Our last trip to Santa Cruz...
More photos and stories coming soon. I promise.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A few videos to share . . .
Sofia's Company Meeting. Sofia has yet to name her company, but is seriously considering "In a Pinch." Her company will be making a custom line of products whose functionality is greatly increased by the addition of a buckle or two.
Sofia is into swings. And by into swings, it's all the girl can think about. Each morning this new year begins like this "Hi Mama (or Papa). Okay go swings." She now adds, "Eat breakfast first, then go swings. Okay." We are quick to remind ourselves that there will come a time when a trip to the local park won't make her whole day just perfect.
Sometimes this is about as hands free as it gets!
A little Happy New Year wish from Sofia to you.
Sofia's Company Meeting. Sofia has yet to name her company, but is seriously considering "In a Pinch." Her company will be making a custom line of products whose functionality is greatly increased by the addition of a buckle or two.
Sofia is into swings. And by into swings, it's all the girl can think about. Each morning this new year begins like this "Hi Mama (or Papa). Okay go swings." She now adds, "Eat breakfast first, then go swings. Okay." We are quick to remind ourselves that there will come a time when a trip to the local park won't make her whole day just perfect.
Sometimes this is about as hands free as it gets!
A little Happy New Year wish from Sofia to you.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Creative Mama
I just found out that one of my favorite author's, Amanda Soule will be a speaker at the 2009 Squam Art Works or SAW conference this summer. Hoping I can find a creative conference like this a bit closer to home. If you're looking for a bit of inspiration now, Amanda's book the creative family is a must have for any creative family. She provides simple and practical creative exercises that everyone in your family can have fun doing.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday evening flat bread
We’ve been trying to power through the remaining handmade frozen pizza dough that we have on hand. Last night Pat made a few varieties our favorite combination being:
Handmade artisan pizza topped with arugula lightly marinated in McEvoy Olive Oil & O California Balsamic Vinegar, Zanotto’s handmade Chicken Apple Sausages & freshly shaven Parmesan.
Yummy!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Keep Calm & Carry On
My friend Victoria, of sfgirlbybay prints these amazing posters. They are hand silk-screened vintage WWII posters. I think they are a must have for anyone, such as myself, who needs an occasional gentle reminder to in fact remain calm. On a side note, apparently I've managed to put the "cool" in work because this morning Sofia looked at me after she'd finished her yogurt and said "Oh, Cia go. Cia go work, yeah."
"Oh," I said, "well, just Mama goes to work today and Sofia will stay and play with Anna."
Sofia looked up at me with absolute certainty and held my glance, "No So-cia go work today. Yeah. Okay. Get dressed."
Thankfully once Anna arrived Sofia forgot about her go to "work" mission and was content to play and kiss me goodbye. "Bye, bye Mama! Mama go to work." Sofia said without a hint of desire to follow me.
It's nice to know that in her mind work is this really cool place. I wish I knew what her version of work looked like. Are there slides everywhere and swings of all colors? Does she think work is one giant playground? I'm not sure, but it looks like we've got our inspiration for our next drawing exercise.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Kirra Belle + Sweet Potatoes
For two weeks Kirra has been cutting her teeth, literally, on sweet potatoes. The girl is a natural born foodie. We've been working to perfect her recipe of choice which is 1 ounce frozen (organic) sweet potato, 1 clove, a small shaving of fresh cinnamon & bit of allspice. Mash together in a mortal & pestle until all of the frozen sweet potato is broken up into small frozen chucks and server cold. It's even tasty for adults; try it in place of cantaloupe with prosciutto.
Sew Mama Sew
In an effort to shake those Sunday Blues I've decided to use part of my last day of freedom toward creating something fabulous for our home. Kirra helped me recycle a tablecloth we'd received as a wedding present into a curtain for our kitchen window. A win for everyone - the remaining cloth is now Sofia's tiny kitchen table linen, a great surprise when she woke up from her nap. Kirra was totally entertained by the sound and the movement of the fabric under the sewing machine needle. I got to finish a fun project & Papa was able to chill outside with Stella pruning the yard.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Black Jack
I'm not talking about a game of 21, this is a sure bet. Genuine Scooter Company has just released their latest Buddy model. They refer to the Black Jack as their "90mpg Rocket!" The Black Jack combines a sleek modern meets biker look with a green appeal offering nearly 100 miles to the gallon. As a proud Buddy owner I can't wait to test drive this bad boy. With 25 more cc's than my Italia model this is sure to have amazing pick up.
C.F.O.
Originally short hard for "chill the f out," we're now referring to it as "Crafting For Others." We spent our Friday night finishing off the girls Christmas kitchen. This picture doesn't reflect the nearly 100 screws that are holding it together. Clearly the manufacture was more concerned with creating the smallest packaging possible passing along the lovely task of assembly to new proud owners of this kitchen. Regardless the little kitchen that could is now awaiting Sofia's good morning "hello." More to come about Sofia's reaction and of course her creations in the kitchen.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Handmade crafts garner mass brand appeal.
AKQA, a privately held advertising agency recently commissions Knitopia to make design and make custom knit hats for one of their client Flip video cameras. From left to right there names are: loopy, burton, crabby, OJ, and wendy.
For those crafty peeps thought you'd like to know that everyone once in a while corporate America does give back.
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Days like this…well yesterday at least.Too tired to get up, too overwhelmed to select pairing clothing items and too darn cold to be biking to work! By the time I arrived at Pier 33 in San Francisco I had to immediately visit the ladies room and use the hair dryer to thaw out my fingers. I guess that’s what I get for not wearing gloves as a teenager! Too many slightly frostbitten episodes make it tough to stay warm in even on the mildest of winter days. I finally warmed up and smarted up. I broke resolution one by retreating to the nearest Walgreens to buy myself with gloves and a hat for the commute home. I know, it’s not even the middle of the month and already I am breaking the rules. I did, however, buy the kids hat and gloves set that Sofia will be able to wear. Oh, and it came with a scarf for it was a 3 for 1. Okay it was either: freeze, buy gloves or try and knit myself some during my few breaks at work. The later isn’t really possible since any breaks time is reserved strictly for pumping and let’s be honest there are only so many things a Mama can do at one time and preserving those drops of liquid gold is priority number one.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
love the flanagans
Happy New Year
Pat and I celebrated seven years together last night. How could I have known that accepting a dinner invitation would find me with a few years later in a house full of girls and with heaps of laundry, dishes and among the piggy piles* lots of love.
*For those of you not familiar with the term “piggy piles” it refers to any unwanted items that are left about: toys, laundry, diapers, etc.
Thought I'd share a few of our resolutions:
1. Not to purchase anything brand new.
2. To rid our lives of extra stuff - purge is another way to say this.
3. Frame art and frame it often.
4. Go outside once a weekend for a majority of the day - hike, surf, walk, swing, etc.
5. Make simple meals at home.
6. Reinstate the "no dishes left behind" act.
7. Mind the fridge rules (more to come on this note).
8. Make every gift we give.
9. Have pizza nights with friends, even if the house isn't clean.
10. Make time for just the two of us once a month.
Oh, and of course, have FUN it's a new year after all.
I've included a few of our highlights from the past months. I know blogging is supposed to be a daily action so I'm working on adding this one to the list too!
Kirra will be six months this Friday and already she is rolling from one side of the living room to the other in a matter of seconds. She found her toes on Dec. 5th while we were visiting Kate, Terry, Henry & Miss Lucy. Kirra was rather thrilled with herself and remains quite pleased whenever her little piggies are revealed. She laughs at everything and even finds the energy to smile despite the worst of pains caused by teething. She is a delight to be around, loves most of all to be snuggled, sung to and sat at the table. That's right Kirra is a foodie. It's only been a week now and the girl LOVES sweet potatoes. Sofia has been generous enough to loan her high chair to Kirra for dinner time "Oh Kirra, try - sit here, share sweet tatoes."
Sofia is my nature a herder. She loves to keep the group together and assure everyone is with their respective partner. She takes great care with Kirra and even more so with her animals. Monkey joined us on the flight to Portland to “Meet Lucy! See Henry!” Sofia would shout before we left in preparation for the journey. After returning home to her other pals: Big Teddy, Teddy, Charlie, Ruby, Lucy; Sofia asked quite confidently, “Teddy come. Yeah?” “Teddy come where?” I asked. “Teddy come, no Monkey. Go meet Lucy.” I promised her that on the next trip Teddy could come. “Monkey stay. Teddy come. Yeah.” Sofia replied.
Sofia loved spending Christmas at home and in Santa Cruz, which is now her favorite city. The Tuesday before Christmas Pat took the girls down to Santa Cruz to ride the Christmas train with Mimi, Poppi, Tia & Ted. Sofia loved the lights and singing but was not a fan of Santa Claus, at least not this year. “Ho, Ho, Ho Santa. Cia (Sofia’s pronunciation of her name) crying.” Just this week Sofia’s been able to articulate her name correctly. Just one of the many signs that she is growing up.
So what are Sofia’s favorite things: drawing, going to the swings & park nearby, the library, visiting the Rose Gardens, having dates with her family, playing dress up with Big Teddy, Teddy, Monkey, Charlie, Ruby oh and baby doll Emma. Apparently layers of onesies is the new fashion. She likes to use the potty when were out, so we’re working on getting her more comfortable with our much cleaner model conveniently located at home. She moved up to a size seven shoe but more importantly we had to try out shoes to make sure that the they would be a good match for climbing at the playground.
As for the old folks, Pat & I are well. It’s still odd to think we are someone, correction two little ladies parents! We’re getting a decent amount of sleep and working on how to best insulate our house. This past Sat. our bedroom as almost a warm 40’, that’s right you could see your breath. We’d have been warming pitching a tent!
As for our businesses, I photographed a half a dozen families before the holiday receiving great feedback and am hoping to do more in the upcoming year. In addition to photography I’ve been busy sewing and can’t believe I forgot how much I love creating things. The transition back to work for me has been anything but pleasant. Commuting nearly 3 hours a day hardly seems like a productive way to spend my time especially when it means I don’t get nearly as many cuddles in with the girls before they are fast asleep.
Pat’s working on slotting events in for this spring/summer. Already he has two major events: Cape Kiwanda Classic in Pacific City, OR (Aug. 1-2) & the St. Mary’s County Fair in Los Gatos, CA (Oct. 9-11). Hoping to line up one big event each month.
As for Stella Bella, she’s amazing. So patient with both Sofia & Kirra and happiest when we’re all together as a family on a walk. So we’ll be enjoying much more of these this year even if it means leaving a house full of piggy piles.
love the flanagans
Happy New Year
Pat and I celebrated seven years together last night. How could I have known that accepting a dinner invitation would find me with a few years later in a house full of girls and with heaps of laundry, dishes and among the piggy piles* lots of love.
*For those of you not familiar with the term “piggy piles” it refers to any unwanted items that are left about: toys, laundry, diapers, etc.
Thought I'd share a few of our resolutions:
1. Not to purchase anything brand new.
2. To rid our lives of extra stuff - purge is another way to say this.
3. Frame art and frame it often.
4. Go outside once a weekend for a majority of the day - hike, surf, walk, swing, etc.
5. Make simple meals at home.
6. Reinstate the "no dishes left behind" act.
7. Mind the fridge rules (more to come on this note).
8. Make every gift we give.
9. Have pizza nights with friends, even if the house isn't clean.
10. Make time for just the two of us once a month.
Oh, and of course, have FUN it's a new year after all.
I've included a few of our highlights from the past months. I know blogging is supposed to be a daily action so I'm working on adding this one to the list too!
Kirra will be six months this Friday and already she is rolling from one side of the living room to the other in a matter of seconds. She found her toes on Dec. 5th while we were visiting Kate, Terry, Henry & Miss Lucy. Kirra was rather thrilled with herself and remains quite pleased whenever her little piggies are revealed. She laughs at everything and even finds the energy to smile despite the worst of pains caused by teething. She is a delight to be around, loves most of all to be snuggled, sung to and sat at the table. That's right Kirra is a foodie. It's only been a week now and the girl LOVES sweet potatoes. Sofia has been generous enough to loan her high chair to Kirra for dinner time "Oh Kirra, try - sit here, share sweet tatoes."
Sofia is my nature a herder. She loves to keep the group together and assure everyone is with their respective partner. She takes great care with Kirra and even more so with her animals. Monkey joined us on the flight to Portland to “Meet Lucy! See Henry!” Sofia would shout before we left in preparation for the journey. After returning home to her other pals: Big Teddy, Teddy, Charlie, Ruby, Lucy; Sofia asked quite confidently, “Teddy come. Yeah?” “Teddy come where?” I asked. “Teddy come, no Monkey. Go meet Lucy.” I promised her that on the next trip Teddy could come. “Monkey stay. Teddy come. Yeah.” Sofia replied.
Sofia loved spending Christmas at home and in Santa Cruz, which is now her favorite city. The Tuesday before Christmas Pat took the girls down to Santa Cruz to ride the Christmas train with Mimi, Poppi, Tia & Ted. Sofia loved the lights and singing but was not a fan of Santa Claus, at least not this year. “Ho, Ho, Ho Santa. Cia (Sofia’s pronunciation of her name) crying.” Just this week Sofia’s been able to articulate her name correctly. Just one of the many signs that she is growing up.
So what are Sofia’s favorite things: drawing, going to the swings & park nearby, the library, visiting the Rose Gardens, having dates with her family, playing dress up with Big Teddy, Teddy, Monkey, Charlie, Ruby oh and baby doll Emma. Apparently layers of onesies is the new fashion. She likes to use the potty when were out, so we’re working on getting her more comfortable with our much cleaner model conveniently located at home. She moved up to a size seven shoe but more importantly we had to try out shoes to make sure that the they would be a good match for climbing at the playground.
As for the old folks, Pat & I are well. It’s still odd to think we are someone, correction two little ladies parents! We’re getting a decent amount of sleep and working on how to best insulate our house. This past Sat. our bedroom as almost a warm 40’, that’s right you could see your breath. We’d have been warming pitching a tent!
As for our businesses, I photographed a half a dozen families before the holiday receiving great feedback and am hoping to do more in the upcoming year. In addition to photography I’ve been busy sewing and can’t believe I forgot how much I love creating things. The transition back to work for me has been anything but pleasant. Commuting nearly 3 hours a day hardly seems like a productive way to spend my time especially when it means I don’t get nearly as many cuddles in with the girls before they are fast asleep.
Pat’s working on slotting events in for this spring/summer. Already he has two major events: Cape Kiwanda Classic in Pacific City, OR (Aug. 1-2) & the St. Mary’s County Fair in Los Gatos, CA (Oct. 9-11). Hoping to line up one big event each month.
As for Stella Bella, she’s amazing. So patient with both Sofia & Kirra and happiest when we’re all together as a family on a walk. So we’ll be enjoying much more of these this year even if it means leaving a house full of piggy piles.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Kirra has grown leaps and bounds in the past month. Physically she is just over 11 lbs. That's right in just over two months she's nearly doubled her birth weight! Plus she's stretched out to 23 inches long. She loves to smile, dance, cuddle and simply be a part of the action. She is very calm and unbelievably patient with Sofia. Sofia is beginning to test her boundaries, but honestly at two years old who wouldn't?!
Below are some fun photos from this last month: Yosemite with the Flanagans for an early birthday celebration for Betty and a visit with the lil' aunties Sarah & Kiana. Enjoy!
Kirra napping near the river
Papa & Sofia at lunch
Kirra, Mimi & Sofia chillin' on the beach
Poppi & Mimi and their girls
Sofia shares a blueberry with Poppi
A good laugh shared with great girlfriends
Silly Mama & Kirra
Just walking with my Papa in my swimmer
Camping does not mean you can't have great coffee
Getting the kitchen ready Ted & Papa
Sofia, Tia & Mimi in the river
Kirra, Mama & Sofia before our sunset dinner
Half Dome
Tia & Kirra
Mama & Kirra
Our sunset dinner set up - Happy Birthday Mimi!
Sofia takes Ted & Tia on a stroll by the river
Yosemite
Tia check out the water with me!
Papa & Sofia by the river looking at the big rocks
Another Dora book, quick find Swiper
At the park the day Phelps swims his final race: Auntie Sarah, Kirra, Auntie Ki-Ki & Sofia
Sofia & Mama on a walk
Kirra loves Phelps too!
WOW!
Hi there
Auntie Sarah & Kirra
Auntie Ki-Ki says "I'm going to get you!"
Smile ladies
Fashion shoot, okay
Entering the rose gardens, Sofia's favorite place
Auntie Ki-Ki & Kirra J.
Hi, what's up?
Okay let's go on a walk! Santa Cruz
Below are some fun photos from this last month: Yosemite with the Flanagans for an early birthday celebration for Betty and a visit with the lil' aunties Sarah & Kiana. Enjoy!
Pat and Kirra relaxing in Yosemite
Kirra napping near the river
Papa & Sofia at lunch
Kirra, Mimi & Sofia chillin' on the beach
Poppi & Mimi and their girls
Sofia shares a blueberry with Poppi
A good laugh shared with great girlfriends
Silly Mama & Kirra
Just walking with my Papa in my swimmer
Camping does not mean you can't have great coffee
Getting the kitchen ready Ted & Papa
Sofia, Tia & Mimi in the river
Kirra, Mama & Sofia before our sunset dinner
Half Dome
Tia & Kirra
Mama & Kirra
Our sunset dinner set up - Happy Birthday Mimi!
Sofia takes Ted & Tia on a stroll by the river
Yosemite
Tia check out the water with me!
Papa & Sofia by the river looking at the big rocks
Another Dora book, quick find Swiper
At the park the day Phelps swims his final race: Auntie Sarah, Kirra, Auntie Ki-Ki & Sofia
Sofia & Mama on a walk
Kirra loves Phelps too!
WOW!
Hi there
Auntie Sarah & Kirra
Auntie Ki-Ki says "I'm going to get you!"
Smile ladies
Fashion shoot, okay
Entering the rose gardens, Sofia's favorite place
Auntie Ki-Ki & Kirra J.
Hi, what's up?
Okay let's go on a walk! Santa Cruz
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