Lets Party!

The time has come to start getting down to business with my party planning.  I have to start planning waaaay in advance because I like to do DIY decorations and I am only able to DIY after my little one is asleep.  And I can only stay up so late, since I work full time and they do not appreciate it when I take a nap at my desk (just kidding.....maybe...).  

My idea for a "camping" themed birthdays started last year when I saw the "Fort Pippa" birthday posted on 100 Layer Cakelet's blog.  And the idea continued to build as my daughter's love for animals increased.  I've thought about trying to build a tent or tee-pee for her to play in for a while.  Whether or not that actually happens is still yet to be seen, but I figured a camping birthday would be a good excuse for me when I explain to the hubby why we have a tent taking up so much space in our small apartment.

I've slowly been collecting an assortment of stuffed woodland animals to use at the party and I also started work on creating cutout animals like the ones in featured in the photos from the Fort Pippa party.  

I started creating the cutouts by finding outline drawing of animals online, printing them and then filling them in to create the look I like.  Then I used the projector in my husband's classroom to project the image on white cardboard I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I drew my image on the cardboard.    

 The next step was cutting out the animals (which was a lot harder than it sounds).

 After the animals were cut out, I outlined them with Sharpie pens.  

I love how they turned out!  Right now I have them on the walls around my daughter's toys for decoration (since the party is not until November). Since these turned out so well, I am contemplating doing a few more animals.  Perhaps some rabbits or maybe a bear cub....

Vacation Time

Vacations are not what they used to be.  Pre-baby vacations consisted of foreign travel with all i needed packed in a duffle bag.  These days, vacations requiring extensive planning for what to do with our two dogs and one toddler.  Our luggage takes up the back of our SUV and it is mainly for the pups and child.  We planned a quick vacation to Carmel Valley, where we left Riley and the pups with their grandparents for a couple days so Chad and I could have a quick get away in Santa Cruz.

While in the valley, we visited the Monterrey Bay Aquarium with the whole family.  That is always fun and now that Riley is a little older, she has some great reactions to the sea creatures.  

Although leaving behind by three babies was a little stressful, it was nice getting to relax (and sleep in) in Santa Cruz.  We stayed at the Dream Inn, and while it is a little pricey, the view is to die for.  It is the only hotel on the beach and it is conveniently located next to the wharf and boardwalk.

(View from our balcony)

Chad and I are normally creatures of habit and like to visit the same places we've already been, especially when it comes to food.  Normally we would go to Lillian's Kitchen for their Sunday Gravy on polenta.  However, this time we changed it up a bit.  Although we went to Pizza My Heart on Pacific Ave (an old stand by for me from when I used to visit my friend at college), we ventured out and also tried a little hold in the wall cafe.

The little gem is called Cafe Brasil and I was originally drawn there to try their Acai bowls.  While their Acai bowls looked delicious, once I looked at their menu, I knew I had to try one of their Brazilian dishes.  I had the Orfeu Negro, and it was delicious.  It was stewed black beans over baguette slices, two poached eggs and melted mozzarella on top.  It made me think of a "Brazilian eggs benedict" and I loved every bite of it.  Chad ordered the Galo Pinto which was black beans and rice with two eggs, fried plantains and a special Costa Rican sauce.  His dish was also delicious, but I preferred mine.

(Cafe Brasil)

I also found this cute house around the corner from Cafe Brasil.  The house had a little matching free library out in front.  I love the sun detail in the apexes of the roof.

All in all, it was a good vacation and now it is time to start saving for the next.

Summer time... and the living is easy...

Well,  I am officially a slacker.  It has been multiple months since my last post, and I do not have a good excuse, other than SUMMER!

This has been our weekends:

  

Yep, swim lessons at the YMCA.  Our little shrimp successfully completed her first swim lessons of the summer.  We participated in the Parents and Child class.  We did the same class last summer, and she seemed like a natural swimmer.  However, this summer's classes were the opposite last year.  She started off slow and clung to her dad and I most of the time, but by the last couple class she was loving it.  Another plus?  The 30 min classes are just long enough to set her up for a long nap, giving me time to clean and start laundry.  Oh, the exciting life of a mother...

Things have been getting a little crazy in our kitchen...

 In an effort to eat healthier, my husband and I are making most of our meals from scratch (almost). So far we have been pretty successful.  One of the hard parts about eating healthy is finding foods that do not sacrifice taste in the name of health.  Another issue is the amount of time it takes to make everything.  After working all day, I want to come home and spend time with my daughter, not spend it slaving away in a kitchen. Luckily I stumbles upon Danielle Walker (Against All Grain) Instagram about a year ago.  I purchased her first book, but found that many of the recipes I was intrigued by took a lot of time.  I recently purchased her second book "Meals Made Simple" and so far everything I've cooked has been fairly fast and delicious. My favorite part is that at the top of each page there are icons listing important information, such as if the recipe contains eggs.  Since I have a daughter with a sever egg allergy, the icons come in handy when I am looking for something to make.

Fish tacos with mango pineapple salsa.

Also, ground beef tacos (I'm a big fan of tacos...)

The downside of all of this delicious cooking, is the dishes.... but that is a problem for another day.

Easter Eggs

Today I went to Target to get some fruit and yogurt pouches for the little one (she is obsessed) and of course my mind wanders and I start wandering through the whole store.  I saw that they have started to put out Easter items and this made me think of what I wanted to do for Easter. I have always loved dying eggs.  I like to get creative and I normally think of a new design/theme each year.  Since now I have a toddler, I started to think of toddler friendly ideas.  But then it occurred to me... Riley is allergic to eggs... and while I might be able to boil and dye the eggs with out her having any reaction, I do not want to take that chance.  So I guess it will be plastic eggs for us.  Now I will have to start thinking f interesting little trinkets to put inside the plastic eggs.

New Year, New Me :)

I told myself I would blog in the new year :)  Easier said than done.

My intention behind this blog is to organize my thoughts and ideas and to have document this year.  It seams time really does fly when you are having fun.  I can't believe 2014 is over and my little noodle is already one year old.  She is starting to understand and copy my words and actions. Therefore, I want to make sure that I am being the best version of myself that I can be to provide a good model for her to look up to.

My goals for this year are:
1.  When I am with my family, I want to make sure I am with them.  Not playing on my phone, watching TV, or day dreaming.  
2.  I want to be more creative.  In particular, I would like learn to take better photos.  (I have the camera, now I just need to invest in a class) and create crafty projects
3.  Eat healthier.  Prior to being pregnant, I ate mostly Paleo.  Since having Riley, I've eaten pretty much anything and everything (I'm a sucker for sweets).  Riley is allergic to eggs, so a Paleo diet would be difficult.  So instead, I am aiming for a diet that is well balanced.
4.  Get in shape!  Who doesn't have this as a goal when the new year comes along??  I used to be in better shape because I was more active.  I do not need to be in perfect shape, but I would like to be in better shape than I am now.  I want Riley to see her parents as active and healthy.

That is all that I can think of for now... This list is by no means complete, as I am sure that it will grow as the year goes by.