Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil English Muffins

Last night Joe and I couldn't figure out what to eat for dinner. After skiming through Pinterest and finding a few different ideas, we decided to create our own recipe. This turned out SO good--I would totally eat this every night if I could! It was almost like little mini pizzas.. just not.

Ingredients:
English muffins
Tomatoes
Mozzarella
Basil

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°

Toast your English muffins and set aside. 

Slice up your tomatoes and place on English muffins.

Place sliced mozzarella on top of tomatoes,  then sprinkle with basil.

Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and gooey. 

Enjoy!

A Special Shopping Trip

As you may have seen yesterday, I went through the kids' clothes and gathered up what didn't fit anymore so that I could donate it to charity and make room for winter clothes. I didn't know that I would be getting rid of half of their closet! I feel like every year we kinda slack on buying winter clothes; we wait till its cold out and the kids only have shorts, THEN we head to the store. Well, not this year! We took the kids shopping last night and got (most of) their winter clothes. They got jackets, jeans, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes (in summer we only wear sandals. Although we live in southern California and I wear sandals year-round, the kids' little piggies cant handle it).

This was our first time legit shopping with the kids: buying their clothes somewhere other than Target--which means theres an array of brands with sizes that fit differently. That's right: we had to use the fitting rooms. Some might think that clothes shopping with kids and having them try things on is a nightmare, but it was the exact opposite. We actually had a really fun time! Both of the kids were so excited to buy new clothes; a little backstory: earlier yesterday, while I was going through the kids' old clothes, I had them try on anything that I was going to get rid of--just to make sure it didnt fit. Maverick didn't know that getting rid of old clothes meant getting new clothes, so he put a pair of jeans on (that went ABOVE his ankles) and said "they fit!" I told him that we were going to give them away so that another little boy who didnt have clothes could wear them--and at first he was hesitant (I think he thought that I was going to get rid of all of his clothes and just leave him naked!), but he quickly caught on and was very easy to get him to let go of his clothes.

Both of the kids were so excited to actually try the clothes on in the store. Joe shopped for Maverick and I shopped for Madison, obviously. Every time I would put a new outfit on Madison in the fitting room, she would run over to the mirror, look at herself and say "oh I look cute!" Haha!! I made sure to ask her "do you like it? Is it cozy?" Of course the answers were always 'yes.'

Last night may have been 'just a shopping trip' to someone else, but to me it was really special.  It was a sign that the kids are starting to grow up; we actually had to try the clothes on them before buying them?! We had never done that before. It also solidified, once again, that we dont need anymore kids. We've got a good thing going with one boy and one girl--last night was just so much fun.

So now we are just patiently waiting for some cold weather--and I know it'll be here before we know it. I've had the kids' christmas jammies since last Christmas (clearance! Just buy a size up!) and I cant wait to give them to Maverick and Madison--theyll be so excited!

Android vs. iPhone

A little over a week ago, Joe and I made the jump from iPhones to Androids. We'd had iPhones for about 4 years, and honestly we were tired of them. They were great when they were the only phone like this out on the market.. but now every brand and every carrier has some sort of iPhone-type phone. They're all touch screen, they all do basically the same stuff, and they're basically the same phones: just different makers. 

I was told that I would miss having my iPhone.. and although I'm only a little over a week into having this Android, I can honestly say that there isn't one thing I miss about the iPhone. Joe and I both got LG Optimus G Pro phones--which is basically a thinner, lighter version of the Samsung Galaxy Note. The screen on this new phone is bigger than the entire iPhone itself--and I love that. This screen is 5.5"--which is kinda funny considering we just bought a 7" tablet. The phone itself seems to be in HD--all of the pictures and videos have a crisp, clear picture. The camera on this phone takes 14.2 megapixel pictures, whereas the iPhone 4 that I had didn't even use megapixels: they used an outdated product called VGA. Apparently the iPhone 5 takes 8 megapixel pictures--but 1) it still isn't as many as my android, and 2) it took them until the iPhone 5 to start using megapixels? That's kinda weird.

One thing that I hated about the iPhone was that your brand new phone would only run great for a few months--until Apple started coming out with update after update. Pretty soon, your 100% perfect phone was running SO slow because all of the updates weren't supported by your (now) outdated device. Unless you bought every new iPhone that came out, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

A couple features I love about this Android phone: there's an option in the settings called "quiet time." When we had our iPhones, every night before bed I'd have to turn our phones on silent so that we wouldn't be woken up in the middle of the night. It wasn't a big deal, but on our new phones I just have "quiet time" turned on. I set it up to my preferences (I think I set quiet time to 9:00pm to 7:00am every day), and it automatically turns my phone on silent for me during the times I set. Pretty cool :)

Another cool feature? I can draw on whatever page I'm on. Necessary? No. Fun? Absolutely. Overall I think androids are better products than iPhones. There, I said it: sue me. Androids do EVERYTHING that iPhones do, but they have extra features that iPhones lack. Step outside the Apple comfort zone--I think you'd be surprised what's out there ;)

Frenemies

Raising siblings is HARD. I definitely did not know what I was signing up for when I had two kids! Of course I wouldn't change anything for the world.. but now, while I'm in the moment, its EXHAUSTING. Joe and I were talking about it the other day and we agreed that when the kids are separated they are angels; but when they're together they are MONSTERS. Screaming, crying, fighting--its non-stop. I know that it isn't just my kids;  I was at AT&T yesterday and I was talking to the manager, and she said her kids were exactly the same (hers are 5 and 3--the ages Maverick and Madison will be at the beginning of next year. Ipso facto: theres no light the end of the tunnel--at least not yet). 

The best way to describe Maverick and Madison's relationship is "frenemies." That's EXACTLY what they are. Joe and I have noticed that if we are busy and aren't paying attention to the kids, they play nicely and quietly together. The second Joe or myself tries to join in and play with them, the screaming and fighting starts. What do we do?! Never play with them, and live in peace? Not gonna happen. I know that this is a phase, but it is very frustrating.

Its funny though; the second they are excited about something, they completely forget about their fight and are best friends again. Its actually really funny to watch. They are currently teamed up being mad at me right now--because they made a HUGE mess and I'm making them clean it up. I'm such a mean mom, right? I know.

Its hard to "enjoy the age they are" when the age they are at brings attitudes like this. Everyone always says "treasure them while they're young; before you know it, they'll be in high school and want nothing to do with you." Honestly, that doesn't sound half-bad. Okay, I'm kidding.. but really. They aren't always fighting; there's definitely cute times in between all of the screaming. I just need to figure out how to keep their fighting to a minimum. I guess that's part of the whole 'sibling experience.' 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The pumpkin patch opens in 37 days!! Fall is so close I can almost taste it! I'm SO ready for the leaves to turn red, orange and yellow.. to wear my skinny jeans with a cozy sweater and my new scarves I bought at the Del Mar Fair. I'm excited for the seasonal drinks to come out at Starbucks, to not need my AC on (even though this summer wasn't nearly as hot as last), and to kick my crafting into full-gear! Last night, Joe, the kids and I watched Christmas with the Kranks (thank god I have a husband who appeases my holiday obsessions!). I can't wait to start Christmas shopping in a few weeks. Anyone who complains about the holiday season is clearly a scrooge--because the holiday season is obviously "the most wonderful time of the year!" 

Know what else I'm excited for? Black Friday shopping. Call me crazy, but its actually SO much fun. My sister and I did it for the first time last year and we had a blast--it's such a rush! I think one of my favorite things about fall and winter is the "coziness" of it; something about my kids just being bundled up in their jeans, sweaters and socks.. napping while the heater is on--I can't really explain it, but it just makes my life feel complete and like I'm doing an okay job at this whole 'mom thing.'

I can't believe its almost Halloween time; there's a Halloween Superstore down the street from my house that I THINK is open (although I'm not positive). This year I'm determined to get in there early and get the cute costumes (I swear, every year we wait till last minute when its slim-pickins). I love being that house that gives out the full-sized candy bars on Halloween.. its always so much fun seeing the kid's (and parent's) excitement over getting a full-sized candy bar. The funny thing is that I don't think it even costs that much more to give them out--go figure. 

Have I sold you on the idea that Fall is the best season EVER yet?! Haha.. its the middle of August and my house already smells like Christmas. What does Christmas smell like, you ask?! Cranberries and cinnamon. Yum! (Don't worry--neither the Christmas or Fall decorations are out yet--although I'm putting my Fall decorations up in 2 weeks!!)

Brace yourself for a slew of baking and craft blog posts; because once Fall hits: its on. <3

Peppermint Crunch Truffles

'Tis ALMOST the season for peppermint! I made these truffles last year for a Christmas party that I threw (I think the Christmas party was a hit! It was a 'desserts and wine' party--I made TONS of desserts, we drank tons of wine, and everyone had a great time. I'm planning on making it an annual thing). I found this recipe while skimming through Pinterest and I was instantly intrigued. Who doesn't like chocolate truffles rolled in peppermint?! These little truffles make the perfect gift for coworkers or neighbors; just toss them in some foil liners, place them in a box, tie it up with a ribbon and viola! A deliciously thoughtful gift. These are not hard to make (they're actually pretty easy, just time consuming and messy rolling the truffle balls).

Peppermint Crunch Truffles

Ingredients:

11 oz dark chocolate (65% cacao)

8 Tbsp heavy cream

1 1/2 cups of crushed Peppermint Andes Mints**

Instructions:

1. Place chocolate and heavy cream in a heat-proof bowl over (not directly on) simmering water. Let chocolate and cream heat up for 3 minutes untouched. After 3 minutes, whisk mixture until fully incorporated. Remove bowl from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes. Pour finished mixture into a flat casserole pan. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

2. Remove chilled truffle mixture. Using a melon-baller, scoop out chocolate rounds. Finish forming truffles by hand and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll truffles in crushed Peppermint Andes. Give covered truffles one last roll between the palms of your hands to gently press the crushed Peppermint Andes into the truffle.

3. Try not to eat them all! Enjoy!

**Peppermint Andes can be purchased at Target or online at Amazon.com. Its sold as little squares or crushed and ready to go for baking.

I suggest doubling or even tripling this recipe, as they wont last long. These are very rich, decadent truffles--just what I love.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  

Anniversary Trip, Night 2

Yesteday we wrapped up day two of our anniversary trip.. we spent the day laying out by the pool and hanging out with a couple that was around our age, relaxing, and having an amazing time. We went to our room around 6 and got ready for dinner--we were still full from our late lunch, so we ended up going out for drinks and appetizers.

We went to a gorgeous bar called Kaiser first where we split a margherita pizza and had a few drinks. There were some REALLY annoying girls sitting at the bar next to us, flirting with the clearly gay bartender, so we didnt stay there long. From there we went to the bar we were at last night (called LuLu) and got some dessert and drinks. I ordered a bowl of fruit because I wasn't very hungry--and holy crap that thing was delicious. 

Overall, this was such an amazingly fun and relaxing trip and I cant wait to come back! Lucky for me, I'll be back out here in a few weeks for my friend's bachelorette party. I'm so excited to head home and pick the kids up--Joe took tomorrow off so we get an extra day with him--SCORE!! 

Cheers to 5 of the most amazing years of my life--I loved getting this quality time in on our anniversary!