Favorites: The 52 New Foods Challenge Book and Williams-Sonoma Event

Last week I got a super sweet invitation from my friend Jeanne of Shop Sweet Things (one of my favorite lifestyle blogs) to attend a private dinner at Williams-Sonoma in San Francisco's Union Square to celebrate the latest book by Jennifer Tyler Lee, an award-winning author, game creator (Crunch a Color), and healthy eating advocate. The 52 New Foods Challenge book launch party was so much fun! And even more fun was meeting Jennifer, watching her cook and getting totally inspired by her tips on how to make it fun and playful for kids to eat healthier and try new foods.

Stay tuned for an Instagram giveaway next week!

The Williams-Sonoma team really brought it together with a beautifully simple tablescape that included fresh and pickled jarred vegetables and along with fresh flowers.

Here's the lovely Jeanne introducing Jennifer. That gigantic open kitchen is a total dream!

Another highlight of the night was meeting Amanda Haas, Director of Culinary at Williams-Sonoma, founder of One Family One Meal and author of Cooking Light Real Family Food. We follow each other on Instagram so it was nice to finally meet her in person. She's such an inspiration and a total sweetie with laid back style and humor.

These Quinoa Crumble Cakes were surprisingly one of my favorite dishes of the night. I made quinoa cakes before and they did not taste anything like these! Ha! I had about 9 of these that night.

Also loved the Clay Pot (but not made in a Clay Pot) Chicken Fried Rice. Super easy to make and so good! My kids would love it so it's on my list to make soon (like this week!).

Remember to check in next week as I'll be doing an Instagram giveaway for the book!

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Happy Weekend: Annual Girls Trip

Well friends, I'm off on an annual girls trip this weekend. Every year my college (and two high school) friends go a really nice trip somewhere for a long weekend. For many years we would all chip in and get each other a nice gift. While the gifts are nice, we realized that what was more special was actually spending time with each other. With half of us on the west coast and half on the east coast, this was not easy. So we decided that every year two of us would pair up and plan an entire trip. We have the best stories, memories, and experiences to share - way better than a fancy bag. The first year was Santa Fe, NM (I was about 8.5 months pregnant with Lucas so I couldn't go), then Chicago, IL, then New Orleans, LA, then Sedona, AZ, and this year... drum roooooooooooooll.....Austin, TX! I've never been and I'm really excited and have heard great things. Bummed to see thunderstorms and 88 degree weather (can you say fugly hair?), but it won't matter because I'll be with my dear friends.

This will be the longest time I've ever been away from both kids. I will miss them so much.

I'll miss Nick too!

and this...

not this :)

and this!

I will also be missing my dear mom's 65th birthday this weekend. I will definitely have to make it up to her next when I get back. She is the kindest, most loving, and sweetest person I know and I'm so grateful for each day with her. Also, best Po Po (grandma) ever!

As much as I can't wait to see the big smiles on the boys' faces when I come back, I am so happy to get away. I want it and need it. This is all part of the parenthood juggle, the balance, the challenge. See how I find balance here on Shop Sweet Things and Apartment 34's new collaborative series, The Kind of Woman.

Have a great weekend everyone! What are your weekend plans?

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Playdate featured on Refinery 29

I was so honored to be Jeanne's "first date" for her wonderful series called Playdate for her blog, Shop Sweet Things. It was featured on Refinery 29. Theo and I took Jeanne to Summer Kitchen, one of our favorite lunch spots in Berkeley. The amazingly talented Eva Kolenko was there with baby Parker (best cheeks ever) to capture all the fun and good food. Here are some of my favorite photos from the playdate.

// Photos by Eva Kolenko via Shop Sweet Things and Refinery 29