Danielle – Page 35

Dear N: 3 Months Old

May 5, 2015 by Danielle

Oh my little nugget! You make our lives brighter every single day. From your cooing to the unending smiles and expressions you share with us, I couldn’t imagine not having you in our lives.

You are so fun to be with and love watching your brother and sister play around you. You also love when they give you hugs, kisses, and lots and lots of love (including a bit of petting and smothering). And you take it all in stride even if they go a little overboard in their afffection.

You’ve come to love your hands and I find them in your mouth just about 24/7. You’re also starting to use your hands to bring other things to your mouth like Daddy’s fingers, your toys, and your blanket and clothes. Anything you can chomp on is as good as soaked.

We recently got you two new things to help keep you entertained: the exersaucer doorway jumper to put outside so you can watch as I garden and take care of the chickens or when your sister and brother play outside, and the jumperoo (below) so you can stay happy and play as I make dinner before Daddy gets home or when I try to get a little extra work done when you’re awake.

Being the size of a 6 month old at 3 months really helps with this! You are holding up your head like a champ (tummy time isn’t a problem) and love practicing to sit. We call you our little weeble wobble.

And when we put you down on the ground for some playtime you manage to move your body in big circles on the blanket. You’re definitely learning to move and explore and we can’t wait to see what you explore and learn next.

We love you baby girl!!

Unofficial 3 Month Stats:

16lbs 8oz (with clothes/diaper on)

Filed Under: Baby, Life, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby, baby #3, baby gear, Dear Norah, Milestones

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day 2015

May 4, 2015 by Danielle

This weekend is Mother’s Day weekend and many are looking for fun things to do around town. Including me! So I’ve put together a great list of things to do in San Diego for Mother’s Day. From brunch to dinner and everything in between, to a fun run and a home tour, there’s plenty to do in America’s Finest City this weekend!

I’m excited to spend Saturday afternoon with one of my favorite girls, my 4 year old daughter, at an event that benefits a wonderful cause. Chula’s Mission will be hosting “Once Upon an Apron” on Saturday, May 9th from 12-3pm. This is an event that is perfect for mother daughter bonding! Apron decorating, jewelery making, and more.

I’m not quite sure what’s planned for Sunday but I’m up for anything. And we’ll be attending brunch the following Sunday at Karl Strauss to miss the crowds on Mother’s Day.

Now for a fabulous list of restaurants and events to attend in San Diego on Mother’s Day.

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day

Brunch at Mister A’s
Enjoy brunch at Mister A’s, which is just minutes from Downtown and features beautiful views. Entrees include Buttermilk Fried “Chicken And Waffles” or Eggs Benedict With Fresh Crab Meat Or Pork Belly.
Price: $64.50 per person
Location: 2550 Fifth Avenue Twelfth Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Website

Brunch at Hotel Del Coronado
An elegant brunch with live musical entertainment, a rose for each mom that attends and a children’s buffet. MENU
Price: $115 for adults in the Crown Room, $105 in the Ballroom. Children ages 6-10 are $42, and children 5 and under eat free.
Location: 1500 Orange Ave Coronado, CA 92118
Website

Dining at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
A limited menu will be served from from 1 – 5pm. Moms ordering from this menu will eat for free!
Price: varies, you can view the menu HERE
Location: 565 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA Gaslamp Quarter
Website

SEA180°’s Mother’s Day Champagne Buffet Brunch
Champagne Buffet Brunch with omelets, a pancake station, a prime rib carving station and more. MENU
Price: $59.95 adults, $12.95 kids 6-12 and kids under 6 are free
Location: 800 Seacoast Dr Imperial Beach, CA
Website

Mother’s Day Dining at BiCE
Traditional Italian cuisine located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Featuring entrees like Swordfish Cutlet with Puttanesca Sauce and Homemade Oven Baked Lasagna
Price: $48 per person, Kid’s (10 & under) are $24 each
Location: 425 Island Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Buffet at Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Enjoy views of the Coronado Bay while dining on Maine Lobster Ravioli or Tenderloin of Beef. MENU
Price: $72 for adults and $32 for children ages 6 to 12
Location: 4000 Loews Coronado Bay Rd. Coronado, CA 92118
Website

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Mother’s Day is the last day to experience the beautiful Flower Fields this season.
Price: $12.00 for Adults, $11.00 for Seniors 60+, $6.00 for Children 3-10, Children 2 and under are free
Location: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website

Mother’s Day at Rancho Bernardo Inn
Dine at the beautiful Rancho Bernardo Inn, featuring different menus throughout the day. Three different restaurants and menus: Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant | Avant | Aragon Ballroom
Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, CA 92128
Website

Hornblower Mother’s Day Cruise
Enjoy being on the water in beautiful San Diego. Two different cruises to choose from: Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch with Live Jazz or Mother’s Day Sunset Dinner Cruise. Menus: Brunch Buffet Menu, Buffet Menu or Dinner Menu
Price: Varies, depending on cruise
Location: San Diego Grape St. Pier 1800 N. Harbor Dr
Website

Bonita Golf Course Mother’s Day Brunch
Includes bottomless champagne
Price: Adults $33.95, Seniors $30.95, Kids $12.95
Location: 5540 Sweetwater Road Bonita
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at The Shores
Enjoy an oceanfront buffet with your Mom! Menu includes American Cheeses, Ginger Tangerine Glazed Chicken Salad, Angus Prime Rib of Beef, desserts, and a children’s station. MENU
Price: $49/person, $24.50 children 6-12, $4 per year children 5 and under
Location: 8110 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037
Website

Coronado Historic Home Tour
Tour 6 beautiful homes in Coronado on Mother’s Day
Price: $35 members, $45 non-members
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise
Gourmet buffet, live music and beautiful San Diego views while aboard one of the vessels of the Flagship Cruises and Events fleet. Featuring an omelet station, carving station, taco bar & more
Price: $69.50/Adult, $41.70/Child 4-12 yrs
Location: 990 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Brunch at Top Of The Market
Enjoy beautiful views at one of San Diego’s finest restaurants. Entrees include Steak and Eggs, Free Range Eggs Benedict with Blue Lump Crab Cakes and Smoked Salmon Scramble Omelet.
Price: Prices vary, see MENU
Location: 750 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Mother’s Day Dining at The Grand Del Mar
Brunch at The Clubhouse Grill (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) – $42 per person, includes coffee and tea MENU
Champagne Brunch in the Elizabeth Ballroom (10:00 am – 2:00 pm) – $108 per adult | $30 per child (ages 4 – 12) MENU
Dining at Amaya (Brunch: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm Dinner: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm) – $75 per person | Children’s buffet, $30 (ages 4 – 12)
Afternoon Tea and Bubbly (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm) – $50 per person
Location: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
Website

Mother’s Day Run
Run with Mom! This 5k and 10k benefits the San Diego Rescue Mission
Price: Entry fees vary. Register HERE
Location: 3000 N Mission Bay Dr. San Diego, CA 92109
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch with Shamu
Enjoy brunch inside Sea World, with a french crepe station, omelet station, french toast, bagels and much more!
Price: This special brunch is $55.00 for ages 10+ and $27.00 for ages 3-9 (Park admission is required & not included in this price)
Location: Sea World, San Diego
Website

Mother’s Day Brunch at Fleming’s Steakhouse
Enjoy delicious entrees such as Baked Brioche French Toast, Prime Rib with a Trio of Sauces, Porcini-Crusted Filet Mignon and more!
Price: $39.95 for adults and $18.95 for kids
Location: La Jolla (8970 University Center Lane, San Diego, CA 92122) and San Diego (380 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101)
Website

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

Filed Under: Events, Holidays, Mother's Day, Restaurants, San Diego, Uncategorized Tagged With: Brunch in San Diego, Chula's Mission, Mother's Day, San DIego, San Diego Events

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 3, 2015 by Danielle

I am part of the Microsoft Blogger Program and receive incentives from Microsoft to blog about its products.

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration to come up with a fabulous gift to give mom. I don’t know what it is about this holiday but it’s always the hardest to shop for!

Luckily over the years I’ve come to realize that moms like simple. And they like when you’re listening to them.

So when choosing what to get mom for Mother’s Day remember to open your ears to small hints you hear mom mentioning and get her something she’s been asking for. Even if she doesn’t directly say it!

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Electronics

Has mom been trying to get back in shape? Or is she still typing on a computer that looks like it came from the 90s? Consider one of Microsoft’s many products like the Microsoft Band (LOVE!) or SurfacePro3 for Mom this Mother’s Day.

With the Microsoft Band she’ll be able to track her steps, keep track of the time, and keep an eye on her heart rate during workouts. If you’re afraid of giving mom something for “weight loss” don’t worry! This is for keeping mom healthy!

With the ability to run desktop software, a USB port, and an integrated Kickstand, Surface 3 is the perfect productivity device for school, home, and on the go. This means mom can stay connected and keep everyone on track from home or on-the-go. And, for a limited time, it includes Office 365 Personal – a $69.99 value – FREE!

Flowers + Chocolate

My go-to gift for my mom has to be a flower delivery and/or chocolate covered strawberries. There’s just something about getting a treat in the mail that I love so I love sharing that with my mom too (hopefully she’s just as in love).

And I literally just got an email in the mail from my favorite – ProFlowers and Shari’s Berries – that they have a deal right now with flowers, a free vase, and 1/2 a dozen chocolate covered strawberries for as low as $39.97. How perfect is that? Oh, and when you go to RetailMeNot and search for a code, you get an additional 20% off making these $31.98 + shipping (I pay the $4.99 extra to have them delivered the day before Mother’s Day).

And yes, this is a non-sponsored plug 🙂

Breakfast in Bed

One of the simplest ways to show Mom you care is by putting together a simple and tasty breakfast in bed. This can be as easy as some yogurt, berries, and granola – great for small kids to help with, a breakfast burrito from the taco shop down the street, or something a little more elaborate like my overnight french toast casserole.

And don’t forget the caffeine! Serve breakfast with a nice cup of coffee or tea in mom’s favorite mug. Better yet, buy mom a new mug with your mug on it! Or a cute saying or greeting.

What are you planning to do for Mom on Mother’s Day?

Filed Under: gift ideas, Holidays, Mother's Day, Technology, Uncategorized Tagged With: gift ideas, gifts for mother's day, Microsoft, Microsoft Band, Microsoft Bloggers, Mother's Day, Mother’s Day gift

10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts

May 1, 2015 by Danielle

With Teacher Apprecation Week coming up next week I wanted to put together the perfect gift for my son’s Kindergarten teacher. But I also wanted something that he could help me make. So we decided to set out to find the perfect teacher gift to give. Want to see what we came up with? Check it out here!

After finding what we wanted to create for her, we figured we’d share what else we found with everyone else!

Here’s a list of great Teacher Appreciation gifts perfect for the teacher in your life!

10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Homemade Bath Salts from DIY Inspired

Cookie Mason Jar from DIY Inspired

DIY Pencil Holder from Mama of 3 Munchkins

Teacher Appreciation Plant and Printable from 30 Minute Crafts

Love Notes for Preschool or Kindergarten Teachers from Simply Kelly Designs

Bloom And Grow Sunflower Bouquet from Simply Kelly Designs

Thank You For A Picture Perfect Year Printable from Simply Kelly Designs

Custom Sharpie Mugs from Pounds for Pennies

Thank You For Helping Us Bloom DIY Class Teacher Gift from The Suburban Mom

DIY Upcycled Cup Sleeve from Organized 31

Will you be doing something special for your teacher?

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, gifts, Uncategorized Tagged With: DIY Gifts, teacher gift ideas, teacher gifts, teachers

Adding Desert Plants to Your Garden

April 29, 2015 by Danielle

Desert plants include a huge variety that include succulents and cacti, but also include plants like yucca and agave, which most gardeners are not as familiar with. All of these desert plants are beautiful, sculptural and cold hardy, making them able to be added to your garden.

You might have noticed that a lot of desert plants have flowers, and while you are not familiar with their care, it is relatively easy to find out more and add a little boldness to the garden.

If you have never thought about adding desert plants to your garden, but are looking for something a little different and unique, try these low maintenance, drought resistant options. The perfect way to stay water wise in So Cal!

Gardens to Consider

Most people think that cactus and other desert plants only belong in the desert or where it is very hot, but the truth is these plants can grow in areas where the temperature rises and drops with the time of day. Some desert plants are hardy from zone 4 to 9, which includes most of the continental US. We mainly see them in the desert because of the face that they are able to survive the harsh conditions, can grow in very poor soil and are drought resistant, so where everything else has died, they survive.

Providing for Desert Plants

While they can survive in harsh conditions and poor soil, cactus actually love growing in rich soil and flourish when they have had some water. The water has to be well drained for their roots to survive, but as long as they are given plenty of space to grow out, watered regularly, planted in organically rich soil where the sun shines, the only thing you need to consider is the specific hardiness zone for each plant type. Some types of desert plants do well in landscape that is similar to where you would find them in their native area, so do not be afraid to add them to hilly areas, slopes or rock gardens.

Desert Plants to Try

Cactus and aloe plants are relatively easy to find at a local nursery, sold as indoor or tabletop plants. Look for plants that are not miniature or dwarf versions to add to your garden for their height or shape, you want something that will gain attention. Agave plants are another option, and great for first timers. They grow very large in size, and they do so very quickly when they are grow in good soil with a steady supply of water. Add these to rock beds or gentle, sloping ground.

Yucca plants are also easier to find in nurseries, and are one of the only yuccas that a lot of northern gardeners are familiar with. These plants resemble yucca when they first begin to grow, but then let out huge flowering spike that is very dramatic and beautiful. Finally, sotols are another desert variety that looks great in any garden. They are like the ornamental grasses of the desert, with their spiky foliage and frilly edges. Use them to add drama to the front of the garden bed.

How are you lessening your water bill in the garden?

Filed Under: For the Home, Gardening, Uncategorized Tagged With: desert plants, eco-friendly, garden, gardening, gardening tips, plants

Going Beyond I Love You This Mother’s Day

April 27, 2015 by Danielle

This post is brought to you by CafeMom and Hallmark.

Often I’m reminded of the fact that I don’t have the relationship I thought I’d have with my mother. The image I had in my head of what was to be of our relationship once the whole mothering thing was out of the way. The vision of a good friend who I’d run to with anything and everything, or the person I’d chit chat with about nothing at all over a cup of coffee or glass of wine after a long day. Someone who I could regularly see whenever I needed or wanted to. I guess we never got to build on our relationship after the “I hate you” phase of my teens.

Big spoiler: I never really hated her. Surprise, surprise.

But with her moving shortly after I graduated high school, I grew into adulthood with her being a plane ride away instead of a car ride away. And it was a bit different than me going off to college somewhere else since the home I knew wasn’t the home she was living in. Visiting her didn’t seem like “coming home” because her new house was never my house.

All of this doesn’t negate the fact that I love my mom. And that I love what she’s done to ensure that I’m the woman I am today. Sure, we don’t have the friendship that I see others have with their moms. And of course I can’t just drive over and drop my kids off at her home while I go out and do errands or call her for coffee whenever I please.

But I can still go to her if I need advice. And my kids will always have a grandma who loves them and will do anything for them.

Beyond “I love you” is a bond that will never truly be gone even if there’s distance between us. And as Mother’s Day approaches I’m reminded of what my mom has given me outside of a close relationship. She’s taught me to become a strong, independent woman. Who can grow and blossom as a mother myself because I had such a good role model.

She gave me the opportunity to figure things out for myself and not be dependent on her. To realize what and who I wanted to be without any outside influence. And to achieve the goals I set for myself. Or change them along the way into new goals.

And she’s showed me, perhaps without even knowing it, who I want to be as a mother to my own children.

This Mother’s Day I plan on going beyond I love you. Beyond sending flowers. Beyond a box of chocolate covered strawberries. Okay, maybe I’ll still do all of those things. But in addition to this, I plan to put pen to paper… er… card… and tell my mom how she’s helped me grow, evolve, and succeed in becoming a person I hope she’s proud of. Because I’m sure proud of who I am. And where I came from. And what I have today.

I can only hope that I’m half the mother to my children that she was to me. And that they know how much I love them, and how much I’d do for them, when they’re older. Because it’s more than I love you.

How will you go beyond I Love You this Mother’s Day?

Filed Under: Life, Parenting, Uncategorized

Recycle Reduce Reuse with K-Cup Seed Starters

April 23, 2015 by Danielle

We’ve come up with a clever solution to a problem we had: K-Cup seed starters! Take those used k-cups and turn them into something useful.

Over the years we’ve become more and more conscious of our environment and the impact we have on it. We cloth diaper, grow our own veggies, compost, and make an overall effort to reduce waste and excess.

Since we’ve upgraded from our Keurig Vue to the Keurig 2.0, the one thing I hate is that I can’t recycle the k-cups I use every day. And since I’m a big coffee drinker, I don’t have any way to reuse the k-cups. Until now! I’ve started getting creative with my k-cups and have come up with a list to reuse them in a useful way.

First up is in the garden. Now our garden has always been my pride and joy. I consider it a work of art that is ever changing. And since we just started up our new garden at the new house, I needed an excuse to show it off.

How pretty are those little starter plants? Well, they started in our k-cups from seed! Truly a green work of art.

That’s right. K-cups are the perfect way to start seeds for the garden. Not only are they plentiful around here, but they have a built in drainage hole that doesn’t need to be added. How cool is that?

Here’s how you use them!

K-Cup Seed Starters

What you’ll need:

k-cup
seeds
trowel
soil (any good vegetable planting soil)
water

What you do:

1. Remove the foil from the top of the k-cup.

2. Discard the coffee grounds to be used later in the garden or your compost bin.

3. Remove the filter from the k-cup and discard the plastic filter – you can compost the k-cup paper filter if you’d like.

4. Fill with soil about 3/4 of the way up.

5. Add 2-3 seeds and top with more dirt until filled.

6. Water daily and watch sprout!

Once your seedlings are big enough to transfer just pull out gently and move to a bigger pot or straight in your garden bed!

For a full in-depth tutorial, check out our video:

How do you recycle, reduce, and reuse around your home?

Filed Under: Crafts/DIY, For the Home, Gardening, Outdoor Crafts and Activities, Uncategorized Tagged With: garden, garden crafts, gardening, organic garden, organic gardening, raised garden beds

5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

April 20, 2015 by Danielle

It’s a few weeks away from Cinco De Mayo and we’re planning our fiesta! I can’t resist celebrating a day that’s filled with good food, good friends, and fun drinks.

Now I know that this is one of those holidays that’s been taken over by Americans for the fun and excuse to party. But that doesn’t mean that we should skip it and NOT enjoy a fun party.

So grab a few friends and follow these 5 easy ways to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. You may just realize that you want to find more excuses to party!

1. Grab the tequila and make a skinny margarita!

2. Turn up the grill and make some tequila lime pork tacos, these easy tex mex cheese enchiladas and some beef and black bean enchiladas.

3. Mix some dips! This creamy tomatillo avocado sauce isn’t only good on my tequila lime pork tacos but it’s super tasty with chips too. And this simple 4 ingredient roasted corn and black beans dip is the perfect accompanyment.

Churro Cupcakes from My PB&J

4. Prepare some tasty desserts like these churro style tortillas or churro cupcakes. OMG – I can’ believe how delicious these both are!

DIY Festive Garland from Oh Happy Day!

5. Grab that margarita and delicious food, hang up some festive DIY garland, and turn on the mariachi music!

How do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo?

Filed Under: Appetizers & Sides, Desserts, Dinner, Drinks & Refreshments, Holidays, In the Kitchen, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Celebration, Cinco de Mayo, parties, party ideas

Tips for Tire Maintenance: Taking Care Of The Family Car

April 14, 2015 by Danielle

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cooper Tires. All opinions are 100% mine.

One thing we love to make sure we do come spring is make sure our cars are all in great working order. That means oil changes, fluid checks, and tire inspections. With the wear and tear we put on our cars, we need to make sure our family is safe when we’re on the road. And our tires are something we keep up with regularly.

With our spring cleaning routines inside already in place, we’ve started to move outside to our three vehicles. Each has had their regular maintenance check but we noticed that our commuter car needs new tires. Regularly checking a car’s tires each month only takes 5 minutes but can alleviate any concern about the tire. [Read more…]

Filed Under: For the Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: car care, car maintenance, Cooper tire, Tires

Dear N: Two Months Old

April 5, 2015 by Danielle

Oh, Norah. My perfect little angel. How have you already been here for 2 months? These past two months have been a whirlwind and I am so glad that you are finally here to complete our family. From your big, beautiful smile that graces us each and every morning when we wake up, to your coos and babbles when hanging out with your brother and sister, you are one awesome baby.

Not only are you a sweetheart but you’re such a laid back girl. I’m so lucky that you go with the flow and don’t mind hanging out on your own next to me while I work during the day. You love to stretch and move your arms and legs and enjoy watching the comotion around you when everyone is home. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: baby, baby #3, Dear Norah, Firsts

Dear N: 3 Months Old

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day 2015

Things To Do in San Diego for Mothers Day

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Electronics

Flowers + Chocolate

Breakfast in Bed

What are you planning to do for Mom on Mother’s Day?

10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts

10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Will you be doing something special for your teacher?

Adding Desert Plants to Your Garden

Gardens to Consider

Providing for Desert Plants

Desert Plants to Try

How are you lessening your water bill in the garden?

Going Beyond I Love You This Mother’s Day

How will you go beyond I Love You this Mother’s Day?

Recycle Reduce Reuse with K-Cup Seed Starters

K-Cup Seed Starters

How do you recycle, reduce, and reuse around your home?

5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo

How do you celebrate Cinco De Mayo?

Tips for Tire Maintenance: Taking Care Of The Family Car

Dear N: Two Months Old

About Me

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danielle@acraftyspoonful.com

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