Mya may not have the same knack that her little sis has for the whole hat/accessory thing. We will have to work on that a little bit.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
workin the hat
I have never seen anyone with a greater hat addiction than my little Winter. She loves to accessorize and her favorite accessory by far is a hat. She even loves her bike helmet and hates to take it off when we go inside. Whatever hat she's wearing, she's totally working it.
Mya may not have the same knack that her little sis has for the whole hat/accessory thing. We will have to work on that a little bit.
Mya may not have the same knack that her little sis has for the whole hat/accessory thing. We will have to work on that a little bit.
fire excitement
Every now and then, the mountains behind our house catch on fire. I'm sure it's arson. There is a giant settling pond that separates us from the mountain so we don't worry about the fires getting anywhere near us. It does make for a great show, however. The fire helicopters that drop water on the fire dip down in our little lake and suck up water with their giant hoses then drop it on the fire. I always wonder if they get fish in their hoses... poor fish.
All the kids in the neighborhood (and adults) can hear the helicopters and see the smoke so they come to our backyard where there is a good view of it all. We have a little fire party and take pictures and get really excited about the free fire show. It's a great way to pass time before bed and it's quite a social event.
Here are some pics from yesterday's fire. We had quite a few neighbors watching with us =)
(No people or houses were harmed and the fire is out now)
All the kids in the neighborhood (and adults) can hear the helicopters and see the smoke so they come to our backyard where there is a good view of it all. We have a little fire party and take pictures and get really excited about the free fire show. It's a great way to pass time before bed and it's quite a social event.
Here are some pics from yesterday's fire. We had quite a few neighbors watching with us =)
(No people or houses were harmed and the fire is out now)
Mya took this one. What a great little photographer. Nice shot of the reflection of the fire in the water...
mom's whole wheat pancakes
I love going to my mom's house when she is cooking. I know I'm going to love whatever it is. My mom is vegan and constantly making stuff I love. Everyone always asks me what she eats since she's vegan. I think they assume just bread and veggies or something =) but she eats more of a variety of foods than anyone else I know. Here's the latest yummy recipe.
First you make the mix. You can store it in the freezer in a Ziploc bag or make some pancakes right away by adding 1 cup water to 1 cup pancake mix.
You'll need:
2 cups brazil nuts or walnuts
12 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cups cornstarch
1/2 cup baking powder (or 1 cup Ener-G powder)
1 cup sucanat (found at whole foods) or 3/4 cup sugar (or use 1/4 cup honey with water when ready to mix)
2 Tbsp salt
To make:
1. Place one cup nuts and 1 cup flour in food processor and whiz for one minute until nuts are as fine as the flour. Repeat with the 2nd cup of nuts.
2. Pour blended nut and flour mixture into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix together and store in plastic storage bag in the freezer.
When ready to make, add one cup mixture to one cup water and mix. Then add 1/2 cup blueberries and you're ready to go.
Preheat a nonstick skillet to med temp. Ladle onto hot griddle in 1/4 cup portions. Cook until golden brown on each side.
I eat my pancakes with 100% maple syrup or almond butter or apple sauce.
Home made whole wheat blueberry pancakes! I ate like 10.
First you make the mix. You can store it in the freezer in a Ziploc bag or make some pancakes right away by adding 1 cup water to 1 cup pancake mix.
You'll need:
2 cups brazil nuts or walnuts
12 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cups cornstarch
1/2 cup baking powder (or 1 cup Ener-G powder)
1 cup sucanat (found at whole foods) or 3/4 cup sugar (or use 1/4 cup honey with water when ready to mix)
2 Tbsp salt
To make:
1. Place one cup nuts and 1 cup flour in food processor and whiz for one minute until nuts are as fine as the flour. Repeat with the 2nd cup of nuts.
2. Pour blended nut and flour mixture into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Mix together and store in plastic storage bag in the freezer.
When ready to make, add one cup mixture to one cup water and mix. Then add 1/2 cup blueberries and you're ready to go.
Preheat a nonstick skillet to med temp. Ladle onto hot griddle in 1/4 cup portions. Cook until golden brown on each side.
I eat my pancakes with 100% maple syrup or almond butter or apple sauce.
Friday, September 13, 2013
the beach
For a few years now our big family vacation has been a week or so of beach fun & relaxation. Traveling isn't ideal with little ones so we decided that until the kids are older, we would stick around SoCal and enjoy one of the best perks of living here. It takes about 45 minutes and we have reached our vacation destination. We go after labor day so we get a great deal and everyone else is back in school which makes for a quiet beach town and beautiful weather. Here are some highlights from our time in Newport last week.
The girls enjoyed finding lots of new and exciting things in the sand like seaweed, kelp, sand crabs, shells, bird feathers and other people's pieces of trash like bottle caps and the occasional cigarette butt.
Winter loved chasing the birds. She would run off and I would worry that she wouldn't stop running but she would eventually come back...
Their favorite thing by far was splashing in the waves with Daddy. My favorite thing was watching Dan spin the girls around super fast then watch them attempt to walk afterward. Winter was the funniest. She would take 3 steps sideways then crash into the sand.
We went for walks along the water and did some good old family bonding...
and the girls experienced their first corndogs down by the pier. I bought two, thinking I would just share with them but they completely devoured them. I had to buy another one for myself...
followed by chocolate ice cream of course
Bill & Karla, a couple favorites, came down to hang with us. Here we are enjoying the sunset. It was the best one of the trip. This first picture also includes our favorite beach doggy next door. Her name is Chase. She sits on her little perch and greets all the passers-by. I've never seen so many people gush and fawn over this little pup, especially our girls. She was super cute.
One of the best parts of our vacation was being able to watch Dodger games every night. We don't have cable at home so we didn't miss one game. Well I missed the end of a couple of late games because I was so comfy on the couch with the hubby. Vacation is exhausting.
A couple of young dodger fans...
There were a few things I wish I would have captured on camera like the girls holding hands and splashing in the waves together and the many sandcastles they built every morning. Winter would smash them seconds after they were built of course. And every morning we would sit and eat our breakfast while watching all the different dogs out for their morning walks. It was also fun to see kids riding their bikes to school on the boardwalk, backpacks on their backs and moms and dads trailing behind. We rode our bikes every day as well. (My pregnant butt is only slightly bruised) We took the bike trailer to carry the girls and sometimes they rode their own bikes; a bit of a stressful experience. They stayed on the right side for the most part though =)
Oh and one of the amazing beach sites I was lucky enough to witness was a tall, well built tan man rollerblading in a hot pink thong speedo. His buns were tan too =) Nice. Unfortunately the hubby missed it =( He was disappointed.
We also ate like pigs. We had cookies, chips, cheeseburgers and tons of food we don't normally eat at home. I gained 5 lbs =) So worth it.
All in all it was a great trip. Do the girls behave better on vacation? Of course not! We experienced twice as many tantrums, fights, timeouts and spankings, shorter naps and later bedtimes. But they had so much fun. They drove us nuts but it was worth it. Plus, everything is more enjoyable with a view of the sand and waves. Dan and I really enjoyed the peaceful times when the girls would be napping or down for the night. We played cards, read books and talked about what it would be like to live there. Of course we decided beach life would never be ideal all the time. But it is sure nice once a year.
There is a reason why people spend millions of dollars to own property on the beach. It doesn't get much better. Just a preview of heaven...
We felt very blessed to be there.
Monday, September 9, 2013
dan's favorite enchiladas
I love hearing about what other families eat for dinner whether it is a special meal for special occasions or something they make all the time. This meal is my husband's favorite. He loves Mexican food. And I'm not an amazing cook so I don't make many things that he loves. It's okay, I still have time =) He's picky!
Before the girls started eating with us, I used to make the enchiladas on the spicier side but I've changed a few things to make them milder for the girls. I will provide both versions below. Dan loves the spicy version of course. I would say it is medium spicy. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to spicy food so it's pretty much just as spicy as I can stand.
Chicken & black bean enchiladas (30 mins prep and assemble, 30 minutes to cook)
-You'll need:
-10-12 tortillas (I like Guillero's)
-1/2 can of refried black beans (Trader Joe's sells them with Jalapeños for spicier flavor)
-1/2 can of corn or 1 cup frozen corn (I prefer frozen)
-8 oz pepper jack cheese shredded (or regular Monterey jack for milder taste)
-1 chicken breast cooked and shredded. (I just cook mine in a frying pan with olive oil over med high. 5 minutes on each side should do the trick. cut it open to make sure the inside is no longer pink)
-I large jar of Herdez salsa verde (or mild green enchilada sauce for milder taste)
-small can of sliced olives
You want to have everything laid out in front of you so you can easily assemble your enchiladas. I use a bunch of cereal bowls to put my cheese, beans, corn, chicken and olives in. This is pretty messy to make FYI. You can't make good enchiladas without getting it all over your fingers. So wash up and get started!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the tortillas so they are nice and pliable. I put them in a damp thin dish towel and throw them in the microwave for 90 seconds. Then coat the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish with half of your sauce. Dip the tortillas in the dish so they are coated on both sides. Then put about a teaspoon of black beans, cheese, shredded chicken and corn in the tortilla and roll it up. Repeat until you've used up your tortillas. Any left over chicken and corn can be sprinkled on top of your rolled up tortillas. Poor the rest of your sauce on top. Then sprinkle cheese and olives and cover with foil.
Cook covered for 15 mins. Remove foil then cook another 15 mins.
That's it!
We add rice and beans and make our own tortilla chips with the remaining tortillas. I get the beans and rice started first, then start making the enchiladas.
For the rice, I make it in the rice cooker. My husband does it on the stove top if he's available to help. I don't have time for that. We use one cup chicken broth, one cup Rotel's canned tomatoes (regular diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a milder flavor) and one cup uncooked rice. Add a TBSP or so of tomato paste for more tomato flavor if you have it on hand.
I cook the pinto beans on the stove while I'm making everything else so they are nice and soft when everything is ready. Bring them to a boil then turn them to low. Sometimes we sauté onions first in the pan then add the beans. Sometimes I add extra cheese to the beans to give them extra flavor too.
To make the chips, cut the tortillas into 8ths, coat or spray with olive oil and lay them flat on a cookie sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes. You'll have to watch them so they don't burn. Every oven is different. I make the chips while the enchiladas are cooking so I can put them in the oven when the enchiladas are done.
I realize this is a lot of work. Maybe start with the enchiladas and beans then next time add the rice and chips.
Before the girls started eating with us, I used to make the enchiladas on the spicier side but I've changed a few things to make them milder for the girls. I will provide both versions below. Dan loves the spicy version of course. I would say it is medium spicy. I'm kind of a wimp when it comes to spicy food so it's pretty much just as spicy as I can stand.
Chicken & black bean enchiladas (30 mins prep and assemble, 30 minutes to cook)
-You'll need:
-10-12 tortillas (I like Guillero's)
-1/2 can of refried black beans (Trader Joe's sells them with Jalapeños for spicier flavor)
-1/2 can of corn or 1 cup frozen corn (I prefer frozen)
-8 oz pepper jack cheese shredded (or regular Monterey jack for milder taste)
-1 chicken breast cooked and shredded. (I just cook mine in a frying pan with olive oil over med high. 5 minutes on each side should do the trick. cut it open to make sure the inside is no longer pink)
-I large jar of Herdez salsa verde (or mild green enchilada sauce for milder taste)
-small can of sliced olives
You want to have everything laid out in front of you so you can easily assemble your enchiladas. I use a bunch of cereal bowls to put my cheese, beans, corn, chicken and olives in. This is pretty messy to make FYI. You can't make good enchiladas without getting it all over your fingers. So wash up and get started!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the tortillas so they are nice and pliable. I put them in a damp thin dish towel and throw them in the microwave for 90 seconds. Then coat the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish with half of your sauce. Dip the tortillas in the dish so they are coated on both sides. Then put about a teaspoon of black beans, cheese, shredded chicken and corn in the tortilla and roll it up. Repeat until you've used up your tortillas. Any left over chicken and corn can be sprinkled on top of your rolled up tortillas. Poor the rest of your sauce on top. Then sprinkle cheese and olives and cover with foil.
That's it!
(I ran out of olives for this batch but I usually sprinkle them on top)
We add rice and beans and make our own tortilla chips with the remaining tortillas. I get the beans and rice started first, then start making the enchiladas.
For the rice, I make it in the rice cooker. My husband does it on the stove top if he's available to help. I don't have time for that. We use one cup chicken broth, one cup Rotel's canned tomatoes (regular diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a milder flavor) and one cup uncooked rice. Add a TBSP or so of tomato paste for more tomato flavor if you have it on hand.
I cook the pinto beans on the stove while I'm making everything else so they are nice and soft when everything is ready. Bring them to a boil then turn them to low. Sometimes we sauté onions first in the pan then add the beans. Sometimes I add extra cheese to the beans to give them extra flavor too.
To make the chips, cut the tortillas into 8ths, coat or spray with olive oil and lay them flat on a cookie sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes. You'll have to watch them so they don't burn. Every oven is different. I make the chips while the enchiladas are cooking so I can put them in the oven when the enchiladas are done.
I realize this is a lot of work. Maybe start with the enchiladas and beans then next time add the rice and chips.
homemade salsa
This is really good and easy salsa to make. We got this recipe from a neighbor and now it is pretty much the only salsa my husband will eat.
You will need:
5 tomatoes
6 sweet peppers (the small colorful ones that usually come in a package at the supermarket)
1 white onion quartered (take the skin off)
1 jalapeño
1/2 hand full of cilantro
salt & pepper to taste
1st, grill all of your veggies. (Tomatoes, peppers, onion and jalapeño) You can do this on the grill outside or on a grill pan over the stove on high. Grill them until they are nice and soft and blackened a bit.
Then remove stems from the tomatoes and peppers and stem and seeds from the jalapeño.
Throw everything into the blender and blend to desired consistency.
You will need:
5 tomatoes
6 sweet peppers (the small colorful ones that usually come in a package at the supermarket)
1 white onion quartered (take the skin off)
1 jalapeño
1/2 hand full of cilantro
salt & pepper to taste
1st, grill all of your veggies. (Tomatoes, peppers, onion and jalapeño) You can do this on the grill outside or on a grill pan over the stove on high. Grill them until they are nice and soft and blackened a bit.
Then remove stems from the tomatoes and peppers and stem and seeds from the jalapeño.
Throw everything into the blender and blend to desired consistency.
recharge
There's no way we moms can do what we do without a little me time. Obviously time isn't something most of us have. We have to MAKE time to relax. Most of the time I am tempted to just plop down in front of the TV and veg but there are so many better ways to feed my soul. This can be during naptime, when hubby is home, before the kids wake up in the morning or after they go to sleep at night. I find that the internet and TV don't necessarily help. Maybe the brain needs recharging, and zoning out altogether just doesn't work for that. Maybe for some it does. Obviously I go online. It helps to blog but it isn't on my list because I don't get that same relaxed feeling afterward.
I try to do something every few days that recharges my mom battery. Ideally I would do something every day. Here's a list of ideas. Mark your calendar so you remember to relax =)
First, indoor recharging...
-PRAY. I tell my heavenly father what is on my mind. I pray for everyone I love and try to remember all those prayer requests from friends who have asked for prayer lately. This takes longer than you would think. Sometimes I fall asleep praying for people. Sometimes I pray for people when I can't sleep. It is relaxing I must say.
-I take a bath with candles and soothing music. I like acoustic guitar music. Sometimes I will read in the tub. Sometimes I will just sit close my eyes.
-Write in my journal. At first, I had a hard time being completely honest because I didn't want anyone to ever be able to read everything I was thinking. My thoughts were safe in my head. But hopefully your hubby is trustworthy like mine and respects your privacy and you don't have to worry about that. It is worth it and freeing to actually admit my fears, frustrations, weaknesses, areas I struggle and prayers. I find that if I just write it all as a prayer to God, it helps to be honest. Turn on some music and light some candles too. Create a relaxing environment in your favorite spot in the house or outside.
-Read a book. Find a cozy spot in the house where you are comfortable but not so comfortable you will fall asleep =) After I put my girls to bed and clean up downstairs, sometimes I like to have a cup of tea and a cookie and read a book on my cozy couch that is well lit. Sometimes I plan to do that during the day and it gives me something to look forward to.
-I do yoga. (Not these days...too pregnant) Borrow a DVD or rent one from your local library for free. I have some you could borrow =)
-I find a craft I've been wanting to do on pinterest and actually do it. Crafting is so relaxing. And with holidays coming up, there are a ton of great ones to do. Don't forget the relaxing atmosphere as you craft; music and candles of course.
-I do something nice for someone. I bake some treats, cook a meal or write a nice card to someone who needs cheering up or has moved to a new state or country. Getting something in the mail is so much nicer than getting an email. That way, they can set it on their counter or window sill. Use that stationary you've had for years. It always lifts my spirits to do something for someone else. It gets me out of my own head where I build frustrations and count the ways that the day is sucking.
-I haven't learned how to knit or crochet yet but it is next on my creative list of things to do. I would imagine that it is super relaxing. They have classes that are pretty cheap or free. My mom taught me once. I'm sure most people have someone that would be willing to teach them how to crochet or knit. There are tutorials on youtube as well. Same goes for sewing. Sewing is super easy. The only tricky part is threading the bobbin. But once that is done, you pretty much push the pedal and guide the fabric. They have classes for sewing too.
-Draw or paint. Get a sketchpad at the 99 cent store and sketch something in the house. Focusing on one object is very calming. I used to love to sketch when I was in high school. I wasn't amazing but it kept me busy and brought out my creative juices. I could attempt to make a piece of art for the home. For example, four pictures of different items that my kids use like their shoes, a dress, a toy and a doll. That would be a really creative and personal wall decoration for my girls' rooms. I could leave them as a sketches or paint them.
Outdoor recharging...
Being outside really helps to clear my head. It improves my mood drastically. I remember when my first baby was just a few weeks old and I had been in the house going crazy and my husband suggested that we just go for a walk with our newborn. I felt 10 times better afterward. And we just went around the block a couple of times. Just 20 minutes was all I needed. I had no idea how much I needed fresh air. You hear people say it but it is so true.
-Walking is so good. I try to walk in the morning before my husband leaves for work. It helps to have a walking buddy. When it is just me, it is harder to get up so early. But once I am out there, I feel so great. My day is off to a much better start than when I am lying in bed telling my girls that mommy needs 5 more minutes before I get up. I like the morning because there isn't as much smog and it is cooler. I find that I am just happier throughout the day on the days that I walk. I like to run too but it's not for everyone.
-Another great thing to do in the morning is to read my bible or devotional before the kids wake up. It doesn't happen often but when I do, it is really nice to do it in the back yard in the morning air. I brew a cup of coffee, put on a cozy robe and read God's word. The hardest part about doing anything before the girls wake up is the moment the alarm goes off and making the decision to get up or keep sleeping.
-Meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee. There is nothing like a good talk with a girlfriend or girlfriends. Our lives get busy and time passes so quickly. I find that I am usually the one to plan stuff with my girlfriends. Otherwise, it doesn't happen. I am totally fine with that. I'm a planner. Once they are out, they are happy to have that time to chat too. Most women are social creatures. Even the introverts like conversation with a good friend, especially a friend with common interests. I love to hang out with other moms with small children because I know that I can really be honest and they will totally identify. It is also good to meet up with a mentor type friend; someone from whom you can learn life lessons and receive encouragement. It is nice to talk to moms that are in the next stage because they have been where I am and got through it successfully.
*If you can't get out, brew some decaf and bake some cookies and create a coffee shop type setting in your back yard or kitchen. Invite your friend over to your "coffee shop" to talk.
-I love to ride my bike. I usually have the kids in tow but every once in a while I get to go by myself and it is so nice. Nothing is flat where I live so I usually go uphill then coast downhill with the wind in my face. It is really refreshing.
-I like to sit at a coffee shop and read a book or write in my journal. I enjoy making lists and planning meals too. Sometimes it is easier to think once I am out of my house. If you can't leave and go to a coffee shop, create a coffee shop in your backyard. Get creative. Clean up your patio furniture, light a candle, bring an ipod, brew some coffee or tea and enjoy the fresh air.
-I love shopping like most gals but I'm on a pretty tight budget so I frequent yard sales, thrift stores and 99 cent stores. I don't go just to browse though. I usually have a craft in mind or I need something like dresses for my girls or maternity clothes. I like to get a good list going before I start my bargain searching.
I try to do something every few days that recharges my mom battery. Ideally I would do something every day. Here's a list of ideas. Mark your calendar so you remember to relax =)
First, indoor recharging...
-PRAY. I tell my heavenly father what is on my mind. I pray for everyone I love and try to remember all those prayer requests from friends who have asked for prayer lately. This takes longer than you would think. Sometimes I fall asleep praying for people. Sometimes I pray for people when I can't sleep. It is relaxing I must say.
-I take a bath with candles and soothing music. I like acoustic guitar music. Sometimes I will read in the tub. Sometimes I will just sit close my eyes.
-Write in my journal. At first, I had a hard time being completely honest because I didn't want anyone to ever be able to read everything I was thinking. My thoughts were safe in my head. But hopefully your hubby is trustworthy like mine and respects your privacy and you don't have to worry about that. It is worth it and freeing to actually admit my fears, frustrations, weaknesses, areas I struggle and prayers. I find that if I just write it all as a prayer to God, it helps to be honest. Turn on some music and light some candles too. Create a relaxing environment in your favorite spot in the house or outside.
-Read a book. Find a cozy spot in the house where you are comfortable but not so comfortable you will fall asleep =) After I put my girls to bed and clean up downstairs, sometimes I like to have a cup of tea and a cookie and read a book on my cozy couch that is well lit. Sometimes I plan to do that during the day and it gives me something to look forward to.
-I do yoga. (Not these days...too pregnant) Borrow a DVD or rent one from your local library for free. I have some you could borrow =)
-I find a craft I've been wanting to do on pinterest and actually do it. Crafting is so relaxing. And with holidays coming up, there are a ton of great ones to do. Don't forget the relaxing atmosphere as you craft; music and candles of course.
-I do something nice for someone. I bake some treats, cook a meal or write a nice card to someone who needs cheering up or has moved to a new state or country. Getting something in the mail is so much nicer than getting an email. That way, they can set it on their counter or window sill. Use that stationary you've had for years. It always lifts my spirits to do something for someone else. It gets me out of my own head where I build frustrations and count the ways that the day is sucking.
-I haven't learned how to knit or crochet yet but it is next on my creative list of things to do. I would imagine that it is super relaxing. They have classes that are pretty cheap or free. My mom taught me once. I'm sure most people have someone that would be willing to teach them how to crochet or knit. There are tutorials on youtube as well. Same goes for sewing. Sewing is super easy. The only tricky part is threading the bobbin. But once that is done, you pretty much push the pedal and guide the fabric. They have classes for sewing too.
-Draw or paint. Get a sketchpad at the 99 cent store and sketch something in the house. Focusing on one object is very calming. I used to love to sketch when I was in high school. I wasn't amazing but it kept me busy and brought out my creative juices. I could attempt to make a piece of art for the home. For example, four pictures of different items that my kids use like their shoes, a dress, a toy and a doll. That would be a really creative and personal wall decoration for my girls' rooms. I could leave them as a sketches or paint them.
Outdoor recharging...
Being outside really helps to clear my head. It improves my mood drastically. I remember when my first baby was just a few weeks old and I had been in the house going crazy and my husband suggested that we just go for a walk with our newborn. I felt 10 times better afterward. And we just went around the block a couple of times. Just 20 minutes was all I needed. I had no idea how much I needed fresh air. You hear people say it but it is so true.
-Walking is so good. I try to walk in the morning before my husband leaves for work. It helps to have a walking buddy. When it is just me, it is harder to get up so early. But once I am out there, I feel so great. My day is off to a much better start than when I am lying in bed telling my girls that mommy needs 5 more minutes before I get up. I like the morning because there isn't as much smog and it is cooler. I find that I am just happier throughout the day on the days that I walk. I like to run too but it's not for everyone.
-Another great thing to do in the morning is to read my bible or devotional before the kids wake up. It doesn't happen often but when I do, it is really nice to do it in the back yard in the morning air. I brew a cup of coffee, put on a cozy robe and read God's word. The hardest part about doing anything before the girls wake up is the moment the alarm goes off and making the decision to get up or keep sleeping.
-Meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee. There is nothing like a good talk with a girlfriend or girlfriends. Our lives get busy and time passes so quickly. I find that I am usually the one to plan stuff with my girlfriends. Otherwise, it doesn't happen. I am totally fine with that. I'm a planner. Once they are out, they are happy to have that time to chat too. Most women are social creatures. Even the introverts like conversation with a good friend, especially a friend with common interests. I love to hang out with other moms with small children because I know that I can really be honest and they will totally identify. It is also good to meet up with a mentor type friend; someone from whom you can learn life lessons and receive encouragement. It is nice to talk to moms that are in the next stage because they have been where I am and got through it successfully.
*If you can't get out, brew some decaf and bake some cookies and create a coffee shop type setting in your back yard or kitchen. Invite your friend over to your "coffee shop" to talk.
-I love to ride my bike. I usually have the kids in tow but every once in a while I get to go by myself and it is so nice. Nothing is flat where I live so I usually go uphill then coast downhill with the wind in my face. It is really refreshing.
-I like to sit at a coffee shop and read a book or write in my journal. I enjoy making lists and planning meals too. Sometimes it is easier to think once I am out of my house. If you can't leave and go to a coffee shop, create a coffee shop in your backyard. Get creative. Clean up your patio furniture, light a candle, bring an ipod, brew some coffee or tea and enjoy the fresh air.
-I love shopping like most gals but I'm on a pretty tight budget so I frequent yard sales, thrift stores and 99 cent stores. I don't go just to browse though. I usually have a craft in mind or I need something like dresses for my girls or maternity clothes. I like to get a good list going before I start my bargain searching.
Monday, September 2, 2013
hangin' out
I was at Target a few days ago by myself picking up a few items. I see all kinds of people at my target in Azusa. I see moms, families, punk kids, gang banger types and college folk. I'm not usually surprised very easily living in LA county and having lived in Hollywood, Eagle Rock and Tujunga. I don't know why I was so caught off guard by the site I saw but I was just not expecting it.
So I'm walking down the main aisle, headed for the grocery section when I see a young mom, maybe 21, feeding her tiny baby. At first I was checking out the fact that she was walking and breastfeeding, something I have yet to master. But then I noticed that her whole boob was hanging out for everyone to see! I walked past her with my mouth open, almost saying something... but what? Um, excuse me but your areola is showing. Or maybe, man, you've got some cojones walking around so exposed like that. Part of me was offended. Part of me was impressed. And part of me was amazed that she was so nonchalant about the whole thing. She didn't care that everyone looked at her in disbelief. Nope, it was totally normal to let your breast hang out. It wasn't small either. I would guess like a full D. She was fairly attractive as well. Teenage boys snickered to their friends. Older folk shook their heads at each other. Some just looked around confused, not knowing what to make of it all.
Just another site that will stand out in my memory like that one time I was in Ensenada and saw a mom sitting on the sidewalk, feeding her baby, both boobs hanging out this time. She wasn't even holding the baby. He was laying on her crisscrossed legs having some lunch. She held out a cup asking for money. Can't remember if I gave her anything.
They will both be in my people watching hall of fame. Both very impressive.
So I'm walking down the main aisle, headed for the grocery section when I see a young mom, maybe 21, feeding her tiny baby. At first I was checking out the fact that she was walking and breastfeeding, something I have yet to master. But then I noticed that her whole boob was hanging out for everyone to see! I walked past her with my mouth open, almost saying something... but what? Um, excuse me but your areola is showing. Or maybe, man, you've got some cojones walking around so exposed like that. Part of me was offended. Part of me was impressed. And part of me was amazed that she was so nonchalant about the whole thing. She didn't care that everyone looked at her in disbelief. Nope, it was totally normal to let your breast hang out. It wasn't small either. I would guess like a full D. She was fairly attractive as well. Teenage boys snickered to their friends. Older folk shook their heads at each other. Some just looked around confused, not knowing what to make of it all.
Just another site that will stand out in my memory like that one time I was in Ensenada and saw a mom sitting on the sidewalk, feeding her baby, both boobs hanging out this time. She wasn't even holding the baby. He was laying on her crisscrossed legs having some lunch. She held out a cup asking for money. Can't remember if I gave her anything.
They will both be in my people watching hall of fame. Both very impressive.
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