Sweet Baby Boy...

It's crazy how my visit home was both long and short, all at the same time.  It felt like it had been so long since I was back at work..(with the pile of papers waiting for me on my chair this morning, who could forget!)... and it felt like forever since I'd seen the hubs last, when I finally made it back to Dallas yesterday afternoon.  Not to mention how it feels like a LIFETIME since I'd blogged last (or read any blogs on my google reader list for that matter...gasp!!)... yet, my time snuggling my new, sweet nephew felt like a split second. :/  How is that possible?  I could've stayed there forever.. (if only Chad and Macie had been with me of course ;) takin' in all that brand spankin' new, baby goodness.  I just couldn't get enough of his baby smell (WHAT IS IT about new baby smell that I love so much?!?!) his tiny, itty, bitty fingers & toes (which seemed entirely too small and delicate to be real), and his sweet newborn sounds... It broke my heart to leave him behind...since I know the next time I'll see him, he'll surely be double the size. :/  All I know is that I can't wait to see this little face again...

Teaser pictures.. more to come later. :)

One of his very few cries... caught on camera. :)

He's such a good baby, he hardly cried at all!

Awww, brother and sister love.  :)  Addie was THRILLED to be able to hold him for this picture. 

Which was actually shocking considering she HATES taking pictures now for some reason. 

Caught... Right after this, she ran into her closet and insisted that I STOP taking pictures.. lol..

Grandpa and baby Andrew..

Grandma love.. :)

Addie baking her new baby brother yummy cupcakes.. :)

She wouldn't look at the camera, BUT she was more than willing to talk to her baby brother!

Sweet little boy...

MORE Meddlesome Moth - Chef Chad Kelley "Specials"

I swear ya'll are missing out..

I know for the majority of my friends in the valley or for Chad's family out in California, seeing these pictures is just a tease.. but if it makes at least ONE of you come to Dallas for a visit, I've done my job.  For the rest of you local friends, here's what you've been missing out on if you haven't made it to The Moth yet.  The specials change daily...according to what my chef is "feeling" that day...so you never really know what you might get... BUT... I can guarantee a tasty meal regardless!  (the regular menu is pretty darn amazing as well..if the "un-known" factor isn't quite your speed)

All the food pictures below are courtesy of the Meddlesome Moth Facebook Page.  "Like" them today!

This JUST added as their lunch special for today (although you can find it on the dinner menu anytime!)  Heirloom tomato stuffed with blue crab salad and basil couscous :) 

Ceviche de Leon - Shrimp, Cod and Avocado

Wild Salmon over Red Beets, Fresh Horseradish and Spinach paired with Duvel Single Hop

Rabbit and Sage Terrine with Pickled Beech Mushrooms paired with Chimay Cinq Cents

Brother, Sister Meet & Greet

Over the course of last week.. while not being in the valley to enjoy the excitement of the new baby's arrival...(SUPER sad face!!)... :( ... my mom and sister-in-law did their best to include me in all the family activities by sending much needed baby love pictures.  On Andrew's very special birth day, just hours after his arrival into the world, his big sister Addison met her baby brother for the very first time.  :)  By the looks of it, she was one happy camper...and so far, I've heard she's been a very helpful big sister!  I can't wait to squeeze those baby cheeks! 

Side Note:  I'm heading down to the valley this Wednesday to wrap that baby in some Good 'ol, Aunt Yvette Lovin' so you can bet I'll be coming back next week with TONS of pictures to post... stay tuned! (insert giddy Auntie Squeal of EXCITEMENT!! )

My brother, proud papa...with little Miss Addison and her baby "brudder" Andrew.. :)

LOOK at that FACE!!! Ahhhhhh!!!! Love it!

I don't think anyone noticed but Addie was actually born at 1:07am.. and that was the room Christi was in after Andrew was born... What a co-inkidink!

Food Porn Daily - Feature Shot THREE :)

Guess third time really IS a charm! 

FoodPornDaily shot #3 (taken by ME!!) up for viewing HERE!

I have to admit that everyday I take a gander at my gmail account eagerly hoping that I'll hear from the very sweet, and FUNNY Amanda Simpson, creator of Food Porn Daily... letting me know that another one of my food shots will be featured on her website.  Last night, I was obliged.  :)  This time however, the email went a little something like this..

"Thanks for another uber porny shot!  I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be using your prawn photo as the image of the day tomorrow on FoodPornDaily.  Keep up the awesome work! "

How could that NOT make you smile?!?  :)  (insert immature giggle about my UBER PORNY SHOT...and then I'll give you a moment to get your HEAD OUTTA THE GUTTER!! ;)  

And here's my little Prawn friend in all his glory.  :)

If you're unfamiliar with what Food Porn Daily is all about... this is how their website describes their philosophy..

Our goal
To give you the most delicious food pic possible at least once a day, everyday.

What about the recipes?
The purpose of food porn is to get your (salivary gland) juices flowing – whether or not the recipe is readily available. Please keep this in mind when viewing the photographs on this website. We provide links to recipes whenever possible, but we do not believe they are crucial to the experience. Let these photos inspire your cooking. Use your cooking fundamentals, reference the interwebs, and trust your instincts. Most importantly, have fun!

What is foodporn?
"If the casserole is missionary style, foodporn takes its devotees into the foodie kama sutra.”
-The Skinny Gourmet

“The point is to get very close to what you are filming, so close that you can see an ingredient’s “pores” (You should believe the dish is in your living room), which then triggers some kind of Neanderthal reflex. If you’re flicking from channel to channel and come upon food that has been shot in this way, you will be hardwired as a human being to stop, look, and bring it back to your cave.”
-The New Yorker

Welcome to the World Baby Andrew :)

It's been over three years since the Maldonado family welcomed its last little bundle of joy... With the arrival of little miss Addison Grace, my niece and sweet god-daughter.  Today, at 12:44pm her baby "BRUDDER" joined the clan at a whopping 8lbs 11oz and 20inches long.. I can't believe how quickly these last nine months went.. Feels like just yesterday, my sister in law Christi and brother Omar were spreading the good cheer during Christmas.  I can't wait to snuggle this little guy..he looks so cute and love-able! I can't get there fast enough!  Because he was actually supposed to make his debut this coming Friday.. I scheduled my trip to the valley for next week :(. At least it'll give the family plenty of time to settle into life with new baby Andrew Omar Maldonado (before I steal him away to snuggle him with love and new baby kisses:) 

Aunt Yvette and uncle Chad love you papa!  Can't wait to squeeze your little baby cheeks!

European Adventures in the Making - Part 3- Paris, France

Wow.  It seems like forever and a day since I did my last European Adventures in the Making post... and I FINALLY get around to our last stop on our trip.  Part 3- Paris!  I'm not even sure why it took me so long to get to this post... I think a part of me was stressed because I didn't feel like I've done enough research to warrant a post full of quality Parisian information.  And even though I still don't have a full grasp of ALL the places we'll be seeing while we are here... here's a little look at what we DO KNOW about our Paris Trip... 

Our home away from home.. The New Orient Hotel

Cute rooms...cute little place set in the heart of the 8th district :)

All New Orient Hotel photos courtesy of their website :)

Photo Courtesy of http://www.louvreparis.org/vist-louvre/

A must stop.  The Louvre...And although we hear it's almost impossible to see EVERYTHING in a week..let alone a DAY, we do know we will be on the hunt for this little lady...

The Mona Lisa.. :)

Then... The Eiffel Tower of course.. where I'm sure I'll be literally DRAGGING Chad to the top.. 

(he's a little, scratch that.. A LOT afraid of heights.)

After what will most likely be an exhausting day of sightseeing, we will surely be ready for an energy boost of sorts....and I've done just enough research to know how we might get "said energy".... 

Laduree.  And I've heard it's fabulous.  :)

photos from one of my favorite "living the life in Paris blogs".. Oh Happy Day

One of the best known bakeries in Paris, Laduree is a must stop for us while we are there.  Everything about this place looks so decadent.  From the super quaint shop to the high style packaging of their famous macaroons... these beautiful double decker delicacies look divine... I can't wait to try one.  :)  

And if those sweet treats just aren't enough to hit our sweet spot... then we'll also have to check out this place.. ALSO by recommendation from Oh Happy Day.  Apparently Le Boulanger has some pretty amazing hot chocolate...mmm... just what you might need to wash down those tasty macaroons. 

Photo by Panoramio

The Notre Dame.  What I remember most about Architectural History class in college.  One of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture, Notre Dame was completed in 1345 and was the first building in the world to use the flying buttress.  I can't wait to see this place in all its glory.  :)

The Pompidou Center, another architectural wonder we learned about in school

 - Photo by architecture.about.com

Meddlesome Moth - Chef Chad Kelley "Specials"

If you haven't yet made it to The Moth and been able to grab a bite of Chef Chad Kelley's yummy specials..(which change daily... from lunch to dinner even), here's a little looksie of what you've been missing out on. 

All photos are courtesy of The Moth's Facebook Page
(Oh and if you haven't "liked" The Moth on Facebook yet, shame.on.you!)

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich 

Ahi Tuna Tartare with Soy Caramel and Lotus Chip Salad

Arugula Salad with Finnochiona, Dried Figs, Apple Slices and a Citrus Vinaigrette

Baby Back Ribs and Slaw

Burgundy Pasture Meatloaf wrapped in Bacon, Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach

Carribbean Spiced Mobay Chicken Skewers and Banana Ketchup

Honorary Patio Prince for a day :)

The other day Chad came home proudly displaying this little number.  I honestly didn't know what to think at first.  ;) Was The Moth management trying to lift his stressed-out-kitchen-spirits??  Do I act happy for him if this was some twisted substitute for a bonus check??  It WAS cute... in a "cutesy" sort of way... lol. but what was I supposed to say to this??  "You know this is going up on our blog right??" I finally said.. he just smiled that, "I never had any doubt" smile that I love so much... :)

I soon found out that this wasn't from the Moth staff at all.  Apparently there's a lively group of ladies...called the Patio Princesses that get together every so often (once a month according to their website) at different restaurants across DFW.  This month, it was The Moth's turn to show the ladies some love.  :)  And looks like they enjoyed everything.. making Chef Chad Kelley their honorary Prince...or Princess??  ;)  for the night. What an honor.  ;)  (Let's just PRETEND they spelled our last name right ;) 

Chef Chad Kelley, accepting his award.  ;)

You can see more pictures of this event at The Moth at the link below. 
Patio Princesses at The Moth