Noted on a Friday

We're mostly taking it easy this weekend. I'm feeling very pregnant, and keep wondering if I'm going in to labor (regular Braxton-Hicks and some light cramping at night) so we'll be keeping it very low-key. We are having dinner with Flavio's dad tomorrow night (who we haven't seen in forever), and I'm getting a pedicure on Sunday, as I can no longer reach my toes. Should be delightful. Hope you have a good one! xo

{branch manager}

{Newborn Care class -- very proud of my swaddled baby}

{Practicing at home. Flavio is the better swaddler.} 

{Flavio making fun of me for double-fisting samples at Trader Joe's}

Noted on a Friday

{winter in San Diego}

Somehow, this has been the busiest week and I'm not even working. There was a huge amount of running around, a long visit with an out-of-town friend and her sweet baby yesterday, trips to Ikea, two doctor's appointments.. I thought I'd be bored not working but turns out, I'm loving it so far and the days just fly by. People keep telling me to stay active in these last few weeks of pregnancy and live it up without the responsibility of a baby, so I'm maintaining a concerted effort to make plans with girlfriends, go on dates with Flav (we're off to see American Sniper tonight), take lots of walks, and overall, fight my natural tendency to stay in and nest. Should be a good weekend. Enjoy! xo

{giant owl spotted at the dog park}

{I'm really in to pears right now, and seeing them on my windowsill makes me happy}

{my favorite barista at our neighborhood coffee shop makes me her Preggo Special - extra milky coffee in a teeny shot cup}

{these two are in love and they love watching Friends reruns together}

Noted on a Friday - Quick Holiday Re-Cap

{NYE 2014}

December and the first part of January ended up being crazier than anticipated. Flavio came down with a cold/flu? over Christmas week, and then I got it over New Year's week and it felt like we were still running around and overcommitted despite our maladies. But, the actual holidays were quiet and nice. For Christmas Eve we went to my mother-in-law's for tamales and Christmas movies, and for NYE, we got Indian takeout, built a fire at home, and snuggled up for our last night of 2014. Although I was under the weather, it was somehow a very memorable and magical NYE.

January, which usually drags, is flying! I've been doing some major cleaning (the nesting instinct is real, people) and have started reading baby and parenting books, thinking seriously about baby names, and generally doing all the prep stuff I had no time to do during the semester. We've also been making it a point to get out and get together with friends before we disappear into babyland, so that's been nice. I haven't had much time for reflection on the previous year as I'm still trying to wrap my head around all the changes that are coming our way quickly, but I'm looking forward to a quieter weekend in, working on some projects around the house, cooking, and generally getting my head on straight. I hope you have a great one. xo

{As the kids say, #nofilter}

{Christmas Eve, 32 weeks}

{While I've previously done cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning, I might switch the tradition to this easier and equally delicious overnight French toast}

{Christmas morning, Guiri's gift}

{Rosca de Reyes, delivered by my mother-in-law}

Noted on a Friday

Whew! I'm exhausted. Tests are graded, students have been hugged, classes are all wrapped up, and my five months of (unpaid) maternity leave starts now. Surreal. I feel like I can finally breathe. We have a busy weekend ahead, but come next week, I'll be able to cookie bake, finish my Christmas shopping, and get ready for the big day -  hopefully while donning a variety of comfy jammies - which I plan to wear for at least three days straight. And maybe the following week, too. Can. Not. Wait! Cheers to some much-needed downtime right around the corner. I hope you have a lovely weekend. xo

{December has the prettiest sunsets}

{birthday cupcakes for Flav}

{we've been lighting our angel chimes}

{the faintest rainbow on my way to work}

{soup prep}

Encouragement

I woke up this morning feeling bogged down by life. Spring Break seems so far away. I'm tired and grouchy. And I was not feeling it in my classes. Then, on my walk with Guiri I spotted this sweet little flower trying any which way to grow. Unbothered by the stone around, and the people stepping on its sidewalk, totally persevering through the concrete jungle that is our modern world. I felt inspired by its cheery yellow optimism. And happy that tomorrow is Thursday. And that spring is coming.

Noted on a Friday

I've been playing catch up all week. We were at my parentals' until late Sunday, which meant we didn't get any grocery shopping, laundry, grading (on my end), cooking, etc. done over the weekend so I spent the weeknights attending to our standard weekend chores. Point being, I meant to get on here sooner but didn't manage it.

We've had a rainy couple days and I'm thrilled we're supposed to have a stormy weekend ahead. I've done my best to stock the house with provisions so we barely have to leave. Firewood ready, soup on the stove, breakfast goodies in the fridge, and movies cued. I plan to venture out solely to see Nebraska - one of the few best picture nominees we haven't seen - and then we'll be in Sunday watching the Oscars. This is slightly insane, but I love to dress up in my comfiest pajamas and put on sparkly jewelry for my own little Jammies & Gemstones Oscars viewing party (we used to do this in college). Champagne will flow.

PS: Loved this infographic - Every best actress gown since 1929.

Here a few little things that made my week...

Listening to the rain in bed. My favorite way to wake up.

Coming home to these two about to go on a mid-week walk. Guiri loooves walking in her backpack.

5:30 AM Workouts with my favorite trainer.

This tea. For helping me get through many a sugar craving this week. 

Currently wearing: These socks and leggings, and a ton of Guiri's fur. Perfect outfit for cuddling a shedding pooch on this rainy Friday.

Weekending, In which Guiri has a cold

It was a somewhat stressful weekend, and I tend to not take pictures of stressful. On Friday Guiri started coughing and by Saturday morning she had what sounded like full-on bronchitis accompanied by fatigue and phlegm. We debated taking her to the animal ER as our regular vet was closed, but decided to make her our magical chicken soup with extra bone marrow and let her sleep in hopes she would heal herself. Sleep she did. All weekend. It was sad to see our usually bouncy, smiley girl looking so miserable. She slept most of the day Saturday and Sunday, but then would be up all night coughing and snorting. We were so worried - I kept asking Flavio to get up and make sure she was breathing - so needless to say we got very little sleep. We think she might have kennel cough. On the upside, our friends brought over a humidifier, so hopefully we'll all rest better tonight, and Flavio's taking her to the vet first thing tomorrow morning.

Despite this bummer, we did carve out a few happy moments. We brunched with dear friends this morning, watched Thelma and Louise and a lot of House of Cards (holy crap! Season 2 is blowing my hair back!), ate way too many chocolate covered treats, and generally lazed about at home while nursing our little lady. It was nice quiet time.

Get well soon, Guiri girl. xo

{Valentine's squirrel from Anya}

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Valentine's Day always seems to show up right when I need it most. When Christmas is a distant memory and Spring Break is still a long way off.  By February, the short days and long nights are losing their magic. But then...chocolate to the rescue! And nothing says Valentine's Day like chocolate covered strawberries. I'd never made them before today (and my chocolatier's technique definitely needs some work), but I followed this easy recipe and Flavio was impressed - he kept calling them "fancy."  They're rich and decadent, but also healthy and fresh. I bought some long-stemmed strawberries for tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to making another (hopefully prettier but equally euphoric) batch for our special dessert.

{test batch}

It's Complicated Valentine's Day cards

Did you see this HuffPo article on 21 Awkward Valentine's Day Cards For Your Confusing Modern Relationship? Some of them are hilarious...

Ha!

I still need to get Flavio's card.. I have grand plans of making a truly amazing one at home with glitter, watercolors, and warm fuzzies, but I may have to pop into Target after work and just buy one instead. We'll see.

Here's the Valentine I got him last year.

PS: I also really loved this infographic on How To Have A Happy Relationship

Valentine's Day Ideas

I admitted Sunday (and last year) that I love Valentine's Day. It makes me warm and fuzzy, but not in a romantic, overpriced dinners, Hallmark holiday sort of way. Rather, I see it as a more platonic day to spoil yourself and those you love. Flavio and I don't really do gifts, or anything too fancy, but we do exchange cards and celebrate with simplicity. We haven't quite worked out what we'll be doing this year, so I thought it would be fun to brainstorm ideas here, mainly based on past V-Day experiences, and then see what he wants to do.

Some ideas:

*Order your favorite takeout, have a floor picnic, and do a movie marathon. We did this last year, ordering Indian food, and watching the Princess Bride with red velvet cupcakes.

*Set a festive mood by decorating with these easy hearts on a string

*Make chocolate lava cakes and pair with some bubbly

*Treat yourself - new book, mani/pedi, or massage?

*Do a post-V-Day brunch and/or hike

*Go for an evening walk past an expensive restaurant and try to pick out the couples that are newly dating and thus awkward and uncomfortable. Thank your lucky stars you don't have to do that shit anymore. ;)

Weekending

We spent Saturday in Temecula at a friend's wedding, which was lovely. The groom is Flavio's childhood friend, so it was like a high school reunion for the guys. It was a love-filled night, with great food and lots of celebratory booze and in the midst of the party, a couple things occurred to me. (A) We are getting older - lots of people there, our age, have children who talk and play and entertain themselves. People kept asking whether we have kids and I just showed multiple photos of Guiri. :) I know I've said it before but it was a reminder: It's time start making some decisions about children, but this book is scaring me off.  Also, it shocked us all to realize it's been 18 years (!) since Flavio graduated from high school. Whoa. Yep, getting older. (B) Flavio gave a beautiful and heartfelt toast to the newlyweds and I couldn't have been more proud. There were multiple points in the night where I'd look over at him telling a story or a joke, and I'd be struck by how handsome he looked, and how funny everyone thought he was. Sometimes, in a crowd, you get to see your partner through other people's eyes, and realize how lucky you are.

Nothing too terribly exciting on this Sunday, actually, but it was nice. Flavio went to play paintball with his friends in the morning while I slept in and lazily nursed my hangover with eggs and a marathon of DC Cupcakes (so embarrassed to admit I love that terrible show). This afternoon, we went to the dog park, cooked this delicious chicken, and slowly got ready for the work week ahead.

Valentine's is a comin'! I'm excited. I think I might do a week of heart-filled goodness on the blog. I realize some people are skeptical, or hate the holiday, but maybe just play along. I promise I'll try not to trigger your gag reflex.

{tulips, Trader Joe's}

{wedding, end of the night}

{toast!}

Noted on a Friday

Today was dreary and cold and there was a lot of grumbling in the teachers' lounge (most Southern Californians do not do well in inclement weather). I find that it's oddly more common for people to complain about the things they dislike, than to take note of special moments throughout the day. We all have pet peeves, but do we have to verbalize them constantly? What if we all tried to focus on the things making us happy, and verbalize those? So I'm starting a new thing on the blog. Each week, on Friday (when I'm typically tired and tense), I'm going to note some of the things that made me happiest during the week. I think this will be a fun exercise in gratitude, and start the weekend off on a positive note.

Here a few things that made my week...

Today's barely-there rainbow brightened my winter morning.

Guiri and Anya love the park, even in the rain

{photo by Michael}

Chocolate chip cookies in progress. Enough said.

PS: 10 of my favorite little things, noted

PPS: 24 hours of no complaining

Gold Medal Cocktails

The Winter Olympics start this Friday, and though we'll probably boycott due to Putin's anti-LGBT legislation and the whole killing of innocent dogs in Sochi thing, any excuse for a cocktail. How fun would it be to mix up these gold medal cocktails? :)

A perfect White Russian

A Moscow Mule (my fave)

Or just a classic glass of Sochi Gold (sugared prosecco)

Let the drinking games begin!

{Photos via Pinterest}

Weekending, quick notes

It was one of those beautiful wintry weekends, with moody skies that were sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy. If only I'd gotten pics.

Saturday Flavio worked so I held a cleaning party at home (I like to add music and/or movies and snacks to my cleaning extravaganzas) while this awesome chili bubbled on the stove. Saturday night we warmed up with said chili and then watched Drinking Buddies on Netflix, which we both liked. Cold nights at home together, in socked feet tangled on the couch, are my favorite.

Sunday morning I baked cookies for a friends' Super Bowl party. I was really there for the company, snacks, drinks, and commercials - while everyone else was really into the game. My favorite part: Bruno Mars and the Chili Peppers in the halftime show. Dancey!

We're now home for the second half of the game, Guiri sleeping on the floor, Flavio with beer in hand, eyes glued to the TV. Meanwhile, I'm watching highlights from the Puppy Bowl, blogging, and eating leftover cookies fireside. Delightful.

PS: I haven't seen all the Super Bowl commercials yet but I did see this one and loved it. :')

PPS: I love the time capsule aspect of blogging, that I can scroll through the archives and see what last year's Super Bowl weekend looked like. Re-reading old posts brings past memories and feelings right back.

{Sunday night, cookies and crackling fire}

Soak

My love of bubble baths has been documented on my blog (here), and it's finally gotten chilly enough to indulge these last couple of nights. How gorgeous are these bath time photos? It's a rainy lunch hour here and I'm dreaming of my nightly bubble bath with lavender epsom salts. Bring it.

You know how when you're swamped you gets tons done, but when you have more free time, you slack? That's been me lately. Not as busy as last semester, but with stuff to do, to grade, to prepare, to clean, but instead I've spent the week soaking up this (amazing!) read, watching this (stupid) show, and trying out a couple new recipes including Scallops with Apple Pan Sauce (so good) and Slow Cooker Korean Short Ribs (easy and delicious).

I'm hoping the rain sticks around for the weekend. xo

{Photos via}

Weekending, Hibernation

I have had a looong winter break and I am itching to get back to work, which is a good thing, right? I feel like I've been in hibernation since the New Year and I am realizing something about myself: I need hibernation, a complete disconnect every now and again. I think we all work differently, and I find that I like to operate at 110% capacity for about 85% of the time, surrounded by people, and then spend the remainder doing absolutely nothing by myself. Flavio seems to operate at a slightly lower intensity all of the time, and thus doesn't need to completely shut down every now and again. I think we get about the same amount of stuff done, so it all evens out.

I've spent most of the last week in hibernation mode. Some people might call it lazy but I'm rebranding it as hibernation. After a crazy semester and busy holiday season and generally being super-efficient for the last four months, I realized I was barely pushing through at the end - there was no more powering through - I was exhausted. And basically, I don't want to be just barely pushing through my life.

So, I am going to pay attention and give myself more permission to take breaks, including on the blog. When I started this blog last year, I had a self-imposed posting schedule and would try to get on here 5 days a week (which let's face it, barely ever happened).  I love writing here, but sometimes I am so tired that I cannot be asked to make decisions, about anything, including blog posts, so I need to allow myself to take sporadic breaks from blogging and from everything. I might lay in bed and read books and watch 3 rom-coms in a row and take a one hour hot bath if that's what's needed. And I refuse to feel guilty about it (see this post on the importance of calm and this one on the busy trap.) And always, after some time in hibernation, I suddenly find myself wanting to blog, cook, hang out with friends, and generally rejoin the living world, ramping back up to my 110% self. That's where I am right now - ramping up and recharged.

Does this seem crazy? I know this might sound like a dysfunctional cycle, but I'm realizing this is how I've always worked, I'm forever on a semester system, so I'm embracing it. Now that I'm all recharged, I'm ready to share my weekend with you, but alas, hibernation does not make for great posting. Here are the bits that I do have...

We've been mostly Paleo eating since the New Year but took a break Friday night to gorge on El Comal's heavenly Mexican food.

Saturday we did chores, went out to lunch, hit up the dog park, and came home for wine and cheese paired with the movie The Guilt Trip. People, Barbara Streisand in that movie IS my mother in law. It was so hilarious to us, only because we can relate so closely. Haha!

{Saturday night movie}

Sunday morning we cooked up a storm, went for a long family walk, and then Flavio went to a bar with his friend to watch the Charger's game, while Guiri and I snuggled on the couch to read books. I've been a gluttonous reader over this holiday break. In case you're looking for a few good reads, I loved The Dinner, The Tender Bar and A Spot of Bother. All three about families, but all three very different from the others and each very good.

It's a sunny Monday morning, I made us a paleo pancake breakfast, and now I'm off to walk Guiri in this unseasonably warm weather. No polar vortex for The Whale's Vagina. I hope you have a great day. xo

{sunny Monday morning}