Cal-i-for-n-i-a!

Now we’re really backtracking. . .

As I’d mentioned awhile ago (okay, last year), we were going to California for Christmas. I just wanted to share some tidbits from the trip.

Christmas Eve the hubs and I got to go to Hollywood- it was my first time there, so I of course was snapping pictures of pretty much everything.

It was AWESOME!!! Everyone has always told me how dirty, ugly, not-so-great Hollywood is. Okay, so its not all sparkly and magical like it looks in the movies. But it was still super fun. Maybe I’m weird. Scratch that- I AM weird.

My favorite part was, of course, Marilyn Monroe’s square. Our hands are the same size! I’m sure that means something like we’re cosmically connected (kidding- I’m not that weird!).

We also saw the Kodak Theater. . .

. . . Drove through Rodeo Drive. . .

. . . And out to the Santa Monica Pier!

It was a really fun day. And I don’t care what anyone says- I love Hollywood! : )

The Birthday Extravaganza

Just a tidbit from the Monkey’s second birthday:

One of our favorites these days is Elmo. He must have come out of the womb knowing who Elmo was, because he just randomly began chatting about him one day. So, my mother and I came up with the brilliant idea that, hey, we can make an Elmo birthday cake. No prob.

Heh.

Actually, it wasn’t that awful. I’m just a dramatic baker. First, I forgot to spray the cake mold, so the entire time the cake was baking I was pacing in the kitchen, determined that it was ruined before it had even begun. Thankfully, it came out of the mold just fine.

The next mole hill was the icing. Please note, that making red icing is kind of like finding a unicorn. It just doesn’t happen. You think you’re getting close, you think you’ve got it, and then…it remains pink. Okay, so that’s nothing like a unicorn. Bad analogy. Still, it was annoying.

However, we finally (FINALLY) got pretty close. And Elmo resembled- well, Elmo. So, success!

The things we will do for our children. : )

I’m Here!!

Oh, my poor readers…are you out there?

I know I’ve been MIA the past…few…weeks? Yeesh! Let’s just say, this new year got off to a crazy start. Up until about three days ago, I was still celebrating. That’s what happens when you have your birthday right after new year’s, and then the Monkey’s right after that!

But all is well and I’m looking forward to the New Year. I hope you all are, too!

I am jumping on the bandwagon of New Year, New Goals. Only we started that a few weeks late. Like I said, its tough when we have birthdays that seem to continue the holiday season. Especially when we have parents/grandparents visiting that want to celebrate! : ) But, now, all festivities are over, and I’m cracking the health whip. Yes, me. The girl who used to eat frosting by the spoonful on very blue days (shhh!). I guess apparently that’s not very good for you, because I have yet to find that as a healthy suggestion.

*sigh*

My basis is Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, which I think I’ve discussed before. She purees veggies and then puts them in classic recipes, so while her family thinks “Yum! Chicken nuggets!” they are actually also getting a serving of broccoli. Yeah, clever little lady!

We are on our third day in the health kick. I’m not being a total Nazi about it: the hubs can still have his Diet Coke, and our food is still yummy (mostly…I’m still mastering the art of cooking, okay?), but the majority of what we eat is better for us, if not containing a fruit or veggie.

I’ve also invested in some 5 pound weights and a jump rope. Its serious, people.

Look. I’m not a health nut. I have been craving frosting and coffee and cheetos for three days now. And I really don’t think its going to get easier. However, I also look at myself in the mirror and think…oops! So. Its one or the other. Frosting or health, and a hopefully better looking body. I’m only 26, I can’t use age as an excuse yet. ; ) When I’m 80, I’ll let myself go and wander the streets in my muumuu. Until then, I think I should at least try to look nice and feel good…right?

Wish me luck. ; )

New Year, New Age, New Adventures

That’s right, everyone! It’s my Happy Birthday!

Everyone has always been sympathetic towards me about my birthday being so close to Christmas. But, really, I don’t mind it too much. It just adds to the magic of the season for me. Plus, I like the idea of starting the New Year at a new age. It really brings home the sense of clean slate.

I also have a total princess complex on my birthday. I kind of want the world to revolve around me, if for just this day. I know. Annoying and spoiled. I can’t help it. I don’t mind a restaurant full of people singing happy birthday to me. I don’t get embarrassed. I enjoy every moment of it.

This year, I seem to be missing something, My BFF is still out of town, all my other friends here are busy, and the hubby has to work. So…the Monkey and I went to Downtown Disney and had ice cream for breakfast. Yep. Don’t think I’m gonna sulk on my birthday!!

We had a great time. We pigged out on ice cream, and then wandered around, looking at the water and the boats and the shops. It was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had. And I do believe it will be a new tradition.