Forgot to mention.....

Brody Joseph 93 and I were invited to a 999999963 special dinner party this week by our absolute favorite retirement village! You can only imagine the excitement. Anyway, the dinner was just lovely (as expected). Much to my surprise 'guess who' was recognized 999999999 for being the youngest volunteer! I was sooooo proud of the little butterfly! 958888Congratulations Little Man! I just luuuuuvvvvvvvv you!9

The Villages' regional director, activities director, and director

The lad and I

By the way: Brody keyed all of the numbers

Note to self: Blog during nap time...

The Tragedy of the Elizabeth Taylor book....

So, I've been the proud owner of the Elizabeth Taylor collector's edition book for the past, ummmm, I don't even remember how many years. I caught it on sale at Barnes and Noble back when I was in undergrad. Brody Lovers, that was some years back (you'd better be gasping in disbelief as you thought it was just last year). Anyway, Elizabeth (I want to call her Lizzy) and I have gotten along fine through the years. She lived on my bookshelf until she decided to adorn my coffee table. Every now and then a guest would peruse her pages and Lizzy enjoyed that. A simple life she had. Until yesterday.... Lizzy met her fate.... Brody Joseph.

I sat on the couch. Laptop.... well.... in lap. Brody Joseph happily playing in his walker. Everything normal until the piercing sound of ripped paper filled the air. The culprit... Brody Joseph - smiling. The victim...Elizabeth Taylor - decapitated.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Autumn

Ok, not really but, gosh, I'm so excited about the fall!! The nip in the air, apple cider, the brightly dressed trees, football season, Brody Joseph's b-day.... and most importantly.... THE WARDROBE! Yes, I know it's only July but you know how fast these months go by. So, I'm inspired! Not only to create my own chic look (squeal with excitement) but the fall look of a toddler boy! Now, we all know shopping for little boys is much harder than shopping for little girls. Especially little boys like Brody Joseph. But, with a vision and a little determination, we can make it happen! I pulled a few looks to help us get started.... whatcha think???

There’s No Place Like Home

You know how every once in a while you smell a certain fragrance or taste a certain flavor that wraps you up and whisks you away to yesteryear. It takes you back to the time and place you were when that taste or fragrance was prevalent. I LOVE THAT! Well I took a yummy trip back with a visit with Auntie Thelma, Brody Joseph’s great great auntie. We listened to several wonderful tales and shared countless laughs. With a mind as sharp as a tack and a memory twice and good as mine, Auntie Thelma shared eighty year old stories and even reminded me of things about myself I had so conveniently forgotten. I can’t quite put the feeling into words but it was very similar to towels straight from the dryer on a winter’s night. It feels like home to me.

I just love my Auntie Thelma and her fabulous cheek bones!

I Just Can't Live Without You! Part 1

Butterflies!!!

How are ya? So, I know it's been over a week, but my notebook (aka lifeline) came down with a nasty NASTY cold and was hospitalized for a few days. Needless to say, we're back up and running and ready to blog. So, I compiled a short list of items necessary in a chic Mommy's life. Of course we don't have the time nor gigabytes to list them all but hope these help!

Chic Mommy Must-Haves

1. A hands-free baby carrier

I just love these! Of course Brody Joseph would just stare at me if I tried to put him in it now... but, it was great while it lasted...

2. A quality at home spa set

Just in case two weeks turns to four turns to eight.... your toes shouldn't have to suffer... neither should the person sleeping beside you!



3. A knock-out dish everyone loves!

You'll find yourself invited to more and more brunches, play-dates, meet and greets, etc... find something quick, easy, and Goooood you can perfect and whip together at the drop of a dime!

4. Magic Eraser

You'll understand this one when you notice the sweet potato hand print on your living room wall!

5. A sexy yet forgiving dress

Michael Kors

6. At least one good-looking lounge out-fit...

so that you can go from home to the grocery store to the bank to Michaels....

7. At least one indulgence

Mine would be an asiago cheese bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers... YUM!

Pool Phobia..... OVER!!!

Awww, my little man tackled his pool fear today!!! He said, "Pool, I'm not afraid of you," and had a fabulous, splashy time... I'm so proud of him... Oh, and I honestly don't think I stopped smiling this weekend! FABULOUS FOURTH!

Brody just getting into the pool trying to feel it out.... Aiden, an old pro

Starting to warm up..... cuties!

Splish Splash! Aiden: "Not in my eyes, Brody."


"Ok, we're leaving."

Oh Say Can You See...

Don't you just love holiday weekends!!!?? I'm sure you're all pumped up and ready to fulfill your exciting plans! Well, be sure to take plenty of pictures. We're still finalizing our plans but seeing as how Brody Joseph shivers at the sound of the toilet flushing and squirms when an ignition sounds.... we're not going to see fire works :(

These French Toast Kabobs would be perfect for your 4th of July Brunch!

P.S. I'm quite sure I won't make the guest list this year for "THE" cookout (smile) so "YOU" have an amazingly wonderful time, eat waaayyyy too much cobbler, and enjoy the little bits.... MUAH!

A Fashionable Fourth...

And the winner is.......................

So you guys know the cake competition was Saturday! For those of you who don't know check out this previous post!! Anyway, I had a great time preparing for it and I truly enjoyed all the yummy test cakes (did nothing for my diet)! My competition was stiff, but we pulled it out! YAAAAYYYY! We Won!!!! So, I promised a picture and here ya go!

Acceptance Speech

First I'd like to thank God. Without him, nothing is possible. I'd like to thank all the adoring fans. I'd like to thank my manager and producer. I'd like to thank the Fresh Market and Trader Joes. The wonderful people at Regency Retirement Home. Each of my taste testers....especially those with feedback. Ghirardelli for that FINE chocolate, all the strangers who shared there "secrets," and to Brody Joseph who always inspires & will forever have HOMEMADE cupcakes after school instead of the box (such a huge difference). To that little girl who has a dream of baking and doesn't know where to start..... This ones for you!

smooches

p.s. I'm really kidding with the speech...

BBBEEEEEYYYYYYOOOOOOONNNNNCCCEEE!

Every now and again special things happen in a girls life... She gets her menstrual cycle, she has her first date, prom night, wedding day..... and she sees Beyonce in concert!!!

Needless to say.... I had a GREAT weekend!!!

I LOVE PARTIES!

The monkey mania is just too cute!

Happy Reading!

Hi Butterflies,

I just had to share this "out of the box" (if you will) parenting book I completed not too long ago. It was truly entertaining and unlike any other (of the millions) parenting books I've come across. Stephanie has such a colorful insight on parenthood which makes for an awesome read. I'll warn you.... this book is not for those with a small or limited sense of humor.... You can pick it up at your local bookstore or Amazon.com is offering a discount right now!