This is what happens in just five minutes of sitting a bit too close to the toy basket.
{Please ignore the beagle behind that somehow made its way into every photo!}
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
It's time...
....to get back into shape. The last few months of vegging out and eating everything in sight were fun, but it's time. Hoping my {early} birthday present will bring me the motivation I've needed.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
dinner.on.the.deck
FINALLY some warm weather....we enjoyed our first two thousand eleven dinner on the deck last night....some family, friends and fajitas definitely hit the spot after a weekend spent in the hospital {my mom is home now and absolutely on the mend!} There was also some SunKing and my new favorite wine involved. Awesome night. Awesome.
{girlfriends}
{we can't wait to meet baby #2...my guess, BOY!}
Five buck bottle of wine from Trader Joes....thought it was a regular old Pinot but much to our surprise, it was a tad bit bubbly, and perfect as a spring or summer spritzer. I will be buying more of this one {plus the bottle is so pretty...absolutely vase- worthy!} Oh, and did you notice my divine cutting board that now has a permanent home on our countertop?? It's remnants of our IKEA butcher block countertop that we used in the downstairs half bath. Again, awesome.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
{What We're Eating} St. Pat's Style...
I make corned beef and cabbage once a year around St. Patrick's day. Probably not the healthiest dish I fix, but Spencer looks forward to it every year and it's a holiday so who cares?!!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
1 corned beef (it comes in all sizes, already brined and with a seasoning packet)
1 head green cabbage
8 small red potatoes
2 Tbsp mustard (any kind will do)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cloves
In large stock pot place corned beef, water (about 2 inches above meat) and seasoning packet. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and let simmer 2 1/2 hours. Take meat out of water, place in baking dish and pat dry....Don't throw out the water!! On fat side, rub mustard over meat. Combine brown sugar and cloves then sprinkle/pat over the same (mustard) side. Bake in 375 degree oven, sugar side up, for about 20-30 minutes, until brown sugar is dark brown. While corned beef is baking, bring stock water back to boil and place cabbage (cut into wedges and secured with a toothpick) and quartered potatoes into it. By the time your meat is done, your cabbage and potatoes should be too!! Drain your veggies and serve with slices of corned beef. If you're like us, we make the leftovers into sandwiches or corned beef hash...mmmmmm mmmmm goood!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
1 corned beef (it comes in all sizes, already brined and with a seasoning packet)
1 head green cabbage
8 small red potatoes
2 Tbsp mustard (any kind will do)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cloves
In large stock pot place corned beef, water (about 2 inches above meat) and seasoning packet. Bring to a boil then reduce to low and let simmer 2 1/2 hours. Take meat out of water, place in baking dish and pat dry....Don't throw out the water!! On fat side, rub mustard over meat. Combine brown sugar and cloves then sprinkle/pat over the same (mustard) side. Bake in 375 degree oven, sugar side up, for about 20-30 minutes, until brown sugar is dark brown. While corned beef is baking, bring stock water back to boil and place cabbage (cut into wedges and secured with a toothpick) and quartered potatoes into it. By the time your meat is done, your cabbage and potatoes should be too!! Drain your veggies and serve with slices of corned beef. If you're like us, we make the leftovers into sandwiches or corned beef hash...mmmmmm mmmmm goood!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
case of the stolen blog part 4
So I stole this post from my friend Jenna who stole it from her friend Sara who stole it from her friend Sallie who stole it from someone who none of us really know but anyways, it's 17 {all I could come up with, people} things that you may or MAY NOT know about me. Sharing secrets, if you will!!
17. I'm addicted to caffeine. If I get to noon without a diet coke or cup of coffee, withdrawal symptoms set in. It's ugly.
16. I grew up going to "the" pool all summer....every day, all day for probably 10 summers. Spencer thinks it's the weirdest thing ever {who plays baseball and rides their bike around all summer??} but it's just what we did. My first job was there, my friends were all there, I was on the swim team, taught swim lessons and was a lifeguard for 6 years. Claire WILL love the water!
15. I have red hair and until college, I hated it. I was made fun of as a kid for my hair and freckles but now I can confidently say that I enjoy not looking like everyone else.
14. I looooove beer. Any kind...dark, light, wheat, IPA, porter. I like it all....and I bought my husband a beer-making kit for Christmas that I'm still waiting for him to get brewing!
13. I was your typical sorority girl in college. We sang the obnoxious songs and chants, took ridiculous pictures, drank entirely too much at times, wore the "letters" for three straight years, and I wouldn't take back one second. I have lifelong friends because of those "red hot tomatoes!!"
12. I could eat Mexican food {including the white cheese dip} every day of my life. For real.
11. I never believed it when people said that you won't like your dog once you have a baby. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE her, I just can't stand her sometimes. Especially when she licks Claire's face....icccckkkk.
10. I love folding baby laundry...hate folding anything else, but her little tiny leggings and onesies and socks just make me giggle. I seriously look forward to getting baby loads out of the dryer.
9. I floss my teeth once a month. My hubby {yes, a dentist} hates it but it's just true. I've never had cavities so I figure, ehhhh.....why start now???
8. I took 18 shots on my 21st birthday... Spencer and Tyler carried me out of Sports- popcorn, yellow t-shirt and signed paddle in hand. Wow, scary.
7. Lucy sits at the dinner table. Not really sure when it started but it's true and sad, I know. She also gets to lick our dinner plates pretty much every night. She's spoiled and happy, and see...I do LOVE her.
6. I'm honestly scared to have another baby. Claire has been the best, happiest, sleepiest, hungriest baby ever, and I'm terrified that my next one will be an absolute nightmare.
5. I have always known that I wanted to be a nurse. I was 12 when my grandmother told me that I would be a wonderful oncology nurse, as she was dying of cancer. Coincidence, I think not. My job makes me feel smart and loving and brave. Especially since Claire was born, it has put my life into perspective. I'm incredibly blessed.
4. I pretty much know how many calories are in anything I eat or drink. Does it stop me, not usually.
3. I loved being pregnant {the last two weeks don't count, right?? They're miserable for everyone}, and not finding out the sex of our baby was the best decision we've ever made. I wish I had video of our reaction when SHE came out. S.J and I both were convinced she was boy.
2. I learned how to sew when I was a little girl. My mom sewed lots of our clothes as kids and I hope to do the same for mine. Not gonna lie, I love my BabyGap, but it's all about balance, people!
1. I believe that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who eat to live, and those who live to eat. I'm a live to eater...absolutely, no doubt about it, I love food and I pretty much think about it 24/7. I go to bed and can't wait to wake up and eat breakfast. People who forget to eat meals freak me out.
Do you have some secrets to share???
17. I'm addicted to caffeine. If I get to noon without a diet coke or cup of coffee, withdrawal symptoms set in. It's ugly.
16. I grew up going to "the" pool all summer....every day, all day for probably 10 summers. Spencer thinks it's the weirdest thing ever {who plays baseball and rides their bike around all summer??} but it's just what we did. My first job was there, my friends were all there, I was on the swim team, taught swim lessons and was a lifeguard for 6 years. Claire WILL love the water!
15. I have red hair and until college, I hated it. I was made fun of as a kid for my hair and freckles but now I can confidently say that I enjoy not looking like everyone else.
14. I looooove beer. Any kind...dark, light, wheat, IPA, porter. I like it all....and I bought my husband a beer-making kit for Christmas that I'm still waiting for him to get brewing!
13. I was your typical sorority girl in college. We sang the obnoxious songs and chants, took ridiculous pictures, drank entirely too much at times, wore the "letters" for three straight years, and I wouldn't take back one second. I have lifelong friends because of those "red hot tomatoes!!"
12. I could eat Mexican food {including the white cheese dip} every day of my life. For real.
11. I never believed it when people said that you won't like your dog once you have a baby. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE her, I just can't stand her sometimes. Especially when she licks Claire's face....icccckkkk.
10. I love folding baby laundry...hate folding anything else, but her little tiny leggings and onesies and socks just make me giggle. I seriously look forward to getting baby loads out of the dryer.
9. I floss my teeth once a month. My hubby {yes, a dentist} hates it but it's just true. I've never had cavities so I figure, ehhhh.....why start now???
8. I took 18 shots on my 21st birthday... Spencer and Tyler carried me out of Sports- popcorn, yellow t-shirt and signed paddle in hand. Wow, scary.
7. Lucy sits at the dinner table. Not really sure when it started but it's true and sad, I know. She also gets to lick our dinner plates pretty much every night. She's spoiled and happy, and see...I do LOVE her.
6. I'm honestly scared to have another baby. Claire has been the best, happiest, sleepiest, hungriest baby ever, and I'm terrified that my next one will be an absolute nightmare.
5. I have always known that I wanted to be a nurse. I was 12 when my grandmother told me that I would be a wonderful oncology nurse, as she was dying of cancer. Coincidence, I think not. My job makes me feel smart and loving and brave. Especially since Claire was born, it has put my life into perspective. I'm incredibly blessed.
4. I pretty much know how many calories are in anything I eat or drink. Does it stop me, not usually.
3. I loved being pregnant {the last two weeks don't count, right?? They're miserable for everyone}, and not finding out the sex of our baby was the best decision we've ever made. I wish I had video of our reaction when SHE came out. S.J and I both were convinced she was boy.
2. I learned how to sew when I was a little girl. My mom sewed lots of our clothes as kids and I hope to do the same for mine. Not gonna lie, I love my BabyGap, but it's all about balance, people!
1. I believe that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who eat to live, and those who live to eat. I'm a live to eater...absolutely, no doubt about it, I love food and I pretty much think about it 24/7. I go to bed and can't wait to wake up and eat breakfast. People who forget to eat meals freak me out.
Do you have some secrets to share???
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
New Fav
This Food Network reversible aluminum griddle is my new favorite kitchen "extra". I had received a cast-iron one for Christmas but took it back because it was oh-so heavy and not safe for our glass cook-top, so I just now have found an even better replacement! It fits pefectly over our left two burners, is lightweight, non-stick, can go in the oven, was on sale at Kohls for $42 plus an extra 20% off {imagine that, right??}and made from recycled aluminum cans, bonus! We've had it three days and already used it for eggs, veggies, grilled PB&J {yep!} and grilled chicken. How in the world did we ever live without it?
Monday, March 7, 2011
{What We're Eating}
Crescent Roll Chicken Pot Pie
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and diced
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 large sweet potato, cooked (but not mushy!) and diced
1 can Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 can Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 can crescent rolls
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients (except crescent rolls, of course) in large saucepan and cook on medium until all vegetables are warmed. Spread in greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with package of crescent rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes until rolls are golden brown. Easy, right??
**You can also replace the bagged vegetables with fresh, just steam or boil before; or regular potatoes instead of yams. Some people also add an additional package of crescent rolls on the bottom, just make sure you bake for 5-7 minutes before you add the filling** Bon Appetit!
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled and diced
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 large sweet potato, cooked (but not mushy!) and diced
1 can Healthy Request cream of chicken soup
1 can Healthy Request cream of mushroom soup
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 can crescent rolls
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients (except crescent rolls, of course) in large saucepan and cook on medium until all vegetables are warmed. Spread in greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with package of crescent rolls and bake for 20-25 minutes until rolls are golden brown. Easy, right??
**You can also replace the bagged vegetables with fresh, just steam or boil before; or regular potatoes instead of yams. Some people also add an additional package of crescent rolls on the bottom, just make sure you bake for 5-7 minutes before you add the filling** Bon Appetit!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Showing off my Skills
My first real sit-up session...on Valentine's Day!
I swear, I do imitate clapping...just being stubborn for the camera {and making mom and dad look like idiots- it's what I do}
Whoopsie daisy...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
SIx mONtHs
I'm six months old!!
That's right, people. Claire was half a year old last week and as sweet, funny, silly and giggly as ever! We are so lucky to have brought such a loveable girl into this world six months ago. Time flies when you're having FUN!!!
Here's what I've been up to:
Weighing in at 16lbs 12oz (65%)
26 3/4 inches tall (85%)
Gobbling up my rice cereal {most days} during dinner time and nursing 5 times a day.
Sleeping 11 hours at night and taking two 2-3 hour naps during the day.
Sitting up perfectly and pretty much all day long...I HATE being on my back and if you put me there, I'll show you my abs of steel workout {bikini season is right around the corner, you know!}
Starting to stand and hold myself up {leaning on the couch or ottoman}.
No teeth yet but gnawing on everything I can get my little paws on.
I find a new sound I can make with my mouth almost every week....it went from "aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh" to "eeeeeeeehhhhkk" to "grrrrrrrrggghhhhh" to popping and smacking my lips. I'm.so.cool.
Dr. Freeman was very impressed with my sitting and motor skills AND, she said I could start using a sippy cup for practice and eating real food {hooray for mommy's new food-processor!}
She said I'm awesome. We couldn't agree more.
Helping momma cook
Bananas....yes, please.
Me and my cuz
Gigglefest with grandpa
Hanging in momma's lap with my BFF Lucy
First warm day walk
Monday, February 28, 2011
Half Bath, check!
The downstairs half bathroom is finished....and pretty darn awesome, if you ask me. It's a perfect blend of traditional, contemporary and cottage stylings.
Here are before pictures....and a reminder of how lovely a shell-shaped sink can really be.
Here are before pictures....and a reminder of how lovely a shell-shaped sink can really be.
Drum roll please....
The breakdown:
Trim lumber and beadboard- Lowes $80
Paint - Lowes $20
Towel ring and paper holder- http://www.ebay.com/ $20
Faucet- Kingston brass $90
Sink- http://www.ebay.com/ $65
Butcherblock, stain, polyurethane- IKEA $59
Bungalow pulls- Home Depot $10
Spray paint (for existing mirror and light)- Wal Mart $5
Soap dispenser- Made it (jar, spray paint, old pump)
Frames, towels, basket, rug- Had 'em
Total: $349
Not too shabby!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
{What We're Eating}
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Giada De Laurentiis recipe (with some added fiber!)
Boneless Pork Chops (I use the two-packs of butterflied)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup crushed fiber cereal (fiber one, wheat chex, total flakes all work)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper chops then coat with parmesan cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops in egg then coat with bread crumb/cereal mixture. Cook in 3 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat, about 7 minutes on each side.
I usually serve this with roasted zucchini, peppers and mushrooms. Enjoy!
*I also use this recipe with boneless chicken breasts, pounded out and cook about 10 minutes on each side*
Giada De Laurentiis recipe (with some added fiber!)
Boneless Pork Chops (I use the two-packs of butterflied)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup crushed fiber cereal (fiber one, wheat chex, total flakes all work)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper chops then coat with parmesan cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops in egg then coat with bread crumb/cereal mixture. Cook in 3 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat, about 7 minutes on each side.
I usually serve this with roasted zucchini, peppers and mushrooms. Enjoy!
*I also use this recipe with boneless chicken breasts, pounded out and cook about 10 minutes on each side*
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pretty piggies
I was adoring these little chubby perfect piggies today and couldn't resist a mini-pedi....errrggghhhhh I could just eat her up!!
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