January 4, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 4 DAYS

What an amazing meal!

Happy Monday Folks!

Well that's it guys. This past weekend was the end-o-the-holiday-season, and the last weekend that I will be local until Feb 20/21 (Brigitte's Birthday wkd). And then not again until mid March.

Time to TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL and I am super stoked! I've only done short weekender trips (albeit several of them) since coming back from Hawaii in October - what I consider my last "vacation". 

It's the first Monday of 2016, and it's time to go back to work/school for most of you...

Although I was local this past weekend, it was still quiet an awesome few days. And yesterday was no different.
Cosette and Dominic made dinner last night, and let this foodie tell you that it was no ordinary meal...

*Cosette had done a FaceTime session with me while I was out and about to show me her progress and to make sure that she was doing everything right!

​It was AMAZING. So SO So GOOD!
Even my little Mika was in there lending a hand, and learning her way around the kitchen.

I really could go on and on about this meal and that's exactly what I did last night - it was literally LOVE SERVED ON A PLATE.
​
While sadly most kids can't even boil water, my amazing kids spent the entire day making handmade pasta and a to die for sauce! ​​

I can honestly say that this was one of the best meals that I've had in a very long time.

There is no restaurant that can even compare.

It was comparable to back in the day when we would all go over to Mama's (my great-grandmother) for a Sunday feast. And now my kids have the blood, the talent, the love and ability to carry on the tradition. 
Can you tell how proud I am?!

It all started when Cosette decided that she doesn't want to come on the trip to Death Valley National Park with us.
I was working on the meal plans for the trip and figuring out where we'd eat and pick up food on our way out of town...

I thought that I came up with a plan, when I saw something posted on Instagram about Doomies making some changes to their restaurant - which included Homemade Pasta and they had a few trial/tasting nights scheduled - this past weekend (I couldn't make it), and next weekend - when I could actually make it on Friday!

​Next thing ya know, my picky Italian pasta eating butt was being invited to come and see what I think! 
They made me an offer I couldn't refuse! 
So this was now the plan.

However when Cosette heard that I was going for fresh pasta on my way out of town she got very jealous - what can I say...I raised a couple of foodies!  
And although she still doesn't want to come - based on the name "Death" Valley have you. She didn't want me to go and eat this meal without her!

This is when I reminded her that we make fresh pasta at home and suggested why don't we make some on the Sunday following New Years Day?
And I guaranteed that it would be better! 

So both kiddos decided to give me the night off and to spend the day in the kitchen making a ton of amazing hand-cut pasta. I don't even know what to say. I'm just so lucky.

Meanwhile I went out to the mall with Dave, we picked up a few things here and there. But the crowds and mess in some of the stores was a bit overwhelming. I just can't deal.

Don't get me wrong, I love finding a good deal. But I can't do the bargain hunter, sales crazed thing. It's just too crazy for me.
I need things to be orderly, even if that means paying more for them.
My sanity is worth waaaay more than the few dimes I might save by losing my mind and stressing out along side the masses.

Once I got back home, the kiddos were still at work and I sat back planning my trips.

​Dinner was served and I was in heaven!
Mamma Mia it was sooooooo GOOD!

As for today, there's nothing special going on.
​The kids have another week off of choir. Dominic might take a class later tonight (he is still deciding), and I've got a bit (more than a bit) of cleaning to do. Plus this Christmas tree has got to come down soon.

I've gots lots to tell you tomorrow all about travel - I look forward to seeing you back here!

Ciao 4 now,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop

GOOD DAY TO YOU!!

Today is officially the start of the first work week of 2016!  My kids were none too happy to be getting back to school today.  :-(

I will miss having them around very much.

Back to the daily grind of homework and early bed times.

I'll tell you what I'm most excited about for this January.  Some fun things are plans are on the calendar for me and my girls. 

Here is my list, although, I have to slug these things into specific days:

1. Four full weeks of Saturdays at the barn
The girls cannot contain themselves about this.
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2. FREE New York Walking Tours
(I will tell you more abut this on Wednesday for W2GW)

New Barn Resident - "Brooke"

3. Bronx Tours
(I've talked about this before, but I think this is the month for beginning my exploration into this borough!!)

​4. Movies
Here is my list of "wanna sees":
* The Road Chip (Alvin & The Chipmunks)
* Daddy's Home (with Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg)
* Joy (not sure this is going to be of interest to the girls, but perhaps it's a good Mommy Night out movie)

Well, I'm going to get back in the swing and get going on dinner now, so I can focus on the first day of school homework today.

See ya back here tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo