Christmas at Michaels

Hello Everyone,
 With the holidays fast approaching, Layth ( the little lion) and I choose to take advantage by conducting a love affair with Michaels. This includes several trips to Michaels to make gingerbread cookies, a gingerbread house, a foam puzzle gingerbread house and homemade cards to distribute to his   " friends" ( the new age term for classmates) at school. Each day Layth is not school implies a new project for us to tackle. My poor dinning room table has seen its fair share of fondant and homemade icing this year, since that's the only space large enough to accommodate our elaborate endeavours. Quite personally, I have sworn off Michaels until the New Year is over. No more projects for the rest of the season, my kitchen floor has seen enough! With one more gingerbread cookie kit left ( our first attempt was such a success, Layth insisted this kit was different), I see an end in sight!

The cookie kit, I made the mistake of buying twice

Apparently, Layth is still stuck in Halloween mood and insisted he make ghosts out of his cookies 

More cookies 

Our gingerbread house

Views of our gingerbread house made with leftover unwanted Halloween candy

Our do it yourself foam gingerbread house 

Let Color Shine!

Hello Fashionistas!
 With Fall upon us and Winter fast approaching, it is time to break out the coats, boots, and all the accessories that make dressing up for the cold so much fun. And with all the use of color this season, we can say goodbye to dressing up in the traditional black, brown and navy blue colors: I know I certainly have. If anything, I have fallen victim to the latest fashion trend of colored jeans, and seem to be rocking them everywhere from trips to Disneyland trips to quick shopping trips to Tory Burch. While I still love my go to color, black, a color I know will never abandon, I am having fun with the latest trend ( even if the hubby hates them!) trying to find sweaters, tops and jackets to pair with them. But one color I have been desperately searching for is red:, a color that seems almost impossible to find, so if anyone sees a pair let me know, I'm on the prowl for a pair!

Celebrities in colored denim

More color

James Jeans w/ Alexander McQueen top to tackle a Michigan Ave Shopping trip w/Layth

Esley Top w/James Jeans for Disneyland 

Aldo Flats w/Joes Jeans inside Tory Burch

Burberry Jacket paired with Romeo & Juliet Couture Sweater w/J Brand Jeans

Easy Oreo Truffles

 Hello Everyone,

    After a short hiatus from blogging, I am back with a delicious recipe everyone is sure to love: OREO truffles. Well, I am not sure everyone will love it, but who doesn't love OREOs?? And this recipe combines two of my favorite things, OREO's and chocolate. As a self proclaimed chocolate lover, I was intrigued to try this recipe for myself after first being introduced to it by my sister in law. However, she went organic and substituted Oreo's for  Trader Joe's organic version for them. Nonetheless, they still had the same taste: delicious! Layth, too, was a fan, intriguing me more to try them out for myself. Although I have only tried them once, they were a success with both Chafeek and Layth indicating to me my version was both edible and worth trying again! And so, without further ado, here is the recipe:

Things You'll Need

• Food processor
• Blender
• One package of Oreos
• One package ( 8 oz) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
• 16 oz BAKER's Semi Sweet Chocolate
• Wax paper

Directions:

 First, you'll need to place all the OREOs in the food processor until their crushed and reduced to nothing but crumbs. Layth, of course, kept taking the cookies out of the food processor insisting he had to save them before they were crushed. Thankfully, he did so before they were actually being mixed in the food processor. The last thing we needed was a tragedy as we were making truffles. 

Secondly, place the OREO crumbs along with the cream cheese in the blender and mix them until their perfectly blended. Meanwhile, you can melt the semi sweet chocolate, since you are going to dip the truffles in them. Layth took it upon himself to dip his little fingers in the chocolate as we were waiting for the OREOs to finish mixing. And since nobody else was going to eat them except for the two of us,  it was fine to see him enjoying himself.
Once you're done mixing the OREO crumbs with the cream cheese shape them into balls, dip in the melted chocolate, and place them on the wax paper. And should you have remaining cookie crumbs, you can sprinkle them on top of each truffle for garnish...we did not!

Lastly, refrigerate for one hour, and serve!

In case you opt to mixing it by hand versus the blender

Without the chocolate drizzled upon them ( the healthy version)

New Favorite Piece from Layth's Closet: Gap Gray Acid Wash Skinny Jeans

Hello My Lovely Readers,

 Just last week I decided to add a new addition to my blog chronicling Layth's outfits as he is my fashion muse. My first post was so well received, I decided to try yet another post dedicated to that subject. If you guys recall, I mentioned about how Layth adamantly choose to wear his Gap Gray Acid Wash Skinny Jeans over the outfit I had originally laid out for him...well, a few weeks later, and those jeans have now become the primary accessory for many of his outfits. My husband hates them insisting their a patronage to the 1980's and a desperate call to follow the newest fashion trend: skinny jeans. Or as he calls them, tapered jeans from the early 80's, reminding him of his school days. Call it what you will, I love skinny jeans; particularly, on Layth (I think they fit his body frame well since he is built with a short torso and long legs). And so, for a day out in Half Moon Bay where we spent the afternoon fighting the wind as we built sandcastles and fed seagulls, Layth, once again, flocked to his gray skinny jeans. Another thing you all need to know about Layth, his daily uniform usually consists of jeans and a polo shirt, so it was not surprising he choose a longer, thicker Polo shirt to tackle the beach winds with his jeans. Since he was old enough to take off jackets, Layth is always finding ways out of them hence why he always accessorizes sweater vests when it comes to Winter time! With his outrageously loud orange polo shirt and grey skinny jeans, Layth looked more ready to tackle the mall or a fashion competition at school versus a day at the beach!

Layth: My Mini Muse

Hello Everyone,
   If you have not already figured it out, but my life pretty much centers around being Layth's personal assistant, chef, playmate, stylist, chauffeur and the list goes with all the other duties that go along with being a mommy. And so, I decided to add a new addition to my blog: Layth's Daily Outifts. I do not know how well you're going to perceive it as readers, but it's a chance I'm willing to take in an effort to add a little spice to my blog. I want my blog to appeal to a large range of readers, and figured this would be one element to my blog, I can actually perfect. For all domestic goddesses everywhere, I do possess one of your skills: being able to dress my son well. Not necessarily, the best skill to be proud of, but one that definitely appeases my interests. So for all of you out there judging, go ahead! And to begin this new segment, I will start with introducing Layth's "First Day of School" outfit. The night before I headed to Marshall's to get Layth some sneakers, since his preschool prefers that children not attend in crocs ( Layth lives in them) since they do not properly secure the foot. Apparently, his shoe size, 10.5 is a very popular size this school year, since neither Marshalls nor Ross had any pair of shoes in that size! Thankfully, he still fit into his Converse sneakers. However, my trips did not go unwarranted since I walked out with this adorable " hipster" inspired two piece Kenneth Cole set.  But since, it did not consist of " blue pants" ie jeans, I knew it was next to impossible to get Layth to willingly agree to wear it without putting a fit.  Of course, my suspicions were right and immediately refused to wear it upon one sight of the outfit. Before I knew it, he was making his way to his room and choosing a pair of grey jeans from Baby Gap, " I want to wear these" as he put it. I figured, "why not?" I just needed to find a top that would match with the jeans. Normally, I pair it will a yellow polo shirt, but that was no where in sight and time was not on my side. Frantically, I searched in his closet to find a shirt that would both match and Layth would willingly aware when I found this NWT " Indigo Star" purchased from Zulily.com. Upon seeing it, Layth put it on without hesitating. Before I realizing it, Layth was rocking the " hipster" looked, and with that he was ready to tackle his first day of school.

Layth's Would Be Outfit

Rockin his outfit

Enjoying his first day of school

Ice Cream, Fruit, Chocolate, Cake: Exquisite Dessert

Hello Everyone,
   Over the past few weeks, the little lion and I, have been privileged enough to try different foods and desserts of all sorts largely in part of our endless traveling, something that has come at the unfortunate cost of living out of suit cases ( something I would not necessarily recommend with a toddler).  And one dessert we came across while on one of our trips was this combination of candy bars, fruit, cake and ice cream, or in other words, what my cousin calls " fruit salad."
While on vacation to my parents' house in Panama City, we were surprised with my cousin Maher and his wife, Lina's visit ( apparently, someone had forgotten to give us the memo they were coming to visit). Being their visiting from Damascus, they insisted they stay on the beach; personally, I do not blame them. And so, it was planned that Layth and I would spend the day with them on the beach and later accompany them for lunch. Given it was scorching hot that day, it was only complimentary we would have ice cream as dessert. Lunch was great, something my mouth hasn't had  in a long time, rice with grilled mushrooms, but it was the dessert that really awakened my senses. When Lena insisted she serve me ice cream, I expected maybe a traditional one or two scoops of ice cream served in either a dish or cone. But when I saw both Lina and Maher preparing it, I knew I was in store for a surprise. First, Lena served three scoops of ice cream, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry respectively, while Maher, took Crunch and Kit Kat Bars and cut them into small individual pieces. Then came the cutting of the fruits, strawberries, pineapples and bananas. Once the fruits were cut and topped onto the ice cream, came the individual chocolate pieces. The presentation was immaculate, but the taste was even better. It awakened tastes I also had not had in a long time. Of course, Lena insisted there was more to dessert when she cut up a slice of yellow flavored bunt cake and instructed me to put the the scoop of dessert on top. Expecting I would go into sugar coma or my taste buds to react vigorously, I was shockingly surprised: the dessert left me wanting more. Lina insisted it was no trouble at all as she continued making the dessert for Layth as well. Normally, I would not allow the little lion to be exposed to as much sugar, but I could not let his taste buds miss out on this exquisite dessert.  He, too, agreed, it would be dessert we would definitely be having again. And, we did! The following afternoon, when we went to visit for a walk on the beach, Lina had that same dessert awaiting us!


Ingredients:

• Ice Cream
• Mini Crunch Bars
• Mini Kit Kat Bars
• Whoppers ( Chocolate Malt Balls)
• Cake ( optional)
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Pineapples

The Dessert

Lena and Maher Preparing the Dessert

Lena and Maher

The Main Dish

Sugar Cookie Mess

Hello Everyone,
  I want to first say, that for all of you who despise baking, " I don't blame you!" If it were up to me I'd rather stock up on all the processed Pillsbury cookie dough and allow my body to consume all the artifical products than make my own batter and bake cookies. My helper, Layth, on the other hand, would disgree since making our own batter meant more time spent in the kitchen. Yes, I know,it sounds weird, but my little lion is destined to become a baker since he'll take out the Baker's Joy, the Pillsbury Cookie Dough and insist he wants to make cookies. And so, when I was asked to make a batch of forty homemade cookies for a cookie exchange, I was presented with a challenge. I figured chocolate chip cookies would already be taken by the other moms participating, and refused to allow myself to butcher them should they have turned out unedible. As a result, I went to even simpler, and choose sugar cookies. The forgotten cookies that usually present themselves around Christmas time or birthday parties. I figured their ingredients were simple: vanillla extract, butter, flour, eggs, baking powder, baking soda and sugar. The directions were even simpler: add the ingredients, stir until the batter is thick, roll them up, and put them in the oven. Of course, with ingredients this simple I still managed to mess it up. After running to both Trader Joes and Safeway ( surprisingly, baking soda and baking flour are seasonal items at Trader Joes), to get the ingredients, it was time to tackle our
adventure in the kitchen. Layth, so eager to begin, began craking the eggs into the bowl, and opening up the flour. Considering we had never worked with flour together, he did not anticipate the flour getting everywhere when he inconveniently decided to tear it open fromthe side. Seeing the mess, he apologized all while throwing it everywhere insisting it was snowing. That should have been our red flag to stop while we were still ahead and apologize to the other moms and back out of the cookie exchange. But I was determined, I did not want other self-proclaimed domestic goddesses looking at me in shame for having given up so quickly. However, I don't know how they would have reacted had they seen how my kitchen was covered in flour as well my son. Layth's hair, which usually ranges from light to dark brown, now looked like he had recently gotten gray highlights. And if only Layth had agreed to remain in the mess until it was time to bathe him my problems would have been much less, instead he decided to shake his head until he believed his hair was rid of the flour insisting it was dirty. I should at least get points from domestic goddesses for teaching my son the difference between clean and dirty. After mixing all the ingredients together, and having given up hope of ever having a clean kitchen during this whole process, it came to stir. Since the batter was now thick, Layth insisted his arm hurt from mixing it, and so, I took over. So consumed with mixing the batter, I forgot to add the bowl of other ingredients. Needless to say, my first batch of cookies tasted like pure flour according to my husband. I was also informed that vanilla extract is made purely of bourbon, and since these cookies required to be alchol free, it was a good thing my first batch turned out horribly.  Determined to at least seek the approval of other domestic goddesses, I choose to do another batch. Having already known the routine, Layth insisted upon still helping me. But this time, he decided to eat the batter. Here I was mixing the thick batter, and Layth was eating it. Between trying to sneak licks and avoid him from double dipping into the batter, his hair now had gray highlights and batter. The batter, on the other hand, was far worse since it stuck his curls together. All while, my husband, Chafeek kept telling me to apologize and tell them I cannot do it. A domestic goddess does not back out of her commitments, and neither was I. Six batches later, a kitchen covered in flour, and a little lion, who was in desperate need of a bath, my cookies were edible. The shape, on the other hand, did not resemble your typical large soft sugar cookies. Instead they resemebled macaroons! So worried the other moms would be dissuade from trying them based upon their shape, I decided to test them out on some one other than Chafeek. The next morning, before the cookie exchange, I walked over to the lot next door, which was still being built, and offered a batch of cookies to the construction workers. And as you can imagine, they all exchanged looks, as though I were the wicked witch in Snow White offering them poisoned cookies. I insisted they were organic, and I had made too much, which was true. It was only required of me to make 40, I made 60. They still weren't convinced. Layth, on the other hand, asked if he could have some cookies, and when I saw they weren't budging, I agreed.  I believe it was Layth's reaction to his cookie, " yum, it's good" that really convinced the workers to take the cookies I'd offered. I still do not know what they thought of them, but know none of them were diagnosed of food poisoning as a result of consuming them. It finally came time for the cookie exchange, and thankfully, I did not come home with any of my own cookies. They were such a success with the other children, which should be enough to convine me to want to make them again. However, I just need to think of them mess they caused, should I change my mind and bake them again!

Ingredients:

1. 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
4. 1 cup butter, softened
5. 1 1/2 cups white sugar
6. 1 egg
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

 Mixing the batter

 Starting to get a little tired

 Trying to steal licks from the batter ( we didn't end up using this one, because I'd forgotten to put eggs!)

 The intolerable batter

The final batch of cookies

 

Have you seen the muffin man?

 Hello Everyone,

And for all you moms, can you finish the famous Mother Goose rhyme,  otherwise we can't crown you the title of domestic goddess! But just in case you forgot, I'll finish it up for you: " Do you know the muffin man, the muffin man the muffin man?". Well....do you? Before you answer that question, I decided to do my homework, as any domestic goddess would, and actually found out that dear old Mother Goose was not the genius behind the famous children's rhyme. Instead it comes from English origin used to describe how fresh food use to be delivered door to door in old Victorian times. And that muffins were not your typical cupcake shaped pastries we know them as today, but instead refers to freshly baked bread. I was so intrigued by this historical fact, I just thought I'd share with you other moms, just  in case your child ever asked! Now, can you answer my original question, " Do you know the Muffin Man?" If not, I'll show you his picture instead! Today, he decided to venture into the world of baking and make blueberry muffins. I wish we could have been more creative and post a recipe of how to make them from scratch, but we took the short cut ( yes, I know domestic goddesses all over would be looking down at me in shame) and simply added water and eggs to the pre-packaged mixture. However, that did not prevent us from having fun as we cracked eggs, mixed, licked the whisk upon completion and tasting yummy blueberry muffins!

Taking his mixing quite seriously

He had to lick the whisk insisting, " this sucker is good."

Posing for pictures once he was done

Popsicle Making Fun ( or Mess?)

 Hello Everyone,
 Since being at my parents' house I found myself with a lot more time to find new activities to try with Layth, blog and spendtime with both friends and family. There is something about not having to worry about your average household duties that really allows you to spend more time on other things, such as, enjoying yourself ( a true domestic goddess would be shaking her head disapprovingly)! For instance, I was able to catch up on the last few months of Parent Magazine ( my parents got me a subscription when Layth was six months old) I had piling up on my coffee table  as we endured the stressful move out West. And it was through reading those expired May and June magazines I found an activity so eager to try with Layth: Fruit Popsicles. Even throughout the whole process, my excitement level was much higher thanthat of  Layths', who was more interested in pressing buttons and eating the fruit! Nonetheless, it was a new experience for the both of us, and something I intend on doing over and over again; particularly, on a hot day! Before we got started, we had to run to the grocery store to stock up on a few things ie. all the materials needed to make the popsicles. While at Winn Dixie, we stumbled upon these plastic portable push up pops, intended for making ice cream cones and saving them for later." I found these to be more practical then your average wooden popsicle sticks, since it  allows the popsicles to mold into some kind of form and make less of a mess. My only regret was we did not buy more of them! I had initially bought two four packs and then returned a pack before we even got started ( we ended up making more than had expected). The bananas, strawberrries, vanilla yogart and honey were all quick to find since they were conveniently located right next to each other. Upon arriving home, eager to get started, Layth began taking out the fruit. And so, as you could imagine, while I ws doing all the cutting and the measurements, Layth treated himself to strawberries! Of course, since I was cooking in a kitchen unfamiliar to me, it took me some time to search for my parents' blender. But instead stumbled upon, " The Magic Bullet." I'd seen their advertisements countless times, but never thought to actually purchase one. This was my chance to see if it was really worth all the hype. And naturally, my parents had not yet used it, lol. In which, I do not know why, becuase it really was as simple advertised. It simplyrequires you to place your ingredients into one of the many different sized containers provided,  put it on the machine and push it down until your satisfied. It's also tidier, smaller and quieter! Layth, too, enjoyed being able to push down on the blender and feel as though he were really in control. And so, naturally, the ingredients were already cut and put into the container as they were being mixed. Within five minutes we were pouring the smoothie like mixture into the push pop containers and capping them off and placing them into the freezer. They remained in the freezer until it was iftaar time ( time to break the fast) and were immediately brought out. Of course, reluctant to try them, I had mom try one first, and when I had her seal of approval, I went on to have one of my own. Layth, on the other hand, was almost done attacking his when I had my first bite, reassuring me it was actually edible! Much to my surprise, it was really good. It reminded me of the strawberry fruit bars we would purchase at Magic Kingdom when we could go to Walt Disney World. Therefore if you're looking for something fun to do on a fun day, make popsicles!

Things You'll Need:

• One Tb of Vanilla Lowfat Yogart
• One Tb of Sugar or Honey
• A Cup Full of Freshly Cut Strawberries
• Two Bananas
• Magic Bullet/Blender
• Popsicle Sticks

Diretions:

• Cut up the fruit
• Pour all the ingredients into the blender and mix until your satisfaction
• Pour into cups, molds
• Place popsicle sticks in the center
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours
• Eat and Enjoy

 Ingredients

 The Push Up Pops

Getting Ready to Use The Magic Bullet



Pizaookies...yum!!

 Hello Everyone,
 Since having come back from ummrah, I have taken a short hiatus from my adventures in cooking and making a mess in the kitchen. Being my at my parents house and my fear of messing up their kitchen largely contributed to that short break. Again, I say, " short break" since yesterday I decided to continue my adventures and attempt a homemade " pizocookie" out of Pillsbury Cookie Dough. For those of you unfamiliar with the term " Pizookie", it is the new age term for one of the best desserts in the world. It combines the two words pizza and cookie together to describe it characteristics. It is the size of a pizza, with the great taste of a cookie. I wish I was the genius who came up with dessert and coined the term, but unfortunately, that term belongs to BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse  where they began serving the famous cookie cake as their signature dessert. However, that doesn't stop many other restaurants and amateur chefs like myself from attempting the warm, delicious dessert. And so, yesterday hours before dinner I was determined to make my very own pizookie from Pillsbury cookie dough ( the only cookie dough I could get my hands on, since I don't know how to make my own). In order to complete this task I had to take Layth aka " the little lion" on a quick trip to the grocery store to grab a few things, a disposable foil pie tray, a pint of  Vanilla Haagen Dazs, and of course, Pillsbury Cookie Dough. Layth was excited to go grocery shopping regardless of how short the trip was since it implied he could ride the Car shaped grocery car. With just an hour left to dinner time, I could not have been more excited to tackle my dessert making adventure. Layth was also excited because it meant he could steal a few bites of cookie dough as  it was being prepared. My dad aka " the master chef" of the Obid Casa insisted I was making it too complicated as he saw me preparing the kitchen. First, I preheated the oven to 350, then it came to prepare the cookie dough. Normally, I would just spread it across the pan, but the instructions called for it to be thick, so I had to layer it as though I were making a pie. Of course, Layth did not disappoint as my helper trying to steal bites of the cookie dough. After laying it on thick, it was time to put the dough in the oven, and had to make sure it went in for only 12 minutes rather than the standard 18 minutes it calls for on the package. And so, at 11 minutes I was watching the clock like a hawk, determined I would not mess this up or burn it for that matter. Thankfully, my inner predatory skills kicked in, and pulled out the tray in time enough. My dad kept insisting I was reading the recipe wrong, but kept reassuring him I was not. And then, it came for the final ingredient, adding two scoops of ice cream on the warm partially cooked cookie dough.  Although I will still be running to restaurants ordering pizookies, I was shockingly not disappointed in my own attempt at making the dessert. My parents were not the biggest fans, but Layth, Randa and I were since we devoured it in minutes...well almost, we left the hard outer crust! We had to leave room for our dinner!

 Before the pie went into the oven

 Fresh out of the oven

 The final product

Comfortable, Classy and Made in Memphis!

 Hello My Fashionistas!
  After a short hiatus spent both moving and traveling, I am returning to blogging again. Tonight,  I am going to focus upon getting dressed and going out on the town while still looking effortlessly comfortable. Most moms tend to confuse looking comfortable with looking frumpy by remaining in their sweats both inside and outside of the home. While I enjoy my sweats for working out, doing household chores and occasionally traveling, I certainly do not replace them as my " going out" clothes. Some mothers might disagree with me and insist that sweats are the easiest way to remain comfortable while chasing their broad around town, I am not advocating for all moms to be dressed in heels and LBDs each time they go out. Instead I am insisting that moms can still be comfortable all while looking stylish; and so, for a night out at the pier with both my mom and sister I wanted to look cute. But knew I'd be meeting up with my dad and toddler for dinner, and needed an outfit that would give me some flexibility to chase him around should we do anything afterward. Keeping this in mind, I paired a pair of Anlo dark faded cut off skinny jeans with a transparent chiffon button down Juicy Couture top.  After having chosen both my top and pants, I found an old but lightly used pair of multi color Matisse flats to add some color to my outfit. In the end, I felt both classy and comfortable for a night out. I was also shocked to realize that all items of my outfit were purchased in Memphis, and so for all you Memphians who complain there isn't any good place to shop, you're just not looking hard enough! Memphis is filled with bunch of independent boutiques that are sure to be right up your alley!

Top: Juicy Couture- Purchased from Indigo, Memphis, TN
Tank: American Eagle- Purchsed from Memphis, TN
Jeans: Anlo- Purchased from Isabella, Memphis, TN
Shoes: Matisse- Purchased from Peria, Memphis, TN
Purse: Louis Vuitton- Purchased Brand New w/tags from Sugar Plum Consignments, Memphis, TN

Retuning to Cooking

Hello Everyone,
If I have not already driven you crazy with complaints and updates surrounding this move, here is some more news regarding that same subject! For the last month, aside from making Layth his quick meals, I have been giving my pots and pans a rest as they have sat comfortably clean in my cabinets. Even when we were busy trying to empty our fridge, freezer and panty, we made sure we only had a few pots out before packing up the rest. And then when Chafeek's mom ( we could not have survived this move without her) came to help with Layth as we prepared for the move, she also did some late " spring cleaning" with my pots and pans, throwing out some she thought had already reached their final cooking days. Her visit also allowed me to focus on packing, taking Layth out and cleaning as she took care of the kitchen duties. But now, two weeks after arriving in California, I have to face reality: If I am not going to cook, we are simply going to eat frozen or processed dinner meals and pack on the pounds. And since I am not a fan of either one, the pounds or the frozen dinners, I choose today to be creative. Normally, I try and do all my cooking while Layth is taking his afternoon nap, but since he is still adjusting to his new schedule with this two hour time change, I choose to employ him as my helper. Layth, of course, found it funner to break the spaghetti noodles in half and make letters on the floor ( anything to keep them occupied, right?) leaving me to go about making the spaghetti. As the noodles were boiling, and Layth engaged in his letter making, I went to go see how creative I can get with the food I had in my fridge when I stumbled upon a pack of organic cherry red tomatoes. Again, I am not a fan of cooking, so I could have gotten more creative, but instead, choose to make the tomatoes my main ingredient. Slowly, I cut the tomatoes, and sautéed them in olive oil for 20 minutes adding both a teaspoon of basil and a teaspoon of garlic. Once they were done grilling and the noodles boiling, I drained the noodles mixed them with in a tablespoon of olive oil before emptying the tomatoes with the oil into the noodles. And to top it off, I added some fresh parmesan cheese for flavor. I know you must be thinking that is a lot of oil for one dish, but I promise you it is delicious!! It also helped me to score some points in the domestic goddess department, since I'm failing miserably!!!

My final product

The tomatoes as they sautee in the olive oil

Busy Moving

Hello Everyone,
  I know I have taken a short hiatus from blogging, but do not worry I have not completely abandoned my readers! I have just been busy packing, moving, and unpacking to spend any real time doing anything I actually enjoy! Even poor Layth is not use to not having mommy all to himself to entertain him and take him somewhere fun. Thankfully, I had the help of Evergreen Montessori, whose summer camp helped to both teach and entertain Layth in the morning, and Jenna ( a fellow parent of Evergreen Montessori whose daughter is the same age as Layth) who took him out to the CMOM and the Pink Palace, all places he greatly enjoyed. And now, that we finally made it to the Bay Area, my days are spent finding things to do with Layth, endless trips to Ikea to furnish the new house, and unpacking while Layth is asleep. Even Chafeek does not have it easy, as his job is to set up the newly bought furniture and clear out the boxes once were done unpacking them. But one thing is for sure, this move has opened up doors to new ideas regarding decorating, blogging, and how to better manage a move! Stay tuned, I promise more exciting posts will soon be on their way!

Too Young to Enjoy a Birthday Party??

....I think not!

Excited to see the pink candles lit up

Getting ready to blow the candles

Hello Everyone,
        With Chafeek's graduation falling on Layth's third birthday party,we opted to celebrate on the 9th of June at Memphis' very own indoor trampoline park, Sky Zone. It also worked out well, because Layth's second favorite person behind mom, grandpa ie jiddo made plans to attend the party. And so, it's going to be one fun filled weekend for the little lion between his birthday party and having grandpa here! Speaking of which, today when we went to one of our favorite local toy stores in East Memphis to purchase a birthday gift for another person who happens to share the same birthday we were approached with the question, is this gift for him since I requested it be wrapped. When I replied it was not, it immediately stirred up the question, " Are you throwing him ( him being Layth) a birthday party." Of course, I happily answered yes and proceeded to inform her we were hosting it at Sky Zone and were on our way to Gigi's cupcakes once we left from there to customize an order for his birthday. Immediately, her eyes rolled indicating her thoughts about the location, she thinks he's too young for sky zone. But rather than blatantly questioning the location since it was my decision after all, she asked, " Has he been there before, and does he like it?" I do not know what shocked her more, that I we had been there a handful or times or that Layth asked to jump at Sky Zone after hearing it being repeated back and forth. I cannot say anything negative toward her, because she really is the sweetest toy shop owner you can come by, allowing children to play with the toys in her shop. However, all this talk back and forth about birthdays really deceived Layth into thinking it was his birthday since he asked if we were going to his party. Luckily, we were going to GiGi's next, where I told him we were getting him a cupcake for his birthday. So as I was confirming an order for 48 mini cupcakes, Layth happily sat at the bar eating a sky high frosted Tex Mex Chocolate cupcake. I wish his obsession with his birthday ended there, because once he passed Kroger he mentioned to me, " shopping for birthday cake, " which translates into " please buy a birthday cake." I figured to myself why not, we could have fun with it this afternoon, and we did! Rather than stopping by Kroger, we made a pit stop at Miss Cordelias and purchased a white frosted yellow cake with red flowers. Of course, they didn't sell cake toppers or candles, making it a little difficult to proceed with our afternoon endeavor. Therefore when we arrived home, I searched incessantly through my kitchen cabinets in search of candles. Thankfully, I came across these candles I had left over from my 25th birthday where I hosted a party at home. The pink colored candles did not really appease Layth's taste since he insisted they must be blow. But his thoughts were put aside when he saw three pink candles lit and strategically placed on the cake where he happily sang himself birthday party. And we did not just sing it once, instead we had two encores, each proceeded with lighting, blowing and relighting the candles.  Although only one slice of the cake has since been eaten since this afternoon, it goes to show you that a three year old is neither too young for a party nor in complete denial of his and her birthday. Next time though, I think we will opt out of the big birthday and simply buy Layth a cake and celebrate it at home since that in iteself was enough to entertain him. Forget the headaches, the invitations, the endless planning and the stress that surrounds a party, and have cake at home!!!

"I'll Remember"

 Hello Everyone,
   With just one month left here in Memphis, I find myself treasuring each party we have left to attend seeing as they might be the last time I will see some of the great people we met in Memphis. I am also saying, "goodbye" to people once or twice a week, and having to explain to Layth why he will not see some of his friends "tomorrow." One person, in particular, that breaks my heart thinking about is Zach, my friend Tharwa's son. Born within six weeks of each other, Zach has become Layth's best friend whom he asks for each day we are out. Although Layth is too young to fully comprehend that we are moving, it is sad to explain to him why he won't possibly see Zack tomorrow or this weekend and how we are moving. And then, with his big brown eyes asks " why" and seeing his worried face breaks my heart. Zack and Tharwa are one of many people we will have a hard time letting go of when we move. Today, too, we bade farewell to another family, who began residency with us and tomorrow will be saying good bye, to the families at Evergreen. I honestly believe the hardest part of moving is not the packing or the endless calls to moving companies in search for the best quote, but allowing yourself to let go and move on. Even though I never thought to myself I would miss Memphis, something about it and the life we established here has drawn me in. Maybe it is our friends, or that it forever be the city in which Layth was born in, or the low cost of living and lack of traffic; regardless, Madonna sums it up perfectly in her song, I'll Remember, "And I finally know why I have a reason why/ I'll remember." I do not if we will back for a future ENT graduation or if the wind will blow us back in this direction and offer Chafeek an amazing Head and Neck Cancer position, but I'm happy to say I am leaving with no regrets and a full heart!

Saying " Goodbye" @ Panera Bread

Wasting Our Afternoons at Lifetime

Hello Everyone,

  I hope you're enjoying the beginning of Summer, and the kids getting out of school! However, for us Memphians, it is the one season we all dread: the mosquitoes, the 100 + summers and the scorching sun! Growing up in Florida, I did not mind the summers so much because they were either spent at the beach or the pool. And with us being at the disadvantage of not owning a pool, I was determined to enjoy our last Memphis summer. And so, when our good friend Tharwa suggested we join her family for an evening swim at Lifetime Fitness in Collierville, I willingly agreed. The forty five minute drive and 35 miles that it took to get there each way did not bother me, I was going to be in a pool this summer! Chafeek, on the other hand, thought I was crazy and impractical for agreeing to drive all the way out there for a pool, as would a bunch of others! But it's Lifetime, how can you not be willing to work out at one of the nations' best gyms is what I say.  Regardless, I had to see if Layth liked it, and he fell in love with it! Upon waking up from his nap the next morning, he insisted he wear his " turtles" i.e. his swimsuit and see Zack ( who has now become synonymous with Lifetime, since he asks about him every time we go), indicating to me we needed to get membership! Since obtaining membership three weeks ago, we have been there a total of seven times ( how's that for not caring about the longevity of the drive!) and utilize their pool! It's also perfect for me on Layth's day off from school, because it gives me an easy option to choose on how to best fill our days without one of us yearning to go home and take a nap! It also helps me to get a workout in, since Layth insists he go to the babysitting and be with the other children. Personally, if they had babysitting facilities like the one Lifetime has built for its members, I would have loved spending time there as a child! Therefore if you want to find us this summer, we will be at Lifetime swimming and/or having smoothies in their cafe! And yes, I still believe it's worth the drive!

Looking on to see if we arrived!

Playing in the fountains