Mother's Day Weekend Recap

How was your weekend?

We had a busy one that resulted in all of us in bed and asleep by 9:30 last night.

It was so needed after traveling all over Saturday and Sunday. Let's get to the recap, shall we?

On Friday evening, I had a lot to do to prep for the weekend. I wrapped Mom's Day gifts and prepped the gift basket for my aunt's baby shower the next day.

 

I also gave myself the at-home manicure and pedicure that I'd been dreaming of for weeks. Shaun and I both crashed on the couch and I awoke at 1:00AM to drag myself into bed.

Saturday we were up bright and early so that I could do my hair and makeup before Penelope's music class at 9. We went to class and P had fun with the eggs, as usual.

Afterwards, P and I ran back to the apartment so that I could get changed into my party dress and get moving down to my parents house. I met my mom and sisters there to then drive down to the baby shower.

I love going to baby showers now that I have a baby since I love seeing all of the baby goodies! Rebecca, the mom-to-be (and yes she is my aunt!), was glowing and absolutely gorgeous. So excited for her and what's to come!

After the shower, we headed back to the house, where Shaun and Penelope picked me up. We went back to our house and were so exhausted. I quickly made chocolate cheesecake pudding cups for the next day (and I forgot to snap a photo!), snuggled up with P for a little while and once again, fell asleep on the couch, waking around midnight to crawl into bed.

Mother's Day arrived and I was awoken by my little love bug babbling in her crib. I quickly got her up and into Shaun and my bed for some morning movie time and snuggling, which is really the only thing I wanted for the day. On the schedule was her current favorite, Despicable Me. Love it.

We went to my parents house for brunch where we dined on frittata, bagels and lox, accompanied by a large mug of coffee.

Oh and Penelope got after the fruit platter, as per usual.

It was so warm out that it felt like summer so we all went outside to play for a while.

Penelope hula hoop hopped...

...and wore her sunglasses for about 3 seconds.

 

and we just enjoyed the sun for a while.

{3 generations}

{our little family}

{my sweet love}

After a nap refusal by Penelope and some cooling off indoors, we headed over to my in-laws for the afternoon. We barbecued, watched baseball and just hung out.

Penelope ate chips & dip. I'm going to start calling her the Little Dipper.

 

{I made it into the guys photo too since Penlope refused to let anyone else hold her}

We arrived home late Sunday evening, dropped our bags and immediately snuggled up in bed. Penelope moved to her crib by 8:30 and Shaun and I were passed out by 9.

All in all, a great weekend...but man am I spent on this Monday morning!

I hope you all have a great week ahead!

How did you spend your weekend?

Did you get any outdoor time?

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Somehow April has passed us right on by and May is already in full effect. Budding blooms, green markets and sunny days abound - except for this morning since it's pouring and humid on the east coast. Anyhow, as May gets moving, we approach the mother of all holidays, Mother's Day. TAA is cooking up a gift guide for all of the mom's on your list, especially those who love food! Let's get down to the goods.

Anthropologie 3-D Toile apron There's no reason why spending an afternoon in the kitchen means dressing down in sweats and an old shirt. Instead, mom will feel sophisticated and super chic in a fun, bright colored apron. Scrumptious meals never looked so good. I personally wear my Anthropologie Dotty Match apron all the time to catch spills, and let's face it...I wear it just to look cute too. Mine, in fact, was inspiration for The Avid Appetite's color palette. If Mom spends a lot of time in the kitch, a truly adorb apron is a must.

A Treat from Butter Lane I regaled you all with tales of grown up cupcakes from Butter Lane when my fam feasted on them during my mom's spring dinner party. They really are cupcakes for the sophisticated palette while still offering playful flavors like salted caramel with popcorn topping. And as my mom would say, "These are my favorite!"

Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmers' Market Cookbook Since greenmarkets are all the rage (rightfully so), why not learn how to cook with your newly purchased ultra fresh ingredients? Recipes include pork medallions with roasted figs and strawberry rhubarb pie. I'm heading over to my local farmers' market as we speak...

Azure Dishtowels Aren't these truly adorb? I mean, I would actually put aside my hatred for drying dishes if I got to use these pretty lil' things. And it's a fun way to brighten up your kitchen to boot.


Flora Pouch Envirosax It's the chic way to do your food shopping, or any shopping for that matter. Plastic bags are so passe as the bring-your-own-tote movement is sweeping the nation. Why not do it in style? These pretty, eco-friendly bags wrap up into a small pouch, perfect to keep in your car or purse.

A Cup of Earl Grey Creme I grew up in a house where partially drank cups of tea were everywhere. My mom would (and still does) drink tea all day long, each time in a fresh tea cup, and sometimes not finishing the entire cup before moving on to the next, leaving tea cups in her office, on kitchen counters, on the coffee table or on her night stand...all at the same time (this could also explain why I have, at any given time, approximately 4 glasses of water, soda or coffee on my night stand or coffee table...I know. It drives Shaun crazy). Not only was the quality of the tea essential, but only the right kind of tea cup would suffice. When I came across Teavana's Earl Grey Creme and the Anthropologie Missus tea cup, which just so happens to be monogrammed, I knew it would be the perfect gift for any tea-drinking mom.

So there you have it. A round up of some fun foodie gifts for your special mom, grandmother, mother-in-law or any other special lady in your life. How will you be spending this Mother's Day?

Everyone Loves a Brunch

Including mom's! It’s that time of year to honor Mom, and what better way than to do it with Sunday brunch. We received some requests for Mother’s Day brunch recommendations, and here they are!

Feeling downtown trendy vibe? Try Tribeca!

1) Cercle Rouge - 241 West Broadway

See this article

2) Sanctuary Tea – 337B West Broadway Featuring a two-page tea list, variations range from English Breakfast to Lychee Tea to Tangerine Dream
Food Features: Vanilla Bean Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Sliders

East Sider? Try the Union Square area!

1) Irving Farm Coffee Comp

any at 71 Irving Place:

Features an extensive list of both house, domestic, and international coffee blends.

Food Features: Cinnamon Waffles, Quiche, Paninis, & Ice Cream Floats (yummm!)

2) Friend of a Farmer – 77 Irving Place

Food Features: An assortment of Omelettes, a full bakery menu, & Pumpkin Waffles (my personal fave)

More of a Midtown Westie? Channel your inner French with Marseilles in Hell’s Kitchen!

Food Features: Nutella Croissant (I have no words), Brioche French Toast, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Omelette

Any other suggestions for a delectable Sunday brunch?