Lychee Champagne Cocktail

It was Friday night, and I felt the need to put the long week behind me. In no mood to leave the house, I went on a pantry raid! (Not to be confused with a panty raid, but by the time you finish this cocktail you might find yourself in the middle of one.) I happened to have a bottle of champagne chilling away in the fridge. (It was given to me as a gift for all my volunteer efforts during a certain Christmas party by some pretty prestigious higher ups.) I was saving it for a celebration, and what better way to celebrate then Friday night after a long week!

Now champagne is good by itself, but why not take it a bit further? In the pantry I found a can of Lychees that I had forgotten I had. What is a Lychee?! Well, they are a fruit with white flesh, that looks pretty gnarly. Do not let it fool you though. The texture of the flesh is something like a grape, but sweet and florally in a flavor all it's own. 

When I was in Singapore, there was a lychee tree right out our window. I would watch the wild monkeys in the tree take one bite out of a not ripe lychee and then throw it at the ground, or each other. It was even more interesting to watch them argue over the ripe ones. The monkeys look cute and cuddly, but those wild monkeys are evil! Not something you would want to come across, alone, on an early morning run... They will chase you!

Lychee Champagne Cocktail

1 Bottle Champagne
1 Can Lychees in syrup

Drain Lychees in sieve over a pitcher. Drop 2 Lychee berries into champagne flute. Pour in one part Lychee syrup to two parts champagne.

Enjoy,

♣♥ Jess

Fresh Paint: Danika's Doll Bed

Often on our junk shopping adventures we find items to refinish. During the kid's summer break we happened upon this little doll bed. It was in ok condition considering it was part of a bunk bed set, I think, and for $2 I thought it to be a steal.

 

 

When doing projects like this, I want the kids to help as much as possible as well as having all the patience in the world at the same time. It can become challenging, but well worth the way they light up when the job is finished. To keep Darius involved without "messing up" his big sisters project, I managed to find him a paint your own car kit for cheap. He was just as busy at his project. I turned her loose with some medium grit sand paper and let her prep it (I was actually refinishing a little bookshelf while we did this project as well, so I was not hovering over her). When she put in a bunch of effort I do a "Mommy Check", and scuff up some places she missed (which is actually my OCD way of keeping control of the project to make sure it still comes out right, but Shhh! They haven't caught on to that yet). After the sand prep, she wiped it down with a dry rag, and I taped it off for her.

 

 

I happened to have paint left over from one of my other projects that she loved (win/win). To give her a lesson on how this kind of painting works I started the bottom for her. After that I turned her loose with it. (The husbands old uniform shirts make great painting smocks.)

 

 

After a while though she was asking for help, so I jumped in and helped where I could touching up the hard to reach places. We ended up doing 2 coats. After the bed dried for 3 days, I sat down with it and decided to embellish it (to give it my personal touch, that little extra, I love you). I let her know in advance that I was going to do something special, but she had no idea what. I did lock her outside to play (keeping her in suspense) until I was done with the designs. When she came in the look was priceless, she was very happy with the outcome. I was going to rub some wood stain over it to give it that vintage look, but we both decided we liked the boldness of the color as is.

 

 

 

With the painting part done we went to the sewing studio, and whipped up a mattress pad from some left over foam and a pillow. A quilt and other bedding will fallow in the coming weeks, once she figure out what print she wants.

 

 

Now if you look closely you see the holes at the tops of the posts (this is the part that makes me think it was a bunk bed), we are not going to leave them open for long. We are discussing whether she likes it as a simple day bed, or if we should make it a canopy day bed. Either way the colors and the vintage inspired tole painting remind me so much of the little doll beds I have seen as a child, and I hope she cherishes it for always. You can not put a price on doing this project with your child, because you get so much more out of it than just a doll bed.

 

 ♣♥ Jess

 

Snappy Beer Pickles

 

 

Pickles & Beer. Need I say more? These pickles pack a snap, and a punch. They are the perfect snack food when you are craving that deli pickle crunch, and über simple to make.


Snappy Beer Pickles

3 pounds  Pickling Cucumber
1  12oz  Beer  (Your favorite)
1/4 cup  Water
2 cups  Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup  Sugar
1 tablespoon  Salt
1 tablespoon  Black Peppercorns
1 tablespoon  Mustard Seeds
2 cloves  Garlic  (Smashed)
1/4 teaspoon  Chili Flakes  (More if you like it hot!) 

1. In medium saucepan combine beer, water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, dissolve sugar and bring to a simmer. Then shut off heat.

2. Meanwhile, prep cucumbers. Slice into spears or chips. In a large jar or several smaller jars distribute peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic, and chili flakes evenly. Then pack in the cucumbers (the more you squeeze into a jar the less likely they are to float). Then pour pickling liquid over cucumbers and spices, covering completely.

3. Seal jars, let cool, and store in refrigerator. After 2 days they are ready to eat!

If you would like to store them in the pantry fallow these instructions from Ball ( Step by Step Water Bath Canning )

Enjoy,

 ♣♥ Jess

Hollywood with Kids - a Day Trip

 

 

It all started at the beginning of summer while watching a movie, and my 7 year old daughter pointed out the Hollywood sign. She asked me if Hollywood really existed. The look on her face when I started to explain the origin behind the wooden sign was priceless. Her mind filled with wonder she said, “Can we go there?”

Currently we live in Imperial Beach, California. Hollywood is a great day trip. Granted you can stomach the rush hour traffic, and battle the endless “Are we there yet?”s. Luckily the husband lets me drive since I have enough patience for the both of us, and our 2 children are practically intermediate level travelers. Therefore, we have hit a rather sweet spot in our travel procedures. Armed with their day packs (I will have to write a whole other post on what we pack on trips to keep them happy & satisfied), a loose run down of the day, and a vivid imagination we hit the road.

We cut to the chase and made our first stop the Hollywood sign. I wanted to find a place to view the sign that was not too busy or crowded. Plus we could stretch our legs after the long 3 hour car ride (due to rush hour traffic). I chose Hollywood Lake Park. It has a perfect view of the sign (great for pictures), and if you want to walk up the hill a bit you get even more views of the city and the lake. There are swings and a play structure. As well as picnic tables, and a wide open field. Pets are allowed, but unfortunately no bathrooms (or at least any my husband could find).

After taking a few candid shots we headed over to the Walk of Fame. Which is just over the hill at Hollywood & Highland. There were plenty of $10 all day parking lots. The rumbles in our bellies were getting loud, so we started this venture by eating at Mel’s Drive-in. Your classic diner fair, but with a little spin like turkey burger sliders with goat cheese or watermelon and beet salad. The French fries were amazing (although I wish I could have tried the yam fries, but didn’t see them on the menu with all the excited commotion upon arrival). The kids enjoyed their milkshakes, and their food arrived in classic red paper Ford Mustangs. The Juke box in the booth kept them busy picking tunes, and singing along while we waited for our food to arrive. The cost was pretty affordable too.

Unfortunately the Hollywood museum was closed, which is connected to Mel’s. Right on the corner though was Ripley’s Believe it or Not. We let the kids look at the interesting things they had displayed in the lobby before actually deciding whether or not to pay admission. Since they enjoyed the weirdness we decided to take the plunge. Once inside both of them explored with oohs and ahhs. There was a good mix of history, bizarre, and hands on displays. (I do think I enjoy the Ripley’s in Buena Park better though, although it has been a few years since I’ve been to that one.)

Back on the Walk of Fame we fallowed the stars seeking out a few of our favorite fiction characters (there are lists on the web that you can find that have the exact address of the stars). Since it was so crowed and there was some construction going on I opted to just wing it and point out what we saw on our way to Grauman's Chinese Theater (Now known as TCL Chinese Theater). In the courtyard of the theater there are the foot and handprints of many actors. Some are from the early days of Hollywood and some are more recent. We spotted some stairs off to the right and decided to see where they would take us. Little did we know that we stumbled upon a piano staircase! With each step it played a note. We took a few minutes and composed a couple of songs with the kids, even though all the people on the escalator looked at us like we were crazy (they had no idea what fun they were missing! Be healthy and take the stairs J). At the top we realized we were in the Hollywood & Highland Center. Sweet! Candy shop seemed to occupy most of this floor. We didn’t go in, but both of the kids pointed out the window displays which happened to be Willy Wonka inspired. Each window was a different setting and imaginative landscape with an excerpt describing it. Since Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory is one of their favorite movies it was awesome to watch their faces light up at each window. We stumbled upon a splash fountain on the bottom floor. It was a Hot day so the cool water was welcomed. To help us cool down more we got a minty mojito from D’lush. They had quite an assortment of yummy blended drinks, all virgin of course. After our cool down it was time to load up and head to our dinner date in Buena Park, Medieval Times. Which I will have to share in a whole other post.

My final tip is to make sure you visit when you have lots of patience, and everyone is well rested. Hollywood is crowded, and can be overwhelming. It was worth it to see how the kids’ faces lit up as they were star struck.

♣♥ Jess

My Top Summer Movies

Trying to beat the gloomy summer days we have been having lately made me think about my top favorite movies that remind me of how awesome summer can be. The great thing about this list is that most are movies I grew up watching, and now I get to share these lazy mornings with my two little monsters. These movies stir up that loving feeling, those hot summer nights, the childhood memories, and how could that not leave you in a good mood? In no particular order I give you my list:

 

Gidget  (1959) staring Sandra Dee & James Darren


Dirty Dancing  (1987) staring Jennifer Grey & Patrick Swayze


Grease  (1978) staring John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John


Beaches  (1988) staring Bette Midler & Barbara Hershey


Summer School  (1987) staring Mark Harmon & Kirstie Alley


Sandlot  (1993) staring Tom Guiry & Mike Vitar


Stand by Me  (1986) staring Wil Wheaton & River Phoenix


One Crazy Summer  (1986) staring John Cusak & Linda Warren



Build those blanket forts and load up on your favorite munchies. Spend a little down time sharing your favorite summer movies. I'd love to hear what yours are leave me a comment.

♣♥ Jess

Flea Market Finds

One of my all time favorite things to do on a lazy Saturday is parooze the flea market. It is one of those things my husband and I would do almost every weekend before we had kids. Now that we have a super cool entourage we don't go as often, but we get to pass down our love of finding buried treasure.

Armed with their little coin bags, and saved allowances. Our children were extremely excited to start the hunt. Danika is more of a browser. She doesn't really know what she is looking for, but knows when she has found it. Darius on the other hand seems to be set on finding that one perfect thing. More often then not somehow it finds him. I love to see their curiosity, and enthusiasm when they are exploring. Even More so when they find the new in an old thing. I've noticed that they both enjoy the history, and character of the objects they come across. Much like Indiana Jones, and trust me its always and adventure. Improving their math, and negotiation skills (some call it haggling... no names need mentioned... a hum, Chris. But they learn from the best, after all he has haggled in sands of Afghanistan. Bringing us the most wonderfilled, and majestic gifts of the far east.)it is also very rich in education.

Today Danika and I found some wonderful treasures. We've brought new life to old things.

Danika's eyes were drawn to the jewelry today. With in minutes of being at the flea market, she happened across a case full of lockets. A prize she has been searching for, but not just any one would do. It had to be the perfect one... Her cost $3 (but of course I bought it for her, because it was a gift. Telling her that made her face light up, and her heart glow)

 

For me my find was of the culinary kind. I've been on the hunt for a vintage pepper grinder. I've head hunted one online, but could never find what I was looking for and a price I was comfortable with. Today I stumbled across an amazing little set. Vintage, made in Italy, and a woppin' $4... Win, Win, Win.

 

 

Last but not least our final find. A vintage pair of scissors. Not just any scissors though, shears that perfectly fit Danika's hand. Perfect for her love of sewing and cutting fabric. Found for $2. They need a little sharpening, but totally rock the character.

 

 

I gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling when I think of how lucky we are to be able to pass down our favorite pass times with our children. To be able to give life to old things. It is a wonderfilled cycle :0)

 

♣♥ Jess

Rainy Day Poem

Laying here listening to the rain. Imagining that it will wash away the pain. Like a little folded paper boat. Fragile in water, but still able to float. Whisked away by a raging stream. Soon to be off to better things.


-- It is amazing what flows out of our minds when we have one moment of clarity. This poem was inspired by the sound of rain as I was trying to drift off to sleep. Alone and in the dark.

♣♥ Jess