Bridal Shower Tea Time

I am pull out my hair busy this Month!! My friend is getting Married, having a baby and buying a house!!! Between the upcoming Wedding, Birthday Parties that keep arriving for the Month of May, Mother's Day, Mom's night out, Swim Classes, & My Littles Birthday Party....I honestly don't think we could squeeze another event in no matter how thin! It is all great, don't get me wrong, but a lot at once!

Yes, on my Tippy Toes because she is so tall!

I just went to my friends Bridal Shower on Saturday at Wisteria Tea Room, which was lovely by the way. I really don't remember the names of all the sandwiches and desserts but they were yummy! My favorite Tea of the evening would probably be the Orange Spice Tea (My usual Go to for Tea), the Almond Caramel Scone with cream, (OMG!) was my favorite dessert, and for sandwiches it is a tie for the sandwiches - the Cucumber sandwich was yummy and light but the Roast Beef was savory and tasty......I LOVE to EAT!!! The party was great and the time to catch up with my bestie was worth the leg and butt numbing 2 hour drive to get there!

Flushable Poo-Pourri wipes - Cant go wrong there!

Tower of Yum!

The quiche to die for!

Roast Beef, Spicy Jelly Tart, & Cucumber Sandwich

The OMG Almond Caramel Scone

Strawberry, Key Lime & Mini Creme Brulee

The Tea Room is a cute little house built in 1919 and renovated by the owners. When you walk inside there is a shop filled with little trinkets, teas, tea accessories, baby items, and Poo-Pourri! There honestly is nothing fancy about the place. Just a cute, small, family owned and operated Tea Room. The food was yummy and tea kept coming. In my book that is all that counts. Our table started with a Orange Spice and Goin Nuts. (Which I never tried because I LOVED the Orange Spice so much.) We also tasted the Chocolate Mint Fusion and a Pomegranate Pear that was so yummy! The ladies brought out a tray with three wonderful looking tiers. On top there were mini creme brulee cups, a strawberry cake, and a key lime tart. The middle tier had amazing almond and caramel scones with the wonderful Devonshire cream. The bottom tier had a cucumber sandwich, a roast beef sandwich, a tart with spicy jelly and a quiche that was to die for! Both the sandwiches were small and open, served on top of a lightly toasted bread. *I am in love with tea rooms. So much so that my daughter WILL have a Mad Hatter Tea Party for at least one of her Birthdays. Whether she wants to or NOT!

The everything but the kitchen sink apron game!

We played a few games at the shower too. One of which was to look at the apron that the soon to be Bride was wearing and memorize all 25 items. This was fun, only thing is I had no idea what the names of all of the kitchen gadgets were??! Shows what a great cook I am. I like to eat food, I never have implied I am a Master Chef, or close to it! So, I simply wrote down what the item does in the kitchen...or what I thought it does. Yes. I have shared my insightful wisdom with you.

Yes. I write like a child. Don't judge me!

 All in all it was a great trip, I saw an old friend, enjoyed a celebration with one of my closest friends, ate some great food, drank yummy tea, played a few games, and caught up with my friend before driving that long drive back. I think I arrived home close to midnight. I am super excited for my friend and all of her life changes that are coming. Even more happy to be a part of it all. Moral of the story? If you are ever in the area and would like to have Tea, call me!!

Ahhhh! The warm Pomegranate Pear Tea.

Whirlwind Week

My Blog seems to be like a hot new romance...I was REALLY into it at first and then it sort of fizzled. Not entirely so, but that is the only comparison I can think of at the present moment. I have just been wicked busy this last week!

Be warned now...this post will be a bunch of rambling and really unnecessarily LONG...just to catch up a bit!

Sunday thru Wednesday we got to experience life with 3 little's. We house sat and child sat for a friend of mine. I can't say babysat because her daughter is no longer a baby. A 6 year old whom is much like a teenager. Grayson had a blast with her and Starr....well she just enjoyed having room to explore and being able to explore a new environment. Daddy took Grayson to and from school and got to spend time with us. We all got to experience a little taste of living in a house verses a one bedroom apartment. This was nice for all of us. However, I was so HAPPY to be back in our one bedroom apartment, comfy bed, and the place where routine suites us and just makes our life a little easier. Though small, our home. I mean I really enjoyed repeating myself to Grayson to not run up and down the stairs and him almost cracking his skull on the tile floor when running with the girl down the stairs! Fun Times! JUST KIDDING!!! I was super stressed because my little ones just gravitated toward those stairs as though they were a giant piece of candy! So, I did enjoy the time in a house and enjoyed seeing the kids have such a great time. I am happy to help out a friend whenever possible BUT so glad when we stepped foot back in our little space.

Wednesday was back at home and Grayson back to school. He clung to me and would not let go for several minutes. Once I could pry him off I watched as his red rimmed eyes began to fill with tears. I couldn't figure out why he all of a sudden was anxious about school. He LOVES it! Later at pick up another mommy mentioned that he probably was worried about being left at school later for the extended hours, which we did on Monday for the first time ever. Ding.Ding...Tell her what she's won Bob! It was unpacking and washing laundry. Trying to convince Grayson to take a nap......NOT SUCCESSFUL! It was a day of recouping my energy lost the days prior. We did not make swim because Grayson fell asleep. Then it was warp speed and Thursday before I could even take an inhale.

Super G-Man!

Thursday was a walk to the park playground twice. My child aging me 20 years because he decided to do kick jumps on the slide and almost flipped off the top EVERY time. Oh and almost hurt his neck while deciding to be superman on the swing, but leaning too far forward. It was a day of playing and trying to get the kids back into their routine.

He was so still the whole time just waiting to get a lollipop!

BAM! Friday. Grayson had school, a haircut, and then it was our usual Friday night dinner with friends. Amazingly a child gets a haircut and they are immediately transformed into little people. Cray Cray! How could I possibly leave out the 10 minute Raisin in the nose and baby in the toilet episode??!
Picture this. My darling son loves raisins. He apparently decided to shove one up his nose. Wait it gets better. He then proceeded to shove his finger up his nose in an attempt to get it out. At first I thought he was confused (Maybe thought a booger was a raisin..I don't know!) then he kept insisting. I remembered when my sister was younger and she stuck a popcorn kernel up her nose. Though the tactics with my sister took on a lot more quickly than in my situation with my son. Here we are in the bathroom and I am desperately seeking raisin (Got that one?) looking up my son's nostril but can't seem to see anything. I keep coaching him to blow out but with every attempt he first inhales. Panic strikes a little. After about ...oh...10 attempts, Panic hit hard. Here I am thinking the worst. First child to loose consciousness from raisin stuck in nostril! My mind was thinking ridiculous thoughts but panic was deepening with every inhale he took. To make a sticky situation more sticky. In crawls my speed crawler, Starr. She pulls up on the toilet seat and begins to happily splash while I am still trying to coach G-Man to blow OUT not in! I notice her happily splashing in the wonderful world of toilet bowl. (How about that for sensory experiences)?
I decided to show Grayson exactly what I meant with a little more ...power. I blow out a huge snot rocket to show him and say, "blow out like Mommy." He FINALLY does just that and out shoots that darn little raisin. I can finally get my daughter out of the toilet bowl and wash her hands. Panic subsides and all is well.

Leap of Faith

Saturday was here already. We had swim make up from missing class Wednesday. Grayson has been going underwater opening his eyes, doing turns, jumping, and having a blast. This makes me anxious because he is soon going to be swimming on his own. With this new found accomplishment will also come a head strong independence.

Spin Art

Saturday afternoon we headed to G-Man's school for a fun Birthday Bash. The preschool celebrated it's 40th year. They had games, cotton candy, popcorn, raffles, and other fun activities for the kids.
Saturday night was my much needed monthly mom's night out!! We headed to RA Sushi and I actually was daring enough to give Raw sushi a try. Normally I stick with the California rolls and shrimp rolls. I did venture out to try a rainbow roll and Tuna Tataki. I LOVE it!!! Also got a little bold with the Patron Margarita times 2...hehehe! Followed by cake pops and coffee from Starbucks. It was a much needed night out.

Sunday was a rainy yucky day. We made it to church for the first time in FOREVER. Then headed to a local mall that has been revamped. They have a super fancy family room equipped with a lounge chair and TV for nursing with a privacy curtain, a microwave for heating milk or water??? Maybe snacks?! A toilet and fancy Kohl designed sink with air dryer for your hands. The kind that blows your skin off! We walked and then had lunch before heading home to clean and veg out.

Whew! Such a busy week but long gone now. Ready for the week to come. Until Next Time!

Hungry Hungry Heather

UNDER MUNCH-STRUCTION!! Heee Hee!

A Very Social Weekend

This weekend is over already...well just about. I had a very busy and social weekend. This doesn't happen very often but I embrace it when it does.

Friday night I had a moms night out with my friend Lindsay. We finally headed out to Dada in Delray Beach. A plan that we spoke about months ago but had yet to execute until Friday. What can I say about Dada? Only that I am in love! I could only wish that there was a place remotely close to Dada where I grew up. As far as I can tell all the future generations can just keep wishing too! Lindsay is very familiar with Dada as she grew up with this being her go to place. I would have loved to have had it mine. However, I am so glad that I am now introduced to this place. It is artistic, fun, and ALIVE! A cute old historic house made into a Hipster Dive Restaurant. The details and eccentric styling of each room make this a place for all creative souls. They have live entertainment and open mic night which I am already excited about returning to experience these.

Let's talk atmosphere:The tables are chalk boards equipped with a bowl of chalk to draw or write what you want. The rooms are themed differently with unique artwork. The bathrooms are unisex. The food is presented nicely and taste great! History past, present and future is very much alive in this place. This house was built originally in 1924 before being renovated in 2000 to create the amazing Dada space that it is now. Fast forward to the present (14 years later) and Dada is still Alive with Art, Culture, and good vibes all around. A little history about Dada art movement courtesy of Wikipedia.

Let's Talk about the Food: The menu is one page with Beginning, Middle and End categories instead of starter or appetizer, entree, and dessert. They have a pretty interesting Mojito selection and interesting wine as well.

I began with the crab cake. The green chile sauce was perfect and gave the crab cake the perfect kick of heat!

My middle was their New York strip with a mushroom cream sauce and mashed potatoes. What can I say I am a steak and potatoes kind of gal! 

My end was a so yummy for your tummy Nutella creme Brûlée and a cappuccino of course.

The overall experience: The vibe is Alive and vibrant. The staff is friendly and attentive. The selection of food is pretty diverse but more importantly, taste great! This is a place I will be sure to come back to again and again.

Saturday night was a night with some amazing women. Since having Grayson I have met a few women who are more seasoned with Life, Careers, and Parenting. Every now and then we all get together to celebrate something. Saturday night we were having a farewell gathering for one of the women. She is leaving Florida thus giving us a reason to get together.

I always love getting together with these women because I really learn so much. At first, I was very intimidated by them all, to be quite honest. They all have degrees, had careers before becoming stay at home moms, and have worlds of experience over me due to these factors. With them being older than I by 5-10 years I felt like an immature little rugrat at times, often wondering how I can relate or jump into the conversations. I never let this deter me from going to Book Club or parties that they invited me to. Now, I just absorb their knowledge and find that though I learn a lot from them, we are really not so different as I once thought. We all actually can learn a little something from each other. I embrace the time I get with them and enjoy their intellect, stories, knowledge, experience & just have a good time when I am with them.

Sunday was here faster than I anticipated and I had another social evening but this time with my family. We were invited over to a friends place for dinner. her husband, a chef, (so Jealous) made us an amazing skirt steak with polenta, grilled peppers, and grilled zucchini and squash. It was delish! We had conversation, ate a good meal, and the kids played energetically all evening. It was 10pm before we realized and headed home.

Another weekend has come and gone and a new week begins with new adventures.

Date Nights DO exist

My husband and I celebrated our 3 Year Wedding Anniversary early, this last Saturday evening. It was a refreshing, lovely, fun evening! A reminder that Date nights really DO exist!! Most people say "You have to plan and MAKE TIME for date nights." Okay. I get that...BUT...when you are overly worked, overly tired, AND most Important, don't have a sitter.....Date nights that require actually leaving the house and kiddies behind are far and few between!

We have been together 8 years and married for 3 of those 8. Tuesday is our actual anniversary and we will celebrate at home, but Saturday was our night to unwind! We did not plan ahead of time because securing a sitter is difficult. I am talking about a family sitter not just anyone. A day and a half prior it was confirmed that David's sister could watch both kiddies for us...YAY!!! So, we attempted to book reservations at two of our top choices and ...wah wah wah...All booked!! We finally decided Saturday evening after dropping the kiddies off at 5:30ish, we would just wing it. That we did.

We headed over to Mizner Park in Boca with music blasting and jamming with our mad car jamming skills!  Mizner Park is an outdoor shopping scene with several restaurants varying from Ruby Tuesdays, Mexican, Italian, Seafood, to an Irish pub, Sushi, and a dining and movie experience. You have your selection. Many walking the paved sidewalks of Mizner are driving multi million dollar cars, shopping at the upscale clothing boutiques, and eat out at places such as Truluck's on a regular basis, I'm sure. For us and our little Honda Fit, it was a special evening where our focus was not on all the fancy people, cars, or restaurants, but on us. We walked into Truluck's and were sat right away. No waiting, or reservations required. We were warmly greeted and even offered some insight to the popular dishes on the menu. Our waiter quickly greeted us and without judgement gave us the lowdown on their Crab Specialties, explained the menu and made some suggestions, also was friendly and answered our questions. It was our first time in this restaurant and we were treated as though we were regulars. The manager came by to drop her business card and make sure we were taken care of. The waiter was polite, friendly, efficient, and attentive. The staff was warm and welcoming.We had a delicious experience start to finish at Truluck's Restaurant.

Shrimp Cocktail

We started with the Shrimp Cocktail and Cesar Salad, which we split. The shrimp were the size of my fist, and came in this cold silver dish with smoke pouring out. A pretty cool effect that unfortunately our camera didn't capture. The cocktail sauce had the perfect spicy kick to it. The Cesar was crisp and tasty with a large fresh made crouton. I accompanied my meal with a glass of fruity white wine, a switch from my usual Cabernet and David had a Blue Moon.

Surf N Turf

Salmon

For our main dish, I chose the Surf N Turf. A perfectly cooked 7 oz filet with a melt in your mouth African Lobster Tail accompanied with the best and creamiest Parmesan mashed potatoes, and Asparagus with Bearnaise sauce. David had the grilled Salmon with the same yummy mashed potatoes. Both of us had more food than we could fit into our tummies. We were both very satisfied with the choices we made and the taste. While we were awaiting the dessert tray options, our waiter came out with a specially made dessert for us. It was a chocolate bread pudding with a cherry jubilee topping, and scoop of vanilla ice cream. The waiter set flames to the fabulous looking dessert and on the side of the plate with chocolate it read, "Happy Anniversary." The waiter went above and beyond to wish us a Happy Anniversary, and help to make our celebratory night, a night to never forget! The dessert was so delish. I accompanied with a Cappuccino, of course!

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Vanilla Ice Cream and Cherry Jubilee topping

For our return visit they have along with many other dessert options an amazing looking Key Lime Pie, and a chocolate bag dessert. It is a small paper bag looking  dessert made with chocolate and inside is a cake, berries, and tons more chocolate. We will try those next time.

Before leaving we visited the restrooms and they had mouthwash in the restroom. This is very suiting and convenient as it is a Seafood restaurant. Thought that was a nice extra touch.

After leaving we took a stroll around Mizner and noted several other places to try in the future. Our next stop was the book store. I know we are such old people! We were going to go Go Kart racing or to a huge indoor trampoline place but opted to leave the kiddies and other peoples kiddies/teenagers etc at bay. At lease for one evening. I finally got a baby book for Starr....I know.. So late, but better late than never!

We ended our evening at around 10:30 before heading back to his sister's. We made it home and to bed at 12:30am. Not too bad for two tired young parents!

Most may seek an evening more adventurous, or exciting, and some may seek drinks and dancing. For us this was a perfect evening celebrating a forever love that all began 8 years ago!! To my forever, friend, partner, & husband HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

3 Years 2014

New Hershey Spreads -Chocolate with Hazelnut

I recently joined Crowdtap. A wonderful way to find out about and get feedback on new products/brands on the market. I think this is a fabulous group/website. I am a consumer and often times I find that a "New" product may come out that I want to try, but I may end up not liking it or never actually finding a use for it. Now my time and money have been flushed down the drain because I have blindly invested. Crowdtap let's my voice and opinion be heard by the brand/manufacturer itself. BONUS.....sometimes you will receive a sample based on eligibility/and a point system. Often times a brand may be targeting a certain demographic and you just may meet that.

One of my first "crowds" I joined was the Hershey's Spread the possibilities crowd. Two words...Chocolate...and Hershey's. How could I pass this up? I answered some questions and submitted for the sample jar.

AND....................................................................

I finally Received my Sample jar of New Hershey Spreads - Chocolate with Hazelnut on Saturday (1/11/14.) I was supposed to receive it earlier, which I was hoping for to share the spread and get some other feedback over the Holidays....but...due to Holiday Mail hold ups...my shipment was delayed. However, I did not let that keep me from trying it on a few things I had around my pantry.
I basically tried the spread on every form of starch I had in my pantry.

First, I used on my waffles Saturday Morning in lieu of syrup=YUM!

Second, I did the old fashioned spoonful of sugar. Yes.It.Is.That.Good.

On Sunday, and Monday mornings I spread that chocolaty goodness onto my toast. I do have a wicked sweet tooth.

I dipped apple slices into the spread, and also heated a small tortilla, spread the Hershey's Chocolate with Hazelnut spread, rolled it up and made my taste buds dance with delight.

I must say that my favorite food to accompany my Hershey's Spread with was toast. Simple, Crunchy, Sweet and Creamy. Something about that combination is just perfect!

Hungry Hungry Heather Review:

Even though I had big plans to share my jar with family and friends over the holidays. I did get to share the rich, creamy, smooth, sweet, delightful indulgence with my many many taste buds. They know me best and they know what I like. In my opinion you could spread Hershey's spreads on anything and it would be Yummy! With that being said..You have to be a Chocolate lover of course. If you don't like chocolate than probably not for you, although give it a try because it just may sway you differently.

Jimmy John's

Saturday, I finally got to Jimmy Johns to try one of their highly talked about subs. The sub of choice for me was their #6 - Vegetarian and David chose #5-Vito. The subs are 8" of  Yummy! They are reasonably priced and were just what they advertise "Subs so Fast You'll freak!" They were just that. David must have walked in and out in seconds! My first comment was, "That was Fast!"

They have been in business for over 10 years so are doing something right! Plus Bonus...they will deliver just one sandwich! In my book this is Great! The sandwich was fresh and just enough for my belly, They offer larger more packed subs too for the hungrier Bellies out there! They outweigh Subway with their fast service, fresh meats and toppings, and delivery! In my book they will be a go to place for our sub cravings from here on out!

Here's to finally joining the Freaky Fans of Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches!

2013 Turk Off!

Thanksgiving has come and gone just as fast as any other day this year. In a blink of an eye we will be celebrating the New Year 2014!

Every Thanksgiving we head over to my Sister In Laws for Thanksgiving dinner. There is always a surplus of food, cute decorative place settings and the usual family : My in Laws, sister in Law and husband's mom, sister, and grandparents and us. Every Year my sister- In-laws husband deep fry's his turkey, usually infused with Cajun spices of some sort, and his sister seasons and bakes a traditional Turkey. Thus resulting in a healthy and competitive sibling rivalry Turk off!

Cajun Infused Deep Fried

No Oil Necessary Infra Red

Traditional Seasoned Baked

This year it was just as eventful of an event but an extra entry was added. This year we had two of my husbands three cousins with their families, and their parents in addition to the normal family who attends. We had children galore, visitors from the Bahamas, our usual Thanksgiving crowd and then some. In addition we had one extra Turkey for our 2013 Turk Off! My husband's cousin cooked his Turkey using Infra Red. Yup! No oil with this Turkey! My sister In Law out did herself with the fit for HGTV Table settings and decorative touches.

A little back history.... I come from a broken family home consisting of a mother, step father, and 1/2 sister. Let's just say.. my bio father was man enough to help create me, even participated in the events the day I was born but somewhere along the way lost his testicles and decided to make a choice that would change my mother's life and impact my life forever. With this I honestly have never nor will I ever be one of those heart broken daughters with a void in my heart desperately searching until my life's end for my father. You see I believe that he did me a huge favor. He helped contribute in how strong and independent I am. he helped me discover what I wanted in a life companion and in a father of my children. He made that small contribution to my life and I have become a survivor, to say the least ever since. I believe that anyone can create life however, it takes a different type of person to truly be a Mother or a Father. Two people can procreate and make life but that does not mean they are suited for being parents. You can call yourself a Mother or a Father but to really be one takes far more sacrifice, blood, sweat and heart ache. Only those who are actively "Being" Mothers and Fathers would understand this. I also feel that not every Mother has that Natural " Nurturing" mom gene. This is a huge reason why, I will never be a daughter who is distraught or constantly searching to fill a void in her life because her "daddy" abandoned her. I believe that for my Bio to have been a true Father he would have kept his testicles in tact and stepped up to take responsibilities for his actions and put in the blood, sweat, and heart ache that I know for certain my Mother did, to the best of her abilities!

So, back to the Turk Off! Since I am from a very small family, I , even after 8 years, have still not gotten used to the huge family gatherings that accompany the Latin heritage. The more the merrier no matter how dysfunctional, loud, or crazy! This year I came prepared with appetizer, side dish and RED WINE!
We arrived late because my son needed a nap before we entered the chaos, & my chunky monkey daughter vomited after overeating. My fault because I put her in the jumper right after a very full lunch time feeding :/  I had to cook everything, last minute, because it was impossible to get done with my toddler running ramped all morning, and I had to wash my daughters clothes after her vomit incident.
As I arrived, I immediately began drinking and guess what???? It was 1000 times easier to handle all the family chaos!!! I was in a happy, and warm place that only wine can take me to. I enjoyed the afternoon. Grayson played with his cousins and fought with another girl his age. In his defense he was being very protective over his sister, which was very cute....until it wasn't cute anymore. We had 3 Turkeys, 2 different types of  Sweet Potatoes (one was my Contribution), Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Casserole, Corn Casserole, 3 different stuffing's, Green bean Casserole, Cabbage, Spicy Shrimp Dip (My Contribution), Empanadas, Spanish Rice, Apple, Pie, Oreo Pudding, Pound Cake, Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, etc..... We had a plethora of delightfully scrumptious eats and sweets. I was in hog heaven!!! My faves of the night were the Corn Casserole, my Sweet Potato Casserole, My Spicy Shrimp Dip, the Deep Fried Cajun Spiced Turkey, The Sausage Stuffing, and the Oreo Pudding.
YUM!

Courtesy of Paula Deen

Yes, I added Marshmallows.

Cooked Shrimp, Peppers, Jalapenos, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, and Onion=Delicious Dip

In other news: I finally got my son to watch something other than , CARS 1 and 2! He has not wanted to watch Planes because he said it was scary. This morning we were watching Jake and the Never land Pirates on Disney Jr. when a commercial advertisement for the movie Planes came on. He was enthralled and I told him, "See. Please is Funny, not Scary!"
At that moment he chose to watch it and I jumped at the opportunity. Anything other than Cars...please! As we watched the first 15-20 minutes Grayson kept saying to me, "Not Scary mommy. Funny!"
Then it was back to Cars. We introduced Elf on the Shelf today for Grayson's Nap Time reading. Guess what he named his Elf???????..................................................CARS! And so the Elf named Cars begins his Journey with special Santa Christmas Magic at the Lopez house!

Okay - Pants and shirt are both 12 months - she is only 6 months!!

One Single Tear

And Once again NO Photos of my Husband and I...OR the 4 of us Together. I am going to have to start hiring a photographer that comes along with us everywhere..just to get some family photos!!!!!