ELIZA

I heart magazines! I used to be a big book reader, and although I still love books, I find that with the kids, it is hard for me to really "dive" into a book lately! I'm hoping to take advantage of my time this week, though, and try to finish the book I've been working on for some time.... oh! how a moment on the beach, with a book, and a pina colada sounds dreamy right now!

Well, magazines have become my thing lately. A couple of months ago, I discovered a great new find! ELIZA. It is a unique, modest and modern (i know those two words are not usually seen together often) newer magazine. They highlight women's interests, featuring fashion and beauty information, current issues, and real life problem solving, all while keeping perspective on what's really important in life. I especially appreciate the artistic element of their photography and enjoy the little history bits throughout the magazine. It is definitely worth a look.

Vegas, baby, Vegas!

I have been trying to upload my Easter pictures for a week now, but we've been having computer issues. So, hopefully I can post those soon. Right now, I'm in Vegas with the family. Isaac is off track and we decided to take advantage of the time and enjoy the kid-friendly part of Vegas! Surprisingly, there is quite a bit to do here that the kiddos enjoy.

Tulie Bakery

After having Baby G, my sister brought me the most amazing triple layer coconut cake. I can't even explain how yummy that cake was! I found that she has a friend that works at a new bakery called Tulie. Not only is this cute bakery stylish and modern, it has excellent and unique food. I have only tried a few items on their menu, but everything that I've had so far has been excellent! I really enjoyed their quiche, vanilla pound bread, and refreshing arugula salad. Tulie Bakery offers elegant cakes, cupcakes, morning pastries, sandwiches, and more. I can't wait to taste more yummy food. Sis, thanks for the good find! Yumm-o!

Tulie Bakery
863. E 700 S.
Salt Lake City
801-883-9741

Mothers Day Ideas

This is a great site for jewelry and they have some great ideas for mothers day! I got my mom one of these necklaces and D got me one! ( I picked it out of course) :)

I heart Serena and Lily

One of my favorite bedding companies is Serena and Lily. They make the most beautiful organic bedding. They also have darling baby and children gifts. After having Baby G, I have been on the hunt for baby slings and this is my favorite yet!

Safari Finger Puppets

Let your fingers do the talking with these Safari Finger Puppets, hand-knit by a collective of knitters in Kenya. You can point your kids toward sustainably designed toys with a set of these personable animals, made from all naturally renewable materials. The lion, giraffe and elephant, snake, zebra and monkey all travel really well in a diaper bag, as small, fun-filled toys for play on the go... at restaurants, on airplanes, in the car. Kids will love donning these wild animals on their tiny fingers, or watching you come up with impromptu puppet shows. You'll never have to ask where "Thumbkin" is again.

Lovin' Old School Toys

In honor of Little People's 50th birthday, Fisher-Price has released four commemorative play sets designed to look like the ones we remember when we played with Little People.

Each set includes Little People designed to look like the classic Little People and a take along case with handle. Toys included with play set store in the case. Choose from: Play 'n Go Farm, Play 'n Go School House, Play 'n Go Fire Station and Play 'n Go Home.

Color Wheel Earrings

These earrings are fabulous! I think they are perfect for Spring/Summer. I just love the jewelry at Anthropology.

Snowy Day Puppets

Well, it is the end of March and we are still having cold, snowy days. Luckily, Martha Stewart, has these darling craft sets from Michael's that you can get to entertain kids. We had fun making them, and they put on a creative and cute little show.

Project: Organize Mudroom

So, one of my many projects this spring, is to organize the mudroom. We used to have one basket of shoes for the kids, but now, with our growing family and growing kids, that basket was getting chaotic. Plus, we had the issue of socks.... not wanting to get them, where to put them.... Our mudroom needed an adjustment. So, I went to IKEA and got this cute organizer and baskets. I'm hoping this solves the problem. Each kid has a basket for shoes, and a basket for socks! Yah! I know it is weird to have the socks in the mudroom, but it is working for us! Also, I finally have a place for my purse. Ahhhh! Now on to the next project.

California Dreamin'

Mr. D had a business conference in San Diego last month, so we decided to make it a quick family trip to Cali! It was so amazing to get a little taste of warmth during this cold winter. Sometimes I wonder why we don't live in California. The climate is so wonderful! We were able to sneak a day in Legoland (and that is the last time we'll be doing that! :) Then, we were able to go to the beloved Disneyland for a day. It truly is the "happiest place." It is always so fun to take the kiddies there, and truth be told, I love it too. (so does Mr. D, but you'd have to catch him in the right mood for him to admit that!) That was our first vacation with four children. There were a few crazy moments, but for the most part, it was not too bad! I'm sure that will change in the future!

Dear Spring.....

Dear Spring, please come and stay awhile. We get so excited when you come for a visit. We get out the bikes, cars, scooters, and pretty much anything we can to play outside. We love to play outside without coats, run around our backyard, jump on the tramp, play pirates on the swing set, and swing in trees. Although the snow is pretty and nice, we are so excited for you to visit again. When you come again, we would love you to stick around. If you do, we'll make fresh lemonade! You'll love it and we will have so much fun!

Tasty Key Lime Pie

I have been in the mood to try new recipes lately. Whenever the seasons change, I get in the mood for all things "different." I clean, organize, re-arrange the decorations, try new recipes,and dream of redoing certain rooms, etc. Well, I happened upon this yummy pie. I love Key Lime Pie! I love anything citrus-ish! But, I have never had a frozen Key Lime Pie, and I was really impressed with this recipe. It will be a great refreshing dessert for a warm summer evening. I can't wait for both... summer and dessert!

Germs in the Kitchen

Isn't this a dreamy kitchen? Oh! It makes me want to redo my own kitchen. Well, I recently read an article about fighting germs in the kitchen. Yes, germs! Yuck! I think I do such a good job at disinfecting, but after reading this article, I need to get more tough. I've been doing some spring cleaning lately, and it looks like I'm going to add some more disinfecting to the spring list. Happy cleaning!

A very important Visiting Teaching Message

My aunt passed this funny little cartoon on to me. Thought I'd share with you!
If you are a "Twilight" fanatic, then you'll understand and appreciate!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a cute idea for a healthy snack.
We had green eggs and ham, green oatmeal, and a healthy green smoothie for brunch today. What should I turn green for dinner?

Ashy's 4th Princess Birthday

So, I'm feeling bad that I didn't "blog" when it was A-Girl's birthday in December. She wanted a princess birthday and really wanted Snow White to come. So, we found Snow White and surprised her and her fellow princesses. The party turned out great and it was fun to see Ashy so excited and have so much fun with her darling cousins and friends. We love you Ashy and can't believe that you're a big 4-year-old!

Cosmetic Cop

I LOVE shopping for and purchasing new products. I get so excited to try a new makeup item or new lotion or new skin care or new perfume...you get the idea. It is a little overwhelming, however, with so many products on the market. I'm constantly wondering if an item is worth it and does the item do what it says it does. That is why I love the book: Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter without me by Paula Begoun. She has studied, analyzed, tested, and critiqued leading skin-care formulations and makeup products to help women understand whether a product was worth the money or could live up to the claims on the label.
Wow! This is such a great find and such a help to me as I'm trying to decide what to try and what to buy. In fact, I need to use it tonight! I need a new tinted moisturizer! Tchow!

I-Man's Birthday Party

Just a few pics of our visit to Jumpin' Jacks for I-Man's birthday. He took a few friends and they had a blast running around and playing. Mr. D was right in there with them having fun, however, it was nothing like last year! I-Man did the same thing for his birthday last year (apparently he really enjoys going to these jump things) and Dave, Shari and Shaun ran around like they were in training on some obstacle course. Too bad I don't have pics of that! Maybe they can train again next year! J-Boy, although only 1 1/2, kept right up with the kids and went on everything they did! That kid has NO FEAR! In fact, I'm always IN FEAR of where he is and what he will do.
I-Man's birthday weekend was sure fun! Love you buddy!

Nordstrom & Jo Malone

Oh! Happy Day! Nordstrom has opened an improved store in Fashion Place Mall. Just a little piece of heaven here on earth! My dream is to "hang out" there all day and peruse all the fabulous goodies. And, of course, eat at their delicious cafe all day too! So, Nordstrom has finally added Jo Malone to the great family. I'm so very excited! I adore all the yummy lotions, candles, and perfumes. My favorite is Nectarine & Honey. But really, you can't go wrong with any of them.

Yogurt-Marmalade Cake

So, I have been experimenting with new recipes lately. My cousin and aunt introduced me to The Pioneer Woman where I have found some tasty food. This last weekend I made the yogurt-marmalade cake. Oh! Wow! So delicious! I'm wanting some right now. The Pioneer Woman does a great job explaining her recipies and taking pictures as she goes. She has a great story too! I love good finds like this!

Happy Birthday I-Man!

Happy 6th Birthday I-Man!

I can't believe how fast these years have gone by. I am so lucky to be your mother and to have you in my life. You have the biggest heart! Just tonight you were telling me about a girl in your class that always has messy hair, dirty close, and a lot of the kids make fun of her. We had a discussion on how we need to always be kind, even when others aren't. After thinking about it for a minute you said: "I know mom! I will get her number and address and we can go over and do her hair and take care of her! And I will help others be nice to her." Wow! How cute are you! That is a perfect example of how kind and sensitive you are.

I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! I love how you go in and out of your obsessions with Batman, Transformers, Cars, Trucks, Trains, Power Rangers, McQueen, Pirates, Karate, Animals, and the new one to add to the list... Star Wars! I love how you like to plan our day, or plan parties. I love how inquisitive and observant you are. I love how you take care of and play with your siblings. I love your darling laugh and your infectious smile. I love your imagination and everywhere you go with it. I just love you! Thanks for teaching me and being patient with me as your mom.

Darling Hat & Socks

My aunt Peggy made Grayson this darling hat and these adorable socks. I can't believe how cute they are and how talented she is. Thanks Peggy! He looks so cute in them. It is sure nice to benefit from her talents!