End of January

Whew! If January is indicative of how 2010 is going to go for us, I am looking forward to the next 11 months. Despite the hiccups of a little sickness in the house (10 days of Rotavirus - once was enough!), this was a good month for us.

This little guy is keeping us busy. He's always on the go, and loves coloring, running, playing with his trucks & Legos, watching Cars, and snacking.

Anytime he can, he will grab my phone and start "playing" Monopoly.

We don't usually allow "Porky Pigging", but he wouldn't take off his boots. Can't say I blame him.

Big Sis lost TWO teeth! She's had several wigglers, but when Big Daddy saw the new ones pushing through on the bottom he decided it was time to pull out the hemostats and finish them off. She was very brave, and the Tooth Fairy rewarded her with $5 tucked into her new Tooth Fairy pillow!

Tooth Fairy pillow accented with vintage buttons. It matches the quilt I am making for her birthday.

And finally, Big Sis went rock climbing! We happened to be at REI on a weekend day, and she immediately insisted on trying the rock wall. She waited patiently for over an hour, and was able to observe several other climbers before her turn arrived.

Getting roped into her harness.

Listening to instructions.

Finding footholds & handholds. I think she has a bit of a natural talent for rock climbing.

Monkeying up. About 3/4 of the way up she froze for a minute, but she shook it off & touched the bell up top.

Reaching for the bell.

Rappelling back down.

She liked it enough to ask to go back and do it again.

We're so proud of our girl!

Fab Friday: January 29

And so with the advent of another year, I once again begin the tedious pursuit of better health & wellness. While I have been reluctantly consistent with my physical exertions, my dietary intake continues to torment me (particularly after 6:30pm).

But lo! What is this tiny treasure I have unearthed in the freezer section of the local grocer? Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle Bars? With just 100 calories per bar?

Glory Be & Sakes Alive! My cocoa cravings can now be soothed with the sweet nothings of such delicious bars. Now if I could just motivate my midsection into re-discovering its long lost musculature......

Chimichurri/ Aji/ Mojo Sauce

One of my simple, go-to meals of late is Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce. Serve the sauce on the side, or if you're brave, drizzled over slices of the steak. Usually we have extra steak & sauce, so a few days later we use both to make quesadillas. As with many recipes, I think the sauce gets better overnight. It can be very strong/ spicy, will thicken in the fridge, and is really, really yummy.

Chimichurri Sauce

*based on a recipe from Bon Appetit/ epicurious.com

• 2/3 - 3/4 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 3-4 Green onions, white part & some of the green
• 1 Jalapeno, seeded & with ribs removed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A few dashes of pepper

**Use the above as a starting point. I don't usually measure the olive oil or vinegar - I just drizzle it in until it looks right to me. I've also made it with white onion instead of green & find it is VERY strong.

Puree all ingredients in food processor until combined.

Happy New Year!

(photo from iStock Photo)

Yes, yes, I know it's the 4th already. I'm not much of a "Happy New Year" kinda gal and yet here we are.

I have high hopes for 2-0-1-0. '09 was an awful year for us, but we've already been over that.

I've decided that I am not writing resolutions this year, but have 5 goals for myself. Seems like a doable number.

I've spent much time reflecting on the close of the old and the beginning of the new. The year ended well for us. Good food, happy family, fun games, restful sleep, healthy bodies. I am hoping that this quiet end is a portent of what we can expect for the next 12 months.

I noticed that I wrote 30 less posts in 2009, and the drop occurred after our move. You make the connection. Blogging is not included in this year's goals, and I don't want to taint things by making sweeping statements like "I will post every day!". We both know it's not going to happen. I WILL try to make my writing more meaningful, and share more of what I love.

Know what I love today?

6pm.com. They are the clearance site for Zappos. And come on, discounts + shoes + shopping from the comfort of your own couch? Yes, please.

Let me be clear. I have no shortage of shoes. And when Big Daddy sees this he will not be happy. But come on, a girl needs shoes!

Specifically, I have had boots on the brain. Tall, short, black, brown, purple, leather, vinyl, rubber, sexy, snuggly, winter-iffic, BOOTS. I am a girl with {ahem} healthy legs, so boot shopping is often challenging. At best. I have had no luck lately, especially since I have been desperately seeking the ultimate trifecta of fit, color, and price. Yes, I do have some boots that I love, but Jack Frost is a treacherous beast and sometimes the Uggs are just not a match for the wintery mess of slush, ice, and salt. And while the Sorel's are toasty and rugged, they are not fit for the gentle company of restauranteurs and church-goers.

But the New Year seems to be bringing me luck, as I DID find these beauties:

(photo from Zappos.com)

Keen Kaley

I've wanted some boots that were a cross between the comfort of my beloved Uggs, and the ruggedness of my Sorels. With a durable sole, a cozy faux-sheepskin lining, and a below-calf height, these are sure to be my go-to boots for Kindergarten drop off.

(photo from Zappos.com)

Franco Sarto Canopy

And these. These! About 10 years ago, I bought a pair of similar Franco boots, and they carried me through the evolution of many, many looks. There was actually a time in my life when I wore nothing but skirts. But that's a tale for another day.

I believe they will pair nicely with skirts, jeans, and everything in between. My favorite part is the stretchy, pull-on styling. No more worries about healthy calves battling with unwilling zippers.

Although my cheap side balked at paying shipping, I have to say that I ordered these on a Saturday & they were delivered MONDAY. Seriously, now THAT is service!