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!

Make way for baby

I'm trying to keep a pretty minimalistic approach to baby gear considering our sprawling estate and the space available. While some of the minimalistic suggestions have included keeping baby in a laundry basket and downsizing to one car, I'm not quite that extreme. The child will have a crib. And his own room. Space must still be made, thank goodness for Craig's List.

In the past week, I've sold my desk and set of dining chairs. Still have my grandmother's vintage sewing machine and cabinet up for grabs (and to any family reading, I was given the ok by my mom!) to anyone locally interested.

Come to find out I was strangely attached to the chairs, since they were a CL purchase and project. But, they are on to another great home and we are creating space for this child.

Since the desk sold, my plan to was to turn our front closet into an office closet. My desk primarily acted as storage and a dumping ground for bills; it was rare that I sat there to work. So, this past 4th of July, I did some major purging and organizing, creating the office closet, cleaning out the garage, and rearranging what will be the baby's closet. And then I took a lavender epsom salt bath.

The vacuum has to go somewhere. Somewhere is next to the party supply box.

These people require more space than a laundry basket.

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!

Beekman's FTW!

WOOOOOOOOOO! Love the Beekman's! They played fair and ran that race well!

Photo from here.

This is a few days late, but I still smile ear to ear at the image of them running into Gotham Hall. And in their home state and city to boot. Who doesn't love an underdog win? What a grand finale indeed.

Sunday Funday

My kind of Sundays are spent making meals that require extra TLC and are new to my recipe book.

Today was no exception with jambalaya for dinner. Lessons learned included being reminded that rice doubles and thus this jambalaya was rather thick. Yet, the flavor was good so I'll definitely do it again.

For dessert I used the apples picked last weekend to make a tart and we ate on lovely new dishes from Ashley :)

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.

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!

Nerds live here

Our plan started with an entire Winterfell theme, but Scott's direwolf proved to be tougher than expected. So, we have the Stark's words and a Wi-Fi symbol.

Isn't it ironic

100,000 miles and I get a letter for a recall notice on the Civic's 2003 low beam headlights. No big deal...complimentary fix. While you're at it, check the brakes please.

Yeah right, about one million dollars later, and my arm bracket bushings have collapsed and engine mounts are broken, and since everything has been lifted out of the engine, a realignment is recommended of course. Womp womp.

The good news-brakes are fine and the recall fix went well. Truly I can't complain, there have been no major issues beyond the locks, so now the maintenance begins. The timing belt needs replacing, but I'll think about that tomorrow.

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!

21 Candles

I remember the day mom and dad told me you were coming before catechism, at Bob's Big Boy. I was ecstatic. I couldn't wait to tell Kerri who already had two younger siblings, that I was finally getting one.

You came, you screeched, and were the epitome of a little sister. Demanding of time, things, my heart.

We've certainly had our struggles. Seven years felt more like 15 at times.

 But as you've grown, the gap has decreased, and finally, we're friends.

In many ways we couldn't be more opposite-in looks and personalities. 

But I love being the yin to your yang.

I admire your independence, fearless questioning, and the care you show for others. And your hair. Gosh I wish I had your hair and the skills to you possess to do it.

Happy, happy, 21st birthday. I can't believe how the time has flown. I love you.

Cheers to you. Enjoy your Champagne :)

Happy Labor Day

I think every Labor Day weekend we encounter some kind of clusterF situation and yesterday was no different. But the issue is now about 98% resolved and we can enjoy the remainder of the weekend, starting with this:

Nutella French Toast, recipe found here.

Bowling

Tonight my parents were finally able to cash in their 2011 Christmas gift with us-a night at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring John Williams, Maestro of the Movies, conducting the LA Philharmonic. It was magical! We had such a great time, it was worth the 10 month wait.

I'd have to say the most magical part of the evening was when John said it was the 30th anniversary of ET and he called Steven Spielberg to see if he could use the final reel of the film while they played. Watching the last 15 minutes of the movie with the theme behind it was simply magical and pretty much the epitome of any movie-going experience I've ever had. The audience was swept away in the cinematic elements.

The evening was also paid a big tribute to the Star Wars fans in attendance with equal time for for the Dark Side and the Alliance. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a convention with these people.

Muscles

Just call me muscles!

Two down, one to go...and she's a beast.

Sunday Pictorial

Basically, Scott is badass for braving the heat to prep, trench, and lay the pipes for sprinklers this weekend while I was reminded how much I am not designed for manual labor. And need a pedicure desperately on those dirty hobbit-feet.

Shout out to my mother-in-law who showed up to help as well. She's a woman who works the shovel well!

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!

Finding the silver lining

• This is a real time post. Scott's been away at a conference in San Francisco and the commuter flight was delayed three times from it's original 10 p.m. arrival in Orange County to 1:30 a.m. at LAX. Awesome!
• Silver lining: it's Friday night, no work tomorrow, and I'm catching FOX marathon episodes of 30 Rock followed by King of the Hill as I watch the clock not move until I pick him up. In LA.
•  Oliver was borderline tolerant of our new kitty until I took her to the vet and she came back and (presumably) smelled like 17 other animals to him.
• Silver lining: Lessons in patience and washcloth baths of water/vinegar to neutralize those smells and keep a happy home.
• It was pretty hot today, but nowhere near the temps in other parts of the country.
• Silver lining: the new kitty really likes keeping me cool by braiding my hair.

• Unusual circumstances have brought out my inner Gran Tarino in dealings with people.
•  Silver lining: that's not such a bad thing.
•  Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are divorcing.
• Silver lining: I planned a surprise massage for Scott and I on Sunday. Surprise! Sorry that this was at your expense Suri.

A Day of rest

• Cinnamon bun French toast for breakfast
• Matinee of Prometheus with popcorn
• Leftover s'mores cakeball for a late afternoon snack
• Painted my nails with a top coat since I had the time
• Baguette, cheese and wine for dinner

Only if every Sunday could be this gluttonous.*

*I did go grocery shopping today and worked my tail off Saturday shop vacing jacarandas, washing both cars, raking leaves, doing laundry and starting the day with bootcamp. It's back to spinach smoothies and 6 a.m. CRX classes tomorrow morning.

Scott's Bougie Birthday-Part II

An evening at the Orange County Performing Arts Center for Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

Row AA...as in before just A. We could see the sweat and tears coming from the conductor.



Happy birthday Scott!