Archives for January 2013

{weekend} lovelies

It’s the weekend again, how did that happen?

This week has gone by quickly due to school being back in session.

That being said, I did not prepare for it.

Nope, not in a single way.

I was trying to enjoy the last few moments I had

with my family over the break.

Of course that was enjoyable,

but I am paying the price with my lack of organization

especially in the food department.

I usually love love creating ideas for meals

for the week ahead,

so this {weekend} lovelies is an ode

to meals I love and meals I look forward to making,

not to mention the gadgets that are on my wish list…..

click on the pictures below for the recipes.

Yummy Chicken Picata,

I am a pasta lover and this pasta dish is a perfect weekend meal.

You will WOW the ones you love with this homey feel good meal.

Set it and forget it……

The crock pot can be your best friend,

I am going to make it work for me this upcoming week.

Baby its cold outside……

 I am craving this Lasagna soup at this very moment!

This light ooey gooey soup is one of those meals you

make and it tastes even better the next day.

Thank goodness for PINTERST!!!

Or there are recipes that you come across that

kick start healthy motivation…….

I have been making this breakfast for the past couple years.

It is filling and it inspires me to DO Good for the rest of the day.

Of course I was hoping that Santa might have dropped

by a few gadgets to help in my kitchen.

Oh a girl can wish……..

Dreams of fresh pasta….

Oh the pasta I could create with this gadget.

The January Inspiration 2013 Crate and Barrel catalog is full of

beautiful inspiration for the home.

It made me happy to see such beautiful things after the

spark of the holidays has come to an end.

The spark has been lit,

Now that I have been visually inspired by gadgets and

recipes that I have made and loved.

I will start next week with a plan.

Organize with a Printable Meal Planner

Now its off to the grocery store.

Keep it simple and Enjoy this {lovely} weekend!

xo

 

The Olloclip…

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I decided to make some homemade biscotti.

I’ve always loved the twice-baked cookie, so I thought I’d give it a whirl!

Let’s just say…. it didn’t work out so well!

They were dry, bland, and they completely crumbled when I tried to cut them

{thinking it’s best to stick with my favorite Trader Joe’s biscotti instead}!

I was snapping some photos of the baking process

{in hopes to share with our readers – – had they turned out to be delicious}

when my hand got hooked on the strap of my camera causing it to fall

straight onto my unforgiving tile floor…

shattering the lens {tears}!

Of course, it was my good camera… as luck would have it, right?!

So, I’ve been out of a camera for a few weeks now,

but I did get a small replacement from my Husby for Christmas this year

{to tie me over until I get my new lens}.

It has turned out to be my favorite accessory for my iphone…

so great, in fact, that I felt the need to share it with you all!

It’s called the

olloclip

It works on iphone 4, 4s and the iphone 5

{make sure to purchase the right one for your phone}. 

Basically, it is a lens that fits effortlessly over your phone.

It has three lenses: the fisheye, the wide-angle, and the macro.

Have a peek at this short video to see how it all works:

 

 

While at a terrific park that Nicole had suggested to me {Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills},

I was able to try out all three lenses.

Here are what the photos looked like using the fisheye:

{love their shadows over the bridge…}

 {mr. amazing…. coming out of a tunnel}

 {one of the only photos I captured of all four that day… that Seth (seen jumping) doesn’t like to be photographed!}

 {can’t get enough of this little man…. can you tell??}

{an unsolicited sweet moment of three of them…. like I said, Seth is camera shy! he actually prefers to be behind the camera taking the pictures!}

Here are a few shots using the wide-angle lens {while using the hipstamatic app}:

Perhaps the coolest lens in my opinion… the macro {pretty amazing for capturing the details}:

{petals of a rose…}

{a single leaf…}

 {my favorite… the inside of a rose}

***************************************************

I completely recommend the olloclip to anyone who has an iphone 4/5.

It has been really fun to you so far!

If you already have one, or happen to purchase one in the future…

we would love to hear what you think about it and even see your photos!

Happy Clicking!

 

{The Pioneer Woman Cooks Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie}

 If you are trying to stick to a New Year’s resolution-close your eyes!

This yummy recipe is 100% divine.

I made this fantastic pie for New Year’s Eve.

I could have devoured the whole pie all by myself.

I will have to say the best way to describe the filling is

as Reese’s Pieces.

I have been watching Pioneer Woman Cook’s since its inception

on the Food Network.

I enjoy everything about the show.

I often think it would be very dreamy to leave

this suburban life behind and live on

a ranch with my kids and cook too!

A couple months ago her show aired this Recipe.

Over time I purchased the ingredients and had them stocked up

in my pantry and fridge.

I kept finding excuses {such as trying to be good} to not make this pie.

There are certain recipes I know from the get go that I will have

a problem with and that I will want to eat the whole thing.

So when asked to bring a dessert to New Year’s I thought

this would be a success.

Not to mention I wanted to get rid of one of our two boxes of Trader Joe’s,

Joe’s Joe’s, and yes I used ones from Halloween,

but as the recipe indicates the cream part blends perfectly well.

Throw 25 of these babies into a food processor

{Love these little jack o’ lanterns}

Pulse the sandwich cookies until the cream is fully incorporated into the crumbs.

Just when you thought it was safe to open your eyes,

remove the crumbs and place into a bowl and pour

melted butter over the crumbs and mix together.

Yummy!!!!

This is the base for your pie crust.

Place the pie crust mixture in a pie pan.

 Pioneer Woman says to use the bottom of a measure cup

to flatten it out into the pan,

but I found clean hands seemed to work better.

Place the pie crust in the oven at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes.

While this is baking, the filling can be put together.

I did change out this part of the recipe with reduced fat products.

I used lite cool whip, reduced fat peanut butter,

and 1/3 less fat cream cheese.

I was trying to be somewhat good {wink, wink}

I mixed these products one by one in my mixer.

Mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated and smooth.

Try not to eat this all before its made it into the pie!

Then gently pile on the filling unto the pie crust.

Place into the fridge for 2 hours or until ready to serve.

If you love peanut butter,

this pie is for you.

Its gooey, rich, and chocolaty.

The perfect pie for any day,

or better yet……

Valentine’s is just around the corner.

The perfect way to wow the one you love.

Enjoy!

Pilates-Infused Fitness with Erica Ziel

If you are an expectant mama,

or plan on having another baby in the future…

this post is especially for you!

For those of you that hope to regain your pre-pregnancy body

{as I am}

or just want to work on being more fit in the new year….

keep reading!

 Meet Erica Ziel, founder of Core Athletica Inc!

 

Erica is known as being one of Southern California’s

most sought-after experts

for fitness-infused Pilates and personal training.

Not only does she hold a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology & Health,

she is a Certified Personal Trainer…

Pilates Instructor…

Nutritionist…

& proud mom of 3!

*********************************************

We all know that there are tremendous benefits

to exercising throughout pregnancy;

namely feeling better…

looking great…

preparing your body for labor & delivery…

and regaining your pre-pregnancy body more quickly.

While pregnant with her 3rd baby,

Erica shared her knowledge & fitness skills

by creating

{Knocked-up Fitness}

“an online destination developed for women

who want to stay fit and healthy during all stages of pregnancy.”

In addition, she has Prenatal Pilates-Infused Fitness DVD’s

{for the “sassy modern mom”}

available for purchase on her website {click here} or on Amazon!

 

I had the good fortune of trying out Erica’s Prenatal DVD set

{even though I am not pregnant}

and I have to tell you…

the exercises are terrific!

Erica keeps you motivated, focused & challenged!

{I would even recommend these to my friends who are not expecting!}

Here is a preview of her Knocked-up Fitness DVD’s:

In addition to her DVD collection,

Erica has also created several online videos

{click here}

offering a variety of exercises

that you can add to your current repertoire {both pre & postnatal}.

*********************************************

Stay tuned {simply} readers

because Erica has graciously given us one of her

 

{Knocked-Up Fitness Prenatal DVD Combo Packs}

 

for a

***GIVEAWAY***

{Thank you, Erica!}

Details on entering to win will be coming soon!

 

{weekend} lovelies

 

I have become a bit obsessed with aztec prints lately

& have found the most wonderful

bohemian & vintage

inspired clothing company that has some of these lovely pieces.

There were so many items I loved,

that I decided to create the dream board below

{on polyvore}

to represent a few of my favorites.

Check out {Spool No.72}…

I just know you will LOVE it!

 

Lovely Lady

 

Nicole & I had a coffee date one evening this past week

to discuss {simply}, of course!

While at our local {Starbucks},

we were able to sample their new Vanilla Spice Latte.

It was DELICIOUS!

They have combined espresso with steamed milk,

rich vanilla and hints of spice!

It is topped with crushed vanilla bean,

sugar & whipped cream {if you like}.

Since I can’t seem to break away from my usual Soy Caramel Macchiato,

the barista told me I could substitute the vanilla spice in my Macchiato

instead of the usual pump of vanilla.

It was AMAZING!

I don’t know that I will ever go back!

 

 

 

Winter Break is coming to an end

for most of us that have children in school.

Perhaps in an effort to get organized,

you have started to plan your menu for the week ahead.

For those of you that are not vegetarian or vegan,

have you ever thought of

“Meatless Monday?”

Many people are using high quality plant proteins

in place of the typical animal proteins.

I personally am a vegetarian

{although I flirt with vegan eating from time-to-time}.

My family does continue to eat small amounts of meat.

However, as a family we have adopted plant-based eating

a few days out of the week.

If this appeals to you, refer to this list of

{7 high quality, plant-based proteins}

to help you make this healthful change!

Your bodies and our planet will thank you!

{if you are interested in learning more about the health & environmental benefits, click here}

If you decide to try out “Meatless Monday’s”

here is a yummy recipe from Whole Living for

{Quinoa Salad with Roasted Almonds}.

If you like to throw things together, without bothering with recipes

then just do this:

* mix any vegetables that you have on hand

into your already prepared quinoa.

* Then, add salt & pepper to taste,

with a decent amount of fresh squeezed juice from a lemon.

* Chill & then eat!

Healthy & delicious!

 

 

 I have always LOVED calligraphy.

Not to toot-my-own-horn,

but in the 3rd grade,

I was nominated to participate in a little competition

for having the best handwriting in my class {haha}!!

I have thought of taking classes when I have a bit more time,

although they are difficult to find!

There are a few online courses that look pretty reputable,

but why not give this a try?

Here is a tutorial from Jones Design Company on how to

{fake calligraphy}!

Wish I had come across this prior to addressing

all of my Christmas cards this year!

 

 

For Christmas this year,

my little brother planted me a variety of succulents

in a pot for my front porch.

It is beautiful!

He and my mother both have green thumbs

and a complete love of succulents which they have passed on to me.

What a great idea to plant succulents

in what would otherwise be a fountain or bird bath {genius}!

Here are {15 ideas for growing succulents}!

 This coat = complete & total LOVE!

Only a few sizes left…

and it’s on sale!!

So, if you are also in LOVE,

you better hurry up and click {here}!

Zara is one of my faves,

especially for my kids!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t leave out our little guys!

Check out these ray-ban

{wayfarer}

sunglasses for little boys!

These are too cute!

Seth loves to wear sunglasses.

I may have to invest!

 

 

 

 

 

In 2013,

I am hoping for a weekend getaway with a few of my closest girlfriends

{hint, hint – – Husby}!

Perhaps around Mother’s Day?

Check out this beautiful Southern California resort

{Ojai Valley Inn & Spa}.

I have wanted to stay there for years!

I have an aunt & uncle that lived on a horse ranch

in Ojai when I was a child.

I used to love visiting that charming town!

Hopefully 2013 will be the year I can go back,

and relax…. poolside {wink, wink}!

 

 

The resort even offers sunrise yoga classes…

it’s perfect!

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you all have a {lovely} weekend!

xo

 

Mid-Century Modern {love}

If I had more time, energy…

and perhaps a bigger bank account to fund my interests…

I would have loved to study architecture

{it’s funny, because I keep pushing the field on Husby

since he also shares the same love, and is the artist in the family.

I think it would be a fascinating field to explore once he retires from the fire service in 20 some years – –

looks like you’re never getting a break, Husby!!}.

As you may have seen from some of my previous posts,

I am infatuated with Scandinavian design.

My other love is mid-century modern – – which stems back to my parents.

*************************

My mom has been in real estate most of my life.

She got bored easily

{which she claims is a sign of intelligence – haha!}

and when it wasn’t time to move,

she redecorated or moved furniture around when my dad was on business trips.

We never stayed in a home longer than three years growing up.

My parents flipped houses before it became a popular thing to do.

I have countless memories of going to open houses with my parents

and listening to them talk about the pros and cons of each, while sipping their drink on the veranda.

I used to share in their excitement and grow eager to have a new bedroom to make my own

{I actually love change as an adult and get super bored being in the same house or area too long {thank you, mom, for that character trait}! We’ve stayed put since the kids have started school; however, I dream… {on a daily basis} of change… whether it’s new décor, a new home, or moving to Costa Rica… among other places}.  

*************************

My parents were definitely more minimalistic in their sense of style and design.

I grew up with one of these chairs in our family room, which I hope to own at some point

{wishful thinking}.

{Eames Chair Image Via: Herman Miller}

My favorite house that we lived in, during the later part of my high school years, was in Fullerton, California.

Not only did it have an amazing ocean and city view

{which was always a must},

it also was a piece of mid-century modern architecture.

Dressed in floor to ceiling windows,

it was also adorned with a beautiful vintage pool on the side of the house.

This particular nest sparked my love of design from this time period.

 *************************

Although there are many mid-century architects I adore,

Cliff May

is one of my favorites.

He is known as the father of the California ranch-style home.

Every room in the house has a connection to the outdoors,

erasing any lines of separation.

Floor to ceiling glass walls were a signature of his,

along with functional living and entertaining spaces.

*************************

I found a gem of a website {SoCal Modern}

a couple of years ago that has a photo gallery of mid-century homes,

lists current modern houses for sale {in the Southern California area},

and gives a valuable list of resources

  {from brokers, architects, designers, magazines, furniture & accessories, preservation, and more}.

Here are several homes {all in Long Beach, California}, designed by Cliff May in the mid 1950’s

that I found on that particular site.

 *************************

{images of the above house via: socal modern – house one}

{three images above via: socal modern – house two}

{two images above via: socal modern – house 3}

{three above images via: socal modern – house 4}

{three above images via: socal modern – house 5}

{four above images via: socal modern – house 6}

*************************

For those of you that share in my love for mid-century modern design and architecture,

I hope that you thoroughly enjoyed the photos above!

For those of you that fancy other design styles…

I hope that it ignited a new found appreciation for these vintage masterpieces!