New Reads.

Over the rainy weekend, I spent some time "catching up":  updating my calendar with The Bug's Pre-K Schedule, penciling in all the football games we plan to attend and of course, catching up on blog reading. 

I have recently added a couple of new (and local!) blogs to my list and thought you would enjoy them too.

You may remember my friend Noelani from her days as a Stella & Dot Stylist.  Now, she's recently quit her corporate job and entered the retail world.  Her blog, Thoughts du Jour, chronicles her life as a stylist at a local department store and lover of all things French.  I especially liked her recent post about the Coach Legacy line...I will reveal why later this week.  :)

I recently attended a local blogger event where I had the chance to meet the girls from Edit.  And what a surprise to discover that one of them is a sorority sister!  Edit is a mother-daughter-daughter trio blogging about their lives.  I love the multi-generation approach!  And they have recently launched an online boutique with a couple of cute, reasonably priced items. 

Enjoy my new finds!  Any new blogs you are loving?

The Bug Eats Something New.

We have had a MAJOR breakthrough over here people.  My child is now eating peanut butter!  Perhaps this isn't exciting to you, but for us, it is. 

It's been a long time coming.  As a babe, The Bug was perfect.  He gobbled up everything in site.  I would simply puree whatever The Texan and I were having for dinner and he would happily eat it. 

Then he turned 2.  And his mouth closed.  It has been a looooong two years of cheese sticks, mac and cheese, yogurt tubes and the occasional hot dog.

Yesterday at Whole Foods, we stumbled across Justin's Nut Butters and he was enamored.  (I think he liked the cute packaging.)  He selected Maple Almond Butter and I was concerned, but I have learned to let him try ANYTHING he expresses an interest in.  (Bonus that it came in a tester size package - I have wasted lots of money on foods to try.)

He requested toast with his dinner so I put a very thin layer of the Almond Butter on and he ate it.  He requested ANOTHER piece of toast.  This time, I put more.  He told me he liked it.  And what sealed the deal, he wanted toast again for breakfast.  It honestly feels like I have won some sort of Mommy Award. 

Justin's Nut Butters are good stuff.  They come in a variety of flavors, including Classic Peanut and Almond Butter, but also Chocolate Peanut Butter and Honey Almond Butter.  They use natural and organic ingredients for each flavor and also use Palm Fruit Oil - not only is it better for you, but it also minimizes separation which is one of the gross things about most natural nut butters. 

A trip to Whole Foods for a jar of this good stuff is part of today's plan.

Do your kids like peanut butter?  Have you tried Justin's?

Urbanears.

For those of you with an Ipad, I'm sure you can attest to the fact that they are lifesaver when it comes to traveling with your children.  Our recent trip to Colorado required a delayed plane, the actual flight and then a 2 hour drive to our destination.

The one thing I realized (finally) with this trip is that allowing my 4-year old to use our Bose headphones as his own is a big (huge) mistake.  It is here that I discovered that there is such a thing as headphones for kids!

Urbanears.  The little boy across the aisle from H had these in light blue and not only were they adorable, but his dad said they hold up nicely, offer great sound, are comfortable and most fun - have a "Zound Plug" which is a fancy way of saying they have a second plug so two people can listen at once.  We are forever sharing headphones so I can listen to something "really cool." 

Like most things kid oriented, they aren't cheap ($60).  BUT, they are much cheaper than the Bose he has been using now, so it's a winner for me. 

Do you have headphones for your kids?

Colorado.

For the past two years, we have spent part of August in Colorado.  The Bug frolics in the cool weather and I spend a lot of time sitting in the hot tub. 

This year, we were quite active - a trip up and over the mountain to Winter Park, a bike ride down, a hike around Lily Lake. 

It was just what we needed.  What have you been up to?

Camo Man.

With "Back to School" just around the corner, I have begun thinking about what I want to get for The Bug for fall.  He turns 5 right as the weather begins to cool, thus graduates to a bigger size, so we find ourselves actually needing clothes that fit. 

I usually do most of my shopping for him online.  It's easier, sometimes cheaper and I'm not put in the position of dragging a child around from store to store. 

Ever since I saw Melanie's post about Peek Clothing, I have become obsessed with camo!  And it seems to be everywhere.  I think one of these will land in The Bug's closet soon.

This jacket from The Gap is beyond adorable in person (I actually stopped in my Gap over the weekend for a little tax-free shopping!).  I think of camo as an interesting "neutral" so I think this could be throw over anything and look cute for cooler days.  If anyone sees this in an XS, let me know!

Old Navy gets in on the camo action with something expected - a cargo pant.  I don't usually love a cargo pant on my guy - but these could work.  Plus, they are $17!  Throw them on with a preppy colorful polo and he's the perfect mix of sweet and tough. 

Maybe my favorite camo item are these shoes.  Such a fun way to incorporate a small bit of the trend in to his closet.  Plus, again since I think camo is a neutral, he could wear these several times a week - lots of good use is always key for his wardrobe.

What's are your back to school list?  Do your boys love camo?

Friday Photos.

Just a glimpse in to our crazy life lately.

A recent purchase - The Texan showing way too much skin - Dog days of summer for Daisy - The Bug busy at Kaleidoscope - a full frig

The Bug is finally done with his summer session at preschool so it seems our summer is truly just beginning...as it's wrapping it up for others. 

I am looking forward to completing his Summer To Do List with a visit to Little Freshie for his first sno-cone and an upcoming family trip to Colorado.

How are you spending your days?

Tomato Time.

Can you please look at these tomatoes? 

Our neighbors across the way have transformed their backyard in to an urban garden and it is incredible - corn, okra, peppers - you name it, they are growing it.

They gifted us the tomatoes earlier this week and we have been loving every minute of it.

We started the week with a simple salad topped with the cherry variety.

And we are ending today with one of my favorites - Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil with Roasted Balsamic Chicken.

Dinner is served at 7 - come on over!  Thanks Lindquists!