BEAU | Under $20 Date Night

There are two things in particular that might make a home date sound more appealing than going out. The first being a budget, and the second being a baby. Both of which happen to be a part of our life at the moment. Up until recently, we really didn’t have anyone that we felt comfortable leaving Eli with for a few hours. Those first five months of having a baby and living in Texas (1,500 miles away from either of our families) kiiiinda made us pros at the whole home date night thing.

With my parents in Italy right now (Wooo-wooo! More on this later. . .), we decided to pull out the old bag of tricks for a fabulous home date. And can I just honestly say, it was the very BEST and most romantic date night we’ve had in such a long time.

So, I thought, why not share our home date combination here for those of you in the same shoes.

For the price of Pei Wei take-out ($17, to be precise), we had a gourmet filet mignon, candle-lit dinner and the house to ourselves. Here’s the deets’:

• Filet Mignon from Sprouts [$8.50]
• Roasted Potato Stacks [already had the ingredients]
• Onion Bleu Cheese Sauce [$6.00]
• Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette, Bleu & Candied Walnuts [$1.00 for walnuts -- had all other ingredients]
• Pineapple Cranberry Cocktails [$1.50 for pineapple juice -- had all other ingredients]
• TOTAL: $17 [The same meal would have cost nearly $50, even at a mid-price Steakhouse]

Light a few candles, layer some blankets and pillows in front a crackling fire [made with scrap-wood for freeeeh] and settle in for a fabulous dinner and a wonderful night of amazing conversation and falling more in love with your one&only.

Ta-daaaaa & au revoir. We hope you have an incredible Memorial Day weekend!

Tags: home date, under $20

US | Weekendishness

Weekendishness: the activities that fill a glorious two day stretch of time, free of work commitments, often accompanied by a feeling of bliss similar to that associated with the consumption of chocolate.

Just sayin’. Right? It’s a great word and quite worth the inventing.

Our weekend began with Eli’s FIRST HAIRCUT! What?! I know. He’s so old, it’s mind-boggling. theMr has been asking for me to arrange the removal of our child’s mullet-like hair for quite a while. But it’s just so cuuuuuuute! And it was. Until it wasn’t anymore. And then he got a haircut.

And we were all, yes Elijah too, happier because of it. . .

This event was followed by a meritorious trip to the park. It was super amazing to realize that Eli really is old enough to have fun on a playground now. He’s fascinated by everything from swings to wood chips and we all had a wonderful time playing and relaxing together.

Our weekend ended with an amazing beach day (our first in bathing suits!) in which we learned that Eli was born to live near sand and sun. He had a blast! The ocean takes up 70% of the planet?! Nonsense, he quips as he charges, fuzzy baby hair first into the roaring waves. Or something like that. He really was quite fearless and we had to keep our eye on little mr. daredevil there.

Anywho. Insert much coffee and good conversation and there you have our weekend.

Hope yours was JUST as fabulous!

Tags: beach, first haircut, weekend

US | We’re Back!

If I told you we moved to Bolivia, adopted a purple elephant, shaved our heads and took up cave spelunking in Germany. . . would that explain the absurd amount of time between our last post and now? Totally, right? We all do these things from time to time. Who knew purple elephants were such a handful?

- – - – -

We’re back! With more stories than we could ever update you on. But here’s the big stuff. . .

• We MOVED to Southern California and are (yes, still!) on the househunt.

• We swapped out our SexyScion for a MommaMobile (Nissan Xterra! Not really the minivan type, here)  and a VW GTi for theMr and his dreadfully long commute.

• I had my first fabulous Mother’s Day with a baby (instead of a baby bump)!

• Elijah grew almost half a year older (and bigger!) and is now just a couple of short months away from being a whopping YEAR old!

• Everything fell apart. And fell back together at Fernandez Castle. Oh, life.

• We became fitness freaks and took up bathing suit modeling. (Ok, this is a fiercely exaggerated way of saying we’re on a p90x kick. I tried.)

• One of our fabulous readers became our even more fabulous realtor. We’re LOVING working with Jessica of the San Diego based ThisDanCan team!

• We travelled to Maryland, and Dallas, and Big Bear Mountain.

• OurMarine was stationed nearby for a few months and we crammed in plenty of beach trips, coffee shops and bacon before he was off again to the East Coast.

• The in-laws visited for a spell and we gave them the good ole’ dontcha-wish-you-lived-here tour. Fun for all, however we were unable to convince them to abandon their lush, Maryland farm and stay in California permanently. Maybe next time. . .

• And lastly, we started a journal of 1000 Gifts together in which 25% of our entries, thus far, include a gratefulness for coffee. I’m not even kidding.

- – - – -

So there’s it in a nutshell. And here’s a raised glass to (hopefully!) more frequent blog updates soon!

 Have a fabulous weekend!

FOODI | Dan Dan Noodles

When he was but a wee lad, Aaron’s mummy had a special name for him, as many mummy’s do. This name, however, is especially embarrassing for him. I knew so instantly when his mum shared this juicy tidbit of childhood melodrama with me during our dating days. It was a particularly gloomy day in a particularly awkward car ride to the airport. It was just me and her. And as you know, future-potential-maybe mummy-in-laws can be ever so frightening. Even to an Apache indian like myself. (It’s true).

Noodle Boy.

Hahahaaa *stifles laugh*. . . it’s cute. Husband adores carbs. Mostly of the noodley nature, I’m told. He always has.

I cued my brothers in on this charming little pet name and well. . . it was certainly a good (albeit awkward) ice breaker when they first made introduction.

Not all noodles are equal. For example, noodles drenched in melted Vermont White Cheddar are far superior to alphabetically shaped tomato noodles from a can. And better yet, whip up a knock off of delicious Pei Wei inspired noodley goodness and your husband will buy you chocolate and Starbucks beverages. And give you a chubby baby to cuddle. And a car. Maybe not the car.

So. Worth it.

These are manly noodles. They have meat, and spicy red chili paste and peanut butter. Aaron is not the kind that orders the same thing twice. Unless, of course, we are talking manly noodles. In which case he will order them whenever they are available. Because yes, he loves noodles. But especially Dan Dan noodles.

Dan Dan Noodles

(Adapted From: Just a Taste)

- – – – – – Ingredients:

• 1lb Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettucine)
• 1/4 cup Marsala
• ¼ cup Chicken Broth
• 3 Tblsp Peanut Butter (I prefer Smooth)
• 2 Tblsp Soy Sauce
• 1 Tblsp Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 Tblsp Red Curry Paste
• 1 Tblsp Butter
• ¼ cup Diced Red Bell Pepper
• 2 Tblsp Grated Ginger Root
• 2 Tblsp Minced Garlic
• 1 Chicken Breast

- – – – – – Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Whisk together marsala, chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar and red curry paste. Set aside.
3. Saute red bell pepper, ginger root and garlic in butter over medium-high heat until softened. Spoon into a bowl and set aside.
4. Add chicken to same pan and cook thoroughly. Remove and chop finely on a cutting board. Add chicken and aromatics back into the pan and cook for another minute until flavors blend.
5. Add peanut sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
6. Pour mixture over cooked pasta and toss. Serve warm.

Fashion Friday | Fall Five: Women

It’s November, leaves are getting crunchy, thick sweaters and Uggs are making their first appearance and in turn, our shorts and tanks are packed away until next year. The perfect excuse to do a little shopping, right? (Lets be honest, we don’t need an excuse!)

Seasonal Fashion is a tough nut to crack these days. Very few of us have a whole ton of extra cash lying around to buy every little possibility. SO. Let’s improvise. It’s still important to update your wardrobe with a few pieces every season, but don’t get bogged down by it. Search out a few good deals on the Fall basics to mix-&-match with what you already have. I know, I know. We can all agree that the majority of fashion must-haves aren’t very universal. Not everyone looks good in thick rimmed square glasses (ok, no one does!) and color-blocked chunky knit sweaters. Here are a few pieces that really do work well to re-vamp an already existing style and wardrobe. . .

Feathered Earrings – The quickest way to update a look is with jewelry and what’s more festive then feathers? Try them in neutral tones to get more pairings and the longer the better — these are a less hassle version of feather extensions and automatically make you look fabulous.

(Pictured: Carole Feather & Chain Cascade Earrings – $14 Nordstroms)

Mauve Nail Polish — Dark purples and blacks are so 2010. This year, lighten it up a few shades with a medium-dark lacquer in grey, purple and brown tones. Think Essie Mink Muffs or Sonia Kashuk Blank Slate. For an easy neutral, try my favorite (listed below).

(Pictured: Sally Hansen Commander In Chic – $6.50 Target)

Brown-Toned Boots — If you add nothing else to your Fall wardrobe, you need brown boots. Yes, need. Pair with leggings and a long cardigan (belted or not) or skinny jeans and just about any warm top you have. Bingo! You have just been Autumnized. If you’ve just won the lottery, aim big and get the boot that started it all. Or, if you’re just a tad too snobby to buy boots from Target (there are those of you out there), try these. Otherwise, I have the ones below and they are perrrrfect. Just the right fit, slouch, buckle and in the perfect shade of Cognac.

(Pictured: Xhileration Kainda Slouchy Heeled Boots in Cognac – $35 Target)

Neutral Blazer – This is the only piece that not everyone will be comfortable trying at first. But, trust me, it’s a great look! Vogue up your favorite loose tee or front embellished top with a boyfriend blazer, sleeves rolled or pushed up to a 3/4 length. White and cream are particularly in, but mine is camel and works well too. Not up for spending the cash? Try Platos Closet or your local thrift shop. It’s a come-back fashion and shouldn’t be hard to find.

(Pictured: JOU JOU Womens Knit Boyfriend Blazer – $40 Tillys)

Brown-Toned Braided Belt – I vote this one most likely to already exist in your closet! Dig it out. Do it now. Because this year it’s the most versatile touch up you’ll find. Tie it over a loose knit top or to bring together a cardigan. It should rest comfortably at the small of your waist and the excess can just be tucked in. Again, it’s best in caramel or cognac but available in lighter or darker shades as well.

(Pictured: Large Braid Belt in Cognac – $8 Tillys)

Check back (hopefully) next week for a guys version and until then, Happy Shopping!

US | Coming Clean

It’s that time of year when we will close 2011 with family celebrations and traditions. We’ll reign in 2012 with a list of things we hope to be better at in those 365 days.

Today, I’m thinking through this year. I fell more in love with Aaron. I gave birth to Eli. I am moving home to California. Big things have left their mark on 2011. It’s surreal that in just a few weeks we will be on the exact day that everything changed with 2 pink lines. A baby. I’m amazed at what a year can hold.

What really strikes me about today is not what has happened this year, but what hasn’t. A conversation Aaron and I had this week made me realize that I’ve given up on so many of my own dreams and desires.

• Friendship left me bruised, so I stopped allowing myself to have friendships outside of marriage.
• Photography didn’t grow as I wanted it to, so I stopped believing it ever would and resigned to owning a camera without being a photographer.
• Christians hurt more then healed in my life, so I stopped associating myself as a “Jesus Follower”.
• Africa became the dream I didn’t see Eli fitting into, so I threw away my hopes of giving it a better tomorrow.

Here’s the thing about dreams and time, life and every year we find ourselves still here to take part in — every second is a breath of the Almighty. He’s there just waiting to be called on and trusted and adventured with. He’s there when our dreams are born and He’s there when they turn to plans. He’s there when they take shape and He’s there when we take those first teetering steps towards our goals. He’s there when we fall and everything seems just simply gone. And He’s there if we can push past the hard season and onto the outcome awaiting us, be it the dream we set out for or the better plans He has in store.

.

But if I’m being honest, I always let the downfall be the final page of these stories.

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In 2012, I want to change that. I want to give those things another chance and really hope for the best. I want to plan for success and not give up if it doesn’t look the way I first imagined. I want to dream again in 2012 and be open to the outcomes. Whatever they may be.

.

I’m finding what I’ve covered

And holding it up to the morning light
I’m opening my life a little at a time and it’s all right
‘Cause it takes time, it takes time to come clean
Yeah, and I know it’s time, it’s time to come clean

{Come Clean by Audrey Assad}

US | 10 Beautifuls

Today I sold our first piece of furniture. And then proceeded to get a sick are-we-doing-the-right-thing feeling in the pit of my stomach. This is such a big, BIG move and change for us. Nothing will be the same. We’ll trade in our joys and sorrows of Texas for a whole new set of them in California. In the past few weeks, our almost-out-of-reach fairytale has become a very weighty reality and the understanding of what this means for our family is really sinking in. In just 6 weeks and 2 days, we will drive away from Texas (likely forever) with nothing but each other and begin a series of unknowns, including not knowing when we will have our own {home} again.

Sometimes, it just feels heavy. And scary. And overwhelming.

So, I decided it’s time to pause the stress for a minute and get EXCITED. I just made a pumpkin chai, turned on Christmas music and made a list of 10 Beautifuls (things about this move that are. . . well, beautiful):

1. Christmas in our new {home land}. We move a week before my favorite holiday and will spend our first Christmas as a family in the state that we will likely spend every Christmas after. Our new homeland.
2. Simplifying life. We’re selling everything and starting over. Choosing to be stripped of all our comforts won’t be easy but it will simplify our lives to their core and allow us to focus even more on our wonderful little family.
3. Rebuilding life. As we rebuild our lives, it will be with the kinds of things you save up for and keep forever. Furniture that gets passed down, decor that lasts a decade, books that turn into a library.
4. The great outdoors. Stockpiling our finances for a new home will mean very little to spend on entertainment which actually makes me so happy! We’ll spend our weekends hiking, at the beach and walking in the park. As a family.
5. Family. The biggest, messiest, longest-lasting blessing any of us have. And ours will be just feet, rooms and miles away for the duration of our life in California.
6. Salt water and sand. We can sleep in it, walk through it, have a bonfire by it and make a million memories involving it.
7. Room to grow. So so so much room to grow. Whether that’s career wise, business wise, family wise. this move lays the groundwork for us to reach for the sky in all ways.
8. Music mania. Never again will we search our favorite band’s tour schedules and not have a show within 50 miles of us. Perfect. So perfect.
9. Mochi! We will have our puppy back in our daily life for snuggles and laughs, to make Eli giggle and to bark at people neither of us feel too fondly towards. We love our dog.
10. Jesus. Hard to believe, but leaving the bible belt will work wonders for our church life. Putting a Christian Culture behind us for a Jesus Culture is an exciting thought that cannot be explained. Only experienced.

Ahhh, feeling better already. Remembering why we are choosing the hard thing — because it’s the right thing, for us.