Happy Leap Day

I'm not sure anyone considers Leap Day a real holiday, or even really any reason to celebrate, but it only happens once every four years, and we're always looking for reasons to celebrate around here, so I thought I should at least acknowledge it.

Having an "extra day" inspires me to take the time to reflect on how I am spending my time and the people who I am sharing it with. Am I spending enough time showing my affection to loved ones? Or am I focusing too much on all of my to-dos and not taking time out to enjoy life and really appreciate the people who matter most?

I noticed this incredible sunset peering into our back yard through our big oak tree as I finished up work for the day so I quickly bundled Ava up and grabbed the camera to take in the last few minutes of its amazing glory from the upstairs deck.

What's For Dinner?

You may remember when I mentioned (here) the cooking schedule my husband and I came up with that has made planning meals so much more predictable. I have found that when I put thought and effort into planning a nice meal I really love to cook!

Well, here's just one more example of how this system has been working so amazingly for us:

Seared ahi tuna over a bed of green tea jasmine rice and chopped asparagus.

Green Tea Jasmine Rice with Asparagus

We have this amazing rice cooker, which makes rice recipes really easy, so basically you just cook the rice as usual, but replace the water with green tea that has brewed for a couple minutes. This gives the rice a nice, subtle tea flavor. (You may want to start your tuna marinade at this point.) You can garnish with toasted almond slivers and green onion, as the recipe I set out to follow called for, but I just added some asparagus spears chopped into one-inch pieces to the rice after it finished cooking and left it in the rice cooker for another 15 minutes or so to let them steam.

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

I looked up a recipe online for some tuna steaks I just picked up but ended up combining some ideas from a few different ones so I thought I'd share the recipe I ended up with.

Mix a couple tablespoons soy sauce with a couple tablespoons sesame oil, a teaspoon of lime juice, a few cloves minced garlic, and a teaspoon of paprika. Marinade tuna steaks for about 30 minutes. (Take this time to dance around the kitchen with your little one, who has probably emptied the contents of any and every drawer he or she may have access to in your kitchen by now.) Then melt a couple tablespoons of butter in a pan. Add a teaspoon crushed peppercorns (I used a couple tablespoons of hole peppercorns but Alex agreed it was overwhelming and they should have been crushed) and saute on medium heat for about five minutes. Then add the marinated tuna steaks. Sear for just a minute or two on each side, until just the outside is nice and browned. Serve over a bed of the green tea rice and asparagus (or coconut rice would also be delicious). Top with the peppercorns from the pan (I used way too many!) and flash a winning smile as your family compliments your culinary genius.

Spring Fever

All the sunshine this week has me excited to be getting ready for spring. Brunch anyone?

My spring tablescape with Lenox Chirp Collection table linens, basketweave placemats in Caramel, our Polish Southington by Baum Golden Pirouette china from a yard sale years ago, and my mother's old crystal champagne glasses that she passed down to me.

Ava's had a cold and a temperature this past week so I've been taking her out on long walks all weekend to get some much needed fresh air and exercise.

An Apartment in Paris

The amount of scamming we've run into on Craigslist while looking for an apartment to rent in Paris is incredible!

This email thread between my husband and one scam artist was too funny not to share (read from the first inquiry at the bottom up to the most recent at top below):

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Alex
Date: Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
To: Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com>

Hello Pascal,

You won't believe this...the nearest Western Union is 90 miles away. When I went to my car to head out I snapped this picture of Mr. Tibbles driving away. 

There is a bus that leaves tonight at Midnight, I will have to take that bus unless Tibbles gets back sooner.

Please hold the dates for me.

I can't believe this happened again. 

On Fri, Feb 24, 2012 at 2:22 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for your Interest..  I have attached the Booking Agreement form/payment process with this message, fill it and send it back to me with a scanned copy of the funds transfer confirmation and also send me your contact address, all these details will be with the doorman for proper recognition when you get to the apartment, i will personally hand over to you the keys of the apartment upon arrival.

MODE OF PAYMENT WESTERN UNION® MONEY TRANSFER TO:

Here are the information needed to make the payment:

RECEIVER`S NAME: KATE  PETER ( ACCOUNTANT )

RECEIVER`S ADDRESS: 3 RUE ELZEVIR, 75003 PARIS, FRANCE.

You can visit www.westernunion.com to locate any outlet close to your location.. You should send the funds via WesternUnion® Money Transfer.. It`s Easier, Faster and Reliable and you`ll have to Locate the Western Union Agent outlet to do it in person (cash)...

Note: Is only when payment has been made before i can secure your dates.

After payment has been made please do send me details of the payment and the signed booking agreement form to my Email for my records.

Welcome to Paris and Happy Stay in My Apartment.  I do offer airport pick-up service to all my customers, please let me know if you are interested in it.

Waiting to receive the above from you in order for me to confirm your reservation.

Regards,

Pascal

---

Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:02:17 -0800

Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

Pascal,

This is wonderful news! Mr. Tibbles and I celebrated by eating apples and hay all night long. You should have seen how excited he was. Here is a picture I took of him in bed this morning.

How do I make payment?

Thanks,

Alex and Tibbles

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 5:59 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hello Alex,

Thanks for your email.

I have seen the pet and i am willingly to allow it but you will have to pay a security deposit of 400 Euros for any damages caused.

Your dates of reservation from 04/01/12 to 04/06/12 is 5-nights and the rental fee is EURO 300 (@ 60 euros a night)..  

50% of the Rental fee ( EURO 150) + EURO 400 Refundable Security deposit = EURO 550 including cleaning fee and taxes..

Please let me know if it is ok by you so that i can forward you the booking agreement form and the payment instructions before someone else does..

Waiting to hear from you.

Regards

Pascal

---

Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:26:49 -0800

Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

He is a miniature horse named Mr. Tibbles. We take him everywhere (he is like family) and he is very gentle.

Attached is a photo of him traveling with us on our last trip.

I could maybe wire a higher security deposit to make you more comfortable?

Regards

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 5:09 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:

Hello Alex,

Thanks for your quick response to my mail.

Please what kind of pet do you have, i may consider it.

Waiting to hear from you.

Regards

Pascal

---

Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:20:29 -0800
Subject: Re: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: bernrentals@hotmail.com

Hello,

The place looks great. Unfortunately we may have a pet so I don't think this will work.

Thanks.

On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 2:34 PM, Pascal Bernard <bernrentals@hotmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for your Interest, luckily for you the Apartment is still Available for your dates, the rental fee for the 5-nights is = EURO 300 (@ 60 euros a night)..  To Book down the Apartment for your dates, 50% of the Rental fee ( EURO 150) + EURO 300 Refundable Security deposit. All you need to pay to have the Apartment reserve for your dates = EURO 450 including cleaning fee and taxes..

Not Shared, Private Full Apartment.
 
Property Type:
    * apartment
 Exact Address:
    *  3 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris, France.
 Nearest Metro Station: 
    *   Saint Paul
 
Building Level: 
    *  3rd floor with elevator
 
 Accommodation Type:
    * self-catering
 
Floor Area:
    * 592 sq. ft.
 
General:
    * towels provided
    * air-conditioning
    * central heating
    * telephone       * linens provided
    * Washing Machine and Dryer
Kitchen:
    * oven
    * stove top burners
    * dish washer
    * freezer
    * microwave
    * refrigerator
    * washing machine
    * Utensils and all whats needed in a modern Kitchen.
 
Outside:
    * Balcony
 
Bathrooms:
          * 1 Bathroom
          * Bathroom 1 - Combination Tub/Shower, Toilet
     
Bedrooms:
          *  1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4 
          *  Bedroom 1 - 1 Queen 
             Convertible Bed - 1 Sleep Sofa /Futon 
             The elegant bedroom has a very comfortable queen size double bed and plenty of closet space. It is very quiet as it also overlooks the private gardens. 
 
Entertainment:
    * stereo system
    * radio
    * satellite or cable
    * Flat screen TV (Both in Living room and Bedroom)
    * CD
    * single home theater system
 
Internet Access:
    * wireless broadband
    * broadband access
 
Suitability:
    * children welcome
    * pets not allowed
    * non smoking only
 
Local Activities:
    * Walking
 
Nearby Attraction / Facility:
    * restaurants
    * bars
   
Other Activities:
    * Shopping/Sightseeing
 
The remaining 50% of the rent will be paid when you arrive to the Apartment and also the security deposit will be refunded in cash when leaving the apartment..
 My method of payment is via Western Union, Money Gram or Liberty Reserve...
 
Get back to me asap if you`d love to Book.... So I can send you the Booking Agreement form, and how to make the Payment to secure this Wonderful Apartment for your dates before someone else does....
 
More Photos attached and I`m providing you a Contact info of my past Tenants from U.S.. 
Mr Damian Stewart from U.S, stayed 5nights...damian.stewart@aol.com

 
DECIDE AND GET BACK TO ME ASAP..
 
Regards
Pascal Bernard

---

Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:54:00 -0800
Subject: EUR60 / 1br - UNIQUE CHARMING 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT AFFORDABLE (LE MARIAS)
From: Alex
To: mwtkw-2825807834@hous.craigslist.org

Hello,

I may be interested in the apartment.

How does the rental process work?

Thanks,

Alex

http://paris.en.craigslist.fr/vac/2825807834.html

Life's a Carousel

Welcome to the ride, sweet (sleeping) baby James!

Tiffany (remember her Little Cowboy baby shower?) did an amazing job decorating for the reception.

I'm in love with the vintage carousel on the dessert table.

Ava came dressed in her Sunday best.

Lilac dress from Baby Gap; Stella & Dot Tatum necklace; hand-me-down sweater.

A delectable lunch was served.

Aren't these chartreuse dining chairs to die for?

And we all enjoyed the most incredible view of the SF Bay Area.

Les Puces

We've barely started winding down from the birthday week celebrations and my insatiable self is already looking toward the next big event... We are going to Europe! My mother-in-law is teaching economics in Florence this semester and we miss her so much we will be joining her for a couple weeks next month. And we decided we might as well throw in a few days in Paris for good measure, and possibly also a weekend in Rome and some other side trips around Tuscany. We've been planning the trip for a while now, but with everything else going on in life, I can't believe it's already crept up on us. So next month! I'm starting to do some blogging research and pinning in search of what to wear, what to do, what to see, what to photograph, what to eat, where to eat, where to start...

The flea market (“Les Puces”) and “brocantes” in Paris are an absolute crafter's delight.

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A Birthday Valentine Photo Shoot

We decided to extend the celebration and leave Ava's birthday decorations up all week since Valentine's day was so soon after and also because it seems like a waste to take them down after just one day. Plus they make us happy. And of course I had to make sure I took full advantage of the photo ops.

This little birthday Valentine can hardly contain her excitement.

A Valentine's cake from Gramps... with the birthday cake decorations.

The tissue paper bunting on the cake matches the fabric pennant banner hanging above.

Valentine's Day Tea

My mom and I took Ava to celebrate heart day at one of our favorite local tea houses, The French Bakery, in Lafayette, CA. Ava was very well-mannered and showed her appreciation with kisses on demand.

Little did the darling know that we would be taking her for her 12 month shots after the celebration, but as always, she handled it like a champ.

Hot and Steamy Products I Love

No, not the adult store variety. Get your mind out of the gutter! I'm referring to three new household products I recently purchased and am now in.love.with.

The SteamFast SF-407 1500-Watt Fabric Steamer means you'll never have to iron another piece of clothing ever again.... Now that's hot!

If you're concerned about harsh chemicals where your family treads, try this little love muffin.

This sexy little devil will save you from so much heartbreak. (You know, the kind you get from stains on your light-colored upholstery.)

Happy V-Day!

Cirque du Bebe

We have been making pennant banners and tissue paper pom-poms for weeks but it's hard to believe a whole year has flown by since we met our little angel for the very first time.

The theme of the party was Cirque du Bébé. We tried to keep it soft with a light pink and yellow color palette with splashes of lime green.

Below are a few of the party highlights:

The Foyer: pennant banner, framed invitation, tea cup flower pot full of mums.

The Dessert Table: apothecary jars, vases, and martini glasses filled with sweet treats, plus cupcakes, caramel apples, and cake pops (which unfortunately are not visible in this pic).

I hung alternating pink and white streamers from the chandelier over the dining room table to give it a circus tent vibe.

I printed the candy labels using the "Romantiques" font (available for download here), cut out using scrolled-edge scissors, then taped to the same backing design used for the invitations.

Beverages: strawberry lemonade with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and mint leaves; wine glasses and mason jars on this tray with these gray stripey straws.

Lunch: buffet of corn dogs, soft pretzels, and popcorn. (Plus several apps such as veggie sticks with dip, spinach dip and sourdough, crackers and brie and gouda cheeses, and other finger foods.) I wrapped the ketchup and mustard in color-coordinating handkerchiefs.

The photo booth was a big hit with cutouts painted on cardboard by Ava's talented grandma and props such as wax lips, mustaches on sticks, Mardis Gras masks, glasses, and clown noses. More pics to come later this week.

Ava, the Daring Young Girl on the Flying Trapeze, right, in her Danskin leotard from Target, and her adorable bud Violet (who you may remember from here), left, in the brown zebra striped dress from Baby Gap.

I could not for the life of me keep the headband or the shoes on long enough to take a single picture of my little acrobat in full costume.

Ava thoroughly enjoyed opening and playing with each and every gift she received.

Gramps planted Ava a rose garden for her birthday, which is the most amazing gift. I hope she inherits his green thumb.

Look Who's Walking Now!

I know, you're probably thinking this is another lame attempt at using a double entendre in the title of this post, but I'm not crying wolf this time. (Well, maybe she's "toddling" more than walking, but I say it counts!)

I rarely have to leave the house for work, but I happened to today. Sure enough, I returned home in the afternoon for my mom to report that Ava had taken her first three steps all on her own. And she took five more for me then to prove Grandma wasn't lying.

She's nearly a year old and she's been cruising and standing without support for months so we were expecting it any day now, which is why I'm a little surprised by my excitement about this milestone. I feel like the other milestones (scooting, crawling, cruising, etc.) have all been leading up to this and there are no longer any other skills separating her from being a "little girl" vs. a "baby," just the continued development and perfection of the skills she already possesses, and she's going to be my little girl in this phase for quite some time now. (Of course, she'll also still always be my baby too.)