And She's ONE!!!!

And She's One!! Yep, June is the big ONE today, and I cannot believe it!  It's been an amazing year of many many challenges and triumphs.  Watching her grow from day one has been Incredible, and I would do it all over again,  Well, let me back up a bit.  I would do it all over again minus the first three/four weeks of bringing her home...ROUGH!!! There is no preparation for it and I've never been so tired in my life!  Just being honest! The challenges of being a parent are real.  It's a demanding job, but at the end of the day all is right in the world when we watch her sleep peacefully after a long day.

We look forward to her smile and singing in the mornings,  how her eyes light up when she discovers something new,  her excitement when her favorite song comes on (her right leg gets moving),  the way she laughs when she has that first bite of food,  how she puts her arm around us as we tote her around the house,  how she smiles at her Dad, how she looks to me for comfort when she falls,  her wet kisses,  her " I can do it myself" attitude,  how she laughs and we have no idea why she's laughing, how she rubs her eyes when she's sleepy, and most of all just being her parents.  She's a delight with a bit of sass.  She's our JUNE!

June's Milestones...

Walking
Singing
Waves bye
Waves hello
Points at everything
Flips through books
Dances
Tries to feed herself
Tries to brush her teeth
Tries to put on her shoes
Just being a busy bee
Has 8 teeth
Loves bath time

Her Words...

Mum Mum and Da-Di
Uh Ohhhh!
Hey-yo (Hello)
Bye Bye

June's Favorite Foods...

Watermelon
Strawberries
Black Beans
Lentils and Carrots
Brown Rice
Pesto Pasta w/ Peas
Broccoli
Peas
Baby Bell Cheese
Rosemary Bread
Baby Mums
Water

Joyful~Unpredictable~Nice~Energetic

Happy 1st Birthday, June! 

Smililng About. . .

my birthday love...

dinner at taix french restaurant with the hubby

celebrating with friends

birthday cake

making my wish

the fam bam-me, brother, mom, and hubby.

hanging at the beach

bbq

birthday breakfast with pops

birthday girl in a vintage diane freis dress from here

the start of new york fashion week...

bcbg max azria
creatures of wind 
spring 2014

this yummy salad minus the walnuts...

this book...hilarious!

P.S. I'm taking a bit of a blogging break.  Catch me over on Blah Blah Birds on Thursdays! 
See you back here in a few weeks!!!

Have a great weekend!!! 

Good Monday Morning...

Happy Birthday to my sweet mom!!!

Wishing her a fabulous day, and I look forward to many many more!!!! Love you! 

 

Good Monday Morning...

photo: may 6 2012

happy happy birthday to my dear friend... 

Dyan, @passionfoodie, nitascot!!!!

 

Picnics & Paninis...

This past weekend, I decided to prepare a picnic for the husband's birthday.  I have this really nice picnic basket and never use it.  Since the husband loves activities more than getting a wrapped gift, I thought this would put a huge smile on his face.  I put together the food and he picked up the kite...yes we flew a kite too.  We had the best time!  It was easy to prepare, the weather was great, and the memories are priceless.  Loving Cali! 

Here's a few photos of the day...

baked brie along with grapes, strawberries, and wine. 

grilled chicken panini sandwiches

ingredients:

fresh ciabatta bread or any rustic bread

pesto sauce (used jar from Trader Joe's)

fresh mozzarella sliced

tomato sliced

basil (leave whole)

roasted red/yellow peppers (used jar from Trader Joe's)

chicken breast cut thinly

how to: 

grill chicken in grill pan or outdoor grill

cut bread 

spread each side of the bread with pesto sauce

layer bread with tomato, mozzarella, basil, roasted red/yellow peppers, and grilled chicken 

close up sandwich and press flat using a panini press

enjoy the gooey goodness

after eating we just enjoyed the beach and flew our kite...

good times! 

Good Monday Morning...

my favorite photo or him!

happy birthday to my sweet husband, who makes me laugh everyday! 

 

Smiling About...

the best pizza you'll ever eat...

getting this lovely top in the mail soon...

these comfy and cozy socks...a bit pricey though! 

blah blah birds getting a facebook page...like us! 

celebrating the sweetest husband's birthday this weekend...

have a fabulous weekend! 

 

Church & State

the open kitchen

Last week we celebrated my Dad's birthday at the DTLA French neighborhood gem, Church & State.  I've always wanted to go here, but hadn't got around to it.  It was definitely on my resto list that keeps growing and growing.  My brother suggested it for the bday dinner and I was gamed.   The night was full of family, laughter, awesome food, and great ambiance.  The husband even tried escargot...not me, I wasn't ready for that yet!  I had a glass of Rose' to start, which has become my drink of choice as of late and finished off with a glass of red, merlot/cabernet sauvignon blend called the Bordeaux Superior.  Both, very tasty.   Will be going back here soon.  Great location and the staff was amazing!

what we ate...

sauteed diver scallops

bouillabaisse, pork belly, and steak and frites

yummy chocolate cake from Bottega Louie for the bday boy! 

and our photo shoot...

 I feel like I'm really bright in these photos...lol!

Good times and Good food!

and I'm off and running...
 

smiling about...

my Godson turning ONE on Sunday...

Isn't he just adorable?

 Happy Birthday, Drew! 

stuff at Antelope Studio...

pardon my french videos...

check out more here...

these lovely number cuffs...

photo credit: designs by robynn molino

mine!

his perfect topknot...

photo credit: the sartorialist

check out this weeks web-jaunt over on blahblahbirds...

what are you smiling about?

and I'm off and running...
 

It's My Birthday!!!!

Today I am 36! Yes, I have no problem disclosing this, but believe me I was not the happiest camper about turning another year older. I do have to wonder how I got here and where did the time go. Yesterday, I was looking in the mirror wondering if anything new appeared on my face or if I looked older.  Well, I didn't see anything new to be worried about, but I did look a bit tired.  Hmmm...that is because I've been getting in the bed past midnight all this week. Not good for a 36 year old. Ha!  So, I will not panic about the bags I saw under my eyes. I will just get more rest. Gotta get more rest!

Anyway, I've done a bit of reflecting this week on my life, the many blessings, and the family/friends that fill my heart and life.  After my reflection, I thought...36 isn't so bad.  I'm thanking God for giving me another year to laugh, love, spend time with my dear family and friends, grace my family/friends with my beautiful smile, nag and take care of my hubby, drive my parents crazy, and continue to write this lovely blog. :) Now, I think that is worth turning 36!

What am I doing for my 36th? Well, we had dinner reservations @ Lucques, but I decided I want to go to the movies, maybe have a slice of pizza, and have my Mom's homemade German Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream icing. Yum! :) Pretty low key this year! No, fabulous trips planned this year. Maybe the hubby will take me to the L.A. County Fair tomorrow. *wink wink*


What is my wish for this year?

Really wish my Mom still had that jacket!
Where is the jacket, Mom?

This is a photo of my mom and I skipping on the Santa Monica beach. I was like 3 or 4 years old and not a care in the world! This photo means many things for me. The beach signifies abundance, tranquility, and infinite possibilities. Skipping signifies happiness, youth, children, and freedom. My Mom and Dad(since he took the photo) signifies stability and unconditional love.  These are the things that I seek for this new year and the years to come.  Just by writing this I think I'm owning it! 

Happy Birthday to me and many many more! 

Have a fabulous weekend!

And I'm off and running...


J.P. Archie

Birthday Love...

Happy Sunday!
  
I don't usually post on a Sunday, but I had a special birthday request from a special reader. Today is Johari Johnson's birthday!  Sooo...let's wish Johari aka Jo Jo a very Happy Birthday and many many more. Johari is the sweetest! Her beautiful smile lights up a room and her lovely personality warms your heart. She has a style that is classic and feminine chic as well as the cutest hairstyle.  Johari, I hope you have a wonderful day and a year full of love and excitement. 

Love this dress!  

Great necklace!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHARI!!!! 

ENJOY!

And I'm off and running...

J.P. Archie