Disneyland / Olivia’s 3rd Birthday

Jun 10, 2013

We spent 9 hours at Disneyland which is a new record for us. It was a perfect day, not too hot but sunny and bright. *Antz is absolutely miserable in hot weather* It was crowded with summer tourists but the lines were all less than 20 minutes wait. This is Liv’s 4th visit so we focused on finding her favorite characters more than rides. We found Tinkerbell and her friends, the Fairy Godmother, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Cindy and Mickey. I grabbed a corn dog *they are the best!* and got us fast passes for the newly vamped Star Tours ride *well, new to us* while Antz and Liv waited in line to meet Tinkerbell for 45 minutes! We rode all of Liv’s favorites and even rode the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters twice *she loves shooting the robots* Since she was all dressed up in her new Cinderella gown, she had tons of folks saying hello and saying how adorable she was. Even though technically it wasn’t her birthday, we had to get her a birthday badge. Sorry it’s taken me an entire week to sort out the photos and upload them.

Her dad put fairy dust in her hair

I love this sign, it makes me all giddy with excitement

Riding the fire truck was cool since we had it all to ourselves

Her jumps crack me up, she always looks like she’s levitating

So did you know that Tink has an entourage of fairy friends? This one had a southern accent. *Rosetta, I think*

This was the first time I ever saw the Fairy Godmother, she asked how old Liv was.

They sang Bibbity-bobbity-boo

Maybe I’m used to seeing Aurora asleep but she looked, different awake

Liv has only seen the Little Mermaid once so she was feeling pretty shy with Ariel

Ariel saw Liv’s outfit and grabbed her and took off down the hall *Antz and I were like, …okay?*

Liv went nuts when she met Cinderella. They had a long chat.

Liv was like, I couldn’t wear my glass slippers so Cindy showed Liv her shoes

Twirling

Curtsy-ing

Seeing the big guy!

Sometimes I want to buy a season pass just for the corn dogs!

She had a magical 3rd birthday. I’m putting together her 3rd Birthday time capsule tonight.

Thirty-six Months of Olivia

Jun 3, 2013

Every week for her first year, we took a photo of Liv in her nursery glider with her plush Totoro to record her growth progress. Then when she turned one, we took a photo every month. Here’s Olivia’s first 3 years!

I’ll probably continue taking her photo monthly until she turns five *or doesn’t want to take them anymore*

Happy Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia Lily!!

Jun 3, 2013

Our daughter is growing up too fast!! I feel so lucky to be this wonderful, happy child’s Mommy. I love you Olivia!! Thanks to My Mom, her Ninos *Leslie & Stephen* and cousins Greg & Anaiya for joining us on her birthday. Un bisous!!

I love my Rifle & Paper Co banner, I bought mine from Paper Source

We are going to Disneyland on Monday

I love the birds Antz made, so cute!

Antz and his fabulous wrapping skills

She loves to play dress up and be girlie, this blow dryer really works!

I bought this rad birthday shirt from Paperfingers on Etsy

SURPRISE!!!

Her expression was priceless!!

Her heels light up too *Groan!*

Every single day for months, Liv has asked us and every person she has come in contact with for a Cinderella gown and glass slippers and a crown.

Olivia is the new Suri Cruise

She insisted we watch Cinderella *her fave at the moment*

Her Aunt Debra gave her a ticket to Disneyland for her birthday!!

She also loves Wreck-it-Ralph. She flipped out over her Vanellope race car *which was very difficult to find*

I love this doll, it’s a collectible from the Disney store

I made Liv a special birthday breakfast *blueberry pancakes with pink food coloring*

Costume change #2, Tinkerbell

Her Ninos gave her a sprinklers toy, French bingo game and an awesome Star Wars book *they always know exactly what to give her*

Antz took this amazing photo of Liv playing with her sprinklers toy. *I love the bathing suit Aimee bought her*

A rare quiet moment, reading with Grammy and Ching Ching

I made Blondies with sprinkles from this recipe *found on my Pinterest* they turned out perfectly!

Liv LOVES to play with her cousin Anaiya

Liv’s Pre-Birthday Lunch

Jun 1, 2013

Thursday we surprised Olivia during lunch time at her school for her birthday *which is Sunday, June 2nd* . We brought mini cupcakes for her class and sang Happy Birthday. It’s not the grand birthday party I planned at the beginning of the year, but she was pleased nonetheless.

Liv and her BFF Liam

Who wants a cupcake?

I think the Wreck it Ralph balloon I brought was the star, I hit the kids with and I said “I’m gonna wreck it!” in his voice. It was all fun and games until some older kids tried to hit the balloon and ended up knocking off the string it was tied to and it floated away. Lucky for us her school has shades that prevented the balloon from flying away and Antz saved the day just in time to catch it.

I love her school so much!

Then we headed over to Bon Vivant in Atwater Village for yummy lunch before Antz had to head back to work. Aimee joined us and delivered birthday gifts for Liv.

I don’t know how it’s possible but my BFF and I have serious ESP. Just the other day I posted about wanting to buy Liv a Mexican dress on our Summer Bucket List and without reading it, she gets her the exact dress! *it’s creepy how much we share a brain* She also bought her another lovely dress, the cutest purse ever and a knit shrug. Of course Godmommy Aimee had to get her shiny purple leggings, a striped leotard and a totally rad 80’s bathing suit. She hooked that kid up with a summer wardrobe! Merci Bestie.

We asked Olivia to model her new clothes for us at home. The problem is, when Liv gets excited, she is unable to sit still so these are the only photos I could get of her fashion show.

Aimee and I were dying over her little butt in these leggings!

That dress is super adorable! I really would love one for me but I am always trying to be twinsies with my kid *and that’s totally lame* and the price tag on the one I love is pretty steep. *for $220 I could drive to Mexico and buy 5 dresses!*

Today Antz and Liv are having a Daddy/Daughter date *I think they are going to the Discovery Science Center since Liv wants to see dinosaurs*. Tomorrow *which is her actual birthday* I’m making her a special breakfast and a birthday dessert. I’m gonna try this recipe from my Pinterest board and we’ll blow up her inflatable pool and hang at home. Monday Antz took the day off so we are surprising her with Disneyland since there’s fewer crowds during the week. I can’t wait for her to open her presents. I really had to hustle to find one particular toy she wanted that wasn’t readily available. It arrived yesterday just in time!

More photos to come! Happy June!! Happy Happy Third Birthday Olivia Lily!!

Happy Birthday Lizzie Part Three Finale

Mar 22, 2013

The last day at the Standard hotel was super fun. We had breakfast at the 24/7 Restaurant and took photos everywhere I could with my Geronimo balloon. We picked up Liv and went to Handsome Roasters Coffee for some major handsomeness. We had lunch at Wurstküche and I picked up some Tattly tattoos from Poketo *I love that store*. It was a most spectacular birthday. I am so happy happy.

My iphone doesn’t photograph well how bright and cheery this restaurant really is.

I don’t know why I look so mean, that french toast was heaven

PHOTO BOMB TIME!!

Word!

Would you believe me if I told you I can play What’s New Pussycat? by Tom Jones on the organ? Me neither!

I went ape shit… they had an actual working telephone booth!! I love those things. I had to make an important phone call.

Excuse me sir, this is private!

drama!

joy!

Please insert 10 cents?!

The building was super old and 70’s retro decorated. We loved it!

We didn’t even mind the world’s slowest elevator… that much.

The Hangover Part 5

Good morning Aimee!

Good morning Elizabeth!

This is my favorite photo we took! I’m a colorful blur


My balloon and me, what adventures will we get into next?

We had to creep out in the hallways like the sweet little Shining sisters!

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

My cheeky photo shoot

Wheeeeee!

Stellar views of the city

Besties for life!

You don’t know how bad I wanted to jump in. Jumping in a pool with my clothes on is on my Life List

Guess what I found in der Beer Garden?

Marais chairs!!

They seem to follow me everywhere I go. There were some stools in Jihan’s studio space and at the rooftop bar. It must be a sign I will have some of my own. It’s hard to choose plain old white when they look so FAB in yellow!

They win at best food truck name! Slutty eggs

Aimee got handsomely roasted at Handsome Roasters Coffee

I wonder if being handsome is a prerequisite to work there

Antz drew this lovely caricature of Aimee & me!

Aimee and I are going back next Thursday so I just may pick up another tattoo!

Another amazing birthday under this thirty six-*oh man, I’m growing so many gray hairs* year old’s belt! Merci to everyone who sent me well wishes! Extra hugs and kisses to my Bestie, Aimee and the world’s greatest husband, Antz! XOXO

The End

Happy Birthday Lizzie Part Two

Mar 22, 2013

The Standard Downtown has always been a fun place for us to have a drink. I actually spent my 33rd birthday at the Standard rooftop bar *whilst 5 months preggers* Yet this time, I was ready to drink like an adult *something I haven’t done since 2009* so we made a night of it.

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up! Debauchery ensued, dead hookers, I’m sure there was a midget involved…that’s all I can remember. Here’s my photographic evidence *which will be held admissible*

Don’t mind me, just checking in with my giant balloon friend here!

Upgrade to a corner room suite… Happy Happy Birthday to me!!


No elevator guy? Pressing your own button is so passé

What a friendly suite we had

This might be the greatest sticker ever!!

I suppose it will do

I love a place that there was a tub big enough for two and a bottle of Mr. Bubbles!

I have no shame in my snack/liquor game

Antz tried to out jump the master

He only wins on a technicality, I scrunked my knee

I was asked many times by folks “Is that for me?” NO! ALL MINE!!!

Spin LA Club

I had no idea there were this many rules for playing ping pong.

No time for legal mumble jumble…let’s play!

It’s raining ping pong balls

My attempt at juggling

CATCH!

I’m not kidding, I really love my balloon. Smoochies!

We worked up an appetite so we ordered some room service.

I had the yummiest grilled brie and bleu cheese sandwich and portebello mushroom fries with chipotle aioli sauce…sooo good! Antz had a manly bacon burger with swiss cheese and herb fries.

Time for some R&R

Later my BFF, Aimee arrived. She gave me another gift *she paid for me to get gel nails mani and a pedi* on Tuesday.

We got our nails done on seperate days and still ended up getting the same color polish. BFF Power to the max!

She also got me an Anthropologie gift card because she knows I love that place more than anything and she loves me. I can’t wait till tomorrow when I go to get my new watch! I was all set to hit the sack cause I was tired but Aimee and Antz were ready to head upstairs for some drinks at the bar. I got dolled up and up we went.

Va-va-vroom!

*Insert Beyonce song here*


I tried to convince them that my balloon wanted to go too but they wisely told me to leave it in the room in case it popped or got ruined.

Me & my rad Bestie

The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur. I do remember how wonderful the French 77 drinks were and it was our bartender’s birthday too. We cheers/danced the night a way and the DJ was really awesome. He played our song from Silence of Lambs and who doesn’t love that shit?! I am just happy I didn’t jump in the pool like I planned to do because I would have ruined my new shoes *and my blowout*.

I love these waterbed pods, I really could live in one

Draaaaaaanks!

I am sure I was channeling my inner Hannah Horvath here

Running across the street to the Library Bar

That’s all I have, my camera was full…we chased Antz around the hotel and ordered room service again. It was a celebration bitches!!

Our Thursday was just as fun, find out what happens next in the riveting finale of Happy Birthday Lizzie!

Happy Happy Birthday Aimee!

Jul 26, 2012

Yesterday was my besties’s birthday!

Aimee wanted chicken & waffles so we had to oblige. Usually we go to the one in Hollywood but there was too much traffic so we went to the one on Pico, you know, the one our President frequents. There must have been a billion photos of him in that joint, we get it, Barack loves yummy chicken & waffles. We ate ourselves into a stupor. Whatever they put in those delish waffles is addictive.

Sushi wrapping paper & a naked björk

Antz picked this Times are Tough towel from Spitfire Girl *the cutest store in LA!*

This card is made of wood

This big old nerd LOVES some Liberace!

We also got her a c-note gift card for Urban Outfitters

We drove past Sprinkles on the way home but there was a line so no cupcakes for the birthday girl *she was too full anyway* Olivia had us cracking up all day yesterday. I am so happy to have a funny kid. Happy Happy Birthday BFF!!!

Lola is rockin’ some serious laser beam eyes

PS This is my 777th post. That is ba-nay-nays!!

Scruffin Rock Pre-Birthday Party

Jun 2, 2012

Antz took off today so he could accompany Liv and me to Scruffin Rock class. I bought mini-cupcakes from Fresh & Easy *taking the wise advice of my hubby that I was too insanely tired to bake last night* and everyone seemed to enjoy them. I crossed off everything on my list today *except make her rainbow cake, which I’m doing this evening and pack/load the car* We had a super busy day, Liv picked up some awesome birthday gifts from her Padrinos and Kieran. We had a lovely lunch with Terry catching up about their trip to Hawaii. I can’t believe it’s birthday time already!!

Party Time!

She didn’t want to wear her awesome crown during class

Liv kinda had a meltdown when the class sang Happy Birthday. She was totally distracted by her Dad being in class.

world-citizen-class-birthday-party-5-x-7-version-2

Godmommy Leslie always outdoes herself in the creative realm. She hid balloons inside this rainbowtastic box and each layer Liv found a gift.

I admit, I spazzed out when I saw the pillow!

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3De3b7392e43a25345%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1338628236%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DA1DA54017824E20700C7E8F3B3879C09B35F0106.AE46BD682EA5178F0C9BFBDC07D1CBDD385914D4%26key%3Dlh1

Les picked this guy up from her trip to Alaska last week *celebrating her 13th wedding anniversary!!*

I died when I saw this guy, MEGA RAD!!

Visiting Story *she’s like half her size*

Dad’s job is a fun place to visit

Kieran gave Liv a beautiful Hawaiian dress, he also custom drew her wrapping paper! FANTASTIC

Well, I’m not sure if I’ll have time to blog over this amazing weekend but I’ll be back with thousands of photos for sure. I can’t believe another year have passed in the blink of an eye. I get teary looking back at how little our baby was on her first birthday. The Vans we bought before she was born now fits her doll’s feet and she’s wearing a size 8!!

Happy Happy weekend Lovelies.

Rainbow CAAAAAAAKE!

May 17, 2012

It’s on!

I have no clue how they made this guy


My first purple layer I’m loving the food coloring

I’m making mine a mere 6 layers thick. I’m using One Charming Party’s recipe so if it turns out lovely, I’ll attempt 8 layers for Liv’s birthday. MERDE!! Her birthday is 16 days from today.

Hopefully in 3 hours or so, I’ll have this pretty guy. I’ll be back with more pics later.

Update…why oh why is my cake coming out so dark? Boo, the color is so vibrant and lovely in the bowl but when I bring it out of the oven, it’s darkness. I’m using the special super expensive cake grease I bought from the fancy schmancy Chef’s store. I suppose we’ll see when we cut into it.

Not very violet

What’s the secret to keeping it this color?

BOO!! my bright turquoise blue looks green

While I’m slaving away over a hot stove, the BFF is in the living room engrossed in the smut book!

50 Shades of Grey

I’m back and four and a half hours later, I have completed my cake. It’s pretty, I am definitely happy with it but thank goodness I did a trial run before her birthday. I found some things I need to tweak to get it perfect. Mainly, remember to measure each layer, I have some pretty wonky looking layers. I had to slice the green layer in half since it was much thicker than the rest. I also needed to use a dowel to keep it from becoming a leaning tower due to the crooked layers. I ran out of icing, so I didn’t frost the outside but I will freeze the cake the day before Liv’s birthday so it’s easier to frost. The tools I got from Surfas really came in handy. I was wary about spending so much but I’m glad I bought the professional grade stuff. I am thinking of going back to pick up one of the cake stands I drooled over but thought I could find an alternative for less at Macy’s. I browsed the Martha Stewart section on Friday and even with the 30% off sale, I didn’t love them as much as the ones at Surfas, yet the smallest one was $29. I’m not sure how often I’ll make cakes to invest in one yet.

My Top Chef loot

So pretty, I want a small white one *the small ones are on the far right*

Here’s the remainder of my rainbow cake making. As you can see it’s crooked and my banner is much too big but this was the largest circle cutter *4 inches, I would prefer 6 inches* they carried so I bought it.

the cakes were just a hair too small to cut out 2 circles

This part was fun cause the cutter is so precise and easy to use

the cake looks like a green hamburger

Voila!

I love you Olivia!

Liv was beyond excited to taste it

I’m telling you, Olivia loves being nude

It’s gonna be a rainbow extravaganza!

By the way, I used 2 boxes of vanilla cake and cream cheese frosting. The food coloring doesn’t change the taste at all. It was yummy and we have tons of excess left over. I think I’ll use buttercream frosting next time. It’s possible the cake came out darker due to the vanilla cake mix being yellow. I may just go with a white cake to keep the colors bright. The work was tedious and long but fun!