Halloween 2012

Halloween is getting more & more fun the older Kapri gets. This year, she's obviously more into princesses more than ever and I love it. I love how girly she is...after my own heart (though I was a bit of a tomboy just before I hit my teens). 

About a week before we went to a family Halloween party which we all dressed up for. Kapri was the 'bride' Rapunzel... and I had an old Greek Goddess dress from 2008 when I was 2 months pregnant that I figure I could wear again. Then I stumbled upon a Greek God outfit which was perfect for James... I think we made a cute little group! 

With the Cinderella movie "re-released" & everywhere this year, it was only natural for her to want to be her this Halloween....her and I'm sure 43,000 other little girls ;-)

Though I didn't want her to ruin or dirty it at school on Wednesday, so she wore a little pumpkin shirt... then James picked her up & brought her to my work for our annual I-SCREAM Social & Trick-or-Treating around the office. I quickly changed her in my cube, put her hair in a sock bun and away we went getting yummy treats in her pumpkin!

After that was ice cream... where she was able to see her good friend Arden and a bunch of other kids. Then we came home, rested for an hour, had a snack...then headed out to GramMo's to say 'hi'...(grammy had to see Miss Kapri all prettied up)...then we spent about 2 hours Trick-or-Treating around our neighborhood with some friends.

Too much candy...I had to put it in a bag & hide it in the back of the pantry on the top shelf where K can't see... or me for that matter so I'm not tempted! 

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Night

Love our pumpkin carving night - 3rd year now and it gets better & better! This year in addition to our usual guests of Manda & Feve, we also had Aunt Sisi, Nic and baby Jack over...the more the 'spookier' right?

I also got out some of last year's 'fall' nick-nacks to put up around the house like my framed burlap button pumpkin, my fall silk plant centerpiece, a little 'boo' sign, my 'fall' subway art, and my burlap wreath - which I updated this year, by adding some cream lace & a little "Autumn" bunting across it:

The boys watched football, while the kids played and the ladies chit chatted, drank some champagne & cooked in the kitchen...typical, haha! We had a fab menu of crock pot pulled pork sammies, cole slaw, mini corn dog muffins, 'skinny' spinach artichoke dip, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cheesecake and of course...pumpkin beer - wow!

It was my first time making pulled pork myself (crazy I know)! I just used a bottle of Phil's BBQ sauce, a pumpkin beer & water to cover a 3.5 lb pork shoulder. After 8 hours, that bad boy feel apart perfectly and inside Hawaiian roll 'buns' - it was melt-in-your-mouth amazing!!

The skinny dip is from HERE - and also turned out fab...so delish and less guilt than the regular spin/artichoke dips... yum yum.

Of course I wanted to add a little craft to the day...and did so with four insanely adorable mini witch hat headbands for us girls.

I used a super thick, somewhat stiff type of felt that I found at Michael's, however hot glue would NOT stick - I think because of the texture of the felt and/or the felt constantly wanting to un-fold itself out of the cone shape. So I ended up stapling it at the base, then covering the space left up to the tip with regular felt... it doesn't look so great up close in the back. However the front was so fab with green & purple ribbon and a scrappy orange, jeweled fabric flower...that no one noticed the crappy back!

Silly James!!

Once it started to get dark, we started our pumpkins - never will I EVER get one of the 'warty' pumpkins again. They are crazy hard to cut through. I was literally panting, sweating, and my hand was cramping up... not good. These pumpkins had some type of super strong protective layer just under the outside skin that made it nearly impossible to cut through, I had to use my kitchen knives! The inside meat was normal & very easy to carve though...so strange!!

Anyway, they all came out great...and luckily we have a nice 'shelf' outside our house to put them all on!

Patch-o-Pumpkins 2012

Ah fall. The older I get, the more I love fall and all the fun it brings. 

Here in San Diego, October is typically very warm...and breezy with dry, hot 'Santa Ana' winds - which in turn is our fire season. However, somehow we decided to plan a weekend pumpkin patch visit with our friends, the Ritchison's, on a crisp cool afternoon...yay! It actually rained hours before we arrived, but cleared up and was a beautiful evening.

We've been loving the Pumpkin Station in Del Mar the past 3 years now! 2010 & 2011

We started the short trip with a stop at Starbucks for a yum Pumpkin Spice Latte for us, and a mini hot chocolate for K - of course.

The kids were so excited to see each other...and to go on rides together. So we bought a bunch of tickets and let em at it. I was so proud of K for going UP and DOWN the big inflatable slide all by herself this year... such a feat!

Then before we left we picked out our pumpkins...and of course persuaded the kids to take some final pics together - love!

It's crazy to look back a few years when we all visited this same pumpkin patch together...they've grown so much! And I just love creating these fun family traditions...something Kapri will be able to fondly look back on when she thinks about her childhood. I guess that means so much to me, because I really don't have any memories of my childhood - I'm not sure why...I always just blame it on a bad memory. Anyway, I hope that doesn't happen to her...I hope she'll remember all these fun memories, and if not, at least we'll have the blog! haha

Princess Party #2 & a Dr. Seuss Bday

Squeezing 2 birthday parties in on one single day is quite the feat...and super exhausting. With all the kids, excitement, mingling and of course...cake...I'm surprised we made it through! 

First up, Princess Aubrie's 3rd birthday...Actually, I just happened to look at last October's posts...and found that the last time we celebrated her 2nd bday, we had another '1st' bday to attend right after...same as this year! Quite a coincidence...It's so nice to have this blog to look back on all our memories...without it, I'd seriously forget all these little details!!

Anyway, it was a drizzly morning, which wasn't ideal for lots of little beauties to be dressed up in their finest princess attire. But they didn't seem to mind, especially when a very special guest arrived!

Rapunzel made an appearance! She read to the girls, did face painting, singing, and finally - a quick scavenger hunt to find Princess Aubrie's special birthday surprise.

After that was of course 'Rapunzel' birthday cake then we made a mad dash to make it to the next party!

Next up, was baby Jack's 1st birthday...complete in Dr. Seuss theme! I cannot believe this little man is already ONE...blows my mind. He's just so adorable!!

I remember visiting him & the new parents in the hospital...bringing of course the awesome "Hospital Survivor Kit" to mamma...and a cute little faux 'tie' onesie for Jack.

Now he's walking like a champ, super independent, and has the most adorable little giggle. Love him! His mamma is pregnant with #2...he'll be a great big bro!

Can't wait to see pics of little Jack in his '1' bday hat I made him!

Such a fun day...but by the time we got back home around 4:30ish, we popped Cinderalla on, curled up on the couch...and this tired mamma took a quick, light snooze (all while sitting up with K under my arm) - much needed!

Energy Bites - Round 2

I've been altering my initial energy bite recipe lately. Especially after last time, with a batch that for once didn't turn out quite right, I decided to write it ALL down as I went along. Of course this doubled the prep time, but that's okay...now I'll have this to look back on each time til it's engraved in my brain! 

I have a tupperware container full of these in the fridge usually at all times - perfect for those evenings when I'm craving something sweet, but don't want to feel guilty!

No-Bake Energy Bites - with a *twist*

**same general directions as original post**

Dry Bowl:

• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup Special K (oats & honey - well ground up)
• 1 tbsp Chia seeds
• 3 tbsp crunched up slivered almonds (or finely chopped whole ones)
• 2 tbsp flaxseed meal
• 1 tbsp oat bran
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup dried blueberries
• 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (or none at all!)

Wet Bowl:

• 1/4 cup Almond butter
• 1/4 cup Smart Balance peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp hazelnut spread
• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla

FYI: Chopping up the dried fruit results in a MUCH better consistency... I hated getting a huge piece of cranberry in one bite - I like everything pretty much minced in my "Ultimate Chopper" so I get a little of each taste in every single bite.

Enjoy....and feel a little more proud, getting in some better-for-you ingredients! I think each ball is around 100-115 calories and packed with goodness all around.

How have I never tried this??

I've jumped on the spaghetti squash band-wagon…and I’m enjoying every last bite! This is SUCH a great alternative to those carby noodles my household is very used to (and about 160 calories LESS!!). But while trying to change our eating habits over the last month, I've ventured out of my comfort zone…so glad I did – this is JUST like a bowl of regular spaghetti!!

This type of squash is pretty mild-flavored and gets its name from its long spaghetti-like strands that are produced by simply running a fork along the inside after it has been cooked. But be careful not to UNDER-cook the spaghetti squash… that happened to me after my first attempt – veryyy crunchy. Blah.

CUTTING this squash is a bit tricky… I have yet to perfect it. Basically a BIG knife, lots of careful maneuvering and patience. Once you get to the stem, it’s best to just pull the halves apart gently, rather than trying to cut through the stem itself. I think this is why most people simply poke it with a fork all around, and microwave the whole thing!!

photo credit: http://www.adventuresofclayball.com/2009/09/27/spaghetti-squash/

Once cut – scrape out the seeds, just as you would a pumpkin. Then add your choice of seasonings directly onto the insides of the squash. During my last attempt, I decided to save my seeds and baked them…mmm…just like pumpkin seeds – though a tad smaller. I like to toss mine in EVOO, garlic salt, pepper, a touch of crushed rosemary & a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper ;-)

After going through handfuls of different recipes online – I've seen multiple ways of cooking this squash. Though many are at a 375-400 degree range, for approximately 45-75 min. My 1^st attempt was 45-50 min… turned out too crunchy, so it was under-cooked. My 2^nd was for 70 min…and was MUCH better. So I guess it all depends on the heat & your oven.

Here are the alternate ways of cooking it:

• Not very common: cook cut side UP or DOWN, in an inch of water (uncovered) – my first attempt, not as great. 
• Less common:  cook cut side UP, covered with foil – my second attempt (along with seasonings), much better flavor & consistency, though there was a slight burn mark on the bottom skin of the squash after baking.
• Common: cook cut side DOWN on a slightly oiled cookie sheet – this will be my next oven attempt!
• Very common: “This is one of the few recipes that actually works better in a microwave than a conventional oven” – I think I really may have to try this method next time, way less time consuming!

I've also read that the larger the spaghetti squash, the thicker and more flavorful the strands – good to know!

After baking or microwaving, let it cool for a bit…long enough until you can hold the outside, while scraping the insides with a fork and allowing all the ‘strands’ to fall into a large bowl.

I like to plate the squash, then tomato sauce mixed with turkey meat, topped off with grated parmesan cheese – it’s seriously delicious! I don’t feel as guilty or as bloated as I normally would with regular pasta noodles…and I pair it with glass of cab & 2 slices of YUM garlic bread from Trader Joes – this is THE best people.

ENJOY!

Disney On Ice!

After hearing about this from multiple people I knew we had to take Kapri! With her love of all things Disney and Princess - it was perfect.

There are a few different themed Disney on Ice shows, but the one we decided on was the "100 Years of Magic". 

We kept it a surprise until the day of... after her afternoon nap, we just told her to pick out a Princess dress to wear (she was so confused)...so she decided on Rapunzel! I braided her hair, added a flower clip and her new purple crown (awesome dollar store purchase!)...paired with her pretty purple wand, she looked beautiful:

She kept asking where we were going, it was sooo hard not to tell her! LOL...plus not like she'd even know what "Disney on Ice" was unless I showed her a video on YouTube or something.

Anyway - as we walked in she pointed out & admired all the other little girls (and some boys) dressed up as their fav characters. It was funny to see all the kids checkin each other out! We were early, so decided to check out where our seats were...at which point she saw the castle prop at the end of the ice 'stage' - so that's when we told her where we were and what we'd be seeing...She was ecstatic!

We got some popcorn & cotton candy, and got cozy in our seats... just before the show began she kept covering her eyes to try & further 'surprise' herself, haha, silly girl!

Just watching her in sheer awe of all the ice skaters and saying 'hi' to all the characters was just TOO cute... it brought a smile to each of our faces. It's moments like those that are so cherished as a parent. The gold crown pictured above came with the cotton candy purchase - it has mickey ears on the sides that aren't visible in this pic.

Here's the vid of the finale with all the characters making their last appearance of the night:

Then it ended...and she CRIED! Like...really cried. She missed them. She wanted the show to go on... but I explained to her that she should be happy that she even GOT to see it, and that many kids don't get the chance to see fun shows like this. Later in the bathroom she told me how happy she was that we took her...love that kid. 

Maybe next year or next time we go...we'll pick a show focused more on the Princesses ;-)

Mamma Daughter Day - Seaport Village

I curled up into bed last night, with a strong desire to plan something fun for Kapri & I to do today. During the week I only have a few hours in the evenings to spend with her... so our weekends are important! James had to work...and we didn't have any planned events, no CfC orders to work on, and for once - no one was sick - YAY! To top it off... the weather called for sunny skies and a perfect 73 degrees.

My original thought was apple picking up in Julian...however after reading that it was the last weekend of the season - I was scared that we'd make the 90 min drive, only to find empty orchards. What a waste that would've been. And gas is still around $4.60...so I decided we'd stay closer to home.

Enter Google... "fun things to do with kids in san diego"...search.

Seaport Village was a top 'to-do' on a few lists I read...and wow, I realized that though I was born & raised in SD...I have NEVER been to Seaport Village...I'm so sheltered in my little box of North County, haha!

So we got ready & headed out early (man I love this kid's age...she just reads books quietly in her room while I get ready - like for an HOUR...that's pretty freakin awesome). We found a great parking spot & started our mamma/daughter adventure.

1st up - the carousel. Just us and a handful of other people in line...so glad we got there early. This thing is OLD....like, hand-carved back in 1895, that's amazing! And I think we got the squeakiest set of horses, which made it all the more memorable!! It's only $2 a person and Kapri was a happy camper. Warms my heart. 

Next was lunch...in the outside food court...she chose a corn dog and I got chicken rolled tacos - and a churro for us to share. While we ate, 2 young boys set up a guitar and keyboard, and started to sing for a small crowd. Kapri was itchin to dance. So she finished her food & I let her run up and boogie... my tiny dancer.

Then we walked along the boardwalk and admired the glistening water and boats. Then we came upon some street vendors, asking for 'donations' for their services or products. Our fav was the bird man... who had about 10 different types of beautiful birds. He came right up to as and put little orange birds on our shoulders - so cool!!

Another fav was the balloon man - Kapri was torn between the Ariel or the Cinderella balloon - she finally decided on Ariel! The guy was really funny...and so creative! How they take little balloons & twist & turn em like that is beyond me. That's a talent! (sadly K's balloon creation did not last the rest of the day... I think a small blade of grass popped her tail... so we gave her a proper goodbye into a trashcan before we left!)

Then we strolled through a few stores and got a lollypop and froyo to share. Banana flavored of course ;-)

As we started to walk back, I noticed a HUGGGGE kite flying in the distance. I pointed it out to Kapri and she cupped her hands around her mouth - pure amazement. I honestly have never seen a kite THAT big...it was insane. So we plopped down on the grass right next to it and just watched it float gently in the breeze. It was the perfect day for kite flying - wish we had one!! 

As we sat there, quietly together... I stroked K's pretty curls & took a look around the sparkling blue bay... the soft green grass under my feet, the cloud-less sky, the Coronado bridge off in the distance - just me & my girl...quality time in this beautiful city. I looked down at her in my lap, she looked up at me - and I whispered: "this is the PERfect day Kapri...I loved you so much". To which she replied: "I love you too mamma, thank you for a fun day!"

The drive back home was calm and relaxed. No rush to get anywhere. So I put on the Jewel Lullaby CD (love) and she dozed off into a happy slumber. 

I told James all about our day and mutually decided we'd go again, all together in December for pictures with Santa and the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, yay!!

Ladybug Bday Outfit

I'm so proud of my latest completed order... and so happy that this mamma chose to order a very special 1st birthday outfit for her little girl. She told me it was a 'ladybug theme' and that she wanted her daughter to be 'decked out' - so I got busy making one of the cutest outfits I've made to date.

1st birthday 'custom' ladybug outfit

My first attempt at a party hat... complete with an embroidered "1", a ladybug applique and a tulle pom pom on top:

My first attempt at these fab little bow sandals...a bit tough, but turned out adorrrrable!

The whole set together... it's fabulous and I cannot WAIT to see the little birthday girl in it! Happy 1st birthday little E!!!

Princess Party #1

On Saturday I took Kapri to a super fun 'princess party' for her friend Audrey who turned 3 (coincidentally, we have another princess party, for another 3 yr old, Aubrie in a few weeks as well!). I had just bought FOUR new princess dresses since they were only $15 each! She was SO excited to pick out Snow White to wear to this party:

The girls were SO excited & SO mesmerized by the special guest, Ariel... with her big gorgeous teal dress, bright shiny red hair, sweet personality, and pretty amazing voice!

Birthday Girl Audrey & her friend, Princess Ariel

I decided to make A her very own embroidered pink princess wand, with a pretty lace tiara (tutorial HERE) - I was so happy with the outcome! The 'wand' I found at a local fabric store, that was plain cardboard, just the stick & circle attached to the top. So I covered the stick in pink ribbon, and mod podge'd the polka dot embroidered fabric onto the circle. Then I tied some thin, different colored ribbons to the top and curled them.

Now of course I have to make Kapri her own too, haha!