Moonrise Kingdom------> Nah

Only read this if you've watch the movie, k.

I hate to say this but I almost fell asleep through the first half of this movie. That's a really bad sign if I wanted to fall asleep. I wasn't even tired or anything. Zach and I had an afternoon to ourselves so we planned a cute little lunch date at The Jones Eastside. The food there is really good. Then we went to the 2:40 showing. We were ready for some good Wes Anderson action. The first sequence of the movie, I just wanted to shake my head. I wanted to wake myself up and stand up to the screen and yell "NO, no, no" "We saw this already" "You are smarter than this" It's a bit harsh but with movies Zach and I are prea-tty harsh. I just can't believe he did another movie so stiff (stiff in an overly done way). I mean, the other movies like Royal Tennebaums and Life Aquatic were a bit stiff (well, Royal Tennebaums works because of all the people moving in and out of the scenes, so it's not as stiff) but this movie was like being in the military. I guess it was a boy scout kind of movie and maybe that's a correlation but it's also a love story. Which as I say this, I can't even really say it's a successful love story because the boy just didn't do it for me. He had no charm and no interesting inner turmoil. He just seemed lazy and uninterested in every scene. I thought he was visually cute and sweet but not for the main character! The girl was better but still lacked something which I'm still trying to figure out. Of course, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman (<--- celebrity boyfriend)  did some good acting and I should add that the second half of the film helped overshadow the first half (because more people in scenes moving around). It was just messy in a "I'm going to be so perfect" kind of way. This may not make any sense to anyone but hopefully it does. I was not intrigued by the movie. I didn't want to run home and start painting or take fun pictures. I just wanted to pump my fist in the air and sigh. I still love Wes Anderson Movies but I will probably just put this one as my least favorite. Venting now over :)

South Florida Weekend Visit Update

We had a short but sweet little visit down south after Zach's birthday. The weather was a bit up and down (Tropical Storm Debby) but we managed to do some fun things. The Zoo was awesome! If you're ever down south in the Palm Beach section of town --- Check it out! I don't know if Olivia was having as much fun as we were but she definitely saw some amazing creatures. She did get to run around the park at times and how can I forget the end of the visit. The big water fountain thing-a-ma-giggy in the middle of the park was amazing! Olivia jumped right in and splished splashed. Can I just say Florida needs way more of these water park fountain things. I wish wish wish we had one in Gainesville. It's just a great idea when its hot and you have kids that are not yet old enough to swim but still fun for older kids to jump around in. I think Olivia would pick playing in water over anything :)

We walked the Downtown section and ate Oysters with our cold beers. We strolled the Lake Worth Pier. The pier is always interesting to me (mainly the people on it). I kind of wish I took some more photos capturing the kids running around, couples making out and the fisherman with their fishes.

We also went to the beach one day and played in the sand. The tide was mega strong so we stayed on the sand and took pictures. It was still pretty and relaxing. Ahh, I love the beach!

Another fun thing was playing around the house with Nana Flo and Grandpa Ed. They had a ball with Olivia. She was all over the house picking up stuff animals that Nana Flo had arranged around the house (good thinking!) She had a basket to place all the stuff animals in but seemed to pull them in and out ever second she had. It's really cute to watch her sorting out her ideas in her head and seeing what she comes up with. She also has this sweet little voice kind of whispering while she organizes. so cute. We had a little mini photo shoot in the backyard area. She had to have the rocks!!

I also have to point out how good we eat every time we visit Zach's folks. Nana Flo is such a great cook! Every meal, we had such delicious home prepared food. I could tell Zach's was loving it! It's always nice to be back home, sitting at the table and eating your mom's cooking. Zach and I cook a lot at home but have recently been uninspired. We came back with a slew of recipes we want to make. Thanks Flo for the inspiration!

All in all, it was a nice little relaxing family trip even with all the wind and rain.

Have a great week!! I should give a heads up that I don't really know if anyone is following this blog or not. I'm hoping to use this blog to connect with other moms, artist or whoever wants to join in on conversations. I'm happy to respond to comments or maybe you want me to follow your blog. I could very well be talking to myself. heh and that's fine too. :)

if you want to follow - check out bloglovin // it's pretty easy to start // or // you can subscribe by email up at the top right - Thanks!

Zach's Birthday Surprise

Back: Chad, James, Nakia, Zach, Cody, Domino (pug), Brenden and Dianya

Front: Yogi (pug), Jeff, baby Sophie and Veronica

On June 21st, Zach turned 36. Yep, a whopping 36. I "kind of" surprised him by inviting his best buds for some cake and ice cream. I say "kind of" surprised him because I just didn't tell him a small herd of his friends were coming over but still decorated the house as if a party were to happen. I was a bit chillax about it and it worked out great. He didn't really ask why the house was decked out with party garland and such. I just said that I wanted to celebrate with decoration even though it would just be us. He was cool with that and of course thanked me. He's such a sweetie. I bought a Fresh Market chocolate cake and some Greenwise vanilla ice cream. Dang it was good. so yummy. We sang him a Happy Birthday and he smiled.

Note: So I feel I should point out that 5 people in this photo are Geminis // June born babies (including me would be 6), Craziness.

White Minestrone Soup with Fusilli

I made this soup the other day again for the second time. It was delicious!! Olivia gobbled it right up. Since it's now become a favorite in our household, I decided to post for all to take and make. Do it! I highly recommend making the fresh pesto.... oh so good on top. Enjoy y'all!

Here's the recipe! <----------this recipe has sausage in it but I made it with pancetta instead!!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons EVOO, plus some for drizzling
• 1/2 lb pancetta 
• 1 bulb fennel, chopped, plus a handful of fennel fronds, chopped
• 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or chopped
• 1 bundle Swiss chard or 1/4 head cabbage, trimmedor cored and chopped
• A pinch of nutmeg, or to taste
• Salt and pepper
• A handful freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus its rind, plus more for shaving at table
• 1 large fresh bay leaf
• 1 can white beans (14 ounces), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken stock 
• 1 cup short fusilli pasta
• 1/2-2/3 cup frozen peas (a couple of small handfuls)
• A handful of parsley, chopped
• A handful of basil, torn or shredded

 pancetta!

 fennel and cabbage!

 fusilli

 fresh pesto!

 dinner is served!

gobble gobble