Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Happy 1st Birthday Baby!

Bella woke up 1 year old today! She seemed a bit taller, her eyes wider, one curl hanging slightly longer. As she smiled her ginaroumus toothy grin, my eyes bubbled with tears. One year ago today as I lay beached in my hospital bed I was filled with, wonder. Hopes. Dreams. scared to death, and on the brink of becoming a Mother. It has been one year, one wonderful year. Change happens so slow, but seems so fast. From a sleepy little blob, to a curious toddler. She's walking without fear, says Mama & Dada, loves food, books, shoes, animals and music. She laughs without reservation, smiles with unbridled joy, and gives sloppy kisses that melt my heart. Hapy Birthday Bella, I love you more than life itself.

The Bash
Sunday was the celebration. I worked for weeks cutting out the perfect round ladybug decorations, constructing banners, welcome signs and picture collages. I baked my heart out, taking breaks to call my Sister and cry, beg her to tell me Bella isn't turning one. I burried myself in party planing, poured all my love for her into one day. It was perfect. I can't wait for all of her birthday parties to come.



Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Nothing but love for Sex & the City 2


My obsession for Sex & the City revolves around the shoes, the clothes, the chic apartments, but most of all the bond they share. I think each character has a little piece of me, or at least an attribute I'd love to have. They are my friends in my head. 


I will not spoil the movie, for those that haven't had a chance to see it. I will say that as expected the fashion will knock your socks off,  the girls will make you laugh, cry, and leave you hoping for a part 3. I am completely convinced anyone that gives this movie a poor review, has no emotional attachment to the characters. I for one really related to Charlotte, who is feeling isolated and swallowed up by motherhood... they completely captured that feeling. We all have had that moment where you are so overwhelmed you break down in tears along with your toddler. We never talk about those moments, we all want the Mom next to us at the park, to think we have everything under control. I loved that they went there. 


What Sex & the City character do you relate with the most? 



Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Clean Green

Don't waste your money on toxic cleaning products, when three simple ingredients can do it all. I clean my entire house with baking soda, distilled white vinegar and lemon. 


Vinegar, is effective at killing mold, bacteria and germs, making this the perfect all-purpose cleaner. Don't be turned off by the smell, it vanishes quickly and can even be masked by essential oils (or if your like me, you'll grow to like it).  


Baking Soda, eliminates odors, dissolves dirt and grease in water, and works as a mildly abrasive souring powder.


Lemon,  has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that make them a wonderful addition to your cleaning supplies. Perfect for removing stains, cutting grease, and who doesn't love the smell of fresh squeezed lemon!?

I've compiled a room by room list of all my Eco friendly cleaning tips, to share how you can save money, help the planet, and keep your home chemical free.


Bathroom:
soap scum: baking soda and vinegar


toilet: baking soda and lemon, add vinegar if the toilet is super dirty.


bath tub: vinegar and baking soda

unclog drain:  pour a handful of baking soda mixed with 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain followed by some boiling water.


Kitchen:
oven cleaner: create a scrub with; salt, baking soda and water. I find it works to warm up your oven before hand to loosen up anything that's really stuck on. 


garbage disposal: make vinegar ice cubes and run through the garbage disposal with cold water.


counter tops: vinegar and water (this should not be done with granite). 



coffee maker: fill reservoir with vinegar and run brew cycle, rinse with water.

microwave: boil solution of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in microwave, this will loosen splattered food and deodorize.

refrigerator: vinegar and water will deodorize, sanitize and clean up any messes.

cutting board: full strength vinegar will kill any bacteria. 

stainless steel: straight vinegar wiped with a soft cloth.

Plastic food-storage containers: To bleach stains on dishwasher-safe items, rub lemon juice on the spots and let dry in a sunny place, wash as usual.



Dishwasher: add vinegar to the rinse compartment for sparkling dishes.


Living Room:
window/glass cleaner: spritz with one part vinegar and one part water, wipe with soft cloth or newspaper. 


carpets: sprinkle with baking soda to deodorize and vacuum. 


hardwood floors: a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap will leave your wood floors shining.
water marks on wood: buff with water and olive oil.





Laundry Room:
Clothes will rinse better if one cup of vinegar is added to the last rinse water. The acid in vinegar is mild enough as to not harm fabrics, but strong enough to dissolve the alkalies found in soaps and detergents.









Thursday, May 20, 2010

Look who's walking...

At first cautious.
Arms reaching for me, not trusting herself to do it without me by her side. 
As the days crept by she grew brave. 
Arms stretched to the sky, her laugh cascading across the living room floor. 
And just like that she could walk. 


Photobucket





Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010

WFD: Cheesy Bread Bowl



I absolutely love olive oil, my favorite is groOrganic Italian blend. This all natural olive oil is grown, harvested and bottled in Central California. With studies suggesting that 2 tbsp of olive oil a day may reduce heart disease, I love it even more!!


This dish is a copycat recipe of the delicious cheesy bread bowl we had on Mother's Day, at the Auburn Ale House. Wonderful to serve with any meal, or as an appetizer.



Ingredients:



  • bread bowl
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • garlic as desired 
  • 1 cup mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup cheddar



Preparation:



  • Sauté butter and garlic until bubbly.
  • Slice bread into squares, without cutting all the way through.




  • Stuff the bread with garlic butter and cheese.  






  • Wrap with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees
  • Splash your serving plate with groOrganic Italian blend olive and place bread on top, lightly drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.