Life on the Purche-Date Night with Grant

It always starts with a simple request, Grant my 4 year old says "Okay Mom guess where I want to go..."
"You know the place that has the rice and beans and guacamole and chips...."
Leo's Mexican food is his ultimate favorite, and that is his order every time, so much like his Mom. So off we went to Leo's just me and the Granter's

I knew it was going to be a good night because on our way out the door we both noticed the Zappos box , sitting all nestled on the porch . Both of our eyes lit up, Grant didn't know why he just likes packages, but I did. In the car, down the street I ripped into that box and out popped 2 pair of Converse. I did good, he loved them. Of course we had to put them on in the parking lot, snazzy!So with his new kicks on....we we're all set to scarf down our beans and guac. In the limbo time between the chips and salsa and the actually food coming we colored and played pictionary and played "what color".
What color is a game Grant plays with me everyday.
He will just randomly say, "MOM! What color does red and blue and black make?"
"Well red and blue makes Purple, so a dark dark blackish purple."
"Well, what about yellow and green?"
"Lime green."
He loves this game, I do too cause I think it is awesome that he likes this stuff and I like to mix the colors in my brain.

We took turns in pictionary...

Who/What we drew
Me: A Brain
Grant: Grant as a slug
Me: Zebra
Grant: A worm
Me: A baby butterfly ( the coloring page was a big butterfly, so I just made a womb and...)

FOOD IS HERE!!
Grant has to pee.
Leave food.
Pee's, but then I have to pee cause he peed, and how come every time I use the bathroom in public with him he always asks me if I have to poop?
Done peeing and washing hands.
Back to table.
Scarf, scarf, eat, drink, talk.
Old lady talks to us, tell us how nice we are, and happy and stuff... strange.

Box up all the leftover beans and rice, and then the waitress brings a brown bag to put it in and you could see 2 light bulbs just POP over our heads. I try to put the bag on my head and grant exclaims, " WAIT Mom I wanna put it on my head!"
So we do....but poked eye holes and a robot mouth.
Grant said ," no way Mom, that's not right kind of face, no doing it."
But he still did cause he can't resist.

FOOD IS PACKED.
Grant has to poop.
Decides he doesn't.
And we are off to 31 Flavors!

In the middle of figuring out what flavor he wants out of the 31 he has to poop again. But said he could hold it, and we pack up the ice cream and rush out like Batman and Robin to the poop-mobile.

He held it
We made it home.
Ate the yummy ice cream.
Great date, a Grant Date!

Elf Gear-Elf my Baby

He said it in passing, "How awesome would it be if we all dressed up like elves for Christmas?!?"
I took it literally, because really how AWESOME would that be? My Husband is 6'3", oh what a lot of elf that would be! My 2 boys as elves.....OH the hilarity. So off to Etsy I go in search of elf paraphernalia and never disappointing.....Etsy delivers the most luscious elf gear ever!
* And some other elf-esque stuff from other places too!



Finny's Funky Fleece, an Etsy favorite, surprised me with these "too perfect for my post" little diddys! Unbelievably elfy, a wide array of colors so when it is not Xmas time your lil'elf can were these yellow ones and others too. I bet you could get her to make them in your size.



Baby Rocks Mohawks, and little elfkin hats too. Yet another favorite Etsy seller, who keeps adding the best goodies. This is the find that launched this post!



The Pink Armadillo gives us Haute Couture Elfkin, the lux model. With matching booties, this set is too cute to go on. Yet I must add , the lining? De-lish!


Mani-Mina's adorable Elf/pixie hat with the large textured flower applique and big bow tied under the chin to hold up those heavy rosy cheeks, could you ask for more?



Plonka for all, you me and baby could all get in to one of those! With their simple peek, graphic polka dots and great colors how can you resist these darlings?



Lyalya's knitted hood is so cute. It is like the elfy version of the Ouef knitted hood. She knits them from super nice fibers mostly alpaca-softness. Lyalya=baby is Russian, this Russian Mom is amazing and that little elf in the picture, look at those curls!


Storm in the Attics' newborn elf booties are the cats meow all the way to the bell! So perfectly imp and I bet you can custom order, cause on Etsy, everything is made the way you like it.




Hanna Andesson Swiss love! Here is where we can all have a little fun. I know it is so dorky, even the dog is elfed up, but just imagine your guests coming to the door on Christmas Eve, HA! At least you all would be super comfy wrapped in that organic cotton super soft love.



Elfin it up every day, with these impish Puma booties. Almost made it to my cart @ Zappos.com, but they are out of the budget for our 4 year old. Good thing, they make them for the whole family toddler, kids, men and women!


The last search on Etsy reveled the ULTIMATE surprise. This Wee Folk door just makes me giddy all over, it is a handcrafted wood elf door, just place it at the base of your tree and you instantly enter into another world. I would have just flipped when I was a kid to see this. Placement is key here, if it is kind of hidden it would be perfect, for a kid to stumble upon this while playing outside would be awesome. Kinda like when Webster found that secret passage behind the grandfather clock , I always loved that.

Inhabitat-Another Green Gift Guide

Inhabitat is a green blog that is about "future-forward design for the world you inhabit." It's not JUST another green gift guide, they have a little bit of something for everyone and everyone for something green. Or something, my top faves...



When you purchase one of these lovely branch scarves that Hiroko Kurihara Designs , a tree is planted in Los Angeles from Tree People.



Solio universal solar charger, this chic little device will charge your electronic gadgets cordlessly - using the suns energy. I want it bad.



Adopt an animal from the World Wildlife Fund, and you will get a cute plush toy version of your animal. ( that is with the $50 donation) Every donation you make to WWF helps save some of the world’s most endangered animals from extinction and supports WWF’s conservation efforts.

Plantable Eco Calendar 2008, Designer's edition plantable monthly desk calendar nestled happily in a collector's tin. Keep track of the year with handmade plantable paper desk calendar that creates beauty and leaves nothing behind but flowers - and a completely reusable tin. When a month passes by simply plant the handmade paper page and wait for wildflowers to grow.


Handmade by artisans in rural Kenya, the perfectly-sized and super-fuzzy owl backpack will have your child toting in eco-friendly style. The pack is made from natural wool yarn, natural vegetable-based dyes, and is the perfect size for all your child’s sleepover goodies- toothbrush, books, and pajamas. Ohhhh, in my size please.



Great things come in small packages, and these vials of tree saplings from Arbor Day Foundation make the perfect gift that grows. Choose from Redwood, Pine, or Spruce, and give the gift of flora. AND...there only $3 each, the tube can be made into a bird feeder and you can customize your label with some nice words and a fresh pic! ...but you have to buy a min of 25

Etsy Find - Mod Mom Furniture

Hello Los Angeles. Oh yet another great reason to live in LA, Mod Mom. Designer extraordinaire and mom of two spends her days in her garage making the most awesome, beautiful furniture. I think they are suppose to be for kids but, I want them in my living room. Now! The details are spectacular, the colors motifs, and design. extraordinary. All at prices that are unbelievable. Why it is good to live in LA? She does too, so shipping could possibly be free.



Toddler bed platform that you use your crib mattress on with the guard rails. When they grow a bit, like a flash, you get a twin mattress! Brilliant.



The building table! So many features to name. Basically it is a lego building station that is so awesome looking you could use it as your coffee table. With built in canisters, extra flip up table and tuck away seating, and extra storage this makes me drool and clap my hands at the same time.
You can also check out her new blog @ www.modmomfurniture.blogspot.com

Etsy-gift Guide Launched

Etsy.com has launched their gift guide, you can find the link in their navigation bar. I can't tell you how rad this is go check it out.....

Treehugger-Gift Guide 2007

Treehugger has just launched it's 2007 gift guide. You have to check it out, there are some really cool ideas for EVERYBODY on there.

Baby Gift Guide Vol. 1- Things Maxie would LOVE

Baby Gift Guide vol. 1
Maxten is a year old and wildly curious, here is a list of goodies I think he would LOVE for the holidays. For all of his, chewing, rolling, hiding and crazy needs. Even though he can entertain himself endlessly with a cardboard box, paper towel roll and cupboard doors, he would still be amused by these.

To Chew: Sopfie the giraffe teether, she has been around the block for 40 years, and she is French! Oh lala. Non-toxic and all natural rubber. MMMM... MAx would approve. @ cheekymonkey.ca



To Ride: Santa is bringing home the bee this Xmas. Comes in small and large, and many different styles!
Get it here @ princelionheart.com ( the US distributor)



To Fly: Babies, always fans of flying/swinging. Airy-Fairy Baby Swing from Haba, this little puppy is awesome, we just need a place to hang it. @ moolka.com



To Learn: Goosie custom flash cards! You can upload your own images.... LoVe these! @ goosiecards.com



To Rock: Plan toys folding rocker. Love that you can get it out of the way. Nice. @ Oompa.com



To Roll: Ball Track Roll 'N Roll 'N Roll from Haba. Never ending entertainment, babies love results. @ oompa.com



To Hide: Max loves to hide, even if it is in plain sight. He would flip over this, a glorified cardboard box, and it is made of recycled cardboard too. Max likes that! @ paperpod.co.uk

Happy Thanksgiving-Gluttony and Giving

The Gluttony: This is the Pumpkin Swirl Cheese Cake with a gingersnap crust. I first had the ultimate pleasure of sinking my teeth in this delish creation a few weeks back when Stephan Mukai brought this to work to sabotages all of us on our Biggest Loser Challenge. He is a master at knowing just what to bring because I folded immediately with no regrets. Let me tell you I am not a fan of the good ol'pumpkin pie, its just too much spiced mush, but this, this is just perfect.

Making it for Thanksgiving heres the recipe...

Prep Time: 20 min

Total Time: 5 hr 15 min
Makes: 16 servings, one slice each
25 Ginger Snaps, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/2 cup finely chopped Pecans
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened ( He used the neufatchel cheese it's a 1/3 less fat)
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin ( not the sweetened pie mix)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves ( he left this out...I will too cause it was perfect)

PREHEAT oven to 325°F. Mix ginger snap crumbs, pecans and butter; press firmly onto bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan.

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup of the sugar and the vanilla with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Remove 1-1/2 cups of the batter; place in small bowl. Stir remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon half of the pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of half of the reserved plain batter. Repeat layers. Cut through batters with knife several times for marble effect.

BAKE 55 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Cut into 16 slices. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

TIPS
How to Test Cheesecake Doneness
Check cheesecake doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the cheesecake is done, it will be set except for a small area in the center that will be soft and jiggly. Do not insert a knife into the center as this may cause the cheesecake to crack during cooling.



The Giving: Kiva.org lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

Kiva.org has generated so much interest after just two years online that loans have now been capped at $25 per person. In other words, there are more people willing to give loans than there are people lined up to take them.

"All of the funds' placement is pre-approved. You choose where your money's going to go, and on the other side of the world, somebody's actually waiting for that money."

Most people who lend through the site see it as a donation and 97 per cent of lenders re-invest their money in another project when they get it back (there is a 99.75 per cent repayment rate, according to the website).

Kiva.org is worth checking out, and for $25 dollars what an awesome gift. You can give a Kiva Gift in a persons name for the holidays, as the money is returned they can decided to reloan the money themselves. Or if they are super cheap and needy they can take the money and get lunch or a few cases of beer. Oh, the gift just keep giving.

Coochi-the Coocoose Baby Bathing Apron

Bathtime, in our house it is a favorite. The second the water starts running my youngest Max will burn rubber just to get to the tub, he started this the minute he started to crawl. Both kids can sit in there forever, their NOT favorite part, is getting OUT! I second that! I always end up soaked either from all the splashing or from wrangling the dripping baby. You can suck it up and go solo or you call in back up where the hubby holds the towel just right and we pass the babe from tub, to dad, to mom. uhg!

In comes the Coocoose bathing apron, HELLO. I love mom inventors, thank you. Designed by two mothers from England, the Coocoose fastens around your neck and back like an apron. That leaves your hands free to bathe and then cocoon and cuddle your baby, all while protecting your clothes from splashes. In addition, one corner of the bathing apron/towel is hooded to keep your child extra warm and comfortable after his bath. Aahh...

For US orders you can click on any of the links above for www.coochico.com they take payment with any Mastercard and Visa Credit and can ship to the US in a matter of days.
The shipping costs are £7.50

Method-Cleans Like a Mother

We have been using Method products sporadically in our home for some time. I sort of always thought that it was Targets "green" brand, But it is NOT! This new found fact kind of makes me happy. This weekend we purchased the OMop by Method, for hardwood floors and let me tell you I am head over heels in love. This nontoxic cleaner is much safer for the babies and four legged babies too, not to mention it HEAVENLY smell. I mean it is the best scent ever, I really mean it. For $24 bucks you get the cleaner, mop head, mop and biodegradable dry sweepers.

I thought that the Whole Foods by me carried this brand... but no. I tried to fill my basket with their safer laundry soaps and softeners and such...but nothing compares to Method, in price or performance. If you visit there site @ methodhome.com you will be blown away buy how many products they have and how cool there designs are.



Laundry. They have it all, liquid soap ( lots of flavors) , liquid softeners, and moist dryer cloths. Got those this weekend too, luv'em!



Aircare. These scents are just perfectly delicate natural, soy based candles ( better for your lungs) in this beautiful pure white ceramic holder and the aroma pill, are freshener designed so brilliant, I will be searching around for that little puppy next.



Check out the People Against Dirty section where you can sign up as an advocate and save your profile , view the People Against Dirty blog and read up on some green or buy some Method shirts and caps that say "cleans like a mother." I love the last one, but in our house it's more like "cleans like a father."

Shopping Cart Covers-By Allison Ray

Since the dreaded flu season is upon us I just had to share this find to go along with the last post. Handmade shopping cart covers by Mom extraordinaire Allison Ray. I was searching for a shopping cart cover that was NOT all primary colored, hideous and awful, but at the time that was all that the retailers were offering. I came across Allison's shop online and I bought a custom cover from her 4 years ago we have used it every time we have been to a store/restaurant ( you can use it over the restaurant highchairs, eeww) . It has been washed countless times and has held up like a champ, so well made my second born is using it now ( good thing he was a boy too because it has motorcycle pinup girls allover it!)

Our cover was custom made, we picked out the fabrics and mailed them to her. She also has a huge library of materials to choose from, a countless variety if you don't want to custom order. Check out her site shoppingcartcovers.com , she makes all sorts of goodies too, car seat covers, double shopping cart covers, nap mats, quilts.....

UncommonGoods- Rainy Days

I don't know if it is the fact that I am on a diet or both my boys just got the Flu Shot, but this grilled cheese looks so good! Yummy. Tomato soup and grilled cheese reminds me of rainy days and sick days, comfort food. Beside the fact that I am drooling over the food the dishware is drool worthy too. That straight sided bowl so clean and white and a perfect place for your sandwich , it is all too much. I can't count the times I ate this as a kid, balancing the plate and bowl, NO MORE!
$15 you can't beat it.

And these ceramic colanders and fruit baskets for berries and such, a remake of the old metal colanders of past, cute, useful and cute again.
$18 for the colander and $26 for the fruit basket set.

Both are over @ uncommongoods, a fave of mine go browse, you will love it! There is so much there you'll be wondering how I just picked these.

Jack Sprat - An Etsy Favorite

"Jack Sprat seeks to outfit little fellows with dash and spunk. Each garment is thoughtfully crafted to be both smart and comfortable. "

Jack Sprat is another of my favorite Etsy finds. This designer Mom from New York knows what she is doing, she makes the most unique, beautiful clothes for boys. I just can't wait to get my hands on one of these pieces!

You can visit her Etsy site here @ jacksprat.etsy.com
Also, visit her Blog @ 'Jack Sprat & Friends'

From Seed to Table

I'm a gardener by hobby, I've learned everything I know from my mom. You could always find us digging in the dirt out in the garden planting tomatoes, beans, she had it all when I was a kid. She was always, and still is, so proud to feed us the healthy veggies that were just picked from her garden. Because of her I have and unyielding love and respect for mother nature. You gain so much from working hard towards a goal and being able to see your labor flourish it give you pride, self esteem and joy.
City Seeds and The Edible Schoolyard are two programs that not only foster this love but also open up a world for kids that wouldn't normally have that opportunity.


City Seeds is a collaborative project of The Poughkeepsie Farm Project and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Green Teen Community Gardening Program , involving youth ages 14-24 years old from the cities of Poughkeepsie and Beacon, New York. City Seeds aims to increase awareness of, participation in, and capacity for a healthy and just food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley, offering young people opportunities to learn and engage in urban farming and gardening, community education, farm marketing, food policy, and seed saving.

You can make a donation through Hiefer.org / Project # 26-0514-01

The mission of the Edible Schoolyard at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is to create and sustain an organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the school's curriculum and lunch program. It involves the students in all aspects of farming the garden – along with preparing, serving and eating the food – as a means of awakening their senses and encouraging awareness and appreciation of the transformative values of nourishment, community, and stewardship of the land.
to support the Edible Schoolyard click here!

TreePeople & Burgundy Blue

TreePeople is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the Los Angeles area for over three decades. Simply put, there work is about helping nature heal our cities. TreePeople and Burgundy Blue have teamed up to created the BEST newborn gift set. For $50 you get a basket that includes: a handmade family tree gift box, a one-piece with a cool image of your choice, and a certificate & card that explains a tree has been planted in the baby's name - all wrapped in beautiful tulle. Don't have a baby to buy for? @ TreePeople you can dedicate a tree for anyone in there honor. Check them out.