BEST SNACK!

+

Are you sitting at the computer starving because you haven't had lunch yet?

Well, my newest favorite quick snack (and Milan's, too!) is a big juicy apple (my favorite is McIntosh) plus an individually packed yummy of Justin's Nut Butters . My favorite is the maple Almond butter and it comes in a 100 calorie package that I just throw in my purse. When I am in need of a snack for me and the wee ones, this is handy, delicimo and great for the lunch box, if your school allows it! Enjoy!

INSPIRED KIDS LUNCHES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EahKPqaB6Q
click here

I came across a video I did on "The View From the Bay" a couple of years ago, and it has some fun ideas for the "Back to School Lunch Blaaaaahs"

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend! Taa Taa!

We're Back!

After taking a blogging breather, we are back and ready to cook! February was a slow month in the catering world, but I got to slow down and enjoy my family and friends, reconnect with old collegues and just plain relax. Since we are deep in the middle of this recession, we have all had to make some choices. Gucci or groceries, Manolos for Mommy or Stride Rite for the kiddies? Well the choices are obvious, but not always the most fun to make. My kids have learned that they don't get to buy every toy or book they see, unless it comes from their piggy bank. Gardening is also a great way to teach the kids about where food comes from. On Monday, I will be with the ninth grade girls at San Domenico School cooking out in their organic garden and every Wednesday, thereafter with the Primary School Garden Club. Get cooking!

Now it is a Happy New Year!

After all the holidays, I seem to get a little overwhelmed!! Anyone, anyone? The kids were out of school for 2 weeks, then 2 weeks later, holiday weekend AGAIN! I barely got my house clean and this fantastic weather isn't helping, either!! I am now feeling truly inspired. I feel like 2009 has begun and we are on a good path. My family always lifts my spirits. Have a wonderful New Year from my family to yours!

Bella Bambino!

Welcome Baby Giovanni Daniele to the world on Thursday, December 11 at 3:15 p.m. The proud parents are some of my dearest friends. Milan & Luca are excited about their new friend!

Stylishly Cute

It's the detailing (and the structure and the proportions and the colors!!!) of Phillip Lim's clothes for kids I l-o-v-e.

Thankfully, these are easy to play in while still looking adorable. Fab not fussy -- the Bella Luxe way! -- for all your divas in training.

BL Kids

Handmade, one-of-a-kind: So much West Coast laid-back cuteness in this cape (and look at the chocolate brown tutu!) by SF-based Skedaddlekids.

For Your Princessa

Click here for preppy little princess clothes. Just adorably understated and perfect for the holidays!

Bootiful Breakfast

Such a cute way to start Boo Day. For Halloween your kiddies will scream for these adorable pancakes. Get the molds here.

Designed by a Mom!

Milan and Luca love cupcakes (really, now, who doesn't?!). These portable cupcake (or muffin!) holders keep everything beautifully and unmessily intact. Brilliant!!!

Bella Luxe Kids

Click here for a bit of hip to hang on your wall.

For the Kids

Seriously, how cute are these wool felt pandas? Look at the footprints!!

What to Book

This book, by Munro Leaf, is SO retro hilarious and starkly sweet. You'll LOVE it.

So Tough and Cute

This beige t is so tattoo-parloresque and so fiercely sweet for your little man. From Ed Hardy.

The Best for Your Vacay

Heading to the lake? Shore? Pack a few of these bubble blasters {they light up!} and head outside at night to watch the bubbles soar. The best!

Pop Goes the Calendar

Here's the sitch. Like many of you, I secretly blend healthy ingredients into my kids' meals. But look at this! Your little peeps will learn ~ secretly ~ with this can't-take-your-hands-off calendar. Each day you pop a bubble! I HEART HEART HEART this. So fab!

Inspired Invitations

I'm getting ready to take a vacay next week with my husband and the kiddies. Milan and Luca love parties and so I was inspired to post this most fabulish link. Click here to get started with the CUTEST invitations!

{While away, I might have to throw an Everyone's Birthday with all our friends. That's where everyone gets a gift and everyone gets to blow out the candles!!!}