What we've been up to lately...Random Post

Can you believe it's already mid August??  I cannot!  Where has the summer gone?  It seems like life gets busy around this time of the year as we approach Fall.  I am looking forward to cooler weather.  It's been one hot summer!

 Charlotte is spending the afternoon with my mom, so I am enjoying some much needed "me time."  I really should be cleaning! 

*Here is a list of "What we've been up to lately."

1.  Grilling almost every night, lots of fish and chicken.  And making lots of yummy pizzas.

2.  I am dieting and have lost three pounds in two weeks.  I am really just watching what I eat and incorporating more exercise into my daily routine.  Wish me luck.  I am hoping to lose about ten pounds and keep it off.  This will not put me back to my pre-prgnancy weight, but that's okay, I will feel better about myself!  

3.  We bought a new washing machine.  We had this one and after only three years and constant problems we decided to throw it to the curb, and bought this one.  I love it!

4.  Charlotte attended her first gymnastics class yesterday and she loved it.  It's a mommy and me class. She is happy that I can be in the room with her.  I had originally signed her up for ballet to start the end of August, but have decided to wait until next year.  I cannot be with her and she is just not ready for that.  And also, it's very structured and she is not ready for that either.  Gymnastics is fun for her, so that is what we are going with.

5.  We are thinking of trading my car for a new one soon.  We are considering the Subaru Outback Wagon and the Honda CR-V.  We are going to test drive both on Saturday!

6.  Charlotte!!!   She amazes me every day.  Her vocabulary amazes me every day!  How is she already almost 3.5 years old???  Oh, she is such a sweet little girl and I love spending my days with her.  We have a lunch date out once a week and she looks so forward to it.  I am so thankful for our sweet daughter, even if she does push my buttons, quite often!

7.  Now I am off to clean!  Fun Fun!!

This photo was taken before we left for gym class yesterday.  She was so excited!

This Moment

A moment from the week.

Joining in on Amanda's this moment project.

Ghiradelli Chocolate Chip Cookies

After Charlotte's nap today we decided to whip up a batch of our favorite cookies.  Charlotte loves to bake with me.  They are not on my diet, but are so delicious.  I limited myself to only a few.  Here is my go-to chocolate chip cookie recipe.  This recipe yields four dozen, so be sure to share with friends and neighbors!

This Moment

A moment from the week.

Joining in on Amanda's this moment project.

Yummy Eggplant Quiche

I made this delicious quiche for dinner tonight.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I must say that my husband and I loved it.  This is probably my favorite quiche recipe so far. 

Ingredients:

1 lg. eggplant

1 onion, chopped

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

4 eggs

1/3 cup half and half

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 cup swiss cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Cut eggplant and onion into small pieces.  Sprinkle eggplant with salt and let stand 15 minutes.  Squeeze moisture from eggplant. In a skillet over medium heat sauté the eggplant and onion in olive oil for about 15 minutes. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste.  Remove from heat.

Whisk the eggs, half and half, and both cheeses together.  Put eggplant mixture in an unbaked pie shell and pour egg mixture over.  Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!!

Afternoon Tea

My husband took his girls to Asheville for tea at The Village Tea Room on Saturday.  This was Charlotte's first afternoon tea.  I think she liked it!  

She had the sweetest conversation with little Miss Bee!  This is such a cute age!

Charlotte and daddy!  Daddy is not looking at the camera, but it's the only photo with Charlotte's eyes open.  Silly girl!

The Village Tea Room at Biltmore Village.

Charlotte making sure her napkin is placed on her lap.

Pretty view from our table.

We had the Afternoon Tea Plate.  The scones were so delicious!

Charlotte and mommy.  It was a fun afternoon!  

Fun Day in Charlotte...

We spent the day in Charlotte yesterday with my Mom.  We started with a nice lunch, a little shopping (of course a stop at Pottery Barn kids, Charlotte's favorite) and our last stop, Trader Joe's.  Don't you just love Trader Joe's?  I do!  They have such a wonderful selection of everything and great prices, too!  I always bring my cooler and stock up as we live an hour away.  

Posing by the lovely flowers after lunch.

Charlotte insisted I take her photo by the vacuum at PB Kids.

She loves it.  It's the first thing she goes for.  She had a major meltdown when we first arrived as another child was playing with it.  Good times!!

And with telephone as she (pretended) to call Daddy!  So cute!