1994

This song, one of my favorites from high school, randomly decided to start playing on repeat in my head today. Before G. Love wears out his welcome, I thought I'd share it for your listening pleasure....

Case of the Mondays

It's Monday. Good grief.

Over my self-indulgent three day weekend, I catered a birthday party, a bachelorette party, and my own party o' one {but that consisted only of coffee and cinnamon bears}. It was a lot of work, but I am happiest getting my creative on.

My bestie, H, enjoyed her bachelorette party on Saturday, starting off at the spa and ending up.... Actually, I'm not sure how it ended up. I assumed custody of my babies that afternoon and have yet to hear how it ended. Hrmpf. I only know, H is alive enough to send me comments on Facebook. Yay!

The kids, VIP, and I saw Toy Story 3 at the drive-in Saturday night. This is totally my new movie plan. At Harkins, $15 isn't going anywhere with three kids and two adults. At the drive-in, it gets you in and they let your Target popcorn in with you. Whoopah!

I'm not sure if it was the demand to wear their pj's in public that started our evening off well or the fact that I not only allowed them to consume McDonald's, but I let them eat it IN THE CAR. Either way, they were impressed and we were all happily occupied for 103 minutes to watch Buzz and Woody reunite on the big screen. If you haven't seen TS3 yet, dude, what's your problem!? I cried the "pass the tissues, do not make fun of me, Mom is okay" cry. Oh my heart!

As far as the catering goes, in 48 hours, my kitchen produced:
- cosmo cupcakes
- sno-ball cupcakes
- fig, marscapone, and basil wrapped prosciutto
- roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, and pesto "sandwich sliders"
- apple, brie, and fig spread "sandwich sliders"


Sunday was spent running errands, returning phone calls, and sending out emails for GrApple D. Sure, it was hot and busy, but in the end we had sushi. We ALL had sushi. Actually, we had more of a sushi experience than we had sushi. The kids, not sashimi fans yet and us, not fans of the restaurant {although, I kind of half expected that when we walked into "Sushi and Cocktails". Yes, that place, over there by Pita Jungle and Coffee Rush in Chandler}. In the first 5 minutes, based on all the surprised eyes we received from staff, I gathered that a child {let alone three} had never stepped foot in their establishment. It was like dangling sparkly things in front of.... well, ME! Shock and awe, indeed.

And now? "Monday, Monday, {bah dah, bah dah, dah, dah} so good to me...." My kids went to daycare this morning and *this* keeps Mom sane. Cheers to sanity and a fantastic week!

TGIF

Friday, this week, came a little early for me and not a moment too soon. With a much ado happening over the next three days, I could use a day away from my "real" job.

Tonight, Green Apple Design heads into the kitchen to prep and prepare for a highly anticipated bachelorette party to be held this weekend. Cosmopolitan cupcakes and some surprise snacks for the star of the show {who reads this blog, so you all will have to wait until snacking has commenced before I will reveal} will be made over the next 72 hours. I can't wait!

Friday and Saturday are days of errands to run, places to go, people to see, and things to eat. Hopefully, I'll get some downtime on Sunday, but with three kids running a'muck, I highly doubt I'll see downtime until July 9th.

In other news, Green Apple Design welcomed Cookie J.'s CAKEPOPS! and Krista Campbell Photography to the family. More preferred vendors, venues, and things to check out are coming soon! Thank you to everyone who became fans of Green Apple Design on Facebook and on Twitter this week! Please make sure to share it with your friends and retweet me!

I wish you all a relaxing weekend because heaven knows, I won't be seeing one for a while. Cheers!

Mid-Week Update

Over the weekend, I sent my Super Mom cape to the dry cleaner's (it had blackberry jam hand prints on it) and I didn't get it back until this morning. So, for the past few days I've been posing as ' Regular Mom' and, well, it hasn't been going well. Regular Mom forgot to post Monday's usual! She apologizes.


This past Saturday, I made a new connections for Green Apple Design; florist, caterer, musician, and photographers. I'm so excited! At this rate, I'll be able to post a preferred vendor list in the next few weeks. I also managed to design business cards and have taken several cupcake/cake orders to fulfill over the next 17 months and have been hired to plan several birthday parties in the East Valley. It's all a work in progress, but I suspect that I'll have a beautiful online portfolio available for your viewing pleasure very soon (website in progress).

After a long weekend of eating and eating and eating and eating... I'm full. Since when did Father's Day become The Glutton Bowl 2010 Summer Games? Steak, salmon, chicken, mashed potatoes, crazy open faced sandwiches, salads, cake, pizza, wings, froyo, sushi, burritos, the kitchen sink..... I hope all the daddies I am so blessed to know, thoroughly enjoyed their day.

It's been nothing but working off those calories since I woke up on Monday morning. Last night, after dinner with my parents and children, I had a date with my 6-year old son who only wanted to go to the bookstore and get a Gatorade. He is certainly my child.

There's something magical about watching your child get excited about books. R picked out several Reader Level 1 books, but he also chose a Goosebumps book and the first book in The Boxcar Children series. We can't wait to read one chapter every night before bed with his sisters. I also picked up a few movies, my two favorites being The Happiest Millionaire (who doesn't love John Davidson?!) and my most favorite version of Alice in Wonderland.

To my most favorite person in the whole wide universe, J. McVIP (we're fancy today): While sometimes, I'd like to have my personality back, I'm happy to share it with you. Wishing you the happiest of all the birthdays shared today across the globe.
I lurve you <3>

Cheers to Wednesday!

Happy Father's Day

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising kids."

TGIF

It's been a roller coaster week, one that I'm happy to see end.

In great news, Green Apple Design launched this week! Always thinking outside the box, I've dubbed myself "Special Event Stylist" as opposed to the norm "Event Planner". Listed as GreenAppleDzine on Twitter, {follow me!} GAD specializes in custom details for weddings, parties, and events. Everything will be tailored to represent the star couple or theme from invitations to tablescapes and flowers to catering. Aside from behind the scenes productions, I am currently making relationships with photographers, florists, caterers, musicians, and venues in the East Valley.


I'm also pleased to announce that Green Apple Design has been selected to style their first wedding! I've been working closely with the bride-to-be and everything is falling into place nicely. Of course, we're still 17 months away, but I'm a stickler for staying on target. I was so born for this. I only moonlight as a Special Event Stylist, my real job requires more chutzpah than you would think. Just sayin'.

On Wednesday morning, I woke up to find my sweet friend, Dreamy McFinn, II had passed after weeks of being uncomfortable. Dreamy was a year old when I adopted him and he had spent the last four years keeping us company. That damn fish was the first thing I purchased when my husband left and I suddenly found myself alone half of the week. At the time, my train wrecked self thought a fish was a good companion and he certainly proved to be a good listener. The kids and I held a short and sweet impromptu funeral in the guest bathroom and surrounded by friends and family, we said our last goodbyes. Dreamy was sent off with well wishes for a happy journey, a salute, and a flush. Sail on, little dude, sail on....

Dreamy McFinn, II
August 22, 2005 - June 16, 2010

I had a hard time looking at his empty bowl, so that evening, I went to Petco and brought home a new Beta. After caring for a geriatric Dreamy for so long, I forgot how brightly colored and lively Beta's can be. I love my new fish! He's so friendly too; swims to the side of the bowl and hangs out while you talk to him. Named after the first fishing boat to come equipped with an engine, meet Stanley...


Last night, the Lakers won the finals on free throws and fouls. Bryant thinks he's Master of the Universe and Gasol appears to be homeless. Afterward, LA was flooded with riots and Celtic fans were beaten in the streets. Way to keep it classy, LA! After the way their fans behaved last night, I think the NBA needs to disband the Lakers for the sake of the city. No team, no riots. Bob Marley would agree.

With a busy weekend ahead, I'm hoping to steal a few minutes to myself to read, nap, and breathe. May your weekend be sprinkled with relaxing moments. Cheers!

For all the Daddy's ~

Set an honorable example for your daughters and leave big footprints for your sons to fill, lead by example and thank your baby momma's, without us, you wouldn't have an entire day blessed on the couch with remote controlling and cold beer.

Happy Father's Day!

Sunday Brunch

Ever notice how the Food Network is like porn when you're hungry? Last night, I was starving, so naturally, I tuned into The Next FN Star, watched my boyfriend Duff dance circles around these kids, and surfed the internet for dinner inspiration. I never made it to dinner, but I did stumble across this recipe for a weekend sweet treat. From my table to yours...

Cinnabons
Makes 12

1 package active yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2-1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine, softened
8 tbsp margarine
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt

1. For the rolls, dissolve the yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Add sugar, margarine, salt, eggs, flour and mix well. Knead the dough into a large ball, using your hands, dusted lightly with flour. Put into a large bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

2. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 21 x 16 inches and 1/4 inch thick.

3. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

4. To make the filling, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread the softened margarine over the surface of the dough, then evenly sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon.

5. Working carefully, roll the dough from the long edge. Cut into 1-3/4 inch slices and place in a lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 10 min or until light golden brown.

6. While the rolls are baking, combine the 8 tbsp margarine, powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt. Beat well with an electric mixer until fluffy. When the rolls are done, spread generously with the icing.

This recipe can be found posted on Recipezaar by Lightly Toasted
Photo by Cinnabon, Egypt

My house is going to smell A.MAZ.ING this weekend. I heart breakfast. I heart weekend. I can't wait for Sunday Brunch, can you?

For My Weekend Taste Testers

Among a fruit and veggie tray, chips, and s'more, the following is our weekend cabin camping menu, linked to recipes for your convenience. Happy tasting!

Saturday morning: Market Crab Benedict served with homestyle potatoes and fruit.
For the Potatoes: Dice several baby red potatoes, coat with extra virgin olive oil and season to taste. Bake at 450 until golden and cooked through, approximately 30 min OR bake whole potatoes in the microwave, then dice and season and pan fry in extra virgin olive oil until done, approximately 15 min.

Saturday dinner: Burgers, homestyle steak fries, and watermelon salad.
For the Fries: Slice several russet potatoes, toss with extra virgin olive oil and steak seasoning to taste. Bake at 450 until golden and cooked through, approximately 30 min.

Sunday morning: Blueberry french toast casserole served with eggs and bacon.

Snacking: Granola bars and strawberry shortcake.

Case of the Mondays

I could swear I was just sitting here yesterday blogging about our weekend plans. It went so fast, did it even happen?

For me, all good, exciting weekend trips start with good conversation and an early morning bedtime. Friday, VIP and I finally went to sleep as the sun came up at 5am, beating my former record by 23 minutes. The last time, I chatted it up with Pinky from Fresno and made it to 4:37. This followed by a Saturday morning breakfast fit for royalty....

Market Crab Benedict

After making it very clear that all fish caught were to be returned to the lake for a second chance, the four of us headed out to Little Bear on Saturday where I caught 17 invisible fish. That's how many times I had to re-bait my hook. I think they stocked the lake with professional hook dodging trout. While it was FREEZING cold, we still had a good time and, yay for me, no fish were harmed in the making of our afternoon fun.

Can you see my 46 pound invisible fish?

Of course there were games!

We headed home after breakfast on Sunday and after 12 days, I finally hugged my babies. They seem to have returned taller, smarter, tanner, and two hours ahead of time. Thanks for the 4:52am shake and wake, A!

It was a good weekend with good friends, good food, and good fun. I can't wait to do it again! Until then, enjoy the week ~ Cheers!

TGIF

Dear Friday,

I'm so glad you've arrived. I've had a rough week and I missed you so. Thank you for allowing your friends, Saturday and Sunday, tag along right behind you. It will be so nice to catch up with you all.

xxoo,
Missi

As if Friday wasn't enough excitement for me {it was a rough week}, tonight I head up to the mountains for a weekend with VIP and good friends in a cabin. I don't know about anyone else, but I intend to enjoy my favorite activities: cooking, reading, and fishing.

I'm so glad this is cabin camping and not tent camping. Not because June weather sucks in Arizona; which it normally does, except this weekend, of course, but because whether you've known me for 30 years or 30 days, I'm pretty sure you can guess that I'm not the rugged outdoor type. Unfortunately for all of us, I cannot build a shopping mall using only a pocket knife and a toothpick.

I think it all started at the St. Andrew's camping excursion where I fell into a cactus. My first 10 years of family camping trips, prior to shaking hands with Mr. Saguaro, had been without incident and were therefore, fantastic. I enjoy being outside {preferably by a pool with an umbrella drink and a cabana boy, but surrounded by trees and critters is okay too}, I like eating food cooked by campfire, and I like hiking, but there are certain amenities that I pine for when we're separated for an extended amount of time. Amenities like sinks and showers and toilets.... and coffee makers.

To the lucky guy for whom I am so retarded for that it makes me say things I wouldn't normally say, out loud, in public form.... I would *tent camp with you. I'm a firm believer in tolerating things for those you love, but I also believe that on day four an army of bugs will set up their own kind of camp in my underpants and I'm SO NOT okay with that. So, because this is cabin camping, I'm excited for the weekend adventures ahead. Not to mention, I'm excited to discover a new kitchen.

As we all know, Missi only does fancy food and you can bet that the weekend menu is going to turn this cabin into a petite maison dans les bois. Market Crab Benedict, burgers, watermelon salad, blueberry french toast casserole, mile high cold cut sandwiches, homemade granola bars, s'mores..... the list continues. Mmm mmm mmmm.

Today is prep day and tomorrow kicks off the 2010 Glutton Bowl Summer Olympics! May your weekend be filling. Cheers!

*Three day maximum. Do not expect me to wipe my ass with tree bark or eat anything that implies Joe Rogan is our head chef.

Sunday Brunch

As the temperature rises here in Phoenix, I find that the stove and oven are getting used less and the meals are getting lighter and lighter. Here's a fabulous breakfast recipe that isn't just heart smart, but it doesn't require heat and it won't pop your buttons! From my kitchen to yours...

Summer Berry Breakfast Parfait
Serves 2


1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 1/2 cups blueberries
12oz Greek vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp wheat germ
1 banana, sliced
2/3 cup granola

Layer strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, wheat germ, banana, and granola until all ingredients are used completely.

This recipe is courtesy of Missi

I also love the yogurt-granola-banana flavors combined with fresh peaches and raspberries or nectarine and blueberries. You could also add blackberries, kiwi, mandarin, honeydew, or grapes to the mix. With so many summer fruits in season, the possibilities are endless. No granola? Substitute with cereals like Grape Nuts or Honey Bunches of Oats. I can't wait for Sunday brunch, can you?

Case of the Mondays

A serious case of the Mondays set in this morning just as the alarm went off and I did not want to get up.

The weekend was unusually quiet. I helped J paint her guest bedroom on Friday night and woke up Saturday to team up with the ladies to plan yet another bachelorette party, set for later this month, and that afternoon, VIP and I took Vegas to the vet. Our sweet kitty kitty is now on pain killers and antibiotics, doing her best Courtney Love impression. When she's not drugged and sleeping it off, she's back to walking on all four legs! Yay, I don't have to rename her Eileen! I also spoke with my babies on Saturday, they had arrived safely in Virginia and were happy to hear that Vegas was on her way to recovery.

Yesterday was a good day of "do whatever". VIP and I went to see Alice in Wonderland at the $ theater. My only review: "Meh." Later, I did some people watching at Sky Harbor while waiting for a friend and then we all ate dinner at my parents house. It was a good day. I also heard that the Celtics won...

For the week, nothing but excitement. Tomorrow, I have a dinner date with H for the gLee finale, a pedi on Wednesday, bachelorette party favors on Thursday with M, and there's been talk of heading north for the weekend. Woo hoo!

To a beautiful {and hot} week of summer... cheers!

TGIF

Short weeks RULE. First and foremost, I'd like to point out that IT'S FRIDAY!!

I am now the proud mama of a brand new 6 YEAR OLD! R turned 6 yesterday and after a birthday conversation {at 5:21pm; calling at 5:21am just seemed cruel ~ and I wasn't awake yesterday like I was 6 years ago}, I was informed that he's happy to be 6 because he was tired of being 5. Party on, Baby Dude, party on!

R, at birth looks under cooked.

6 years and one pool party later...

R finally looked medium-well.

My kids leave tomorrow for Okracoke Island, NC. Not sure why this destination was chosen, but I hope they have a fantastic time. I will see them again on the 13th and the days are, so far, going by slowly....

For the weekend, I have a day of being everywhere on Saturday; dentist, Starbucks meeting, vet's office. Eventually, I'll see VIP and maybe we'll catch a movie or cheer on the Celtics on Sunday as they take on the LA Lakers in the final series of the NBA.

Speaking of losers, I almost ran over a Lakers fan yesterday in a Target parking lot. Dude had balls to not only have his SUV decked out with LA paraphernalia {license plate holder, flags sticking out of every window, antenna ball, etc}, but his back window read "GO Lakers!" in purple shoe polish and he was wearing a Bryant jersey. Unless my eyes deceive me, I also believe the shoelaces cinching up his K*Swiss sneakers were also logo'd. I quickly decided I didn't want to meet Joe Arpaio in this kind of unfortunate circumstance, nor do I want to be some butch chick's b*tch in jail, so instead of running him over, I just screamed at him {with my windows up cause I'm a chicken} "GO HOME ____TARD McBRYANT FA*... er FAN!" Apparently, I get a little defensive of my Suns sometimes. Is it warm in here?

To the weekend: May the skies be clear, the airplanes fly safe, and everyone have a fabulous two days. GO CELTICS! Cheers!

June 3, 2004 @ 5:21 am

To My Tiny Little Super Guy,
The instant they said "he has red hair!" I knew you were trouble. It wasn't long after I started collecting blackmail for future girlfriends. I love you so much, always without condition.
Happy 6th Birthday!
xxoo, Mom

Sunday Brunch

Over the past few weeks, I've developed a love for two things: ice and lemons. I've only ever purchased pre-made ice for parties or road trip coolers. Strange, right? Considering that I live in the desert, but room temperature water is actually better for you and having soda in my house is a rare treat, so why would I need ice? Technically, I don't, but suddenly I can't bear the thought of living without tiny blocks of frozen water. It's like having a little party in my freezer everyday. Don't take shut down the party!

My other favorite thing right now is a fresh bushel of lemons. Okay, so I'm not buying them by the bushelful ~ does anyone even know how many pounds is in a bushel? Or if bushelful is even a real word? ~ but I am buying them by the half dozens and using them within the week. I've never been huge on eating citrus solo, but some of my favorite things include citrus flavors. I just never thought to just have lemons on hand for dropping into ice water or tea or adding zing to my kids' fish sticks.

Two weeks ago, I made lemon cupcakes with a raspberry filling and a lemon buttercream. OH SO AMAZING. Since I'm on a lemon kick and I heart pancakes, I thought it would be appropriate that today, from my kitchen to yours....

Lemon Oven Pancake
serves 2

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
4 tbsp butter
Zest 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 425

Melt butter in a 10inch oven ready skillet - when melted remove from heat

Whisk together all the ingredients - wet & dry - pour into buttered pan

Place in oven for 20 min or until puffy and lightly browned

Cut into 4 wedges with a pizza cutter and, optional, sparkle lightly with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and hot!

This recipe is courtesy of Rugby Gardens B&B in Brooklyn, NY

I am so making this for breakfast on Sunday! I also plan on filling it with fresh berries, sparkling it with powdered sugar, and drizzling it with a little lemon curd. Mmm mmm mmm. I can't wait for breakfast, can you?

It's Tuesday!

I love it when the work week starts on Tuesday!

Over the weekend, VIP and I enjoyed fabulous company at The Skybox on Friday, we tuckered out my debit card and then baked a Partysaurus cake for R on Saturday, and woke up on Sunday to host The Birthday Dude's pool party.

R got a new bike for his birthday and E expressed wanting a new bike as well. I told her that if she learned how to ride without training wheels, we could make that happen. The whole conversation was in passing {I honestly didn't think she heard me}, but she must have filed it away because the next morning ~ BAM!

I've had four people, including myself, try to teach E how to ride her bike without training wheels, which has been a work in progress for almost a year now. Suddenly 12 hours after putting incentive out there for Little Miss Determined to eat up, she hopped on her bike, exclaimed, "I'm gonna ride my bike now" and off she went! Just like that. You tell that kid anything and if she wants it bad enough, she'll make it happen before you can blink. We had a deal, so I told her we'd pick out a new bike together on June 27th, which happens to be the next Sunday I have to spend with my kids.







R on his new bike, The Crackin' by Tony Hawk & E demonstrating her new two wheeler skills.

Partysaurus Cake

Tomorrow my kids head to Dad's and I won't see them again until June 13th. What am I supposed to do with myself? Bake more cakes?