My PB + J

iMonster fork & spoon {nuby mommy blogger review}

One of the amazing perks of being a Nuby Mommy Blogger is that my family gets to review amazing Nuby products! Over the next few months I will be sharing these products with you. For my second review I would like to introduce you to the iMonster Fork & Spoon.  
When our package arrived in the mail Payton simply had to get her hands on to the iMonster fork & spoon set. She didn’t seem to care that they were intended for her brother as he begins to learn how to use utensils. But, what can I say? The googly-eyed monsters are fun and they made her meal time a lot more fun! 

The fork and spoon are bright and cheery but also add that bit of fun any parent is looking for when trying to get their child to eat their dinner. On this given night we were having tacos and Payton was having all her favorites. She asked for the monster fork because, “he’s funny!” I love that the fork & spoon can be used for either child because of it’s design it can grow with either child. 
The set is good for either right or lefty’s and are perfect for little hands because of the fun design. 
Want to add a monster to the family? You can purchase this set for $3.99 from www.buybabydirect.com & www.amazon.com
disclaimer: I received  the product listed above for review purposes only. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own and I only recommend products that I would personally use or believe my readers would enjoy. 

Monday Phone Dump {link-up party}

That felt like the longest week of my life. The heat was killer here, it wasn’t the typical San Diego heat we had 70%+ humidity on top of the 100º. It was gross but thankfully the humidity broke on Friday night after sticking around for two weeks. Our a/c needed the break and honestly I think we all did. I am more than thankful that we have the a/c because had we been in our old house I might have gone bonkers without it. How is the weather where you live? I am so ready for Fall. I seriously want to get on with Fall decorating especially after taking six, yes six trips to Michael’s over the weekend. 

 i am linking up with what makes savanah smile and a night owl blog. 
make sure to follow me via instagram, I am a total over sharer. 
                                      



 from top left to right:
  • Brayden is never the crier of the two. He is even keeled, but he has been whiny over the past few days, I guess he is finally being affected by his teeth. We’re working on number eight so I guess we’re lucky he’s just now getting crabby. 
  • While at the chiropractor last week I was perusing an old issue of BH&G magazine and saw this cute artwork, I want to incorporate it somewhere! 
  • Random H&M back-to-school shopping with my sister. I have never gone in there for the kids but I found a few cute things for both of my kiddos. 
  • My Dryer’s “Social Luxe” party pic. If you go onto Dryer’s facebook page and upload a pic of you with Dryer’s/Edy’s ice cream they donate $5 to Operation Smile. My picture above did the same while at the BlogHer party. 

  • Delilah is making an appearance this week. 
  • Payton striking a pose after bringing me one of her headbands and saying she was the princess and I was the Queen. 
  • Our outdoor fridge is stocked with all the necessary baking items, water and beer. 
  • Michael’s has a lot of items on clearance for 80% off. I scored the letters ‘R’ & ‘E’ for .79¢, I scoured three different stores for an ‘A’ & ‘D’ with no luck. I am making a ‘READ’ section for our playroom. 

  •  Brianna and Brayden playing together. They are so cute together. 
  • Pay and Jinger with matching braids. We all watched the Lorax, devoured some chocolate chip cookies and enjoyed eachother’s company. 
  • Pay and Brayden swimming. Payton would push him out to the middle of the pool and then swim to “save him”. 
  • Brayden turned ten months old on Saturday. I love this picture and as he gets older I might have him pose in the same position. I love how his diaper is showing out of his basketball shorts, I see my future…

  •  Saturday I had a bridal shower order for a mustache and lips theme. It was fun creating this order. Little Miss had a lesson in rolling and dyeing fondant. 

  • Sunday I had an order for Hello Kitty cupcakes for a ninth birthday. Hello Kitty is always one of my fav’s to bake. It’s just so cheery! What do you think?


Mia Francesca {restaurant review}

I love being able to try new San Diego restaurants and when they’re kid-friendly it’s a plus. Luckily for us, our oldest is not very picky and tends to eat whatever we’ve ordered. There are times though that she gets to order her own meal and when she does, we like to ensure that it’s something healthy and balanced. 
Yesterday we were invited to try San Diego’s newest Mia Francesca restaurant along with several other San Diego mommy bloggers. We all sat family style which was great because I got to put a face to a name with women I have only virtually met. 
We were quickly served a few appetizers consisting of two varieties of bruschetta and crispy fried calamari. The first, bruschetta all romano, was packed with garlic and creamy mozzarella cheese and the second, bruschetta all toscana, was topped with shaved cheese and creamy avocado. While calamari isn’t my favorite Payton enjoyed it and the robust marinara tasted amazing on my warm crusty bread. 

After enjoying the appetizers we took in the patio ambiance, sipped some pinot grigio and our entrees soon arrived. I was amazed by the kids portion. Payton requested noodles with broccoli, her go-to meal.  The broccoli was perfectly steamed, so much that Brayden was able to eat his big boy pieces vs. pureed. I actually think he ate more than she did because she was too busy playing with her friends.  

For my entree, I chose the Pollo Arrosto alla Romana, or simply, roasted chicken with garlic, shallots, fresh rosemary and roasted potatoes. It was delish and surprisingly light. Considering how hot it was outside I did not leave feeling uncomfortably full. I think next time I will try one of their pizzas or a pasta dish. 

I loved the ambiance of the restaurant and cannot wait to take the hubby there if we ever get out on a date night to Cineapolis. 
If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly restaurant to meet girlfriends or just with the family make sure to visit Mia Francesca for a relaxing meal. 
Check out Mia Francesca
 Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Online 
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary lunch at Mia Francesca. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be good for my readers.

Sponsorship.

Did y’all notice that I am accepting sponsors? See that pretty little tab right above this post that says, sponsorship, well it has all the details on how you can become a MY PB+J sponsor. Very affordable, very easy, LET’S GROW TOGETHER!

Wedding Recap + Lusciously Lemon Cupcakes

Over the weekend I baked for another wedding. These clients found me from their venue but more importantly from Amira’s wedding from 2010. The theme was burlap and lace with teal, orange and gray as the color palate. I loved all the details the bride worked into the wedding from her gorgeous table assignments, the Texas barbecue and plenty of mason jars to go around. But of course, this all wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t a gorgeous dessert table to compliment this vintage wedding.  
The dessert table consisted of: 
mini chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter buttercream, mini lemon cupcakes, toffee crunch chocolate cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and brownie pops. 

The bride & groom opted for a small top tier (what I tend to do and what I am most comfortable doing).

Then there were these little gems. It was hot that day, a summer storm rolled through as I was setting up and lightening darted through the dark gray skies. I looked upon these beauts and knew they would put a smile on any face because of their light and airy cake and lemon curd cream cheese frosting. They were a smiling bite of heaven in your mouth. 
Because I love you all and I feel like everyone should try this cupcake I am sharing where I found the recipe. I searched a long time for the perfect lemon cake (besides my family ice box lemon cake which is my all-time fav). The cake recipe is versatile, you can omit the lemon and make it vanilla cake which I do or you can even add in King Arthur Flour’s Princess emulsion. Giving away my secrets today people! You’re probably asking well, what about the frosting recipe? Well, here you go…
Lemon Curd Cream Cheese Frosting
frosts roughly 48 minis or 24 regular 
1 (8) oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick butter, softened 
1 pound powdered sugar 
1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought) 
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 
1. Using a mixer combine cream cheese and butter until fully combined. 
2. Slowly add in powdered sugar. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. 
3. Add in lemon curd and vanilla bean paste. Mix until combined. 
Note: If the frosting consistency is too thin or too thick add in additional sugar or a splash of milk.