Happy Valentine's Day!

Such a busy day today but I wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!!

Do you have anything special planned for today or tonight?

I made red cake balls with my girls yesterday. They started out as cake POPS but ended up as BALLS. She wanted something fun to bring to her class today. I took a quick photo so I'll post it later on.

Have lots of projects I'm working on and the girls will be home from school soon, so...gotta run!

Game Day

I know yesterday was a big game day for football fans across the country - snacking on favorite comfort foods, drinking and partying.

The girls and I went to visit my mom yesterday for a few hours before my older one's last show and we ended up having our own special game day.

There's a closet in her apartment in the room my sister and I shared growing up that still has remnants of our childhood. My girls, being the inquisitive rascals that they are, always like to investigate and sift through what must seem like junk to them, but are actually precious memories to me and my sister.

They noticed a stack of games up on one of the shelves and of course were eager to play. Like rummaging through an old attic, these games were equally as old and dusty so before anything, I got the Fantastik out with some paper towels and started cleaning away. Not really what I was expecting to do on a quiet Sunday visit at my mom's.

We started off by playing Trac 4 - a game where you compete to create patterns I used to LOVE this game! It wasn't really working so we had to improvise but still managed to have fun anyway.

I love looking at the packaging on these old games. Look at the hairstyle on the mom!

Next I found a game called Tilt but we couldn't play because we didn't have all of the marbles. Look at the packaging on this one - vintage illustration!

Ever since I was really little I was always into crafts - always wanting to make things. I remember always getting arts & crafts kits as gifts and here's one that was still around. I remember a lot of the kits were from the same company - "Arts & Crafts Today"

These next ones really cracked me up - my girls had no clue what they were.

My record player which also happened to be a radio as well.

This was the second one I had. The first one was red and short lived because it broke right away. They didn't have any red ones left so they got me this steel blue colored one. Never liked this color although my favorite color at the time was blue.

More like this blue - from our 8 track player!!

My mom wasn't as nostalgic as I was. In true mom fashion...

"When are you going to get rid of these things?" (can't you just hear the tone!)

"Why don't you bring them to your apartment?"

It just wouldn't be the same. It belongs here with all the other memories of Dawn Dolls, flatsies and Chrissy & Velvet. Somehow it wouldn't fit in at our place with Spongebob and Lady Gaga.

What are your favorite childhood games and toys?

HONK!

This week is going to be super crazy! Along with my regular stuff (photos, blogging, motherhood) we have some extra added activities.

My older one is in a show this coming weekend. They have been rehearsing on weekends since mid October but the show dates are finally here which means rehearsals every day after school this week. This doesn't sound daunting in itself until you factor in everything else - school pickups, homework, dinner, baths, treats, etc. One little thing effects the whole day. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact.

The show is called HONK! based on the story of The Ugly Duckling It's a musical version that both children and adults will enjoy. Some of the jokes are definitely geared towards the grown=ups!

I'm a little nervous - probably even more nervous than my daughter because this is her first speaking role. Come to think of it, she doesn't seem nervous at all!! UH! I hope she remembers her lines!

If you're in the area and want to check it out, here's the flyer:


I'll try to get some behind the scenes photos this week to show you how it's going so far.

How is your week looking? Hectic? Anything special going on?

Snowy Weekend & Cake Recipe

Our weekend started off to a small snowstorm. Don't you just love how snow looks just as it's falling? This time we got the soft powdery kind. It's so nice and peaceful outside when the snow is falling and hasn't been stepped (or peed) in yet.

It makes you think you're living in a black and white world when you look outside your window and only see white with hints of dark branches peaking out.

When I was little I used to look through my mom's old photos and used to think in the "olden days" everything was black and white. Literally - the world was black and white! Funny how a kid's mind works.

I still look through the old photos when I'm at her apartment. She doesn't get it, but I still love to look through them.

Wednesday we're supposed to be hit with another storm - this time even bigger. They're even thinking that schools may be closed. Just what I LOVE to hear!! Guess that means I'll have to go food shopping tomorrow with the rest of the city! Literally down to bare minimum over here in the food department.

So, I need some suggestions. The hubbs' birthday is this Friday and I need to make a cake. He's not into the decorated kind (my favorite part) but more into flavor. Last year I made him a root beer cake. It wasn't a big hit I have to say. He's really into flavors like coffee, chocolate, mocha and butterscotch. We couldn't be more opposite if we tried!

If you have any ideas, let me know. Would love to get the ingredients tomorrow while I'm out stocking up for the storm.

Hope you're having a great start to your week.

FOCUS

I can't believe it's already 6 days into the new year. I hope your year is starting out well.

I know at this time of year it's always popular to make resolutions, but for me, I'm just not going to do it. I mean, how many times can I say "this year I want to be more organized, and I want to exercise at least 3 times a week". Every year I say it and every year it doesn't happen. Why should I set myself up for failure like that??

The truth is, I HATE to exercise! At least the formal type like going to a gym. I've tried classes, machines, nothing gets me going. I've even made it easy on myself because there's a gym where my little one goes to preschool. I'm there twice a day - once for dropoff and once for pickup. How easy would it be for me to just stay after I drop her off? Couldn't be any easier and I STILL don't do it! Now walking around the city for hours, that's another story. I can do that in a heartbeat!

As far as organizing goes, this is something I would still love to do but let's be real, my desk will ALWAYS have piles of paper on it. It's just the way it is.

Now as I've been reading through my favorite blogs these days, one thing I have noticed now is people are picking a word for the year. A word they want to try to live by. I thought about it and I think that's something I can do.

So, my word this year is FOCUS!!

I found myself a little (more like a lot) all over the place this year - my mind going in a million different directions and getting nowhere fast. Does that happen to you?

I have so many things that I'm interested in - photography, cake decorating, party planning, bookmaking, the list could go on and on. So, I decided I need to narrow my focus and see how that goes. I might as well try it out, right? So, this year I decided to focus on photography and blogging. Sure, I'll still dabble in those other things - I can't quite go cold turkey but the other 2 will be on my brain front and center.

It's a funny thing, this focus. As soon as I made that decision, different opportunities started opening up for me. Were they always there and I just hadn't noticed?? I will definitely fill you in as they develop.

What about you? Do you have a "word" this year or any special resolutions? Would love to hear them!

Lessons Learned

Recently we celebrated my father in-law's 81st birthday. This year was extra special because he underwent open heart surgery - a double bypass. Fortunately he's doing really well!

To celebrate, we ended up going to a very nice Italian restaurant. With a name like Salvatore, Italian is a given.

It was going to be one of those long family dinners - appetizer, salad, main course, drinks, dessert - the works.

You would think after almost 7 years of parenthood I would have learned by now. Learn what you ask? To bring reinforcements! A coloring book, crayons, stickers. ANYTHING!!

But no - not me.

This is what happens with a 4 year old without reinforcements.

It starts out slow,

then the restlessness really sets in.

"Even I can balance" ("even" is her current favorite word)

"and even I can jump off. See - I'll do it a hundred times"

"even I can make funny faces"

"even I know I'm driving you crazy"

I ended up having to give her my new Flip video camera to keep her occupied. Wasn't too happy about it but there were no crayons in sight!

Don't let this happen to you!

How do you handle restaurants with your kids?

Beauty & The Beast Jr.

My older daughter's theater camp is coming to an end this week. Which only means that with 5 weeks left until school starts, Mommy Camp will soon be kicking in to high gear!! More on that later.

Her camp has been working on a production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. Wednesday night was the first show and last night was the second. Sunday there will be the last two. Needless to say, this week has been crazy! Not leaving much time for anything (even blogging)

This camp has been amazing! My daughter absolutely loved it! I'm so sad that it's coming to an end. (and not just because that means I have to take over)

I've managed to somehow become the unofficial photographer.

The set is unbelievable! Painted by a very talented artist. And it went up so quickly!

The costumes are great also - so authentic!

The staff was so nice and so talented - everyone from the counselors to the directors.

Well, I need to go back to editing more photos. There are tons!

I'll be back with you next week. Hope you have a great weekend! Do you have anything fun planned?

Peek At My Week

This week was pretty busy with my usual stuff. The highlight however was yesterday - heading down to the city to attend an event at B&H Photo. This time the topic was Macro and Nature Photography. So much info!! My head was spinning when I left. (in a good way) Can't wait to see the schedule for June!!

I have a question for you.

When was the last time you had a slice of pizza in NYC for a buck? Yes, ONE Dollar!! You probably can't even remember that far back.

I can.

Yesterday!!

After the B&H event, I was walking up 9th Avenue heading back to my car when I passed a pizza place on the corner of 40th & 9th where the sign read "1 Slice 1 Dollar" (or something like that) I was in shock! Could this be for real?? I had to check it out.

The pizza passed inspection - looked normal. Good in fact! Sure, I'll bite.

I asked for a slice.

They asked for a dollar.

With my slice in hand, I continued my walk up 9th. I have to say, it was really good! My only comment would be that the crust could have been a bit crispier. I like crispy crust. I'm very particular about my pizza. I would definitely go back to this place!!

For a peek into the rest of my week, here are a few random pictures.

Mother's Day flowers

Me. Procrastinating.

Oh, but check out my hideous nails! I went for a manicure Friday night because the hubbs gave me a gift certificate last Mother's Day that was due to expire the next day. I never get a color put on my finger nails (toes are a different story) but I figured since it was Mother's Day weekend, what the hell.

Less than 24 hours that was what they looked like!!

I'm back to clear.

Behind the scenes I am working on a new shopping cart for the TCG site. I need some graphics here and there so I asked my little one to help me out.

Tried a new broccoli recipe I found on the Food Network. So simple - my family loved it.

Worked on a recipe I will be posting sometime next week. Still sifting though the photos.

That was it. How about you?

If you're looking for something cool to do this weekend, head on over to DUMBO in Brooklyn. There's a Photo Festival going on.

I can't make it. I have more exciting events like 4 year old birthday parties to attend. If you go, give us the scoop.

Tomorrow night I'll be heading back into the city though. Yay!! Dinner with an old friend and then we're going to a comedy club to see a friend we haven't seen since Junior High School. She was funny back then so I'm sure it will be hysterical.

Come on by:

The Yes Show

Short form improvised scenes and songs using your suggestions.
Friday, May 14th & Saturday, May 15th
8 pm / $15 (general seating)
@ Gotham City Improv at Stonestreet Studios
48 West 21st Street (betw 5th & 6th Aves), 8th Floor

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Spring and Fall are my two favorite seasons. Did you ever notice though how quickly Spring comes and goes? It seems like we barely even have time to enjoy it anymore.

A couple of weeks ago when I was walking my daughter to school, we noticed how beautiful the trees looked.

Look Mama! (Mama - that would be me)

All of the flowers were blooming

beautiful shades of pink (my daughter's favorite color)

The neighborhood looked so beautiful.

Today I noticed, just like that, all the pink was gone. You wouldn't have ever guessed there were flowers on these trees just days ago. Now they're all full of lush green leaves.

Still beautiful, just not pink. We miss the pink!

What's your favorite season?

What's In Your Fridge Right Now?

Last night while I ventured over to my fridge hoping to find a little snack, I was horrified at the lack of food I had. What kind of mom am I??

Then I got to thinking, and started cracking myself up, (that happens quite often) it would be interesting to see what was in other people's fridges. Do you think the inside of your fridge says a lot about you? Mine is probably saying "slacker!"

So, I decided to take pictures of what I had and share them with all of you. I have to admit, I do feel a bit weird about this. I feel so exposed!!

Fortunately, the girls were asleep and the hubbs was locked away in his cave so I had no witnesses while I snapped away. I could just imagine the confused expression on my baby's face if she woke up.

"Mama, why are you taking pictures of our food? Are you going to put it on your "puter"?"

or worse yet, if the hubbs caught me.

"You've got to be kidding!"

Luckily my older one sleeps through the night. Finally!!

So, here goes...

If nothing else, I will always have milk in my fridge. My girls drink it faster than I can buy it. At this point, I think we just need our own cow.

We also have 2 kinds of OJ. I'm a Tropicana snob, usually getting Calcium and No Pulp. HATE the pulp! Eeek - feels like you're drinking little bugs. Blah! The hubbs on the other hand couldn't care less so when he's at Stew Leonard's, (his favorite store) he'll just get their brand.

Most of the stuff on the bottom bins probably needs to be thrown away. I don't even want to look.

Next is the inside door.

I love condiments and sauces - gotta have my buffalo wing sauce. Hot and spicy is the way to go. Another must is the Sambazon Acai Juice - expensive, but really good.

If I'm going to share, I may as well bare it all. Here's my freezer...

The girls and the hubbs LOVE ice cream, so there will always be at least 2 containers. There's also a couple of things in there from our last Costco run. As a side note, don't ever go to Costco when you're starving because you will end up buying things that you would never normally buy and when you're sane and not starving anymore, you will open up your freezer and wonder why there's a jumbo sized box of Jamaican Meat Patties.

Trust me on this one - it could happen.

At least the last part of my tour is my saving grace. A whole lotta frozen veggies! Looking at it now, maybe I should have neatened it up a bit. Is my freezer telling you I'm disorganized??

I guess your fridge really does have a lot to say about who you are.

Now that I've shown you mine, I want to see yours!! In the comments section, tell me what's currently in your fridge or better yet, take a picture and include the link. We'll see what your fridge has to say about you!

A Peaceful Moment

Last night on the news they were saying there was going to be another big snowstorm overnight. So I woke up extra early this morning to see if they were right. Sure enough, they were!! I also woke up to find out that NYC schools were closed. Grreeeaaattt!!! Just what us moms love! I can just picture a sea of disappointed, panic stricken faces throughout the city.

Well no reason to wake anyone up! Figured I'd take advantage of the short lived peace and quiet I would have today. When I looked outside the window, I couldn't believe how much snow had fallen! I decided to take my camera, head out and capture the moment.

This is the first thing I saw, or actually didn't see when I walked outside my building. Where'd the steps go??

It was so nice being one of the only few people outside knowing that behind all these windows, everyone was still fast asleep.

There's snow everywhere...

snow to the left of me,

snow to the right,

it was everywhere!

It was soooo quiet outside - a true winter wonderland.

Hard to believe, but these big lumps are actually the bushes outside my building.

Could these 2 actually be attempting to go to work?? Such dedication.

He's already working... what a trooper!

This guy must have been up real early. Showoff.

Let's see if I can find my car - here it is, buried with the rest of them. Awww, poor thing.

Look at the trees - so beautiful.

As I head back home,

I try to savor these last few peaceful moments in solitutde.

For fear of what lies ahead of me.