J WALKING.....Will Walk for Wine

So um, what I had meant to do was run so much every day :)......... I started out good doing the run walk thing but fell off. (My diet is my saving grace)  I was doing about 3 miles, but not at the speed I desired and I felt the switch up had me walking slower then if I only walked.  So I decided to see at what speed I walked comfortably and could speed it up from there.  So today I started my J Walking and as I suspected my time was better about 4 miles in 66.32 minutes.


So the plan is not to give up on running, but to get my speed up on walking and incorporate the running back in when I get to higher speeds and build my stamina.  But for now I will get in my 25 miles J Walking.

♥♥ Walk this Way ♥♥

21 fine, one day at a time!

San Francisco & Napa in 10 Days : A Culinary & Wine Mecca

Foodies Beware!  This trip is the reason I put on 10 pounds but I could really care less.  Well I can, but they'll be gone by the New Year.  People ask "What is there to do in the Bay Area"?  Well plenty, there's art, music (great festivals), museums so on and so forth but who really cares when the food and wine options are so ridiculous!  Take a glimpse into one of my best trips with my DC Family + Raini!  It will definitely save you time and money on planning.  Enjoy!

Below a 10 Day Tour of Pure Culinary Bliss

Courtesy of Harrison Concierge ♥

Day 1:  Arrival San Francisco + Welcome Drinks

I recommend staying in the ♥ of the city, Union Square is a perfect choice.  There are tons of great neighborhoods, but US is very central...walking distance to everything.  Most important train stations!

Day 2: Oakland & The Slanted Door (SF) ~ Fav ♥

This is the day to get the lay of the land, a tour is highly suggested to get the "must sees" off your check list.  I personally had some work to do (boooo) so I separated from the group.  PS.  It was a private tour. ;)

Now to the good stuff... Oakland's street style, swagger and cultural scene led us across the bridge. (it actually took us only 5 minutes by train)  We happened to be in town for the Oakland "Art Crawl", where the galleries have open houses and the streets are filled with musicians, vendors and freestylers. Very Buppyish!   This memory of The O is a far cry from my last one at the Festival by the Lake.  I even met up with my very stylish friend that showed us around.  Thanks Charmin!    I loved every minute of it! 

Back across the bridge to the Embarcadero Center and which houses the Slanted Door.  This was one of my favorite meals, which says a lot.  I mean this is the type of place where you can select entrees blindfolded and not be disappointed!  Everything was Amazing from the cocktails, imperial rolls and spare ribs to the clay pot chicken and that unforgettable ribeye steak.

This was one of my favorite nights of the trip.  Two totally different scenes, all was right with the world.

Day 3: Fillmore Jazz Fest + Appetizers Atop a Winding Hill= Easy Breezy ♥

This was one of those chill days where everything seems to fall in place.  I woke early trying to get a glimpse of my Uncle in Berkeley, but it didn't hash out. :(   So instead, my hubby and I tried to beat the crowd at Dottie's True Blue Cafe.  You might have to stand in a long line and step over a couple of people sleeping on the street (yeesh) but that blueberry coffee cake is killer. (only one needed per table, it's huge)  If you order a basic breakfast, it's just that basic but their omelettes are money.  (Still can't beat the Pantry in LA, or Camellia Grill in the NO two of my fav diners)

So as the group all convened, we decided to head to the Fillmore Jazz Festival where I had another guest appearance by Shiddy!  We walked for blocks, it was one of my best days on San Francisco....warm, sunny & clear.  A trifecta!  It was great catching up with an old friend and perfect people watching and trust there was plenty to see.


The day ended visiting family atop a very windy hill (straight out of the movie House of Sand & Fog).  Stunning home and beautiful company.  The hostess prepared cheese, grapes, wine and these apricot-brie bite sized pieces of wonderfulness!  My day could have ended here but we did venture out to dinner.  *The restaurant did not make my Fav list.  Not to fear, next day we hit Napa.

Day 4: Auberge du Soleil ~ Fav ♥ & CIA (St. Helena)

Auberge by far the best view in Napa & the best damn duck pizza, with champagne of course! I'm a ways away from staying at this lovely oasis for a week, but I can at least dine. The views from their terrace are absolutely AMAZING! A must see for all. It was a wonderful afternoon and even had a guest appearance by one on my best friends and his lovely wife!

CIA, for all my DC peeps is the Culinary Institute of America. One of the worlds greatest culinary schools and home to the up and coming Top Chefs.  The food demo was very educational & tasty, for those of you with a love for cooking.


Dinner at Carpe Diem Wine Bar was a very quaint and tasty.  I think this was the 2nd go for some at the bison burger.  Delish!
 

Day 5: Jordan + J Vineyards                          The tasting at Jordan Vineyard & Winery was well thought out and even included some outlawed fois gras, that melted in your mouth. It was a cross varietal tasting (same

wine different years) which is always interesting, with a few additional wines.  J Vineyards a much more laid back tasting room, where you just pull up to the bar.  They are known for some of their sparkling wines which are perfect for a special occasion.  This  place also introduced me to my "grown up" cucumber soda, which so tasty....and low in calories!

Day 6: Bouchon + Spa Solage= ♥ & the CIA

We started the day by grabbing a bite from Bouchon Bakery.  This place is incredible from there various macaroons to the jalapeno & brown sugar glazed scones to the basics....croissants.  Now on to the main course.

Spa Solage (Calistoga) ~ Fav ♥

Spa Solage was a treat admist all the culinary delights! The massage, the "mud bath*", the gravity chair and the pool are not to be missed. (Excellent couples specials) Topped off by lunch at the SolBar,  which was no joke. This spa dining experience I would guess is ranked like any other restaurant. And I'm not talking tea sandwiches. Handmade everything...bread, drinks (there's a garden at the bar) and the ribs, THE RIBS! I know who eats ribs at the spa, I do. Proudly.
* The mud bath is actually a tin of mud you place on yourself or spouse and shower off. I was actually relieved...there were several conversations prior to the event that left me a little uncomfortable! ;)

Charbay, the only liquor tasting on the schedule was very entertaining.  Our Host, was not only very genuine and welcoming but also a little inebriated....just our guess!  Nonetheless he mixed up some perfect party cocktails to add to the repertoire.

Dinner, back to CIA to actually taste the grub...no more books!  Let me first state that the grounds and the views are beautiful.  We ate outside on their patio  tastefully decorated by white lights and started the evening with a bottle of wine.  Many still full from the Sol Bar we ordered a variety of small bites & charcuterie.  I ordered a risotto that was very yummy.

Day 7: Brown ♥ + Cindy's ♥+ Schramsberg♥ + Franks♥ & the Farm= a food & wine high

Brown Estates, my love affair began 2 years in Lake Tahoe at a wine bar.  I ordered a flight and one stood out among the rest. Which turned into a full glass that tuned into a bottle accompanying me to my hotel room.  My expectations were high and not not disappointed.  Gorgeous grounds, beautiful tasting rooms and just a lovely family story.  Let me just say it was the one of my best tastings (Joseph Phelps the other) and I walked away a member.  **The Mickey & Rosemary Zins...yum, yum, yummy!

Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen was gourmet "adult" comfort food.  Good eat + drink, with staples like the Adult Grill Cheese w/ polenta fries (ridiculous!) and they had a special homemade corndog!  A definite stop to add to your list. 



We toured the caves of Schramsberg and they were amazing!  There seemed to be something mystical about the moss, the barrels and the tasting area where we sipped on bubbly.  A highly rated tour, must see.

Franks Family Winery, never heard of it and had no expectations.  Some of the best pinot noir I have ever had!  I am not a huge pinot fan because I like a fuller wine, but the pinot was all grown up and I liked it.  Generous tasting, even pulled out estate wines.  I would definitely return!

Farm @ Carneros Inn, I hate to say did disappoint.  I had high expectations.....and it was such a cute restaurant with outdoor fire pits and garden games.  But the food, the food & the drinks were below average.  Which was very sad, because there sister restaurant Plump Jacks in Squaw Creek is fabulous.  Maybe we caught them on a terribly bad day.  Only one good meal from our table was ordered.  It must have involved chicken + corn, since the order belonged to our NY friend!  :)

A bad end to the perfect day!

Day 8: Far Niente ♥, Redd ♥ + Opus One                                           

 The wine at Far Niente was superb.  The property itself was overwhelmingly beautiful.  I cannot recall the amount, but the number full time landscapers seemed unreal.   In addition to the extensively maintained and manicured lawn, they have a lovely surprise for any car enthusiast.  The Nickel Family is very kind in sharing the family collection which includes:  a '51 Ferrari America roadster, a London taxi, a Porsche speedster and a pair of Bentley Continentals to name a few.  A little something for everybody!



Nickel Family Vintage
Car Collection



Need a perfect lunch and happen to be in Napa, stop by Redd.  Everything was absolutely heavenly!  From the hamamchi tartare & corn soup to the carmelized scallops and shortrib sandwich.  This is definitely a treat and everyone at the table hit a home run!

Opus One is known to be an elite wine and the grounds are perfect, almost sterile.  Although highly rated, the tasting was cold which took away from the experience for me.  But the wine @ a hefty $35 for a tasting (one glass) WAS tasty!

*Dinner was at Coles Chop House....decent but nothing to write home about.

  

Day 9:  Duckhorn +Oakville Grocery + Joseph Phelps + Colehan + Morimoto = :/ + love love♥♥

Today was a good day!  This was a very laid back day that started off shaky and turned out to be the absolute best.  The tasting at Duckhorn, I wine that I love ('05 & '06 Cab to be exact) turned out to be less than ideal.  They only offered current releases, no estate wines which simply sucked.

At least Oakville never disappoints.  This Napa staple is filled with enough pates, cheeses, sandwiches, Bouchon pastries and wine to keep anyone happy.  A main "go to" while wine going.

Joseph Phelps all I can say is WOW!  This vineyard is unforgettable.The tastings are not done in a basic room (or extravagant for that matter) but on a hillside overlooking what seems to be all of Napa.  All of the servers are sommeliers and awesome!  The tasting includes 3 - 4 wines and you drink at your own pace while looking at the most gorgeous views.  This may be as good as it gets.  Did I forget to mention they are scrumptious!

Since I was already tipsy ad it was only early afternoon, why not go shopping???  We stopped by Cole Haan and I picked up this great little yellow tote (well not so little), but just right for me.

To settle down for the day for the piece de resistance we hit the jacuzzi, which was part of the night time activities.  All regrouped and we were

ready to roll.  Off to Morimoto Napa, where owner Chef Morimoto (star of Iron Chef) blends Japanese & Western ingredients flawlessly.  This trendy little hot spot is food and drinks alike will leave you speechless.  I ordered the Tempura Calamari Salad (which is big enough to be an entree) and the Braised Black Cod which will have you licking your chop!  Even dessert was good, and don't have to have dessert.  But the ice cream sandwiches and the doughnuts, oh the donuts. 

Hmmmmm..... worth every dollar.

Day 10:  Home Sweet Home

One more run to Model Bakery for breakfast before we hit the road to SFO >> DCA.

To sum this trip up, it was culinary ride through scenic hills and valleys, with beautiful people (inside & out) and the best damn wine this country has to offer!

Simply Beautiful

And the Pursuit of Happyness

This part of my life I'm calling LOSING.  I feel like Will Smith in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness.  No I'm not homeless and yes I have a career but I'm doing way too much, in search of the perfect work/life balance.  And all I can say is when I saw Sarah Jessica Parker's role in the movie  I Don't Know How She Does It, I thought someone was secretly filming me from my closet.  So let me ask the question, "Can two upwardly mobile parents that work successfully have a family?"  Does this actually work?  Now don't get me wrong, I ♥ my family more than anything and would die for them.  And I ♥ my field of work.  But both are demanding, so do the two mix? 

All my life I have been an observer, watching how people interact, and I've always loved seeing families out and about.   Something that has always stuck with me is the economic impact on relationships.  I could never help but notice that couples that appeared to have less fortunate financial circumstances appeared to be happier.   It might just be my opinion, but the look of love I would see seemed genuine.  A simple life can be highly underrated.  Could it be the stresses of  work, or the age old adage "More money, more problems" that can sometimes tear more financially stable families apart?

BTW is it the stress that has an effect on the number of children couples are having? It blows my mind that couples with less seem to make it with multiple kids and those that are "well to do", bringing in more than decent salaries settle upon one child. Those that could provide so much for a child / children, generally don't have the time to do so.

Now of course any situation can work...  But two working parents with demanding jobs can be a set-up for disaster.  I have come to the realization that someone needs to either have a more flexible job (i.e. work from home, adjustable hours) that can help with the work / life balance, or a job that plays a supporting role.  Both of which make life easier with the kids, volunteering and the countless activities. 

So my time is now!   Luckily my hubby and I are on the same page in this fight for the pursuit of happyness.  And yes it is a fight!  This country has set the average couple up, from the price of a home in a  middle class neighborhood to the unacceptable public school education turning families to private school.  This can make a standard level of savings unattainable for most...and causing strain on relationships.  But each family HAS to be smart with choices.  ...choices in cars, vacations and total lifestyle depending on income can definitely have adverse effects.

So be smart and start working on balancing your life. I've recently let go of work to make more time for my family, because "all money is not good money".  Remember to enjoy your family!  And don't ever live without date night.  It's a must for married couples w/ kids!

Keep the ♥ alive and we all win!

 

A happy couple = happy children = 1 Big Happy Family

 

Thanks for reading

I would love to hear your opinions

Walk this Way....

So I am determined to be down 20 pounds by the New Year!  Nothing a little walking can't handle.  Really, I am a firm believer that food is the biggest culprit.  So I will eat what I want, I don't eat so bad and just cut back on my portions.  But in addition, I will run and jog but predominately walk a total of 30 miles per week.

In competition with my sister, we will see if her no carb, no food, no good diet will work better or just as good as my method.  Have fun with your green tea!

♥♥  kisses  ♥♥

 

-20 pounds by 1/1/2013!

 

 

I'll keep you posted..... weekly

 

PS.  I promise to tell the truth.

 

My physical She-ro!  I can only hope at 54 years of age.  So Fly!

 

Sneak Peek: Salamander Resort (Opening August 2013)

Sheila C. Johnson has outdone herself with what will be coined the 1st DC Resort.  The former first lady of BET has just added another notch to her portfolio (in addition to the DC sports teams Mystics, Caps & the Wizards) that will leave its mark on the DMV area.   Salamander, located in Middleburg, VA just one hour from the heart of DC will be the new "IT" property.  It will be a very quaint Main House, modeled after the farms "mansions" of Middleburg but will be vast in its acreage and offerings to include: a 22-stall equestrian facility, wine bar, farm-to-table restaurant, a lovely market "Market Salamander", cooking studio with guest celebrity chef demonstrations, zip lines, hiking and not to mention a 23,000 square foot spa to include "treehouse" treatment rooms  all nestled on a 340 acre estate.

Building on what Middleburg has to offer: wineries, antiquing, the prestigious Gold Cup and simply gorgeous scenic views with the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop.  This highly anticipated addition will definitely add value to to the DC Hospitality scene.

"Ever respectful of the past and the present"  Sheila Johnson is delivering another level of luxury to the town of Middleburg in the form of the
Salamander Resort & Spa.

Anticipated Debut Fall 2013

♥   ♥   ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annapolis Book Festival TODAY! ~ Celebrating 10 Years (Love to Read)

It's time to hit the books or bury your head into a great novel.  Put the ipads, iphones and remote controls down for a second and take in the JOY OF READING.  This is a shameless plug to promote the Annapolis Book Festival on behalf of my son and The Key School.  The Festival will have something to offer for the whole family.  A great panel of nationally renowned authors will discuss recent Best Sellers.

The Festival will also feature:

Live Music

Children's Activities

Used Book Sale

and a Coffee Shop

KOMI - A Culinary Delight!

I was oh so excited to go to Komi....  It has been the #1 restaurant in DC for at least 3 years now, with it's rock star Chef  and Co-Owner Johhny Monis.   I finally made the trip over to try it out and was in the clouds for at least a week straight.  All I can say, it's well worth every penny.

I would first like to say they need to teach a Hospitality School.  Even with an incredible meal if the service is not up to par, your experience is ruined.  From our first step into Komi until the end of our 3 hour Culinary Delight the night was absolutely perfect.  Our server and sommelier were very knowledgeable, professional but very laxed which I can appreciate.  You would think a restaurant of this caliber would come across a bit stuffy, but it has a very casual vibe.  The servers come off very friendly, which makes the entire experience enjoyable.  How they space their seatings you feel like you are your servers only guests, which is great! 

The restaurant has minimal decor, it is very simple and quaint...not what I had pictured in my mind. 

I'm ready to begin my journey, I will try MOST things at least once.  I'm no Andrew Zimmern but I am adventurous.

Now for the big show, the meal begins:

TARAMOSALATA
The first amuse bouche was a brioche, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fire orange trout roe that just bursts in your mouth.

SEA URCHIN
Next came a thin slice of Hiramasa New Zealand kingfish sashimi topped with Alaskan sea urchin. I love sushi, but never a fan of how sea urchin looked. But tonight I was trying EVERYTHING and it was creamy deliciousness!

SCALLOP
Scallop crudo two ways. A thin disk of scallop sashimi arrived, laid inside a large pearly white shell, garnished with a slice of rhubarb and a sprinkle of lemon salt. Next to it was a spoonful of scallop tartar, diced into a fine brunoise, combined with thick coconut milk topped with a tiny purple chive blossom.

Wine & Beer Pairing List

SALMON
A slice of house-cured Scottish salmon on top of black squid ink toast, garnished with tatsoi microgreens and red-veined sorrel leaf.

ASPARAGUS
Burrata was served with asparagus so lightly grilled it was almost still raw. The fresh crunch of it played well with the cool, creamy cheese, and a sprinkle of garlicky, lemony breadcrumbs on top added a nice dimension to the dish.

SPANAKOPITA
♥ Squared!  When they said the next amuse bouche was spanakopita, it drew my mind to the million ballroom receptions I have attended.  But THIS tiny little square, full of spinach, feta and dill awesomeness, literally explodes in your mouth. It was one of the the first things that come to mind when I remember that evening?

HALF SMOKE
Served with Farmhouse Ale (as any decent half smoke should),one of Komi’s signature dishes shows the "street food" side of the Mediterranean. (which doubles as a DC staple)  This half smoke gives Ben's Chili Bowl a run for its money.  This couture dog is served on a buttered grilled bun, topped with tomato jam and Old Bay-dusted Chicharron.

FOIE GRAS
The next best thing to a hot dog :) this foie gras, was house-cured and smoked! Buttery, and smooth it was served over sautéed mushrooms (to die for), slices of kumquat and peashoots.  Foie gras is not an everyday dish if you like having a healthy heart but this was worth skipping a beat.

DATES
A sweet treat before we moved the main course, roasted dates filled with mascarpone cheese, generously dusted with coarse sea salt, and drizzled with olive oil.  A favorite as well!

GNOCCHI
Yukon gold potato gnocchi in sea urchin butter sauce made you crave for more.  Hmmm, I just craved some as I closed my eyes.  This dish was amazing.

TAGLIATELLE
Small morsels of  tagliatelle was next on the menu, served with salt cod, thin shavings of flash-fried nutty caper berries, tiny currants, and pine nuts in a tomato sauce…YUM!!

KATSIKAKI
The pièce de résistance was the Katsikaki – a massive serving of an entire bone-in leg of baby goat, slow roasted for four hours. Prior to this, the only goat I have tasted was curried Jamaican style.  This was crispy outside, like a perfectly prepared duck and the most tender meat I have EVER tasted.  The goat was served with homemade pita and gourmet condiments, which I love! Included in the line up: charred red onion mustard, preserved lemon sea salt, slightly pickled Fresno peppers, homemade tzatziki, and translucent slices of baby radishes.  You were encouraged to eat with your hands and I did.  The charred red onion mustard needs to sold in stores, because I wiped it out!

President Obama and our First Lady (Mimi O)

The main entree was followed by chocolate ganache and salted caramel layered over a crust of peanut butter crunchies & praline and we parted with a gift of gourmet lollipops.  

Bottom line, the meal was memorable as well as the wine & beer pairing.

A meal fit for a king or a queen, lets make that the President and his First Lady...... and me too!

Enjoy

Komi Restaurant

1509 17th Street NW
(between P & Q Streets)
Washington DC 20036

(202) 332-9200

Crafty Sundays: NFL Edition (Sewing 101 & Holiday Wrap-Up)

So this weekend has been productive. I finished two sewing projects and will begin a knit dress for my daughter. Baby steps.... Oh yeah my Christmas tags (GENUIS IDEA), see below for instructions.

My new found skill would not be possible without a great foundation. For those of you interested in learning a very handy skill and live in DC Metro, check out the following spot:

Bits of Thread Sewing Studio (Adams Morgan)
1794 Columbia Rd, NW Suite #6
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 642-9622

This place is cute and a great concept, but it is project based. They have a Beginners Class I & II that actually teaches a lot in two hour stretches, but too much for you to remember. (and you have no time to really take notes) You will definitely learn how to thread a machine, thread the bobbin and SOME basics but definitely not all. You have the choice of making a wallet or a kindle cover, a cute little token. Finishing a project makes you feel accomplished and will start you on your way. "Bits" also has a some cute class options such as "The Perfect Skirt" and "Bagoholics". Will you be a seamstress, NO. You will definitely have to take technical classes but it's a great start!

Currently in my technical class, I have just finished a tote bag and some pjs. It's not a sheath dress or a silk blouse but it's a start and I totally understand and have been experimenting with my machine. Take a look at my digs below:

Holiday Wrap-Up

So if you're like me you still have a pile of Christmas cards around. I hate throwing away cards... but now I can make use of the ones that do not go in my special Memories Box. My friend Jana (lead singer for the Monthlies, buy their album!), contributor on the Thursdays Blog  shared her (like a said before) GENUIS idea. Now I won't have to buy gift tags for any Christmas moving forward. Enjoy!  Thx Jana

Old Stuff = Used Holiday Cards
New Stuff = Gift tags

Cut the covers off of the lovely holiday cards displayed on your mantle and grab some ribbon, pens and a hole punch, and voila - you're stocked with gift tags for next year. You could even make a post-holiday crafting party of it, serving cider and the last of the holiday treats.

Saturday Date Night: Red Tails

So our Saturday night date ended up being a day outing (Hey, you go when the sitter 'grandma' is available) and we went to see Red Tails then for a bite to eat. Bottom line for me is I liked it and the movie will go in my file along with Pursuit of Happyness (I know it's spelled incorrectly), The Great Debaters and anything else I want my children to watch in a few years.

Did I mention the critics annihilated the movie? They did not just give it a moderate review... it was if I was about to go watch Soul Plane! They claimed it is a HBO show still out just like it. Ummm did the critics say that when the millionth version of 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle" came out, or when the Black Swan aka the 50th version of 'Single White Female' reared its ugly head. NO, it's their opinion and like a*%holes everyone has one. So I would suggest you go check it out and make your own.

Enjoy!

With Love,
Jabs ♥

Skinny Chick Challenge: Armed with Aps

Ok, so we all have them. I have two...a pair of red Zara pants and my old favorite pair of Levis that use to fit soooo perfect, now snug in my bottom drawer waiting to be freed. I kept them as a reminder of my pre-baby days but currently being used as motivation.

The best 2 aps out there to get you RIGHT for the New Year are My Fitness Pal and c25k (Couch 2 5k). My Fitness Pal is great, similar to the online weight watchers program but FREE and the c25k gets you prepared for your first race (pay the $1.99 for the upgrade to use music & prompts, well worth it). This combination together should be able to knock off at least 20 to 30 pounds in 3 - 4 months. So here we go, I am not going to divulge my wait but I' will say that I'm at +30 of where I need to be. (Thank God I'm tall, the weight is dispersed).

Sunday, January 22 will mark the start of my 3 month challenge and I will keep updated with my weekly loss. Lord take the wheel, this is going to be tough.

Here's to my flat stomach and some banging thighs!


** Borrowed from my friend Crys (thanks babe) via Dr. Oz

SKINNY CHICK POPCORN - about 60 calories a serving

1/4 cup popcorn

Pour in brown bag

Fold over top

Put the bag in the microwave for 2 minutes or until popping stops

Pour into container

Spray on some cooking spray (you can use olive oil in a spray bottle)

Season with cinnamon or garlic salt

Enjoy!

With Love,
Jabs ♥

The Late Night Shift (An Introduction to My Life)

For my inaugural blog, I felt it so fitting that I am up in the middle of the night writing it while watching (I Don't Know How She Does It). I originally wanted to see this movie months ago but as the story goes I guess time just got away from me. So I finally found time at 2 am to watch it On Demand.

Yesterday was a typical Sunday for the Abners... We woke up and went to brunch (sorry didn't make church) in a good spirits and the children were on board until we were seated. Lauren is fussing and who knows why, Acie decides to start singing and then the antagonizing starts. My husband and I just smile, shake our heads and drink our coffee as we pretend we're alone on a date ♥. Food comes and everyone seems to be feeling a little better. At least now the little one is laughing, acting more like herself. Breakfast is over, back to the house to watch football with the hubby. He actually started me loving football, I get a little sad come mid February. As we watch the game the kids are jumping on our legs, my husband's head having their own little party. It's not even half time and my son is asking for a sandwich. I guess the pancakes wore off in like an hour???? Third quarter and I have to make a run to pick up some material, I'm working on a sewing project (in addition to a convention and 2 other meetings, a book festival for my son's school and sorting out whether we are going to move or not). It's a quick trip, so I bring my daughter along. An hour and a half later, after a stop at Wegmans for some quick grocery shopping, I'm back in time to catch the end of the first quarter of the 2nd game! I fix some food and read to my daughter while catching glimpses of the Giants pulling off an upset. The game is over and I start sewing because it's now my new obsession. I think this one isn't going anywhere because it actually makes me happy and I enjoy doing it. I take a break, play with the kids and my husband and get the babies ready for bed. My husband and I enjoy a glass of wine, hang out and now he is down. I was sleepy briefly, but got a second wind fooling around with this da*# sewing project. For some reason I always have to alter the original design, still trying to learn how to keep things simple.

And now I'm up, my mind just a moving thinking of the upcoming week. Thinking that I will not be up like this anytime soon. Trying to wind down and clear my mind because my princess will be up in about 3 hours and I will be exhausted!

Just another day in the life! I love it, I truly do but this is why all the wineries and spas in the world stay open and thrive because of Mothers. Goal for 2012, some type of positive life altering change: stay at home, perhaps work from home...the point is to create more time for home and to work less. We will see how this goes.

In the mean time, I will try to entertain and keep you up to date on my progress. Share some great travel must do's, recipes, crafts and survival skills for the Young & Married with Kids!

This blog is dedicated to a man, who I'm sure had many sleepless nights himself fighting to keep peace. Happy Belated Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.!!

With Love,
Jabs ♥