Daily Buzz Moms Challange 9 x 9: Horsing around ~ A Kentucky Derby inspired day

As a mom I find it important to find the party in every day. I like to use it to teach my girls something new about our world. And often enough we can make a party with what we have on hand at home. And with much rain over our weekend, it was an indoor kind of day. We celebrated the upcoming Kentucky Derby. My girls love horses. I had their attention. And loved every moment. We kept the menu light and kid friendly. And yes there is a Classic Mint Julip in that cup for Mr. and I. of course. We created a derby inspired centerpiece by incorporating a flat of wheat grass placed in a basket. Topped with a mini (homemade) felt flag and horses from the toy box.

A Hat contest / Parade was had. With our non traditional, not so fancy hats we have on hand.

"Church Hill Downs Turkey Chili Dogs" Served in coffee filters



Kale Slaw Served up in muffin liners. Topped with sesame seeds and apple cider vinegar.

An exciting game of "Pin the tale on the Pony". Utilizing our chalk wall, yarn, and tape. Unfortunately that is my very own freehand horse drawing. NOT the girls :)

The girls horses were neck and neck to the finish line.......



























Fortunately it doesnt matter who won our lost.

In the end we all filled our bellies with or version of a "Derby Pie". We all were winners. I look forward to Partying on when the Kentucky Derby happens on May 5th!!


xoxo
d

***Thank you to Daily Buzz Moms For Featuring this post in the April 9x9 Challange "Party On". Make sure to see the other parties here at Daily Buzz Moms



After being gone for a week, it takes me a week to get it back together. Laundry, messy home, no groceries in the fridge, catching up with friends.....I cant even function until I have accomplished all of the above. Since I have been away I thought I would distract you with some pictures of cuteness from our trip. And I will promise to show up with something yummy tomorrow. OK?

Sweet sisters.

Angels.

Have a lovely day!

xoxo
d

a weekend in pictures.

there were beach picnics.

sand between our toes.

a car show.

a new rose scented candle that I love.

a visit to a lovely pop-up shop. and my first fellow blogger meeting. with her and her. exciting in my own dorky kind of way :)

and popsicles. lots of them.

hope your weekend was wonderful too!

xoxo

d

I Spy...

I spy with my little eye...We play a ton of eye spy with little e, in the car there is always fresh material to spy. At home, you can only spy the brown chair so many times. Right? Problem solved. An at-home eye spy jar for e that I can change the contents here and there. It is such a simple thing, but has provided hours of fun. Cost = free. I just used stuff around the house.

The first thing you need to do is collect a variety of clean and clear bottles or jars with lids. I used an cleaned Veganase jar. Then collect things to put inside.

Some Ideas:

• Small plastic animals or people
• stickers
• change
• tiny balls
• bottle caps
• drink umbrella
• paper clip
• jelly beans
• Swedish fish
• spool of thread
• cotton ball

Keep a list as you add items so that you know what you are looking for. Once you have finished adding items, fill with uncooked rice. About 3/4 full. Using a funnel if necessary. Now the bottle can be twisted and turned till the treasure is found! I think these would make an excellent little gift or a cute way to theme a children's birthday party.

What do you spy with your little eye?

xoxo

d 

Petit artist.

A few weeks ago, little E's school hosted their annual art show. This was our second year, and we were just as blown away as the year before. The school puts on a big event with help from the parents and auctions off pieces from each room. Each room studies a different artist for weeks and creates their own versions. Last year she studied Andy Warhol, which was amazing to have a 3 year old walking around talking about the Marilyn Monroe painting. We loved it.

This year they had John James Audubon. He painted wildlife, primarily birds.

The children's work was amazing and E was so proud to show off all that she had worked on. Every day leading to the event she would give us bits and pieces of what she was learning.

I signed up to bring a snack for the kids, and these were a hit. Strawberry and marshmallow pops. I am a firm believer that all food on a stick is better.

This was the piece that the children in her class worked on together. E said she helped paint a part of each piece of the owl, as did  ever other student. Talk about a collaboration! I have always loved art and it is important that I help my children find the same love. I like to think we enable an artistic and creative environment for the girls. Have any ideas?

xoxo
d

Remember to laugh...

In light of Mother's day and how mine panned out, I wanted to remind you all (and myself) that sometimes you just need to laugh..... It is so true. A good laugh can cure any stress, sadness, and make your true happiness shine. Mother's Day started off at 5:30am with one sick baby, which continued after my shower. Shower #2. Then the big girl wet her bed. Ugh. By 8:30am I had done 2 loads of laundry, taken 2 showers, and given 2 baths. Next the hubs was held over late at work. I just figured that my girls were pulling out the big guns and decided to show me who is boss on Mother's Day. Laugh it off right?

The rest of the day went off without a hitch. We had a nice brunch, I watched a movie, and joined my mom, sister, and friends at the casino for a little fun. Just what I needed after said morning.

Laugh and shine. That's what I plan on doing all week. Hopefully there will be no more barfing involved.

How was your weekend?

xoxo

d

Moms the word.

With mother's day right around the corner, I thought I would share some of my personal favorites for gifting. This sweet little collection of goods will do for any mom in your life. Especially if that mom is like me.  All I hope to do on Mother's Day, is to spend time with my wonderful mom  and snuggle up close to my sweet girls. And a little gifting never hurt.... did you catch the hints honey? 

uncommongoods.com

I think that little birdies are so sweet, and reminds me of when my girlies were newborns. They look like sweet little baby birds gazing up at you. Perfect for any new mom.

uncommongoods.com

This little bowl completely delights me. I love chalk surfaces and think a couple of these would look nice in my kitchen. What do you think? Perfect for any kitchen loving mom.

clover-usa.com

This appeals the crafty mom in me.

Paper Source

This sweet little journal sits right next to my bed, and I can record a daily thought or moment. It is usually something about the girls, and It makes me feel better about not documenting Everything.

Etsy

Maybe some feather hair extensions for the boho chic mom? I am kinda dying to try these!

What's on your gift want and giving list?

xoxo

d

Walking on sunshine

 This weekend was Perfect! Glorious weather, wonderful company and family time. The best! We started off an early weekend on Friday at the beach and ended up in our pool til the sun went down. And on Saturday I spent some time around town with my girlies to pick up some supplies for some spring crafts. When I say some, I mean A LOT. I should know better that unplanned trips to Michael's without something in mind ends with me buying bags of pom poms, more gold spray paint and chalk spray paint. I have a supreme weakness for pom poms and spray paint. Next I will probably start spray painting the pom poms!

I caught wind via twitter that Bianca from Bink & Boo had dropped off a new collection at a local store. We quickly headed over to Ollie&Me to check out her new stuff in person. If you think it looks good on her site, you have no idea! The sweet bibs and booties are so well made, soft, and perfect for a baby gift. I had to pick up one of the blue and creme bandanna bibs for my sweet and stylish neighbor. She just had the most gorgeous baby! I should have taken a picture of it but I gave it to her right away :) I was too excited. Go to Ollie & Me to check it out asap, they were selling out quickly!

All weekend I shredded (ripped in 30 DVD) with the awesome shredcrew and I took up another class Dailey Method Carlsbad. Boy am I feeling it today! Or perhaps I am feeling the wine and beer mac n' cheese we had a Stone Brewery yesterday? Either way I need to pick up the pieces from this sunshiny weekend, caffeinate, and start over again.....

xoxo

d

PS. I have a great Pottery Barn DIY for all you wine lovers tomorrow!

crayon muffins.

Crayon muffins are not for eating. Just so were clear. Ella and I whipped these up last weekend during the extreme weather hype. This is so great to do if you have a bunch of crayon bits around. Turn them into bigger crayons and you don't have to throw them all away. Also the major plus is that all the crayon paper peeling kept Ella busy while I got a whole lot done! Next time we will do this in the evening and I can sit back, have a cocktail and catch up on magazines!

Line with muffin papers. Heat oven to 250.

Fill to the top to create the color design you would like. Next time we will sprinkle some glitter in them for a bit of sparkle.

Keep in the oven until the crayons are all melted. Remove, cool, remove paper, and let your petit artist shine.

Fun right?

xoxo

d

Were going on a "chic-nic"...

It has rained, poured, hailed, and snowed...more than I think should, and I do think spring is near. I really love spring, so fresh and clean after the long winter months (okay not that long when you live in San Diego). Pretty Mommy was kind enough to put together another recipe exchange. This time: Lighter and Brighter. When I think of spring, I think green. And I have the perfect lighter and green recipe to share. Pesto pea salad, "chic-nic" style.

What is a "chic-nic" ? It is a chic picnic. I first got the idea when I spray painted this basket gold for a more chic look (which is my solution for too many a things, I think I have a gold/spraypaint problem).  This is one of my go to recipes, or a go to method really. All you need:

Pesto
 Store bought mixed with a splash of olive oil will do. Although, if you make homemade I prefer this recipe. Thanks Ina!

Peas

Frozen is what I use, although this is the only time of year that you can find sweet English peas at your local farmers market or grocer.

Spinach

Gently chop the spinach if you plan on serving it "chic-nic" style.

Bacon

Crispy bacon lardoons on top. Pancetta or roasted shrimp is lovely too.

Layer

Layer in mason jars. Starting with pesto on the bottom, peas, I tossed in some toasted pine nuts here, spinach, and finally bacon.

Just give your jar a little shake and you are ready to enjoy your "chic-nic", a little wine helps too. Our basket was also packed with bread, homemade butter, these cookies, and clementines. So fun and chic! Thanks again to Michele and the lovely lineup of recipe exchangers...


xoxo
d

  

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