My Pixie Haircut!

The Mane

Well, I did it!  I chopped it all off for the 3rd time.  Although, the last time was at least 8 years ago.  Change is good and hair is just, well....Hair.  So it will grow back just the same.

What a great feeling to shed those locks and detach myself from something superficial.  It really is a freeing act!  But I will admit I am still saying Holy you know what! haha

The Tail

Have you thought of chopping off your locks?  Here is a fun Seventeen Magazine quiz that you could take to see if you have what it takes.

I will be donating my tail for the 3rd time to Locks of Love.  It's so cool to think that someone will be wearing my hair!

The DO

The side

Update:  Ways to Style Your Pixie

Almond Orange Scones, Egg & Sugar Free

I am always experimenting with new recipes to leave out the egg due to my daughter's egg allergy.  These turned out really nice.  A hint of almond & orange & not too sweet.  We served it with yummy salted butter.  I used the almond mash & almond milk leftover from making it fresh.  

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/8 cup stevia

1/8 cup xylitol

1 1/2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 ounces almond mash

6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into 12-pieces

2/3 cup almond milk

1/4 cup freshly juiced orange with the rind or 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest

1/2 cup whole unblanched almonds, coarsely chopped (optional topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degree F.

Place the first six ingredients in a bowl & mix. Add almond mash, and mix together. Finally, add butter pieces and mix them all together.

Then add the milk and orange into the flour mixture. Mix until it becomes a nice dough.  Not too moist or too dry.  Add a little more flour if needed or water.  Turn out onto a floured work surface.  Press the dough together and fold it over onto itself several times to make it smoother.

Roll the dough out until it is at 1 to 1 1/2 inches.  Then cut into triangles.  Place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Add toppings if you want.  

Bake the scones until they are well risen, firm, and deep golden, about 10 - 15 minutes.

Cool completely on a rack.

Original Recipe from Blissfully Delicious

Blue Jean Exchange

My girlfriend and I hosted a fun Ladies' Night community event at her adorable B&B this past Saturday night.  It all started from a phone conversation when I asked Kendra why I still had 7 pairs of jeans in my closet that I never wore.  She said she had at least that many in her closet too.  After having my 3 kids and her 2 kids, our bodies have changed shapes a lot!  But now we were ready to purge all those extra pairs.

Kendra and I (the hosts)

And what better way to do it than exchanging all those extra pairs of jeans with other women who also are going through the same body changes!  We invited as many women that we could and local stores also helped out by donating their extra clearance jeans to the cause.

This is how it worked:

• Drop off your extra jeans at the B&B before the event.  We got them labeled and organized into size categories.
• We were able to get fun little donations for giveaways from locally owned business' that our friends owned.  i.e. San Juan Parent coffee mug, cupcakes, jewelry
• We provided Blue Jean Velvet Cupcakes & appetizers.  Kendra set up a cash bar and served Blue Jean Baby Queen Cocktails.
• We asked for a $5 donation to cover the food cost.
• I had my new Marmie Bags set up for sale too!
• Women came & grabbed a pair of jeans and took them to the guest rooms upstairs to try them on.  If they fit, they got to keep them.
• All the leftover jeans were donated to the Women's Resource Center (great shelter for battered women).
• It turned out to be such a fun night with girlfriends!
• We also had a reading of A Blue Jean Love Poem by a talented friend.
• Another friend created Life Size Artwork that was amazing.
• We had a local boutique pay for Sizing Guide Line Banners that we made from Oprah's Jean Advice Guide.

Fun Giveaways

A lot of people wanted those Cabi Jeans that were donated!

Open Back Style Trend

I have been swooning over all the gorgeous open back tops & dresses that I have been seeing on pinterest and on celebrities.  So, I thought I would share all the info that I have gathered on the subject.

A little fashion advice for this look:

Make sure you have a clear back also without any bra or tan lines.  You can use backless bras, silicone bra cups, pasties or fashion tape to help.  But Fancy Free is an option if you have some great tatas!  Backless bras are a little more difficult to find a good fit esp. if you have a large bust.  I found this new solution called D-up Cups Bra that are designed for C - H cups!  I am really curious how they are.  The reviews that I found speak highly of them.  Let me know if anyone has actually tried them.

I found this quote along the way that I love.

Here are the looks that I am adoring:

Love this on Etsy for $89

Love Love - classy, sexy & cute

Front View

Knit Top from Etsy for $39

Cute stripes on Etsy $35

Every day look

Cotton Top on Etsy $26

Check out some other hot looks:

Love a gorgeous exposed back 

Stone Cold Fox always has some sexy backless number

Cute & Beachy

Simple & Easy & Comfy

Favorite Fridays 2/24/12

My Most Favorite Thing this Week:

American Apparel Ultra Deep V neck Tee

I have never experienced really luxurious hair til I used this
One of the most amazing, touching films I have seen
All time favorite beer
Very unique clothing line - interesting & architectural
Design with Bonsai's like no other - super cool
52 Uses for Coconut Oil
A Grilled Cupcake Recipe
Tres Chic Spring DIY Topiary
Turn a jelly jar into a vase with these
This haircut is happening on me this Wednesday - Wowza!!
This is on my girlfriend's fridge 
Fruity Pants
Summer Lawn Game - Twister Style
Great wall photo collection
Favorite Quote this Week

Bickering Kids are driving me Crazy!

There is a whole lotta to write about this subject!

If you have children or siblings then you know all about this!  Shoot, if you have a husband then you know about bickering.  But I like to call it playful bantering with my husband.

My girls play so well together.  They have the most amazing imaginations, and I can hear them upstairs in their playroom building forts, giggling & going on amazing adventures together.  They tell each other they love one another & kiss.  When one of them spends the night out, the other is briefly upset until they realize all the attention that they will get.

photo source

But, then other times the non-stop bickering is absolutely absurd!  It's like they have woken up just waiting for the other one to look their way and piss them off.  They will fight about the way they flicked their hair, that the other one's outfit is dumb, that one always gets to play the mommy or teacher, etc...  I could go on and on here.  I am sure your list is just as ridiculous.  The sound of my kids bickering is probably the number one thing that will turn me into a foul mood.  It's just awful.  Maybe it's retribution now for my mother because she giggles when I complain about it.

I have tried all types of things to stop it or at least keep it minimal.  Sometimes, I lock them in the backyard.  Sorry, but that one is my favorite.  Lots of times it will change their mood, and they will start having a great time again.  Other times, I make them sit on the stairs and hold hands for an allotted amount of time.  Then, for every little thing they might keep doing to each other on the stairs, I will add more time.  And YES, my mother did both of these things to me!

Lots of times I end up telling them that "I don't care" about the little bickering tattle tells they come to me about!  I say to figure these things out on their own.  My husband makes them kiss and hug.  He has such a special way with them.  He is so playful and can usually change their foul moods into playful laughter.  I'm not quite as good at this as he is though.

I remember my brother and I fighting about all kinds of silly things -  He was looking at me.  He put his hand over the neutral line in the car.  He made weird noises & faces.  He bothered me when my girlfriends were over.  He was annoying.  But I love him and laugh about those funny things now.  My mom didn't think they were funny at the time though.

Well, there are plenty of solutions out there too & advice to END the bickering.  All you need to do is google it!  Good Luck with the finale of that.  Learning to cope is what you really need to google.  I think that new disciplines work for a bit, and then it falls back to old patterns - as in bickering.  I think this is normal for most families at least the ones I know.  So, I guess it's just a part of life, a part of parenting, a part of relationships, a part of sisterhoods & brotherhoods.  I guess I am just a member of the club of bickering like most everyone else.

I think that I just have to let it roll off my shoulder, cope and have a glass of wine!

What are thoughts about bickering?  Funny memories?  Current Frustrations?  Clever Bickering Disciplines for Kids?

Fresh Almond Milk

My friend, Brandee LeBlanc, who has quite the knowledge about health & food gave me a great tip on how to make fresh almond milk!  I couldn't believe how easy it is & how awesome it tastes compared to store bought.  Not to mention the cost!  The taste is a great almond-nutty flavor with a creamy almost velvety mouthfeel.  I made a smoothy with it and it was divine!

I gave it a try & I definitely will be making my own from now on!  You all should give it a try.

Raw Almond Milk


1 c raw almonds
water
3 c filtered water

Cover the almonds with water in a bowl overnight or at least 6 hours.  Then, dump out the water.  You will see that the almonds have swollen up.  Place the almonds and 3 c filtered water into a blender.  Blend really well until it is all pureed.  Then strain into a fine sieve or use cheesecloth.  Delish!

The left over almond mash is what is the base for almond paste.  So start baking friends :)

Fried Quinoa Rice & Pilaf

This is such an easy recipe that actually makes two meals!

The first night is a Quinoa Pilaf and the next night is Fried Quinoa Rice.  So yummy!  I recommend using a rice cooker which makes it super fast & easy.

Quinoa Pilaf


1 c quinoa
2 c water
1 T olive oil
1/3 c. chopped asparagus
1/3 c. diced red onion
1/3 c. chopped zucchini
1/3 c. chopped red pepper
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. parsley
S & P

Put all the ingredients in the rice cooker and wait til it beeps!  Fluff it with a fork and let sit for a minute.


Now, you can refrigerate the quinoa until tomorrow to fry it up.  If you didn't make the quinoa ahead of time, then just dump it out onto a baking sheet or dish to let it cool down really well.  Then you can proceed with frying it.

Fried Quinoa Rice


Leftover Quinoa Pilaf
2 T Coconut Oil
3 beaten eggs
1 t grated ginger
3 T soy sauce

Get your wok really hot first.  Add the coconut oil right before you add the quinoa.  I like to let it sit for a bit before stirring it so it will get those nice brown, fried bits on it.  After it has heated up a bit, make a well in the middle of the quinoa & add the beaten eggs.  Let them sit & cook.  Give the eggs a little bit of a stir - once they are starting to scramble then start mixing it all together.  Then add the ginger & soy sauce.  Cook a bit longer.  Then serve.  This is also great with little bits of chicken, pork, tofu or steak!
Enjoy.

What to do with all the memorabilia?

I don't consider myself a pack rat by any means but the memorabilia seems to be getting out of hand!  All the cards, photos, awards, art work, report cards, old clothes, year books, etc..... of mine, my husband's and now my children's are taking over a portion of my house.

What do you do with all that stuff?  What do you keep?  What do you throw away?  How much of that stuff is necessary to keep in your life?

I have a stack of artwork from the girls that is always building.  When it gets to the point that it is falling over is when I sort out my favorites & then move them with the other keepers into the basement with all the other crap!  But that pile in the basement is already a pretty hefty collection.  And then will come the day when I try to pass it all to my children & they will probably tell me what I have told my mother that I don't really want any of that stuff!

So, why am I keeping all of it?

I guess I do have a bit of an emotional attachment to it but it's put away where I can't even see it.  So, do I really need all that stuff?  It just doesn't feel right to throw it away.  I even have my dance cards from when I took Social in middle school, wool from my pet baby lamb, old notes from elementary school (remember how we folded them up with the little pull tab), my mom even had a box with my baby teeth that she gave me.

pinterest

What do you guys do with all of your memorabilia?  Is it taking over a large percentage of your house?  Love to hear your thoughts.

Oh So Darling Vintage Shoes

I went thrift shopping with my little ladies! 

 Look what I found:

Loads of VINTAGE SHOES in my size!!!

Etsy & your local thrift stores are great places to find your vintage shoes.  They give your outfit a little charm.  Plus they just don't make some styles like they used to.  Do you have some favorite vintage shoes?

I think a little satin ribbon would be Oh so cute!

These are just the cutest things ever.  They have just a little heel.

Wearing these tonight with a little black dress.

These will look great with some cut off jean shorts & a flowing blouse.

Hair up DO's - Dread it up

I have been doing this up-do for years.  It is fast, easy & great for dirty hair!  This style fits most women I know plus you don't need any pins.  It looks esp. great in the summer with a flowing maxi dress.  It really has that Bohemian look.  I like to wrap a head scarf around my dread up-do since my hair is dirty when I do this look & it adds to that urban, natural style.

Learn how to do it yourself with the DIY Video Tutorial:

Favorite Fridays 2/17/12

My favorite pick this week is my Knit/Jersey Boyfriend Blazer that I got at Pollux.  I love how versatile it is, and the stretch makes it so comfortable to wear!  Here is a classy one.  Also, Guess has one that has a black & white stripe lining so you can roll up the sleeves.

Olivia Moon @ Nordstrom $88

This keychain will definitely make you laugh
Easy DIY Scarf
Lemon Bits of Heaven
I need this coffee mug
This pin is funny
Love this lip balm my friend gave me
Interesting handsoap
Love this look
Wearing one of these to my Blue Jean Exchange Party
All time Favorite French Recipe

How about some Yellow Pants?

I used to own a pair of yellow jean capris years ago that I got from the Gap.  I loved them.   I got them after I had one of my baby girls, so I gave them away after I lost my baby weight.  I need those puppies back!  

Don't they look so fresh & springy?  

I am lemon, canary yellow loving mama! 

Here are some that I am thinking on & some looks to inspire.

Both of these looks are from Jcrew - love it w/stripes & love it w/red ballet flats.  

They will look great with my red Toms.  Probably my favorite.

Anthropologie

Old Navy 

Target - Mossimo

Love all the color combos & looks with yellow!

pinterest

Pinterest

love this from pinterest

Pinterest - oh my & look at those shoes!!

Pinterest

Naked or Dressed around your children?? When should you cover up?

After reading an article from a fellow blogger about Kissing your children on the mouth, I wondered what people thought about being naked in front of their children.

Do you guys feel that you should always cover up around your children?  Or should being in your birthday suit be a normal thing in your house?

I have three little girls & I am very comfortable being undressed around them.  I nurse my youngest so I seem to always be at least half-dressed multiple times a day.  I've always tossed one in the shower with me too.  But my husband said that around the age of 2-3 was when it was time to stay dressed.  He was definitely uncomfortable with their curiosity.

Maybe if I had all boys then the table would be turned & I would be dressed more and my husband wouldn't.  But, I am not a modest person by any means.

What are everyone else's thoughts on the matter?  Is it a certain age, a gender thing or do you just let it all hang out regardless?

Authentic Happiness - Love to all

Sometimes holidays esp. Valentine's can bring up a lot of emotions for people.  

It can also be a  stressful time & a time that reminds us of people who aren't with us anymore or of things we have lost or mistakes/regrets we have made.

One thing that I have learned is happiness is a choice that you make!  Don't choose to be a victim or the "woe is me" routine.  Take Life by the reins & Just BE HAPPY!  Love & happiness go hand in hand.

I also found this quote (below) that IS FALSE!  This is a good day to remind us.  Your happiness does not depend on another.  Your partner is just someone sharing your life - your happiness. 

Here are some tips I found a while ago that are great to help us ALL through these times of the year that can also bring sadness to some.

1) Respect for All Life.  In your daily life, you must manifest unconditional love and respect for all beings in creation.  First and foremost, you must make a conscious effort to love and honor YOURSELF as well as removing all judgments and criticisms.  Affirm this often to yourself because when you see yourself as lovable and worthy then you can extend love outward.  The more you love others, the less old "painful" patterns exist in your life. 

2) Genuineness.  Be True to Yourself!!  Don't make excuses.  Make healthy choices.  Be impeccable with your word.  If this gets hard just reaffirm that you live from honesty, sincerity and faithfulness which is your TRUE nature.  This also means saying no to things and not over-scheduling yourself.  Be kind to yourself.

3) Considerate.  "When you have the choice to be right or to be kind, always pick kind."  Gentleness generally implies that you no longer have a strong ego-inspired desire to dominate or control others, and this allows you to move more into a rhythm with the universe.  You will accept people and events as they are.  Then, blame and being a victim disappears and you enjoy the peaceful world around you.  You don't feel the need for revenge or to be hurtful to others.

4) Supportive.  Giving to others without any expectation of a reward.  Don't listen to your "ego" that can dominate your life by telling you...I'm unworthy, I can't do this, No one will help me, No one cares.  Just think of how you can serve the world and your attention will shift it's focus.  Then you think less about what you want and need and instead find comfort and joy by giving.

All of these things are important.  It is good to be reminded.  And Remember most important is to truly love and adore yourself first because then your love will overspill to others. 

"Be Kind. Everyone you meet is in the midst of a great struggle." -Plato

Happy Valentine's to everyone! I hope it is full of love, joy, friendship, family, laughter, forgiveness, understanding, and harmony.