Saturday, March 30, 2013

A Day in The Life - 16 months

I've seen these posts around and thought it would be fun to document a day in Molly Pop and I's life. I decided to document Thursday because I like Thursday, it is swimming lesson day. *Warning: This is a very photo intense post*


I woke up at 6:45 a.m. before everyone else. Today I had to set my alarm because we had a 9 a.m. meeting with our financial adviser. I was especially tired because a little one had joined us in bed at 3:40 a.m. after waking herself up with a cough. She also was convinced that it was time to get up and play. It took a bit to get her back to sleep. She spent some time jumping on the bed, yelling Dada! and then pulling on my hair before finally settling down between us for a snooze. I don't usually shower until after Scott leaves for the day but today after making coffee, I jumped in the shower and then went to wake up Scott and Molly.





Once everyone was up, it was time to make breakfast while Scott got ready. My little kitchen helper was at her helm, directing me the entire time. 




Once breakfast was over, it was time to get Molly ready and get on the road for our appointment. I don't usually drive in morning rush hour and Scott said he enjoyed watching my irritation at the other drivers. 




After our appointment, Molly and I took Scott to work. We decided to take one car to the appointment since it was easier. It also meant that we'd have to pick Scott up from work later but that meant that he couldn't work late! Win for everyone! 


We arrived home and the main street near us was being repaved which was exciting for Molly. She liked all the big trucks, signs and noise. We played in the yard a bit before going inside to get ready for swim lessons. 



Once we were ready to go, we packed up our swim towels and drove to the pool. It was life jacket day so Molly got to float in the pool for a looong time with her friends. 








After swim class, we headed home for lunch and nap-time  I spent nap-time painting my bedroom. I still have one more coat to go but the room is looking awesome!




When Molly woke up, it was time for my training run! I decided to mix it up today and ran down to a local park so Molly could play. Then I jogged home. Molly and I were both happy with the plan.






After a bit more playtime and dance party at home, it was time to get back in the car to go get Scott. Traffic around Scott's office is intense and I am amazed that he arrives home without an eye twitch. 

 

It was getting late when I picked Scott up so we went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Pecado Bueno in Fremont. The owner knows Molly and is always excited to see her. They also have a fantastic carne asada that fits into my Whole30 plan. I just switch out the rice and beans for their homemade butternut squash and ask them to leave the yummy tortillas off.



After dinner, we headed home and got into our jammies. Molly played some more before reluctantly going to bed.



I took the time to knit on a hat that I am making for my facial lady who is pregnant with her first child while watching an episode of Bones. I'm very excited for her! 


At this point, it was getting late so I climbed into bed with my book and read a few pages before drifting off to sleep so I could start again the next day. 
Friday, March 29, 2013

Blueberry Banana Muffins

bananablueberrymuffins

Scott and Molly are not doing Whole30 and so when I was trying to figure out how to use up the HUGE bag of frozen blueberries I bought at Costco, I knew it was fair game to make them some muffins. Surprisingly enough I have been able to withstand the temptation of these muffins but it was very hard. They smelled so good when they came out of the oven!

Banana Blueberry Muffins in Pan

We also had some bananas on hand that were a tad on the ripe side and some applesauce that Molly had decided she would not eat. I put on my baking hat and got to baking! Scott and Molly were really pleased without these turned out and gobbled them right up. I was happy that they were full of fruitty goodness!

Blueberry Banana Muffin

Blueberry Banana Muffins
Makes 12

Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 bananas, mashed
1/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup blueberries + 1/4 cup blueberries for topping

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375F and grease muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar, egg, bananas, sour cream and vanilla.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Carefully add the blueberries into the batter, being careful not to over mix.
5. Fill the muffin cups almost to the top and top with blueberries.
6. Bake the muffins for 25 to 30 minutes and serve warm with butter.
Thursday, March 28, 2013

Pinterest Thursday - Ombre Easter Eggs

We're starting a tradition around my house. Last year my Mom, Molly and I dyed our Easter Eggs together and so this year we did it again. I wanted to try out some fancy dyeing techniques though so I scoured Pinterest until I found one that I thought was do-able.



Ombre coloring is really hot right now and why shouldn't my Easter Eggs also be trendy? I gathered my supplies and my helpers.

Dye Cups

Easter Egg Helper

Grandma Helping

And then we studied the egg dyeing directions along with the Pinterest directions. I carefully put the eggs in a small amount of dye and then added more dye to the cup about every minute or so until the egg was covered.

Studying the Directions

Ombreing the Eggs

My helpers didn't want to ombre all the eggs so we dyed most of them the normal way.

Dyeing Supplies

Eggs Dyeing

One of  my helpers found it hilarious to hold a hard-boiled egg. I hope she finds it just as hilarious to find the eggs on Easter!

Holding an Egg

The Ombre Eggs came out ok. It was difficult to add the water without the eggs shifting. I think I needed deeper, thinner cups for it all to work out correctly. I wasn't interested in boiling more eggs to find out though.

Results

Orange Results

All in all, I think the egg dyeing was a success and a lot of fun!

Dyed Eggs
 
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