[how old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?]

Its finally starting to feel like fall...

2011-10-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

ella + otis

2011-09-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

top 10 necessities

2011-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

As a new mom I get so much advice... as with all advice, some works well and other things don't fit for you. These are things I have found as MUSTS [for me]

For months one and two...

Aden + Anais swaddle blankets:: these are large, lightweight and stretchy, not to mention cute! They can be used in so many ways... swaddling, nursing/pumping cover-up, blanket...
California baby products:: The calendula cream is awesome for little rashes, etc
Activity gym
snap N go:: makes heading out places so much easier in the begining
Trumpette brand socks:: the only ones that stay on babies feet
Onesies:: regular or kimono style
Bouncy chair:: any kind, even a cheap one
A lamp with a floor switch that you tap on with your foot
Great diaper bag that can attach to a stroller
Tide Stain release packs -perfume+ dye free:: removes all kinds of baby stains!

2 months already!

2011-07-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my sweet baby girl is 2 months already! She makes me smile everyday!

before & after

2011-06-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's a GIRL!!!

2011-05-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 20th at 11:14pm our little girl arrived! Having the gender of our little one be a surprise was such a wonderful decision. I hope to post a more detailed birth story, but right now I want to enjoy our Ella Grace. She is such a wonderful blessing.

BABYmoon!

2011-03-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Tim and I took a short and sweet trip to my parents place at Wildwood to relax. On Sunday, Tim surprised me with a night at Congress Hall along with a great dinner and prenatal massage. I got to lay on my tummy for the first time since the fall! It was nice to relax and get some much needed sleep and quality time with my Timmy.

Beginnings of the nursery

2011-03-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

We are getting more done as time is creeping closer to the baby's arrival. We are getting new rugs, but I still need a shade, bookshelf and some artwork. Next week we are cranking it out, but in the meantime....

Big brother

2011-03-03T05:19:00.001-08:00

I think he senses a change coming... he has been extra cuddly.

crib

2011-02-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

We FINALLY decided on a crib. It was pretty much the one we wanted from the beginning, but we like the process to be long and grueling :) We knew we wanted a more modern looking crib and one that did not convert to a full sized bed. I know some people think that is the way to go, but we realized that would not be great for us. A full sized bed would be pretty large for the space we have the baby and when it is time to have a bed I want room for play too. We also may be lucky enough to try for a second and I would not want to wait too long and we would then need a crib again.
So anyway... we are liking our little modern crib. Now to decide if we want the nursery a whole new color. [We are second guessing the color it is now!]

:)

2011-02-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the nursery was finished being painted and this came in the mail. We ordered this for the baby as a Christmas gift, but they were back-ordered. I was teary-eyed reading the note Tim sent with it....

[To: Baby Can't wait to meet you in May! Love: Daddy]

daydreaming...

2011-02-01T04:49:00.000-08:00

of baking! Anticipating another big winter snow storm tomorrow, I went ahead and got stuff to make brownies and cinnamon rolls. I would love to make some fancy cupcakes like the one above, but the painter is still here and the house is a bit disheveled. The cupcake is from a cafe at Terrain. Terrain is a cool nursery and shop by Anthropologie. The cafe is so good. I got the last gingerbread cupcake with lemon cream cheese frosting.... so good!

Bump

2011-01-26T05:38:00.000-08:00

[december 26, 2010]

So I haven't posted any *bump* pictures yet. The latest one is last month. I am taking one this week, it seems to have popped out more lately.

It is a strange snowy day.... the 6th good snow in 30 days here. By tomorrow they are calling for up to 8 inches. I normally go in school late today and stay late. Tim called from the road and begged me to call out it was so bad already. I hate doing that, but I feel safer being home. The fact that it will be worse later and I am staying later concerns me.

As I am typing this the baby is stretching and moving around. I must say it is amazing! I waited so long for this to happen and am enjoying every minute... even when it gets tricky to roll over at night. I love hitting snooze early in the morning and putting Tim's hand on my belly to feel the little wiggleworm.

Aahhhh

2010-12-27T04:26:00.000-08:00

I know it may be rude, but I love my time off from school this time of year! I always set out to get a lot done, but seriously... I do not. I did get some cleaning done.

Anyway... my holiday went well. I hope to downsize the craziness next year or the following year when the baby arrives. I want to be sure that I spend quality time with my husband and baby.

Now I am just relaxing on the couch with my dog curled up on my lap enjoying the Christmas tree and 11.8 inches of snow outside! Otis has been super snuggle-y since I have become pregnant. I sense he knows something is up.

Oh, best presents... Kiehls Creme d'Corps body butter for my belly and scrabble!

Busy week!

2010-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

In addition to my growing belly, it has been quite busy. We had a new heating unit put in to replace the one that came with my 70+ year old home. This also came with CENTRAL AIR!!! I cannot wait! Next is painting, carpets, then nursery.

I have had extra hours at school for field trips having my students try wheel throwing pottery [I'll post about that soon!] I am also stuck for gift ideas for Tim!

We also picked out our Christmas tree. We get one from a small family run tree farm every year. I love this tradition! The look of our tree is different than years past... this is our 8th tree together in our home and the first year having big, retro colored lights. I gotta say that I was not sure we should change from the soft whites lights we normally use, but WOW! Looks great:)

I have to cut this short, so I am not late for my cookie exchange party... we bring ingredients and bake there. This should be interesting!

Was that a foot?!?!?

2010-12-07T06:13:00.000-08:00

Ok... maybe I am crazy. This morning I had some low twingy/crampy-ness and put my hand there and felt what seemed to be a small bean-sized lump! I had Tim try to feel it, but then it seemed to be gone! I may have been getting a little fluttering the past day or so, but that was unexpected!
What a fun ride so far:)

a forgotten little video

2010-11-29T14:22:00.000-08:00

from Madrid...

Cravings

2010-11-17T14:46:00.001-08:00

I am loving swedish fish right now! Other things I am thinking a lot about are all kinds of red meat and soft pretzels [they also giving me indigestion]. I am hoping to start craving broccoli and other good-for-you foods.

cookies + a lemon

2010-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

So I need to make cookies for Tim's work. The bigger challenge.... not licking the batter! I can eat it by the handful [healthy I know], but being pregnant does not take away the primal urge I have. It was pretty hard, but I did it!!! I treated myself with a cookie or two:)

Also, I am 14 weeks along + the baby is the size of a lemon! I love the fruit comparisons each week. I am officially in my 2nd trimester + feeling good! Good appetite, little more energy and the nausea is subsiding. I am loving being pregnant!

Back in September...

2010-10-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

Ok, I did have some things that have been a distraction to writing.... I am expecting my first baby next May! I got my first positive test on September 4th, then another on September 6th. We are so excited!!!

WAY too long

2010-10-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wow... I didn't realize how long it has been since I last posted. I was sure busy these past couple months. I will do some catch up next post, but now, just a list of things on my mind...
Need to bake... something, anything!
Fall cleaning + sprucing [home, car + work too]
Do something with my pics from Spain. Maybe a book.
Reflect on good things in my life
Connect with some friends + family
Come up with something good to make for Thanksgiving.
Stop + enjoy fall, even though today is pretty warm
Take a nap

Madrid...

2010-07-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

is WONDERFUL! It kicked our asses the first day though. In my defense, we had left from Chicago, had a delay at our connection at Philly, then many hours to Madrid + could NOT sleep or get comfortable. So the first day was walking through the city with sore feet in a zombie-like state. A wonderful too.

Some highlights...

Our room is sweet with a terrace overlooking a canvas-covered street.
Walked around the Sunday Market
Took a siesta in Retiro Park
Found beautiful artwork at the Prado
Saw the painting "Saturn Devouring his Son" by Goya [which always creeped me out]
Ate amazing tapas... grilled squid + eggs with red sausage over fries... SO GOOD!
Drank a sangria-esque drink
Saw "Guernica" from Picasso!
Ate more great tapas outside by the Royal Palace [grilled shrimp + tuna over onions + roasted peppers]

I just my be eating my way through Spain, but with the incredible amount of walking I am fine with it [including the awesome frozen yogurt wt fruit I just ate;)

Some June + July

2010-07-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I sat down to add some pics of my goings on the past few weeks + my computer is being weird. I guess I will just write a bit.

June

:: Art camp has begun + I am not directing because of my jam-packed summer. I have been enjoying just teaching + not stressing over schedules, staff + everything else.

:: Tim + I went on a Phillies ballpark tour. Got to sit in the dugout, walk through the owners box + hear about the history of the park... very cool!

July

:: had a fun + easy weekend with 2 impromptu BBQs [one that we hosted]

:: 2 Phillies games. One which was a free set of 4 tix in the 130 section + fireworks after... so awesome! My cousin Christen + her hubby joined us.

:: Now to get ready for our long-awaited trip to Spain!

Mike + Audrey

2010-06-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

What a fun wedding! Great food + fun people in a beautiful venue with a nice patio area with customized drinks, flowers + candles.

Such a great couple... so glad we were there for the big day!

Bobby's Burger Palace!

2010-05-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

I know I post about food a lot... SO WHAT! It was my birthday weekend + Tim made it wonderful. Besides my weekend having great weather, it also had great food!
Friday night Tim made me a great dinner + bought me flowers. We tried to get to Dairy Queen, but got there just as it closed:( Luckily we had a standby... the golden arches down the street with $1 hot fudge sundaes!
Saturday continued the food fest. We stopped at Bobby's Burger Palace on the way into the city. This is a Bobby Flay restaurant in university city. I got an LA burger with avocado + cheddar... Tim got the blue burger! Both were amazing!
After walking around + bumping into a few people, we headed to Bar Ferdinand which is a delicious Spanish tapas place... so good! The best one was the skewered filet of beef with pistachio pesto. THen a couple drinks with some friends that were in the same area.
On the way home there was the much needed gelato stop... butterscotch, sweet milk + almond this time!

Another day older

2010-05-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I moved up an age bracket.... 35 + up. How do I feel about? Not sure yet. I liked the 1st half of my 30's... yikes.... the 1st half is over!

A day at the Phils game

2010-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

cherry water ice lips

Before the game

Kelly + Candy

Uncle Ricky in the 1st inning!

Hole in one!!!!

My hubby's side of the family got together for a Phillies game + tailgate. It was fun to see my niece Keira enjoy her 1st game + see my in-laws on an incredibly windy day at the ballpark!

Otis getting ready for his play date

2010-04-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

play date

2010-04-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so beautiful... sunny, warm, breezy. Perfect for a play date for Otis. Otis is odd socially with other pups... not mean or nasty, just annoying to them. He gets to excited + is a bit "humpy" to initiate play. Even when snapped at he will try again a minute later. Ugh.

So a co-worker has a pom-boston mix + hoped to get a meet up with them. I stopped over with a bag of freshly baked cookies as a way to apologize in advance. Turns out that the first part of the visit went really well! Later, Otis got more excited + intense, so that was my cue to leave poor Charlie Brown to regroup. We were even asked back! [Must have been the cookies!]

Happy Birthday.... Halle + Caleb are 1 year old!

2010-03-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Art of the Steal

2010-03-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Amazing documentary filled with so much information, I thought my head would explode. An amazing art experience that I am thrilled to have witnessed before the "move" to the city. A small, intimate space to lose yourself in some of the most prized artwork from Cezanne, Picasso, Modigliani [a personal favorite], Pippin, Matisse, Goya, Renoir.... BILLIONS of dollars worth of art that will soon be in a new space that will pump as many people in as possible. Hmmmm.

ps I also had amazing nutella ice cream that night for dessert... had to be said!

:)

2010-03-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

from my sweet husband...

Back to reality

2010-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

So the weather is now in the mid-50's + the HUGE snowpile is much, much smaller [we are one of the few houses with snow because we had to have our roof shoveled, due to a leak.] I did my fair share of baking, comfort food bingeing, wine + dining out [pictured above is my valentine date at AMIS]. Now I am working on getting out of my lazy, food coma + working on getting in better shape again. I had lost a good amount of weight, but would like to loose a bit more + tone up. The scale went down this week with the help of my Qdoba taco salad obsession. I LOVE them! Tons of fresh lettuce, some corn, black beans, chunky salsa + a small amount of spicy dressing.... so good.

Gotta look good when I goto Spain!

snowed in

2010-02-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

So the snow arrived.... we were told 12inches.... I would say 24inches is more like it. Tim is shoveling [thank you], reheated soup from my favorite place was a good lunch, I have turkey meatballs + spicy chicken sausage cooking on low in sauce, hot cocoa + tea has been made throughout the day + I am enjoying being a hermit + admiring the whiteness outside.

things that are usually in my back pocket...

2010-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have a habit of stuffing things in my back pocket at work while running around.

box cutter :: this is an important tool to have as an art teacher for cutting cardboard, boxes, plastic bottles, etc...
ebony pencil :: for sketching, of course
spring loaded scissors :: these are AWESOME! cut cardboard like paper, so it saves my hands cramping up
super sharpie :: A bigger sharpie, even cooler than the regular size

Halle

2010-01-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

I love getting to know my new niece + nephew. Halle can be so serious, but has an amazing laugh. She is growing so fast. I feel bad that they live far + I do not see them as much as I would like. I look forward to them being old enough to come spend the night + watch movies, bake cookies + eat snacks. I just may let them try the cookie batter;)

poor Otis

2010-01-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

So we ventured out to goto Tim's mom for a family pollyanna yesterday. We had to stop at the beer distributer for his mom on the way. Otis + I were waiting in the car, then a HUGE dog [who we found out was only a year old] waltzed over to the car. This dog 's eyes were able to see in the Xterra! Otis was scared as hell + was jumping around growling + barking. Tim moved the dog + went to get in the car while noticing our pup"s back paw toe covered in blood.... off to the vet! $145 later we had a "coned" dog with a vertical cracked toenail + meds.

Oh.... we also got pulled over by a cop no more than 5 minutes later for lapsed registration! He felt pity on up just getting slapped with a vet bill... thanks Officer!

Catch up

2009-12-19T11:02:00.001-08:00

:: A night of bowling, Pat's Steaks at 2am + a random episode with a found cart ::

:: Using my new microplane to make my orange ricotta pound cake ::

:: Lights on the tree ::

:: crab salad with avocado mousse ::

:: Watching the snow falling ::

coming soon!

2009-12-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Holiday decorating pictures! I an feeling the need to revamp some Christmas decorations, but we are putting our house up for sale HOPEFULLY before the spring. So it would be better to wait for my new space.

I would.....

2009-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE this table for a little studio space... if I had space for a little studio. Aaahhh, perhaps one day!

leftovers

2009-12-05T06:38:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

This year I hosted Thanksgiving. I made a killer turkey + even my picky niece declared that my turkey was delicious! One bummer [besides my gravy] is that my mom was sick + unable to come. I sent a care-package to her with a good dinner + desserts. A couple pics of the day...

flashback!

2009-11-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Last night was my 20 year grade school reunion. It was so great to see friends that I haven't seen in years, yet spent so much time with growing up. I didn't get too many pictures [a couple are blurry + eyes are closed], but I like this one of me, my friends Chris + Cathy.... I get to see Chris when I can, but this is the first time I have seen Cathy for 15 or more years. She is just as sweet + wonderful as I remember!

froyo?

2009-11-19T04:53:00.000-08:00

I have been working hard to get in better health/shape/weight... taking vitamins, eating more veggies + less baked goods + even getting to the gym on a regular basis [well, that needs a bit more work:)] I am down a jean size which feels GREAT!

At school the other day, a co-worker walked by with a white cup filled with almonds + strawberries. I asked. She answered.... A low-fat, low-sugar frozen yogurt from Saxby's down the street. I had to give it a try. It was nice + warm in the Philly area, so a good time for a cool treat.

Verdict... worth it! It was tangy rather than sweet. I got the small with berries + sliced almonds, rather than chocolate or coconut. It would be more fun to have a friend to enjoy one with, so any takers?

And the winner is...

2009-11-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

HOLLY WOOD SQUARES.... really I won for best dessert [+ best shoes!]. My prize? A ticket for a raffle for prizes, but I did not win the raffle. No worries. I was able to spend time with some nice new girls I have met when I was in a wedding recently.

The other perk.... I saw a Wegmans! I hear all about them, but have never been in one. On the way home I pulled up to one. Being 1:30am I decided to snap a pic + be on my way. Next time, Wegmans, I will venture inside + peruse your gourmet cheese isle + see what all the fuss is about:)

This week's list

2009-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

continue going to the gym
continue eating well + having lots of veggies + water
find a great outfit for my grade school reunion
run a glaze fire for my kiln
get house organized
tart shopping for thanksgiving dinner
relish in my jeans fitting better
decide + bake a dessert for a get together on Friday

Okay.... I am deciding between 3 desserts to bring on Friday [sorry for all the bulleted lists] Everyone brings a dessert or app along with copies of the recipe. The best of each win points for the Southern Living part of the party. [There is also an awesome shoe category, but I do not think I would be a contender for that] I have a great oatmeal with chocolate chunks + butterscotch chips, but I am not willing to share that recipe.

Aztec Chocolate Cookies [spicy chocolate cookies with pumpkin seeds]
Hollywood squares [recess cup like bar dessert]
Cranberry coconut chewy cookies [self explanatory]

If you are one of the few who follow + are checking in today... weigh in [even if you put in anonymous] on what you think would be a good dessert to bring.

pumpkin painting

2009-10-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

I love my 1st graders.... I end the day each Friday with them + it is such a great way to end the week. They love to listen to the lesson, question + work so well with materials. Recently, I brought in little pumpkins for them to draw.... overlapping + showing "space" by making ones smaller that are further away + higher on the paper. They are looking so beautiful!

to do list

2009-10-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

get to the gym
decide + make costume for the school halloween parade
print + assemble tickets for the Rod Stewart Tribute group
have a little date at my favorite vietnamese place + then see David Gray
run a bisque fire for my kiln
clean up the kitchen
get a sub for Wednesday after school
carve/paint a pumpkin
get some food ideas for tailgating at the World Series game this weekend!
a haircut would be nice
get ideas together for having thanksgiving dinner
make a mini care package for my cuz Christen who is up to her eyeballs in grad work
nap

wildwood days

2009-10-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Got to spend the weekend in wildwood, NJ for our wedding anniversary... 7 years! We had such a nice relaxing weekend. The weather was brisk + cool with one day filled with sunshine [perfect for naps]. We enjoyed some wine, delicious soups + mussels with gorgonzola + some popcorn while watching movies. Just love spending my days with Tim.

Views from the art room

2009-09-30T18:24:00.001-07:00

Fun at the Greek Fair

2009-09-30T04:50:00.001-07:00

relaxing

2009-08-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy staying here. It is not crowded + each time we are here, we find something to check out next time. We saw Falling Waters the other day. A beautiful, amazing home built by Frank Lloyd Wright [which I am more than happy to move in to if it needs someone to care for it!] Above is a sneak peak of what I saw. Enjoy.

off to relax for a bit

2009-08-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Camp is finally over! Now I can spend a little quality time with my boys [timmy + otis] in Western Maryland. I am recovering from a bachelorette party. I just can't party + recover as quickly as I could before. My feet were so sore from wearing heels, a lot of shots meant a headache + bruise on my forearm + foot from a pole dancing class we took. A rough morning due to a really fun night + my candy cane spin is pretty good.

Gabe

2009-08-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today we stopped at my Aunt Mary's to celebrate her oldest daughter Colleen's high school graduation. I am thrilled because she is going to art school! She is a fantastic painter + artist. I got her a great moleskin sketchbook with fun pencils.

Colleen has 2 younger sisters + 2 younger brothers. Her youngest brother is Gabe who is 2 years old + a little bruiser. He has huge eyes + is such a cutie. He loved the ring I had on + would put it on his big toe.... too funny!

under the weather

2009-08-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Otis has been lethargic, not eating as much + just not his crazy self. We spent the day saturday snuggling on the couch + spending time with our little buddy. He loves the corner of the new couch. He went to the vet today + will be better soon!

getting closer

2009-08-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

My friend, Denise's wedding is fast approaching + I am thrilled to be a bridesmaid. We are wearing long, flowy mocha dresses, gold shoes + pearls. She is open to the style of the earring/jewelry + shoes. I found a fun pair of dangly earrings on etsy. I saw pretty pearls, but most had silver. I figured since we had gold shoes, that we should have gold to go with the pearls. I know I would wear these again. I am even tempted to get the necklace that coordinates with them. I just need to fall in love with some fun, yet comfy for standing/dancing all night gold shoes! any advice?

dear heart

2009-07-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

I finally got to meet Miss Olivia Pearl who is the new addition to my friends' family, Lisa + Davies. Olivia is such a love! She has a sweet nature just like her mom + dad. I love when babies are so tiny that they just snuggle in + sleep.

Lisa, Tim + I all went to school together + Lisa lives super close to our college, so we had an impromptu "dinner crawl" around millersville. Fries + a beer at Jacks, then the rest of our dinner at House of Pie. It was funny to sit in the 21 + over section!

printing penguins + marinated meat

2009-07-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Camp has been going well [with a bit of craziness mixed in of course] + this week I have 2 wonderful groups of 6-7 year olds. We read the book 365 penguins + made printing plates to make many, many images of a penguin. They LOVED it + I loved watching them!

Later, I hung out with my mom. I convinced her to eat at my favorite Vietnamese place on the edge of the city. After a nice + cheap dinner, we scooted to the asian market. Mom had a blast as we perused the isles. We grabbed couple treats + giggled at some of the interesting items.

the new couch

2009-07-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

The search is finally over! Well, it is not exactly what we wanted, but a good compromise. We wanted small square arms, not too bulky + a medium brown or grayish brown color. All the ones we loved cost $3-4,ooo or more! Don't think so. We also are working with a small space. We gave in + saw this one for just under $2000. Otis seems to like it + I really am glad we stuck it out for a sectional... great use of the space we have.... its coming together, just slowly. I know there will be fights over who gets the corner!

glimpses of vacation

2009-07-12T07:46:00.001-07:00

a moment to relax

2009-06-30T16:55:00.000-07:00

I like to be spontaneous, not quite jump out of an airplane spontaneous, but mini adventures are nice. A fun-loving co-worker, Erin turned to me at the end of camp + said, "we need to get a pedicure today!" Why, yes... I do do need one! So we did.... Got to chit chat + enjoy each others company while getting my tired feet some pampering + not to mention enjoying the massage chair too.

comfort

2009-06-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

These two weeks have been filled with rain.... dark, damp, gloomy rain. I am aching for sunshine, but must admit my flowers out front are looking good. One other nice part of the rain is having comfort food. The few that have been working for me are revolution's tropical green tea, muscat gummies from H mart + vietnamese tomato crab soup with some shoots.

aahhhh

2009-06-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of the beginning of summer is the smell of honeysuckles! I live in a row home, so when I come home late on a hot day + have to park out back, the bonus is the smell. there are honeysuckle trees [the bushes are out of control] in out backyard area. When I was in grade school, we would eat honeysuckle flowers at recess time at the bush on the side of the school. My hubby never tried one till the other year. I drug him out back + showed him how to take the flower off, pinch the base off, pull + enjoy.

mmmmmm sushi

2009-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

There is a new sushi place in my neighborhood + I love it! My faves are the sweet potato rolls + the spicy gozilla rolls. Its a BYOB, so we grab a bottle of Tamari + scoot over for some delicious rolls + hospitality. A nice treat now + then... especially if we get the green tea ice cream with tempura bananas!

new art for the house

2009-06-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

I am itching for lots of new art for the house. I have always wanted to "collect" artwork. Doesnt have to cost a fortune, but just appeal to me + make me happy. My buddy Denise is a beautiful painter + I have posted about a painting before that I received as a gift from her. I just bought a small one from her the other day + I cannot wait to hang it! I think the bedroom is the best location.... it works well against the blue/gray walls. I'll post it hung later.

wino

2009-06-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

The other week I went with some friends to Chadds Ford Winery. We went on a tasting throughout the property, had a picnic on the grounds, listened to live music + enjoyed our company. The wine sucked, but we had a great time. There was awesome gelato that made up for it!

sleep

2009-05-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am in some need of sleep after a GRUELING couple weeks of report writing, art show craziness, end of the year wrap-up, camp interviews, scheduling, supply orders.... + then, of course, regular work + home must do lists. I am napping when I can this weekend + I hope otis will join me + not wake me up with a kiss or a Frisbee in my face!

date nights

2009-05-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

Tim + I got a season ticket package for the Phillies + I LOVE it! We have about 14 games + it is just the two of us [though I am taking my dad to one of the games] We are behind Raul Ibanez who is having a great year so far! The big challenge is to avoid the good eats at the park.... schmitter sandwiches, cheesesteaks, crab fries + ice cream in a phanatic cup or phillies helmet. We are going to the game tomorrow night + I am hoping for a win.... or at least to bump into the phanatic!

getting sh*t together

2009-05-20T07:34:00.001-07:00

This is an interesting time for me... a transition time. School is ending... camp is starting.... weather is shifting.... windows stay open..... you get the idea. Because there is a shift, I get this feeling of renew, restart, regroup. I feel the need this time to organize, relax + simplify.
My home is in a state of unrest.... areas in a waiting stage to be painted, piles of stuff filling the basement, art begging to be hung back up + a couch that is screaming to be replaced.

this weekend is dedicated to getting closer to my goals.

pet show

2009-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Last week there was a pet show at my school + I brought my crazy pup otis. He was very good with all the kids, but he did take a big crap when I wished he didn't. it was funny to hear the kids chanting his name O-TIS O-TIS!
ps the font of my sweatshirt is wet because my lazy dog was rolling in the wet grass because he had enough action for the day. nice.

3 years old!

2009-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

My niece Keira is now 3 years old. A great warm day to celebrate one of my favorite girls and her "sister and sister's brudder!"

coleslaw redo

2009-05-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

My family LOVES cole slaw... I do not. I have a broccoli slaw recipe that I like a lot, but I need something new. A poet-in-residence at my school passed this raw version along... can't wait to try it!
:: Morgan's Mighty Fine [not like you mother's] Raw Coleslaw ::
ingredients

1/2 head purple cabbage
1 large RAW sweet potatoe peeled
1/2 cup raw cashews [or other nuts]
1 cup currants
4 ribs of celery

Chop all of these or put in food processor until sliced in large pieces
Sweet Basil Vinaigrette

5-8 fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp nama shoyu [raw soy sauce]
1 tbsp mustard
2 tbsp raspberry vinegar
1 cup olive oil

place in blender till smooth + creamy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
to serve... keep vinaigrette separate till ready to eat to keep crunchy!

figs....

2009-05-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

are delicious! I just made a simple fig jam with hazelnuts:)

raku

2009-04-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

First of all it has been long between posts. Maybe it is because I am a camera-less, perhaps nothing too exciting is happening or I am just lazy! I think it is a combination of both. I had my school art show + it was a great success. I had a field trip to do a raku firing with my 6th graders + it was AWESOME! They were engaged + had beautiful work as a result. Above are images of their work.... a great addition to the art show!

one word

2009-04-14T16:55:00.001-07:00

Yourself: loving
Your partner: thoughtful
Your hair: straight
Your Mother: intense
Your Father: macho
Your Favorite Item: otis
Your dream last night: friend
Your Favorite Drink: water
Your Dream Car: minicooper
Your Dream Home: Uncluttered
The Room You Are In: living
Your fear: alone
Where you Want to be in Ten Years? mom
Who you hung out with last night: timmy
What You're Not: tan
Muffins: breakfast
One of Your Wish List Items: fireplace
The Last Thing You Did: ate
What You Are Wearing: stripes
Your favorite weather: breezy
Your Favorite Book: childrens
Last thing you ate: brownie
Your Life: work-in-progress
Your mood: relaxing
Your Best Friend: kind
What are you thinking about right now: bed
Your car: messy
What are you doing at the moment: blogging
Your summer: anticipation
Relationship status: Married
What is on your tv: transformers
What is the weather like: damp
When is the last time you laughed: today

spooning

2009-04-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Otis has a love/hate relationship with our vacuum. He either snuggles with it or barks at it!

"helper"

2009-03-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

not so sure...

TWINS!

2009-03-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

I am an aunt again... times two! Welcome to Caleb + Halle who arrived just after 8am on March 19th!

updating the house

2009-03-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

home improvement blues

2009-03-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

So we decided to paint a few rooms that are long overdue for a fresh coat. In an old house filled with plaster, you are bound to run into roadblocks, even for something simple. We started prepping the dining room, bathroom + our bedroom. We also need to paint the kitchen. As we worked, the DR ceiling proved to be a never-ending task.... we could have scraped the whole thing! It took Tim 2 hours to scrap about 10% of it. My dad stopped over + said that with the huge cracks, etc. it may be worth it to drywall it. Now we have a guy coming this week to do it. So, now the one week I have off that I dedicated to getting the painting done will go past the expected finish date by god-knows-when.

As for colors.... we decided on a light blue/gray for the bedroom. It is much too dark + dreary now. The dining room will be red no more, but a light mushroom/taupe on the top, a deeper version on the bottom + crisp white woodwork. The kitchen will most likely end up a similar buttery yellow because we cannot think of another color that would work. THe bathroom will remain a clean white to match the cool retro black + white subway tiles.

Pray for a quick, easy + budget-friendly finish!

ps pics to follow:)

sunday funday

2009-03-09T14:30:00.001-07:00

Headed into the city for brunch, but ended up extending our day + filling it wine, food + a sweet friend.

new little one

2009-03-07T15:02:00.001-08:00

My friends Mike + Aud are now proud parents of little baby girl named Josephine or Josie. She is just over 6lbs + so adorable. She came quickly + loved finally meeting her.

second batch

2009-03-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I made a second batch of my new favorite vanilla cupcake recipe + a success! My brothers girlfriend, Lisa turned 24 [mind you I am 10 years older then this sweet girl!], so I made them for her party. It was a busy weekend filled with birthdays + hospital visits, but it was relaxing to have a morning filled with cupcakes. I hope to try a new scone recipe tomorrow on my SNOW DAY!!!

girl with curls

2009-02-28T07:04:00.000-08:00

growing up I had my fair share of hair changes... perms, spikey bangs + black hair, purple, burgundy, bobs + even a killer mullet. But for the past few years, I have kept it simple. Long, straight + go wild by adding swoopy bangs. The other day my "stylist" asked me if I use a curling iron. It had been a while. For fun she curled my hair + tossed it around a bit + WOW! So fun... something different for a change! I ran out + bought a new curling iron the next day:)

ps sidenote... I love my huge wall calendar behind me. I have been looking for a cool one for my office. It is 3 feet by 4 feet!

sparse

2009-02-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

I know my posts have been sparse, but it seems my cannon elph is kaput. This puts a damper on taking pictures + having to depend on other peeps pictures. I borrowed my mother-in-laws for the cupcake pics from the shower + just may have to use my school camera a bit.
I had a simple + fun valentine's day. Tim always makes it nice. We bummed around the house a bit after sleeping in till about 8am. [we had stayed up late to help our friend Miruna make cut out cookies for about 300 people for a class project] Tim got me a red nano [red for valentines day] to replace the washed shuffle + encourage me to continue to go to the gym. We went to bryn mawr to see "the reader" + walk around the town a bit. We also got new sneakers for both of us [can you see the "get fit" theme for gifts:)] My knees are bad + the place I go to watches you walk + has you balance on each foot to choose sneaks that will work with your needs. Deep down I would rather have a fun pair of pumas to work out in that have NO support, but look cool.
Then we went to our favorite Indian resturant + shared garlic naan. shrimp masala, lamb korma + some chicken saag... Oh I can't forget that we started with some meat triangles [samosas] the are Tim's favorite!
We enjoyed a great day of each others company.

ps the reader was good, but I don't think they even needed a costume designer for the 1st half of the movie.... a bit like a soft porn. Slumdog should win for best picture... HANDS DOWN!

cupcakes

2009-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Got to have some fun + make cupcakes for my sis-in-law's baby shower for her soon-to-arrive twins... a boy [Caleb or Thomas] + a girl [Halle].

enjoying the snow

2009-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

got a chance to actually play in the snow yesterday in the field with my after school art club.

busy in the art room....

2009-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

[above are mugs from my "cups & cocoa art club]

[1st grade penguins]

squeaky clean shuffle

2009-01-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

So on my day off I felt as though I accomplished a lot.

I had 2 showers to buy gifts for + found good deals.
emptied + filled dishwasher
put on new pillow cases for two couch pillows
watched the season premiere of Big Love on demand
dusted the office + bedroom
made turkey chili
took otis to the groomer [he will NOT let us cut his nails, so once in a while I take him for a wash + pedi]
did some wash + washed my ipod shuffle!!!!

Now, I looked up online what I can do... a suggestion was to put it in a bowl of rice to help take out the moisture. Pray it works... cannot get a new one + I have actually been going to the gym... this is gonna suck!

just goofin' around

2009-01-16T15:32:00.001-08:00

my mac has a program photobooth... hours of fun!

my mac + me

2009-01-14T10:12:00.001-08:00

I am LOVIN' my new macbook! "It is so choice!" [to quote ferris bueller]

play season

2009-01-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Starting mid-January, grades 1-6 do plays each month + I am in charge of decorating the set with the kiddies. A lot of work, but it looks great when it is done!

a replacement

2009-01-12T07:11:00.000-08:00

I am working on my disconnect from starbucks... so far so good.... I still have the urge to pull in the lot on my way to work! I am loving a breakfast of multi-grain pancakes with blueberry syrup, almond slices + bananas.... keeps me full long into the morning!

bummer

2009-01-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

My name is Amy + I am a Starbucks orange, mango, banana vivanno addict!

today.... they did not have bananas + could not make my delicious morning drink/breakfast... not happy. I want to recreate at home... this weekend I am on it!

limoncello

2009-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

they are finished!

27

2009-01-03T19:03:00.000-08:00

my baby brother is now 27.... we get along so well. I always remember my grandpop + dad saying how important it is to get along with your siblings. I plan to keep that advice to heart.

a peek...

2009-01-03T18:57:00.001-08:00

at my friend denise's wedding gown search. She is so lovely.... they all looked great!

bedtime story

2009-01-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

My niece Keira was making us lay down to goto sleep + read us bedtime stories [she is 2 1/2]

Love her!

catching up

2008-12-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

So I may have other posts lately that refer to "catching up" this is because of my old ass computer [you suck dell!] This christmas was nice, but not how we planned. I felt rushed + also like I didn't get to see my family as much. Each year we rotate certain places we go because of his family not being close. Because his dad died this year, we stayed over my mom-in-laws place [with smoke + cat hair which I am allergic to] after we had out polish christmas eve dinner at my uncles.
Tim + I exchanged our main gifts, but saved our stockings for when we got back.
Soon My posts will come more often because santa finally was able to deliver a new laptop! Ahhh looking forward to using my mac over my crappy, slow dell!
I am hoping to relax more this week + complete my report cards. Last week, I had to run the roost while tim worked 12-14 hour days [even on saturday].

our tree

2008-12-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

First of all... Timmy is wonderful! Even will all of his long hours + stress at a different position, he finds time to make Christmas so sweet. The advent calendar has had simple things like, watch Charlie Brown's Christmas or drink cocoa with marshmallows. He also planned a trip to Longwood Gardens + Peddlers Village to see the lights. We have had to make adjustments with long work days + normal things getting in the way, but it has been great nonetheless!