15 year high school reunion

I just got an invite for my 15 year high school reunion.  15 years!  How in the heck did that happen?  And not only that, there is a Facebook invite for this event.  That just seems wrong.

I made a comment about this reunion to my young whipper-snapper employees saying how time is flying by. They laughed at me.  That is no way know to show respect for your elders!

Ah, the class of 1995.  My days consisted of cross-country meets, listening to Hootie and the Blowfish, Melissa Etheridge and Tori Amos, working at the flower shop with my friend Adrienne, surviving AP Spanish with my friend Sara, and driving my little red Subaru with no AC like I was a bad ass.

I did not go to my 10 year reunion because it was the weekend after Katrina hit and things were a bit crazy.  So do I go to this one?  Pros of going - I look exactly the same as I did at 18.  Cons of going - I look exactly the same as I did at 18.  Oh, the pressure!

Until I make a decision, I leave you with a rowdy "GOOOOOO Wildcats!"

Swagger Wagon

Sienna is running this really great marketing campaign.  The whole campaign is brillant, but the music video on YouTube is the best part.  It is hilarious. So here is a little something to make you laugh this Monday morning... Enjoy!

Modern Family

Have you seen this show?  Modern Family is our new favorite TV show.  It may actually give Glee a run for its money. 

I have been making efforts to surround myself with things that make me smile and are laugh out loud-pee-in-your-pants funny.  And this show delivers.  What the heck am I going to do with myself now that this show is on summer break?  I am craving my mid-week laugh session. 

What are you doing/watching this summer to make you laugh?  I need ideas, people!

Summer To Do List: hang lights in the backyard

I love the idea that your backyard can be your second living room.  I live in a town that has over 300+ days of sunshine.  Why not take advantage of that and be outside as much as possible.  I want to create a beautiful backyard that is the perfect backdrop to impromtu BBQs, running through the sprinklers (when Little B actually learns out to run), early morning conversations over coffee, smores over the fire pit, playing kick-the-ball with dogs, and of course, lazy afternoons spent in the hammock.

High on my list in setting the perfect backyard ambiance are those Italian string lights that you see in cafes.  The ones that have the big globe, that sway in the wind, and look like little, dancing glow-in-the-dark fairies to any outdoor fun.  I want to hang them in our big pecan trees.  I have this idea that they will transform our backyard into a magical place that we rush home from our busy days knowing that fun awaits us right outside our back door.

Pick your own blueberries

One thing that screams summer to me is the annual trek to some dirt-road farm to pick your own blueberries.  We used to do this growing up.  My mom would take all 4 kids and put us to work picking blueberries.  How did she get us to agree to this manual labor in the heat of a Texas summer? Well, the deal was you get to eat as much as you want while picking!  Telling this to kids that were never late to meal for fear that it would be gone by the time you got there, this deal was awesome.

So we would put on our scruffiest, stained clothes, pile into the minivan and begin the hour long drive while trash-talking about who would pick the most.  Once we got there with our enthusiasm at maximum capacity, my mom would unleash her working crew to gather as much as we could carry.  The beauty of this plan is that we were short enough to get into the hard-to-reach places that held the best fruit and young enough to not care that our faces, shirts, everything were sticky in blueberry juice.  Sure, there was the occasional run-in with a bee, thorn, or snarky, younger brother.  But all in all, it was a good time.  And when our baskets and bellies could hold no more, we would pack up the minivan and head home, falling asleep in the back seat knowing that blueberry pies and blueberry pancakes were in our near future. 

Of course, Little B is too little right now to participate in this annual tradition.  But I do get excited knowing that in a few short years, she will be initiated into this sticky, blueberry right of passage.

Happy 9 months to my baby girl!

Happy 9 months to my baby girl!  You have rocked my world in so many ways.  You make me laugh with your funny grins, babbling, and crazy sounds.  I have never heard a child roll her Rs like you can!  You bring magic to my day every day.  I love you more than you will ever know.

Summer To Do List from Literaria

Don't you just love it when you have the simplest of ideas and then that idea metamorphosizes into other great ideas.  Well, that is exactly what is happening with this Summer To Do List.  It seems this idea is catching on.  I am hearing from so many of you about what you are adding to your lists.  I love it!

So because of all this, I have asked a few of my favorite blogger friends to let us know what is on their Summer To Do Lists.  First up, Jessica from Literaria.  This is what she had to say...

Read more, read longer, enjoy every minute of it.

Spend relaxed, purposeless time with my family and friends. By purposeless, I mean time that does not involve a purpose like to flip a mattress, take a trip to the airport, or the like.

Bask in the sun by the water.

Fall in love. Human, animal, vegetable, mineral...fall in love.

Summer To Do List: make a tomato pie

I have always wanted to make a tomato pie.  And this summer, the garden is doing so well that we will soon be swimming in heirloom tomatoes.  So tomato pie goes on the list as something new to try.  I will let you know how it goes.

I am going to attempt this recipe from Home Ec 101.  The blog post is called "Tomato Pie: Smack Your Granny Good."  With a title like that I have to try it!

Splish-Splashing

The other weekend we took Little B to the pool to cool off on a scorcher of a day.  We weren't sure if she would like it.  But our worries were in vain.  This child has no fear.  She loved it!  She splashed everywhere, babbled loudly at the little boy next to her, laughed and had a great time.  Everyone thought she looked cute in her little retro bathing suit.  And there were quite a few comments about her chubby legs. That is okay... they are all just jealous.  No one rocks the thunder thigh look like Little B can.

Oh that Little Debbie

She woos you in with her innocent smile and delectable Oatmeal Creme Pies and then makes your tummy hurt because you ate 3 too many. Such a bitch.

Happy first day of summer!

 Photo via The Knitting Cowgirl

Cool poster

I love the design on this poster.  Typography is so cool.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! 

This is David's first Father's Day and Little B and I am determined to make it a weekend he will remember.  First up, we head out to a place called Fran's in our continued search for the best burger in Austin.  Then a long nap on the couch.  Such an indulgence these days for this new daddy.  After that David and Little B will spend some time at the pool for splish-splashing.  And to round it out, Little B will show off her new Duarte Construction hard hat for when she goes out to the job site as Daddy's Little Helper. Pictures coming soon!

Photo credit Reverie Daydream

Hear, Hear to Forts!

I just saw this post over on Odeedoh about the importance of Forts.  Oh my heart be still!

Forts are another childhood rite of passage for me.  My brothers and I were the kings of fort-building.  Of course, there are many kinds of forts - tree forts, land forts, and the elusive water fort.  We are experts in the first two.  The water fort - I am sure that we would be good at that too if we could have found some water in our land-locked Dallas suburb.

It all started with my dad.  He made us our first fort.  It was 2 levels.  Did you hear me?... 2 LEVELS.  It had an upstairs.  That makes it the deluxe of all forts.  We would take trash bags and pretend to parachute off the top.  We were the envy of every kid in the neighborhood that summer.  Everyone wanted to be our friend.  It was awesome!

After our first fort retired, every summer we had this mission to build the best fort that ever was.  It was our epic summer quest.  We would arm ourselves with hammers, nails, and scrap wood, load it all into our wagon and go in search of the perfect fort location.  One year it was in a tree in a empty lot in the neighborhood.  Another time it was behind our house in this long super-secret path that ran between two fence lines.

At that time there were a lot of new homes being built in our neighborhood and we had a deal with the builders - they would supply us with all of their scrap wood and extra nails if we agreed to not rummage through their job sites.  I think they were mildly amused by us, but probably more concerned about a liability issue.  But we of course thought we were ruthless businessmen making a killer deal.  It was the perfect arrangement.  We would hammer all day on our dream fort while they built someone's dream house.

Once the location was determined, we had to think of the blueprints.  What would the layout of our dream fort be?  Chris and I would argue for hours about the best location for the sitting nook or which limb would support the next level.  But eventually we would come to an understanding and the hammering would begin.

Now with mom, the rules were as follows.  You have to be back by noon for lunch.  We had to wait til 3 before we could go back out again.  And then we had to be back no later than 5 for dinner.  Oh, and the worst rule of them all... Chris and I had to take our little brothers, Mark and Steven.  Ugh!  So of course they got the jobs of handing us nails one by one or standing look-out for anyone who might try to take over our fort.  I have no idea who those people might be, but we were sure that they were out there and wanted our fort.

The best part of the whole fort quest - when it was complete.  We would sit in our fort for hours.  We would bring books, food, the dog, and our latest treasure finds and just sit.  It was the equivalent of sitting on the front porch admiring your view and pondering life.  Of course that was usually short-lived as Chris and I would think of some much-needed renovation that we could not live without.  But those moments of pondering were awesome while the lasted.

Did you build childhood forts?  If so, tell me about then in the comments.  And even better, if you have pictures, I want to see them!

So here, here to forts!  Now off to go clean the kitchen and do some laundry in my current fort.

Photos via Ohdeedoh, Dave Pics, Jason Silver

Blog Love: Smitten Kitchen

I am so in awe of this woman, Deb, over on Smitten Kitchen.  She has a baby that is younger than Little B yet she is able to still accomplish amazing things in the kitchen.  I can barely get coffee made in the morning! When I read her blog, I always hope that I may read some morsel of goodness that will enlighten me on how she makes it look so easy. Not to mention that her recipes aren't too hard on both the eyes and taste buds.

Cherry clafouti

My cherry obsession continues.  I also love to bake with cherries.  Cherry crisp is probably my favorite, following closely by a cherry tart.  But this summer, I think I am going to try this recipe from Molly Watson at The Dinner Files - cherry clafouti.

Photo credits: The Dinner Files

Summer To Do List: eat more snow cones

Nothing says summer like a snow cone.  And in Austin, we have tons of places to choose from.  I guess in a town that has triple degree heat, you can never have too many snow cone places.

 

A little piece of Colleen trivia, I had never had a snow cone until I was 30. Hard to believe?!  It is like I missed a childhood rite of passage.  So this summer I am trying to make up for it.  I have a summer goal of trying as many different flavors of snow cone as possible.  So far, I have tried cherry, black cherry, and mango.  I think watermelon will be next on this list. What our your favorite flavors? I am making a list of flavors to include in this 2010 Summer Snow Cone Challenge.

What motherhood has taught me

Motherhood definitely changes you.  Aside from the muffin top over my jeans and the fact that a 2-piece swimsuit may never happen again, motherhood has taught me quite a few things in the last 9 months...

1. It is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.   Now, I did not expect it to be all lollipops and rainbows.  But I definitely did not realize how hard it was going to be juggling work, baby, husband, lack of sleep, friends, and everything else that life throws your way.  And forget any personal time for yourself.  There are just not enough hours in the day.  You can make plans to have time to yourself, schedule a conference call, go to a BBQ, or cook a great dinner, but one bad cold or teething episode sneaks up on you, and you can kiss those plans goodbye.
2.  It is really fun.  When I make a big decision (like having a baby), I focus on the "Cons" list, become okay with those cons, and then jump in.  I tend to forget that most things also come with a "Pros" list.  So I am constantly surprised by all the amazing things that Little B has given me to make me smile - Her first smile. The way that she loves me by pressing her forehead to mine. That I am her favorite person in the world.  That she is so funny.
3. I choose my friends wisely. I don't have time for BS.  So there is only room in my life for Tier 1 friends.  I really like this one.  It has forced me to clean house of anyone who is negative and takes more than they give.  Tier 1 friends are the ones that you don't have to put makeup on for, that love you with all your flaws, and think that hanging out on the couch with some ice cream with kids screaming in the background is a perfect way to spend a Friday night. 
4. I have learned to trust my own "inner mother".  As a new mom, you get hit with advice from everyone.  But with Little B, I have learned to trust my gut feeling, knowing that I know her better than anyone else and therefore know how to best provide for her.  This is a really amazing confidence that is such a gift.
5. Certain things don't matter as much.  Work, clothes, grumpy people, the latest hit TV show, etc.  These things don't matter as much because every day I get to come home to the people that I love and hang out with them.  Simply put - some things count and some do not.
   
6. Daycare is not all bad. I was dreading daycare when we made the choice to put Little B in it.  Again, I was so focused on the negative that I missed the positive.  Now, I am not saying that daycare is magical place that does no wrong.  But it does have a plus side.  Little B is so happy there.  She loves the socialization.  Instead of me, the daycare has to change the majority of "blow-out" diapers.  And my most favorite plus, the best part of my day is when I get to pick Little B up in the afternoon.  It is like a homecoming in a movie every single day.  
7. The world can be such an amazing, beautiful place through a child's eyes. Not that I thought the world was ugly before.  But I did not appreciate the really small things, like the individual petals on a flower.  Everything is so brand new to Little B and it is astonishing to watch her explore all that there is to discover.

Edible Austin summer issue

The summer issue of Edible Austin is out!  And The Natural Epicurean is in it.  I love this magazine.

The Natural Epicurean Grand Opening

Wow, we are so busy at work.  My marketing team has been working their tails off on a very exciting project - the Grand Opening of The Natural Epicurean!

Yep, you heard me right.  Yoga Yoga bought a professional cooking school and has re-energized it so now it will offer public classes in addition to its professional chef program.  You know how much I love food, so I could not be more excited to be part of this.

Such a big girl

  

Such a big girl, holding her own spoon and all.  And don't even think about taking it away from her.  That does not go so well.  Fiercely independent... I have no idea where she gets that from.

Hanging out

Just two girls hanging out trying to take a nap.

Right this second

Right this second, I am hugging on a summer, sweaty baby.

Think happy thoughts

As you may know from previous posts, it has been a little rough around here.  And quite frankly, I am sick of it.  So I am making a promise to myself.  I am going to turn this funk around.  I am going to think happy thoughts even if it kills me.  And hopefully, it will be contagious.  And then the universe will back off a bit and say "Well, she has had enough of the bad.  Time for some good."

So who is with me?  Send me all of your happy thoughts. I need all the help that I can get.  What is making you smile today? 

Photo via Forever Lovestoned

Summer To Do List: Sangria

I have decided that this summer, I am creating a summer to-do-list.  First up, I want to learn how to make the perfect sangria

Jobie

Yesterday was another rough day.  I tried so hard for it to be a good one, but it was just not meant to be.  We took Jobie, our dog, to the vet as she was acting really weird.  She was not able to get out of bed on her own and seemed to be hesitating any big movement.

After hours at the vet, rounds of tests, and a huge bill, it has been determined that Jobie has a tumor on her heart and there is not much we can do except make her comfortable, give her medication for pain, and wait for the inevitable.  Ugh!

Jobie is my first baby.  She has been with me since before I met my husband.  An old soul from the time she was a puppy,  Jobie was the best roommate, running partner, confidant, and best friend that a girl could have.  This sucks.

Orchard dinner

How would you like to have dinner here, tonight?  Yes, please.

Photo via San Francisco Girl by the Bay

Heirloom tomatoes

Look at these heirloom tomatoes from my garden!  They are doing so well.  I can not wait until these are ready to eat.

Cherry season is here!

Hooray, cherry season is here!  To me, cherries signify the beginning of summer.  We go through bowls and bowls of cherries - popping them into our mouths and spitting out the seeds into a little, empty bowl.  And I think because they are not offered all year long, we are just that much more excited when they do arrive.  Happy cherry season, everyone!

We have the best conversations

One of those days

Today is just one of those days.  A whole bunch of little things that all pile up to be one big mess. 

I stubbed my toe. David's cell phone keeps dropping calls. Little B is still snotty. Wrigley got out... again.  We are worried about Jobie in that she is moving slower than usual. Yoga Yoga's website went down.  Everyone and their mother has called me to tell me that the website is down.  The new and improved Yoga Yoga email  blasted today, but you could not see any images because of said website going down.  Everyone and their mother has called me to tell me that images are not working.  My allergies suck.  I still have this stupid crick in my neck. I am worried about one of my brothers.  The lady at the daycare is a moron.  My windshield is chipped.  I have no idea what we are going to have for dinner. And pumping at work... don't even get me started on that!

I realize that in the big scheme of life, most of these things are small potatoes.  But sometimes you just have to admit that you are having a bad day in order to get back on track with a good one.  So here goes... (this is me talking to the universe)

Universe,
I am having a bad day.  Let's go ahead and get it all out of your system today.  Because tomorrow, I do not have time for this S*^%.  I will be much too busy enjoying life, laughing at all that I can, and drinking a cherry limeade.
Regards,
Colleen

Share Yoga Summer

Here at Yoga Yoga, we are kicking off our summer promotion...  Share Yoga Summer!  Bring 5 friends to yoga with you this summer and get unlimited yoga for free in September.  So proud of my team, they are doing such a killer job.

The Sprouted Kitchen

I have a new favorite blog/site at the moment.  The Sprouted Kitchen is a wonderful site that mixes delicious recipes with clean, beautiful photography and real-world commentary.  Doesn't it just make you want to go eat some vegetables? 

She is on the move

Watch out!  Life as we know it is over.  Now that Little B knows how to crawl, she is everywhere.  And she is fast.

The smell of my baby girl

The thing I miss the most while I am still battling a stuffed-up nose - the smell of my baby girl.  That delicious baby smell is the best.

Favorite playground activity

Hello readers!  Quick poll... what is your favorite playground activity?  There is so much to choose from - monkey bars, the slide, the see saw, and the list goes on and on.  For me it is, hands down, the swings.  Closest thing to flying.  I could swing for hours.  Every now and again in adulthood, when I run into a difficult day, I have been known to drop by a playground for a little swing time.  Cheers me right up.