The veggie garden is growing and at a fast rate. We have some basil inside the beds and it is starting to take over! I need to either make pesto fast or give some away, otherwise, we are gonna make headlines as “Family Attacked by the Fast Growing Basil!” We have enjoyed a bit of things here and there as they sprout up, but True is especially loving the bell peppers. She loves bell peppers morning, noon, and night. We definitely trained her right. 

The girls are still sleeping. I guess they were worn out from our full day yesterday, part of which was spent at the beach under the warm California sun. I wish I could still be sleeping, it feels so nice to sleep, but my body is accustom to waking at around 6-7 in the morning. Plus, there is a plethora of things to do, so if I were still in bed, I probably wouldn’t be sleeping, but stressing about all the things that need to get done. Thus, I am awake and enjoying some banana cupcakes, which just came out fresh from the oven this morning. 

Today’s agenda is ready as I have some friends coming over for lunch and have my list of things to do in the afternoon. Next week is my Brave’s 2nd birthday, so there is another list of things to ready for her special celebration, which will probably be a date with just Mommy and Papi (True will be at Grammie’s house). 

Well, here is to the start of a good week and cupcakes are always the best way to start, right? 

What did you eat this morning to start off your week? Maybe it was a bit healthier than my choice…

Of course, the outside has to be as enticing as the inside (at least, I hope the cupcakes are enticing).

Then, I must not forget to allow me and my baby to indulge in at least one, okay maybe two cupcakes, to get the day started.

We love this gardening thing. Two raised beds are jam full with wonderful things growing. Every night, we spend a bit of time outside watering the beds and my plants as the girls play. Summer nights in California are just wonderful.

Now, we cheated as some plants already had the starts of what would be glorious pickings, so we had some tomatoes perfectly ready to be picked. I love tomatoes! We also picked some basil and we already had fresh mozzarella waiting. We drizzled some olive oil and indulged.

The girls really loved it. We let True try the mozzarella, despite her being allergic to dairy (she breaks out in little hives), but she loved it. We had to stop her once the red dots appeared on her face. Actually, both girls loved the tomatoes too, though I am not sure they were so fond of the basil. The basil had a bit bitter flavor. We need to find other varieties to plant that may have a much more appetizing flavor. Any suggestions?

As I look at the pictures, I am starting to crave it. I tell you, it’s a dangerous thing to have a pregnant woman looking at food pictures. You never know what I may have to send my husband to the store for next!

We also have a bunch of bananas, not from our garden, but a lot that I bought for church last Sunday. But the car wouldn’t start, so I couldn’t go, and now I have tons of super ripe bananas. Anyone know any good banana nut bread, cupcake, muffin recipes? I need something to do with all these bananas!

The heat has hit and boy did it hit hard. Yesterday was 102 degrees and just terrible. On the way home from church, I made Ben satisfy my request for icee and then we came home and I made pink lemonade freshers… refreshing. Refreshing is True’s new vocabulary word. I am not sure True liked the lemonade as much as she liked the straws, which were a gift from Erika a long time ago, and I finally found the perfect special occasion to use it. Brave, on the other hand, loved it and got 2 servings of the refreshing drink, but then again, Brave loves everything. 

Of course, the heat also means bare little feetsies on the grass. I don’t know how my girls do it cause they run all over the yard (in the sun) and don’t care, while I think it is too hot and stay under the shade. I guess collecting rocks and flowers are much more important to them than worrying about the heat. 

The forecast for the week will be hot and busy. Lots to do. I need to make a list to make sure I get everything done, but we are excited for Saturday to come. Summer is in full swing here and getting exciting, even if it isn’t my favorite season. I definitely have visions of lots of lemonade, salads and yummy sandwiches being eaten on the front porch. It’s in my head and I hope it happens lots! By the way, does anyone have a killer lemonade recipe? One that doesn’t call for too much sugar, but is the perfect balance between tart and sweet. 

Happy Monday all!!!

Pumpkin smoothie and lovely reading material courtesy of a fine little gal. 

Yes, I know it isn’t fall, but pumpkin is good any time of the year. I love pumpkin pancakes, smoothies, and now I am a craving a pumpkin cupcake… yum!

In a blender put:

2- scoops (using an ice cream scooper) vanilla ice cream/yogurt blend

2- heaping scoops of canned pumpkin

6 oz- vanilla soy milk

a light sprinkle of pumpkin spice

Blend together, adjust to taste, and enjoy.

Oh no! Now, that I mention craving pumpkin cupcakes that is going to be what I want. Poor Ben. Where is he going to find that?!!

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Don’t forget the giveaway ends tomorrow morning!!!

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