Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Daybook
For Today, May 27, 2009
Outside my Window... it is windy and rainy. Our playgroup was cancelled due to the weather so instead the boys and I went to Whole Foods (to buy Cod Liver Oil and a few extras), Barnes and Noble and then lunch at Chili's. Weren't planning on having lunch out, but when a screaming, hungry baby is in the car and you are thirty minutes from home, it's time. Luckily I still stuck to my diet, mostly, and Lloyd and I ate well as we shared their 3 Appetizers/$9.99 combo with two chicken options and their Southwestern Eggrolls (a bit off the diet, but yummy! And Lloyd ate two of them, leaving me with only two!) About as good as you can get when out and about.
I am thinking... about housing in Omaha! We did get the opportunity to rent that house that we loved, but ended up turning it down because the basement wasn't heated, and that was where we were planning on having a play/rec room. Couldn't really have our toddler playing down there in winter, nor would we want to heat it with space heaters - dangerous around little ones. Bummer. But, I do believe it was a blessing in disguise as I REALLY got along well with the woman who was renting it, so maybe we met because we're supposed to be friends! She is also a breastfeeding, cloth diapering mama who is familiar with Nourishing Traditions AND has a referral for a place to get raw milk - pretty hard to find around here!
We saw another home last weekend that we loved in the same neighborhood with a similar style and have first option on it, but we won't know anything until after the first of the month. We'll see. In the meantime we're still looking and keeping our options open and just trusting God that he'll help us find the right home for our family.
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about watercolor painting lately. I still need to figure out a good way to begin teaching him letters as he is very interested in them. He actually cried as we left Barnes and Noble today. Once we entered the children's section he let go of my hand, ran to get a book and sit at the little table in there. The kid loves books. Thankfully!
I am thankful... for thoughtful blogging buddies who surprised me with a care package for me and my boys!! Full of Mother's Milk tea (for me), a taggie blanket (for Luke) and a bubble/foam craft for Lloyd! Not to mention a sweet, sweet note. Thank you Lenetta! You are such a blessing!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and protein while iced coffees are becoming de rigeur around these parts mid-afternoon as this sleep deprived mama struggles to stay awake! :) We're also experimenting with spaghetti squash for the first time tonight . . . wish me luck!
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and we're working on developing a schedule/routine for him following the basics from the Sleep Sense e-book (highly recommended!). A friend of mine referred me to it when we were having problems with Lloyd sleeping through the night, and it worked wonders (though we didn't get to use this wisdom until he was ten months old or older!) We've been working this week with getting Luke to nap in his crib (well, actually it is the co-sleeper next to our bed) and he is doing it! We're following the eat, play, sleep routine and we're getting him to sleep at least one nap in his crib daily! Working our way up to two . . . and the third "nap" tends to be taken on me in the Moby or Hot Sling. Progress!
I am wearing... Real jeans! Yeah! I bought a pair of jeans this weekend at Old Navy (because I didn't want to spend too much on jeans that I hope won't fit for too long anyway!) and it is nice to wear pants with a real waistband and closures again! Except that after seven or eight months of wearing pants with elastic waists, it is a learning process all over again when you transition back to real pants and you have to go to the bathroom! :)
I am reading... I just picked up Olive Kitteridge at Barnes and Noble this morning, as well as Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut. I decided to join a book club here in Omaha (for a change of pace from my mommy group conversations) and Mother Night is the book that they're reading for this month . . . should be interesting!
Oh, and Jen, I would so love to borrow your book! Thank you! I will be in touch to discuss the exchange . . . :)
I've also been enjoying several home magazines, to get some inspiration for feathering our new nest! Though I am neither southern born nor raised, I have a special place in my heart for Southern Living magazine! Makes me want to make some iced tea (and did you see these shrimp burgers from this past issue? YUM!).
I am hearing. . . quiet. Two brothers are taking naps. Thank you Lord.
Around the house... cookbooks are being unboxed and marked with ideas for summer meals, decorating magazines are being thumbed through and Moby wraps are sitting on the couch, ready to be used later this afternoon while I make dinner.
One of my favorite things... is meetup.com. As a newbie to Omaha and knowing NO ONE (well, other than my in-laws and a few of T.'s high school buddies) I decided to join two mommy groups via meetup. I had used it, successfully, in California for mommy groups and I hope to do so again here! Our trip to the park today was rained out, but I look forward to next week for more activities that will get me and the boys out, exploring our new city and meeting new friends!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Outside my Window... it is windy and rainy. Our playgroup was cancelled due to the weather so instead the boys and I went to Whole Foods (to buy Cod Liver Oil and a few extras), Barnes and Noble and then lunch at Chili's. Weren't planning on having lunch out, but when a screaming, hungry baby is in the car and you are thirty minutes from home, it's time. Luckily I still stuck to my diet, mostly, and Lloyd and I ate well as we shared their 3 Appetizers/$9.99 combo with two chicken options and their Southwestern Eggrolls (a bit off the diet, but yummy! And Lloyd ate two of them, leaving me with only two!) About as good as you can get when out and about.
I am thinking... about housing in Omaha! We did get the opportunity to rent that house that we loved, but ended up turning it down because the basement wasn't heated, and that was where we were planning on having a play/rec room. Couldn't really have our toddler playing down there in winter, nor would we want to heat it with space heaters - dangerous around little ones. Bummer. But, I do believe it was a blessing in disguise as I REALLY got along well with the woman who was renting it, so maybe we met because we're supposed to be friends! She is also a breastfeeding, cloth diapering mama who is familiar with Nourishing Traditions AND has a referral for a place to get raw milk - pretty hard to find around here!
We saw another home last weekend that we loved in the same neighborhood with a similar style and have first option on it, but we won't know anything until after the first of the month. We'll see. In the meantime we're still looking and keeping our options open and just trusting God that he'll help us find the right home for our family.
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about watercolor painting lately. I still need to figure out a good way to begin teaching him letters as he is very interested in them. He actually cried as we left Barnes and Noble today. Once we entered the children's section he let go of my hand, ran to get a book and sit at the little table in there. The kid loves books. Thankfully!
I am thankful... for thoughtful blogging buddies who surprised me with a care package for me and my boys!! Full of Mother's Milk tea (for me), a taggie blanket (for Luke) and a bubble/foam craft for Lloyd! Not to mention a sweet, sweet note. Thank you Lenetta! You are such a blessing!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and protein while iced coffees are becoming de rigeur around these parts mid-afternoon as this sleep deprived mama struggles to stay awake! :) We're also experimenting with spaghetti squash for the first time tonight . . . wish me luck!
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and we're working on developing a schedule/routine for him following the basics from the Sleep Sense e-book (highly recommended!). A friend of mine referred me to it when we were having problems with Lloyd sleeping through the night, and it worked wonders (though we didn't get to use this wisdom until he was ten months old or older!) We've been working this week with getting Luke to nap in his crib (well, actually it is the co-sleeper next to our bed) and he is doing it! We're following the eat, play, sleep routine and we're getting him to sleep at least one nap in his crib daily! Working our way up to two . . . and the third "nap" tends to be taken on me in the Moby or Hot Sling. Progress!
I am wearing... Real jeans! Yeah! I bought a pair of jeans this weekend at Old Navy (because I didn't want to spend too much on jeans that I hope won't fit for too long anyway!) and it is nice to wear pants with a real waistband and closures again! Except that after seven or eight months of wearing pants with elastic waists, it is a learning process all over again when you transition back to real pants and you have to go to the bathroom! :)
I am reading... I just picked up Olive Kitteridge at Barnes and Noble this morning, as well as Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut. I decided to join a book club here in Omaha (for a change of pace from my mommy group conversations) and Mother Night is the book that they're reading for this month . . . should be interesting!
Oh, and Jen, I would so love to borrow your book! Thank you! I will be in touch to discuss the exchange . . . :)
I've also been enjoying several home magazines, to get some inspiration for feathering our new nest! Though I am neither southern born nor raised, I have a special place in my heart for Southern Living magazine! Makes me want to make some iced tea (and did you see these shrimp burgers from this past issue? YUM!).
I am hearing. . . quiet. Two brothers are taking naps. Thank you Lord.
Around the house... cookbooks are being unboxed and marked with ideas for summer meals, decorating magazines are being thumbed through and Moby wraps are sitting on the couch, ready to be used later this afternoon while I make dinner.
One of my favorite things... is meetup.com. As a newbie to Omaha and knowing NO ONE (well, other than my in-laws and a few of T.'s high school buddies) I decided to join two mommy groups via meetup. I had used it, successfully, in California for mommy groups and I hope to do so again here! Our trip to the park today was rained out, but I look forward to next week for more activities that will get me and the boys out, exploring our new city and meeting new friends!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
- Celebrating my in-law's 40th Wedding Anniversary this weekend!
- I finally ordered cloth diapers so I hope to get them in a few days! Wish me luck!
Three Cheese Twice-Baked Cauliflower
After recently going grain-free and low-carb, both for health and to lose the baby weight, I've been experimenting with new recipes to fill our plates and satiate our palates. This one is a winner! Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to take a picture - it was eaten too soon! - but won over even my potato-loving husband. He asked me to include it in the rotation weekly!
I served this with meat loaf and it went FAST. Looks like cauliflower will need to be on the grocery list more often!
I served this with meat loaf and it went FAST. Looks like cauliflower will need to be on the grocery list more often!
Three Cheese Twice-Baked Cauliflower
serves four, with leftovers
3 heads of cauliflower, cleaned, cored and broken into florets
8 oz cream cheese
4 Tablespoons butter
1 cup (or so) sour cream
1 bunch green onions, washed and chopped
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
8 slices thick bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled, divided
1-1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated, divided
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, salt water and drop the cauliflower florets into the boiling water. Cover and boil until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Once the cauliflower is tender, drain and return cauliflower to pot (not over heat). Add cream cheese, butter, sour cream, onions, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, half of the cheddar cheese and half of the bacon to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well with a potato masher and smash cauliflower down to a semi-mashed (while keeping some florets whole) state.
Spoon cauliflower mixture into a 13"x9"x2" pan and press down to fill pan evenly. Sprinkle remaining bacon, cheddar and parmesan cheese on top evenly.
Bake casserole until all ingredients are hot and melted and bubbly, about twenty minutes, then briefly broil until the top is golden.
Enjoy!
This recipe is posted in conjunction with Real Food Wednesday! Please take a moment and visit the other contributors!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Why Grain Free?
No one in my family is gluten-intolerant. We don't have celiac disease or crohns disease. We actually tolerate gluten quite well.
So why go grain free?
Good question.
A question that came up a lot recently from several readers who noted that I was planning grain-free menus recently. Rather than re-writing and re-hashing what has already been written, here's the journey we've been going through . . .
First, I came across this post from Shannon at Nourishing Days on Why Grains are Not Necessary for a Nourishing Diet, followed by her follow-up post.
I was intrigued, especially since I completely related to her statement:
I had been planning on returning to a quasi low-carb/"Eat Fat, Lose Fat" inspired diet once the baby was born, but hadn't ever considered that grains were part of the problem and never considered cutting them out completely. I've always considered myself a moderate, but I admit that both my husband and I do better when eating low-carb. And we both need to lose weight.
I began researching the idea further, which led me to finding Son of Grok's blog - which I thought would be inspiring for my husband - and thus to Mark Sisson's Daily Apple, both of which focus on a paleo/primal-inspired diet, completely grain-free.
And then recently, Nourished Kitchen's Jenny wrote a great synopsis of 10 Reasons to Give Up Grain, and it was basically the nail in the coffin. Seriously, I need to print it out and keep it on my fridge.
For me, grains have just kind of been filler. Meal extenders. A means to bring tastier things to the mouth (like meats, cheeses, and spreads). So it really hasn't been that hard to eliminate them. Instead, we've been eating tons more vegetables and fruits . . . more details to come.
We've been experimenting the last few weeks with grain-free and mostly grain-free menus. And you know what? Not only have we been losing weight (four pounds for me in one week!), but our tummies have been feeling better; symptoms that I thought were "normal" for me (because, hey, I already eat a lot of probiotics and enzyme-rich foods - everything should be well digested!) are noticably gone when I reduce/eliminate my grain (and sugar) intake. And that counts for all of us.
And, after only a week of focusing on eliminating grain, when I did "slip" and eat a cracker, it literally tasted like sawdust and had no flavor. I didn't want a second.
Why go grain-free? I think the links and blogs above, along with our restored tummies and lost weight are reason enough!
So why go grain free?
Good question.
A question that came up a lot recently from several readers who noted that I was planning grain-free menus recently. Rather than re-writing and re-hashing what has already been written, here's the journey we've been going through . . .
First, I came across this post from Shannon at Nourishing Days on Why Grains are Not Necessary for a Nourishing Diet, followed by her follow-up post.
I was intrigued, especially since I completely related to her statement:
"Grains make me tired, sluggish and foggy. They keep me hungry and increase sugar cravings. Most of all they make it extremely difficult for me to maintain a healthy weight. Insulin and leptin seem to be the key hormones in all of this."
I had been planning on returning to a quasi low-carb/"Eat Fat, Lose Fat" inspired diet once the baby was born, but hadn't ever considered that grains were part of the problem and never considered cutting them out completely. I've always considered myself a moderate, but I admit that both my husband and I do better when eating low-carb. And we both need to lose weight.
I began researching the idea further, which led me to finding Son of Grok's blog - which I thought would be inspiring for my husband - and thus to Mark Sisson's Daily Apple, both of which focus on a paleo/primal-inspired diet, completely grain-free.
And then recently, Nourished Kitchen's Jenny wrote a great synopsis of 10 Reasons to Give Up Grain, and it was basically the nail in the coffin. Seriously, I need to print it out and keep it on my fridge.
For me, grains have just kind of been filler. Meal extenders. A means to bring tastier things to the mouth (like meats, cheeses, and spreads). So it really hasn't been that hard to eliminate them. Instead, we've been eating tons more vegetables and fruits . . . more details to come.
We've been experimenting the last few weeks with grain-free and mostly grain-free menus. And you know what? Not only have we been losing weight (four pounds for me in one week!), but our tummies have been feeling better; symptoms that I thought were "normal" for me (because, hey, I already eat a lot of probiotics and enzyme-rich foods - everything should be well digested!) are noticably gone when I reduce/eliminate my grain (and sugar) intake. And that counts for all of us.
And, after only a week of focusing on eliminating grain, when I did "slip" and eat a cracker, it literally tasted like sawdust and had no flavor. I didn't want a second.
We are not saints. We still occasionally have a cheat meal or special dessert. But not often, and our cravings are diminishing by the second (I ordered a sandwich this weekend, without thinking, and ended up only eating half of the bread and eating the remainder of the sandwich with a fork. Because I wanted to. I didn't want the bread; not because I felt in any way guilty. Frankly, it was better that way.). We're still eating some dairy (true primal eaters cut it out for the most part!) - Lloyd and me more so than T. So far we've had about one meal a week with potatoes (not a grain, but not low-carb!) and we are grilling ears of corn for dinner tonight (a grain, not a vegetable!) but for the most part, we're grain-free. And we're doing great!
Why go grain-free? I think the links and blogs above, along with our restored tummies and lost weight are reason enough!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Halibut Iliamna with Crab Filled Mushrooms and Roasted Asparagus
I hemmed and hawed and debated back and forth whether or not I should share this recipe. Not because I questioned it, but because it is so, so good, it is kind of a family secret for special dinners. (I just made this last week for T.'s 30th Birthday Dinner!) And actually, I confess, I augmented it just a teensy bit from my sister's version to make it my own. . . . (in terms of extra crab and extra artichoke hearts, some of my favorite foods!)And then, seeing as I found another version of this recipe elsewhere, I decided I had to share. Just don't be surprised if I serve this to you if you come over for dinner.
Halibut Iliamna
a family secret . . . sshhhhh. . . .
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup yellow onions, minced
12 ounces of crab meat (canned is fine)
8.5 ounce can (about 2/3 cup) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
5 ounces swiss cheese, shredded
6 ounces shredded parmesan cheese
fresh ground pepper to taste
a couple dashes of Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoons garlic salt, to taste
8 serving sizes of halibut fillets
In mixer, place the cream cheese and with paddles, whip until creamy. Add mayonnaise and onion and mix well. With a spatula, fold in remaining ingredients and mix gently until incorporated.
Top each halibut filet with sauce, approximately 3 Tablespoons (don't skimp on this - you won't regret it!). Spread to cover top.
Cook for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F. Then broil for 6-10 minutes until golden brown.
And, alas, we ate this so quickly, we failed to take pictures!
You know what is great about this recipe? Other than how easy it is and how you will blow over all of your dinner guests with the amazing flavors?
You'll probably have leftover crab meat mixture.
And that is a (very, very) good thing.
Our favorite ways to eat it (other than just straight on a piece of sourdough bread?)
Stuffed Mushrooms (my husband's favorite)With leftover crab mixture, stuff mushrooms. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes and then 6-10 minutes at broil.
and, Roasted Asparagus (my favorite)Enjoy!
This post is written in conjunction with Fight Back Friday hosted by Food Renegade. Please go visit and check out the other contributors!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Daybook
For Today, May 18, 2009
Outside my Window... it is sunny and warm. It is supposed to hit 80 degrees today! I think we'll definitely be hitting the park today, or, as Lloyd requests it, the "sides" (aka. slides).
I am thinking... and hoping, and praying, that we get the house that we saw this weekend! We are applicants for a gorgeous little Tudor bungalow for rent in Midtown Omaha that we loved and hope to be picked as the new renters in the next day or two! It is perfect for us (in more ways than can be described here) . . . Please pray for us!
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about helping cooking this week. I've been having him help me scramble eggs each morning (both to occupy him as well as get him to eat said breakfast!), and now he is asking to stir things several times a day! He also loves making banana muffins, and especially loves eating them. He doesn't call them muffins, instead he refers to them by lovingly saying "Mama!" and clapping. Yep. Makes me feel good. Getting a standing ovation for my muffins.
He's also started identifying letters in things, so I'm going to be researching how best to encourage this interest!
I am thankful... for my in-laws and being able to live with them until we find the best place to rent for our family! Lloyd and his Grandparents are becoming fast friends.
From the kitchen... We are officially going grain-free/low-carb this week. On the menu plan I'm thinking stuffed bell peppers, SOMETHING with chicken thighs (I haven't decided yet. Might grill them, might do something in the slow cooker, suggestions?) and featuring some new sides, including this broccoli slaw and maybe Bobby Flay's Green Onion slaw - good, cold veggie dishes for hot evenings.
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and I've basically spent the majority of my days nursing my little Luke in one arm with my little Lloyd in the other arm, reading a book. This week we're going to be working on getting Luke to get on more of a napping (in his crib, at least one nap!) schedule. Not a "schedule" schedule, just trying to get him able to nap a while in his crib so that I can do something else for twenty minutes.
I am wearing... Maternity jeans and a t-shirt.We got our stuff this week (yeah!) but I haven't yet been able to try any of my pre-maternity stuff on yet to see what actually fits now. Maybe tomorrow.
I am reading... Nothing. No books, anyway. I've been doing the Sudoko and crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and researching and brainstorming grain-free meals online. I've also (since we've been thinking about a new house) been researching design and home style blogs and sites online. I've even been learning about how to grow roses in pots!
Though, I am going to have to pick up the newest Pulitzer Prize winner, Olive Kitteridge. I also somehow missed the 2008 winner, so will have some catching up to do!
I am hearing. . . the baby start to squeal. He's hungry and awake again.
Around the house... Several boxes from our move, seperated from the storage unit, are waiting for us downstairs in our bedroom. Full of computer stuff and some nursery items, Lloyd's potty and my non-maternity clothes. Too many boxes, though, and it is stressing me out a bit!
One of my favorite things... Photographing my little ones.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Outside my Window... it is sunny and warm. It is supposed to hit 80 degrees today! I think we'll definitely be hitting the park today, or, as Lloyd requests it, the "sides" (aka. slides).
I am thinking... and hoping, and praying, that we get the house that we saw this weekend! We are applicants for a gorgeous little Tudor bungalow for rent in Midtown Omaha that we loved and hope to be picked as the new renters in the next day or two! It is perfect for us (in more ways than can be described here) . . . Please pray for us!
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about helping cooking this week. I've been having him help me scramble eggs each morning (both to occupy him as well as get him to eat said breakfast!), and now he is asking to stir things several times a day! He also loves making banana muffins, and especially loves eating them. He doesn't call them muffins, instead he refers to them by lovingly saying "Mama!" and clapping. Yep. Makes me feel good. Getting a standing ovation for my muffins.
He's also started identifying letters in things, so I'm going to be researching how best to encourage this interest!
I am thankful... for my in-laws and being able to live with them until we find the best place to rent for our family! Lloyd and his Grandparents are becoming fast friends.
From the kitchen... We are officially going grain-free/low-carb this week. On the menu plan I'm thinking stuffed bell peppers, SOMETHING with chicken thighs (I haven't decided yet. Might grill them, might do something in the slow cooker, suggestions?) and featuring some new sides, including this broccoli slaw and maybe Bobby Flay's Green Onion slaw - good, cold veggie dishes for hot evenings.
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and I've basically spent the majority of my days nursing my little Luke in one arm with my little Lloyd in the other arm, reading a book. This week we're going to be working on getting Luke to get on more of a napping (in his crib, at least one nap!) schedule. Not a "schedule" schedule, just trying to get him able to nap a while in his crib so that I can do something else for twenty minutes.
I am wearing... Maternity jeans and a t-shirt.We got our stuff this week (yeah!) but I haven't yet been able to try any of my pre-maternity stuff on yet to see what actually fits now. Maybe tomorrow.
I am reading... Nothing. No books, anyway. I've been doing the Sudoko and crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and researching and brainstorming grain-free meals online. I've also (since we've been thinking about a new house) been researching design and home style blogs and sites online. I've even been learning about how to grow roses in pots!
Though, I am going to have to pick up the newest Pulitzer Prize winner, Olive Kitteridge. I also somehow missed the 2008 winner, so will have some catching up to do!
I am hearing. . . the baby start to squeal. He's hungry and awake again.
Around the house... Several boxes from our move, seperated from the storage unit, are waiting for us downstairs in our bedroom. Full of computer stuff and some nursery items, Lloyd's potty and my non-maternity clothes. Too many boxes, though, and it is stressing me out a bit!
One of my favorite things... Photographing my little ones.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
- Hopefully checking out the Farmer's Market this weekend! For real, this time! It's been my goal the past two weeks but we've been busy . . .
- Breastfeeding. On Demand. 24/7.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Mother's Day Herb Garden
To the left, my lovely Mother's Day gift from my mom . . . fresh herbs for my herb garden! She knows her daughter well, no? And the pots and soil are from my mother-in-law . . . thank you to you both!
I finally had a chance to plant them this morning, with Lloyd's help, of course!
I'm so excited to watch them grow and use these beautiful, fresh herbs this summer! I was spoiled in Santa Monica by being able to buy $1 bunches of fresh herbs at the Farmer's Market, so experimented (and fell in love with) using them, but haven't grown anything for several years as we've lived in the city with little to no outdoor space. I feel like a gardening novice again. Any green thumb suggestions or recipes would be much appreciated!
And now, without further ado, I present the newest members to our garden party . . .
From left to right, we have marjoram (any good recipes for marjoram? I haven't used it much . .. ), flat-leaf parsley and oregano.
From left to right, Thai basil (yum! I see springrolls in the future for you, my pretty!), chives (hoping they'll perk up in a day or two) and sage.
Peppermint, (gets it's own pot, away from the savories) and . . .
Sweet basil (which I'm hoping will explode in wild abandon and fill this pot with oodles of future pesto - any suggestions? Do I need another plant? It looks pretty lonely in that big pot.)
I'm also thinking about picking up one more rectangular pot and planting some summer savory, thyme and rosemary.
Any other herb I have to have that you can't live without? Any favorite recipes to share? I'm excited to begin the journey!
This is a late entry for Nourishing Days' Food Roots carnival, and an early entry for Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday! Please visit both carnival links to see the other contributors!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Honey!
Happy 30th Birthday Honey!
I can't believe we began celebrating together 10 years ago! Here's to the next decade of adventure and love! Thank you for being my best friend, a wonderful daddy and my husband, my heart.
I Love You Mucho!
Sarah
Friday, May 08, 2009
Daybook - In Celebration of Luke's Two Week Birthday!
For Today, May 8, 2009
Outside my Window... it is sunny and warm. Lloyd is outside drawing with sidewalk chalk on the patio and I'm enjoying some quiet time with the baby as he fell asleep in the car on the ride home from the doctor's office, and he is still quietly sleeping in his carseat! It is much faster to type with two hands rather than one!
I am thinking... about where to go out on a date with my husband this weekend! He turns 30 on Monday (!) and we have Mother's Day to celebrate! We are both craving sushi, so I think we're going to be enjoying a date night out (with our newborn, of course, but he's a quiet dinner companion!) this weekend!
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about helping cooking this week. I've been having him help me scramble eggs each morning (both to occupy him as well as get him to eat said breakfast!), and now he is asking to stir things several times a day!
I am thankful... for T's NEW JOB!!! This was his first week at work and it seems to be a fantastic fit! After years of working for companies that scrimp on their financial team (i.e. only providing specific software on one computer that everyone has to use and share, cobbling together computers, having to "poach" office supplies from other departments, etc.) it is nice to be working for one that seems to really appreciate him and provide the tools he needs to get his job done! Finally!
From the kitchen... My slow cooker and I are becoming fast friends with the addition of a second baby in the home! Last week we made the Asian Inspired Slow Cooker Short Ribs from Nourishing Days, and it was SO GOOD. My husband will want this recipe on rotation about every two weeks, I can tell already. He even loved the cabbage, which was a serious compliment. Lenetta (a longtime reader and new blogger!) just linked to A Year of Crockpotting, recently, which I'm beginning to delve into for ideas whenever I find the time! We're also working on going grain-free the majority of the time (though I did indulge in a tuna melt earlier this week - and I'm counting the sushi date night as a "cheat" meal!) Wish me luck!
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and I've basically spent the majority of my days nursing my little Luke with a glass of ice water with lemon close by, and my little Lloyd in the other arm, reading a book.
I am wearing... Maternity jeans and a t-shirt. I'm hoping that we get our stuff by mid-week next week!
I am reading... Nothing. I've been doing the Sudoko and crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and researching and brainstorming grain-free meals online. I've also been watching a lot of the Food Network. Ina, Paula and Giada - we're tight.
I am hearing. . . the baby start to squeal. He's hungry and awake again.
Around the house... Boppy and newborn diapers and baby blankets are strewn in convenient places, both upstairs and down. Hospital bags have been unpacked and I even changed the sheets and cleaned the bathroom yesterday! We're getting back to normal, whatever normal is.
One of my favorite things... Photographing my little ones.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!
Outside my Window... it is sunny and warm. Lloyd is outside drawing with sidewalk chalk on the patio and I'm enjoying some quiet time with the baby as he fell asleep in the car on the ride home from the doctor's office, and he is still quietly sleeping in his carseat! It is much faster to type with two hands rather than one!
I am thinking... about where to go out on a date with my husband this weekend! He turns 30 on Monday (!) and we have Mother's Day to celebrate! We are both craving sushi, so I think we're going to be enjoying a date night out (with our newborn, of course, but he's a quiet dinner companion!) this weekend!
From the school room...Lloyd has been all about helping cooking this week. I've been having him help me scramble eggs each morning (both to occupy him as well as get him to eat said breakfast!), and now he is asking to stir things several times a day!
I am thankful... for T's NEW JOB!!! This was his first week at work and it seems to be a fantastic fit! After years of working for companies that scrimp on their financial team (i.e. only providing specific software on one computer that everyone has to use and share, cobbling together computers, having to "poach" office supplies from other departments, etc.) it is nice to be working for one that seems to really appreciate him and provide the tools he needs to get his job done! Finally!
From the kitchen... My slow cooker and I are becoming fast friends with the addition of a second baby in the home! Last week we made the Asian Inspired Slow Cooker Short Ribs from Nourishing Days, and it was SO GOOD. My husband will want this recipe on rotation about every two weeks, I can tell already. He even loved the cabbage, which was a serious compliment. Lenetta (a longtime reader and new blogger!) just linked to A Year of Crockpotting, recently, which I'm beginning to delve into for ideas whenever I find the time! We're also working on going grain-free the majority of the time (though I did indulge in a tuna melt earlier this week - and I'm counting the sushi date night as a "cheat" meal!) Wish me luck!
I am creating...a healthy baby boy! He is a good nurser and I've basically spent the majority of my days nursing my little Luke with a glass of ice water with lemon close by, and my little Lloyd in the other arm, reading a book.
I am wearing... Maternity jeans and a t-shirt. I'm hoping that we get our stuff by mid-week next week!
I am reading... Nothing. I've been doing the Sudoko and crossword puzzles in the daily paper, and researching and brainstorming grain-free meals online. I've also been watching a lot of the Food Network. Ina, Paula and Giada - we're tight.
I am hearing. . . the baby start to squeal. He's hungry and awake again.
Around the house... Boppy and newborn diapers and baby blankets are strewn in convenient places, both upstairs and down. Hospital bags have been unpacked and I even changed the sheets and cleaned the bathroom yesterday! We're getting back to normal, whatever normal is.
One of my favorite things... Photographing my little ones.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
- Hopefully checking out the Farmer's Market this weekend!
- Breastfeeding. On Demand. 24/7.
- Date night with T. to celebrate his birthday/Mother's Day this weekend
- A special 30th Birthday dinner is planned for Monday! Keep an eye out for details and a recipe next week!
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!
Post-Natal Energy Mix
Today Baby Luke is two weeks old!
Happy Birthday Baby Luke!
(And here is a gratutious shot of how cute he is!)
My hands and arms have been busy holding the baby, reading to my two year old, and discovering the joy of synchronized diaper changing. When not busy sitting with a glass of water nearby, nursing, I am, generally, ravenously hungry. My newest favorite snack? This stuff. My post-natal energy mix that I can make up in about one minute and grab a handful whenever I get a chance. The recipe?
Take a bag of this stuff (roughly 2 cups)
Pour in a bowl with a half of a bag of this stuff (roughly 1-1/2 cups)
Add in a handful (or two) of your favorite chocolatey bits. While I'm home with the baby, my husband picked up the kind that have an "m" on them for "mama." (My husband will only venture so far into the depths of the health food section at the neighborhood store . . . I was very happy to get the above two items! :)
Mix. Eat. Enjoy. And try to keep your two year old from picking out all the chocolate (and if he does, remember that finger dexterity is a great pre-writing exercise.) And did you notice that it is rich in iron and zinc? All the more reason to grab a handful while your other hand/arm is busy holding that newborn bundle of love.Enjoy!
This post is written as a contribution to Fight Back Fridays hosted by Food Renegade. Please drop by and visit the other contributors!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Smoked Salmon Spread
Smoked Salmon Spread
courtesy of my mom and dad
courtesy of my mom and dad
One 1-lb. can of wild, Alaskan salmon
One 8-oz. package of cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons grated white or yellow onion
1/4 teaspoon sea salt *
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon horseradish
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke *
3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, snipped (or 1 Tablespoon dried parsley)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Drain, removing bones and skin from salmon. Flake salmon into a bowl. Combine cream cheese, lemon juice, onion, horseradish, salt and liquid smoke with salmon, mixing well. Chill several hurs or overnight. About an hour before serving, combine pecans, parsley and paprika. Shape salmon mixture into a log or ball and roll in pecan mixture. Chill. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette and sliced fresh vegetables.
Enjoy!
*My parents often can their own salmon, smoking it first. If using canned smoked salmon, omit the sea salt and liquid smoke. We also like this with just a bit of extra liquid smoke and horseradish, omitting the sea salt if using standard canned salmon from the store.
This post is a contribution to Real Food Wednesday. Please go check out the other contributors!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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