Supercalifragilistic weekend

Last weekend I gathered up my girls and drove to my in-laws house for our much anticipated outing to the musical~

 The show was nothing short of fantastic.  From the stage props, to the costumes to the talent involved it was such a fun time to experience with the girls & my mum-in-law.  What a wonderful gift it was (thank you mum)!

After our day at the theatre, mr. man and I got a night out sans kids.  We had dinner at Malo and then decided to check out the Griffith Observatory.  The view from the newly remodeled building is spectacular!  Entry to the observatory is free, but we decided to watch a show in the planetarium which did not dissapoint. Since I didn't have my camera on hand (and I'd never do it justice anyway), I found this stunning photo online and had to post it.  I randomly found the photography blog for Della Huff and had to share. 

As great as Saturday was, the fun didn't stop there.  Sunday morning I rose to a hike with my dad-in-law in Griffith Park up to the observatory again.  The air was crisp and clean from the latest rain and the view of  L.A. was phenominal! 

Since I knew I would want to get some photos on the hike I stopped specifically to buy batteries for my camera because they were low.  On my way out of the store I opened the package, took the new batteries out in one hand, the old batteries out in the other and got distracted (this happens so easily with me).  When I realized I didn't know which were old and which were new I put some in and it looked like I guessed right...that is until we got to the amazing view when my camera abruptly said to me "you're not so bright, are ya?"  Did I consider putting the other set of batteries in my pocket?  Of course not.  Consequently, the picture above is the only decent photo that was taken before my camera gave me the bird and went to sleep.

After the two hour hike with my FIL, Bri and I went to see a movie that I had heard about.  To Save A Life is like no other teen movie I've seen.  It's message is powerful and positive unlike most movies that are directed at this age group.  It recognizes and addresses some of the major issues that teens are facing with a rawness that gets your attention and then demonstrates that through thoughtful choices and behavior we can save not only others, but ourselves from the slippery slope that only leads downward.  If you know a teenager who hasn't seen this film, I highly recommend it.  It's not playing everywhere, but you can find the closest showing here.

We finished off the day with the last half of the superbowl and pizza.  Not usually my style, but I enjoyed every minute.

Spending time with family is always a gift.  But THIS weekend was simply magical.

more rain = more hearts

I've found a new joy in hand sewing and

embroidery as the rainy day washes through town.

These mini heart pillows are so fun and easy to make

although I haven't really figured out how I want to use them yet.

Any ideas???

I leave you with the polka dot trio
who jumped, slid, air hockeyed and bickered
to their hearts content this morning
before getting their spotted slickers on for the ride home.

Dog vs Child

and the winner is...



Little M "queen of the dogbed"

♥~ing February

The heart garland on the window is made from Maya's artwork that comes home from school.

The other is a garland that I made out of fabric last valentine's season.

Aren't they so happy?

Oh yes, and Oscar the Couch is still here. 

Turns out he has formed a special place in the hearts of our family after all.

Plus, he's just too comfy.

What's on your table?

Last week our family watched Food Inc, a movie (we ordered from netflix) that had a great impact on me.  Not to say I wasn't already an advocate for organic locally grown foods, but this movie has rocked my nutritional outlook even further.  The saddest thing about it is that not everyone can afford organic local foods, because the major food corporations have made a science out of how to sell nutritionally void, illness inducing, mouthwatering tempations that cost merely pennies.  It really broke my heart to see a glimpse of what the food industry has become and what the american people are (many unkowingly) choosing to eat morning, noon and night. 

The scariest part about it is that it really isn't much of a choice for many.  Those who are barely getting by have to buy what they can afford and they are truly getting what they're paying for, but even worse is the increasing major health problems that just keep growing as the illnesses get doused with more and more medications.  As far as buying any type of meat, the choices for local or organic options are few and far between.  Call me granola, but I like to think that the food I'm eating hasn't been showered with pesticides, genetically altered, pumped with steroids and antibiotics or treated inhumanely.  Maybe I'm being unrealistic, but my hope is that more and more people will make the choice to eat local.  Eat organic.  Choose humanely raised meats.  And in doing so, increase the demand and lower the cost of these foods for all.

Ok, I'm done with my ranting.  If I've lost you somewhere along the way, but you're interested in what spurred this long winded post you can read more at hungry for change or the Center for Food Safety or cspi. 

Princess D

Last weekend we spent some time celebrating little misses sweet friend...princess D. 
I have never seen a child who loves playing dress-up and princess more than she.
So for her fifth birthday we thought we'd present her highness with a crown.
Is she worthy?  Most definitely, she is.

Happy birthday precious D!

Pouty-pouts

This is the little miss.

This is the little misses best pout.

Some of my favorite sayings from this child when things aren't quite going her way are:

"Mommmmmm, don't you want me to have fun?"
&
"It's tough being four"

And she says these with all the don't-you-pity-me-ness that she can muster.

Adorable it is.  Adore her.  I do.

Love. Rain.

          

We have had the most beautiful storms passing through our city this past week and I have loved every little drop of water that has fallen.  As grateful as I am for the mild climate we live in, I really do miss the way my senses come alive with the change of seasons that are common in most other parts of the country.

So thank you stormy weather for showering us with water and excitement, we've been needing it.

Hope your enjoying the weather in your neck of the woods.

Scrumptious

January is a busy month around these parts as we celebrate birthdays left and right.

Last week I celebrated the birth of my cousin and good friend G along with several other girlfriends. 

She invited us over to dine on some fine french cuisine created right there before our eyes. 

Every bite was delicious and the company divine.

On the menu:

Seared Ahi Tuna, Shrimp & Scallops (no scallops for me/unless I wanted to hug the toilet all night) on a bed of bright and beautiful sauteed veggies

Shitake mushrooms and stuffed quail salad with a white truffle vinagrette

Perfect lady-like portions of new york steak and a filet with a delectible cheese sauce, gratin potatoes, asparagus and incredible roasted tomatoes

Creme Brulee to die for

It was good. So good. 

Thanks G for the amazing night, what a gift that was...isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

.......................................................................................................................

I forgot to mention that the meal was prepared and served by an amazing french chef  Gaël Lecolley who you can read more about here

The beautiful table setting was laid out by Miss Sheila Callahan.  Wish I would have gotten some better photos of the table.  Simply put the table was elegant with a bit of french flair. This woman lacks nothing in the way of creative table settings for any type of event.  She's incredible.

Fashionably late~

is usually how i greet everyone ~ and i didn't want to disappoint in the new year. wouldn't want anyone to think i was going to make any MAJOR changes as that just hasn't been my m.o. any~who, thought i would add some of my desires for 2010.

get messy & enjoy art and creativity with my girls on a regular basis

take notice of the beauty around me and all of my blessings. every. day.

continue preparing fresh and local foods to nourish my family

make silhouettes of our girls to hang in our home

more beach days with my family

hugging my girls every chance i get

to stop and listen to the birds singing. watch them soaring.

pause to see the little things that could easily be overlooked

laugh at myself more

take life less seriously

prioritize my time & focus.focus.focus.

planning to post more often. really. i am.

xoxo