inauguration relived

In celebration of this momentous occasion, I've dug out of the closet the dress my mom wore to Reagan's 1985 inaugural parties! Thank God I can fit in it.

in honor of the new President!

:~)

my first dutch baby

So what the heck is a Dutch Baby? I had no idea until I saw a great looking piece of 'pie' and this recipe on a new website I came across. I added the apples but substituted soy milk. It looks ok, but not as grand as the recipe photo. Next time I'll use cow's milk, more apples - and will sugar/candy them prior to putting into the skillet.

I had a great afternoon with this baby though. I took it to a friend's house where we drank Lebanese coffee, ate fried egg with potato and zucchini with fresh avocado along with fun conversation.

a surprise sunny day

The great thing about where I live is that it's so fun because of all our choices of outdoor activities. Today was especially groovy because the sun has been shining all the day. Granted it's 15 degrees F outside and the windchill makes it feel like zero today but as long as you're moving, it's fine.

A friend enticed me to join her for a quick snow-shoe out at the lake.


These next four photos were taken in quick succession - mostly because this point is where the wind was at it's hardest, notice the sand swept snow. See how the shadow of the clouds changes in each photo.

view outside

I haven't left the house much in the last 60 hours.

scarf

I just got this scarf for Christmas - gorgeous isn't it?! I've left it draped over my sofa so I can look at it every day for when I'm not wearing it.

another day at the beach

I love how the beach looks a little different each day

then a few days later

that first day

the other day

swimsuit season

Sure, it's a dreaded word met with an inner montage of beautifully skinny girls in bikinis frolicking on the beach and your own self image or perhaps unwanted photos of your butt bulging out from the lycra you bought last season too big to be displayed from under a wrap.

Don't despair.

Gwyneth Paltrow sent me a video today from her personal trainer. That's right.. She teaches 8 basic leg moves that engage your core and really work your butt and quad muscles. At least that's what's burning on me right now. Watch the video for your visual memory and print these steps to use everyday (or just visit me here at A Day In The Life).

All using a chair that is padded and one you can lift you leg over the back of.. do all 8 motions for a predetermined rep set on one leg, then switch to the other. I'm starting at ten, the trainer-chick says we should be doing 50 each. I'm starting at ten.

1. Standing behind the chair, swing leg @ hip up to chair, then back straight behind you so that the foot is up to hip level in front, then behind you.

2. Straighten leg behind with foot level with hip, pulse up, pulse diagonally to side

3. Plié feet facing outward, then kick leg back behind you so the foot is raised to hip level

4. Kneel on top of chair sideways and bend down to touch your hands to the floor. Swing leg up to the ceiling and back to kneeling position

5. Keep kneeling on chair, but take that same leg and point touch the floor, then side leg lift to ceiling.

6. Stand behind chair to your side. Lift leg straight behind you and pull/swing forward at hip level then kick back. Use back of chair as a guide to keep the leg/knee high when you pull it forward.

7. Facing back of chair, lift leg up and over so that foot rests on seat. Lift to the side and kick to side.

8. Kneel again, but on floor in front of the chair, with the chair behind you. Rest your leg on the top of the back of the chair. Pulse up to the ceiling.

a walk in the dunes

one more bag

I love this French toule