Modern homemaking for the frugal urban mama.Tumblr (3.0; @modapron)http://modapron.com/&#8230;and it&#8217;s over here. Folks, I&#8217;ve been struggling lately. Hence the lack of posts...http://modapron.com/post/30442569809http://modapron.com/post/30442569809Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:19:00 -0700blogbloggingchangeswritinglifemeflossyflossyblog.com<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9df8hlwG51qdouvoo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://dailystyleformom.tumblr.com/post/30317294595/simple-chic-recipe-coloured-blazer-white-tee" target="_blank">dailystyleformom</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Simple chic recipe: Coloured blazer + white tee + skinny jeans + heels.</p> </blockquote> <p>Love it. A perfect example of easy style, no hassle. This outfit is literally no more effort than throwing on a some yoga pants and a t-shirt, yet the result is totally gorgeous and chic. I’d probably trade heels for ballet flats, simply because I cannot (CAN NOT) walk in heels. But I think this look would work great with flats too. </p> <p><em>Dig</em> that one-button blazer.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30319543444http://modapron.com/post/30319543444Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:53:52 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9eeagbXe61rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9eeagbXe61rtbcgno2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9eeagbXe61rtbcgno3_r1_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Me and my fella.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30299038736http://modapron.com/post/30299038736Sun, 26 Aug 2012 22:08:00 -0700mehusbandfamilyhappylove<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ede4XmSG1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>All dressed up and on our way to Sunday brunch. Radio Flyer: The only way to travel on a Sunday.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30298022275http://modapron.com/post/30298022275Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:49:16 -0700kidsfamilywagonfunSundaybrunchhappylovecity<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/> So excited to meet the animals!<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno2_500.jpg"/><br/> A real covered wagon!<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno3_500.jpg"/><br/> Maya was obsessed with the goats.<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno8_500.jpg"/><br/> Goat group hug.<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno5_500.jpg"/><br/> Such gentle animals.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno6_500.jpg"/><br/> Maya made friends with all of them!<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno7_500.jpg"/><br/> Which one needs a hug next?<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno9_500.jpg"/><br/> Precious, sweet loves.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno4_500.jpg"/><br/> Maya feeds the goats.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ecewQ8J61rtbcgno10_500.jpg"/><br/> We love goats.<br/><br/> <p>Maya’s trip to the farm. Some serious goat lovin’ up in here.</p> <p>It was cold and foggy in Half Moon Bay. Didn’t matter; our hearts were warm and happy that day.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30296843086http://modapron.com/post/30296843086Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:28:00 -0700farmgoatsbirthdaykidsfamilyHalf Moon BaySan Franciscolovehappy<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/> My birthday girl.<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno2_500.jpg"/><br/> Coffee was most important this morning. Love the heart. Hate the glare!<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno4_500.jpg"/><br/> Fancy hands.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno3_500.jpg"/><br/> Busy boy.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno5_500.jpg"/><br/> Birthday morning pressies.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno6_500.jpg"/><br/> Birthday flowers.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno7_500.jpg"/><br/> Birthday cake with red roses.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno8_500.jpg"/><br/> Maya's birthday cake.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9ar0hxrIv1rtbcgno9_500.jpg"/><br/> She's FOUR!<br/><br/> <p>Here are a few highlights from today.</p> <p>Maya had a great birthday. The very best part was the surprise party we threw after dinner with her friends and neighbors. It was a wild success and she LOVED it. <em>Such</em> a great party.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I had a poorly tummy all day and I felt too sick to take any photos at the party. Looking back now, I really wished I had. I was just trying so hard not to throw up it was all I could think about at the time.</p> <p>I hope she had a fantastic day. I think she did. </p> <p>And tomorrow, the fun continues at the farm!</p>http://modapron.com/post/30156291781http://modapron.com/post/30156291781Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:53:00 -0700birthdaycelebrationpartydaughterskidsfamilyneighborsfriendshappyfunlove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m98x3axoTy1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Just finished assembling and wrapping all of Maya’s birthday pressies. Look at the bounty waiting for her in the morning!</p>http://modapron.com/post/30088946423http://modapron.com/post/30088946423Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:09:10 -0700birthdaykidspresentsgiftscelebratedaughtershomehappylove<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m98ssmJwdx1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Happy 4th Birthday my darling daughter, my beautiful friend, my silly heart, my heart’s treasure.</p> <p>No matter how many birthdays you have, you will always be my baby girl forever.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30084699842http://modapron.com/post/30084699842Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:36:22 -0700birthdaydaughterskidsmotherhoodhappylove<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m98quw0LJx1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Sweet boy all tuckered out after spending the morning shopping with the girls.</p>http://modapron.com/post/30082288093http://modapron.com/post/30082288093Thu, 23 Aug 2012 20:54:32 -0700kidsparentingshoppingnapfamilylove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m93akg7UGH1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><em>[click to enlarge]</em></p> <p>Oops! Posting this meal plan a day late. Sorry! Better late than never, right?</p> <p>So the big events this week are:</p> <ol><li>My parents are visiting! They arrive tomorrow afternoon. They’re here for 10 whole days and I’m all atwitter with excitement! Our meals should be simple, summery and easy to prepare for a crowd. Hopefully the dinners I’ve outlined above will fit the bill.</li> <li>Friday is Maya’s 4th birthday! She wants to go <a href="http://www.pastapomodoro.com" title="Pasta Pomodoro" target="_blank">our family’s favorite Italian restaurant</a> around the corner from our house. And afterwards, we’re throwing her a little surprise party with her friends and neighbors here at home, complete with a triple-decker chocolate cake from <a href="http://www.blissfulbitesbakery.com" title="Blissful Bites Bakery" target="_blank">Blissful Bites</a>. Oh man, I might be more excited that cake than she is! Actually, probably not; she’s ridiculously excited about her special day. Just like a very-nearly-almost-4-year-old should be!</li> <li>You might notice that Saturday’s dinner is up in the air. That’s because Maya wants to visit a farm her birthday so we’re taking a road trip about 45 minutes south to Half Moon Bay. We’ll be hobnobbing with goats, chickens, horses and rabbits. And I have no idea how long we’ll be gone so I’m leaving dinner open that day. I’m sure we’ll figure out something yummy.</li> </ol><p>I was hoping to do a big grocery shop today in preparation for my parents’ arrival and the week ahead. But unfortunately, Dennis’ flight was delayed and he got home just before dinner so the shopping will have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully mom and dad won’t mind tagging along.</p> <p>This time 4 years ago, I was hugely pregnant (Maya was a week overdue!) and excitedly counting the minutes until we’d meet our baby girl. I totally expected that being a mama would be hard work, completely rewarding and a wonderful labor of love. What I didn’t anticipate was the fun, the joy, the bliss and all the laughing. Good lord, the laughing. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life as I have since the kids came along. This motherhood thing is hilarious! And every day just gets better and better. I’m pretty sure there’s no better job than the one I’ve got.</p> <p>Have a great week, folks.</p>http://modapron.com/post/29881211375http://modapron.com/post/29881211375Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:14:00 -0700meal planshoppinggroceriesparentingmotherhoodkidsfamilybirthdaybreakfastlunchdinnerbudgetfrugalsimplecookingfoodweekmealshappyhealthylove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m92lsynpc31rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Big trouble in a cute little package.</p>http://modapron.com/post/29845930337http://modapron.com/post/29845930337Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:19:46 -0700kidsparentingfamilycutelove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m92fb09IZO1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Maya contemplates life and love over hot cocoa at our favorite cafe.</p> <p><i>[Photo via Instagram]</i></p>http://modapron.com/post/29838043990http://modapron.com/post/29838043990Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:04:50 -0700kidscafesan franciscolifelovemorninghot cocoahappy monday&#8230;the mice just kinda keep up the status quo. Dennis is coming home tomorrow afternoon after 5...http://modapron.com/post/29812621690http://modapron.com/post/29812621690Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:40:31 -0700husbandkidsfamilylifeparentingmotherhoodschedulebusyhappy<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/> Henry plays.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno2_500.jpg"/><br/> Chocolate chip gâteau au yaourt.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno3_500.jpg"/><br/> Crumbs.<br/><br/> <img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno4_500.jpg"/><br/> Chocolate chip gâteau au yaourt - so delish!<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno5_500.jpg"/><br/> My handsome fella.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno6_500.jpg"/><br/> Veg.<br/><br/> <img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m91fudShWD1rtbcgno7_500.jpg"/><br/> Such a goofy girl.<br/><br/> <p>Well now. It’s been a while since I’ve blogged! Pretty much a whole week by my count. Goodness me. At least I’m thrilled to report that my computer has been revived from the dead, thanks so much to my wonderful husband. (And thanks for all your kind emails!) That was scary! I nearly lost everything.</p> <p>Unfortunately, pretty much all of my 2+ years of food photography didn’t make it. Those poor photos are now in food photo heaven, all ready for their close-ups. But I’m not feeling sorry for myself; here’s how I’m looking at it: I have a sweet new camera just begging to be put to good use. So I’m looking at this as an obligation and personal mission to keep on practicing and build on the hard-earned learning I gained from all those thousands (and thousands, and thousands) of lost photos. Onward and upward. And at least the photos of the kids are safe.</p> <p>The above pics are recent practice shots that I just downloaded from my camera. Nothing too exciting here, just playing around with the manual functions. Now that my mac is back in biz, I hope to have a lot more photo/text-coherent posts on the horizon, rather than random silliness like this.</p>http://modapron.com/post/29811321788http://modapron.com/post/29811321788Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:13:00 -0700photosphotographyfoodkidsfamilycakehomeliferandom<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8r1d8Utkv1rv9m8io1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a href="http://detwillerdesign.tumblr.com/post/29502900914/the-ground-rules" class="tumblr_blog" target="_blank">detwillerdesign</a>:</p> <blockquote><p><strong>The Ground Rules</strong></p></blockquote> <p>Yup. This.</p>http://modapron.com/post/29505128866http://modapron.com/post/29505128866Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:45:31 -0700<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8q4giimVu1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>My big boy.</p>http://modapron.com/post/29380992235http://modapron.com/post/29380992235Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:33:54 -0700kidsplaygroundsummerlove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8ppa8sN6p1rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>What do you get when you cross a ballerina with a monkey?</p>http://modapron.com/post/29357851151http://modapron.com/post/29357851151Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:06:08 -0700kidssummerplaygroundlove<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8pcel0Yx11rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>The littles play happily at Rigolo Cafe while mama sips a petite espresso. </p> <p>Blissful Monday morning. </p> <p><i>[Photo taken with my iPhone]</i></p>http://modapron.com/post/29342279726http://modapron.com/post/29342279726Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:27:57 -0700kidsrigolocafemondaycitysan franciscomorningparentingmotherhoodblisshappyespressoloveSupreme devastation. Apparently I had waaaaaaaay too many photos on my computer’s hard drive and I...http://modapron.com/post/29311040251http://modapron.com/post/29311040251Mon, 13 Aug 2012 06:22:04 -0700computermacappleiphonephotogriefdevastationfailsob<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8o51f8PJ21rtbcgno1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>This afternoon, Maya tried her hand at her very first Gâteau au Yaourt. This was HER cake project. She made the entire thing - start to finish - all by herself. I instructed her step by step and she dutifully did exactly as she was told. The only thing I did was put it in the oven and take it out again when it was done.</p> <p>Behold Maya’s very own cake. (She chose to add the chocolate chips at the last minute. A bold move if you ask me.) It smells like heaven and we can’t wait for after dinner to dig in.</p> <p>So proud of my girl.</p> <p><i>[Photo via Instagram]</i></p>http://modapron.com/post/29301468146http://modapron.com/post/29301468146Sun, 12 Aug 2012 19:18:41 -0700cakekidsprojectbakingparentingmotherhoodlove