Chocolate Covered Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Footballs
I want to be a cheerleader. Not the competitive, insane basket throwing kind on ESPN. More of the Sue Heck, bursting with enthusiasm, persistently optimistic kind. I know it’s a little late, but I can still carry that cheerleader spirit into my life. And maybe the skirt? I’ve spent too many years of my life thinking it was uncool to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. I was too cool to play mini-golf, listen to boy bands or let my mom call me... Read More
Black Bean and Roasted Corn Nacho Bites with Avocado Crema
We took a trip to the local farm stand yesterday and the girls were in absolute heaven because I bought them fresh honey sticks. Gigi got grape. Lulu got strawberry. And after sucking most of the honey out of the straws, slobbering and smacking their way through, they wanted to trade. Uh, no. Because there are some things that just don’t seem right to share. (And I’m not talking about my chocolate stash—that’s just a hoarding situation,... Read More
Cauliflower Rice Paella
How are those New Years’ resolutions holding up? I didn’t make any because, as I like to say, I am on a constant journey of self-improvement. My husband wishes I would hurry up and get there already. One of the ways I’m trying to improve is by learning balance. And not to feel guilty about it. That’s the hard part. Would you want to punch me in the face if I said that before we went on vacation I found myself googling “How to not... Read More
Flex on the Beach Smoothie
Well, aloha. I’m sorry I didn’t send you a postcard. I didn’t find one that spoke to me. I was looking for something really sleazy, with six women lined up in different colored thongs saying “Flex on the Beach.” I know you love that kind of thing as much as I do. I’m sorry I also didn’t bring you home a box of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. We bought a Costco-sized box full at, where else—Costco, and then got to the airport... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Goldfish Crackers
Lulu might be taking her self-imposed lessons in empathy a little too far. Yesterday she sat in her baby doll stroller and rolled herself around the house, claiming to be in a wheelchair. I was going to put a kibosh on her game as being insensitive, but it came to a crashing end all on its own. Let’s just say our stairway is not up to ADA standards. Today she’s pretending that a pair of blue Minnie Mouse sunglasses are actual eyeglasses and... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Chocolate Chip Zee Bars
There are lots of things I don’t get. Of course, that’s just a nice way of saying, here are some things I am going to complain about before I give you a recipe. We could be here awhile. But we won’t be, because incessant complaining is one thing I don’t get. It’s a cruel joke of fate that I could teach a master class on it, though. Such a wasted gift. #1 Thing I Don’t Get: Sweaters for Dogs Or rain slickers. Or any sort of outerwear. ... Read More
Everyday Eats: Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Corn and Peppers
My year is not off to the luckiest of starts. Yesterday, while packing up all of our Christmas decorations, putting our gingerbread house and painted pinecones decorated with Red Hots in the safest of places*, Gigi made an upsetting discovery. *the recycling bin is a very, very safe place She found not one, but two Karaoke Christmas Microphones that my dear aunt gave the girls for Christmas. I had unfortunately not put them in the safest of places**. **Pea... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: White Chocolate Cranberry-Kissed Cake
I’m trying really hard not to be cliché. Then again, maybe I’m just lazy. My hair for the day would confirm that. I’m going through an awkward stage which I’m attempting to mitigate with the tiniest ponytail you’ve ever seen and a headband. I look like I either just got my wig snatched on Jerry Springer or like I’m about to film a Proactiv commercial and am poised to go in for the big sink splash. The UPS guy came to do the door,... Read More
Everyday Eats: Mediterranean Salad Shakers
Now’s the time of the year when everyone starts making lists. It starts with lists of what they wanted to achieve last year, followed by big red checkmarks and “x”s by what they did and didn’t achieve. It’s a real “feel good” exercise. Then, in the afterglow of their successes and shadows of their failures, they make lists of what they want to achieve next year. If I’ve learned anything in 2011, though, it’s that no matter how... Read More
Gifts You Can Eat (But Shouldn’t): Lavender Rosemary Gel
One of the worst things about making a living putting things in writing is that, well, it’s in writing. Even really stupid things. Even worse is when you spell “lavender” wrong, photograph it, realize your mistake and know there’s no way in h-e-double hockey sticks that you are reshooting. Don’t do that. Worse still is when you say something stupid in a book. That doesn’t go away, people. Pull out your copies of Peas and Thank... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Gingerbread “Cliff” Bars
You know what’s the worst? Staying up until midnight watching the Survivor finale and then having your phone alarm go off at 5:45. Only your phone fell off your nightstand and under your bed and you have to scramble around and try to find it before the whole house wakes up and you have to workout with an audience. And they totally call you out when you do girl pushups. Also the worst? Getting icing caked on your jeans that you just washed for... Read More
Gifts You Can Eat: Ranch Oyster Crackers
Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. I find myself saying this a lot. “Look Mom, I can stick this whole Christmas ornament in my mouth!” It wasn’t a candy cane. And the ornament hook is still missing. That’s gonna leave a mark on the way out. “Look Honey, I can get free shipping on a Tommy Bahama dress for you for Hawaii!” Perfect. I’ll look lovely in it while I crochet doilies on the plane... Read More
For Santa: No Bake Snowball Cookies
I haven’t been fully working this Santa thing to my advantage. We haven’t gone and seen him yet this year, and I’d be surprised if we do. I’d also be surprised if I make gingerbread men for our tree or mail out our Christmas cards. The Christmas card thing would be especially surprising since I never ordered any. So, friends and family, consider this your Christmas card/newsletter nearly every day of the year. Merry Christmas! But back... Read More
Vegan Pie in The Sky (GIVEAWAY)
I was on Math Team in seventh grade. I’m still not sure how that happened. I was a book nerd. I read books. And not books about math. Unless you count A Tale of Two Cities. See, I‘m such a book nerd I actually said that. Is it a wonder I was bullied on my seventh grade math team? Our math team, wearing matching purple t-shirts with all sorts of algebraic formulas screen-printed on them, would pile onto a big yellow school bus and... Read More
Gifts You Can Eat: Eggnog Spiced Nuts
I’m nuts. I blame Jingle Cats, which Pea Daddy decided to play for the girls right before bedtime last night. Brilliant move. I heard meowing Christmas carols from their bedrooms for an hour straight. I further blame the 102 degree fever I spiked around caroling time last night. And for that I blame Maya, Myla, Mayla or whoever was coughing on my lap at Nutrcracker rehearsals last weekend. I wanted to die when I woke up this morning, only... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: Pumpkin Spice Bars (VIDEO)
I know my timing is totally off on this pumpkin thing. You’re all onto flavors like gingerbread (I’ve got a bar recipe pending), eggnog (I’ve got a gift recipe pending), and peppermint (I’ve got a homemade mocha pending…in my stomach). But some recipeas and some opportunities are just too fun to pass up. Personal girl crush of mine and amazing cookbook author, Julie Hasson, invited me up to her home to cook with her on the webcast... Read More
Everyday Eats: Sugar Cookie Smoothie
It’s about to get cheeky in here. I’ve been working hard to get in bikini shape before we go to Hawaii right after the New Year. Really hard. So hard in fact that I let a friend talk me out of buying my usual safe, skirted swimsuit bottoms and into something just a tad less modest. I thought skirted bottoms were retro. Turns out they might just be a bit more coverage than what I need. But what a deal! Twice the fabric for the same... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Shepherd’s Pie
Last week, I was driving down the road with the girls, doing some last-minute grocery shopping and listening to Christmas music when a commercial came on. Lulu had just pointed out that she “hates” Christmas music. She’s getting coal in her stocking. Which makes shopping a cinch. The commercial was for Hellman’s Mayonnaise and the voiceover was by Mark Consuelos. I like to say Spanish words and names in a full Spanish accent, mostly... Read More
Tuesday Countdown
10. Calliou’s Holiday Movie is on right now. It’s an hour and a half long. Help. 9. Gigi and Lulu both invited imaginary “friends” over today. Lulu then told Gigi that all of Gigi’s “friends” liked her better and weren’t going to play with Gigi anymore. Gigi started crying and then we all had a nice talk about how sisters can be real friends and play real games together. Then this happened. Three rope burns and... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Roasted Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes and Gravy
Want to know how to make the best mashed potatoes you’ve ever had in your life? Peel and boil your potatoes, mash them with heavy cream and then stick them in a crockpot for a few hours with an entire block of cream cheese and an entire stick of butter. At least that’s what my grandma did. I’d fill my plate half full, go back for seconds and then have another heaping bowlful for dessert. We don’t need no stinking pie. Oh, Grandma. She... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Baked Hush Puppy Bites
Kids can be so literal. As in Lulu. This morning. Waiting for the hush puppies to come out of the oven. I don’t have the heart to explain it to her. Lulu’s not the only one unfamiliar with hush puppies. We went out to dinner with friends Saturday night to a great Southern food restaurant, Screen Door, where everyone ordered up Hurricanes, grits and collard greens. Yet, only half of our table knew what hush puppies were. (It was the girls. ... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: Pickle Soup
Happy National Pickle Day! Happy I Took Nyquil At 8 pm and Slept Until 8 am Day!* Happy Pumpkin Pie For Breakfast Day!* *may not be actual holidays As shiteous as I feel, I couldn’t let the day go by without honoring pickles and everyone’s favorite pickle fiend. (I realize using the word “shiteous” costs me a dollar. It’s worth it.) So I’m revamping my post for Pickle Soup from almost exactly a year ago. Generally when I repeat... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
If you are confused by the previous post “Dog,” please know that Lulu had a hold of my iPhone while I was making dinner. Imagine my surprise as I’m going through my Google Reader and see a new post from…me. I kind of have to leave that post up out of respect because I’m not even sure I know how to blog from my phone. And she’s racked up more comments with less words and photos than I have ever seen. Mad respect. And... Read More
Two For Tea–and Chocolate Chip Scones
Photo credit Ashley I’d travel many miles in the rain to have a cup of tea and a scone with a dear friend. In fact, I have. Last year it was solely on accident, as I led a handful of unsuspecting bloggers through the streets of San Francisco with this new fangled contraption called an iPhone. It was pouring down rain, but we gritted our teeth, paid too much for drugstore umbrellas and followed my marching orders in pursuit of Leland... Read More
Six Ingredients or Less: Tandoori Mmmm Sauce
I’m losing my mind. Today was Pajama Day at Lulu’s preschool. Praise God. Thanks to trick-or-treating and subsequent candy eating, we were up far later than usual and then overslept. So when Lulu woke up about twenty minutes before she had to leave for school, we were a bit frantic. “Get out of your pajamas and put on your…pajamas!” I yelled, while trying to finish my crunches, finish packing Gigi’s lunch and finish a thought. I just... Read More
This Thanksgiving: Cornbread Dressing with Tempeh Bacon, Cherries and Portabella Mushrooms
My house smells like Thanksgiving. Believe me, this is a vast improvement over the norm. Actually, believe my friend Deb, this is a vast improvement over the norm. Deb and I have the kind of closeness that means we can let ourselves into each other’s homes to borrow necessary ingredients or to leave unwanted pets when the other isn’t home. She keeps giving Pea Kitty back. Unfortunately, I have the terrible luck of Deb letting herself into... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Coconut Curry Caramel Corn
There’s no mistake. This was dinner tonight. Well, at least for the grownups. I got an email from Pea Daddy this morning that said he has to make an appearance at a City Council meeting this evening. Actually, that’s not all his email said. Pea D, you now owe me $3 for the Swear Jar. And I will not wear Gigi’s pirate hat later on. As devoted to family dinners as he is, Pea D rushed home early to eat with the girls before he headed off... Read More
Vegan Values: Pumpkin Protein Bars & Homemade Lattes
Pea Daddy is such a diplomat. We’ve been talking a bit about our finances lately, trying to figure out the best way to set money aside for both the girls for college, pay off our school loans, and really be wise with our choices. I have to admit, I’ve gotten a little lazy when it comes to the “being wise with our choices” part. I blame changing seasons, seasonal flavors and sweater season. Curse you, Fall. Enter Mr. Subtle. Pea Daddy... Read More
“Eat Cake For Breakfast” and Other Lessons I’ve Learned
Do you need a reason to bake a cake? I’ll give you one. Or four. The weekend is over. Shoot. It’s Monday. Double shoot. There’s Monday Night Football on tonight. (Make of that what you will.) And then there’s the reason I did: today marks two full years of Peas and Thank You. (Can I use the “Terrible Twos” as an excuse for any forthcoming posts?) It seems like we’ve known each other so much longer than two years,... Read More
Thrive Foods in Your Future (GIVEAWAY)
I’m going to go all Back To The Future on you. Pea Daddy and I had a lengthy discussion about Back To The Future during last night’s Modern Family episode, when Mitchell and Cam were mistakenly seeing the yet-to-be-released Muppet Movie. I said, “They’re pulling a Back To The Future on us.” He replied, “Actually, it’d be Back To The Future 2.” Passionate debating ensued. It keeps the spark alive, people. He was right. (This time.)... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
Let’s just wait a minute and take a deep breath before we jump into October. Or as I like to call it, Socktober. Rain and bare feet don’t mix. Mark my words, we’re retiring the flip flops for the season. But not until we get back from vacation. Or work-cation. We’re taking a little trip to San Diego mid-week to attend and cook at The Gourmet Experience cooking expo. Fabio from Top Chef is going to be there. I want to make him... Read More
Wannabe Recipea: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
I don’t even know what a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is. But Lauren does. And she emailed me and asked me to make one. Today seemed like as good a day as any. Do you ever wake up and the sun feels like it is shining directly on you? And there’s no specific reason, but you just feel happy to just be alive? I live for days like today. It was day six for me without coffee. No one died. Praise God! My child told me that she hates the cat... Read More
End of Summer Salad
I don’t know what the weather is like where you are, but it is definitely Fall outside here. It is raining. This morning, I turned the air conditioning off and will not turn it on again until July. I spent ten minutes looking for a matching pair of socks in Lulu’s drawer so that her piggies would stay warm at our friend’s house. It was quite the feat. We haven’t needed socks since June, so I haven’t been meticulous in my matching. I... Read More
Recipeas Worth Repeating: My Favorite Green Juice
There’s something I need to tell you. You probably already know. If my Tweets featuring homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes didn’t give it away, the griping about my 4:30 a.m. radio interviews accompanied by shots of my new French press surely did. I had a full-on coffee relapse. A 12 oz. cup before my interviews. A grande Americano while “working” at Starbucks during Lulu’s preschool. Another 12 oz. afternoon pick-me-up before ballet... Read More
Thinking Outside the Lunchbox: Tofu Dippers
I have goals for this school year. I am determined to have Gigi complete her homework of reading aloud for 20 minutes each night, even though it pains me considerably. She’s a great reader, she just chooses biographies that are about three levels too advanced for her. I had to explain what both “slavery” and “horse liniments” were today. Now that’s homework. I am committed to making sure that Gigi maintains her innocence despite... Read More
Cure for the Common Cold: Apple Cider Donuts
Lulu officially has Gigi’s cold. One week of sharing safety scissors, glue sticks, water fountains and boogered up monkey bars was all it took. I’m throwing back Vitamin C like Tic Tacs. Don’t jinx me. Sometimes I think the girls like to get these little colds. They get their own personal Kleenex boxes that they decorate with markers and stickers. Lulu’s box has a nice barrage of anti-meat messages from VegFest yesterday plastered... Read More
Dinner Tonight: Slow Cooker Seitan Carnitas
I’ve been so excited for this all day. The type of recipes I seem to get asked for most are slow cooker recipes. I haven’t always been a big fan. But now, I totally get it. My life is busy too, between carpooling to and from school, soccer, ballet and running to the store for the third time this week to get apple juice because nobody will drink the grape juice that I bought. Maybe it was fermented. Maybe I shouldn’t have dumped it... Read More
Mysterious Vanilla Cupcakes and Butterless Buttercream
Please tell me you know what these cupcakes are supposed to be. My aunt didn’t. My friend Deb didn’t. Come to think of it, I’m not sure anyone did. Our party sounded like one of those crazy 3D art kiosks at the mall with the number of, “Oh yeah, now I see it,”s that were being thrown around. That hurts. Mostly because I could never see the sailboat. Cake decorating is like a joke. Well, my cake decorating is a joke. But the... Read More
After School Snack: Cherry Chocolate Chunk Dough Balls
It’s starting. School. And all that goes with it. The 8 a.m. mad dash to “eat all your breakfast or you are going to be starving in an hour, make your bed, did you brush your teeth, no, you cannot wear your new faux fur-lined boots when it’s 92 degrees outside, are you sure you brushed your teeth because I’m going to smell your breath, we have to go now so bring your breakfast with you even if your smoothie tastes bad because you just brushed... Read More
A Little Advice and Thai Fried Quinoa
Don’t think a gentle morning jog will stretch out an aching back. Don’t then think a few sets of power squats will loosen up a massively throbbing back. Do have exact change for the Swear Jar. Lulu won’t break a five. Don’t think lying on the living room floor while you are having back spasms will make them go away. Don’t think about what’s been on the living room floor in the last week. Do pick up some more carpet cleaner. Don’t... Read More
