Retail Therapy - American Girl Style

This picture is the reason why my girls are in Heaven!

Spring break was this past week. We didn't have anything planned since David was super busy at work. So I decided to take the girls on a little shopping extravaganza at the American Girl store down in Los Angeles.

Before the stampede, I had 2 rules:

1. They could not pick out the same doll.

2. Kalista got to choose first. (Sophia has one doll already, so I thought this was fair)

It took awhile, but Kalista finally made her decision:

Isabelle Palmer - Ballerina (2014 Girl of the Year)

Then Sophia had her turn:

Caroline Abbott (Girl from the 1800's war era)

Then it was time for doll accessory shopping:

And yes, I was a softie that day.

Kalista, my darling, who always suffers from 2nd child syndrome . . .

 You really deserved that bed.

If I had a doll, I would style her up in this cute tennis outfit:

Every Girl of the Year is retired at the end of the year. 

This means she is no longer for sale.

Sophia and McKenna (2012)

The girls and their loot:

After 2+ hours, we dropped off the load to our car (I looked like a pack mule!) 

and enjoyed the rest of  The Grove.

Lunch at Maggiano's

 Some trolley time:

And no trip to The Grove could ever be complete without a visit to

SPRINKLES!

Then it was homeward bound before the nasty 5 o'clock traffic.

Sophia fell asleep like this:

Yes it's the label off her water bottle.

And here is the gang:

A little checkers and nachos in bed = My kind of girls:

And dinner for mommy:

I'd say this trip was a win-win for everyone!

Stuffed Portabellos - Florentine Style

Thank you to Oh My Veggies for this vegetarian twist on 

Chicken Florentine.

Although my love for kale still runs deep, I decided to substitute with swiss chard. And I also left off the panko crust because . . . well I didn't real have a reason. :) 

This is a definite meal in itself. But when you have a Darling Hubby like mine, serving this with something on the lighter side is a great option too. Either way, you will be delighted!

Quinoa Super Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Okay, so after my last post this screams healthy!

This quinoa salad from Iowa Girl Eats:

was AMAZING!

Especially with the grilled shrimp:

You can click here and get the recipe, which is just for the salad and lemon vinaigrette. I marinated the shrimp in the vinaigrette (I made extra) and then grilled them off. So easy, yummy, and healthy! And so perfect for a meal train delivery or picnic. 

Thursday Things - Just Confess Will You?

A little SnapChat with a friend inspired me to write this post. Come on. Don't you want to admit it? Like OUT LOUD, for all the world to know? Who cares what people will think! 

Don't you want to feel normal when you tell someone your airport ritual is to eat a sausage biscuit and hash browns from McDonald's? I came out of the closet on this one during my trip to Miraval. You know you have good friends when they don't turn their noses up and point out the nearest Mickey D's as soon as the plane lands. Wanna admit you LOVE Doritos? Tostitos Nacho Cheese Dip? Oh and that tater tots are the BOMB?! Or that an 'ol fashion donut is Heaven? And that you can't live without corn nuts? Just come clean!

I don't see anything wrong with this picture:

I have no shame in admitting I buy these kinds of food. Society dictates a lot and it seems like everyone is trying to follow suit: Eat organic and natural only, avoid processed foods, cut down on carbs, buy only BPA free (or is it back to plastic now?), and the list goes on. I can't keep up. Truthfully, I don't care to keep up. And really, to each his/her own. I will like you no matter which way you swing. :)

I can't stand water. Really, I hate it. So bland. I know it's good for you, but I just can't.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Preach.

I don't drink sodas everyday, but I am well stocked for when I do want one!

And I don't care what anyone says, this is the best for

grilled cheese sandwiches. American cheese

is a slice of childhood. And it melts better than cheddar.

gasp! 

It's not organic. Sorry.

And let's not forget the freezer section:

So there you have it. Don't get me wrong, I do cook and bake from scratch. But sometimes I don't. My kids know the best of both worlds. I love all kinds of food. From homemade to plain 'ol junk food - I LOVE IT ALL! And I think it's totally fine. I truly feel if you live with understanding moderation, you will be just fine.

Life is too short. Just eat the darn thing.

Thursday Things

Those who know me well, know I have an addiction to exercise of some type. I am not hard core at any one thing, but I do enjoy keeping active. It is my medicine for stability. And wouldn't you know it, lucky me, there are A LOT of cute workout clothes!

I love to work out in shorts. No matter the sport. No matter the weather.
No really. I've run in the windy city of Chicago in mid-winter wearing shorts.

My faves are these Shake & Break Shorts

and these Speed Shorts

And this is the real reason why I picked up tennis in my 40's:

Yes, it's a skirt. But there are built in shorts.
And here I swore I would never wear a "ruffle butt" anything.

And in my crazy state of mind I decided to take up yoga. You know, because I

have sooooo much extra time in my day. I just want to be able to touch my toes.
Without pulling something. Ha!
Although I have yet to do yoga in anything but shorts,
doesn't hurt to have more cute clothes.

And I absolutely hate working out in tanks.
But thanks to my fellow exercise friends, Marcy & Jeannie,
I am thinking about trying this No Limits Tank:

And can I tell you how much I LOVE my new running partner.
This is the Garmin 10 Forerunner:

By far the easiest watch to use. Thank you Darling Hubby!

And last but not least, what keeps me on my feet. Like literally.
My favorite shoe for all sports. Asics.