Wednesday, March 27, 2013
CORNED BEEF AND VEGGIES
Every year I toss the corned beef into my crockpot, throw in some potatoes and cabbage and cover it with beer. I like corned beef, but it's alway so salty and I find myself making this only once a year. This year I decided to search for a recipe and I found this one on allrecipes.com.
This will now be my corned beef recipe. It wasn't nearly as salty as it usually is and I found myself eating it for lunch and dinner the next day.
Corned Beef & Veggies
4 1/2 lbs Corned Beef Brisket
5 Black Peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Onion, peeled and cut in half
2 Bay Leaves
1 pinch of Salt
1 small head of Cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
6 large Potatoes, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces
4 large Carrots, sliced
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 bottle of Dark Beer
Water
Using a CrockPot, place the beef brisket, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion, bay leaves, salt, potatoes and beer inside. Use water to cover the rest of the meat. Set CrockPot on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. In the last hour toss in carrots and cabbage.
When meat is done and carrots are fork tender, remove the meat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the meat against the grain. I like to put the meat back inside the crockpot. Add the butter and parsley and serve! It's best with a cold one ;)
Our March has been nothing less than madness. Kensi started the month off with a bad cough that turned into an even worse cold that she happily passed to Mike, my mom and me with all of the kisses she insisted on giving us. On top of the colds, Kensi also decided to start pushing her second and third tooth through. For all you mamas out there who are awaiting your little's first teeth, be patient and get ready for lots of holding, rocking and snuggling. It's such a bittersweet stage because your heart breaks for their discomfort but the snuggles are so sweet.
We finally broke down and ordered Kensi's 'big girl' carseat. She was such a great helper trying to rip the booklet out of Mike's hands. We went with the Britax Advocate 70-GE and we all love it! Kensi looks so big in it now, it must also be really comfortable because every time we go anywhere Kensi is passed out.
We also celebrated St. Patrick's day. We ended up doing a little grocery shopping at Whole Foods on the 16th, which was the best decision we ever made. Why do you ask? Because they were serving up some cold ones while you shopped! Another reason to LOVE Whole Foods.
I love love LOVE celebrating holidays, but our breakfast did not go as planned whatsoever! We made our festive green pancakes (which was the only thing that turned out), green eggs (something, I'm not sure what, went wrong), and Irish potatoes (denser than crap!).
To write words for your pancakes, use a plastic sauce bottle. I picked mine up at Target in the utensil aisle.
For dinner we headed over to Mike's parents for Ruebens which were delicious, but Mike's mom was not feeling well and either was I....so much for a great day. Oh but we did finish the weekend off with a couple green beers which totally made up for everything else.
When we celebrate a holiday, we celebrate all month long. I found these super fun shamrock shaped ravioli from Costco...they were absolutely delicious!
I also made the boys the traditional corned beef and cabbage and this was so much better than what I've done in the past. Kensi enjoyed it too which surprised me....and on that note....my little foodie is back!
Check out my recipe!
This past week my mom went to AZ to visit my sister so Kensi and I had the house to ourselves all week long. I loved having complete one-on-one time with my baby girl. We did a lot of baking, playing and reading.
We finally broke down and ordered Kensi's 'big girl' carseat. She was such a great helper trying to rip the booklet out of Mike's hands. We went with the Britax Advocate 70-GE and we all love it! Kensi looks so big in it now, it must also be really comfortable because every time we go anywhere Kensi is passed out.
I love love LOVE celebrating holidays, but our breakfast did not go as planned whatsoever! We made our festive green pancakes (which was the only thing that turned out), green eggs (something, I'm not sure what, went wrong), and Irish potatoes (denser than crap!).
To write words for your pancakes, use a plastic sauce bottle. I picked mine up at Target in the utensil aisle.
For dinner we headed over to Mike's parents for Ruebens which were delicious, but Mike's mom was not feeling well and either was I....so much for a great day. Oh but we did finish the weekend off with a couple green beers which totally made up for everything else.
When we celebrate a holiday, we celebrate all month long. I found these super fun shamrock shaped ravioli from Costco...they were absolutely delicious!
I also made the boys the traditional corned beef and cabbage and this was so much better than what I've done in the past. Kensi enjoyed it too which surprised me....and on that note....my little foodie is back!
This past week my mom went to AZ to visit my sister so Kensi and I had the house to ourselves all week long. I loved having complete one-on-one time with my baby girl. We did a lot of baking, playing and reading.
Although she definitely surprised me one evening when I was cleaning up the kitchen before the boys came home. She has this new thing about opening the cabinets and pulling everything out. Don't you remember how much fun that was when you were little? Well not only is she completely entertained by this, she thinks its hilarious. I turned around after finishing up some dishes and found this lovely mess...
Just outside of the picture, there are also mixing bowls, toys, kitchen utensils, sippy cups, bottles, the whole works! At least she knows how to get her own snacks :)
My mom and dad have had an Easter brunch for as long as I can remember. This year will be the first year Mike and I have been home to spend Easter with family in 5 years. When we lived in Maryland, we adapted some of my parents brunch recipes and added a few of our own. We just don't make as much or as many of their recipes, because they cook for 30+ and well we cook for 4 people at most.
I'm not a huge early breakfast person, but I love everything about brunch. It must be based on time of day, I don't know.
In no particular order here are some of our favorite brunch recipes.
Ham & Cheese Croissants
24 small croissants (or 12 large)
12 slices of American cheese, cut in half
12 slices of ham, cut in half
This is the most ridiculously simple thing to make, yet we all go crazy over these.
Cut your croissant in half lengthwise and place a slice of cheese and ham inside. Wrap in parchment paper or a paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Cheesy Potatoes
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 bag Potatoes O'Brien Hashbrowns (with peppers & onions)
1 (8oz) container Sour Cream
2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
2 cups Corn Flakes, crushed
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
Mix soup, sour cream, salt, peeper and cheese together in a large bowl. Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with butter cornflakes mixed together. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
Asparagus, Ham & Egg Strata
4 English Muffins, torn or cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups cooked Ham
2 cups cooked Asparagus, chopped
4 oz. shredded Swiss Cheese
4 Eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Sour Cream
1-1/4 cups Milk
2 Tbsp. Onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
In a greased 2 quart square baking dish spread half the muffin pieces. Top with ham, asparagus and cheese. Top with remaining muffin pieces.
In a bowl whisk together eggs and sour cream. Stir in milk, onion, mustard and pepper. Pour over the muffin layers. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees F for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Egg & Sausage Casserole
1 16oz box Seasoned Croutons
2 lbs breakfast sausage, cooked & drained
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cups Milk
8 Eggs
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
Salt & Pepper, just a pinch
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
In a 9x13 baking dish, layer croutons then sausage. In a medium bowl, mix together mushroom soup, milk, eggs, dry mustard, salt & pepper. Pour over the croutons and sausage. Top with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 325 degrees F, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Pecan Stuffed French Toast
8 oz Cream Cheese
2 teaspoon Vanilla
4 Tablespoons Sugar
6 Tablespoons Pecans, coursely chopped (optional)
1 loaf of French Style Bread, unsliced
6 large Eggs
1/2 cup Water or Milk
Butter Flavored Shortening
Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg
Blend cream cheese, vanilla, nuts and 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Slice bread in about 1-1/2 inch slices. Then slice a pocket in the center of each. Spread about a tablespoon of cheese mixture in each pocket.
Mix eggs, water and the other tablespoon of sugar. Dip the break and let it soak in the mixture for a few minutes.
Fry on a griddle or in a frying pan in a little butter-flavored shortening until both sides are golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve with maple syrup or fruit sauces.
Strawberry Fruit Sauce
1 (16 oz) carton Frozen Strawberries
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
2 teaspoons Sugar
Heat in a saucepan until thick, serve over french toast.
Sausage, Red Pepper and Feta Frittata
Strawberry Flavored Butter
Bacon Flavored Butter
My brothers and I always fight over which English Muffin has more bacon butter, it's sooooo damn good! I can hardly wait to start cooking all these delightful dishes, which nearly all of these can be made ahead or the night before and baked the day of your celebrations.
I'm not a huge early breakfast person, but I love everything about brunch. It must be based on time of day, I don't know.
In no particular order here are some of our favorite brunch recipes.
Ham & Cheese Croissants
24 small croissants (or 12 large)
12 slices of American cheese, cut in half
12 slices of ham, cut in half
This is the most ridiculously simple thing to make, yet we all go crazy over these.
Cut your croissant in half lengthwise and place a slice of cheese and ham inside. Wrap in parchment paper or a paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Cheesy Potatoes
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 bag Potatoes O'Brien Hashbrowns (with peppers & onions)
1 (8oz) container Sour Cream
2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
2 cups Corn Flakes, crushed
1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
Mix soup, sour cream, salt, peeper and cheese together in a large bowl. Add the potatoes and stir to combine. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with butter cornflakes mixed together. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
Asparagus, Ham & Egg Strata
4 English Muffins, torn or cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups cooked Ham
2 cups cooked Asparagus, chopped
4 oz. shredded Swiss Cheese
4 Eggs, beaten
1/4 cup Sour Cream
1-1/4 cups Milk
2 Tbsp. Onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
In a greased 2 quart square baking dish spread half the muffin pieces. Top with ham, asparagus and cheese. Top with remaining muffin pieces.
In a bowl whisk together eggs and sour cream. Stir in milk, onion, mustard and pepper. Pour over the muffin layers. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.
Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees F for 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Egg & Sausage Casserole
1 16oz box Seasoned Croutons
2 lbs breakfast sausage, cooked & drained
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cups Milk
8 Eggs
1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
Salt & Pepper, just a pinch
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
In a 9x13 baking dish, layer croutons then sausage. In a medium bowl, mix together mushroom soup, milk, eggs, dry mustard, salt & pepper. Pour over the croutons and sausage. Top with the cheddar cheese. Bake at 325 degrees F, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Pecan Stuffed French Toast
8 oz Cream Cheese
2 teaspoon Vanilla
4 Tablespoons Sugar
6 Tablespoons Pecans, coursely chopped (optional)
1 loaf of French Style Bread, unsliced
6 large Eggs
1/2 cup Water or Milk
Butter Flavored Shortening
Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg
Blend cream cheese, vanilla, nuts and 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Slice bread in about 1-1/2 inch slices. Then slice a pocket in the center of each. Spread about a tablespoon of cheese mixture in each pocket.
Mix eggs, water and the other tablespoon of sugar. Dip the break and let it soak in the mixture for a few minutes.
Fry on a griddle or in a frying pan in a little butter-flavored shortening until both sides are golden brown. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve with maple syrup or fruit sauces.
Strawberry Fruit Sauce
1 (16 oz) carton Frozen Strawberries
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
2 teaspoons Sugar
Heat in a saucepan until thick, serve over french toast.
Sausage, Red Pepper and Feta Frittata
Strawberry Flavored Butter
Bacon Flavored Butter
My brothers and I always fight over which English Muffin has more bacon butter, it's sooooo damn good! I can hardly wait to start cooking all these delightful dishes, which nearly all of these can be made ahead or the night before and baked the day of your celebrations.
Monday, March 25, 2013
HEALTHY HABITS
With Spring just around the corner and swim suit season close behind, I have been kicking it into high gear with my workouts and have become much more aware of my snacking habits. I've always been a healthy eater but I also like to indulge in my sweets and my saltys....alright didn't mean to link that to my blog title! I worked out while I was pregnant and I started working out post pregnancy when I was given the all clear at my 6-1/2 week checkup. I didn't push myself too hard and I really wasn't overly concerned with losing all my baby weight right away. By my post checkup I had lost everything, but 6 pounds. I gave myself a break and I felt no need to stress over something so unnecessary. It wasn't like I was just sitting on the couch all day holding my baby and eating bonbons!
WORKING IT OUT
I have been doing the Jillian Michaels' workouts since early last year and really enjoy them. My sister in AZ and I will even Skype in the morning just so we have workout buddy to keep each other motivated. I love her 3-2-1 blueprint for strength training, cardio and abs. I do however add on an extra minute to my abs, so my routine looks more like 3-2-2.
On top of Jillian Michaels, I also like to do walk/jog intervals. I haven't done any yet because of the snow, but I'm hoping within the next 2 weeks I can start that again. There are two different places I like to do my walking, one is a trail around the lakes that are down the street or I'll go to the local high school's track. I like the track because I'll run the straights and walk the curves and I don't have to worry about how far I go, whereas with Kensi, if I'm doing a trail and something happens, I can't just stop, I have to finish my loop.
I also love doing Yoga and I use the Slim, Calm Sexy Yoga book by Tara Stiles. There are different sequences based on what you're trying to achieve. I've done almost all of them and I swear they work. Especially the insomnia and jet lag ones.
DIET? What's a DIET?
Now, my diet, isn't a diet. I eat what I want to eat, I really just watch my portions. The more color I see on my plate, the more excited I am to eat it. I adore farmers markets and the produce section of the grocery store. To be honest, the best tip I can give you when shopping at the store is to shop the perimeter, not the aisles. The outside walls of almost every grocery store is where all the healthy items are...produce, whole grains (bakery), dairy cases, meat/seafood counters. The aisles have the junk...canned, boxed and packaged ready to eat items. Of course there are aisle items you do need, I need them too, but try to stay out of them.
Also drink water, water, water! If it helps find a fun container or glass to drink from. I have one I like to drink from when I'm at home and one I like to take with me when I leave the house.
I also like to flavor my water and I keep it in a pitcher in our fridge with lemon, lime, apples & cinnamon, cucumbers, ginger...the list can go on and on.
My biggest downfall is my snacks. Snacks are sooooo sneaky because you think you may be eating a little bit, but if it's a bad snack then it's usually empty calories so just end up eating more. My biggest weakness is chips. I'm a salty kind of girl and I love my salty chips. My healthy swap out when I'm really needing a chip & dip fix is chips and homemade salsa or pita chips and hummus.
I love munching on fresh berries. I know these can be expensive, but when they go on sale that's when you need to buy them up and toss them in your freezer. In the off seasons for berries I'm snacking on frozen ones and they're so delish!
My BIG NO's
Light......Sugar Free.....Fat Free.....Salted Butter.....Soda Pop
I try my best watch out for unnecessary ingredients and preservatives in my foods, I will usually make my own unless it's something like hummus that has exactly what it needs and skips all the junk. I will not at any cost eat anything with any sort of sugar substitute in it. This includes anything and everything that is labeled LIGHT or SUGAR FREE. Splenda is an absolute NO in my book. I have started using Truvia in my baking, but it is new to me and I only use it because it's from sugar. I don't even like the flavor of light and sugar free products, I get headaches from it within a half hour of eating/drinking any of it. Aside from the flavor, I just can't see how putting something in your body that is partially artificially made can be better than something natural.
When cooking and baking I only use UNsalted butter. This is one very easy way to cut some sodium out of your diet.
I don't always buy or use full fat products either. One of my go to's that I ALWAYS have in my fridge is 1/3 less fat Neufental Cream Cheese. I use this for anything that calls for cream cheese. I also use Half & Half in place of Heavy Cream quite a bit.
Pop....or Soda...whatever you call it. Okay I drink it on occasion, I do, but I don't keep it on hand at all. What I do keep on hand is Flavored Sparkling Water (that's not sweetened, because then it would have Splenda). My favorite brand is La Croix and you can find it at Target, HyVee (Midwest), Whole Foods and even Costco. Alright, here's a tip....Whole Foods will put their 12 packs on sale for $4.99, whereas Target (I haven't seen it on sale yet) sells their in packs of 8 for just under $4.00....but if you live in a city that has a Menards or a home improvement store that carries some food products (they may carry the flavored water) you can find it as low at under $4.00 for a 12 pack....shocking right?!?!? Now I'm not comparing that to Costco, because Costco only has like 2 flavors and everywhere else has all the other flavors. I don't think you can wrong with a flavor either...my favorite right now is Peach-Pear!
Hopefully this will help those of you who are looking for a little motivation to kick it into gear with me this spring!
Remember I was telling you about my spring fever and winter rut? Well, over the weekend we were blessed with more cold temps and another dose of snow (not a lot, thank goodness!), but enough to keep us indoors. We've been doing some major spring cleaning and decided to take a break and make a few more discovery bottles with the munchkin.
She really enjoys her two large discovery bottles I made last year awaiting her arrival, but I've been saving some of the mini Naked juice bottles for just this.
We used pom poms, glitter and food coloring to create these bottles.
Other supplies needed....
Hot Glue Gun
Ribbon
Fabric
Water
Kensi loved playing with the poms and even put a few in her mouth. I was stoked when she actually understood to put the poms inside the bottle! Even though it took her a few times, it was pretty awesome to watch her learn and finally figure it out....being a mom is seriously so cool!
Thursday, March 21, 2013
9 MONTHS
Age: 9 months
Weight: 18lbs 11oz
Height: 28.5 inches long
Firsts: Points at literally everything, especially small little things.
Events: We celebrated her first Valentine's day and she went to her first fish fry.
Travel: None
Foods: This past month she has been eating like a bird if she decides to eat. She has refused cereal, pureed food, puffs, and almost all soft table food. All mostly due to teething. She really only wants milk.
Favorite Toys: She's loves dragging her baby doll around the house and building/throwing Duplo Legos.
Favorite Thing to Do: She absolutely loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr. and crawling through small, tight spaces. She also loves to get into Stella's food and will put it in her mouth when we're not looking and then spit it out.
Sitting Up: Yes
Rolling Over: Yes
Crawling: YES, and she's quick!
Walking: Not yet, but she's walking around all the furniture.
Smiling: Yes
Talking: She's says 'dada' all the time!
If talking, what words: Dada
Sleeping Through the Night: Off and on.
Other: She's getting more and more into her books. We keep some with her toys and she pulls them out often. She's getting too big for her infant carseat and will be moving up to her big girl carseat any day now. She absolutely despises sippy cups. Every time we give her water and it doesn't have a nipple she scrunches up her face and pouts. When we do give her a nipple, she looks at us and checks with her tongue before she continues to drink her water....it's very entertaining to watch her.
Other: She's getting more and more into her books. We keep some with her toys and she pulls them out often. She's getting too big for her infant carseat and will be moving up to her big girl carseat any day now. She absolutely despises sippy cups. Every time we give her water and it doesn't have a nipple she scrunches up her face and pouts. When we do give her a nipple, she looks at us and checks with her tongue before she continues to drink her water....it's very entertaining to watch her.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
SPICY RED VODKA SAUCE
When I really had to start cooking on my own, not just for fun, I would never stray from a recipe and its measurements. It was Mike who would always push me to take a recipe and make it my own and even though it's taken me years to be confident about it, I can happily say today I am not shy about putting my own twist on recipes.
My mom is out of town this week visiting my sister, so Kensi and I get to run the kitchen completely. Last night we made ravioli with vodka sauce. I think I've had vodka sauce once before and I wasn't a huge fan, but last night I decided to give it a try. I had a basic recipe to follow and I added my own ingredients as well. It was delicious and my dad and Mike really enjoyed it too.
I loved having my little helper while I made dinner last night. She had just woken up from a late nap and she seriously had the best nap hair ever!
I bought a couple packages of the refrigerated ravioli from Costco....the one in the pictures is shamrock shaped...I know, it's kinda awesome! They were really good FYI, made with Irish cheeses......so good!
Spicy Red Vodka Sauce
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/2 White Onion (chopped)
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1/4 Vodka
1/4 Half & Half OR Heavy Cream
1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz)
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) OR 1-1/2 teaspoons Dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper to taste
*I season each layer of my food with a little salt and pepper*
In a large skillet or sauce pan melt butter with olive oil over medium heat and add onions. Cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add vodka and let simmer for 3 - 5 minutes or until it reduces and the alcohol has cooked off. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
(Hubby hates chunks of tomatoes, so I either mash them or puree the sauce at the end for a smooth consistency)
Add Half & Half and cook 5 - 10 minutes. Add parsley and red pepper flakes and serve over your favorite pasta.
Monday, March 18, 2013
SPRING FEVER
As I'm sitting in our sunroom, completely surrounded by windows, I see a beautiful blue sky and birds chipping away at some sunflower seeds, all I can think about is this deceiving weather just urks me!
Is anyone else wondering where the heck spring is???? I swear that dumb groundhog on Febr. 2nd gets it wrong every single year! Here in Nebraska we know to expect the unexpected with our weather, but I feel as if this March has been one big tease! We literally went from beautiful spring like days straight into a snowstorm overnight, that was not expected, back to a beautiful day and now we are just stuck in this awful windy cold grossness! I know they say March is "in like a lion, out like a lamb", well I'm ready for my lamb now...like right now!
The one bad thing about my spring fever really affects our bank account. I love shopping for new spring dresses and now with Kensi...let's just double that! I know as she grows, she's going to love clothes and dressing up probably more than I did and I say that as I'm watching her try and put one her headbands on Stella's (our dog) head. Although, Kensi does have many days where she would just prefer to only be in a diaper, no diaper if she could really have her way.
The truth about my spring fever is this....
Yes I love shopping for spring clothes, but it's way deeper than that. I have the fever to workout outside, go for walks and runs, take Kensi to the park and pack picnics for dinner.
I'm so anxious to grill outside and I have a ton of recipes to share with you in regards to that. I can't wait to start our garden, which we've been planning for the last several months. I adore spring cleaning. I really do. I can't wait to open the windows and let the fresh air flow through the house. I'm even more excited for farmer's markets and buying fresh flowers. But most of all, I can't wait to put my toes in the cool green grass!
Please spring....come soon!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
ILLNESS CHECKLIST
I really wasn't jumping about this idea and went back and forth trying to decide whether or not I should really write this post, but as a new mama I didn't really know about some of these products. Kensi has been a pretty healthy baby thus far, with two little colds (one we're actually in the middle of) and one case of the flu (which really was bound to happen). Knock on wood, she hasn't had an ear infection or any upper respiratory stuff going on. To be honest, it may be because I allow her to play with Stella's toys and they frequently share germs.....not a ton though, we call them good germs, you know the ones that build up her immune system.
Even though we live with my parents and I have 29 nieces and nephews, you'd think we'd know everything there is to know about babies. But the truth is, so many things change and there are different products out there than there were say, 5 years ago. So here we go....
Today I'm sharing the few things that we have found necessary to help treat a little's cold and make them feel more comfortable.
NoseFrida - I posted a question for a nose sucker recommendation on Istagram to my fellow June Moms and everyone recommend this product. It's gentle enough to use on premies and actually gets the job done! I was seriously speechless when I used it.
Little Noses Saline Mist Solution - I love this stuff....Kensi hates this stuff. This mist has a nozzle that allows you spray instead of drop. It does have the option of using it as a nasal flush, which you can do, but I haven't attempted that yet and I may not even try. I can't tell you how many times I pushed the dumb thing wrong and I've had her in perfect position and she has that look on her face like "okay, just hurry up and get this over with mom" and then nothing comes out! Oh man, she's going to pay me back someday I just know it!
Boogie Wipes - These are awesome for cleaning up their snotty little faces, especially when they wipe their noses themselves and you find snot on their ear, eye or even in there hair. They're moist and have saline in them, they also come in scents. We have the grape, which smells good, but Kensi always knows what's coming and she takes off crawling.
Puffs Tissues - Let's be real....these are much softer than anything else.
Warm Washcloth - Kensi likes to suck on this all the time, but it seems to sooth her even when she's sick, especially when she's teething. Our favorites are the Thirsties Fab Wipes.
Braun ThermoScan Thermometer - This is on our registry list and we love it. It's super quick and very accurate. I was so excited to see our doctor's office uses the same one too.
Vaseline - I dab a little on her nose at night because it gets all red and sore from all the nose wiping, it soothes her so much.
Vicks Vapor Rub - I put a it on the bottoms of her feet just like her doctor told me. We also have the Vapor plug in that came with our thermometer and dear Lord that sucker is strong! Our bedroom is upstairs and we could smell is as soon as we walked into our house last night. I'm not really sure if the plug-in deal really works, but it was free.
Humidifier - Definitely helps Kensi's dry little nose and makes it easier for her to breathe at night.
I know some of this is common sense, but I was relieved when someone recommended some of the products. I hope none of your babies get sick, but if they do, I hope this helps.
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
HOW TO: VINTAGE MIRROR REVAMP
In an earlier post, I talked about how we found this grungy, old, gross, gaudy, gold mirror at one of my parents rental properties that was left behind. Everyone thought I was crazy for wanting to keep it, but I thought it would be perfect in Kensi's nursery....and it is.
I started by cleaning up the mirror with a little soapy water to remove all the dirt and cobwebs.
Once it was completely dry, I cut a piece of parchment paper to cover the glass mirror and stuck it on with double sided tape.
I used Rust-Oleum White Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint found at Lowes and went to town on the mirror. Make sure you do this outside if possible because the fumes are deadly! Allow each coat to dry before adding another.
I did three coats because there were so many little nooks and crannys.
Once everything was dry, remove the paper and use a razor blade to scrape off any paint that may have bled past the paper.
Clean the mirror with a window cleaner and you're done!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
LENT & FISH
Growing up Catholic and living in the midwest, I've always looked forward to Lent and Easter. The whole midwest part of this has to do with Fish Frys. And if this takes place in other places that's awesome, we just didn't come across Fish Frys in Maryland and people thought we were crazy when we asked about it, so I associate it as a midwest thing.
The last few weeks have been absolutely crazy with Mike's job, lots of late nights so we made it to our first fish fry of the season last night. We headed to one of our favorites in a close-by small town just outside of Omaha. I think this is one of my favorites, although it is a toss up between this one and my parents' childhood parish, where the line wraps and goes through the school's underground tunnels.
Fish fry, beer in hand and with my loves....all is right in the world.
The last few weeks have been absolutely crazy with Mike's job, lots of late nights so we made it to our first fish fry of the season last night. We headed to one of our favorites in a close-by small town just outside of Omaha. I think this is one of my favorites, although it is a toss up between this one and my parents' childhood parish, where the line wraps and goes through the school's underground tunnels.
Fish fry, beer in hand and with my loves....all is right in the world.
Anyways....Catholics are pretty strict about not eating meat of Fridays so we eat fish (Church law, not God's law), and many of the Omaha Catholic churches put on Fish Frys where you go to to literally eat a meal of fried fish and some form of potato, coleslaw and dessert.
This is such a big deal in Omaha that my parents' old church in particular has a line that wraps around the church and school, so if you're not there by 4:30-5:00 you can expect to wait for a least an hour. Waiting though isn't all that bad because while you wait in the line, there are beer stops.....yeah it's pretty awesome.
Last night we waited for about 45 minutes, but it was definitely worth it! Our line snaked around the main entrance to the church. Of course we had our beer and people were happy to smoosh together and shuffle along.
Kensi happily munched on bread, potato, applesauce, pickles and sour cream packets....she's been an interesting little eater these last two weeks.
This was my favorite photo from last night. Kensi is always giving us this littler smirk with her lips all curled in, I'm so glad we got a picture of it.
Lent for me is a pretty cool thing too. For my it's such a cleansing process for my mind, body and soul. Growing up I only knew lent as I had to give something up for 40 days that was suppose to be difficult and not eat meat on Fridays. In high school many of my friends had Sundays as their 'cheat' days....where they could do whatever it was that they gave up to make it a little easier...it really is cheating. But now as an adult I not only give something up, but I also challenge myself to do something better. I've decided to give up my lounge clothes during the day (sometimes I won't get dressed for that day until right before Mike comes home! Just so you know, this one isn't going as planned) and I'm challenging myself to be more patient/loving and more organized. Like everyone I have my days where I'm Negative Nelly and I hate that! In addtion to those, I've started a 40 day Bible devotional. It's actually on my phone as an app and it makes it fairly easy.
Friday, March 8, 2013
BABY CHOW: SINGLE PUREES
Around 5 months we started giving Kensi single pureed foods. I would often buy a new flavor at the store before I would make a large batch of pureed baby food. Her favorites are still green beans, mixed veggies and sweet potatoes. Although, I will admit I didn't attempt to make our own green beans and veggies. It didn't take long for her to get kind of bored with single purees and we moved into blends and bite sized foods. But I know there are an array of moms out there....some who only want to make their own baby food and others who'd rather just pick it up at the store. I fall somewhere in the middle and am sharing more of our homemade purees, the directions for the veggies are pretty much the same, only the cooking time varies.
I use a Tupperware microwavable food steamer, you can always just steam over the stove.
For freezing....cookie scoop on to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer for 1 hour. Remove each scoop and wrap in plastic wrap in groups of 4-6. Place in a labeled Ziplock Freezer bag and you're done!
Let's start with the easiest..... single purees.....
Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
(You can always omit the cinnamon)
Broccoli
1 head of Broccoli
Cut broccoli into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 minutes. Once broccoli is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until broccoli is a smooth consistency.
Cauliflower
1 head of Cauliflower
Cut cauliflower into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 minutes. Once cauliflower is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until cauliflower is a smooth consistency.
Potato
1 large or 3 small Potatoes (about 1 pound)
**I like Yukon gold because you don't have to peel, but if you use Russet or another potato with a harder peel, you may want to peel it since it probably won't blend up as well.
Peel and cut potatoes into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 to 8 minutes. Once potatoes are fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until potatoes are a smooth consistency.
Carrot
1 pound of Carrots
Cut carrots into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 8 to 10 minutes. Once carrots are fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until carrots are a smooth consistency.
Zucchini
1 pound Zucchini
Cut zucchini into small pieces and place in steamer (I keep the peel on!). Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Once zucchini is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until zucchini is a smooth consistency.
Banana
3 bananas
1/8 - 1/4 cup apple juice (no added sugar) or water
Toss everything into the blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
Mango
2 Mangoes
1/8 - 1/4 cup apple juice (no added sugar) or water
Remove peel from mango and cut the fruit away from the seed. (Check out this video for easy mango cutting). Cut the fruit into chunks and place in blender or food processor. Blend with liquid until smooth.
For freezing....cookie scoop on to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer for 1 hour. Remove each scoop and wrap in plastic wrap in groups of 4-6. Place in a labeled Ziplock Freezer bag and you're done!
Let's start with the easiest..... single purees.....
Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
(You can always omit the cinnamon)
Broccoli
1 head of Broccoli
Cut broccoli into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 minutes. Once broccoli is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until broccoli is a smooth consistency.
Cauliflower
1 head of Cauliflower
Cut cauliflower into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 minutes. Once cauliflower is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until cauliflower is a smooth consistency.
Potato
1 large or 3 small Potatoes (about 1 pound)
**I like Yukon gold because you don't have to peel, but if you use Russet or another potato with a harder peel, you may want to peel it since it probably won't blend up as well.
Peel and cut potatoes into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 5 to 8 minutes. Once potatoes are fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until potatoes are a smooth consistency.
Carrot
1 pound of Carrots
Cut carrots into small pieces and place in steamer. Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 8 to 10 minutes. Once carrots are fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until carrots are a smooth consistency.
Zucchini
1 pound Zucchini
Cut zucchini into small pieces and place in steamer (I keep the peel on!). Add 1/8 cup water to steamer and microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Once zucchini is fork tender, transfer to a food processor or blender. Add water from steamer as you blend. Blend until zucchini is a smooth consistency.
Banana
3 bananas
1/8 - 1/4 cup apple juice (no added sugar) or water
Toss everything into the blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
Mango
2 Mangoes
1/8 - 1/4 cup apple juice (no added sugar) or water
Remove peel from mango and cut the fruit away from the seed. (Check out this video for easy mango cutting). Cut the fruit into chunks and place in blender or food processor. Blend with liquid until smooth.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
BUILDING AN EASTER BASKET
I can hardly wait for Kensi to celebrate her first Easter! I started building her Easter basket, which I ordered from pbkids.com. I didn't purchase a liner because I didn't love any that were offered. Instead, this year I'll line it myself with some cute fabric I'll pick up at Country Sampler, my go to store for super cute fabric here in Omaha. I have been contemplating on what to put in her basket.....because she is a baby and doesn't get to have the candy filled basket. With all my brainstorming and web surfing I think I have found some creative and fun items our little.
| Balloon Sleep Set | Piggy Paint Nail Polish | JellyCat Bunny | Peter Rabbit: Touch and Feel | Pink Stripe Knot Hat | Wood Teether | Edible Veggie Sidewalk Chalk | Rock Angel Bib Set | T-Strap Sandal |
| Eco-Kids Crayons | Race Track Sleep Set | Neon Fedora | Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman | Rocket Wood Teether | Neon Twill Slip Ons | Stacker Blocks | Bubbles | Mini Racing Car |
Early last year I came across these adorable Scented Jelly Bean Bags on Etsy....oh yes....very cute! I had them under my favorite items and they couldn't be more perfect for an Easter basket!
Here are some more great ideas to fill an Easter Basket (and it's still candy free!!)
Kite
Watercolors
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Socks
Tights
Coloring Book
Bath time squirters
Pajamas
Hair accessories
Stamp Set
Card Game
Play-doh
Rattles
Kite
Watercolors
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Socks
Tights
Coloring Book
Bath time squirters
Pajamas
Hair accessories
Stamp Set
Card Game
Play-doh
Rattles
Pencils/Erasers
Bunny Ears
Bunny Ears
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
25 DATE NIGHTS
Mike and I have never been the type to bar hop on the weekends....to tell you the truth when we're invited to go out with friends to a bar, we usually have to ask where it is. Not to say we don't like a good drink, because we definitely do! We just like to spend our weekends or our date nights doing things we really enjoy.
Now that we have Kensi, we have to really plan for a date night. Some of our fun and inexpensive
(yes we really do these) date nights are...
1. Pack a picnic
2. Fly a kite
3. Play a board game or card game
(Our favorites are Farkle, Phase 10 & Monopoly)
4. Have a movie marathon
(Can you believe I did this with Mike in high school with Star Wars?)
5. 80's movie night
6. Cook din together
7. Play putt-putt
8. Star gaze
9. Go to live music in the community
10. Movies in the park
11. Check out the local Farmers Market
12. Coffe date at your favorite coffee shop, don't forget to grab a deck of cards
13. Nature walks
14. Try a new restaurant
15. Go to a vineyard
16. Dessert only, go to a local bakery
17. Check out a dive bar
18. Antique shopping
19. Pamper Night---massage, pedicures, etc.
(Yes I've given Mike a pedicure and he loves it)
20. Roller skating or ice skating
21. Go for a nightly road trip
22. Go sledding
23. Go to a Drive-In
(We don't have any in our area now, but we would go quite often in Baltimore)
24. Hit the State or County Fair
25. Take a cooking class together
I hope this somewhat inspires you for your next date night!
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