Our Daughter Was Bit By A Dog

Yesterday was one of the most terrifying days of my life. My daughter was bit by a dog. And not any dog, our family dog.

While we know it was not intentional and just a snap it was enough to do a lot of damage to her face.

Yesterday afternoon as I was getting my son after he woke up from his nap my daughter played blocks on the rug in our living room with my dog sleeping nearby.

As we started to walk out of the bedrooms and down the hallway to the living room we heard a bark and a scream from my daughter.

I nearly pushed my son out of the way to run to where my daughter sat. With blood on her face. I had no idea how bad it was or what exactly happened but would later find out that she touched his paws (something he’s always nervous about) and he snapped at her.

That’s all it took to cause this much damage…

Warning: the following photos are graphic!

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Rainbow Cupcakes – Perfect for St. Pattys Day!

Rainbow Cupcakes

St. Patrick’s Day is getting closer and these rainbow cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate! Not only are they super easy to make, they’re lots of fun too. And the rainbow is quite a favorite amongst the kiddies.

Now these cupcakes can either be from scratch, like mine, or made from a box of white cake mix prepared just as the box tells you to. I used Dorie Greenspan’s Perfect Party Cake recipe. If you don’t have Baking From My Home To Yours then I highly suggest purchasing it. It’s amazing!

You can see how gorgeous this recipe is in cake form on my friend Ezra Pound Cake’s blog. I also made it for my son and daughter’s first birthdays.

Here’s how to make Rainbow Cupcakes:

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English Muffin Pizzas – Simple Toddler Meals

English Muffin Pizzas

Lunch time always proves to be a challenge when it comes to figuring out what to make. The kids either don’t want what your making, you’ve already served it 3 days out of the past 5, or it just doesn’t sound appealing.

So I created a cheat sheet of sorts. For lunches. You know, to take the guessing game out of the picture AND always have ingredients on hand for meals my kids will actually eat.

You can find all of my quick, easy toddler lunches here  but I thought I’d share an all-time favorite in our home, English Muffin Pizzas! And the best part is these take less than 10 minutes to make from start to finish (unless the kids are helping…).

Remember, the toppings listed below are just suggestions. There are countless other combos that would make this pizza just as tasty. These would probably make some tasty appetizers too if you’re looking for a quick fix.

This post contains affiliate links. 

English Muffin Pizzas

Preheat your toaster oven to 425 (or use your large oven if making many). Line a toaster oven safe tray or cookie sheet (for oven use) with foil.

Grab an english muffin and cut it in half. Add all of the ingredients into small, separate bowls in an assembly line. Move a stool over and let your child hop up to counter height, or assemble on the kitchen table.

Have your child spread about a spoonful of sauce onto each muffin half. Then have them take a small amount of each topping and add it to the sauce. Let them top each pizza with a pinch of cheese (careful not to over do it).

Before placing the pizzas in the oven, let your child sprinkle the top of each pizza with a little bit of Italian seasoning. Put pizzas on prepped tray and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for a minute or so then serve and enjoy!

Kids Reptile Birthday Party (San Diego)

Reptile Birthday Party Dessert Table

On Friday my baby, my first born, will be 4 years old. And I cannot believe how fast time has flown by!

My boy is kind, curious, funny, and constantly moving. He is smart as a whip and picks up on everything and loves his little sister dearly.

For his 4th birthday party my son insisted on having dinosaurs. But since his 3rd birthday party was a dino party we tried to think of variations that would fit his interest. And he decided on reptiles.

Since he’s obsessed with reptiles, bugs, and really anything creepy crawly (he’s the kid digging in your garden for earth worms and other critters) it was perfect!

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Seductive Tables for Two on a Budget

Seductive Tables for Two on a Budget #SeductiveTables

Setting time aside for date night is something my husband and I do at least once a month. Getting a chance to rekindle and reconnect with one another not only strengthens our bond as husband and wife, but also makes us better parents for our kids.

But date night can get a bit expensive so some months we hang out at home and make the best of what we already have. And after reading Seductive Tables for Two by Moll Anderson I now feel confident enough to take the romance from the restaurant and re-create it at home.

With a few simple ideas I’ve been able to create a gorgeous tablescape that creates the perfect place to rekindle at home as we enjoy a delicious meal.

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Chocolate Ricotta Stuffed Strawberries

Chocolate Ricotta Stuffed Strawberries

Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is just a few days away. For those of you who, like me, are watching their girlish figures this dessert recipe is for you! These chocolate ricotta stuffed strawberries are not only delicious, they’re filling too! They’ll satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.

The strawberries at my local Costco looked absolutely amazing this week. So I knew I was either going to dip a few in chocolate or come up with something creative. This was the creative option. And it took all of 10 minutes to prep and make.

Make a few for you and your significant other or a whole platter for a party! Everyone will be glad you did.

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Free PBS Kids Apps for Preschoolers and School-agers

Free PBS Kids Apps

Was one of your resolutions for 2013 to get your mobile app library in order? Or better yet, to focus on finding better quality apps? In a recent survey of parents of kids 2-10, parents reported that the number one factor for selecting an app was the educational quality.

To help parents and kids start the 2013 year off right, PBS KIDS has compiled a list of some of the best FREE and educational apps available to kids. Not only are they learning tools, but they are also fun, engaging and feature some of their favorite PBS KIDS characters. Here’s a look at what should be in everyone’s 2013 App Library….

Free PBS Kids Apps for Preschoolers and School-agers

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Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Diego 2013

Valentine's Day Ideas in San Diego 2013

Looking to do something special with your significant other but just don’t know what?

Well you’re in luck! Living in America’s Finest City has it’s perks. Great food, entertainment, and weather! The perfect combo for an awesome Valentine’s Day. Below are a few great Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Diego.

Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Diego

valentine's day ideas in san diego

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Spinach Chicken Feta Meatballs with Classico Tomatoes in Pitas with Tzatziki Sauce

Spinach Chicken Feta Meatballs with Classico Tomatoes

This past weekend as we celebrated the big game with friends and family I included these spinach chicken feta meatballs with Classico tomatoes in my food spread.

to make them even tastier, I also served a few in mini pitas with homemade tzatziki sauce. Oh.my.yum! Green goodness at its best.

Paired with a classic Greek salad and homeade greek dressing, the party was a success. And no one missed the fatty dips and deep fried appetizers.

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Healthy Dip Alternative: Homemade Tzatziki Dip Recipe

Homemade Tzatziki Dip Recipe

It’s no secret that I absolutely love appetizers! When I host friends and family over I want to feed them. This homemade tzatziki dip recipe is not only delicious, it’s the perfect alternative to higher calorie dips and tastes great on everything.

In planning my food spread for the big game this past weekend, the one thing I wanted to focus on was healthy alternatives that are delicious too.

I used this tzatziki dip drizzled over my mini chicken, feta, tomato meatball pitas for a delicious and savory appetizer as well as a dip for our veggie tray.

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