginormous fishbowl wine glasses we are currently using that have gotten me in trouble on more than 1 occasion. Double score! In the same strip mall, there is also a Ross, which I learned recently also sells home decor. Once there, I found a bathmat and a couple of accessories all which complement my new towels to a tea. We then hit up the grocery store to pick up a couple of necessities. Back in the car, we ran over to KFC to pick up the infamous "rainchecks" on my free meals. A brief stop to pick up a bite to eat on the road and shortly afterwards filled up the SUV with some gas. By this time it was 1:15, just the right time to head on over to the school and collect my eldest. Once home, put both girls down for a much needed nap, while I cleaned up the bathroom, set up all my new goodies, got some work done on the computer, and laundered a few garments. Hubby at home just in time to gawk appreciatively and approvingly at my bath finds, before getting himself and Miss Annabelle ready for their weekly soccer class. Sabrina awoke just in time and didn't even complain when I, for the fifty-millionth time today got her strapped into her carseat, and we all headed off to the soccer complex.

Sabrina and I sat and watched Annabelle and Daddy while we munched on whole grain goldfish. 6 o'clock was here before we knew it, and we headed back home for dinner. Dinner was waiting for us when we got home, as I fixed a BIG pot of tomato sauce and meatballs this weekend. I cooked up some Trader Joe's Sprouted Wheat Papardelle pasta, some broccoli and tossed together an quick salad. Sabrina enjoyed some black beans and rice, one of her faves, cheese, banana, and animal crackers for dessert. The sauce and meatballs were a hit, as usual, but the pasta left little to be desired. I substitute whole wheat pasta for semolina all the time, and rarely is anyone the wiser. This kind however, was like eating newspaper doused in a combination of water and paste. Since we were hungry and not ready to begin a paper mac he project,this didn't quite do it for any of us. Sabrina made a gargantuan mess of herself, as usual, so bathtime shortly followed, with Hubby bathing the ladies and finishing just in time for him to head out for his own soccer game at 8:10.

I am now enjoying the quiet of the house as the girls are all clean and snoozing quietly in their rooms. Wow, what a day! I am exhausting myself just telling you about it. Now its time to relax, pour myself a normal size glass of wine in a new wine glass, and shut off mentally as I watch television I'm too embarrassed even to admit to Hubby that I fancy. I leave you with a short video of the mess that is Sabrina feeding herself dinner. Enjoy!

Pajama Jammy-Jam

2009-05-11T14:42:00.003-05:00

My in-laws bought these insanely cute pajamas for Sabrina while on a ski trip a couple of months ago. They are so cute, in fact, that when Sabrina wears the pajamas, I can't bring myself to get her dressed the next morning, so she inevitably wears them all day. They are soft as buttah, multi seasonal, fit her beautifully and not constraining in the least, which at the moment is a very necessary quality to look for in Sabrina's clothing choices. They are somewhat unisex however, so Annabelle insists, as always, that Sabrina wear a barrette or hair bow whenever we leave the house in them so as not to be mistaken for her baby brother (oh the horror!). Seriously, my usually polite and precocious Annabelle has more than once snapped at a random passerby when someone will ask her if she likes her "baby brother". She will always retort, "No! She's not my baby brother, she's my baby SISTER and her name is Sabrina". People don't really know how to react to this and usually just walk away looking uncomfortable.

So I've been trying to get some good photos of these jammies for a couple of weeks, but with Sabrina so on the go, I tend to have a little trouble. Since we spent the day at home today, Sabrina wore pj's sans bow and I took over 110 photos trying to capture the cuteness factor of such garment. Here is the gratuitous shot for you:

Mother's Day & But I've never even been to Mexico Part II

2009-05-10T09:34:00.007-05:00

I am so irritated right now because after spending 30 minutes working on this latest post, I accidentally somehow deleted it. So here is a brief synopsis of what I was writing about.
-started to feel a little under the weather shortly after parade debacle
-went to really fun get together on Thursday night anyway
-came home feeling like crap
-went online and researched swine flu symptoms-convinced self had swine flu
-woke up Friday feeling TERRIBLE
-went to Dr. Friday morning
-was forced to wear SARS-masks
-evil looks from other patients ensued
-nurse that got the shit-end-of-the-stick, had to take potential swine flu patient was very displeased and inexperienced
-got flu test done
-flu test came back negative
-walked out of there still feeling like crap but sans mask
-got home and laid around (hee hee, I said laid) all day
-watched Oprah and disappointingly found out my planned free Friday night KFC dinner would never happen
-got irritated and bitched to Hubby about it for 10 minutes
-ate soup and bread for dinner (not 2-piece grilled chicken meal, biscuit, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes as planned...suck it KFC!)
-watched "Locked Up Abroad" (love it) and "Scrubs" (I'll miss you dearly, Mr. Braff) and fell asleep on couch.

I woke up Saturday about 10 am feeling so much better. Hubby and I were feeling like spending a good amount of time in the kitchen this weekend, so we were off to pick out some ingredients. For lunch I made Reuben Sandwiches, which I have never had in my life. I have never even tasted sauerkraut and thought for sure I'd hate it, but actually devoured the sandwich and was pleasantly surprised to hear how good sauerkraut is for you. We will definitely be making them again. Hubby made a fabulous dinner while I cleaned up around the house. Watched some "Ace of Cakes" episodes (awesome) and off to bed in preparation for an awesome Mother's Day with my family.
I know that Mother's Day is supposed to be about appreciating your Mother, and p.s- I have the best one ever, but seriously, I feel so incredibly lucky to be a Mother. And not just any Mother, but a Mother to the two funniest, silliest, sweetest, most beautiful, intelligent girls in the whole world. And despite the challenges of motherhood, at the end of the day, I am so grateful I was chosen to be their Mother. So this Mother's Day, girls I want to thank you for making my journey through this thing called Motherhood such a joy. I love you both more than you will ever know.
And Happy Mother's Day to you, my readers. May your day be as happy as mine is sure to be.

Bunny Ranch

2009-05-07T14:00:00.006-05:00

Today was the annual spring/summer parade at Annabelle's school. Each class of 2,3, and 4 year-olds dressed up like different spring/summer themes. We had fishermen, butterflies, cupcakes, little chefs (my personal favorite), and Annabelle's class dressed as bunnies (for the girls) and as carrots (for the boys). Sabrina and I got there extra early so that we could get the primo spot (something we failed to do during the winter parade). There I was with my camera and even brought extra batteries with me, so that nothing could stop me from capturing this adorable parade to share with my blog readers (all three of you), or so I thought...
When we arrived in the classroom, the girls began changing into their costumes while I scoped out the place for myself and the other classmate Mommies to stand. After a few minutes, I began hearing whisperings about the costumes and became so curious, I asked another Mommy to stay with Sabrina in the stroller so I could take a looksy for myself. I peeked my head around the door to the classroom to find my adorable, innocent 3-year-old looking, well how should I say this, like Renee Zellwegger in Bridget Jones Diary, when she arrives dressed highly inappropriately to what she has been told is a "Tarts & Vicars" party. Annabelle was in a hideous mesh number that was supposed to be a leotard, completely see-through, bare legged, exposing her underwear and pretty much everything else, in all its glory. There was white pom-pom stapled to the back of the mesh leotard which created a very droopy silhouette causing her to look like she had just dropped a load in her Minnie Mouse underwear. And atop her sweet little head was a set of bunny ears attached to a headband. I was horrified.

I walked back to meet the other Mommies and wait for the parade to begin. Each class came down the hall one-by-one, looking absolutely adorable. And then came Annabelle's class. Poor things! They had no idea how completely inappropriate they looked, I mean this is a church preschool after all, and the kids all seemed so proud of themselves in their trampy little outfits.

I took a few photos and even a couple of videos before realizing that if I post these pictures, I may end up on some kind of watch list. So after doing some crop work on the computer, this is the one picture I am willing to share on the information superhighway. And truthfully, I don't really need much more than that. I'll probably spend the next 10 years trying to get those images out of my head, but fear they may be permanently burned into my brain.

Mother's Day Came Early...

2009-05-04T06:42:00.003-05:00

The rain has not stopped in 3 days. Everything is soaked. The house is dark and stuffy. It is a challenge to find things to do. After waking up on Sunday and realizing we had yet another rainy day on our hands, I joked to Hubby about wishing I could go get my nails done, or something girlie like that. When he replied to me with a thumbs-up and said, "You should. Seriously, I got this. Bye." I was stunned. But not stunned enough to run into the bathroom, brush my teeth throw a doo-rag on my gree-zy mane and get the hell outta there.

I knew immediately where I was going. Not the nail place right up the street where you can get a mani-pedi in a wham-bam-thank-you-Ma'am, 45 minutes. Not today, I drove to the newer Salon & Spa up the road, where each service includes a complementary cocktail. The Salon that looks like you are in the lobby of some schmanzy hotel, if you can disregard the flashing "100% Sanitized" neon in the front window. Yes, I was out of the house without children and I was gonna milk this one for all it was worth.

I enjoyed a faboulous Mani & Pedi, and re-emerged from the Salon feeling like a lady again, albeit a hairless one. Back home to find the kids fed, in bed for their naps, the kitchen cleaned, and all the toys put away. Am I a lucky lady or what? I caught up with my brother, sister-in-law, and GORGEOUS niece on a Skype session and shortly afterwards, girls were awake and ready to play. Hubby retired for a much-needed nap after his long afternoon kicking it solo and I went down to get dinner ready for the girls. While Sabrina ate her dinner, Annabelle found a charming way to amuse her. Check this out:

Once girls were fed and bathed, Hubby and I ordered some Chinese food and settled down on the couch to watch "The Rocker", a movie so bad that it doesn't even deserve to be endorsed on this here website. Suffice it to say, it sucked!!! Bedtime for me quickly followed, when I got to enjoy one of my favorite everyday indulges. You know, one of those little things that make life worth living...clean sheet day. Nighty-night!

Walking...sort of

2009-05-03T15:22:00.002-05:00

Whatever Martha!

2009-05-03T09:25:00.008-05:00

The last couple of days have been lazy, rainy, dreary days at our household. Coupled with, what has now become a dreadful case of sleep deprivation, make for a couple of blah days. So I began my day with a little experiment I like to call, "Operation Wear Sabrina's Ass Out During the Day So That Lil' Behind Will Sleep At Night". What to do on a rainy day? Well after watching one of my new favorite shows "Whatever Martha!", I was inspired to blow the dust off the front cover of my "Martha Stewart Living Cookbook" and whip up a sweet concoction. After much discussion with Annabelle, we decided to try out Martha's brownies. Annabelle went to nap shortly after our conversation, so Sabrina and I went over to The Fresh Market to pick up our ingredients.

The Fresh Market is our area's only upscale gourmet market, and browsing down the aisles is not a bad way to spend some time on a rainy day. Picked up Ghirardelli Unsweetened Chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips, as well as some nice catfish fillets and spinach for dinner. Sabrina enjoyed flirting with the other patrons as well as munching on some free samples of blackberries the store was running on special for, gasp!, $.98 a pint! And this bought me a little time to distract Sabrina from her normal naptime so our experiment could continue. Back home to begin prepping ingredients for brownies. Hubby played with Sabrina in family room, while watching Kentucky Derby.

I baked my brownies and began fixing dinner of Cornmeal Crusted Catfish with Lemon & Garlic, Mashed Potatoes, and Sauteed Spinach with Garlic. I learned the secret is to marinate the catfish in lemon juice and garlic for 10 minutes before dredging in the cornmeal/flour mixture and then pan-frying it. This gives the fish itself a fabulous flavor as opposed to all the flavor living sole-ly (no-pun-intended) in the crust.

Dinner was great, but brownies disappointed. Per Martha's instructions, I baked them at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. She specifically instructs reader to pull out brownies when they are still soft. Once Annabelle finished her dinner, she discovered just how soft they were, as she enjoyed a dessert of warm brownie batter. Hey, she didn't complain! Finally fed Sabrina, bathed her, and put her to bed, bringing our experiment to a close, and leaving me anxious as to whether or not my plan would actually work .
Back downstairs, I popped the brownies back in the oven at 400 to finish off the cooking process, and after about 10 minutes, pulled them out and found them cooked to perfection. Martha, now I know why I don't use your recipes very often. Would it have killed you to suggest something like, oh I don't know, "Bake at 400 for 30 minutes OR UNTIL a toothpick comes out clean when inserted (hee hee, I said inserted) in the middle"?

Anyway, Hubby and I enjoyed the brownies immensely, while watching a very tragic real-crime story on Dateline. We retired to bed at about 10, and I was awakened by Sabrina's behind at 10:30pm, 11:30pm, 1am, and then 6:45am. Come on girl, is this really progress? I think I can say that "Operation Wear Sabrina's Ass Out During the Day So She Will Sleep At Night" was officially a failure. Must come up with another plan, preferably one that does not involve me driving all the way to Nebraska...(just kidding Sabrina, I love you my little Fuss-Pot-Poopy-Pants!!!)

My sleep-deprived brain has come up with little lights at the end of this tunnel I am currently living in, and I thought I'd share some of my favorite things of the week with you. Hope you enjoy them and for God's sake, get some sleep for me!

The only thing that allows me to function on 3 hrs of sleep a night
Trader Joe's 100% pure Crushed Garlic...don't get me started on how much I love Trader Joe's!

A healthy treat for the kids & adults and an animal cracker with no hydrogenated oils

Ho-Ho's with no trans-fats and only 100 calories? Where have you been all my life?

A very lightweight hoop in the shape of a heart=Mommy wear dem everyday

Found this little handmade Italian olive oil dispenser at the local Goodwill a few weeks ago and life hasn't been the same since.

Welcome to My Journey...

2009-05-02T10:42:00.005-05:00

I posted this "20 Random Things About Me" to my facebook account a couple of months ago, and I think it may give you readers, (if there are any of you out there), more of a clue into the person behind the profile. So after a little tweeking, here you go:

1. I could eat tuna fish on a bagel anytime, breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2. Somedays I wish I could go back to work full-time.
3. I love to cook. In fact, I love the whole process of deciding what to cook, looking up recipes, flipping through books, writing new recipes, shopping for ingredients, prepping them and cooking them. I spend a good amount of time each day thinking about what to cook for my next meal. It is a relaxing outlet for me and I plan to include some of my favorite recipes for you here on my website.
4. The last 11 months have been the most challenging of my life. I adore my children, but the addition of a second child, especially a colic-y one to our household has been a struggle. I never knew I could function on such little amount of sleep. Things are just starting to get easier and I couldn't be more appreciative.
5. I love to clean, but I really love the feeling of relaxing in a nice sweet smelling clean home. I am always striving to make our surroundings more beautiful and cozy. If I had the money, I'd constantly be decorating and redecorating our home. But I am very grateful to live in such a beautiful place, inside and out.
6. You will almost always see me in big earrings, usually hoops; maybe its my inner Miami coming through.
7. I miss the ocean but I don't miss the sunburn.
8. I drink wine from a box (yea that's right, what...what?)
9. I still listen to basically the same music I've been listening to for 15 years.
10. Much to my husband's chagrin, I don't want any more children.
11. My brother and his wife have a beautiful baby girl, Lily, that I've never met and it breaks my heart if I think about it too much.
12. I still have celebrity crushes, but let's face it, does that ever really go away? I consider a celebrity crush the only acceptable cheating a happily married woman can indulge in.
13. I love when you are riding in the car somewhere and the song you are listening to is so good, you sit in the parking lot with the car running until it ends. I had one of these moments the other day while listening to Foo Fighters live.
14. Venti-non-fat-caramel-macchiato the $4.37 wonder that can brighten any day.
15. I talk to my Mom and Dad on the phone every morning. Then talk to my Mom a few more times periodically through the day. Both my parents, and the relationship I have with them has an enormous impact on my life.
16. I love the smell of fresh laundry. The discovery of Downy April Fresh in college forever changed my relationship with laundry.
17. I don't shave or pluck as often as I should.
18. I wish I had more close friends with children, being home all day with the little ones can get lonely sometimes.
19. I have recently discovered a love of photography and I strive to take new photos everyday. I have been collecting picture frames for the last 1+ year or so, and I find it very satisfying to take a picture, print a picture, and then hang that picture.
20. I feel so lucky to be married to my best friend in the whole world. Sometimes I look around at the life we have created together and I can't believe how unbelievable lucky I am to have the life I have. I try to remember to be grateful everyday.

Well, that's a little bit more about me. On this website, I plan to share some of my favorite things, stories of the mundane days in my life, and things I have discovered that make my life a little easier. Welcome to my journey...

But I've never even been to Mexico...

2009-05-01T09:05:00.010-05:00

Yesterday was a very long day. Sabrina has been especially fussy for the last couple of days for some unknown reason (see any new teef?), and after dropping off Annabelle at school yesterday, I got home to put Sabrina down for her daily morning nap. After a half hour or so, I realized that the morning nap was not going to be on Sabrina's agenda. So, I put her in the car and, having a few hours to kill before I had to pick up Annabelle from preschool, I decided to get some shopping done at the Kroger Superstore. If you are unfamiliar with these stores, they are unlike Super Target or even Super Wal-Mart in that, first off, they are freakin' humongous! Secondly, all the grocery items are not located in one wing of the store; you have to walk through the furniture department to pick up your milk and orange juice; you have to walk past the toy aisle to pick up the baby food and diapers. There is even a Fred Meyer Fine Jewelry store INSIDE the superstore. It's insanely big and with 2 kids in tow, with one of them in the "Mommy we should buy that" phase, it's a little more than inconvenient to get any shopping done there.
You have to understand that I am a grocery store connoisseur. I could spend hours perusing the aisles looking for the newest food product I can't live without. Since I had my daughters, I am always on the lookout for the perfect shopping cart for two. Without one that will entertain the girls for the duration of the trip, all three of us ladies are miserable. I especially love to visit grocery stores whenever I travel and I have decided that my area has one of the saddest grocery store selections around, so I was totally psyched when I heard of this superstore opening. It really is a beautiful store but it is usually just easier to go somewhere else. But today, with Annabelle safely at preschool and Sabrina needing a little social time, I decided to go and check it out.

Within 45 minutes or so, my shopping cart was almost completely full, and I was leisurely reading the labels of some interesting items in the Natural Foods section when suddenly, I thought I heard my phone ring, and after digging out my purse from the bottom of the cart, I saw I had missed a call from an unknown number. I immediately had a feeling it was Annabelle's school, and after calling back said missed call, I learned i was right. I waited to listen to the voicemail from Annabelle's teacher that followed. The gist of the message was: 101.8 fever, face and lips very pale, claiming tummy hurts, wants her Mommy.

Now because I am in this huge store that is so big I think it actually has its own zip code, it takes me several minutes to even navigate my way to the checkout. Once there, surprise, surprise 20+ checkout aisles, 3 of which are open, with 3-4 people in line at each. Arghhh! Doesn't anyone realize my poor daughter is crying for me 8 miles away and that if I don't show up in the next few minutes, I will forever be known as the terrible Mother who took 45 minutes to pick up their sick child from school?

Paid for groceries and ran outta there as quickly as I could. Got everything in the car and flew over to pick up my little princess. Grabbed her from the school office, all the while trying to nervously explain to school Office Assistant that I don't think she has swine flu..."I mean, we haven't been to Mexico". "We don't know anyone who has visited Mexico". "Heck, I've never even been to Mexico". Why I felt the need to blurt out these explanations, like a crazy person, I don't know. Maybe if we didn't have the last name we do, this wouldn't be an issue.

Back home, put girls to bed and called Dr's office to set up 5th appointment with the particular Doctor in the last 5 weeks. Since Christmas my kids have been sick more often that they have been well. It is very exhausting for everyone and my "Explanation of Benefits" file from my insurance company is beginning to look like George Costanza's wallet.

While the girls slept, I prepared dinner. Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, Oven-Roasted Corn-on-the Cob, and Mom's guacamole recipe. I am beginning to really understand and appreciate Mexican food. I actually told Hubby a couple of weeks ago, how I really wanted to go to Mexico one day. Thank goodness he didn't take me seriously.

Once girls woke up, Hubby arrived home, complaints of his own nasty symptoms of illness. Fantastic!

Gave Sabrina dinner of ham, cheese, and avocado. Annabelle attempted to eat PB&J sandwich until tummy started acting up again. Bathtime and bedtime for Sabrina followed by snuggling on the couch with my Annabelle watching Richard Scarry. Bedtime and storytime, "Corduroy Goes to the Doctor", for Annabelle, followed by catching up on last 2 weeks of LOST episodes. BTW, about LOST, huh? I officially...am...LOST.

Went to bed early, not realizing I'd only get 3 hours of sleep due to the youngest of the usual suspects. More on that later...

This morning went to Dr, and verdict was in: no Strep, no ear infections, no swine flu a.k.a. H1N1.. just a virus, treatments to include, gobs of Goldfish, several episodes of "Go Diego Go!", and gallons of Juicy-Juice, and what is sure to be little rest for Mommy.

Soccer Mom

2009-04-28T18:39:00.009-05:00

So, its official. I am now technically a soccer mom. My hubby has been playing soccer, both indoor and outdoor, for the last couple of years. He bought Annabelle her first soccer ball when she could just barely walk, and has always had dreams of her loving the game as much as he does. Since his outdoor season has started, we have attended a couple of his games, and the girls have really enjoyed watching their Daddy on the field. So it was only a matter of time before Annabelle was old enough to begin her own soccer adventures. Tonight was her first "Mommy or Daddy & Me" soccer class at Cool Sports, an indoor soccer facility right up the street, where Hubby currently plays as well. Since I was not blessed with athletic inclinations of my own, it was only natural that Hubby would accompany Annabelle to this class. We loaded up the gas-guzzling SUV, armed with the Inglesina stroller, a bottle of formula, my cool-pix camera, and the sippy-cup we are trying to transition Sabrina to, and off we went.

Hubby gave me a run-down of what to expect when we got there. Yes, there is a place to sit, it only lasts 30 minutes, and there is a bar there. A bar? On a soccer field with air-conditioning? Hold up!...maybe this is something I could get into after all!

I spent the 30 minutes of class snapping photos of my little (female) Pele, as well as Sabrina , who sat in her stroller calling out for "Daaaa, Daaaa" and giggling as she watched all the little toddlers kick their soccer balls around the field. If I do say so myself, Annabelle appeared to be the most saavy gal on the field.

It was simply adorable and I couldn't have been prouder of my little soccer player.

After the class, we mingled with some fellow parents and despite sticking the proverbial foot-in-my-mouth and, according to hubby, or possibly because of, unintentially flashing my what-nots when I bent down to take some pictures, we actually scored some digits! Then it was time to get home for dinner, so Hubby could drop us off and get back to Cool Sports in time for his 7:15 game.

Back home, a pot of simmering sausage, peppers, and ditalini soup wafting from the kitchen, greeted us as we waltzed in the door. Because Annabelle is basically a vegetarian (yea...thanks Nana & Grandad), despite the occasional hotdog and meatball, I prepared her a dinner of cherry tomatoes, organic hotdog with ketchup, and Heinz baked beans (vegetarian of course). Sabrina reluctantly took down 3/4ths of a Yo-Baby before deciding it was way more fun to throw it at me while trying to grab the spoon out of my hand. Bedtime for the girls shortly followed, just in time for Hubby to get home and for us to have some much needed time together.

It was another great day today, but I'm not going to run out and buy that soccer-ball sticker for the back of the SUV just yet...and don't even get me started on those stickers people put on the back of their cars with the silhouettes of each member of the family, complete with dog, cat, or hamster...one of my pet peeves!

I want my girls to know that whether they be a princess, basketcase, criminal, brain, or an athlete, I will love them just the same. And I will be forever grateful they chose me to be their Mom.

Monday, Monday

2009-04-27T08:53:00.020-05:00

So, I think I am residually exhausted from a busy and amazing weekend. I have a great appreciation for Saturdays and Sundays. I think I have an even greater appreciation for them than your average Jo, or Josephine. See, up until a couple of months ago, my hubby has ALWAYS worked on the weekends. In October, we will have been together for ten years, and he has worked almost every weekend during that time. I grew to loathe Saturdays and Sundays, as I watched longingly as families went out to parks, restaurants, movies, festivals, etc. I wished I could get back that "Sunday-night feeling" I had as a kid, eating dinner with my family, or my best friend's family and getting mentally prepared for the week ahead. It just isn't right to begin your week on a Saturday. It used to feel, I don't know, just unnatural.

Well a couple of months ago, Hubby finally began a new work schedule, allotting Saturdays and Sundays to be spent together as a family, like normal human beings. Who knew it would make such a difference? These are now my absolute favorite days of the week, and I begin looking forward to them on Monday morning, just like everybody else.
This weekend found us:
Friday night: dinner at brand-spanking new Red Robin that just opened up down the street, a little shopping at Marshall's, back home to spend some quality time with the DVR and my friends on "My Name is Earl" and "The Office". Got to bed early for an early rise.

Saturday: morning walk in March for Babies on UT campus with my girls; met rest of Knoxville Team Maddie, walked the 2.5 miles, released balloons in remembrance of Maddie Spohr, John Kyle Vreeland, and prayers for healing for little Miss Faith Russell, another preemie. Home for lunch and met Daddy outside mowing lawn. Naptimes. Regroup for birthday party at Tatarus. Jumping on trampolines, swinging on rope swings, eating too much pizza and birthday cake and then back home for bathtime and another night on the couch. This time, we spent time with Tru TV's "World's Dumbest Daredevils". Ooed, ahhed, laughed, drank chardonnay, and munched until bedtime.

Sunday: attempted to recreate one of my favorite breakfast indulgences, Denny's "Moons Over My Hammy" (always ordered without the hammy). Scrambled eggs, swiss & american cheese (this combo is the secret) on marble rye bread. Found marble rye bread was edged in spun-cotton mold, so had to improvise. Made sandwiches with whole wheat Lender's mini-bagels instead. Totally lost the integrity of the original sandwich, but ate it anyway with side of bacon and homemade cafe-con-leche. Uploaded photos from Saturday's adventures and then outside with Hubby and Annabelle to watch them garden, while I lounged in a garden chair finishing Isabel Gillies' heartbreaking novel, "Happens Every Day". Back inside for lunch, more uploading, and bathtime for a filthy little Annabelle. Naptime. Back up at 3;30 to get ready for another birthday party. This one, at the indoor soccer field where Hubby happens to play. Annabelle and Daddy left for party, while I stayed at home, browsing blogs, facebook, the usual while Sabrina dozed. Sabrina up, me downstairs fixing dinner. Made one of my new favorites, Rachael Ray's Oven-Baked Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Nuggets. I first discovered this recipe a few months ago, when trying to find something to feed the kids for a playdate. They were a total hit with the kids, sans the blue cheese and buffalo sauce, of course. I have since made them a couple of times with the blue cheese and served hot sauce on the side for the adults, ie. me & hubby. We love them! Served the chicken nuggets with roasted asparagus (Annabelle's favorite vegetable), and caesar salad. Bathtime once again, (I know, twice in one day? but seriously, girls were ridin' d-rrty). Bedtime, followed by me falling asleep on the couch at crazy early hour. I blame the margarita hubby made that, I swear he must have laced with Ambien.

So, if you are still reading this and not completely bored, dozing, or open-mouthed snoozing, that was my weekend. This is my life and this is the proof...