Leon at The Grove yesterday.  I swear we wouldn't dare go near The Grove on a hectic weekend but I really wanted to check out Sur La Table for some goodies.  

Of course the place was packed with people- kids and dogs, you name it... everyone was there.   Leon was a happy camper though-  his cookie and walking around examining cracks on the pavement kept him busy.  

I love spending the whole day with him.  It seems I've been so busy lately- juggling catering events and mommy duties.  Days like yesterday are so precious.  We really had nowhere to be and no one to meet- Leon and I just spent quality time together.   

fondant flowers

My very first shot at making edible flowers out of fondant/gum paste .....

It was a very time consuming and yet a very rewarding experience for me.  Running Belly Bliss Catering and knocking out dishes in the kitchen is so different from making these.  I had to be in a relaxing and calm zone to make sure everything was just right.  I loved the zen like experience.  From kneading the fondant,  rolling it out at just the correct density, cutting, molding and putting the finishing touches- having to take the time and take in every step was a good change of pace.  Oh and waiting 24 hours for the flowers to harden even added to the anticipation.

I knew I had to start with the simplest flower to make- which I was advised is the Dogwood flower.  My first try was a bit rough but just like anything- practice and patience was all it took.  I'm a total beginner and is so excited to create other lovely pieces.  

These Dogwoods are going to be cupcake toppers for an event this weekend.  I can't wait to take pictures.

Yellow Balloon

Leon's first salon hair cut was a total success!  I expected it to be a total bust and was so delighted that it turned out to be fun for both of us.  The Yellow Balloon and their wonderful staff helped so much.  They put Leon at ease by giving him all the time he needed to play with tons of their awesome toys.  He had such a great time it took me forever to get him out of the salon.  

Playtime in the yard has been very essential now that Leon is a full pledged toddler.  Mario- our gardener who is the sweetest guy- created a safe space for Leon to play.  I described to him what I envisioned for an open space and he really came through.  He even built a large sand box where Leon spends lots of time pouring sand and water in and out of his dump truck.  I'm still on the lookout for used items such as a slide and a trampoline.  I'm so excited for the space to come together!

We enjoyed a nice healthy dinner at Tender Greens in West Hollywood

Leon's grandma- Joanie or "Mimi" as her grandkids lovingly call her, is in town visiting and we are all smiles.  So happy to spend time with her and so wonderful to see Leon love her.  Grandma comes out to LA every 3-4 months to spend time with us and we video chat on Skype as much as we can.  We could all tell that Leon recognizes Joanie and it took very little time for him to warm up to her.  We have Mimi all the way until Monday- yay!

the boy who brings us so much joy

Two weeks shy of 18 months full of laughter and curiosity.  In just 6 months he will be turning two- WOW.  

Wearing his adorable Ugg boots to keep his footsies warm in the mornings

He has been enjoying being read to more than ever and we are both having a great time.  He is naked in the picture because we were trying to get him in the tubby before bed time.

These are cupcakes we served from our catered event the past Saturday.  

Some other items on the menu were:  penne with shrimp & roasted veggies, greens with currants, pecans, roasted corn and jicama in a green goddess dressing, chicken meatballs garnished with melted mozzarella and cherry tomatoes and mac and cheese mini muffins topped with garlic crumbs and crumbled turkey bacon.  

Our classic red velvets with chocolate covered sunflower seeds as garnish

double vanilla cupcake with a strawberry balsamic reduction sauce and a strawberry slice as garnish

a flower arrangement made by my dear friend Monica.  Thank you!