Chicken Sandwich Bento

Chicken Sandwich Bento
Originally uploaded by Jason + Amanda - allergyfriendlypastries.com

I read somewhere that decorating kid bento boxes has become the all the rave in Japan, to a point of competition of whose bento is the best. It appears that the trend has hit our country as well. Any child would be excited (and adults too- at least a few I know) to open the lunch box to see this creative and seemingly easy to do, lunch. Move over sloppy joe, you've been out done!

Backyard Bliss

We spent Sunday in a friend's backyard for a birthday BBQ in a suburb 20 miles from San Francisco. It was sunny and warm, unlike the city's foggy summer months. I don't mind the fog, but after more than a week of it I get tired of the grey and want sunshine! I was looking though a California Design magazine and was inspired by the back yards of some local homes. I liked the modern feel to this one, surrounded by greenery. Looks like a city deck in the woods.


wooden home balcony
Originally uploaded by stan.stauffer

Toddler Ballet Class

My daughter Olivia is just 15 months and just took her first ballet class. I know some people may think I'm nuts, that she's too young, but I think not. She loves to dance at home and if you say the word dance, she starts to move. The whole experience was sweet. She wore a baby blue leotard and matching skirt, with pink and navy stripped Juicy Couture leg warmers. Olivia knew something special was about to happen, and was excited just to wear her ballet dress. Then there were the other kids dressed alike and she was in heaven. The Tutu school looked like a little girls dream land with lavender walls, bamboo floors and various tutus gracing the walls. The teacher, Miss Abby, wore pointe shoes and was dressed in black and pink ballet garb. With her encouraging smile and miles of patience and guidance, Miss Abby completed the whole ballet magic of the class. They danced to Stravinsky's Firebird in a large circle and ran around. It was a delightful Saturday morning and when we came home, she went straight to sleep for a long nap!
Stay in line, girls!
Originally uploaded by Sonic Armin

Pillows

A way to add freshness to any room are colorful throw pillows. I was sitting in my living room and decided I needed to change things up. Instead of buying a new couch or rug, I went economical and bought some modern looking blue throw pillows. It changed the look of the room and added color. Easy enough to do, gentlemen. Just go to World Market or Pier One for a good selection.


home-accessories-collection
Originally uploaded by masminto354

Audrey Hepburn Wedding Picture

18- audrey hepburn
Originally uploaded by fred baby

Here she is a muse for many wedding planners.

More Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn
Originally uploaded by Sobibor

More Audrey Love. Classic Picture. Her beauty is simple, uncomplicated and timeless. I just love her.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Kiss

It wasn't the most romantic kiss of all time, but the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my loves as is Audrey Hepburn. I have seen this film too many times to count.


Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Originally uploaded by classicmovieilike

Carcassonne, France

Where will you travel this summer? I would be thrilled to travel to Europe this summer but can't this year. As I know a number of people find themselves saying all too often. Maybe these pictures will get you on a plane!

We visited this walled city in the south of France (Languedoc area). It is called Carcasonne and has its midevil qualities in tact. It was as if a knight were going to come around the corner atop a stallion at any second.

Fresh Organic Produce from the Ferry Building farmers market

We joined a friend and her six month old son for an adventure to the Ferry Building this morning to get some fresh produce. We were also hooked into eating at and the best open air Mexican breakfast that my friend recommended. A place at the rear part of the farmers market is where Primavera had a stall. We enjoyed green chile chilaquiles, with cage free scrambled eggs, home made beans with Mexican cheese, sour cream and chunks of ripe avocado. It was spicy and delicious and I will have to go back soon. My one year old daughter Olivia tasted many types of fresh fruits today and we bought some nectarines as well as the organic peaches that were in season. She had peach juice all over her hands and face and loved it. The best way to get my little one to sit in her stroller was to keep feeding her fruit.


IMG_4401
Originally uploaded by A for Effort

The organic tomatoes pictured were beautiful. The market is also host to incredible local cheeses like peppercorn goat cheese, fresh and smoked seafood, all types of serious produce and the smell of lavender was everywhere. The inside of the Ferry Building is something to visit. There are a myriad of restaurants like the famed Slanted Door but my favorite is Mistral for a hearty French lunch. You can spend all afternoon in the specialty shops that sell wine, mushrooms, chocolates, fresh meats and cheeses, caviar, and all types of sweets. The shops are open everyday but the farmers market is Tuesday and Saturdays only. It is a foodie paradise.

The Dahlias at Ferry Building, San Francisco

I picked up a fresh bouquet of gold sunflowers while at the ferry building this sunny afternoon. We breezed by many other notable blooms and my favorite were the wild dahlias. These blush colored flowers were so sweet and feminine. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and couldn't decide which to get, so I went sunflower instead.


dahlias | ferry building
Originally uploaded by nchoz