All Played Out

We had a wonderful weekend!  One of my brothers, Dennis, came for a visit and it was a great time for everyone.  Friday night Uncle Dennis arrived right at bed time and got all of the kiddos totally wound-up, per usual.  Why is it that uncles feel that it is ok to get kids all worked up right at bedtime!?! (Hubby's note- As an uncle I will tell you: A. it is fun and B. they aren't my kids so it isn't my problem when they don't sleep! This naturally does not apply when it is my kids being wound up.)

Bright and early on Saturday, Dennis, M and myself headed out for the lax fields where we were joined by one of my SIL's and her family. M pretty much had a fan club for his game and came off the field with a big smile.  It was so nice for me to watch the game with my brother since he had played lacrosse in high-school and could answer all of my questions.

Unfortunately the weather was not to nice for B's game on Sunday.  The weatherman claimed that it was not going to rain until 7pm but we were all cold and wet at B's noon-time game.  Luckily the rain did not get in the way of B having a great game.  I was so happy that my brother got to see her score not once but twice!

After the game and a trip to Wegmans by the time we got home Sunday afternoon and finely warmed up we were all wiped out!  Some might have found it boring but I loved watching my sweet kiddos curl up together and watch a movie before dinner.  I know these moments will not happen forever! 

Here's To The Weekend

I cannot tell you how happy I am that it is finally Friday night!  And before the madness of Saturday sports starts I plan to sit down and enjoy a cold "adult" drink tonight.  I got creative and mixed a little of this & that and was very happy with the outcome....

Fun Friday Drink

1 shot vodka

1 shot St. Germain

Sanpellegrino Aranciata Rossa (Sparkling Blood Orange Beverage)

lime wedge & ice

Pour both shots into your glass and stir.  Add ice and top with Sanpellegrino.  Squeeze lime wedge into drink and serve.  

Enjoy your weekend friends!!!

Thank You Redbox!

After B and I visited the doctor on Monday we went over to our local grocery store for much need supplies.  Gatorade, tissues and soup were just what the two of us sick gals needed.  And as luck would have it there was a video at the Redbox that B really wanted to see, The Odd Life of Timothy Green!  (I don't know about you but I feel like we never find anything that we want to see at Redbox.  But I have friends that love it...maybe it is just me?)

Disney describes their movie as an inspiring and magical family movie.  "Cindy (Garner) and Jim Green are a happily married couple who can't wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim - and their small town of Stanleyville - learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life's greatest gifts. From Academy Award^® -nominated director/writer Peter Hedges (About A Boy, Best Adapted Screenplay, 2002; Dan In Real Life; What's Eating Gilbert Grape) - and complete with engaging bonus features - it's a heartwarming celebration of family as only Disney can deliver."

Now for B's review...."It was a well thought out movie.  And something that I thought was a little part of the movie turned out of be a big part of the movie.  I really liked it!"  For me there was a lot of willful suspense of disbelief but it was a great feel good movie for our sick day. 

Do you have any "go-to" movies for sick days?

Project Procrastination's Leftovers

After I had finished painting M's desk I was left with just enough paint to give L's bookcase a quick make-over.  L was just over the moon when I started painting.  And it had nothing to do with the fact that his white bookcase would now be navy blue.  L was overjoyed that he would have something in his room that was just like M's desk. To say that M's little brother adores him would be a major understatement!!! 

The bookcase needed many more coats than I thought it would.  Maybe it was because it was a high-gloss paint?  Or maybe because I used a roller and not a paint brush?  Either way, I was lucky that I had just enough paint to finish the job!

When L came home from preschool today I was happy to show him that his bookcase was finally finished.  His smile was worth all the work!  Now what do you think the over/under is on how long it look this neat?

You can also find me at From My Front Porch and No Minimalist Here

Sick Day Shopping

Poor B was not feeling well on Sunday night so we where not surprised when she woke up with a high fever on Monday.  What did take us all by surprise was the fact that I developed a high fever on Monday afternoon too.  Doesn't my body know that I don't have time to get sick!?!

Since I can't really do much but sit on the sofa, I decided to shop on-line while resting.  There are a ton of great coupon codes right now.  J.Crew and Saks Fifth Avenue are both offer 25% off purchases today.  Just enter "SPRINGBEST" for J.Crew and "FRNFAM2" for Sak's.

Hopefully I will be good as new when my packages arrive!

Yard Work

I don't know about you but I just love a productive weekend!  This weekend we were all over NoVa looking at trees for our backyard.  After much thought and consulting my beloved Southern Living Garden Book we decided to buy two Cryptomeria.  They are an evergreen that will provide us with a much needed "screen" in our backyard.  As soon as they are planted I will be sure to show you...promise!

As we went from nursery to nursery I could not help but tell Hubby that the side of our house was crying for a Peony or two.  And for some reason he said "go for it" or at least that's what I heard.  So I bought two!  Then we spent most of Sunday afternoon digging and planting.

I think that I have mentioned this but we had our house built about seven years ago.  So we have what I call "builders dirt".  And one never knows what they will find when digging in what a builder claims is just top-soil.  Above is just a sample of the crazy things that Hubby dug up yesterday.  I know that one should expect  to unearth rocks but a styrofoam cup, PVC pipe, a nail and those unidentifiable objects seems like too much to me.  What do you think?  After all these years I should not be so surprised but somehow I am always in awe! 

Once Hubby dug the hole and removed the debris I mixed our clay-like soil with leaf mulch to help our new plants settle in to their new home.  Hopefully this is the year that I develop a green thumb!!!

Go Fly A Kite

At the kiddos grammar school this week they celebrated "Get Out & Go Week".  All week long the children were encouraged to get outside and play.  After school if a child was seen playing outside by a member of the "Prize Patrol" (super awesome teachers and staff) they received a small gift and raffle ticket for some bigger prizes to be given out at the end of the week.  I cannot tell you how excited my kiddos were when we saw the "Prize Patrol" turn down our street.  It seemed to be more exciting to them that two of their teachers were in our neighborhood!

Another part of "Get Out & Go Week" was to learn how to fly a kite in gym class. As a result everyday after school the kids have been flying their kites.  We have been in our back yard, front yard and in the cul de sac.  If I let them I think they would have run all over our neighborhood with their kites.  I have enjoyed how well they have slept this week!  Kite flying, field hockey and lacrosse practices can really wear a kid out!!!

Unfortunately it does not look like we will be flying any kites this weekend but you never know....the weather man has been wrong from time to time!  

Shopping For A Great Cause

You can shop for a great cause tonight! Tonight Madison Avenue's Lilly Pulitzer is teaming up with StreetWise Partners for a shopping party.  StreetWise Partners is a non-profit that work with low-income individuals to help them over come employment barriers, obtain better jobs and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Even if you cannot make attend the event you can still help. ANY & ALL purchases called into the store between 6-8pm EST this Thursday will be included in the 10% of purchases benefiting StreetWise Partners! The store number is (212) 744-4620. Go online find something nice, and then call in your orders. Shopping and helping other...what a great way to spend a Thursday night!

A Quick Dinner

Like many families with active children I feel like we are living at the fields this Spring.  This Spring we have practices Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday plus games on Saturday (Hubby's note- And an optional practice on Thursdays. Nailed the whole week!).  I am sure you can imagine our after school routine is pretty crazy and I have no time to cook and serve a sit down dinner every night during the week.

Nuggets or grill cheese for the kiddos and sandwiches or salads for Hubby and I have become our go to meals.  (I promise we are all still eating fruits and veggies too.)  As much as I love that we have some quick "go-to" meals for this busy time, I was getting bored!  So on Tuesday morning I decided to make a quiche with things that we already had at home and I could eat it cold or if time allowed I could heat a slice up.  And if I do say so myself, I think it turned out well.

Super Easy Quiche

1 refrigerated pie crust

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

2 small to medium sized tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon capers

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup skim milk

1/2 part skim mozzarella

1/4 parmigiano reggiano

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Roll pie crust out to fit your pie-dish and set aside. (I used a 10 inch pie-dish but I think you could use a 9 inch too.) 

Heat olive oil in a skillet over mediun/high heat.  Add tomatoes and green onions; saute until tender and the extra tomato juices have cooked off.

Turn off heat and add capers.  Let mixture cool.

When mixture is cool; mix in beaten eggs, skim milk and mozzarella cheese until combined well.

Pour filling into crust.  Sprinkle parmigiano reggiano evenly over the top of filling and bake for 35 minutes.

Let the quiche cool a bit before you cut it into eight slices.  Serve warm or cold.  Great with a salad and cold glass of crisp white wine.  Enjoy!

What to you serve on a super busy week night?  Do tell, since I am in need of some other ideas friends!

You can also fin me at Dixie Delights

My Bum Knee

My right knee has been bothering me for a while now so I finally took the time to go have it checked out.  After letting it rest and four weeks of physical therapy I was not feeling any better. That led my doc to order some tests.  He gave me the result on Monday morning and I was not happy with the news - I have some cartilage loss which is causing the pain.

First off this news made me feel crazy old.  Second there is no real "fix". Third I have to say good-bye to my beloved StairMaster.  I know that it is not the end of the world and I can totally live with the pain as it is now. But it's a triple bummer if you ask me!

So now I am on the hunt for an elliptical that will stand up to many work-outs per week yet not break the bank.  I dare to dream that it is possible.  Do any of you have any suggestions?

A Moment Of Silence

Having had the pleasure of watching Hubby run in the Boston Marathon twice (2006 and 2009) and having an 8 year old son myself, I am just heartbroken by yesterday's tragic events.  So I feel like I need to take a day of silence here at Lobster Meets Peach.

My thoughts and prayers are for all touched by this tragic event.

Not A Single Thorn

I don't want to jinx things but I think that Spring has finally come to NoVa.  And I for one could not be happier!  Spring just makes our weekend ten times better.  No one was freezing at the field hockey and lacrosse games on Saturday and the weather was just perfect for hanging out with neighbors later that day.  While the kiddos ran a muck, I enjoyed a lovely chat with some of the other moms.

Besides sports and socializing, we got a lot done around our home.  I folded more wash than humanly possible yet I am still not done.  (My mother-in-law has been known to call me Our Lady of Perpetual Laundry with good reason.)  Hubby set-up a new wireless router so hopefully I will not have to miss any more time blogging.  Hubby also went to a local nursery with the boys on a recon mission.  We are hoping to plant several trees this Spring and we want to research this project before we start digging holes in our yard.

While the boys were looking at trees B and I made a run to World Market for a bench that I had seen online.  Not only was the bench in stock, it was also on sale.  Winner-winner!!!  As we were waiting for the bench to be brought out of the stockroom B saw a bench cushion that was a perfect match for the umbrella we already have so the cushion quickly made its way into our cart.  We also found two coordinating pillows that would be perfect for our Adirondack chairs.  I was just giddy as we loaded up the car with all of the new deck goodies.

As soon as we got home, the kiddos and I started putting the bench together.  I have put furniture together from World Market before and had no issues.  And the bench was no exception!  There is nothing like putting together a piece of furniture in less than an hour.  It always gives me a "Super Woman" complex for an hour or two.

Unfortunately this time I was not riding on cloud nine for long since the "perfect" cushion was not perfect at all.  It was way too short and too wide.  What a bummer!  So back to World Market I will go and the hunt for a bench cushion and pillows will continue.

I could not stay bummed for too long since we had our first dinner of the season on the our deck.  Grilled steak, rice & lentils with salad and strawberries really hit the spot after a super busy weekend!  And the best part was that not a single child had a "thorn" as we went around the table for Rose and Thorn tonight.  Oh how I wish that I could give my children "thorn-free" weekends for the rest of their lives!

You can also find me at Savvy Southern Style and From My Front Porch

Coffee Talk

There were so many things that I could have done yesterday morning.  There were a couple of things that I really should have done.  However, I chose to igore them all so I could have coffee with my friends.  And it was totally worth it!

This morning's coffee was hosted by my super sweet friend and author, ML.  Forever the Kappa, ML went all out for us ladies!  We took advantage of the beautiful weather and took our coffees out to the gorgeous table ML had all ready for us.  Banana bread, fresh fruit and juice accompanied our delicious iced coffees.  We were truly spoiled by ML, who even broke out her grandmother's crystal for us!!!

After a couple of hours chatting and fixing all world issues we went to pick our children up from preschool and get back to the real world.  But in my book great friends, yummy food and great coffee always trumps dirty laundry any day of the week! 

Still A Work In Progress

I could give you a list of excuses like the sick kids, cold and wet weather and crazy spring sports schedule but you don't want to hear the long version of all that.  So I will not bore you with those details but I will show the progress that has been made on M's desk.

What started out as a simple project has really turned into a labor of love.  B and I flipped the desk over and I carefully taped the desktop.  Then we started painting!  After a long chat at Home Depot it seemed like I should use a small roller to get an even finish.  B quickly was bored by the roller and left the painting to me.  I know I might sound like a mean mom but that was A-ok with me.  Sometimes I can get things done quicker when no one is trying to "help" me.

After the pained dried the next day I flipped the desk around to prep it for the stain.  I used a paintbrush to apply the stain then after 3 minutes I used a clean cotton cloth to remove the excess stain.  I was so happy with all the details the stain brought out!  M especially loves that you can now see the "Hi!" drawn on the desk years ago.  Why are boys always drawn to destruction? (Hubby's note- Because it is fun and awesome.)

Now I just need the stain to completely dry so I can apply the Minwax topcoat.  Is too much to ask for three non-rain/non-humid days in a roll?    

You can also find me at Dixie Delights.

Gluten Free Success!

Over the years I have been able to tweak many recipes so that B and L can enjoy the same kinds of foods that the rest of us eat.  That said, gluten and egg-free sugar cookies have been a problem no matter what I tried.  I would roll out the dough and it would look great but the cookies always seemed to "melt" and never hold their shape.  But thanks to a good family friend I tried a different gluten-free flour, Cup4Cup!  Cup4Cup gluten-free flour can be used just like regular wheat flour in any recipe and the best part is that you do not have to "tweak" the recipe.  While this sounded too good to be true I bought one bag and started baking.  What can I say, I am forever an optimist!

I turned to Ina Garten's shortbread cookie recipe since I always get perfectly shaped cookies when I bake them with regular flour.  (The only differences that I made was that I used Cup4Cup and did not dip the cookies in melted chocolate.)  The Cup4Cup blended in the dough just like regular flour.  I was a little nervous after the dough had chilled since it was crumbled very easily at first but after the dough warmed up it was not a problem to work with.  

I am happy to report that I was nervous for no reason at all!  The cookies baked up wonderfully and held their crisp edges.  As for taste, I would say that you would be hard pressed to tell that they were gluten and egg free cookies.  I can not tell you how excited I am by the baking success!!!

Let The Games Begin

The sun was shining in NoVa this weekend!  It finally felt as though Spring was really on its way, so we made the most of the beautiful weather.  B had her first rec game of the season and it was so fun to watch.  The girls played very well and came off the pitch with big smiles on their faces.  B's smile plus her so cute uniform always makes me smile right back!

After B's game, she and I hopped in the car and headed to the lacrosse field.  We got there in time to see the second half of M's game.  My younger brother Dennis played lacrosse in high school but I only got to see one game since I was away at college for almost all of his season. What little I remember from that one game looked nothing like what I saw on Saturday.  

For most of the game the ball was on the ground and what seemed like twenty boys all had their sticks down trying to get the ball.  It might not have been a perfect game, but these U10 boys put their heart into the game.  And how could I not love watching this silly boy play!?!

Look What I Found In My Backyard

Northern Virginia is filled with antique shops.  At times it seems like there are more shops than one could count in my county, let alone all of Virginia, so I can not tell you how excited when a fellow blogger let me know that she had a shop in my neck of the woods.  I don't know about you but when I shop I just love a personal touch.

As soon as I read Mary Alice's, I knew that I had to call my best sitter.  Thanks goodness my mother-in-law was free and more than willing to watch L while I spent the afternoon looking for treasures!!!

Rust and Feathers is one shop with several dealers, each with their own unique look. I had so much fun wandering and taking it all in! To be clear there was no compensation for this endorsement. But I do know if you stop by this weekend they are having a grand opening sale.

More than once I spied a piece that I just "needed". (Does that ever happen to you?)  But unfortunately I have yet to win the Lotto so this great desk did not come home with me. I did pick-up a mirrored tray that I think will be great for my make-up vanity. I can't wait to show it to you!

If you find yourself in Loudoun County, I really think you should stop by and say hello to the ladies at Rust and Feathers.  These ladies are so filled with Southern grace that they had some lobsters for this peach!

You Gals Are The Best

A little less than a month ago, I was in need of a good read and I asked you all for some feedback.  As always you gals come through with comments and emails.  One of the best things about the "blogging world" is you can ask a question and you get helpful answers.  So I thought that I should give thanks where thanks is due....

Two lovely ladies, Who's Excited? and Baby Mama Juice both recommended "American Heiress" by  Daisy Goodwin.  (Baby Mama Juice did a whole post on books, not just "American Heiress".  I am going to have to slowly work my way through her recommendations.)  These ladies did not let me down!  It was just the book I needed for a little night time reading.  And now I am in need of a new read which led me to...

Amanda, at Dixie Delights, is kinds enough to have an ongoing series called "On My Bedside".  Amanda last recommended "The House At Riverton" by Kate Morton.  Since Amanda has never let me down before this will be my next read.

I am not sure about you but a good read helps this mom keep her sanity so thank you very much ladies!!!

Getting Things Done

Over Spring Break I tried to tackle some unfinished projects. On one of the days that was nice enough for the kiddos to run around outside I spray painted the lamp my mom fixed the last time she was here for a visit.  As always I took forever with my prep work.  Please tell me that I am not the only one who spends as much time taping as they do painting!

This was my first time spray painting and I was so grateful for everyone's helpful hints.  I took the slow and steady aprouch.  I was happy with how even the spray paint went on but I was freaking out about the color.  It looked nothing like the can!  I took some deep breaths and finished what I had started.  Then I walked away....

Boy am I glad that I didn't give up. I love the way the paint dried! The color is just what I envisioned it would be; a cheery red. And everyone in the house seems to like the lamp's new look too. Both of the boys are fascinated with its shine. I fear it will be covered in finger prints before Friday.

So now that the lamp has gotten a makeover I feel that my table needs to be restyled too. Or maybe I should just re-do the whole family room! I am sure Hubby would not mind at all!!!!

You can also find me at From My Front Porch and No Minimalist Here

Sticky Buns

This past Saturday we hosted brunch for a wonderful college friend and his new bride.  It was so great to see them and hear all about their honeymoon.  And thanks to modern technology, we were able to see all of their wedding photos on their cell phones.  Hubby and I had to wait months to just see our proofs but then again we were married over ten years ago.

For brunch, I served quiche, sticky buns, roasted asparagus and fruit salad.  There was no food leftover so I think it was a success.  The one dish that was loved by all four of the boys, young and old, was the sticky buns.  It is yet another great recipe from Ex-Blogger A and as always she never disappoints!

Sticky Buns

18 - 24 frozen dinner rolls *I use Rhodes Bake N' Serve dinner rolls*
1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 box (4 oz.) "Cook and Serve" (just the mix!) vanilla pudding *Forgive me A but I used butterscotch pudding since Hubby likes that best*

1. Grease 9x13 pan with Pam or another baking spray.
2. Evenly place the dinner rolls on the 9x13 pan.
3. Place melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and pudding mix in a pan over medium heat until all ingredients are melted and combined.
4. Pour mixture over frozen dinner rolls.
5. Cover with waxed paper and let rest at room temp over night.
6. In the morning preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Then bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Invent on a platter and serve by pulling apart these yummy rolls!

This is a simply recipe that can be made the night before and is just too good.  I dare you to eat just one roll! (Hubby's note- Dare failed. I ate significantly more than one.)

Last Day of Vacay

We had a super busy weekend!  Many errands were run on the Easter Bunny's behalf, a lot of yummy dishes where baked, friends came over for a Saturday brunch, there was a crazy egg-hunt and a family Easter dinner was had.  All in all it was a wonderful Easter weekend!  And I hope your's was too!!!

Today we plan to relax and enjoy the last day of Spring vacation.  God willing the last day of vacation will not be as cold as the first day was!!!