Dear Santa, Love Jane

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a box!

Love, Jane

Heavy Heart

Today, something as ordinary as picking Jane up from school seemed like an absolute miracle.  To hold her tightly against me as I kissed her face and wiped cheerio residue from her face, I felt like the luckiest person in the world.  There are mothers and fathers out there who would give anything to be doing the same.  My heart breaks for them.  I will go to sleep tonight uneasy and uncertain about the world we live in.  I will pray for them to find grace and guidance so that they may one day find their way back to experiencing something ordinary.

With peace and love...

Merry Christmas Cards!

Before having a baby, I could never get it together enough to send out Christmas cards.  Now, it is something I look forward to the second Halloween passes.  We recently had Jane's one year photo session and decided to choose a picture from each of her sessions for our card this year.  It is amazing to see how much she has grown and changed since this time last year. 

From our family to yours, I truly wish you the very Merriest of holidays and the best of things to come in the new year.

 As always, I have to thank to very talented ladies for making these cards happen.  A million thanks to Jennifer Zdon for being the incredible photogapher that she is and to Lauren Alsop for designing yet another incredibly inspired creation. 

Five Fabulous Hostess Gifts

Is your calendar packed with festive holiday fetes?  If you're like me, you barely have time to catch your breath between office gatherings, birthdays parties, cocktail soirees.  I always feel like I'm running out the door without a gift fit for the hostess of the parties we're attending.

Here's a few fun ideas that you can put together pretty quickly that are sure to make your host or hostess merry!

Thanks a Latte!  

Bring along a little pick me up.  Down here in New Orleans, we are partial to our local purveyors such as CC's.  I love this holiday duo of CC's ground bread pudding and ground holiday jazz.  

Something Sweet!

Fresh's Sugar lip balm is the perfect cure for lips chapped by the winter weather.  I could keep one in every nook and cranny.  

Light the Way!

You can never be certain that the same fragrance you spend hours enjoying at home will be appreciated by your hostess.  But, who wouldn't love these beautiful Florentine Deer Pillar Candles by Pottery Barn.

Seeing Stars

I have been in love with these coasters for years.  If you haven't seen them in person, you should run to your nearest Anthropologie to check out the Celestial Coaster Set.  When you know people will be putting their glasses down throughout the evening, these would be perfect and pretty!

That's a Wrap

Check out Loomed Nola's Fractal Peskirs.  These amazing Turkish linens are absolutely gorgeous.  I've had to stop myself at four of these guys that we rotate through our kitchen.  The color choices are to die for too.  My favorite way to gift them is to wrap them around a bottle of your favorite olive oil or bottle of wine.  It's two gifts in one!

I hope this provides you a new idea and sets your holiday social season off on the right foot!

What about you?  What's your go to hostess gift?

On a More Serious Note

It took a year to gather the courage to write my story, but today on the New Orleans Moms Blog, you can read about my about experience with Postpartum Depression...

A Look Back: My Experience with Postpartum Depression.



Black Friday Fave: The Most Perfect Tee Ever!!

Pocketed Ragland Tee

My wonderful mother-in-law was in town for Jane's birthday/Thanksgiving and was gracious enough to give me a mommy morning on Black Friday. 

There was something very relaxing about getting in the car by myself, turning up the Christmas tunes, and heading downtown as the sun came up.  When I got to The Shops, it was quient and peaceful.  They had a coffee and hot chocolate station set up and a gentleman playing caroles softly on a piano.  I find nowawdays I don't spend a considerable amount of time on my own.  I couldn't have imagined alone time that could be any more perfect than Black Friday at the Canal Place.

That is until I found the most amazing tee ever made!  I popped into Anthropology to take advantage of their 20% off everything sale and bumped right into the Pocketed Ragland Tee.  I have been on a search for a tee like this since leggings and jeggings came into being.  You see, I have a God given muffin top that having a baby did not improve and boot camp seems to be unable to remove.  I need tees that are not form fitting to accentuate this issue.  Until Friday, I was unable to find one that fit the bill.  The Ragland tee is fitted at the top and flares below the bust.  It also comes below the tush in the back allowing you to feel assured that while wearing it you picture will not end up on one of those "Leggings are not pants" blogs.

I hope your Black Friday was as successful as mine.  I'm off to order the tee in every color made!

Dear Baby Jane: On Your First Birthday

Dear Baby Jane,

I have heard people say that they believe in love at first sight.  I was never one of those people until you were placed in my arms one year ago.  From the very moment I looked into your eyes I know that I had never felt a love like I felt in that moment.  You see Jane, at that moment, a little piece of my heart escaped from me and joined yours.  We are forever bound, you and me.  You are my sweet, precious, precocious, curious, loving, and funny girl.  For your Daddy and me, you have made every day since your arrival better than the day that came before.  

On Wednesday, we celebrated your very first birthday.  It was bittersweet for Mommy.  All day, I felt a tug at my heart when I realized that one entire year has passed since you and I first met.  How is that possible?  If only I could slow down time...  But, I can't.  All I can do is watch you grow and learn each and every day and try not to take a moment for granted.  

Jane we still have so much to learn about each other.   That's the sweet part about all of this.  I cannot wait to wake up each day wondering what will come next.  There is so much more to do and read and explore.  I want for you to see it all!

You are the very best thing about me.  Together, your Daddy and I will love you more today than we did yesterday and more tomorrow than we did today.

Happy Birthday my precious child.  You truly are a gift.

Love Always, 

Mommy

November 21, 2011

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November 2012

Tasty Tuesdays: Birthday Cake Pancakes

Recipe and Photo Courtesy of How Sweet Eats

I cannot believe what I am writing, but tomorrow is my Sweet Baby Jane's first birthday.  First of all, how is that possible?!?!  Second, how do I stop the waterworks?  This truly has been the most amazing year of my life.  I know that Jane will have no idea why she will be celebrated with a million kisses tomorrow, but I want for her day to feel extra special.  How much more special could it be than if it is started with these most amazing pancakes?!  They are cute and colorful and just make me feel happy inside! 

Jane and her classmates celebrating her birthday a day early.  Just like her momma, she love's a birthday crown!

Cake Batter Pancakes.

Makes about 12 pancakes

Pancakes

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2/3 cup yellow cake mix

1 tablespoon sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

pinch of salt

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-2 cups milk (I used vanilla almond milk)

assorted sprinkles

Combine flour, cake mix, baking powder, sugar and salt in a bowl and mix. Add 1 cup of milk, egg and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. You want the batter to look like regular pancake batter; not too thin, not too thick. This will vary greatly on the brand of cake mix you use. Start with 1 cup of milk and add more if needed. I suggest a small taste test as well to see if the pancakes are flavored enough.

Preheat a skillet on medium heat (I use an electric grilled and turn it to 250 degrees). Fold desired amount of sprinkles into batter. Pour batter in 1/4 cup measurements onto skillet and let cook until bubbles form on top, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 minute more. Serve with vanilla glaze.

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

assorted sprinkles

Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. You may need to add a little more sugar or water/milk to reach desired consistency. Mix into glaze and drizzle on pancakes.

Something from J Crew to Warm Me Up?

For over a week, I have had the sniffles.  Jane was gracious enough to pass along her virus to our whole family.  To her credit, we have been trying to teach her about sharing!

Between the temperatures here dropping some, and the constant cold induced chills, I have found myself looking for something to keep me warm.  I popped onto J Crew's website recently, and I was blown away by their outerwear collection this year.  Each piece has a simplistic style about them, yet they have an embellishment that gives them a fresh feel.  If only it was truly cold enough here to warrant more than one!

Bow Coat

J Crew Symphony Coat

J Crew Peplum Coat

J Crew Greatcoat

Do you have a favorite?

$1,500 of Giveaways! Woohoo for shopping local!

I don't know about you, but this holiday season has come around too quickly!  I've been so preoccupied with my sister's wedding, Jane's first day of school, and first Jane's birthday that I've completely lost track of time. 

I have lists of gifts to get, but I really don't have enough creative ideas on just what to buy everyone on my list.  Well, if you feel the same way, have no fear the New Orleans Moms Bloggers are here!

Check out today's post with over $1,500 of giveaways and more than 40 holiday gift ideas. 

The best part is that by learning more about these small businesses, you are helping to empower locally based entrepeneurs!  It's a win/win.

Subscribe today and leave a note here telling me that you did, and I'll pick one winner.  The lucky guy or gal will receive a gorgeous Loomed Nola pestamel (Turkish organic linen) that is the most amazing hand towel you will ever use.

As a Nola Moms blogger myself, I was invited to Loomed Nola's showroom.  It is fabulous and such a wonderful addition to the New Orleans boutique/specialty goods community.  While there, I picked up two scarved and two pestamels.  The owners were sweet enough to provide me with an extra that I am excited to pass along to one of you.  They did not, however, provide me with any shopping money to post this little diddy about their incredible new venture.

SHOP LOCAL!!  SHOP NOLA!

If Baby Jane Voted on the Issues (Completely Non-Political)

Jane Smiles at the voting polls.  Daddy frowns at the long line.

I posted this picture on Facebook and a friend joked that he hoped Jane voted on the issues.  It got me thinking about what Jane would consider issues at this stage in her life.

Jane's Guide to Voting, Election Day 2012:

Select a candidate who:

• Would move the age it is acceptable to eat chocolate to eleven months.

• Would make it allowable to roll around, kick, and holler when having your diaper change without being scolded.

• Ensures that Elmo calls Daddy's cell phone at least once daily.

• Promises to grant permission to poke your dog's eyes out and pull her ears without consequence.

• Believes that all of Mommy's magazines are for tearing into a million pieces that she will have to pick up.

• Makes it illegal for Mommy to serve homemade baby food because the organic kind in the squeezy pouch is way more fun.

• Makes it a requirement that babies get no less than one million kisses per day.

This message paid for by Jane

With Love... From the Big Easy to the Big Apple

In an effort to show support to all of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, I have started a Facebook page connecting everyone here down south to our friends in the Northeast.

Please come by the site and like the link.  Spread the word!

CLICK HERE

I am constantly posting updates about where we can send supplies and what is needed most. 

Seven and a half years ago when Katrina made landfall, we had no idea how deeply it would impact our lives.  Through all of the darkness that her wrath brought, the light that brought us out of it was the hope and generousity provided to us by others.  At that time, we could only offer our thanks.  Now, we can offer a hand.

Be well NY/NJ.  We are with you.

From the Big Easy to the Big Apple.

My Sister Got Hitched!

This weekend was filled with celebrations.  Friday, we celebrated my birthday, and last night my baby sister married the man of her dreams.  I can't wait until all of the pictures come back so I can share them with you.  It was truly spectacular!

Jane's Halloween Collage

I hope you all had a very Happy Halloween!!

Our little family dressed up as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's, the very cutest pumkin ever, and Judge Smails from Caddy Shack.  Jane loved seeing all of the people walking about the Octavia Street corridor.  For blocks, houses were decorated in their freaky finest, and her particular favorite was a skeleton that popped in and out of a casket.  Open and Close is our favorite game to play so it was perfect. 

As is my family's tradition, we returned home to celebrate my dad's birthday.  Jane had made him a card with two footprint ghosts that said, "I hope you have a "spook"tacular birthday!  We dined on Golden Dragon chinese food.  My dad loves Chinese and my mom hates it, so every year we eat more Chinese food than is served at one of those buffets to celebrate all things Grandpa.

To see Halloween through Jane's eyes was just so much fun.  I can't wait for the rest of the holidays to get started!!

Tasty Tuesdays: Must Try Donut Muffins

Photo and Recipe Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman

I cannot believe it, but Jane starts school on Thursday.  She will be going twice a week for a full day, and to introduce her to her class, I took her to The Purple Room's Halloween party this morning.  I was asked to bring muffins, and I was so excited because I finally had a reason to make the donut muffins that I had seen on Pinterest a few weeks back. 

These are AMAZING!!!!!  They will be my go-to breakfast treat from now on.  I was planning to make monkey bread for a baby shower brunch I am hosting, but these were so tasty and so easy to do, that I've altered the menu.  Who doesn't love the combination of cake donuts and cinnamon sugar?!?!

FOR THE MUFFINS:
1-¾ cup Flour
1-½ teaspoon Baking Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Nutmeg ( I reduced this to 1/4 tsp)
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
⅓ cups Oil
¾ cups White Sugar
1 whole Egg
¾ cups Milk (I used skim and they came out great)

_____

FOR THE TOPPING:

¼ cups Butter

⅓ cups White Sugar

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon

Preparation Instructions

Brush muffin tin with melted butter.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon.


Separately, combine oil, sugar, egg and milk. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir only to combine.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a bowl. Combine the white sugar with the cinnamon in another bowl.

Shake muffins out while still hot. Dip muffins in butter, then into the sugar/cinnamon mix. Let cool.

PS - If you're in the New Orleans area and are looking for fun date night ideas, check out my New Orleans Moms Blog post today!!  Click HERE!

October Weekend in New Orleans

This was one of those rare weekends where we didn't have drill, or call, or showers, or parties to go to.  We love those things, don't get me wrong, but sometimes a weekend free to take in all that New Orleans has to offer is just what we need.

Saturday morning, we put our little pumpkin in her Halloween costume and went to our neighborhood pumpkin patch.  It's the one on Octavia and Jefferson at the First Presbyterian Church.  The volunteers couldn't have been sweeter to us as we took our time exploring pumpkins and scarecrows and haystacks.  All of the proceeds go to their amazing programs!

After enjoying the pumpkins, we spent the afternoon at the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival.  Jane loves dancing to music, so she was in heaven all day.  

This is how she feels about 88 degree weather in October!

Have you picked up your pumpkins yet?

Friday's Favorite Pins: When Life Gives You Lemons

Last night, I saw the very last image I posted, and it immediately brought a smile to my face.  Yellow has a way of doing that, doesn't it?  It's bright and cheerful and reminds me of lemonade on a warm spring day.  Here's a few pins that bought a little shineshine my way.  I hope they do the same for you on this fall Friday!

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