one on one

Over the last couple of years I have slowly implemented my plan (muh-ha-ha-ha) starting with getting my kids to watch soccer with me on television.

Now, I'm happy to report I am well into phase 2:  Molding a partner in crime to watch professional soccer games -- live.  

It's become our Mama and KT time to drive into L.A. to watch the Galaxy play.

I was a little nervous the first time as I know football games around the world can be a little "rough" and not necessarily somewhere you want to take a six-year old.

But, they have a lot right up KT's alley. We get there early and get her face painted.

She gets an airbrushed tattoo.  She makes signs.  

We take pictures with the mascot, the MLS cup trophy, spin the different wheels at the sponsors booths for tchotchkes.

Sometimes David Beckham is her favorite player.

Sometimes it's Landon Donovan.

We get dirty nachos and an Icee.

Just love that happy face.

music monday

KT and her uke are still at it almost daily.



playing Taylor Swift's "Mean"

loving

all the zinnias in our garden right now.

they have to be the easiest flower to grow from seed.

cure for the weekday blues

If you've experienced half of the whining and crying I have this week, you may be in need of some chocolate therapy.

Enter the Cornflake-Chocolate Chip-Marshmallow cookie.

They are chewy, chocolatey, have a bit of crunch from the cornflakes -- and, they are huge.

Win. win. win. And, win.

Cornflake-Chocolate Chip- Marshmallow Cookies
from Christina Tosi's "Momofuku Milk Bar" Cookbook

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups of Cornflakes
• 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 1/4 cups mini marshmallows

1. Cream together butter and both sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl and add egg and vanilla; beat for 7 to 8 minutes.
2. Reduce speed to low and add flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix just until dough comes together, no longer than 1 minute. Scrape down sides of bowl with a spatula.
3. With the mixer on low, add cornflake crunch and chocolate chips; mix until just combined, 30 to 45 seconds. Add mini marshmallows and mix until just incorporated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 2 3/4-ounce ice-cream scoop or 1/3-cup measuring cup, portion dough out onto prepared baking sheet. Pat tops of cookie domes flat. Wrap baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 week. Do not bake cookies from room temperature or they will not hold their shape.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line additional baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
6. Arrange chilled dough at least 4 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Transfer to oven and bake until puffed, cracked, spread, and browned on the edges, about 18 minutes. Let cool completely on baking sheets.

remembering the 80s: tales of side ponytails, crimping irons and more

KT had a "crazy hair day" this summer during camp.  We braided her hair the night before and did a little half pony on top of her head.

KT:  Mom, does it look too crazy?
Me:  I used to actually do my hair like this when I was a kid -- and, not for a "crazy hair day."
KT:  Really?!

I didn't even tell her about the ponytails phase I was beholden to for the greater part of 1986-87.

sometimes I feel like we are playing

Here is the Little Wickies card for 2012.  I think we're doing good, no?