My first attempt at macarons was a big fail. I was almost certain that they were a fail before I put them in the oven because the egg whites lost all of their volume when I added the cocoa. The second try, I decided the give plain a shot, and voila, it worked! Well, that's not entirely true. I paid more attention to my egg whites and folded ever so gently. I didn't take the time to trace 1-inch circles on my parchment because I didn't want to invest too much in them, just in case. Next time, I'm hoping that a little sifting and a couple other tricks will make them even better. But, if they don't get any better, that's okay with me. Because these were pretty dang good!

Recipe can be found in the Miette cookbook. Thanks Kim!

I'm doing well with my resolution to take better care of myself. My hair's been cut! I bought some new make up the other day. Kind of a big deal because I'm such a cheapie when it comes to cosmetics. Pink lip gloss was on the bill! It's super fun to wear. And some neutral eyeshadow. I haven't purchased eye shadow since right before I became a married woman, and if I remember correctly, my Mom bought that compact for me! Yikes! I also added myself to the birchbox waitlist. I think it'll be a fun little way to glam up my life! 

Any make up tips or recommendations you'd like to share? What's your beauty secret?

This past weekend, Conor and I did a little at home date night. Something we always talk about, but never have done, until now. Going out isn't always convenient. We have to either take the children (ah!) or hire a sitter ($). But, if we stay home, we can enjoy a little date night after we've put our daughters to bed. We made lovely pizzas, caprese salad, and topped it all off with gelato. It was wonderful to linger at the dinner table and have a real conversation with Conor rather than rush to wipe hands and faces and clear dishes so we might entertain our youngsters. I enjoyed relaxing in my own home with my favorite person. Funny how things change. 

The pizzas are topped with olive oil that's infused with garlic, thyme and red pepper flakes. The cheeses are fresh mozzarella, fontina and goat cheese. The argula salad is tossed in a dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper. This pizza was so good that Conor felt like it was his birthday. That's the best compliment I could ever receive about a meal from Conor. (Recipe is from my favorite cookbook)

This is the kind of date night that will be repeated. What's your favorite date night?

Winter has come which means rain (but definitely more sun than rain). Which also means, no more beach trips for a little while (although this weekend is shaping up to be pretty nice). I bought Holly a shovel the other day - a big plastic shovel that I've been meaning to buy for a few months. Holly loves the sand and the beach and the ocean. Last week, we played "pretend ocean." The girls shimmied into their swim suits, and played in the bath tub. Holly was pretty excited about it! We may play real ocean though and go to Santa Cruz this weekend if the girls are feeling well. California living!

Greta has the most amazing head of hair. When she was born, I could hardly believe I had made, in my stomach, a newborn with that much beautiful, dark hair. Greta's hair is getting so thick and so long and coarse. Her cowlicks are a bit more tame these days although we still have issues. Greta's hair is wild! And sometimes it's a little awkward (sorry baby, it's true!). If I don't comb Greta's hair out after she bathes, she gets a little bit of curl. I'm hopeful that one day her hair will have some wave or curl to it, ideally like her Nana's or Aunty Nicole's. Not awkward, unworkable wave like mine. Greta's hair was becoming a little scrappy in the back so she got a little trim. Cutting a baby's hair is really hard! But, she looks much more tidy. Now we're just hoping Holly doesn't think that cutting hair is something she should do...