Kristen McLane

My Kid’s Favorite Backyard Spot

Kristen McLane — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:01:50 +0000

P.S. I thought this was a great picture until I looked closer and noticed that Paul is pinching Megan. So much for the sweetness.

ShareThis

If I Hadn’t Packed My CrockPot…

Kristen McLane — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:12:20 +0000

If I hadn’t packed my CrockPot this week then I would be tempted to make this CrockPot Chocolate Mousse recipe from Stephanie, otherwise known as the CrockPot Lady. Stephanie’s blog is called A Year of CrockPotting and she has determined to make and post one CrockPot recipe for every day of 2008. I don’t remember how I came across her blog but I’ve been reading it ever since. You have to admire a woman with that kind of resolve. Her CrockPotting endeavors even landed her a spot on the Rachael Ray show earlier this month. How cool is that?

ShareThis

What We Did In San Diego (pictures included)

Kristen McLane — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:41:07 +0000

It’s true that Adam was working and I was house hunting but we did manage to fit in a lot of fun things too.

The Beach. We went to the beach on several occasions. It is one of our favorite things to do as a family. The last time Megan and Paul were at the beach was two years ago on our family vacation in Florida. I don’t think it matters how often you go, there is always something magical about the ocean.

The beaches that we visited were La Jolla Cove, Torrey Pines State Beach (my personal favorite), Ocean Beach and Coronado Beach.

Balboa Park. On Thursday the kids and I walked around Balboa Park. Balboa Park call itself “the nation’s largest urban cultural park.” It has it all - museums, performing arts, beautiful gardens and the world famous San Diego Zoo. I took the kids to a puppet show (it was so-so) and we walked around the grounds. There is so much to see and do at the park that we couldn’t possibly do in one day. I can’t wait to go back to see the museums. Megan and Paul’s highlight was riding the 1910 Balboa Park Carousel.

Downtime. We spent a lot of time in the hotel pool. I guess there is such a thing as “too much of a good thing” because by Friday the kids refused my offer to take them swimming and did this instead -

Saturday was family day. We had intended on taking the kids to LegoLand but after being shocked by the prices we opted for Knott’s Berry Farm Soak City. (Don’t tell Megan and Paul that we found a great LegoLand discount a day too late…we’ll save it for next time.) We had a fabulous time at Soak City. This is the first year that Megan and Paul have been tall enough (and brave enough) to ride the slides. It came as no surprise that our roller coaster loving kids loved the slides.

At this point I feel the need to do a quick plug for Sun Protection Zone. Did you happen to notice Megan’s bathing suit? I won it earlier in the summer on Metropolitan Mama. I feel the need to share this because Megan is the only one in the family who didn’t get sunburned the entire week (and yes we wore sunscreen too). It protected her skin so well that I think I’m going to order a suit for Paul too.

And that my friends was our week in a nutshell.

ShareThis

In Case You Thought My Kids Were Normal

Kristen McLane — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:15:06 +0000

It all started this morning at the park. The kids begged Adam to play fetch. With sticks. Because they were pretending to be dogs. Adam played along except that he did not allow Megan and Paul to retrieve the sticks with their mouths (they wanted to).

When we got home from the park Megan asked for water. In a bowl. Of course Paul wanted to drink water out of a bowl too. Then the kids decided to get crafty. They made dog leashes out of ribbon. Next Megan asked if she could play with clay. She made dog bones.

This afternoon the kids constructed a doghouse out of blankets. They have been very busy, stopping only for “treats” every now and then. I am thankful that the kids are (1) playing together, (2) playing quietly and (3) playing with their imaginations. But it is a little odd. Don’t you think?

ShareThis

Recycled Toothbrushes

Kristen McLane — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:58:08 +0000

After all that talk about desserts it only seems appropriate to move forward to the subject of brushing my teeth. Thanks to Mom Central I had a brand new Preserve Toothbrush waiting in the mail for me when I got home from San Diego. What makes this toothbrush special is that it is made from 100% recyclable material (the organic yogurt people at Stoneyfield Farm donate cups and scrap plastic). When I’m done with my Preserve Toothbrush I can print out an address label from Recycline.com and mail it back to the company free of charge. Replacement toothbrushes are available for purchase at Target for $2.04.

I’m very happy with my Preserve Toothbrush. The curvy design is appealing and I’m pleasantly surprised by the quality of the recycled plastic handle. Since I have to brush my teeth anyway it makes sense to choose a toothbrush that is environmentally friendly.

Wonder what happens to your toothbrush after it is recycled? According to the Recycline website their products are turned into plastic lumber for park benches, decks and more. Don’t worry, you won’t be purchasing a used toothbrush! In addition to personal care products Recycline also makes tableware and kitchen products.

Here is a video showing you how the Preserve Toothbrushes is made. It might be a little boring for some but ever since watching the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood episode showing how crayons are made I’ve had a weird fascination with factory tours. Adam and I get geeked up watching John Ratzenberger’s Made In America on the Travel Channel.

ShareThis

Extraordinary Desserts

Kristen McLane — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:34:39 +0000

As if the children weren’t already convinced that San Diego is going to be a great place to live, Adam sealed the deal on Sunday night. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun at Coronado Beach and afterwards Adam suggested eating dinner at Extraordinary Desserts. There is real food on the menu. But really, why bother?

The best word that I can think of to describe the desserts is intense. Immediately upon walking through the door Paul locked his eyes on a chocolate mousse decorated with yellow flowers. It was gorgeous. We may have just as well hooked Paul up to an IV dripping with caffeine. He barely made it past the second layer of chocolate. Paul showed his gratitude by kissing Adam from head to toe for ten minutes straight. Literally.

Megan’s choice was equally stunning. A warm brownie of some sort garnished with champagne grapes. Yum. I ordered a scoop of homemade Very Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served with fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries and Adam had a humongous slice of Roasted Coconut Cream Torte.

We all waddled out with happy bellies.

Update: Upon reading this post Megan just said, “Paul’s was the prettiest. Mine just gave me a tummy ache but Paul’s made him hyper.”

ShareThis

Wordless Wednesday - Creepy Girl

Kristen McLane — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:42:26 +0000

This painting was hanging on the wall of our hotel room in San Diego. The girl in the picture watched over me while I slept. It’s not hard to guess why she was given the nickname “creepy girl.” Something about her just isn’t right.

ShareThis

Works For Me Wednesday - Vacation Laundry Solution

Kristen McLane — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:18:04 +0000

Laundry is a necessary evil. Particularly after living out of a suitcase for eight days. When we arrived home last night Adam carried our suitcases from the car directly to the washing machine in the basement. As I sorted through the mountain of dirty clothes a “light bulb moment” occurred.

My Works For Me Wednesday (WFMW) tip is to pack a stain remover (like a stain stick) on your next vacation. It won’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase but it will save you time and possibly save your clothes as well. I wish I would have thought of it sooner!

ShareThis

The New House

Kristen McLane — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:39:56 +0000

Taken on a “drive-by” this isn’t the greatest picture but it will give you an idea of where we will be living. The house is currently occupied and the tenants were home when we drove by so we didn’t want to be the weirdos standing on the sidewalk taking pictures. I promise better pictures once we have moved (our move-in date is August 15th).

From this (our current home in Michigan) to this California ranch…

ShareThis

We Found A House

Kristen McLane — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:29:08 +0000

Our week in San Diego is almost up and we accomplished what we came to do. I’m happy to say that we found a house to rent. It is a cute little house with a nice grassy yard for the dog. Unfortunately the word little is not an exaggeration. The house only has two bedrooms meaning that the kids are going to have to go from having their own rooms to sharing a bedroom. Which in turn means that this house will be a good place to rest our heads for the next year and not much longer. We have been so spoiled to have been living in a four bedroom house complete with a large living room, dining room, large kitchen, basement, garage and massive backyard. The next thing on our agenda is to hold a second garage sale. Let the downsizing begin!

What I do like about the house is the outdoor space. Like I said the house has a nice grassy yard that is fenced in. There is also a covered outdoor patio area. The smaller bedroom has a door leading right to the patio. I will gladly take the smaller bedroom with patio access. I’m an outdoor person and I have a feeling a lot of time will be spent out there.

More on the house and all our San Diego adventures later. The kids are waiting on me to leave for the water park. See ya.

ShareThis