504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Tickled Pink No. 103

How is everyone's summer?
We have been house hunting - I used to think that was fun...but not so much anymore (it is really the fixing up our house to sell that is stressful)...just trying to make all the right house decisions - so much to think about...and I happen to really LOVE my current house (faults and all).

We have also been saying good-bye to friends.
A friend and her family are moving to American Samoa...It has stirred up all sorts of feelings in me...mainly about how nice it would be to whisk away and enjoy a very different lifestyle with far less material and technological interruptions.

My son turns 11 in a few days...How the HECK did that happen!

My 4 year old (almost five) lost her first tooth
(and the second one is just about to go too)
You can check out my Tooth Fairy Troubles - what have I done!

My UGLY master bathroom is "this close" to NOT being ugly anymore.
YEAH!
I will be brave and post photos soon...just beware the before's are (shudder) BAD!

I also had fun at the park watching a kid use his slackline.
He was nice enough to let all the kids try...what FUN.
I totally WANT one.
Like seriously NEED one!

http://instagr.am/p/MEsAEfF3ec/

Be sure to check out the Bloggy Olympics!

One more thing...
Dear Google/Blogger...Of course
my words don't match the word verification (for the tenth time)...YOU are crazy! Can you make word verification any more awful?

Be sure to visit Katy to see her features...
and I promise to get back on track...
and maybe even return some emails!

HAPPY SUMMER!

FEATURES

I am so intrigued to try these flavors together.

Asparagus-Strawberry-Feta Salad from Turtles and Tails

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Fun and totally adorable Celebration Sundress from Polkadots on Parade

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A TON- like grab a couple cups of coffe and read up - of infogrpahic and info about mom blogs and blogs in general from Natasha in Oz

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I keep saying I am going to make my own bread. This Whole Wheat Oatmeal bread from Pink Recipe Box looks amazing

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Wild and Brown Rice Salad - love everything in it from My Serendipitous Life

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Love these Bat Tea Bags from Life on Walnut Street

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A FAB rustic, urban, industrial dresser...LOVE those finishing touches! From Redoux Interiors

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...whatever makes your blog fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}

Grab a button HERE!
or here!

<a href="http://504main.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/504Mainbuttonfridays-1.jpg" /></a></center>

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button or TEXT link back to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}.
4. Please visit a couple other links!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories

I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

By linking up...you grant me permission to use a photo if you are featured. Proper credit will be given.

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share

The Trouble with Tooth Fairies

3:30 am...

"Moooommmmyyy! Moooommyyy! The tooth fairy didn't come yet?"

Huh...what?

CRAP!

Eyes pop open...I look at the clock.

Whew...3:30 am. HAPPY DANCE!

Yep, I was happy it was 3:30 and not the real "time to get up" morning.

I pop out of bed and head to Jules's room.

She is distraught.

"The tooth fairy didn't come yet! The tooth fairy didn't come yet! Maybe she is not coming."

I am exhausted but have to get myself out of this...I created it.

Image credit: svinka / 123RF Stock Photo

Just a few days ago Jules lost her first tooth...

and the next day promptly showed us another tooth was also loose...

and quickly became OBSESSED with this second tooth falling out.

She was incessant, insistent, and persistent all day about getting this second tooth out. It was not ready...almost but not quite. I could not take it anymore...I had literally told her that the tooth was "still there, and the tooth fairy is just waiting" 100 times!

Finally in an effort to divert her attention, I suggest she write the tooth fairy a note or draw her a picture just to let her know you are excited to see her again soon. This excited her...but then it turned into an obsession.

By bed time she had decided that the tooth fairy would be receiving one beautiful original piece of art (by Jules), one pink swirly bouncy ball, one penny, and one dime, so that the Tooth Fairy would not forget about here.

Under the pillow the treasures went,

and she sort of went to sleep, tossing and turning all night...

until 3:30 when she woke up, distraught.

And when Mommy realized she forgot to tend to her duties.

Once Jules was settled, I snuck into the garage, found some scrapbook paper,

a length of ribbon, and a pretty embellishment and

sat down at about 4 am to craft a response from the Tooth Fairy.

Just what I wanted to do at 4 am!

I quietly entered Jules's room and swapped out her gifts for

the Tooth Fairy note and went back to bed.

In the "real" morning she was ecstatic! She carried the note with her all day...

and around 6 pm started preparing another offering for the Tooth Fairy (yeah!).

Well, three days later that tooth is still in her mouth,

the Tooth Fairy has now collected:

2 Tootsie Pops,

a note that says "I love you Tooth Fairy,"

a flower button,

and fifty cents

(to add to the first night loot of a bouncy ball, penny, dime and picture).

She is much happier than she looks!

So, this is what I do as a mother...I come up with creative solutions to my kids obsessions and problems and, in turn, create, more work for myself...but to see their eyes light up and to hear them tell the stories over and over...there is nothing like it. It is a good reminder of the simple, sweet and magical moments that make you thankful you are a Mom!

(Now I must go write Note #3)

What crazy things do you do as a mom?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Aloha Muffins with "Butter" Cream Icing

I made these tasty little muffins back in May for my daughters preschool class.

And, well I had to make them again...

because I am freshly back from Maui and obsessed with all things Hawaiian,

(it happens every time I go to the islands!)

and because they received rave reviews.

These muffins are full of fruity goodness,

whole wheat flour, and made with Melt!

I was introduced to I was introduced to Melt last year.
And recently had the opportunity to test out some new recipes again.
Melt Buttery Spread is an organic gluten-free "healthier alternative to high cholesterol spreadable butter". It has become the perfect compliment to the dishes I have been making - not to mention a new component to my baking and cooking. Oh how I love the added benefit Melt brings to the table by incorporating healthier oil into my dishes.

Melt has a whipped creamy buttery yumminess, but it is better for you, made with virgin coconut oil, flax seed oil, palm fruit oil and canola oil. It is a gluten-free butter and supports digestive wellness, optimal nutrition absorption and healthy weight.

I have tried and tested Melt with great success.
My recent creation were these
ALOHA MUFFINS
WITH "BUTTER" CREAM ICING

MUFFINS - INGREDIENTS and DIY
Makes 12 large muffins
I tried to healthy up a basic muffin recipe...replacing sugar with mashed banana's and oil with Melt and applesauce. They are moist and tangy.

1/4 cup Melt
1 egg
1 medium ripe mashed banana
1/2 cup applesauce
2 Cups whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
OPTIONAL, shredded coconut,1/2 cup (or more depending on preference)

Preheat oven to 400 F
Mix first 4 ingredients together, set aside
Mix dry ingredients together.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until fully combined.
Fold in crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.
Prepare muffin tin with baking liners or baking spray.
Use ice cream scoop to fill muffin tins.

ICING - INGREDIENTS and DIY
THIS IS A "Melt" VERSION OF A BUTTERCREAM FROSTING...IT IS NOT AS THICK AS A TRADITIONAL BUTTERCREAM and needs to be refrigerated...and it is TASTY!

1 Cup Melt 3 Cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons Vanilla
2 Tablespoons half and half (or whipping cream)
OPTIONAL, shredded coconut for garnish

Add Melt to mixing bowl.
Slowly add the sifted sugar.
Add vanilla and half and half.
Mix until thoroughly combined and thickened.
Refrigerate to stiffen.
Place in a pastry bag or Ziploc bag (with end snipped off) to frost muffins.
Sprinkle with coconut if desired.

Have you tried Melt?

Learn more about Melt on Twitter or Facebook!

Tweet with Melt using the hashtag #atlastgoodfat!

Who's ready to head back to Maui with me???

disclosure: I was provided with Melt to use in a recipe. The recipe and opinions are mine base don my experiences with Melt.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Party Time: A Mirror Mirror Spa Party!

I LOVE a party!

Give me a reason for a party and I will run with it.

Well...in my house it is party season...

both kids have birthdays coming up...

BUT I really mean that I am ready for a party for the moms...
my friends!

It is time for us to celebrate making it through another school year!

Image credit: lordalea / 123RF Stock Photo

And we are going to do it with a Mirror Mirror Spa Party.

Thanks to 20th Century Fox,
my friends and I will be screening Mirror Mirror in my house
and having a relaxing, fun spa party!
The Blu-Ray and DVD are available on 6/26!

I am so looking forward to some girl time!

I am coming up with ideas for the party...
and having so much fun playing and designing.

I promise there will be...
APPLES!

Image credit: mathom / 123RF Stock Photo

MIRRORS!

Image credit: nuttakit / 123RF Stock Photo

and plenty of "BEAUTY"-ful ideas!

Image credit: agorohov / 123RF Stock Photo

And best yet...
my little girlie has decided she wants a
Mirror Mirror birthday party (she has not seen the movie)...
so I will be converting the big girl decor
and ideas into little girl appropriate ones!

FUN!

Did you see the movie?
I am so excited to see it!

DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a copy of the DVD and various other necessities for this party by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Tickled Pink No. 102

ALOHA!
So, my break turned into a vacation in Maui with the family...
and I did not take my computer!
So, I answered a few questions and made a few status updates
on Facebook via smartphone but that was it...
so I have not returned emails in 2 weeks...
I am even more behind than usual...
but the vacation was amazing and necessary...
and I want to go back yesterday!

I took photos on Instagram while I was there!
If y'all are on Instagram,
leave me a comment with your username...
I'd love to follow you.
Mine is holly_ll

Then, we headed down to So Cal for a quick
(blink and you missed it)
trip to L.A. to attend the Elevate Blog Conference
(AWESOME!!!!) - more coming on that soon!
And visit the families.

Now I am back and guess what not rejuvenated...now I just want to find some sun and hang out with with kids in the water for the rest of summer...or forever.

Oh to dream!

THANKS to everyone for linking up the past two weeks.
I really appreciate it!

Be sure to visit Katy to see her features...
and I promise to get back on track...
and maybe even return some emails!

HAPPY SUMMER!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

<a href="http://504main.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/504Mainbuttonfridays-1.jpg" /></a></center>

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button or TEXT link back to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}.
4. Please visit a couple other links!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories

I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

By linking up...you grant me permission to use a photo if you are featured. Proper credit will be given.

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share

Things My Dad Taught Me...2012 edition

Happy (almost) Father's Day to all the dad's out there!
I originally posted this in 2010 for writers workshop,
but thought I'd share it again!

Anyway, this is about my Dad! He and I are a lot alike - good and bad. I am pretty sure that is where I get my impatience, my eagerness, and my competitive spirit.

My Dad was a police officer for 20+ years. I am proud of that and always was. He worked funky hours, but it was a good life. He was often able to come home with his partner and have dinner with us. And then other times, we wouldn't see him for days due to his schedule. Sometimes I would get up at 1 am {or later} when my Dad got home from work. We would eat PB&J on Saltine crackers and watch Planet of the Apes or a weird caveman movie.

When I was younger, I was fascinated with Wrigley's Spearmint Gum. All the police officers chewed it {they all had mustaches too}. I thought it was special...and I thought {or was told} that you had to get it from a policeman. Every night {or day} when my dad came home from work, if I was "good" he would give me his special Police Gum and I was in heaven. I am not sure when I realized everyone could buy Wrigley's Spearmint Gum...not just police officers!

Of course, Police Gum was the invention of the man who, while we were vacationing at Lake Powell, had me convinced that the holes about 50 feet above water were fish houses, and that the yucca plant was named that because it tastes awful {yuck-a!}.

Now, life at my house was not all fun and games, my Dad takes some things very seriously....like his lawn and his baseball hats!

Oh you think I am joking...NOT! He is obsessed with his lawn. He cannot go on vacation for too long because his lawn will grow too tall. We joke that he measures it daily to see if it needs to be cut...and cutting is an all day event...and, remember we live in coastal California...we are not talking acres!

Baseball hats are my Dad's signature item, placing just ahead of shorts - no matter what the weather. As for baseball hats, they must be worn correctly {bill to the front, unless you are in a boat, then it is acceptable to wear it backwards}. The bill must also be bent - just so. I am sure my Dad has a special tool for doing this somewhere. You know what is scary...I find myself repeating this to my son when he screws around with his baseball hat!

Both of my parents were supportive and gave it their all for their kids. They were always coaching our teams, or sitting in the stands cheering us on as we got older. They taught us a lot and let us grow into who we are.

So to end this,
I want to say a big thanks to
my Dad for teaching me...

...how to take care of myself - but that did not mean he didn't ask the police to drive by my apartment when I moved out and lived on my own.
...someone, usually a police officer was always watching - stay out of trouble.

...how to NOT throw like a girl. And with that, I played Little League with the boys until I was 12. I even once pitched a no-hitter shut out - who says a girl can't throw?

...how to drive a stick shift, which I still prefer.

...how to drive a boat
...how to water ski (on one ski...and I still can).

...how to ride a dirt bike.

...how to ride a regular bike!

...how to wash a car properly {I do not always do it, but I know how to!}

...that you can never have enough bungee cords or zip ties.

...that Peppermint Schnapps does not taste like a candy cane.

...how to be the last person to leave a party.

Happy Father's day Dad!

And Happy Father's Day

to all the dad's out there!

What did your Dad teach you????