Peanut Butter Granola Bars

When it comes to the kids, I have a major issue with packaged snacks.  Don't get me wrong.  I still buy them out of convenience but if I had the time to make everything they ate from scratch, I definitely would.  Granola bars have always been on my list of items to try. Today while working I had Giada on in the background (I promise, I was working, I just need a little background noise) and she was whipping up this little recipe.  It looks simple enough and I loved that it had peanut butter, almonds (both great proteins) and fresh oats (fiber!).  I altered it just a bit by adding chia seeds (if you are not adding these to everything already, you absolutely should).  They were a hit with the kids and my Oldest has already asked if he could have one after school tomorrow.  WIN for me!

Spikes

At my sister's shower on Saturday, one of the guests had on this Gold Spike and Pave Diamond Bracelet.

She may or may not have noticed that I was staring at her wrist.

Just enough edge without being over the top.  LOVE.  

New Week, New Shower

That's right.  One week from my 12 hour trip to San Francisco, I was attending another bridal shower.  This one was for my little sister and I was hosting it at my home with my other sister and a family friend.  This was my first opportunity to entertain at the new place so it was fun to see how the space and backyard were utilized.  I always love when family and friends come together to celebrate and this was no exception.  I am now officially done with showers and we will be moving on to the bachelorettes for both brides soon.

Love you tons J!  So happy for you and A!

The centerpieces

Me with my beautiful sisters.  The bride is the one in white.

My favorite cupcakes from Suzi Cakes.
I was SO annoyed I could not have one...who said I should give up sweets for Lent!

People socializing around the bar (champagne was flowing well)

10 years after my wedding Williams Sonoma still has the same wrapping paper.
Time to change it up people.

Baby Girl and my niece were over gift opening.  Time to draw.

All the "W" Girls.
From the left: my sister, my niece, me, my mom, my youngest sister and my sister getting married

Time

While waiting for a gift to be wrapped I did what most people do and began "window shopping" for myself.  More often than not this leads to me "purchasing" for myself.  Today was no exception.  I blame Williams Sonoma and the 40 minutes it took to wrap my present.  It gave me entirely too much time to walk over to Pottery Barn, spot this clock, and purchase it with plenty of time to spare.  I am thinking it will make a great statement piece for the kitchen but we shall see.

Grand Hotel Clock

 

Life As We Know It

I have decided that I am going to make this "Life As We Know It" thing a regular series (click here for my first one).  Reason being, I love to share Instagram photos and I cannot come up with a new title each time.   Having a "series" makes it sound like this was all planned, don't you think?  This group of photos is all about things that I have been enjoying.  May sound selfish and you perhaps don't believe it, but my life is not 100% children.  Here are some things that I have been loving lately.

I am obsessed with my new lipstick I picked up at Bloomingdales.

It is Rouge in Love by Lancome (146 Miss Coquelicot) and is coral with a slight red in it.  LOVE.

Starbucks and Yoga.

A perfect combination

Two of my favorites new pieces of clothing.

Halston Heritage vest and Rag and Bone white jeans.

YEA for warm weather and Spring clothes!

A new friend in our kitchen thanks to a wonderful house warming gift.

He is now my design inspiration for the kitchen.

My non-shower highlights from my trip to SF.

1. flowers from a market

2. Trash magazine that I NEVER indulge in

3. The outfit that flew there and back with me

Mexican Chicken

Whenever I know I am going to be busy but want something yummy for dinner, I always turn to this Mexican Chicken recipe from my friend S.E.  She shared this with me a couple years ago and I cannot tell you how many times I have made it since.  I used it this week for the above Mexican Pizza, but have also used it for tacos, salads, and quesadillas.  I am telling you, it is one of my absolute favorites.  Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

One crockpot

One large jar of salsa

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

And here are the three easy steps:

1. Place the four chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the salsa over.

2. Cook on high for 4 hours.

3. Pull each chicken breast out, shred and return to the crockpot for 1 hour on low.

Tada!  Mexican Chicken.  Easy, easy!  

To make the above pizza I used the following ingredients:

1. Boboli pizza crust

2. Mexican Chicken

3. Spinach

4. Black beans

5. Mexican blend shredded cheese

The kids love it.  I love it.  Simple clean up.  Oh how I love the crockpot!  Don't you?!

12 Hours

This past Saturday I took a VERY QUICK trip up to San Francisco for my Best Friend's Bridal shower (remember the Engagement Party here?).  When I say quick, I mean that my husband dropped me off at the airport and exactly 12 hours later he was picking me up.  I was really sad that I could not stay the night and enjoy a few more cocktails with friends, but with three kids, my sister's shower at my house next week, and a bachelorette at the end of the month, I had to sacrifice fun to help get things done around the house.

The shower was absolutely perfect and the girls hosting did an incredible job of merging class, sophistication and fun into the day.  Plus, San Francisco decided to help out as well and delivered a GORGEOUS day filled with sunshine and warm weather.  I am so excited for the bachelorette in a couple weeks (3 days away with friends...YEA!) and returning to San Francisco in April for the big event (4 days away with friends....YEA AGAIN!).

Congrats E on your first wedding event! 

Adorable Place Settings

Best Friends, minus J.  We missed you! (Bride is on the left)

I am not a fan of games but this was REALLY cute.  "He Says, She Says" game, which I was terrible at.

I had to say no to these due to giving up sweets for Lent.
My biggest issue?  They were filled with chocolate!

My favorite gift the Bride received.
A monogram jewelry box from her mom filled with her grandmother's pearls.

Bride with her Bridesmaids, minus one (again , we missed you J!).