Homemade Granola

I recently developed an addiction to granola and yogurt.  It is such an easy breakfast or snack.  I have heard about making your own but never really attempted it until yesterday.  I found this recipe and loved the abundance of nuts and coconut in it so decided to give it a try.  It was not only easy to make but SO GOOD too.  I cannot believe I wait this long but I can promise you, I will no longer be buying granola.  That would just be silly now.

The Pacifier

See this photo?  

This was a sweet moment taken by the hubby while we were in Santa Ynez.

I love this photo and keep looking at it to remind myself of that sweet little girl that has since turned into a monster.

That's right.

A monster.

After our trip we decided that at almost three, Baby Girl should no longer be using a pacifier.  It was time.......FINALLY.  But we are paying for waiting so long.

We should have known better.  With the boys, the day their turned 2 was the day we took the pacifier away.  Sure they had a rough night but after that, it was over.  I am not sure if it is because she is our only girl, the youngest, or we know that this is our last but Baby Girl turned 2 and we let her keep it.  Each month we would say "this is the last month!" but then would never do anything.  I am amazed at the difference a few months makes.  For the two year olds who were slightly attached, it was sad.  To an almost three year old, it has been devastating.  

My sweet Baby Girl from only a few days ago is now throwing tantrums, not going to sleep easily and continues to ask for her pacifier.  Getting a "no" makes it even worse and I think we are both getting on each other's nerves.  The plus in all of this is that she is at least not waking up at night, but the easy bedtime routine has taken a sudden shift.  I had no idea how much she liked her pacifier.

I know that in a few days all will return to normal and she will have moved passed her need for the pacifier, but for now, I am not happy with myself that I let it go this long.  You would think that by Baby #3 I would know better and keep to what works but I let the convenience of the pacifier overrule and believe me, LESSON LEARNED.  

For that, it is deep breathes.  More deep breathes.  And more deep breathes. 

Next stop?  Potty Training!

This is going to be an awesome few months. 

UPDATE: 
Thank you S.N. for the suggestion of the "Paci Fairy"! 
Baby Girl loves her new Cinderella doll but keeps telling me the fairy is bringing her pacifier back and she doesn't want someone else to have it.
STUBBORN little one here!
I will let you know if it works!

Fashion Week Favorites

Now that both New York and London Fashion Week's have come to an end, I thought I would share some of my favorite looks.  Even though I am ready for some warm weather and Spring clothes, I could not help but get excited for the rich prints, colors and the return of black and white.

Rebecca Minkoff, Calvin Klein Collection, Issa

Tibi, Victoria Beckham, Temperley London

Oscar de la Renta (might be my favorite of all), Tom Ford, Marchesa

Burberry Prorsum, Kate Spade New York, Carolina Herrera  

Any personal favorites?

all photos via Style.com

A Reminder

This past weekend we went back to Santa Ynez for a dear friend's 35th birthday.  The entire weekend was a surprise and it brought together some of my favorite people that I do not have the luxury of seeing all the time.  In fact, it is embarrassing how long it has been.  Everyone brought their children and it not only allowed us to catch up but provided an opportunity for our children to become friends as well.  And who doesn't love when the husbands are friends?! It was an amazing reminder.

A reminder that these college friends are so important to me.  A reminder that they know more about me than a lot of people.  A reminder that even though our worlds get chaotic and crazy, it is important to make plans every now and then and allow ourselves to catch up with each other.

I have been blessed to have some pretty amazing friends from high school and college.  The unfortunate part is that not all of them live in Orange County and it takes a lot of planning to get to see each other.  We are all busy with our children, jobs, and simply, life.  Weddings made it pretty easy but now that most of us have tied the knot, it takes some additional effort.  

As I get older I am really starting to appreciate that my high school and college friends knew me prior to being "wife" and "mommy".  They know my life now but they also know where I came from.  They have see me at the very top and have also seen me hit the ground.  And they have been there to laugh and cry with me through everything.  It makes my heart happy when I get to see these people and also reminds me that perhaps the things I get stressed about are not worth the time and in the end, family and friends are all that really matters. 

Thank you M for planning such an amazing weekend for E.  Thank you also for including us and giving us all this opportunity to spend some time together.  It was amazing weekend and we cannot wait to come back.

And in other news, the hubby and I have fallen in love with the Santa Ynez Valley and are trying to figure out how we could possibly relocate.  To say we are obsessed is an understatement.  Who knows, perhaps this blog could one day be renamed "Juggling in Wine Country".

Love for 30 Project

Happy Monday!

Today I am over at My Thirty Spot, participating in Erin's "Love for 30" project and sharing a little advice with my younger self.

Come check out my guest post here!

Thank you Erin for asking me to be a part of this!

What I Wore

Now that the weather around here is starting to lighten up a bit, I have been happy to start pulling out printed dresses that have been hibernating in my closet and getting into the Spring spirit.  Of course they still require boots or leggings, but it is a start!

Dress: Kain via Luxury Garage Sale, Booties: DV by Dolce Vita (similar (on sale!), Clutch: Club Monaco, Accessories: Stella & Dot

Dress: Anthropologie, Jacket: MARC by Marc Jacobs, Boots: Via Spiga, Cuff: c/o Olivia Welles

And, just in case you are interested in picking up a little something for yourself this Valentine's Day, Olivia Welles jewelry is on Ideeli today until the 16th!  This cuff is only one of the many fabulous pieces they have.  Shop the collection here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Easter Treat: Resurrection Bread

To kick off Lent and the Easter season on this Ash Wednesday, I thought I would share with you this cute recipe given to us during our Oldest's First Communion prep class.  It is always hard to explain to the children the idea that Jesus rose from the dead and the simplicity of this recipe helped in them grasping the concept.  They could make it themselves and they actually saw something "disappear".  The best part is that Baby Girl kept saying, "I didn't want Him to disappear!" as she was incredibly upset that the marshmallow was gone...

Resurrection Bread

Ingredients:

1 can of 8 crescent rolls

8 large marshmallows

3 Tbsp butter

3 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat your oven to 375 degrees

2. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl

3. Melt butter in a second bowl

4. Roll marshmallows in the melted butter.
5. Roll marshmallows in sugar/cinnamon mix to coat.
6. Place a marshmallow in the center of the crescent roll triangle

7. Wrap carefully to try and completely seal so the marshmallow doesn't seep out as it heats.

8. Cook for 10 minutes (watch though, all ovens vary).

The marshmallow represents Jesus, the crescent roll represents the cloth the soldiers wrapped Him in after His death on the cross and the oven represents the tomb.  After the rolls cook, open the roll and see that the marshmallow (Jesus) isn't there because He has risen!  And as quickly as the rolls were there, they were gone.  The kids LOVED them.

I understand that many reading this may have different beliefs but this really was a tasty treat that brought the children into the kitchen and allowed them to make something themselves.  I recommend it for everyone!

I just noticed that I have posted a lot of recipes lately.  Take advantage of it.  I am sure I will fall into a "I am not cooking for a while" hiatus again soon!