My wing man.

We took our first plane trip. Without dad. And without vodka. He was so stinking good on the plane-he earned his wings! We went to Chicago to see my family, and he was a Rock Star. He was the star of the show. He's a city boy at heart-he kept dropping subtle hints that he wants to live there. We had such a blast visiting our friends Beth, Bridgett and Rocco, and of course Auntie Em. Addison had his first Barney's experience, and was my date for a glass of wine with Uncle Toph and Micheal at the Sofitel. We had such an amazing time, but couldn't wait to get home and see daddy-who thought Addison was huge just after one week of not seeing him.

Must have been all of nanna's pasta.

one plus one equals two

For real? It's been two years? It seems that just yesterday we were having our first date in Saratoga Springs.

Wasn't it just moments ago that we were waving goodbye to my home in L.A. and my new one became a loft in KC?

I still get the butterflies when thinking of you asking if I will be your wife, teary-eyed when I recall the magical day I became your Mrs., and I swear I can still taste the Macarons in Paris.

And now we have Addison?? God is good, my sweet-you are daily proof of that.

I love you.

Happy number 2.

Can it, Ryan Adams

I have been so incredibly blessed in the friend department. I think what makes "best friends", well, "best" is that you can be yourself-no matter what. No judgement, no nonsense.

I think as you get older, it becomes more difficult to make new friends. Everyone has their lives, and hey, life can be hectic. What's even more difficult is when you move to a new city. Years ago, i had to experience that when I left Chicago for crazy L.A. Then 4 years later I was in the same boat when Kansas City became my home. KC has been much more challenging. Don't get me wrong-people here couldn't be nicer--but it's a much smaller city--and, well things just seem to take more time.

But then came Amber. 

Amber owns the coolest hair salon-The Darling Room. Not just the coolest salon in KC, but really-the coolest. 

Long story short-it took Amber and I a bit to spend time out of the salon-again, life can be hectic-but I have met my match. The girl is my soul mate. There aren't enough hours in the day when we have our coffee dates--we could talk until the cow's come home. And don't even get me started on how she makes me laugh. Hence-the point of this blog entry.

Amber and I had a coffee date at our usual spot yesterday,and she came armed with the coolest present (note photo at the top). These are amazing. There is so much fun that can be had with these cards. After catching up, her teaching me how I can get my hair to look like psycho Olivia's on The City, and a golden retriever rescue (I'll explain at a later date), well, we had, an encounter. After many head turns, and me google-ing his tour schedule, it was determined that Ryan Adams was enjoying a coffee with some friends at an outside table.  I got the idea to drop one of my new cards on his table while walking by. Now this idea requires some 'you know what's' regardless of the recipient-but any fan of Mr. Adam's know's he's a bit if a hot head. This notion fueled my fire. Of course Amber was on board. Off we went, casually walking by his table as I made the drop. I truly expected an FU from the rock star-I was prepared. I was wrong-he couldn't of been cooler. Loved the card-already owned some of his own. Chatted for a while. Gave some KC recommendations, and off we went. 

It was a good afternoon-spending time with my friend Amber-I look forward to many more.

This is dedicated to the one I love.....

We had Addison dedicated at our church a couple of weeks ago. He was amazing up there-not a peep, and so stinking cute. We loved the idea of publicly declaring our responsibility as parents, and our desire to raise our son to know how amazing our God is. We were surrounded by family and friends who took a public "vow" to help us raise our little rock star. We are so blessed, and so proud, and so freakin' excited to be Addison's ma and pa.

The martha in me

They say when a woman is pregnant she has an uncontrollable urge to nest. I have had that for over 10 years now. Granted, it has gotten stronger since I married J, but I have always loved to create "my space". Now-well, it is safe to say, I am obsessed. J can testify-I will show him at the very least, 3 new ideas I have for our casa in hopes that he will match my insane enthusiasm.

I have always been very creative, and yes, I'll be the first to admit, dramatic, but now it's over-the-top. I think because I have hung up my acting hat (for now anyways)--cooking and decorating are my outlets (that, and dressing up my son--he's my muse, what can I say?).

I have 364203402308463 blogs bookmarked for ideas, and 325236238462384 items on my wish list. For several months I have wanted an antique secretary. And today, ladies and gentleman, that want has become reality. Of course I have to put my Gina spin on it, so there will be painting and knob replacing, etc. Hopefully J and I will be able to tackle this project soon. I'll post some b & a pictures for you 2 fans that read my little blog.

All in all though, it is fun finding unique pieces that aren't in every typical store window-even if our garage looks like a furniture graveyard for a couple of months.

Good to the last drop--I mean, bite.

mmmm..stewy white beans.

Okay, I didn't name it folks, but this here's a hit of a recipe if I've ever tried one. I've been making this for a few years now. The best thing about this recipe is that it's good for 2 meals. I don't mean 2 servings, although you could go right ahead and have seconds, but I am able to get dinner, and breakfast out of this gem. For dinner, I follow the recipe, and then place the heavenly mixture on top of a pile of cous cous (didn't name that either). Sounds delicious, right? You could stop right there, especially if you subscribe to the whole not eating any animals thingy. I then top the whole beauty off with a nice piece of Tilapia. Drool.

Okay, so there are alot of leftovers when cooking for 2, so the next morning, I heat the rest of the mixture on the stove (this is minus the cous cous and fish, people), add some scrambled eggs, and feta cheese. Those of you who know me are well aware of my feta obsession. And, well, Voila-2 meals. And super healthy-Kale AND tomatoes??!!-Dr. Oz would be so proud.

FYI: you could also substitute garbanzo's for the white beans--but then you'd have to call it something else.

Click here for the low down.

Am I Dreaming??!!

Nope, but my son apparently is! IN-HIS-CRIB!!!!!

What's the big deal, you ask? He doesn't do this-EVER. It's been over an hour! I keep peeking in there to see if all is good in dream land, and he looks so peaceful! Are the days gone where he throws fits of rage after being in there for 2.2 seconds??

I want to shout hallelujah. But I can't. My son is sleeping.

IN HIS CRIB!