Vive le Macaron

This morning, I got to spend a few hours perfecting my pastry chef skills with my very talented friend Andrea at Sur la Table. Our task: macarons. We were quickly corrected that American macaroons are the coconut desserts, where the French macarons are the shelled sandwich creme cookie. There's your lesson of the day.

Our creations included strawberry with Champagne (eh, sparkling wine, we saw the bottle) buttercream, bacon with maple buttercream, and mint with dark chocolate ganache. While I don't see myself making these very often--they are pretty labor intensive and apparently not for the amateur baker-I could see a batch for a special occasion as definitely doable.

A very fitting way to spend Bastille Day :) Vive le France!

6 Months

Six months ago we were traipsing our way around Peru, making our way to Machu Picchu. It provided a lot of thinking time. Time for me to plot and plan Scott's 30th birthday. I had it pretty well envisioned by the time we reached the ruins and last weekend, executed it.

The theme was inspired by "Downton Abbey," essentially an homage to the finer things in a gentleman's life, including leisure activities. Libations were enjoyed, cigars smoked, croquet and badminton played, and a photo booth enjoyed. It's safe to say that Scott welcomed his 30s with a well-dressed group of family and friends who love him.

And, I'm hanging my hat on the party planning until my own 30th, six months from now, as a major rejuvenation is in order after back to back weekends of baby shower throwing and 30th birthday party executing.

Also, I'm six months pregnant today. BAM!

2012: O

O is for outstanding, the kind of grade given in early elementary school, and how I sum up 2012.

It was the kind of year defined by amazing experiences, sharing moments with family and friends, but also living every day life to the fullest. Scott and I ate some amazing meals, worked on our house, learned more about each other, watched friends and family get married, have babies, and celebrate milestone birthdays. While the year was full of highs, there were certainly moments of reflection in loss, specifically the passing of my grandfather.

Yet, I feel very fortunate that the entire year feels like a highlight reel, which is essentially this blog. I started this back in 2007, and while some of those early posts were pretty juvenile in nature as I figured out this public diary business, I'm happy that it's been fairly consistently updated. I started it because I don't like to write in a journal as my handwriting is too sloppy, and it's grown into a way to stay in touch with family and friends from near and far. While it's no Young House Love or Dooce, I'm glad my parents care enough to still read what their nearly 29-year-old daughter puts on the Internet. And offer suggestions :)

On the final day of 2012, it seems appropriate to list favorites. It's organized, there are photos, and a pretty bitchin' top three.

1. The day we jumped out of a plane

2. Hiking to Machu Piccu

3. Meeting Ina Garten

And what's New Year's Eve without a grand finale activity like riding a Segway for the first time?

Cheers to 2013, and all that it has in store!

-Madam Commissioner Erin Haselton

I'm with the DJ

My friend Courtney is carving out a name for herself in the DJ world and I am so happy that she's chasing her dream.

It can be hard to see her do her thang however, given that DJs generally work a shift I'll never see based upon my bedtime, work schedule, and proximity to LA. This DJ Dazzler has struck up a deal with a restaurant/club right here in our city and spins Wednesday nights, so there was no better time than Thanksgiving Eve to finally see her. Granted, a 9pm nap was required and some minor fretting about wardrobe, but so worth it. Plus, I experienced going out with my sister for the first time since her 21st and what a trip that is!

Romantic dates with friends

Farm houses, fall foliage, apple picking, donut eating, and long car rides with friends make for a lovely Sunday.

Dreams do come true!

Like meeting Ina "@&$?!$ Garten!!!!!!!!!!

And now, a pictorial for the history books.

1) My first (faux) glimpse of Ina today. 2-3) True fabulous fashion, they served cranberry bars-recipe in the cookbook, and espresso while we waited. 4) The posse!

1) ZOMG so excited! 2) THERE SHE IS!!!! 3) Speechless, except for gibberish squeal. 4) "Thank you, enjoy the cookbook." Our first conversation!!!!

SO WORTH TAKING A VACATION DAY FOR THIS!!!

Veterans Day

No better way to spend Veterans Day than with Harrison who celebrated his honorable discharge with the Marines after eight years of service. Semper Fi!

Friday Night Lights

We relived the glory days last night at our high school's 50th anniversary homecoming game at good old Glover Stadium.

In honor of the occasion, the current ASB asked all previous homecoming queens and kings back to be part of the halftime show. So, with Scott and Kerri as my dates we went, sat in the VIP section with about 20 other royals, some more recent than others, and watched the show unfold.

As nice as it was to be asked back to stand on the field with fellow alumni, I was ashamed at how under-dressed I was for the occasion. But, my rationale remains--it was a football game and I was not the star of the show. Also, directions were unclear, so I am actually glad I was not one of the women who received a phone call instructing them to wear a formal dress and crown. I may have been one of only two in jeans, but again, it was a football game and not my day to be the star.

Going back to Loara brings back such great memories, especially on that field with the dance team. It's a shame that the team no longer exists, and hasn't for a number of years, but a reminder that times do change. and, that I need to convert the camcorder dance videos to DVD so I can truly have a binge reliving the glory days.

Photo credits to Kerri!

Quite honestly the best part of the night was coincidentally meeting up after the game with Kerri's parents Dave and Kelli, and their/our friends Bill and Kartha, also alums, downtown. Made for a very fun and lively Friday evening, though Rob was definitely missed!

The Reunion

It came, it was better than I hoped, and now I hang my hat on that commitment made ten years ago. We had such a good time with everyone last night catching up and of course hanging with current friends too. Some things don't change!

Seasonal Friends

Sometimes there are characters on television that I connect with on such a level I have to remind myself that these are not real people--they are emotions and actions channelled through an actors.

After I tell myself that, I immediately forget it and think about how much I want to be friends with Liz Lemon/Tina Fey and Leslie Knope/Amy Poehler.

The problem is a constant struggle of who do I like more*. When the seasons are in full swing, Leslie Knope takes it by a landslide. How can you argue with the woman's insane love of waffles? And the relationship with Ron Mother-effin Swanson?

The Liz Lemon character practically parallels Knope in the food department (junk food addict) and coworker chemistry department (Jack Mother-effin Donaghy.) Currently, I've broken my cardinal rule of rereading a book in less than year when I picked up Bossypants last week and have been cry-snort-laughing in bed each night.

The rationale, one might argue, is that Tina Fey is real and Leslie Knope is a faux Assistant Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. (But her spirit is SO SO real!)

Thus, Amy Poehler needs to take a note from Tina and Kris Jenner and hop on the memoir train to settle this quarterly debate. It really boils down to whom I'd invite to my yet to be planned dinner in the Hamptons with Ina. 

First world problem, I realize.

10 Years

10 years ago today, I graduated high school.

Over time I've come to realize how much people either loved or loathed high school. I fit in the former category. Call it the glory days, call it what you will, I was most engaged and involved during those four years. College was great and I made two friends-one I was lucky enough to carry over from high school and the other was the best thing that came out of Chapman University.

High school was simply fun. I loved being part of the dance team, ASB, the various clubs, dances-the typical activities that make those years memorable and relatively care-free.

Hands down my favorite year was 2001-junior year. I started dating Scott, I was co-captain to Kerri's captain on the dance team, I (finally) grew out my bangs--MY GOD a landmark year.

Senior year was lonely-both Kerri and Scott had graduated, and it's not to say I didn't have friends in my class, because I like to think that I was friend to most, but there's nothing like losing your best friend and your boyfriend to college. We had a strong class of females, athletes especially, who reminded me of the importance of female friendship, and for that I'm thankful.

September 11, 2011 took place during that year, a morning that America will never forget. A day Scott texted me on my red Nokia phone, and Kerri was supposed to come back to school and meet me for lunch but was stuck in the traffic surrounding CSULB that she couldn't get out.  A day time stopped in classes to absorb what happened alongside our teachers with fear, bewilderment, and sadness.

High school was not always rosy posy. I know I have blocked memories from the hellacious year of 2000-sophomore year, but it's the kind of thing where the good ultimately outweighs the bad, and why I've been committed to our class reunion later this month. It's a lot of work, but like any party, I'm on board and want to make it an occasion that people are glad they came to when all is said and done. Like most, I've kept in contact and see those who are near and dear but welcome the chance to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances with our shared past. If any of you are reading this, I do hope you come. I promise a good time.

Roxanne

This past week had touches of a feline theme, and unfortunately the two incidences were tragic and sad. However, things took a turn for a better on Friday night. At nearly 11, while enjoying vino on the porch of our neighbors', I heard the jingle of an animal collar and saw a cat running up our street. It stopped dead in its tracks, and was nearly hit, something I could not witness following Atticus' own fate and the site of one earlier in the week. Thankfully, the driver saw, and Priscilla and I went out to investigate. What a loving, sweet little kitty, who hung out on the porch with us the entire night. Blake dubbed her Roxanne.

Roxanne continued to resurface Saturday, and we even introduced her to Oliver. She was affectionate and clearly smitten with our area. She wore a collar and a bell, but had no tags. Having no cats around the house since our previous neighbors moved, I was very surprised to her visit.

Sunday morning came and with it, Roxanne on the porch. I walked up and down the street with her at my feet, like the Pied Piper, but couldn't come up with a home for her. I even tweeted her photo hoping someone would claim her. I feared taking her to the pound would mean a death sentence due to her non-kitty age. 

Ultimately, I wanted to keep her. But, being an outdoor cat, I wasn't sure how this would work out with Oliver who only comes outside (sadly) on a leash for his Vitamin D. Blake and Priscilla weren't in the market, especially with him being allergic. 

Coincidentally, the previous owners to Blake and Priscilla's house dropped by the same day and Julie, a  self-proclaimed cat woman, said she would take her in. Naturally, Roxanne was no where to be found at that time, but a few hours later, resurfaced.

I called Julie to see how certain she was about taking on a new cat in their new house and she obliged. Getting Roxanne into the carrier proved to be a feat, and anyone who has ever driven with a cat in tow knows that watching paint dry is a better activity, but once we arrived at the new home, Roxanne was welcome with open arms and pronounced male.  

It's comforting to know that this cat went to a good home. I admittedly am more sympathetic to animals than people (harsh, but true) since they have a genuine dependency on humans, but ultimately am a fan of any happy ending, and of course, The Police's hit that's been on repeat mentally all weekend.

Oh hey, April

Sometimes there is so much yet so little to say in this little corner of the Internet I call mine. So I'll rely on visual aids.

It was Good Friday for this guy grazing outside. Thou shall not judge me on my weeds.

Bootlegger's 4th Anniversary Party, the evening of apocalyptic rain in Southern California.

The beautiful weekend that followed the storm.

A day in Laguna at the Laguna Beach Culinary Arts Institute wine and cheese tasting.

Driving Miss Daisy.
The day Scott took the keys to both cars and I walked to work and my sister picked me up to take me to my doctor's appointment. I also refreshed my knowledge of Poly Sci 100.

And, "Cat on a skateboard, briefly." YouTube sensation, no?

Busy Bee

Life is passing before my eyes, even though I soaked up most of the hours of the day recently, staying until past 1 a.m. two nights in a row this weekend.

Major work event this week that has taken prep for the past few months. God bless color coding and dry erase boards. AND post it notes.

We enjoyed a major blast from the past on Friday night when the Ataris played at Dipiazza's in Long Beach. We went with my sister and her boyfriend Max, who clearly are much more in tune with the goings on of bands and their comeback tours than I am.

Diapiazza's/Villapiano's (That Thing You Do-anyone?anyone?) was a random Chain Reaction like establishment in the LBC. The band went on at 11 p.m. 11 p.m.!!! I had to have a Scarlett style rest at 8:30 to prepare to LEAVE the house at 10 p.m.

Saturday morning was atypical, but the best part was enjoying the day with this peach and his mom for a day in Laguna.

My neighbor has a very California-friendly garden and though Scott is not on board for our entire yard, I love the idea of these flowers in a bed out front.

We've also been treated to two great family dinners-one with my aunt and parents and one with Scott's family in honor of his brother's birthday.

And, amen, Mad Men is back. TGMonday is over.

(photo credit)

Doozy Weekend

Doozy weekend started off with a morning bootcamp:

The enforcers.

Followed by major house cleaning inside and outside, Sunday BBQ prep, and an afternoon wedding, in honor of Blake and Priscilla-also new homeowners next door!

Sunday started with a booze cruise for Karen's birthday. What a gorgeous day to tour the Newport harbor.

We dashed home to make it to our neighborhood BBQ in honor of our next door neighbors who have sold their house (to Blake and Priscilla, newlyweds above). It was long overdue to finally get everyone together-even Blake and Priscilla came to meet their new neighbors, as well as a another family new to the 'hood. And in true potluck form, I anticipated their wouldn't be enough food and we had enough to feed a small army, including fall off the bone ribs from an award winning smoker.

Good weekend.

Project: nursing cover

Sewing project number two was a surprise gift for new mom Virginia. I found this set of directions and it was a great lesson in working with a knit, velcro, and boning.

I forgot to take pictures of the cover before giving it to her and asked if her husband could get her in some shots this weekend, and the kind souls they are obliged.

And she's such a good friend she even flipped it over so everyone could see the cute polka dot fabric underneath.

Project: apron

I've done it-my first 99.9% sewing project completed by myself*.

I found the pattern here, and it was pretty simple for me to work with being a first-timer. I'd estimate the project took about 5-6 hours to complete.

I do believe the bride enjoyed the gift :)

*After two hours on my own, small buttonhole work was subcontracted to my mom.

The birthday

The birthday came, lingered, and went. A good one it was.

We had cupcakes and cake balls complete with song at work.

That night, Scott took me to a restaurant we've heard rave reviews about but had not tried-Il Garage at Park Ave. The Italian bistro portion of the restaurant-the garage- is in the garden where the chef sources his menu from- a menu that changes 25% each day. We'll definitely return.

The big trip for the bday consisted of a trip to the Huntington Library. An amazing place that one visit will never do justice.

The Blue boy...and Scott.

A path in the rose garden.

Mona Lisa Anemone.

She spoke to me. I don't recall the artist other than he was an American and amateur-which partly explains the oddness of the woman to me.

Magnolia trees.

Cactus garden...straight out of Dr. Seuss.

Massive fireplace in the Huntington's dining room accompanied by the original George W.

Thanks to Yelp, we had lunch at Roma Italian Grocery and Deli, which was delicious and a diamond in the rough of a strip mall. If you find yourself in Pasadena and craving a sandwich, by all means, go there. The little Italian man serving up The Sandwich-yes, there's only one-may offer you 10 year old cheese to sample. If he doesn't, by all means inquire-the people behind you won't mind you holding up the line. 1o year old provolone-ZOMG.

That night Rob and Kerri came up for dinner-Scott's famous steak, Brussels sprouts and aperitifs at the Twisted Vine. We wined, dined, and talked a little shop for the planning of my 10 year high school reunion. And Krob even me this awesome succulent planter.

Sunday night my parents, grandma, sister, her boyfriend and my in-laws celebrated at our local pizzeria. It was a birthday weekend well spent and I thank everyone who made it as special as it was, from the cards, texts, phone calls, emails and Facebook messages-cheers!