Teaching the Value of Things During the Holiday Hysteria

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine
The winter and its holidays have always been my favorite time of year. The smell of pine and cinnamon. Wood burning in fireplaces, the crisp, chilly air caressing my cheeks and hot chocolate to warm them up. But, most precious of all is spending time with friends and family, making treasured memories out of which flourish stories that will be told with giant belly laughs for years to come. All of it fills my soul up to the brim with happiness and now that our daughter is here, our proverbial cup runneth over with joy!
That being said, let me share with you a conversation that my husband and I had last week:
Me: Are we bad parents for not buying Vivi any presents?
Hubby: No.
Me: (trying to justify) I mean, my mom is bringing a suitcase full of presents with her from Louisiana and then there are the 3 presents she already shipped which are under the bed waiting to be wrapped.
Hubby: That’s more than enough.
Me: That’s what I thought.
I was raised in a lower middle class family by my hard working single mother and my grandmother. Don’t worry, this is not the beginning of any sort of sob story. I was always showered with love and never wanted for anything. Our Christmas tree was always packed with gifts, but my mom also made sure to instill in me the value of things. I only hope I can give that gift to my daughter.

Classic Toddler w/ Santa pic! Ha!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!
By Jennifer Fontaine

Why Wait til the New Year to Make Your Resolution?

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine
I have never really subscribed to the idea of New Year’s Resolutions. So I’m starting something new! New Day’s Resolution! If there is something you want to change in your life, why not start immediately?
This year has been filled with New Day’s Resolutions! 
One of my resolutions earlier this year was to get organized. Of course, with a toddler in the house and two adults who work from home, this is always a work in progress, but something as simple as a few baskets to hide the clutter of books and toys immediately makes the living room feel less chaotic. I found these baskets on Craigslist for 80% less than retail! 
organize children's toys and books with baskets
Another big resolution is one that I try to make daily; My decree to get out of the house! To introduce, enlighten and instill a sense of curiosity and confidence in Vivi. 
toddler exploring los angeles county museum of art
Vivi exploring the Urban Jungle at LACMA
Los Angeles has such diverse geography and culture. There are so many amazing things to do and see here, we have yet to scratch the surface! And certainly, with the creation of our Mommy Hiker Community, we are never want for a reason to get outdoors with the babes! These ladies continually inspire me and push me to better myself and as a result, I am a better wife and mom.
mommy hikers
With fellow Mommy Hiker Megan
(For a more in-depth look into our favorite Los Angeles children’s activities, stay tuned for the New Year’s Blog!)
My most recent resolution was one that I resisted and procrastinated on for at least the last two years! Blogging. Ha! I most certainly had the support and encouragement, but was lacking in the confidence. I have been pretty active in social media for years now, on Facebook and Twitter and have a modest yet loyal following. I also write in many different fashions, but there was the personal element attached to blogging that kept me at arm’s length. I thought what could I possibly write about my day-to-day life that would interest people? Then, I realized how easily I have been motivated and inspired by others who are brave enough to share their personal stories, thoughts, insights, anguish and passion with the rest of the world. It’s cathartic. It incites me to think more, to write more, to want to DO more and I’m so glad I didn’t wait until the New Year to start!
What will your First New Day’s Resolution be?
By Jennifer Fontaine

[Food Series] Easy Trail Mix Alternative! Wheat Berry Salad

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine
I watched Giada De Laurentiis turn Wheat Berries into a gorgeous summer salad on The Food Network and thought: “that looks easy”, so I ran out and bought a package of whole wheat berries and… they have been sitting in the pantry for close to 4 months now! Every time I would open the pantry door, I would see them staring back, mocking me. Finally, I decided enough is enough, so I googled “how to cook wheat berries”. I couldn’t believe how easy it is, then I mocked myself for ever being scared of a wheat berry to begin with! So, I say, “Don’t be afraid! Here’s how!”
 
alternative trail mix wheat berry salad with blueberry, garbanzo bean and cucumber
Ingredients
2 cups of wheat berries
2 bay leaves
4 cups of cold water
4 cups of chicken stock
1 cup chopped cucumber
1 cup blueberries
1 cup garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

Start by soaking 2 cups of wheat berries in water, in the fridge, overnight. Throw the wheat berries in a deep pot with 2 bay leaves 4 cups of cold water and 4 cups of chicken stock, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and let them simmer away! Depending on what texture you prefer, your cook time will vary, but the minimum should be about an hour and can go up to two hours if you like them really soft. Drain your wheat berries in a colander and allow them to cool. That’s it! Yep. Really! 

Now the fun part! Wheat berries are so versatile! You can throw in whatever you’re in the mood for! Giada’s recipe features strawberries, mint and goat cheese! I decided to go a more ‘finger food’ route with my first attempt, making sure to include V’s favorite ingredients, thinking it would be a great trail mix type of snack to bring hiking. Over my chilled wheat berries, I threw in chopped cucumber, blueberries and garbanzo beans, then mixed it with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of one lemon.