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Maddox helping to shell the Fava beans…

He was actually really good at getting the bean out of the pod.  I was impressed. I’m doubting he’ll be able to do the next step of getting the bean out of the sheath, but I guess there is still time for that.

I’m looking forward to cooking them up for dinner. Yum.

Maddox decorated my belly with puffy bunny stickers. How could the baby not be happy? She is going to have the best big brother ever!

The main playground in Golden Gate Park is our new go-to place for outdoor fun. It is a pretty close drive and it is big enough to fit tons of kids, moms, and nannies with no problems. One of the sandboxes has a fake stream that goes right into it. I try not to think of the possible cooties, and just let Maddox have a good time. I bring his water shoes, and a full change of clothes every time.

On our last visit one of the moms showed me how the stream works. Turns out there is a giant red button on the ground that can be stepped on or pushed to start the stream. The stream will then go for about 5 minutes then stop. If there are big kids there that know how to operate the system, the stream is running full-time. If its only little kids (not strong enough to push the button), then it only goes off when someone’s nanny gets bored.

Here is a photo (Hi Grandma!) that shows the path of the stream before it falls into the sandbox.  Maddox thinks the water in the sand is pretty great, and I agree. Someday when the shores of San Francisco aren’t better suited for Polar Bears, we’ll head out to the real beach.

Soule Mama is making Violet Jam!  Yummy!  Her blog post about it was too enticing not to share with you all.  Go check it out.  I only wish I had access to all those violets!  The flower jam possibilities are making my head spin.

I don’t have a vegetable garden, or a flower garden, or even an herb garden, but I still wanted to bring some of the outside inside this morning.

My inspiration came from the gorgeous arrangement I received for Valentine’s Day from Flora Grubb. I just love the idea of using the rosette succulents in an display!

I totally want this RIGHT NOW!

It is white bread, butter, and sprinkles.  It makes me feel like a kid again just imagining those flavors in my mouth. I used to eat something very similar to this when I was growing up. My neighbors were Dutch and they used to make us kids white bread, butter (probably margarine back in those days), and chocolate sprinkles (the long ones that look like rice). This recipe with real butter and quality sprinkles and quality artisan bread could be a winner!  I bet my one and a half year old would agree!

The recipe and photos are from Sarah over at iatebrisbane.com.  Thanks so much for the inspiration and memories!

Just up from a nap.  Eating a banana. Waiting for the fog to lift.

This past weekend I hosted a baby shower for my dear friends Sara & Mike.  The theme was birds/nests.  I wanted to make it beautiful and dainty. Think tea party meets baby girl baby shower.

Here are some photos.  (sorry about the lighting)

Cigars for the guys…

This is a little wish tree.  Guests write wishes for the baby or mom and dad on the cards and hang it from the pink ribbon.

I decorated the railing with a garland of twig type material and attached small artificial birds.  The morning of the event I tucked in a whole bunch of tiny pink roses. It really made the entry way feel very festive.  The front door had a wreath made of dried grapevine which also had fresh roses and artificial birds, along with faux flowers made from vintage gauze and a nest  I made by hand.

This is a photo of the right half of the favor table. In each box are two tasty and very fresh macaroons from Paulette Macaroons in Hayes Valley.  There were 4 flavors represented – Rose, Sweet Wedding Almond, Madagascar Vanilla, and Violet Cassis.

I’ll be working on making these in the coming week for a bird themed baby shower.
Tutorial from Martha Stewart.

[Photo by Robyn Lee]

A fun way to enjoy Peeps this Easter season!
Check out the tutorial at Serious Eats.