roger arguer fish bowls

Beautiful fish bowls!! I have no idea where one would buy these or how much they cost, as I couldn't find them for sale anywhere on the web...but thought they were very, very cool!! I love the idea of a fish bowl vase...might have to try a homemade version of that one!

Things I Like...funky fish bowls

MARCHING FOR BABIES

March of Dimes is an organization near and dear to our hearts. Our sons, Max and Michael were born at 25 weeks, weighing in at about a pound each. The boys survived and are THRIVING because of the medical care they received during those most critical early days. Without the MOD they would not be here today. We are walking as a family this Sunday in gratitude to help raise money to support the MOD. Although we are starting small this year and haven't pledged to raise a large amount of money, we know that every small donation helps!!
If you would like to support the MOD, please click on our link and make a secure donation. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go a long way in helping to save the lives of the millions of babies born too soon and too sick every year!
To make a donation, visit my personal Web page at
http://www.marchforbabies.org/Lopoukhine

THANK YOU!!!!

Things I Like...March of Dimes March for Babies!!!

The World's Greatest Flip Flop

Havies = Best Flop Flop Ever. Now it just has to get warm enough (or at least stop snowing) for me to wear them. Rumor has it Gap is carrying them this season for around $18. I would love to splurge for a pair adorned with swarovski crystals (not $18, but $135)...and just might convince myself they (and I!) are worth it this summer.

Things I LOVE...Havaianas (which means Hawaiian in Portuguese)

The High Priestess of Soul

As odd as it may sound, it was my yoga class tonight that reminded me how much I love Nina Simone. Her music is as interesting as her story...covering all genres and ranging from the lows to the highs in both tone and emotion. She defined musical expression of emotion and is truly deserving of the title High Priestess of Soul. She was also a diagnosed schizophrenic with multiple personality and bipolar disorder which makes her contributions and accomplishments that much more astonishing.
I am again amazed at how what you need in life is delivered in one way or another at the time you need it. Feeling Good is the song that was played in my class tonight...Itunes it!

Feeling Good
Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom on the tree you know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That's what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good

I'm feeling good

Things I Like...singer, song writer, activist, pianist....Nina Simone

Earth Day Ice Cream

Anna's pre-k celebrated Earth Day today by recycling coffee cans--using them to make ice cream! The kids had a great time, the ice cream was easy (and fun!) to make, and the ice cream actually turned out to be delicious!! It was such a success, I think I am going to do this at home with my kiddos on a rainy day.

You need:
3 pound coffee can (cleaned and rinsed)
1 pound coffee can (cleaned and rinsed)
duct tape

1/3 cup sugar
small container heavy cream
pint of half and half
cap full of vanilla

ice
rock salt or kosher salt

Pour half the heavy cream and half and half into the small coffee can, add 1/3 cup sugar and about a cap full of vanilla. Mix. Put the lid on and seal with duct tape. Seal VERY WELL, taping across and around as you don't want the ice/salt mix to get into this can.

Place small can in the large can. Surround small can with ice, fill large can half way with ice, add layer of salt, layer ice to top, add another layer of salt. Seal large can with duct tape. Again, seal well.

Have the kids face each other and roll the can back and forth for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove smaller can, mix, should be fairly solid. Recap and place in freezer for about an hour.to let set/harden. (you can also reseal both cans and continue to roll for another 10 minutes).

Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Things I Like...Recycling for Ice Cream!!

Bret Michaels

So I am sitting here, exhausted, watching Celebrity Apprentice trying to figure out what I like today. In walks Bret Michaels. I was never a fan of his music back in the day, can't stand Rock of Love (although I loved the SNL skit) and honestly, find him physically repulsive (not my type at all) but I have to say, I totally respect him in this show and really like this side of Bret. He is a hard worker, a team player, an out-loud thinker, and just seems to be humble, much more genuine than I would have anticipated. I like that thy are portraying him as a real guy, focused on his cause and facing real and very serious life issues in the show (his own history with diabetes and concern for his child). He is dynamic and very likeable. Maybe some of you have felt this about Bret since high school, maybe its just that Hollywood spin...I don't know, but I have a new found respect for him.

Things I Like...Get Well Soon Bret Michaels!

Cucuzza.....or as we say, Gagootz

Addiction: Zucchini. Started last summer for me and hasn't waned a bit. I am so happy we are almost back in full-swing Zucchini season!! I think we eat zucchini in one form or another at least 2-3x/week. My favorite is sauteed with white wine, shallots and garlic, mixed in whole grain rice and sprinkled with a bit of grated parm....I could live on this! Below is another favorite recipe.

GAGOOTZ(zucchini)

In a tablespoon or so of olive oil, saute:

3 stalks celery diced
1 medium onion diced

Saute just until it starts getting tender, then add:

5 Chopped fresh tomatoes (I usually remove most of the seeds)
5 Diced baby zucchini
Fresh minced garlic (use at least 2 cloves, more if you like garlic)
1-2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer it slowly so that it makes its own soup. Before the Gagootz is ready, cook up some ditalini noodles to al dente.

Serve the Gagootz over the ditalini, toss in some browned Sopressata sausage, and top with freshly grated parm or pecorino romano cheese.

I have also made this as a risotto dish and it is delish!!

Things I Like...Mi piaci cucuzza (I apologize to all my Italian friends if I got this wrong!)

Curvy Denim Flare Pants

I was in the Gap today and stumbled across these great pants!! I am not a big fan of jeans, mostly because I am not a tall girl and find it hard to find a pair of jeans that fits me well. I liked that these are denim, but more like a pant and are a bit dressier than your average, every day jean. They are actually very nice on, and are a very soft denim material. I knew it was a purchase meant to be when they had my size in the ankle length AND they were on sale for $25 (regular $59.50). I couldn't go wrong at that price!! I might even go back tomorrow and get the regular length in the event these shrink up over time. If you are looking for a dressier jean at a great price, head on over to your local Gap!


Things I Like...Denim Pants (not jeans)

Arancia di Capri

I love Acqua di Parma perfumes and have been wearing Arancia di Capri scent for about 15 years now! Arancia di Capri is a wonderfully fresh, soft, soothing scent--a delicious blend of essential oils of orange, tangerine, lemon and grapefruit. It is a perfect scent for spring/summer...so clean and fresh! It definitely lifts the spirit, bringing peace and happiness to mind!
http://www.acquadiparma.it/en/world_origini.html

Things I like...pretending to be on the Isle of Capri with a spritz of Arancia!

Lucky Brand Sweater Shrug

I couldn't figure out how to save a picture of the front of this adorable sweater shrug from the Lucky site, so you will have to click on this link to see it (trust me, you will want to see it!)
http://www.luckybrand.com/Womens-Sweaters/womensTopsSweaters,default,sc.html?navpos=topNav
I need to have this. I live in J-Crew's favorite tank during the summers and this shrug is just about to revolutionize my tank-wearing world. I feel like a bratty teen coveting everything I see right now, but I think I may need, and know that I definitely want every top featured on the link page. I am feeling Lucky this spring/summer, could be my new favorite!

Things I Like...Lucky Brand Sweater Shrugs...any/all will do!

This could quite possibly be the best pet-related invention ever. I am not kidding, I think this tool just might preserve some of my sanity! I am going crazy with all of the dog hair everywhere....tumbleweeds of Champ hair in every corner. Dog hair all over my furniture (even though the dog is not allowed on the furniture it finds its way somehow) and of course, the worst, all over the clothes. I can't stand dog hair on clothing, drives me nuts!!! I have strategically placed those 3M sticky rollers throughout the house (and car) and the kids know we do "hair check" before leaving the house...they put their arms up in the air and spin while I roll them off!
So, I am hoping that my investment in the Furminator will pay off and save me from being overtaken by dog hair. While this is not a picture of my dog, it is a pretty accurate representation of the undercoat of hair I was able to brush off Champ today. Thank God I was smart enough to brush him outside! Champ loved it, he wanted me to keep brushing him, I am sure it must feel good to shed some of that unwanted furry coat!!
If you are a dog owner and don't yet own a Furminator but have thought about making the purchase, I would suggest buying through Amazon. I think we paid $29 for the large brush with free shipping (sells for $59.95 at Pet Smart).

Things I like....The Furminator

Talavera!

My cousin is getting married in Mexico this July and while we cannot attend (boo!) my parents are going and I have already placed my "goodies" order with them! Because they cannot bring me back what I would really want, authentic salsa, guacamole or enchiladas, by default at the top of my list is some authentic talavera pottery. I love talavera...so pretty, so bright, so much fun! I am not looking for anything big, just a few mugs, a platter or pitcher, maybe. We have been gifted some small pieces over the years from au pairs (from Mexico) and various family members and I just love how different each piece is, how they brighten a space and add a story. To learn more about talavera http://www.inside-mexico.com/art1.htm

Things I Like...labor of love...handcrafted, fine Mexican pottery...TALAVERA!!

Be Present

My new favorite pants. Get used to seeing them because I will probably be wearing them every day from here on out. These are the most comfortable pants and are perfect for spring/summer---and they are so cute. Bonus! Dog hair does not stick to them!! Great for yoga, great for everyday!

Things I Like...Be Present Agility Yoga Pant

Strong Museum of Play

I am finally at the point in my parenting life that I am able to enjoy the Strong Museum of Play with my kids. Ok, well maybe not enjoy with them, but enjoy watching them. They are old enough now that I can just sit back and watch them explore, play and have a good time. No more chasing little ones around, running in multiple directions, needing a second set of hands and eyes to help... sianara strollers, bye-bye diaper bag, adios Baby Bjorn...all I needed was my purse today! I am now a free woman at the museum of play. Whereas this was once a place associated with dread and synonymous with exhaustion, today I found myself electing to take the kids there as a treat, because I was already exhausted and didn't want to have to be an overly engaged parent tasked with entertaining three kiddos on a rainy Friday afternoon. And being a Friday afternoon when most kids are still in school, I knew it would probably be pretty empty, or at least not the zoo it is on weekends and school vacations. BINGO! So, hmmm, I plotted to surprise them with a visit to the museum. My plan was to follow their lead, plop myself down on the well placed benches in each area and just watch them have fun....and it worked!!! Genius!! I was such a lazy mommy today, it was wonderful. I treated them to the butterfly exhibit, a spin on the train (which they have just about outgrown) and a ride on the carousel (I don't even have to ride on the carousel with them anymore...wahoo!). I parked my butt at every opportunity possible and let them go for it! I watched some of the other mommies chase their little ones around, and I didn't even care that some parents gave me that "look" ...you know, that disapproving look that says "I can't believe you are just sitting there like a lump and not engaging with your children." At those moments I wished I had some bon-bons, and just chocked those looks up to jealousy...ahh yes, my friends, it was like having an afternoon off!! I swear, the most energy I exerted was driving to and from. And get this, it was all free (we paid for a membership which has paid for itself already) no cash needed! The best part is that they had such a good time and thought I was the best mom ever for taking them to such a fun place. Ahhhh....gotta love it!!

Things I Like...Being a lazy mommy on a lazy Friday afternoon...kids none-the-wiser and all-the-happier!

Happy Civilization Day!

I like paying taxes. I must be kidding, right? No, actually I am not. I don't like to get all political in my blog, so I won't. AND I live in NYS, a state that taxes up the wazoo. We are taxed on just about everything, and yes, some days, I agree some of the taxes are a bit ridiculous, but generally, I am not aggravated by having to pay tax. I view them as my US membership fee--sort of like belonging to the Y. We all pay to belong and upkeep the infrastructure and to cover those who may be less fortunate than we are at the time. Sometimes we are not always happy about how our money is being used, perhaps we would rather have state of the art treadmills than a new play area for kids or additional water aerobics classes for the seniors, but that is just how it works...perhaps next year the money will go to the treadmills.
As promised, I will stop before getting into my political beliefs, and will simply rely on Justice OW Holmes to sum it up for me: "I like to pay taxes. With them I buy civilization."

Things I Like....Roads and highways, public education, the internet, the broadcast airwaves, our power grid.......the vast infrastructure available as a result of our taxes, the taxes that came before us, and the taxes to come!

The Green Pan

So while I was in Marshalls this week not buying a cute new pair of clogs (see previous blog) I did scoop up this new little frying pan. I had never heard of the Green Pan line, but liked the idea of a green pan so thought I would give it a try. So far, I have to say, next to my trusty iron skillet, this is my favorite pan! It is awesome. Totally non-stick, cooks super fast and cooks well! I am really impressed with the pan. As far as the "green" is concerned, I am not sure I am totally convinced. The pan claims that it is a safe non-stick frying pan--no PTFE or PFOA--I like that, but not so sure about the Thermolon non-stick technology the pan does use. I haven't heard much about Thermolon, but the Green Pan site claims that it is a healthy alternative...hmmm must do more research on this one. Green Pan also claims it is manufactured responsibly. No PFOA emitted into the environment and a claim of 60% less CO2 emissions compared to PTFE coated pans. So this is all good, I guess, but what I really like and can rely on is that it makes a mean grilled cheese!

Things I like...the mean, green grilling machine...The Green Pan

Clogs!

I love clogs...always have...always will. I am so happy to see all of the updated clog-inspired shoes in the magazines and stores this season!! Some really, really cute versions of the clog out there! I was in Marshalls today and saw these fabulous shoes for somewhere in the ballpark of $150, considering they retail for $240 at Neiman Marcus and other high-end stores, that is a steal. I had them in hand ready to buy, but then the practical part of my brain kicked in and I put them down. Ugh. Regret. Perhaps I will get lucky and find them on the sale wall shelf-thingy in a few weeks and score an even bigger bargain. If you love them and can part with $150 rush on over to the Marshalls in Pittsford and pick up a pair (and don't put them down).

Things I like...7 for All Mankind Taffy Huarache Slingback Clog

Wegmans Crispy Cookies

My new weakness. I can't have these in the house. If you are near a Wegmans and you love chocolate you have to try these amazing little bites of heaven. If you are a soft-batch cookie kind of person, these may not be for you, but if you like the crispy edges of a brownie, or a cookie that snaps...well, you can thank me later or curse me later for introducing you to your new obsession. I swear, I can't buy these again...they are that good.

Things I Like...too much...Crispy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies (damn you Wegmans!)

Faded Photographs

My extended family celebrated my paternal grandmothers 85th birthday yesterday! It was really nice to celebrate her life, and to get together with my aunts and uncles and cousins who live in the area. I know having 4 generations of her family gathered around her to celebrate was a great gift for my grandma. I always love these "events" with my extended family. For me, yesterday's gathering also provided one of those moments where you take stock of your life, of where you come from, where you might be headed and what, through it all grounds you.
My extended family is a big one--my grandmother and grandfather have 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls), 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren (sorry if I missed anyone). My mom and dad grew up together and so their families pretty much always knew one another...the result being my aunts, uncles and cousins on my moms side are also pretty much intermingled with the aunts,uncles and cousins on my dads side...we have always been one big, intermingled family! Counting both sides, I have 11 aunts and uncles and 29 cousins. This extended family, near and far, has occupied a central part of my life for as long as I can remember, I can't imagine not having the stability and chaos that comes with it...aunts who are like second moms, cousins who are more like sisters. This family network of sorts has always been the central characteristic of my persona--through it all, I have always come from, been grounded in and supported by a family that extends beyond my parents and brother (it takes a village!). I truly appreciated this yesterday and am really very grateful for this gift, and hope that its importance extends to and beyond my children.
As per usual at our family gatherings we relived old memories and shared lots of laughs and old stories...some retold for the umpteenth time, others new and destined to become classics treasured at each telling (uncle K and the beatles wig)...lots of laughs. I also "stumbled upon" my parents book of wedding proofs, and had a fun time looking through these old pictures. Appropriate to the celebration of my grandmother and her greatest accomplishment, he is one of my very favorite pictures from that album.

This is a picture of my dads immediate family. His parents, 6 brothers (and one of their wives), and 2 sisters. I am not sure how my grandmother is still sane having raised 7 boys, but God bless her!


Things I LOVE...the gram, the fam and that photos never get old

Good things to come

I am a nervous flier...more than that...I hate flying and am about two hours away from leaving on a jet plane. Needless to say, my anxiety is on high....add into that a threat of thunderstorms at the exact time the flight is to leave and predictions from the weather channel that there is a strong possibility of moderate to sever turbulence along my route (why do I check these things!!) and well, panic might be in my future. The point of this is that I will be out of town for the next couple of days without access to a computer and so this blog will be on hiatus for for a bit as I travel deeper into the mid-west to explore some good things to come. If all works the way it should, more dets to follow shortly! So, I will ignore my racing heart and all those butterflies in my stomach, put on a brave face and board that plane in the hopes of good and exciting things to come!

Things I like...a flight to possibility

Sigg-nature Water Bottle

I signed the boys up for summer soccer today and also found the perfect eco-friendly water bottle for my little spring/summer sports stars! Greensender.com offers personalized Sigg water bottles. Simply select the bottle type, color, design, font and text! They have great kid friendly designs--any sport you can think of! and some cool superhero stuff! These easily identifiable bottles would also be perfect for summer campers who are prone to losing things. The site is easy to use and the bottles range from $17-$31 depending upon your bottle and design selections. Check them out at greensender.com.

Things I Like...Super Siggs

Mo Willems

Anna announced to me tonight during our cuddle that Mo Willems is her favorite author. I was shocked that my 5 year old darling daughter announced randomly in a half-asleep voice that she had a favorite author, and that she actually named a real author and got his name right...and I was doubly shocked that the author she named wasn't Jane O'Connor of Fancy Nancy fame (who we have met and spent some time with and who, I am sure, on any other given day would have been bestowed this great honor). I agree with my little Nans, I love Mo! I truly think he is one of the best contemporary children's authors/illustrators. Some of our favorites include the Elephant and Piggie series (of course! so much fun to read together), Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct (a dino who is civic minded, carries a purse and bakes cookies? and doesn't care that she should be extinct? does it get any better?? love her!), The Pigeon series, Knuffle Bunny....oh, they are all really good reads for your little one!

Things I Like..1. that my daughter has a favorite author. 2. MO MO MO!!

I stumbled across the cutest website today, Magpie lovely. It is a boutique site that features products that are handmade by independent artists--every item unique, nothing produced in a factory. Lots of really cute stuff! I love the kids clothes and especially love these cute little pony tail holders. We are always looking for hair accessories in this house and at $4, these will make a great little addition to our hair accessory drawer!

Things I Like. Magpie Lovely.com

The Cowboys

I am not feeling the Amazing Race this season. Maybe it is because I have been preoccupied with lots of "other" stuff, or perhaps this season is just too close on the heals of the last season--which was a great one! This season is just meh--still entertaining enough to keep me watching, but I am a bit disappointed in the hustle the teams have shown and think that the casting may have just left this season a bit flat. Thank god for The Cowboys, who seem to be the only team that is in it to win it. I don't find them charming or endearing, they haven't won my support for any reason other than that, in my opinion, they are really the only team still engaged and going for the win. The other teams just seem to be falling apart, or perhaps they are just not that savvy. Take tonight for example. The Cowboys started in last place, had a road block and still beat every other team to come in first place (Let's not even discuss that the road block was sniffing tea and presenting it to a meditating Guru--geesh, what an exciting challenge to watch). Really, are the other teams that bad? Are they already disengaged? Do they just not care to win?? HMMM, not sure what is going on here, but perhaps the show needs a bit of a longer hiatus to ensure GOOD casting and to keep us faithful watchers hungry and excited for more. JMHO.

Things I Like...The Cowboys

hot and sunny in April...in Rochester

It was downright hot today...and yesterday....and with not a leaf on a tree yet, I have to say, it was just very weird! The kids were outside playing in their bathing suits on the slip-n-slide...running on the same grass that still has patches of snow rot. It was 84 here today, 84 hot, record shattering degrees (not sure we made it to 84 last summer)...allowed us to pack away the snow shovels, wash the salt from the winter snows off the cars and put the sleds away. I think I may have jinxed us, Rochester, so if the snow comes back, you have my packed away snow shovels to blame! We fired up the barbecue for dinner and even had strawberry shortcake for desert. It was nice to have a taste of summer so early into the spring! And yet, in the back of my mind there is a little voice whispering "climate change." We all know it won't last, and in April, it shouldn't. Bring on Spring!

Things I like...an unseasonably warm day...even though I probably shouldn't...

Kango Play Center

I am not usually a big fan of enclosed play centers...I find them more often than not to be overcrowded, overpriced, overwhelming, overly-chaotic, and overflowing with germs!! I cringe at the very mention of it (bah-humbug, I know.) Well, today we had a birthday party for one of Anna's classmates at Kango, and seeing as it is Good Friday and the boys were also out of school, it turned into an outing with all my kiddos. AND THEY LOVED IT and I will admit, I did not cringe once! It was a holiday of sorts, and unusually hot out, so the place was not crawling with kids, which may have made all the difference. The place was CLEAN, and the kids were non-stop entertained for about 3 hours. Running from the enormous climbing structure complete with a zip-line of sorts (the boys played Indian Jones for about an hour!), air bouncer (ala bounce it out), little-kid friendly roller-skating rink (with REAL roller skates and hand rails along the walls to help new skaters!) and little-kid friendly redemption arcade games (you know, the ones that print out tickets for prizes). At $8/kid (no charge for adults) it was well worth it! The staff was very friendly, helpful and engaged, and the scene was not one of contained mass chaos (that you can't escape!). And did I mention it was pretty clean? I loved that there were Purell Hand Wipes dispensers located all over the place...what is better than Purell? Purell Hand Wipes! I want the wall-dispenser unit for my house :) There is also a little pizza place that is not half bad. All in all, it was a great experience and the kids talked about how much fun they had right up until their little heads hit their cozy pillows!

Kango is located on Jefferson Road near the Winton intersection...it is set back in a new building, so it is a bit hard to find. I would have never known it existed had it not been for this party! If you are in the Rochester area and have small kids (I would say 3-8) check it out!

Chocolate + Shoes

Really, need I say more?

Things I Like...hoping a pair finds its way into my Easter Basket!
http://www.gayleschocolates.com/subcategory.php?cid=2&sid=69