{Music // “Yellow” The Vitamin String Quartet}

I went to hot yoga last night and during our final pose {savasana}, this song played. With my eyes closed and my body resting in such a peaceful state, the melody filled the air and the open spaces of my wandering mind. It was the perfect way to remain present while soaking in the beauty of the day… and the benefits of my yoga practice.

I desperately wish there was a YouTube video of this amazing String Quartet playing this version of Coldplay’s song live… but there isn’t.

Please do yourself a favor, take a moment, close your eyes, and listen to their amazing rendition…

{Recipe // Nutella Cinnamon Rolls}

This recipe comes to us from one of our favorite blogs…. “A Beautiful Mess.”

Clearly, I have a thing for cinnamon rolls… I think I’ve already posted a few recipes of different variations!

Cinnamon rolls + nutella = pure heaven!!

A perfect addition to your weekend!

{Beauty // 10 Minute Loose Curls}

This tutorial {via: Pink Pistachio} is fantastic for those of you that have always admired loose curls on others, but haven’t had a clue on how to produce the look on yourself!

After watching her tutorial last year {an older version – – click here to view}, I was finally able to curl my stubborn, thick… auburn hair!

{Kids // Classroom Valentine’s}

Now is the time to start planning your classroom Valentine’s cards!

I actually purchased Sophia Blue’s from Tiny Prints last year. They were darling, and were much more personal since I was able to add her picture and customize the cards with fonts and colors of our liking. They have dozens to choose from that you can create with or without your child’s photo!

{Homemaking // Tidying up Your Kitchen}

From “The Kitchn” 15 of their best tips for keeping your kitchen clean, tidy and smell-free!

Think I am going to focus on a few of these this weekend!

{Fashion // The Perfect Shoes & Accessories}

You probably know by now that Anthropologie is our favorite store

{serious love}.

Here’s a pair of shoes, a necklace, and a wristlet that we are ga-ga over!

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{Wedding // a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Invites}

I can’t remember when I first found this incredibly talented artist, but it was some time ago. I am in awe of modern calligraphy which first drew me to her site, plurabelle. She is by far, one of the most gifted in this artform.

Recently, I went on her blog to see her most latest work. I came across these wedding invitations, which are more lovely… more detailed… and more charming, then any I have ever seen!

We hope that you all have a {lovely} weekend! xo

5 cleaning products worth your while……

Yes I know, totally relaxing topic……

Cleaning!

We all loathe it most of the time and

there is something that always needs to be cleaned.

It seems like a never ending chore.

As the comedian Phillis Diller said,

“Cleaning house while the kids are still growing,

is like shoveling snow while it’s still snowing.”

I know because I have one of these

+

A crazy one of these

Makes for a mess at times.

{yes we all do look quite innocent here, thanks Candace!}

So when I do have to roll up my sleeves and slap on a pair

of cleaning gloves, I tend to reach for these products.

These products allow me to keep my household as clean as possible,

while maintaining a healthy atmosphere.

All of these products for the most part are toxic free and

lack any harsh chemicals,

while also being Eco-friendly.

Here are my top 5 products listed below:

1. Method Glass and Surface Cleaner

This minty smelling cleaner works incredibly well with a lint free

microfiber cleaning cloth.

Keeps glass and surfaces streak free leaves behind a wonderful shine.

I use this on all of my windows and mirrors as well as

bathroom surfaces and fixtures.

2. The Bar Keeper’s Friend

I use the liquid form in all my sinks, toilets, and grout

in the bathrooms.

Its magical and non abrasive.

The Bar Keeper’s Friend works perfect as well

on silverware that has tarnished with

rust and are dulled by the dishwasher.

I use non abrasive recycled sponges such as

Scotch-Brite or Trader Joe’s Pop Up All Natural Sponges.

They work well with the Bar Keeper’s product as

they don’t scratch the surface you are working on.

They work perfectly in wiping up and cleaning the stove top too!

3. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap

Love love this dish soap.

I prefer the Geranium scent.

It is Eco-friendly and can be used as an all purpose soap.

Fill your sink with warm water and squeeze a few

drops of this magical potion, and your kitchen will

smell great as well as you will have sparkling dishes.

4. Method Daily Granite Cleaner

Great smelling and cleans up my messy kitchen counters.

Enough said!

5. Weiman’s Stainless Steel Cleaner

In my book there are zero substitutions for this product.

I have tried them all.

{Believe me I love stainless but can’t stand the kid finger prints}

So I favor quality and this is it!

It cleans all of the gunk as well as leaving the appliances

shiny and streak free.

Weiman’s makes this Mama happy!

But of course I can’t end this post with the one major piece of

equipment that is a must that helps to tie in all of these products.

A good vacuum cleaner!

I may be a bit swayed in this manner as I had

the incredible experience of both using this product

as well as being in an infomerical for

The Shark Rotator Lift Away

{ yes my film payment was the vacuum}

It is a fantastic piece of equipment.

It fits all of my families cleaning needs,

especially for us with having our dog, Lulu and

Shane’s allergies.

It cleans, rotates, and its suction is incredible.

Judge for yourself…….

{or maybe you have seen it late night on tv…wink}

Mammoth Lakes Family Getaway

January 15, 2013

This year, we were finally able to sneak off for a family getaway to

Mammoth Lakes, California.

This was not only our first time in Mammoth,

but our first time {as a family of six} seeing snow!

This last Christmas

our oldest son’s only request was for a trip to visit the “snowy mountains.”

Of course, as parents… you try everything possible

to make their sweet dreams come true

{assuming they’re within reason, right?!!}.

So we cut back where we could, and headed out on a family road-trip!

When we arrived, this is what we saw…

it was b r e a t h t a k i n g …

magical….

a true Winter Wonderland!

At the recommendation of close friends, we decided to stay at the

Village Lodge.

We couldn’t have been more pleased with the accommodations.

With four children, we aren’t able to stay in your typical hotel.

At this point we need a little more space…

and definitely a kitchen to prepare meals for the kids.

Fortunately, the Lodge had it all, and was located in the heart of the

Mammoth Village!

I can’t begin to tell you how nice it was to send Husby down to Starbucks

early each morning for my coffee!

Everything you could possibly need is within walking distance…

coffee shops, boutiques, sweet treats, ski & snowboard rentals, restaurants and the gondola!

{for more images of the Village in Mammoth, click here}

The day we arrived it SNOWED!

It must have snowed much of the night,

because when we woke the next morning

there was a fresh blanket covering everything…

Over the next couple of days

we made our share of snow angels…

and perfected the snowball!

The most fun that we had on our trip

was definitely the sledding!

We found a sacred little spot,

{close to where we were staying},

and made our own tracks in the fresh snow.

It was AMAZING!

Husby & I haven’t laughed that hard in years!

The kids were in a state of complete bliss!

Wish I could share the video of me wiping out on my first ride down

{rest assure… I did get better with practice}!

We also had fun eating snow…

playing with trucks…

trudging along…

and sliding down the cold, wet ground on our bums!

Here are a few more snapshots

capturing memories that I know I’ll always hold on tightly to…

It was an incredible & unforgettable family getaway!

I feel completely BLESSED to have experienced this Winter trip,

to be married to this amazing man for the past 10 years…

and to call these magnificent four, my sweet littles!

Finding some Zen…..

January 14, 2013

Zen is often hard to find in our daily routines.

As parents we rush from one activity to the next.

Last week between my drop off at school and on our therapy appointments,

I had a moment to escape to yoga.

{OM}

Yoga has been something that I view as a stress relief,

but now to me it has become a need and a way of life.

During one of these classes, my yoga instructor ended

our class with a spritz of lemon grass green tea spray

while we were relaxing in our corpse pose.

She sprayed this spray as she said to “open the mind and the senses”.

While lying there, I recalled the week.

It had been very hectic to say the least.

My son who has been progressing this school year,

but with the break {though well needed},

it has been a hard transition back.

{thank goodness for Occupational Therapy}

The spray that was spritzed over me while lost in my thoughts,

and search for peace really did open my mind and senses.

It was such a beautiful smell.

It made me realize when was the last time I wasn’t so lost

in my thoughts and worries that I actually used my senses.

Really stopped and “smelled the roses”.

As parents and caregivers to these wonderful children we get so focused

on our organized day and our to and fro that we have little time to

think about our thoughts and our needs.

When was the last time as a parent you truly listened

to the words of a song like you did back in high school,

when you believed some songs were written just for you?

Or watched the beauty of the day despite what is going on in your life?

I believe in finding small moments for yourself.

A place or time in the day where you can find time for

your own inner thoughts to just simply be.

After that class, I cried,

I cried for no reason at all except for the pure fact that

I smelt something like I did for the first time in years.

I took a moment to breathe and to focus on the moment at hand.

I actually took a moment for myself to recharge

and to know that I am doing the best that I can.

By doing so,

it allowed me to battle the rest of the week with some renewed energy.

What is your escape?

{weekend} lovelies

January 12, 2013

It’s the weekend again, how did that happen?

This week has gone by quickly due to school being back in session.

That being said, I did not prepare for it.

Nope, not in a single way.

I was trying to enjoy the last few moments I had

with my family over the break.

Of course that was enjoyable,

but I am paying the price with my lack of organization

especially in the food department.

I usually love love creating ideas for meals

for the week ahead,

so this {weekend} lovelies is an ode

to meals I love and meals I look forward to making,

not to mention the gadgets that are on my wish list…..

click on the pictures below for the recipes.

Yummy Chicken Picata,

I am a pasta lover and this pasta dish is a perfect weekend meal.

You will WOW the ones you love with this homey feel good meal.

Set it and forget it……

The crock pot can be your best friend,

I am going to make it work for me this upcoming week.

Baby its cold outside……

I am craving this Lasagna soup at this very moment!

This light ooey gooey soup is one of those meals you

make and it tastes even better the next day.

Thank goodness for PINTERST!!!

Or there are recipes that you come across that

kick start healthy motivation…….

I have been making this breakfast for the past couple years.

It is filling and it inspires me to DO Good for the rest of the day.

Of course I was hoping that Santa might have dropped

by a few gadgets to help in my kitchen.

Oh a girl can wish……..

Dreams of fresh pasta….

Oh the pasta I could create with this gadget.

The January Inspiration 2013 Crate and Barrel catalog is full of

beautiful inspiration for the home.

It made me happy to see such beautiful things after the

spark of the holidays has come to an end.

The spark has been lit,

Now that I have been visually inspired by gadgets and

recipes that I have made and loved.

I will start next week with a plan.

Organize with a Printable Meal Planner

Now its off to the grocery store.

Keep it simple and Enjoy this {lovely} weekend!

xo

The Olloclip…

January 9, 2013

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I decided to make some homemade biscotti.

I’ve always loved the twice-baked cookie, so I thought I’d give it a whirl!

Let’s just say…. it didn’t work out so well!

They were dry, bland, and they completely crumbled when I tried to cut them

{thinking it’s best to stick with my favorite Trader Joe’s biscotti instead}!

I was snapping some photos of the baking process

{in hopes to share with our readers – – had they turned out to be delicious}

when my hand got hooked on the strap of my camera causing it to fall

straight onto my unforgiving tile floor…

shattering the lens {tears}!

Of course, it was my good camera… as luck would have it, right?!

So, I’ve been out of a camera for a few weeks now,

but I did get a small replacement from my Husby for Christmas this year

{to tie me over until I get my new lens}.

It has turned out to be my favorite accessory for my iphone…

so great, in fact, that I felt the need to share it with you all!

It’s called the

olloclip

It works on iphone 4, 4s and the iphone 5

{make sure to purchase the right one for your phone}.

Basically, it is a lens that fits effortlessly over your phone.

It has three lenses: the fisheye, the wide-angle, and the macro.

Have a peek at this short video to see how it all works:

While at a terrific park that Nicole had suggested to me {Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills},

I was able to try out all three lenses.

Here are what the photos looked like using the fisheye:

{love their shadows over the bridge…}

{mr. amazing…. coming out of a tunnel}

{one of the only photos I captured of all four that day… that Seth (seen jumping) doesn’t like to be photographed!}

{can’t get enough of this little man…. can you tell??}

{an unsolicited sweet moment of three of them…. like I said, Seth is camera shy! he actually prefers to be behind the camera taking the pictures!}

Here are a few shots using the wide-angle lens {while using the hipstamatic app}:

Perhaps the coolest lens in my opinion… the macro {pretty amazing for capturing the details}:

{petals of a rose…}

{a single leaf…}

{my favorite… the inside of a rose}

***************************************************

I completely recommend the olloclip to anyone who has an iphone 4/5.

It has been really fun to you so far!

If you already have one, or happen to purchase one in the future…

we would love to hear what you think about it and even see your photos!

Happy Clicking!

{The Pioneer Woman Cooks Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie}

January 8, 2013

If you are trying to stick to a New Year’s resolution-close your eyes!

This yummy recipe is 100% divine.

I made this fantastic pie for New Year’s Eve.

I could have devoured the whole pie all by myself.

I will have to say the best way to describe the filling is

as Reese’s Pieces.

I have been watching Pioneer Woman Cook’s since its inception

on the Food Network.

I enjoy everything about the show.

I often think it would be very dreamy to leave

this suburban life behind and live on

a ranch with my kids and cook too!

A couple months ago her show aired this Recipe.

Over time I purchased the ingredients and had them stocked up

in my pantry and fridge.

I kept finding excuses {such as trying to be good} to not make this pie.

There are certain recipes I know from the get go that I will have

a problem with and that I will want to eat the whole thing.

So when asked to bring a dessert to New Year’s I thought

this would be a success.

Not to mention I wanted to get rid of one of our two boxes of Trader Joe’s,

Joe’s Joe’s, and yes I used ones from Halloween,

but as the recipe indicates the cream part blends perfectly well.

Throw 25 of these babies into a food processor

{Love these little jack o’ lanterns}

Pulse the sandwich cookies until the cream is fully incorporated into the crumbs.

Just when you thought it was safe to open your eyes,

remove the crumbs and place into a bowl and pour

melted butter over the crumbs and mix together.

Yummy!!!!

This is the base for your pie crust.

Place the pie crust mixture in a pie pan.

Pioneer Woman says to use the bottom of a measure cup

to flatten it out into the pan,

but I found clean hands seemed to work better.

Place the pie crust in the oven at 350 degrees for 5-8 minutes.

While this is baking, the filling can be put together.

I did change out this part of the recipe with reduced fat products.

I used lite cool whip, reduced fat peanut butter,

and 1/3 less fat cream cheese.

I was trying to be somewhat good {wink, wink}

I mixed these products one by one in my mixer.

Mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated and smooth.

Try not to eat this all before its made it into the pie!

Then gently pile on the filling unto the pie crust.

Place into the fridge for 2 hours or until ready to serve.

If you love peanut butter,

this pie is for you.

Its gooey, rich, and chocolaty.

The perfect pie for any day,

or better yet……

Valentine’s is just around the corner.

The perfect way to wow the one you love.

Enjoy!

Pilates-Infused Fitness with Erica Ziel

January 7, 2013

If you are an expectant mama,

or plan on having another baby in the future…

this post is especially for you!

For those of you that hope to regain your pre-pregnancy body

{as I am}

or just want to work on being more fit in the new year….

keep reading!

Meet Erica Ziel, founder of Core Athletica Inc!

Erica is known as being one of Southern California’s

most sought-after experts

for fitness-infused Pilates and personal training.

Not only does she hold a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology & Health,

she is a Certified Personal Trainer…

Pilates Instructor…

Nutritionist…

& proud mom of 3!

*********************************************

We all know that there are tremendous benefits

to exercising throughout pregnancy;

namely feeling better…

looking great…

preparing your body for labor & delivery…

and regaining your pre-pregnancy body more quickly.

While pregnant with her 3rd baby,

Erica shared her knowledge & fitness skills

by creating

“an online destination developed for women

who want to stay fit and healthy during all stages of pregnancy.”

In addition, she has Prenatal Pilates-Infused Fitness DVD’s

{for the “sassy modern mom”}

available for purchase on her website {click here} or on Amazon!

I had the good fortune of trying out Erica’s Prenatal DVD set

{even though I am not pregnant}

and I have to tell you…

the exercises are terrific!

Erica keeps you motivated, focused & challenged!

{I would even recommend these to my friends who are not expecting!}

Here is a preview of her Knocked-up Fitness DVD’s:

In addition to her DVD collection,

Erica has also created several online videos

offering a variety of exercises

that you can add to your current repertoire {both pre & postnatal}.

*********************************************

Stay tuned {simply} readers

because Erica has graciously given us one of her

{Knocked-Up Fitness Prenatal DVD Combo Packs}

for a

GIVEAWAY

{Thank you, Erica!}

Details on entering to win will be coming soon!

Mid-Century Modern {love}

January 3, 2013

If I had more time, energy…

and perhaps a bigger bank account to fund my interests…

I would have loved to study architecture

{it’s funny, because I keep pushing the field on Husby

since he also shares the same love, and is the artist in the family.

I think it would be a fascinating field to explore once he retires from the fire service in 20 some years – –

looks like you’re never getting a break, Husby!!}.

As you may have seen from some of my previous posts,

I am infatuated with Scandinavian design.

My other love is mid-century modern – – which stems back to my parents.

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My mom has been in real estate most of my life.

She got bored easily

{which she claims is a sign of intelligence – haha!}

and when it wasn’t time to move,

she redecorated or moved furniture around when my dad was on business trips.

We never stayed in a home longer than three years growing up.

My parents flipped houses before it became a popular thing to do.

I have countless memories of going to open houses with my parents

and listening to them talk about the pros and cons of each, while sipping their drink on the veranda.

I used to share in their excitement and grow eager to have a new bedroom to make my own

{I actually love change as an adult and get super bored being in the same house or area too long {thank you, mom, for that character trait}! We’ve stayed put since the kids have started school; however, I dream… {on a daily basis} of change… whether it’s new décor, a new home, or moving to Costa Rica… among other places}.

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My parents were definitely more minimalistic in their sense of style and design.

I grew up with one of these chairs in our family room, which I hope to own at some point

{wishful thinking}.