happy birthday mom!

Today is my mother's birthday.  My folks live in Des Moines, Iowa which is where I grew up.  It is hard to be so far away from my family, especially with two small children but we try to get home twice a year for long stays.  Mom, in case you read this before I call you...your gift is being shipped directly from the grower in California.  I hope you like it.

It is a dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree from Four Winds Growers.  They say it should bloom this spring.  Enjoy!

travel tips with toddlers - cars

photo taken on Independence Pass in Aspen, Colorado

We drive everywhere.  You don't have a choice when you live 4.5 hours from the nearest city.  Thank goodness we like to take car trips.  Our honeymoon was spent driving the coast line from the tip of Oregon down to San Francisco and then home.  With kids things get more complicated and the older they get, the more you have to plan.  The baby is easy.  She is content lying in the car seat, watching her brother while playing with various hanging toys.  If we choose not to stop I bottle feed her while my husband drives the car.  Our 3.5 year old is another story.  I am jealous of the families who claim to drive across the country with only music and books.  I am not one of those moms.  I rely on the dvd player for part of the time, music during breaks and a cache of books/toys mixed with a few surprises.  Here are my tips for surviving a long journey:

• borrow or trade with friends.  Trade books, videos, small toys with friends whose kids are similar in age.  The goods are new to your child but you don't have to spend money or buy more toys you don't need.  If you don't have this option hit the consignment shops for used items.
  
• download favorite television shows off the web.  We did this for a long car ride and it worked really well.  They only last 20-25 minutes which allows everyone to take a break to talk, laugh, sing or hit the nearest rest stop for leg stretching and potty time.  Downloads are often under $2.99 per and your child will ask to watch the same one over and over - so there is no need for a collecting lots of episodes.
  
• get headphones for your child.  My little guy started wearing headphones at 1.5 years old.  Whether they are listening to their favorite music or story on cd or watching a dvd; this has saved my sanity.  The adults can have a conversation or listen to their favorite music without competing with the children.  They make inexpensive kid earphones which are sold at many major stores.  I think ours cost less than $10 and has a volume control.
• a mirror to view the backseat.  We got one with a clip so it can be moved around.  This saves the chore of unbuckling yourself from the passenger seat belt to turn around.  You can see if they are in need, asleep or fooling around.  Saves the neck.

Things that never worked for me:

• a bag filled with books, toys, etc.  This is a bit deceiving as we do take a bag with stuff but don't put it in his reach.  Placing a box or bag full of items next to the child has never worked for us.  My boy loves to take everything out of the bag immediately then drop them in the foot well for me to retrieve.  (fun game for him!) Bending backwards to pick up items proved to be unsafe for me (no seat belt) and no fun.  I put the bag of goodies in a place I can reach them easily but can't be thrown all over the vehicle.  A one-toy-at-a-time rule is enforced. 
• car seat desk / caddy.  I bought one and after trying it numerous times have found it to not work well.  This may not be the case for all kids but mine just doesn't like it.  He would rather place items between his legs and have the room to move than the hard surface a caddy offers to color or write.  And his crayons would roll off causing lost items resulting in crying for more "colors". 
• neck pillow.  I got one but he hates it.  I wish I could find a solution for his bobbing neck and head during sleep time but I don't have an answer for this one.  Do you?  

If anyone out there has a great tip for car travel - add it here.  I would love to update this post with more information.

pregnancy ruined my hair

Is my hair problem a result from my last pregancy, being over 40 or a mix of both?  I am blaming the pregnancy but regardless, I am not sure what to do.  I want the hair of my past...soft, full, manageable.  Okay, maybe that description is the hair of my dreams but you get the idea.  Something happened during pregancy #2.  It turned dry almost brittle like and became frizzy.  I was taking prenatal vitamins, eating moderately healthy and washed my hair every 2-3 days but it never improved.  I started using expensive deep conditioners and went to my hairdresser more often for trims but this didn't help either.  I thought that once the baby was born all would return to normal.  Well, it has been four months and my hair is still "strange".  I am not sure who my hair thinks it is but it certainly doesnt belong on my head!  It is frizzy although not as dry, a cowlick has developed in front of my side swept bangs making them want to go the opposite direction and this "poof" is happening on the sides.  Now, I don't think I have a difficult hair cut- it falls just below my shoulders, is straight, has long layers with a side part and bangs that fall to the left.  I have had this cut for years with no real issues.  I dread washing my hair knowing that it will be difficult to style.  I still use the conditioning products, add a de-frizzing liquid prior to drying and add a styling pomade throughout the day to calm it down.  I am still not happy.  Oh, and to top it all off I have hit that postpartum time when all that extra hair you grew while "with child" starts to fall out.  Even my hairdresser is stumped.  Does anyone have a suggestion?  Have you suffered from this too?  Let me know.  I will post your comments on the blog.  Maybe together we can figure this out.

huckleberry season

The month of August is huckleberry season. I spent one day hunting for huckleberries in Grand Teton National Park.  It was a gorgeous mountain summer day...sunny with a few clouds, slight breeze and not too hot.  Huckleberry hunting is an annual event I share with my in-laws.  We pack up various sized containers, our lunch and head off to our favorite places in the park.  This year was especially fun as I included my (then) 2.5 month old daughter.  Strapped in a front carrier, she and I headed off into the forest with a backpack filled with baby needs (plus the containers, lunch and water).  Hunting for huckleberries can be tricky.  First, you must know where to find them and second, you need a keen eye to spot the berries on the bush.  The berries are small (like a tiny blueberry) and range from deep red to purple when ripe.  They hide under the leaves making it hard to spot them.  Getting down to the ground to pick berries while holding onto my daughter was tricky.  I have now mastered the art of deep knee lunges and squats!  We didn't find much that day so I wondered if we were too early or too late in the season?  Some berries were old and brown while others were still green.  Our bounty we gathered will go in the in the freezer until Thanksgiving when my father-in-law will make ice cream for the holiday. 
If you happen to be in Jackson Hole around mid-august, consider huckleberry hunting.  The bushes can be found along the trails near the lakes in Grand Teton National Park.  It is an easy hike that most can handle including young children.  Here is a brief explanation of the huckleberry:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huckleberry

h & m

Want that joyous feeling of playing with paper dolls again?  Relive your childhood with the help of your computer!  H&M has the Fashion Studio which allows you to choose your model then browse through their latest fall line to create an outfit tailored just for you! I had fun picking out skirts, jackets and all the accessories to see what was possible.  Neat feature:  click on the item once it is on the model to decide the placement.  Take for example take the sweater pictured above:  I could choose to tuck it into the leggings or have it over the leggings (okay, if you want to tuck your sweater into your leggings I think you might be nuts but you get the idea).  What I really like about this program is that you can check out the looks, pick what you like, print, and then visit the store for real-time shopping.  I love that store but it can be a bit much once you walk in the door.  A sensory overload.  And...for a (cough, cough) 42 year old woman, not everything is my style. This gives me a chance to see what works for me and allows me to feel like a kid again.

I just gave away my age!  I don't hide the fact that I am over 40, have two very young children and see way too much gray hair in the mirror.  I feel young and think I have held up very well, but more on that later.

berry cobbler ... in a rush

I ended up finding time to make the mixed berry cobbler for the surprise birthday party.  I had purchased the fruit the day before knowing that I would be able to find the rest of the ingredients in my pantry.  My mother taught me to have a supply of staples for those "just in case" situations (chocolate chips, sweet cream butter, oats, brown sugar, etc.).  I have a library of cookbooks, three-ring binders full of recipes that have been given to me, torn out of magazines or printed from the web but, like always, instead of going to my cache of reliable sources, I pulled a new recipe off the web.  Now, I don't feel as if I risked too much since found it on the Food Network site but still, you never know.  All I wanted was a recipe that allowed a mix of fresh berries (you choose what kind), simple ingredients and took almost no time in assembly.  This berry crumble looks yummy in photo above, had great reviews and took 20 minutes to make plus cooking.  I doubled the recipe, substituted the ramekins for a 9x13" dish and used blackberries, raspberries and blueberries.  I didn't use all the crumble topping as it seemed too much, instead using 2/3 of the doubled amount finished with dollops of butter on top.  Now, if everything else goes as planned today I may survive.

Mixed Berry Crumble

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup oats
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 4 cups mixed berries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Equipment: 6 (6-ounce) ramekins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, salt and oats. Using a pastry blender, a fork or your hands cut in butter. Keep cold until ready to use.

In a large bowl combine berries, 1/2 cup sugar, and cornstarch; toss to coat. Evenly divide the fruit mixture between the 6 ramekins. Top with crumble topping. Bake until top is golden and fruit is bubbly, about 35 minutes. Serve warm (with ice cream!)

Park City

Off to Park City, Utah for a long weekend!  I have clients based there and since it is only 4 hours from Jackson, the family is coming along.  We have a gorgeous condo in Deer Valley with Resorts West complete with a hot tub.  I am so excited!  After meetings on Thursday and Friday our plan is to visit with friends, explore the mountains and then take day trips to Salt Lake City for IKEA, antique rummaging and the zoo. We are looking for a wardrobe for Kepley's room.  Her room is in one of the peaks of our A-frame house that offers no closet.  I hope to find a piece that will double as a closet and a dresser.  Maybe white but it could be painted red or Tiffany blue.  Also, we are about to remodel a rental property to get new tenants before the ski season begins so the search is on for durable but attractive appliances, countertops, etc... 

Once we find furniture for Kiki's room I will post photos of the transformation of her room and of Grainger's room from baby to toddler to boy.  We used a mix of consignment finds with hand-made accessories along with brand named store items for his space.  We find it fun to find treasures in unique places to create a special place for the kids. 

Today's list

Update:  as I go through the day, I am using this as my check-off list.  So far, so good!

As I sit here with my hair still wet from the shower, I wonder if I'm doing too much?  Yep, I think so.  More than once a day I feel as if I may loose it.  Usually it hits me early morning and just prior to everyone coming home (with dinner only a vague concept).  Will I ever catch up?  nope.  I am not frustrated, just trying to find balance.  Throwing a second child into the mix has got me running in circles.  More on this later as I need to tackle this list!  Ciao!

1.  WORK:  finish on-going projects such as design banners and start design on print ads, get materials for training (tomorrow and in two weeks), finish updating website for fall and winter, turn in all past expenses, send off contracts for summer, finish loading summer '10 rates....(etc, etc, etc,)


2.  LAUNDRY:  just finished one load, working on 3 more before the end of the day

3.  PACK:  need to pack myself, Grainger and Kepley for our trip to Park City (tomorrow).  Not just clothes but a pack n' play, toys, books, blankets, stuffed animals, diapers, wipes, bibs, drink cups, bottles, pacifiers, etc...

4.  Attend 10:00am meeting at work

5.  Straighten house for the cleaning team to come on friday, remember to leave $$.  Yes, I have a cleaning team come to my house every two weeks.  I decided long ago that spending a full day playing with my kids was worth much more than the cost of someone to clean my house.  I always have a sigh of relief when Diane and her team show up.  Such bliss.

6.  Clean cat box, fill up food bowls and water, leave toilet seat up (for that occassional cold drink!) for the kitties

7.  Water plants
8.  Make a mixed fruit cobbler for a surprise birthday party tonight
9.  Pick up kids, get them rinsed off and somewhat clean for the party
10.  Run to grocery store for milk, yogurt and car snacks
11.  Don't forget to get the snacks for the training seminar on Thursday and Friday in Park City
12.  Confirm pick-up of coffee cake from The Bunnery
13.  Call with a credit card to pay for the pizza (again, training food)

WHEW!  I think I can....I think I can....I think I can...

geox boots

 

I am loving these boots!  The buckles, the mix of brown tones, a bit of equestrian styling mixed with urban contemporary...ahhhh...my feet would love the comfort while my ego would glow knowing how good I look.  Made by Geox, these beauties are leather and oiled suede with an ultralight, waterproof yet breathable rubber sole.  I love flat heels for my everyday living.  I run after kids and live in the mountains where snow, sleet, rain and (lots of) tiny little rocks destroy my heels.  I still covet my heels but those I save for special occassions or when I need to feel extra "hot mama".  These boots are the needed boost to my winter wardrobe.  Imagine this...black leggings topped with a beige chunky knit sweater with a wide belt resting at the hips... ohhhh, I must have them!

hiking with the kids

Hiking is a main part of our summer life.  Before kids I used to tackle a 15 mile hike in a single day.  Now it is more like 4 miles or less but with kids it still takes as much time as those long treks. The amount of time outside revolves around how much fun we can squeeze into our adventure before nap time. 

A couple of weeks ago the weather was amazing so we packed up the kids, called a friend to join us and headed off to Grand Teton National Park.  Our 3 year old loves boats (who doesn't!) and since the season had slowed down we decided to take the ride across Jenny Lake to hike to the 80-foot high waterfall called Hidden Falls.  I am sure we were quite the scene - Me, with a 3 month old strapped to my front, my husband walking while our 3 yr old toddled along the trail and our friend carrying her 2 yr old in a backpack.  The trail was easier than I remember.  Did they move it?  Seemed shorter or not as steep.  Maybe I am in better shape than I thought?  The hike turned out great.  The trail has some tricky areas with slightly steep steps but nothing our son couldn't handle.  We looked for huckleberries (found 4 total), saw (dried up) raspberries and picked up some good walking sticks along the way.  The trail was mostly clear of other hikers allowing us to meander our way to the waterfall.  The area at Hidden falls offers good spots to relax under the shade of trees.  We parked ourselves on a couple of boulders, unpacked our lunch and cooled off from the misty breeze that comes off the waterfall.  Hiking down was a little more difficult for our son as he doesn’t handle the decline as well.  With hand holding and slow moving, we made it down to the dock for a short wait until the boat returned for our journey home.  Once back at the dock there is a nice stretch of “beach” available for toe dipping in the lake.  The kids immediately shunned their shoes for rock jumping in the cold mountain-fed water.  The hike begins at Jenny Lake Visitor Center, which offers parking for all sizes of vehicles.  The boat is a fast and fun way across the lake but if you choose, you can follow the trail around the lake, which is 5 miles round-trip.  Overall, once at the trail head the trek is less than 1 mile each way.  For those more adventurous, keep climbing the trail to Inspiration Point.  Great views of Jenny Lake below with the surrounding valley.

fall sunsets

Driving home from the museum after an early evening event we were captivated by this view.  The ducks and geese were still on the water with the sun starting to set over Sleeping Indian Mountain.  With my guys looking out towards the hills I took advantage of moment to capture this photo. Can you believe this spot is off the highway only a mile north of town? wow.

twists and turns

I am starting a monthly entry called Twists and Turns.  It will be about my personal experiences with motherhood, pregnancy and postpartum.  I figure as my children grow and change so will my topics.  My first entry will be on the difficulty I had with breast feeding.  It has been a long road to be okay that it didn't work out but I feel I am ready to share with others what I went through.  I hope to have it posted before the end of the month.

all things crocheted

What is it about the days becoming brisk that I desire all things crocheted.  I don't know how to crochet but covet those who can.  In my need to view beautiful hand-made items, I turn to Etsy.com.  Twinlovedesigns used a Queen Anne Lace stitch for the neck collar above.  I love the dark plum color, perfect for dressing up my gray jersey wool jacket.  When the holidays arrive I imagine it as the perfect touch to a simple dress or blazer, no jewelry needed.

This delicate piece is by Fray.  It makes me feel pretty just looking at it.  It looks warm so I would put with a fall sweater now and in the winter it could be the perfect accessory to my winter coat. Scroll down or click here to view a post I did a couple of days ago about the beanie hats for my daughter.  They are adorable and started this need for more lovely items.  This obsession may turn into my next winter craft!

things kids say

The other day I asked my son what he wanted to be when he grew up.  "A man" he replied.  Leave it to a 3 year old to put things into perspective. 

noli n nali

When nursing a friend turned me on to Noli n Nali Bosom Blossom Nipple Butter.  100% organic, lanolin free and made with shea butter and coconut oil, this salve was my saving grace from cracked, sore skin.   They have a line of products for kids too.  I haven't tried the children's line but I can only imagine it just as nice.  This is a product I stick in the gift bag for expectant mothers since it is something needed right away.

my husband's new book

Okay, time for me to gush, brag and moon about my husband.  His newly released book, Wildlife in American Art: Masterworks from the National Museum of Wildlife Art is over 3 years in the making.  He spent endless hours pouring over every detail.  The book is gorgeous with brilliant photos of the museum's permanent collection from artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe,  Robert Kuhn and Andy Warhol.  I am overwhelmed with this accomplishment.  I am so proud.  If you are ever in Jackson Hole stop by the Museum to view the current exhibits and have lunch overlooking the National Elk Refuge. You can't beat the view or the art.

pancakes

My son loves pancakes. Every morning he asks for them.  Most mornings we are rushed to get out the door so I researched kid-friendly recipes to create my own version that is simple and full of omega 3, potassium, and fiber.  This is a breakfast that I don't mind him eating every day.  I love instant pancake mix - just add water -  but as a healthy choice it could use some help.  I buy a large can of pumpkin - just pumpkin, no sugar added - and measure out 1/2 cup servings which I put in snack size zip bags, write on the bag "pumpkin" and stick in the freezer.  In my pantry I keep large bags of wheat germ and milled flax seed.  I don't really measure, just put it all together until the consistency resembles a good batter.  When getting all the ingredients together pull out a bag of pumpkin from the freezer and stick it under hot water.  It thaws in minutes.

1 cup pancake mix (the kind that uses water only)

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

scoop of milled flax seed

scoop of wheat germ

sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg

1/2-1 tsp of vanilla

makes about 6 pancakes

Put all ingedients into a bowl and add enough water to make a nice batter then pour onto a hot skillet and voila!  a yummy and healthful breakfast.  I alway make extra which are a great cold snack for the afternoons while on the run.  For special occassions chocolate chips can be added.  Sometimes we substitute a really ripe mashed banana instead of the pumpkin.  Your choice!  Make it up and have fun.  It is hard to mess this one up.  Do you have any healthy kid-friendly breakfast ideas?  Send them to me!

mini boden

Boden USA is a clothing company out of the U.K. offering fun clothes for babies, kids and women.  I have been wearing their items for years so was thrilled to get the latest fall offerings for kids.  Reasonably priced, the clothes are tough, wash well and are really fun.  Now until December 10th get 11% off + free shipping + free returns.  They also have a SALE going on with great warm weather items to stock up on for next year! 

sweet potato and zucchini bread

                                                 thanks ifood.tv for this gorgeous photo!

My son is a picky eater.  He is three and believes he has developed his own sense of what he likes and doesn't like.  (I beg to differ!) Most foods I want him to eat he won't even try.  Most of the foods I oppose, he loves.  I want to introduce different ways of eating veggies so bread seemed like a good place to start.  Late summer zucchini is sweet and abundant now.  We get them at the local farmer's market for less than $1 each.  I found this recipe on epicurious.com and with a few modifications made a wonderful loaf that my son called "cake".  

• 2 cups all purpose flour (I substituted 1 cup with whole wheat flour)
  
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp allspice)
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar (I cut the sugar in half using only 1 cup)
  
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (used 1/4 cup of vanilla yogurt and 1/2 cup oil)
  
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out liquid through a strainer)
  
• 1 1/2 cups grated peeled sweet potato (squeeze out liquid through a strainer)
  
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Sift first 5 ingredients into medium bowl. Beat sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla to blend in large bowl. Mix in zucchini and sweet potato. Add dry ingredients and walnuts and stir well. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Cool bread in pan on rack 15 minutes. Cut around bread to loosen. Turn out onto rack and cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap in foil and let stand at room temperature.)

portland beanie company

As the fall approaches I have found myself digging through all the baby gifts for something to ward off the chill.  One of my favorites is this adorable hand crocheted hat from the Portland Beanie Company.  I wish I could own them all.  They offer caps for everyone..boys, girls, adults, babies.  This is one gift that will make it to our keepsake box long after she has grown out of it.  Oh! and check out all the photos on the site..way cute.

these are a few of my favorite things...

I am knee deep in babies and kids. I have a 3 year old boy and a 3 month old girl, most of my friends have just had kids or are pregnant. Life is full of baby showers, trading goods and endless discussions on what a new mother should have. When I started out none of my group had children. I was the first. No hand-me-downs, no new advice. I researched the web for the answers to my questions. Now with my second child, I have been blessed with boxes upon boxes of clothes, toys, swings and more. My cup runnith over! There have been more showers in the past year then I can count on one hand. Each time the mother-to-be has asked the same question, "Tell me your top 5 items for a new baby".  Here are a few of my favorites:

 
1. sound machine - I swear by it. We live on a corner street with no air conditioning. In the summer months this drowns out the cars, rodeo noise (yes! we live near a real live western rodeo), and neighbors walking their dogs at night.

2. swaddle - we wrapped our 1st child until he was 6 months old. Kepley is 4 months and loves the swaddle. This isnt for every child but I recommend trying it. Aden and Anais are my absolute favorite. Generous in size you can use them for a blanket, swaddle, sun cover, or to wipe up drippy chins. They wash like a dream getting softer with age. The designs are simple and oh..so..cute. I like to give them as shower gifts.

3. Clouds and Stars sheet set - have you ever had to remove a messy sheet in the middle of the night? I think we all experience it at least once in the early years. Called the "quick zip" sheet you simply zip off the top and replace. Simple! No removing the mattress or disrupting the bumper and the baby is back in bed super quick! I have had two sets for over 3 years and have washed them hundreds of times. They are still in great shape, are super soft and look like new.

4. The Chariot Carrier - okay, this may not work for everyone but I live in the mountains and it is a life-saver! We are outside a lot and winter is long here. We use this year-round. It takes on rain, sleet and snow like a dream! It is the ultimate for those who want a multi-purpose system for towing kids. By changing out the front wheel you can have a city/town stroller, jogging stroller, bike carrier, cross-country ski carrier, and hiking pack. This company knows what they are doing...there is full suspension, a comfortable 5-part harness and is really easy to change out the components. It comes as a single or double and you can purchase the optional baby sling - our newborn took her first ride at 3 weeks. The Chariot is our "group gift" for baby showers.

5. Cloth Diapers - Not just a diaper! I have a pile of these in the kitchen and by the changing table. Talk about cheap and functional these little pieces of heaven are perfect for spit-ups, cleaning up diaper blow-outs, wiping little noses and in a pinch perfect for napkins. Stains come out easy, they are inexpensive so you don't care if you loan it out or loose one, and you can add your own fun design to them. More on designs and ideas for dressing them up coming soon!

What are some of your "MUST HAVES" for a new mother?

fundraising at home

Last Saturday was Old Bill's Fun Run in Jackson. For the past 12 years the event has helped local charities raise over $60.5 million and has touched the lives of thousands. Over 3,000 people participate by running a 2k, 5k or by walking. Costumes and dogs are encouraged making this a fun event for everyone. Finishing on the Town Square, we celebrated with a free breakfast while visiting all the participating non-profit booths. My 3 year old had a great time at CLC's booth. He and his buddy got a sun painted on their cheeks, played in "moon sand" and made friendship bracelets. During all this, our Farmer's Market is in full force. This is an event that I try not to miss. We load up the kids in our stroller, meet our friends at the starting line and enjoy a gorgeous fall morning. Just makes you feel good..health wise for getting out in the fresh air and spiritually knowing that you are part of helping others. I feel it is a fantastic opportunity to teach my kids important values including compassion, gratitude, and community.