Summer 2015 Street Fair! [VIDEO]

When I was living in NYC, summer's were filled with street fairs— ones that stretched for several blocks nearly every week— and I used to go to them all the time. Here in the 'burbs, street fairs are few and far between. Here, they call them 'art & wine festivals' (schmancy) but at least they have rides and amusement themed games for the kids.

I remember taking Nui Nui to this one last year but don't have particular fond memories of the outing. To my surprise, this year was different. Nui Nui was old enough (and eager!) to go on the rides and play the games. We ended up unexpectedly spending 4 hours there. Rides/games, walking around, eating, chit-chatting, and even watching a puppet show. The weather was gorgeous and we had such a good time.

I'll remember this day fondly and look forward to more of these adventures to come. With Nui Nui growing up and older, there's just so much more excitement and of the world to explore and experience together :> xo

First Soccer Class!

As a working mom, it's hard, sometimes (or maybe a lot of the time), to find time to fit in extra curricular activities into both of our schedules. But now that it is summer, in transition of schools and Nui Nui a little older, I finally have the opportunity to spend more time with her and introduce her to new activities she hasn't yet had a chance to experience. I am so thankful for this chance to spend time together and expose her to these new, enriching things.

It was so fun to watch Nui Nui in her first soccer class. I was very impressed with her ability to dribble the ball, despite my never having played with her, and surprised she loves it even more than ballet, which I thought she was really enjoying. From what she says, I apparently talk to Nui Nui about getting 'exercise' and 'fresh air', and the joys of being outside more than I realized.

As these summer classes end, I will have to think harder and put more effort in trying to sign her up for more extra-curricular activities like these. Her excitement about these new activities is something I feel I should seize and foster, as time and money allow, as they can be vital for her development.

Such fun memories. My baby is growing up so fast :> xo



In case you missed the video of her first soccer class, check it out here on this blog! xo

The Most Equipped (And Cutest!) Little Fish :>

Mom's Summertime Breakfast!

This is one of Mom's go-to summer breakfasts. She likes this because it's cool and refreshing, and she easily gets her dose of calcium (she's been drinking a lot more milk lately because she dislikes the size of calcium pills; cutting them doesn't work either because it scratches her throat).

The recipe:

• 1 crudely mashed ripe banana (this is how Mom gets rid of 'rotten' bananas— she call bananas without any green: rotten) (about 1/2-1 whole)
• Add a little bit of almonds and dried cranberries (about 2 tablespoons each)
• Add some plain Cherrios and then some Great Grains (the Crunchy Pecan 'flavor') (about 1/2 cup each)
• Pour some calcium-added non-fat milk over (about 1 cup)

And voila! There you have it: Mom's Summertime Breakfast

What do you like to eat for breakfast in the summer? Share in the Comments below, we'd love to hear! :> xoxo

Shadowy Ladies :>

Something I really love about our new place is that the weather finally matches what we expected it to be when we moved cross-country. After our sushi/japanese dinner, I was stuffed! Bastard sushi... so we went for a walk. Nui Nui and I together walked over to Trader Joes as Mom went to another store in the center. Nui Nui and I eventually walked back home by ourselves. It was amazing. Crazy how much things change. From NYC to suburbia, walking that gets you from place to place feels like a luxury.

We had fun, as you can see in our shadows :> Summer— love.

What do you love about summer? Share in the Comments below, we'd love to hear! :> xoxo

Taste Of Summer: Garlic-Rubbed Grilled Chicken + Grilled Zucchini + Toasted Oozing Cheese Bread!

For me, this is summer: Garlic-rubbed grilled chicken (must be garlic-rubbed, there's nothing better!), grilled zucchini, and toasted melty cheese bread.

What's your favorite food of summer? Share in the Comments below, we'd love to hear! :> xoxo

Our Current Summertime After-Dinner Rumble