A Bakers Dozen...

So, last night, the hubby and I got to go on a date while my sister-in-law watched the kiddos. We did a little shopping first before we went to dinner and I wore some pretty high heels
(only expecting that we were just going to dinner). Anyhow, after walking for about 30 minutes, I just didn't have it in me to walk across the huge mall parking lot to dinner at Beni Hana. I mean c'mon these days, I buy my high heels at Target, not Nordstrom and Target shoes are cute, but not exactly the most comfortable shoes. Anyhow, my sweet, gorgeous husband said "I'll give you a piggy back ride"...."Really" I replied, most pleasantly surprised and he said "yeah" so, he carried me for about a 1/4 mile to the restaurant...I thought, wow, he still is that spontaneous, romantic guy I married almost 5 years ago! (Oh and if you were wondering why we didn't just drive, well, my sister-in-law had the car for the night).

So, while dining at Beni Hana, we met this man and his family.
So now you're probably thinking okay, so what's your point and who is this man? Well, it ends up that this man owns an Artisian, French Bakery right here in Virginia. He gave us a call today to see if we wanted to come by his bakery for a tour and to taste some of his delectable breads and pastries. He is from Algeria which is across the Mediteranean Sea from France. He actually speaks French too. His breads are truly incredible. In fact tonight for dinner we enjoyed his bread with a little picnic in our hotel room with some salami, cheese, olives and marinated tomatoes and artichoke hearts, oh and wine too...yummy..truly my dream dinner!

Spring Breakin it...

We are on spring break...spending half of our time in Virginia and the other half in Florida. We flew all day yesterday and today we spent our day in Washington DC enjoying a day at the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. We showed our kiddos where the president, Barack Obama lives and our daughter said, "Oh, he has the same name as Rocco...." "yes", I said, "Barack and Rocco do sound similar" so she basically thinks that her brother and the president share the same name...so don't be surprised if she starts calling him Barack...
Oh and check out this next, picture I snapped of my husband and son...It looks like the monkey is getting ready to attack them and then to the left of them it says "Your closest relatives"...ha, it made us laugh after looking at it...

Spring, Roomates and a Bread Box...

Spring is right in our backyard in the form of a beautiful blooming cherry tree...just in time for our new roomates to move in...yes, you heard it right, new roomates. My brother-in-law, sister-in-law and my beautiful little niece Emma are moving in with us for a few months before they make the big move to Colorado. We will have a full house, but it will be oh so fun!!! I love having people in the house, it just makes me happy and gives me a reason to bake without having to stuff all of those treats into my mouth...oh and on a totally random note, look at this great vintage bread box I found at the local antique store while looking for a shelf for my daughters room...I couldn't resist it in all of its yellow vintageness.....Have a great weekend!!

Hot fun in the city...

Yesterday, I got to spend the day with these two beautiful ladies...my best girlfriends. Ashley (the picture on the top) I've known since high school and Megan I've known since 3rd grade. Megan and I met Ashley in high school and we have all remained friends ever since. Ashley currently lives back at home with her husband (where I live in Northern Cali) after spending many years in San Luis Obispo and then Seattle and Megan now lives in Seattle with her hubby. Megan was on her spring break and flew into San Francisco for the week to visit friends and we got to meet her for the day...so fun and just like old times. We got to just talk and be girls the whole day with the exception of my little man...good food, good friends and good wine make for happy times!!!

I had to snap a few other photos of the city...I how I love it!!! It was so good to be there, especially with nice weather and good friends...
And this was my little man's first time to the city...he fit right in and got compliments on his cool Beatles shirt all around town...too bad he spilled apple juice on the cool Anthro shirt I was wearing....I swear, I did have a cute outfit on earlier in the day...

And it's done...

Yes, as you can see after 9 days of hard work (mostly on my husbands part) the "project" is done!!! We got new antique looking wood floors and a brand new paint job. All the curtains have been cleaned and we are back to our normal life...wahoo!!! The paint is called Impressionist by Ralph Lauren....my husband says it looks like one big Easter egg, but I think it is bright and very cheery...it just puts you in a good mood! I am so glad it is done. We have been waiting for these floors for almost 2 years of living with disgusting, stained carpet. I am loving them and my son celebrated last night by dumping a gallon of milk on the floor too..I guess we all have our own ways of celebrating!

Seeing Green...

It's all about the green today...Enjoy your St.Patrick's Day...I'll be enjoying some corn beef and cabbage and maybe even a green beer...yummy! Oh and yes, you can kiss me, cause' I really am Irish!!!

Self restraint

Um, yeah, so have you been to Target lately??? So they now have Liberty of London for Target...I am in love with this line. Above is one of my favorite patterns of stuff they are carrying. Today I bought a quilt and a flower pot..oh yes and my daughter a bathing suit. I had to put down the teapot and coffee mugs and unfortunately the 2 tiered plate that my son broke in the cart (I put it back in the boys department...shhh...don't tell). They have everything from wallets to home decor to clothing...I had to practice some self restraint today...it was hard, but I did it!!! Go check it out!! The project is still ongoing...I will share the results when we are done....can't wait!