My PB + J

The Cat’s Meow – A Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus

If you didn’t know the circus is in town and we were lucky enough to get a special behind-the-scenes pass to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Big Cat presentation with trainer, Alexander Lacey. As we walked back to restricted animal enclosure we got up close and personal real quick with the big cats. It was amazing standing so close, yet kind of unsettling at the same time. I made sure to mark my position just in case something didn’t go as planned. Of course, that was just the over-rector in me because once Alexander and his daughter, Katrina, began our tour I was reassured we were safe.

It was amazing to see how calm and knowledgeable Katrina was around the animals especially at her age.  The sense of pride Lacey has for his cats is amazing and I truly gained a lot of respect for the organization and it’s animals. The kids could not get over seeing the lions and tigers, Payton naturally has not stopped speaking of Princess, but Bella was the runner up as Lacey spent some one-on-one time with her in the cage and answered questions as he fed Bella prime-cut steak. 
Here is what we learned:
  • Each morning the cats are fed 16 pounds of food. While on tour, the meat is delivered by the same companies that deliver to local hotels. 
  • The cats require 22 hours of sleep each day. Don’t I wish I could sleep this long! 
  • Lacey communicates with the cats in both English and German. Each cat has it’s own unique behavior, body type, characteristic and sound. He can even recognize the cat by it’s roar, how cool is that?!
  • The Lacey family has raised over eleven generations of lions and nine generations of tigers and continues to develop methods to maintain the integrity of the various bloodlines within the cats’ lineages.
Lacey demonstrating how he communicates with Bella as he uses the sticks as a form of sign language. Depending on the movement, whether it goes up or down, or from right to left it all means something different. While Lacey is demonstrating his techniques with Bella she is not in the show quite yet because she is not of age. Training the cats begins at four months and this gorgeous girl was actually born while on the road, staying with the Lacey family as they ensured she got enough nutrients since her mama wasn’t producing enough milk.  

The children were amazed and truly the adults were too! I gained a better perspective seeing them up close and personal while learning a lot from the big cat master himself. 

The behind the scenes wasn’t all about the cats, there were also these gorgeous beauties; mine and Payton’s personal favorites. The Ringling Bros., elephants are Asian elephants and they are simply amazing! 

Payton was quick to point out that this elephant was pooping, she learned a lot and suggested that he go in the potty versus the ground. Do you think we’ve had a similar conversation with her? 

  


I urge you to take the family to see the Greatest Show on Earth while it’s in town. Check out this post for information on show times and ticket prices. Or, check out the Ringling Bros. website for more information about Alexander Lacey


Disclaimer: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog,  Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Regardless, I only share 100% of my opinion and services/products that I believe my readers will enjoy. 

Birthday Bash Group Giveaway Sign-Up

The littlest member of our family will be turning one in less than two months. While this is a little bittersweet I have decided to throw a first birthday giveaway bash in honor of his birth and his cleft repair surgery. I already have some amazing brands lined up, which I cannot wait to share for one grand prize package! I would like to open this up to any of my readers to become involved in making this a group giveaway. 
If you wish to get in on the birthday bash please e-mail me for more information. 
Along with the giveaway and in lieu of gifts for his party we hope to raise enough money for two surgeries by his birthday and two additional surgeries by his repair anniversary on February 1st. Together we can all make a difference in a child’s life. 
Let’s Share Brayden’s Smile. 

iMonster fork & spoon {nuby mommy blogger review}

One of the amazing perks of being a Nuby Mommy Blogger is that my family gets to review amazing Nuby products! Over the next few months I will be sharing these products with you. For my second review I would like to introduce you to the iMonster Fork & Spoon.  
When our package arrived in the mail Payton simply had to get her hands on to the iMonster fork & spoon set. She didn’t seem to care that they were intended for her brother as he begins to learn how to use utensils. But, what can I say? The googly-eyed monsters are fun and they made her meal time a lot more fun! 

The fork and spoon are bright and cheery but also add that bit of fun any parent is looking for when trying to get their child to eat their dinner. On this given night we were having tacos and Payton was having all her favorites. She asked for the monster fork because, “he’s funny!” I love that the fork & spoon can be used for either child because of it’s design it can grow with either child. 
The set is good for either right or lefty’s and are perfect for little hands because of the fun design. 
Want to add a monster to the family? You can purchase this set for $3.99 from www.buybabydirect.com & www.amazon.com
disclaimer: I received  the product listed above for review purposes only. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own and I only recommend products that I would personally use or believe my readers would enjoy. 

Mia Francesca {restaurant review}

I love being able to try new San Diego restaurants and when they’re kid-friendly it’s a plus. Luckily for us, our oldest is not very picky and tends to eat whatever we’ve ordered. There are times though that she gets to order her own meal and when she does, we like to ensure that it’s something healthy and balanced. 
Yesterday we were invited to try San Diego’s newest Mia Francesca restaurant along with several other San Diego mommy bloggers. We all sat family style which was great because I got to put a face to a name with women I have only virtually met. 
We were quickly served a few appetizers consisting of two varieties of bruschetta and crispy fried calamari. The first, bruschetta all romano, was packed with garlic and creamy mozzarella cheese and the second, bruschetta all toscana, was topped with shaved cheese and creamy avocado. While calamari isn’t my favorite Payton enjoyed it and the robust marinara tasted amazing on my warm crusty bread. 

After enjoying the appetizers we took in the patio ambiance, sipped some pinot grigio and our entrees soon arrived. I was amazed by the kids portion. Payton requested noodles with broccoli, her go-to meal.  The broccoli was perfectly steamed, so much that Brayden was able to eat his big boy pieces vs. pureed. I actually think he ate more than she did because she was too busy playing with her friends.  

For my entree, I chose the Pollo Arrosto alla Romana, or simply, roasted chicken with garlic, shallots, fresh rosemary and roasted potatoes. It was delish and surprisingly light. Considering how hot it was outside I did not leave feeling uncomfortably full. I think next time I will try one of their pizzas or a pasta dish. 

I loved the ambiance of the restaurant and cannot wait to take the hubby there if we ever get out on a date night to Cineapolis. 
If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly restaurant to meet girlfriends or just with the family make sure to visit Mia Francesca for a relaxing meal. 
Check out Mia Francesca
 Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Online 
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary lunch at Mia Francesca. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be good for my readers.

Wedding Recap + Lusciously Lemon Cupcakes

Over the weekend I baked for another wedding. These clients found me from their venue but more importantly from Amira’s wedding from 2010. The theme was burlap and lace with teal, orange and gray as the color palate. I loved all the details the bride worked into the wedding from her gorgeous table assignments, the Texas barbecue and plenty of mason jars to go around. But of course, this all wouldn’t be complete if there wasn’t a gorgeous dessert table to compliment this vintage wedding.  
The dessert table consisted of: 
mini chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter buttercream, mini lemon cupcakes, toffee crunch chocolate cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and brownie pops. 

The bride & groom opted for a small top tier (what I tend to do and what I am most comfortable doing).

Then there were these little gems. It was hot that day, a summer storm rolled through as I was setting up and lightening darted through the dark gray skies. I looked upon these beauts and knew they would put a smile on any face because of their light and airy cake and lemon curd cream cheese frosting. They were a smiling bite of heaven in your mouth. 
Because I love you all and I feel like everyone should try this cupcake I am sharing where I found the recipe. I searched a long time for the perfect lemon cake (besides my family ice box lemon cake which is my all-time fav). The cake recipe is versatile, you can omit the lemon and make it vanilla cake which I do or you can even add in King Arthur Flour’s Princess emulsion. Giving away my secrets today people! You’re probably asking well, what about the frosting recipe? Well, here you go…
Lemon Curd Cream Cheese Frosting
frosts roughly 48 minis or 24 regular 
1 (8) oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 stick butter, softened 
1 pound powdered sugar 
1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought) 
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste 
1. Using a mixer combine cream cheese and butter until fully combined. 
2. Slowly add in powdered sugar. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. 
3. Add in lemon curd and vanilla bean paste. Mix until combined. 
Note: If the frosting consistency is too thin or too thick add in additional sugar or a splash of milk.