tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66262889623486911252024-03-06T22:34:27.969-05:00Food to Run ForLizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.comBlogger482125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-49172645059016134312014-01-15T11:28:00.002-05:002014-01-15T11:28:49.850-05:00The HolidaysYet again, I'm late to the party. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas flew by this year and I'm finally getting this post up!<br />
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<b><u><i>THANKGIVING</i></u></b><br />
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My brothers family came up from Maryland and the boys had the best time. Dylan loves being around his cousins- they are 5 months apart! <br />
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Dylan also LOVED helping us and watching us cook. We constantly turned on the oven light so he could see what was going on!</div>
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We made Brined Turkey with a Delicious Gravy. I ended up not making the Maple Butter Gravy but my Gravy was still delicious!</div>
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Our first course was Leek and Butternut Squash Soup. It was so tasty!</div>
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Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranates and Pancetta is always a favorite at my house.</div>
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And of course I can't have Thanksgiving without Kale and Butternut Squash Bread Pudding. The six of us finished this right up!</div>
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We also had a traditional Sweet and Savory Stuffing that had sausage, craisins and all the basics.</div>
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My delicious plate of food!</div>
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We timed Thanksgiving perfectly with nap time. All three boys took 2 + hour naps while we enjoyed an early 'dinner.' After they woke up more play time ensued, including getting some Hanukkah gifts!</div>
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There was a joint bath time and a joint story time and then the boys all tuckered out for the night.</div>
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We went to the Farm before my brothers family left and even in the 20 degree weather, all three boys had a blast!</div>
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<b><i><u>HANUKKAH</u></i></b></div>
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Hanukkah was fun for all the boys. They really got into opening their presents. We don't do anything formally- no 8 days of lighting and 8 gifts. When the family is together we open gifts and light candles and my mom makes a delicious meal, but otherwise we are very casual with Hanukkah. We want it to be part of Dylan's life, but it's not the only holiday he celebrates.</div>
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I also had a big playdate with a bunch of our friends before Mike left, and I made this festive Fruit Turkey!</div>
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At home we set up our Christmas Tree. I grew up without one so I always loved colored lights. It seems white lights are more popular these days, but I just love how festive the tree looks with colors!</div>
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We also set up a train around the tree and Dylan was obsessed with that. And we brought out our own Menorah just in time for the last night so Dylan got to light the candles and get a present at home as well.</div>
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<b><i><u>CHRISTMAS EVE</u></i></b></div>
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Christmas Eve we headed up to my in-laws and then later to Dave's Aunts house.</div>
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<b><i><u>CHRISTMAS DAY</u></i></b><br />
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Dyl fell asleep on the way home and woke up Christmas Day like any other morning. He isn't quite old enough to grasp the significance of it. We ate our normal breakfast and then dived into some presents. Dyl definitely enjoyed opening gifts! BUT, he wanted to play with EVERY toy as he opened them. I think next year I will take them out of the packaging!<br />
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In the afternoon, we headed to the in-laws and had a great day celebrating!</div>
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Oh and Dylan has something he'd like to share...</div>
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I'm pregnant and we're having another baby boy in early June! I'm currently 20 weeks and finally feeling like myself again, albeit, quite large!</div>
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2014 will be a great year : )</div>
<br />Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-31964137626374147642013-12-05T15:23:00.002-05:002013-12-05T15:23:57.733-05:00Best Gifts for Toddlers (1-2 Years)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>MERRY CHRISMAKKAH!</b></div>
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I'm a little obsessed with researching toys and seeking out the best ones for my son. I've compiled a list of what I think are perfect Chrismakkah gifts for your little one. Now before I tell you to go out and spend a fortune- I have to admit that I buy almost all of his toys used/second hand. Craigslist, Kid to Kid (my local consignment shop), eBay and friends with kids who've outgrown toys is always my go-to.</div>
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I also compare prices and use coupons whenever I buy new. <br />
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<b><u>Play Kitchen/Play Food</u></b></div>
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I saw this <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pottery+barn+pro+chef+kitchen&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=b9mgUuuSHMjYkQfThICwAg&ved=0CFwQsAQ&biw=1383&bih=1039">play kitchen on a blog</a> and I instantly wanted to have it. It's about 7 years old from Pottery Barn so I knew my options were limited. I searched craigslist and there it was in a town not too far away. Dylan has played with the kitchen multiple times a day since he got it around his first birthday.</div>
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A play kitchen for a boy or girl is a must. I recommend one that has multiple doors to open, buttons to click and things to do! I also like the wooden ones because I think they look nicer than plastic if you're going to keep it in a room other than a play room. And it's better for the environment! Win! We keep ours in our kitchen and it matches our real appliances. It is by far my favorite toy we've gotten for Dylan.</div>
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<u><b>Play Food</b></u></div>
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I'm getting him more for Christmas. So far he has some from<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-271-Food-Groups/dp/B0000BX8MA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386273179&sr=8-2&keywords=melissa+and+doug+food"> Melissa and Doug</a> that I got with a gropoun to<a href="http://www.ecomom.com/"> Econmom</a>. (Great website btw). It's also good to have pots, pans and cooking utensils. I got a kenmore set after Christmas last year for half the price then waited until his first birthday to give him it with the kitchen. Similar to this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinu-NvZIMl_I4PmIPQU7H26FmkzXvR_CrZBILDGml1bilC44sLdVcb7CnWsbHpLEb8YqXzCRszlxuhnTOHKDd8DjNbHcvKYFOucTniKgR2Y-yIxX5a3hCxI2bWrtjv5rPJLCMlykgE51Y/s400/kitchenware.jpeg" width="400" /></div>
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For Christmas, Also bought this:</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdoedq_qcqacYZyJRcRZmblmCPgSwyVjKoFX484maorQPIsz__2TUtn7Un8D3aTpKrR6AXsR50P-nbI_Cv0D5QRp6Nx0NK0bPK5bngaejAqC8aUoi-WHPh4I0eIir7992mITAUd2K13Y/s400/lunch.jpg" width="285" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWll7Iuv7lGdrMKZy30u-WUNY8byTwgnWKlF7wfc_T04_J58zxSx74WBxNqyo9G72VjEdCt3CY4wO_C4QF-hD2tqKnR6h6hOQTm-LHbpJwqvhPavsCtXgH74T1yoQdAR7-90QRNaAbt6Y/s400/veggies.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=little%20people&sprefix=little%2Ctoys-and-games&rh=i%3Atoys-and-games%2Ck%3Alittle%20people"><b>Fisher Price Little People</b></a></div>
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I got a bunch of these sets from Dave's cousins whose kids outgrew it. Dyl loves playing with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=little%20people&sprefix=little%2Ctoys-and-games&rh=i%3Atoys-and-games%2Ck%3Alittle%20people">farm, bus, village, airplane, fire and dump trucks.</a></div>
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<b><u>Megablocks</u></b></div>
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I got a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mega-Bloks-Building-80-Piece-Classic/dp/B007GE75HY/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1386271093&sr=1-1&keywords=megablocks">big bag</a> for ten bucks from my local consignment shop but they are pretty cheap on amazon too. Playing and knocking over the towers we build is a nightly pastime. We are also teaching him to put the blocks back in the bag which is exciting that he is learning to clean up.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qQroijqZGE6tMnyKMBVsrp5P-vWtK4vO-iYNYIGXCitWU2-MSGo4XsjboSDMWSnoPPsOZqO1DNqtTPKAGeNdCg4Xou3-1Pbbs0fJX5wAUxN-YWgilruWMFRoPF5ZYXonwyGwpntdLxw/s400/megablocks.jpg" width="306" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9FDdsQPDPbjAb8ZRzUiJjhv3KDfrOB_FWnII612zYiTWOgbw9aIXEz10TuSc_JXPtBS4VMZ5rPjSrznIBkNGVyxmUtPGe3oI8GpqpvnaPXjBTFuKr2WUnLOyFpauSH5yOMKTLS1VcGg/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+2.20.05+PM.png" width="400" /></div>
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<b><u>Puzzles</u></b></div>
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Dylan Loves puzzles. I got a bunch from Dave's cousins but I've bought a few too. I lucked out by buying some at toys r us when they were having a sale. Home Goods also had a ton of puzzles too!</div>
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<b><u>Trains/tracks/bridges</u></b></div>
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Dylan loves Thomas the train and I knew buying tracks/bridges and trains would be a big hit. Problem is Thomas trains are 12-15 bucks each! I knew he would destroy them so I decided to take a gamble on eBay. I got an entire set with multiple bridges and about 45 assorted trains for 100 bucks. This new would have cost over 300 dollars. I also asked friends on fb if anyone's kids were done with their train sets and I got more tracks and bridges. We gave him this gift early and he loves playing trains!</div>
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<img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnEJNyc10aKb9mj88xQczmFuKDd1Wwkavn0-YdVJ5inSLD_1R2s7mROa0Yx2vlTrMV_gqPoAa7KsioCOomBA6tIcwcF9Dgq8QHBWshVi7jgdqL7wEGyAwiwjUAPBayr5SkzmCCVOSKdw/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+2.22.44+PM.png" width="400" /></div>
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<b><u>Ball pit</u></b></div>
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I consider this a real cheap gift. We bought the pool for 8 bucks and the bag of balls for 15. Endless hours of fun.</div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5aO-AIgPExSrLk2OQbwEhRMVu3yB4PdBOcGeo8bnKWISZbLxwSiJehid6kT_dZoSXfUg6OB56dkJGCx2rFzup_T10v_b6R-tC0rVsvnEPH1mrOSGGz9PG6vv5lEQt-McZzBvW7Ll3zw/s400/ballpit.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<u><b>Tunnel</b></u></div>
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Dylan goes in phases with this but when it's out he loves going in and out.</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Cd9FgYGq7oeJyWLy0XoXpY0f_HUT8lKWSHzI9YV-CG3enFR2n5Qk8aAZpfXJCVtY6beOQ3WdB8undFlrglG0mmNfzIKbYNREXCcTMcFiiJpszDy6dqXBY2wb8m2UkKG51MJYO5X0ow/s400/tunnel.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=fisher%20price%20laugh%20and%20learn&sprefix=fisher+price+laugh%2Ctoys-and-games%2C165&rh=i%3Atoys-and-games%2Ck%3Afisher%20price%20laugh%20and%20learn">Fisher price laugh and learn toys</a></u></b></div>
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Almost every toy we got last Christmas Dylan still plays with. Especially this piano, puppy, remote, learning table, soccer ball, lantern, camera and laptop.</div>
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<b><u>Shape sorter</u></b></div>
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Dylan received both a Fisher Price Shape Sorter and a Melissa and Doug Shape Sorter last Christmas but recently started showing a huge interest. He can put every piece in the correct spot on his own now.</div>
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<img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfGAVLODRA4cHHwy6ABs56u4mDDfzwODhihtNrgmzLg7YRxUg1GowPjjGAHSfsL9uAql1X5hMHGTqy2gg77-Yewmr86U3qad52u4stfsMpu5o-vnPiNzGa6JLneLLWcN_P4Jd9kNpXeg/s400/shapesorter.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b><u>Books</u></b></div>
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We have SO many books and keep getting more. He just got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=richard+scarry+books&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Arichard+scarry+books">Richard Scarry Cars Trucks and Things that Go, Best Word Book Ever and What People Do All Day </a>and loves to look at all the pictures and find objects we ask him to find. Any <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=katz+flap+books&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Akatz+flap+books">Karen Katz flap books</a> are great as well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_18?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=little+people+flap+book&sprefix=little+people+flap%2Caps%2C122&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alittle+people+flap+book">Fisher Price Little people flap books</a>. We also love Berenstein Bears, Eric Carle, Dr. Suess, Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Construction Site, I Love you Through and Through... really the list could go on and on. But the links I provided above are so great for toddlers.</div>
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<b><u>Tool Bench</u></b></div>
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This was another gift he got last year (actually truth is I bought it for 65% off when I was getting a key made at Sears Hardware after Christmas!)We bought him the <a href="http://www.sears.com/my-first-craftsman-work-bench/p-004W003978317003P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1">My First Craftsman Tool Work Bench</a> and he loves this thing and has figured out how to screw the bolts. It's pretty hi tech. Highly recommend!</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis12yiXrj8TkLXNbDTkQFA5hVj2KKuZYgSQ-ErCUpMxC7ZiJZpaOiCoAU3R8hhAiXAbWazOteQ4sJyrAMwgIFUYwiOz7ebQ6UrlpwYRGFisnaoFteSOdDM9_L6SoUuETw5Nx6ew9rCiOg/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+2.45.30+PM.png" width="308" /></div>
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<b><u>Play Table and Play Chairs</u></b></div>
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I think this was one of my best craigslist finds. 65 bucks for the Mammut round ikea table (they no longer sell it) plus 4chairs and two stools. We sit at this table and play with Play Dough and color!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwH5ak4RyB7KAY_GfITUvYsL4_eaJKHsycaolgimB_exCOvPkiGhB_PzrU7pQLLas5v_K8DM_AfRC5Ftav83bkVgHZ8lTYjSsZsyAcT8q9Q-_IFP4Xb2UsNU00dWS3y-Q_Wgb7bzCKWY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+3.00.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwH5ak4RyB7KAY_GfITUvYsL4_eaJKHsycaolgimB_exCOvPkiGhB_PzrU7pQLLas5v_K8DM_AfRC5Ftav83bkVgHZ8lTYjSsZsyAcT8q9Q-_IFP4Xb2UsNU00dWS3y-Q_Wgb7bzCKWY/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+3.00.35+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Playskool-Busy-Gears/dp/B000BCEJ86/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386272829&sr=8-1&keywords=playschool+gears">Playskool Busy Gears</a></u></b></div>
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This is a hit with Dylan and pretty much every kid that comes over. You can stack the gears on top of each other, move them around and hit the button to make them turn. </div>
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<img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKBGmgQizXa8m5QDEBW-2l8Yok_NrEswP5k7obEf4m1Hr5z5tZ9qgbm6oBBMs7rqCk6biwcQ4UrQWqsO3q4TxO8TjwMCamc1Ovd9qfOw3On82_nPrkla0NYGtOhyphenhyphen_zRaw-ZJCjARfoVM/s400/gears.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<b><u>Elmo</u></b></div>
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I lucked out and picked up both Tickle me Elmo and Hokey-Pokey Elmo for $3 bucks each at a Yard Sale. Dylan treats his Elmo's like his babies. He gives them milk, tucks them in at night, dances and hugs them all the time. This is totally an item you should try to find on Craigslist. What kid doesn't love Elmo?</div>
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<b><u>Outdoor Toys- Bubble Machine, Ride On Toys, Bikes, Wagons, Cozy Coupe, Radio Flyer 3 in 1 </u></b></div>
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In addition to the toys you see, we also have a lawn mower, a water table and slide and swing. All great items to have for playing outside! For his second birthday, I plan to get a scooter for him!</div>
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<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzYdAUfAqkHcJl7s-gL1uVjhPXEMEiJq2QxpW3etCslwP7v8_EOi9ecb1KfUewLVzKvkgRvxyUg1bAk0k6UT6kP_ealos7YYSMTu_FxjHK9qDm6KdbqVb0mb2rcNJssqaVtjubto7J7M/s400/bubblemachine.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2cpfgJQYxK3wUeS45sBqgwOm5Ji3MgNrnccaQfo_h_sn7uaRtLjG6ceGSaYn4a05B4i5ttoSLHrRyjcjYNV5M8D5nei3V9g3XndH-NI_27HJpFJi1SgITUuOGGxMpmNzAEGR2QD0GXQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-12-05+at+3.05.48+PM.png" width="225" /></div>
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<b><u>Trucks</u></b></div>
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My friend Gretchen recommends <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=bruder+trucks&rh=n%3A165793011%2Ck%3Abruder+trucks">Bruder</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_kk_1?rh=i%3Atoys-and-games%2Ck%3Atonka+trucks&keywords=tonka+trucks&ie=UTF8&qid=1386274410">Tonka</a> trucks for her son. I recently bought a few <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=CAT%20trucks">CAT </a>trucks from Zullily. But really any 'truck' you get will make your kid super happy! Dylan loves to sit on trucks that are not meant to be ride-on. I think it's one of his favorite things to do.</div>
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So that's my list of Dylan's current (and hopefully future) favorite toys. </div>
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<b>HAPPY SHOPPING!</b></div>
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If you're a mom, I'd love to know your favorite toys your little ones. I always love recommendations from others! Add it to the list in comments below!</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-42651901867583968492013-11-26T12:51:00.002-05:002013-11-26T13:21:42.399-05:00Thanksgiving Menu 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hi Blog Friends! Remember me? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So it's almost Thanksgiving and in my old blogging days, my Thanksgiving posts were some of my favorites. Since a few of you, (okay mainly only Melissa), asked for my menu, here it is!</span><br />
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I'm hosting a small group of only 7 plus three toddlers so we don't NEED a ton of food but of course we have a full menu so there will be plenty of leftovers!</span><br />
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Here's the plan:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2013 Thanksgiving Menu</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Appetizers:</span></u></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Baked Bree</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hummus and Crackers</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First Course:</span></u></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leek and Butternut Squash Soup</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Main Dish:</span></u></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brined Turkey</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chipotle Maple Butter Gravy</span></b><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Side Dishes</span></u></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweet and Savory Stuffing</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Peas and Carrots</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pumpkin Spiced Mashed Butternut Squash</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranates and Pancetta</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cranberry Orange Sauce</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweet Potato Latkes with Mango Chutney <span style="color: #3d85c6;">(it is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgivukkah">Thanksgivukkah</a> after all!)</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mixed Greens Salad</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Green Bean Almodine</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kale and Butternut Squash Bread Pudding</span></b><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Desserts:</span></u></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pumpkin Pie</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Apple Pie</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maple Cake</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b>Now that I'm a full-time working mom of a busy toddler (a topic I've drafted up in a blog post at least ten times and want to talk about at some point), I knew I had to really divvy out the dishes. My mom and mother-in-law love to cook as much as me so I'm only making the stuff in RED. Still A LOT, but I'm not overwhelmed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />In case you're interested in some recipes, here you go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>For the turkey,</b> we buy Brine and follow the directions on the package. This year we bought a 20 pound Fresh Turkey and we're going to start the brining process tonight. The biggest advice I can give is to make sure you have a brining bag, it makes the whole process cleaner and easier! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 23.99305534362793px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cooking the Turkey</span></b><br /><i style="background-color: white; color: #373737; line-height: 23.99305534362793px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put the oven rack in the lowest position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Put the turkey breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan, tucking the wings under and tying with twine. Tie the drumstick together as well. Put tinfoil over and cook for about 15 minutes per pound. We cooked for about 3 hours with the foil and an hour or so without. When we took the foil off, we added the Classic Herb Flavored Butter and smothered it all over. We also added chicken broth to the pan and basted the turkey throughout the cooking process. Roast until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees. Then Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a bit before slicing. </span></i><br />
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.99305534362793px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FLAVORED BUTTERS:</span></u></b><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Chipotle Maple Butter</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Pulse 2 sticks of softened butter in a food processor with 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce (depends on heat level), 1 garlic clove and a pinch of salt. Process that up and reserve for the Gravy. You will have lots leftover!</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saved all of it and decided to make a classic herb butter for the actual turkey itself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Classic Herb Butter</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Mix 1 stick of softened butter with parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, teaspoon of pepper, shake of paprika and salt. Process that up. Spread it under the turkey skin and on the breasts and legs. Then rub the rest on top of the skin.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Classic Turkey Gravy with Chipotle Maple Butter</span></b><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR THE BROTH:</span></b></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tablespoons of unsalted butter</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 medium onion</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 leek</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Neck and Giblets from Turkey </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 cups Chicken Broth</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Bundle of Aromatics- Sage, Thyme, Parsley</span></i><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FOR THE GRAVY:</span></b></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turkey Drippings from your roasting pan</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup of flour</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt and pepper</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a couple tablespoons of Chipotle Maple Butter</span></i><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instructions:</span></b></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When turkey goes into the oven, start the broth: melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion/leek (and turkey giblets and neck if you have them) and cook until browned about 15 minutes. Add the broth, herb sprigs; cover and simmer while the turkey roasts, about 2 hours. Strain broth and keep warm.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When turkey is done, transfer it to a cutting board and pour all the pan drippings into a degreasing cup. Add 1/2 cup of the prepared broth to the roasting pan and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add bits and liquid to a degreasing cup. (I didn’t have a degreasing cup, so I just used a measuring cup… the fat will rise to the top… so after it does that, use your baster to remove the fat). </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next, make a roux. I did this in the same pan I had my broth in all day. I added a bit (maybe 3-5 TB of the chipotle maple butter and flour together until the flour browns slightly. Then I gradually added the broth back in whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium low. </span></i><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNklBM5rQa7m-B3IVEgq5uW0VPiJ4guWA_x1OdW2OBz6ifL2zD53JIjSxcqnmf0MhQeKf6E5ESzH5DmduRwk1A_eVQn8mv9nfOxRiZ1XP90B_oZuSQI9tdrkWTuEPDLMDhMVpbVbFMzWo/s1600/maplebutter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNklBM5rQa7m-B3IVEgq5uW0VPiJ4guWA_x1OdW2OBz6ifL2zD53JIjSxcqnmf0MhQeKf6E5ESzH5DmduRwk1A_eVQn8mv9nfOxRiZ1XP90B_oZuSQI9tdrkWTuEPDLMDhMVpbVbFMzWo/s320/maplebutter.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Season with salt and pepper and add more butter in if necessary (I think necessary).</span></i><br /><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Enjoy the best gravy of your life!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cranberry Sauce</span></b></span><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="line-height: 1.15;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients</span></span></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1 cup sugar</i></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1 cup water</i></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>2 packages of fresh cranberries</i></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Juice of half orange</i></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Zest of Lime and Orange</i></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Instructions:</span></span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-13dcf726-9581-9917-9842-6ba82d534a10" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Wash and pick over cranberries. In a saucepan bring to a boil water and sugar, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add cranberries, return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries burst. Add in juice and zest. Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature and then chill in refrigerator. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta and Pomegranates</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxLbXdmFzhg-qqduUIg1i3_k8GOwE11rTBIVVMU2L9UNdExGUOP1ELePO9QLZBFn5cOWdevoVZ00lP_9NAsXLmxdB_OpVsDLGGAXkaF_8K2kB1vTsaBGF9dLcmlewYqpUDVWmWGX1EzY/s1600/brussels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxLbXdmFzhg-qqduUIg1i3_k8GOwE11rTBIVVMU2L9UNdExGUOP1ELePO9QLZBFn5cOWdevoVZ00lP_9NAsXLmxdB_OpVsDLGGAXkaF_8K2kB1vTsaBGF9dLcmlewYqpUDVWmWGX1EzY/s320/brussels.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUzhOj-eKYs1CbwjEfgpb7AYU-N-RIXqrhe3b9WUcU26yCww-wkGCsyG0GQYhwuyZecLpDLWReUTG13ch91JHmihIqm9_BbyJgH32fDMaMB4FSAhx_oPgdRTk-D1E28bkJ5Do8VsmDI8/s1600/brusselsprout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUzhOj-eKYs1CbwjEfgpb7AYU-N-RIXqrhe3b9WUcU26yCww-wkGCsyG0GQYhwuyZecLpDLWReUTG13ch91JHmihIqm9_BbyJgH32fDMaMB4FSAhx_oPgdRTk-D1E28bkJ5Do8VsmDI8/s320/brusselsprout.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inspired by Alton Brown, 2008</span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients</span></b><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pound fresh Brussels Sprouts</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rinsed and trimmed</span></span></i></span><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1 tablespoon of olive oil</i></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1 package of pancetta, coarsely chopped (or buy pre-chopped at Trader Joe's)</i></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1/4 teaspoon of salt</i></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper</i></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>4 ounces of pomegranates (or buy pre-seeded at Trader Joe's)</i></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Instructions</b></span></span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Cut the Brussel Sprouts in quarters, put on baking sheet with salt, pepper and olive oil and bake at 350 until browned. Add olive oil to hot pan over medium heat and cook chopped pancetta. Remove half the pancetta fat and add the roasted sprouts back in with pancetta. Off the heat, add in the pomegranates. Season with salt and pepper as needed.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Sausage, Dried Cranberry and Apple Stuffing</span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/dan-smith-and-steve-mcdonagh/sausage-dried-cranberry-and-apple-stuffing-recipe/index.html">Inspired by Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Ingredients</span></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 pound mild bulk breakfast sausage</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">4 tablespoons butter </span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">3 cups sliced leeks, white and pale green parts only, cleaned well (about 2 large leeks)</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 fennel bulb, sliced</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">2 of your favorite apples, cored and chopped</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup chopped celery with leaves</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/poultry/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> poultry</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> seasoning</span></b></i></b></b><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 cup dried cranberries</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon chopped fresh</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sage/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> sage</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> leaves</span></b></i></b></b><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">6 cups boxed bread cubes (croutons) + ½ baguette diced into pieces</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><i><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">2 to 3 cups chicken stock</span></b></i></b></b><br /><b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>salt and pepper</i></span></b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline;">Directions</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.</i></span><br /><i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Saute the sausage in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, crumbling coarsely with the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/drippings/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> drippings</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> to a large bowl.</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/melt/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> Melt</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> the butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, apples, celery and poultry seasoning to the skillet and saute until the leeks are soft, about 8 minutes. Mix in the dried cranberries, sage and rosemary. Add the mixture to the sausage, then mix in the croutons and parsley. Next add the chicken stock a little at a time until the stuffing is very moist. Be sure not to overdo it; it shouldn't be mushy. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a casserole dish. (The</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/stuffing/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> stuffing</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> can be made to this point 2 days before Thanksgiving, refrigerated.)</span></i><b id="docs-internal-guid--a4bbd28-9518-dc4f-eefb-f2e7f1d8de31"><b id="docs-internal-guid-0-71e719-9583-02c3-0c2f-038e05c462aa" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Bake in a 14-inch oval or 9 by 13-inch rectangular</span><a href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/casserole/index.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"> casserole dish</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> and place, uncovered, in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the center piping hot. Remove and serve immediately.</span></i></b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><b>Classic Green Bean Almondine</b><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br /><i>2 Tablespoons of Butter (Using Earth Balance)</i><br /><i>1/4 cup of Almonds</i><br /><i>Juice of half lemon</i><br /><i>Salt and Pepper</i><br /><i>1lb of Fresh Green Beans, stems chopped off, washed</i><br /><b>Instructions:</b><br /><i>Melt Butter of medium-low heat. Add Almonds (SLICED) and cook until golfen. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, Wipe skillet off and add a cup or two of water and add some salt and green beans. Once it comes to a boil, cook for 3-5 minutes covered until beans are crisp. Drain beans and then toss with butter almond mixture right before serving.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i><b>Butternut Squash Kale Pudding-</b></span> by: <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Butternut-Squash-and-Cheddar-Bread-Pudding-355792">Molly Wizenberg</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR43EYQ2YCPyIOMi45UzQmD1-xdjZmz-9PXKo8n_uKj9pli69NHEqxJg7ROdVEAq8iOJ5gxYu3XjAkC9p2w29wu0hlzKljWfPhf-MxmnKeTomKDqeCP_jk8u-T1Pl7oEk5tLtc6nIsmk/s1600/buttrnutsquashkale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR43EYQ2YCPyIOMi45UzQmD1-xdjZmz-9PXKo8n_uKj9pli69NHEqxJg7ROdVEAq8iOJ5gxYu3XjAkC9p2w29wu0hlzKljWfPhf-MxmnKeTomKDqeCP_jk8u-T1Pl7oEk5tLtc6nIsmk/s320/buttrnutsquashkale.png" width="320" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To me, this recipe is a must. It's a great recipe if you have a vegetarian in your family!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients:</span></b><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 pounds of peeled, seeded butternut squash cut into 1 inch cubes</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 tablespoons of olive oil</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt and pepper</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7 eggs</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 1/4 cups of half and half</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup of white wine</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.5 teaspoon dijon mustard</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 day old baguette, cut into 1 inch pieces</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup of onions</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 bunches of your favorite kale</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 ounces of grated cheddar cheese</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instructions:</span></b><br /><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender- 20-30 minutes. Whisk eggs in a bowl, add half and half, wine, mustard, and salt. Whisk together. Add the baguette pieces into egg mixture. Let soak 30 minutes. At the same time, head 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onions and saute until soft then add kale, cover and cook until kale is wilted but still bright green. Reduce oven to 350 degrees. In a 13x9x2inch baking dish, transfer half of the bread mixture, squash and kale then sprinkle half of the cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, kale, squash and cheese. Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the bread pudding. Cover bread pudding with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake uncovered until custard is set about 20 minutes longer. Once cheese is browned, remove and serve!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving filled with lots of delicious food!</span></b>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-50018335942385893272013-07-17T11:54:00.001-04:002013-07-17T11:55:19.956-04:00Summer Vacation in Brewster, MA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy 4th of July!</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Over July 4th week, we rented a house in Brewster on Cape Cod. As I've mentioned on this blog before, one of my besties <a href="http://80milestobrewster.blogspot.com/">Stephanie </a>owns a house in Brewster (and you should check out all the home improvements she's done on her <a href="http://80milestobrewster.blogspot.com/">blog</a>). In the past, we've stayed at her house for the 4th, but with both of us having babies we opted for our own place this year. It was a great week- half the week was cloudy and the rest of the week was an absolute heat wave, but we still managed to enjoy the beach and lobster almost daily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, on our first day we had Lobster and Corn on the Cob. Have to start the vacation off right! We bought our lobster from local gourmet store <a href="http://www.ringbrosmarketplace.com/">Ring Bros. Marketplace</a> in Dennis, MA. The place is absolutely awesome and family owned and operated for over thirty years! My good friend from work- her family owns the place- so we always make sure to go there for all of our grocery needs whenever we are in the area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also visited the local bay beaches in Brewster daily, even on the cloudy days. Dylan absolutely LOVED the beach especially during low tide when he could walk up to all the boats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another great spot we visited quite frequently was <a href="http://jt-seafood.com/">JT's Seafood</a> in Brewster, MA. They had awesome Hot Lobster Rolls, Delicious Seafood and Ice Cream. I highly recommend it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also made it to <a href="http://www.grumpyscapecod.com/">Grumpy's</a> in Dennis, MA for breakfast a few times. One of our favorite meals was this Lobster Eggs Benedict. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also shared these Oatmeal Belgian Waffles with Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream with Dylan and he loved them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On one of the cloudier days, we went on a hike through <a href="http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/">Nickerson State Park</a> and Stef and I tested out wearing the babies on our backs. (It was fun, but heavy). The Park had great trails, campsites and small beaches where the babies and dog could run wild.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We visited friends in Falmouth one of the days and headed to their local beach...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the highlight was definitely going on the boat! Dylan has been on a boat before when he was only a month old, but I think he enjoyed it a lot more this time around. I even got him that life vest for only 20 bucks at the CVS up the street. Score!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dylan enjoyed the boat ride best from the Captain's Seat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We drove to a private beach and the boys had a blast racing each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also got one of our few family pictures from the trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the clouds finally disappeared midweek, we enjoyed some amazing sunsets from our lake-house as well as the local beaches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was such a wonderful week and the Cape is one of my favorite places of all time. I absolutely love my home state, the city of Boston and the New England area. There are very few places where you can get to the beach and the islands in under two hours just as easily as you can get to the mountains and trails of New Hampshire and Maine. I am so proud to be from New England- I love that vacationing doesn't require much more than a car ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I saw this quote in the Improper Bostonian this morning and I loved it so much I just had to share:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"I love the city of Boston for the history, the wit and sarcasm of the people, the beauty of the neighborhoods and the passion of everyone that calls it home." </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Chris Loper, General Manager of Forum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This place will forever be my home and the place I love!</span></div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-55541571236878403672013-06-07T17:37:00.001-04:002013-06-07T17:38:23.241-04:00Dylan's First Birthday Party...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZJQQXwa2h5xhp9Mk59DZrO2638fNb7n10DV6aF_oSnW_VkIPTujULFd8EJyIEiRS_hYMPsq_6RAoE9QpfiEYi5z_B3hqPIDVk3SVYMknaWvoPJRJDuRKLp8RIquveDIM1nH5fk-MkZw/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZJQQXwa2h5xhp9Mk59DZrO2638fNb7n10DV6aF_oSnW_VkIPTujULFd8EJyIEiRS_hYMPsq_6RAoE9QpfiEYi5z_B3hqPIDVk3SVYMknaWvoPJRJDuRKLp8RIquveDIM1nH5fk-MkZw/s640/IMG_0905.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past Saturday we hosted Dylan's first birthday party! A full year has gone by and our little man is now ONE! I wish I could say that I took a million fabulous photos and the whole party went down like a perfect Pinterest dream, but that is just not the case. Truth is I barely have any photos that fully document the day and although I executed a pretty hilarious theme,<i> "Pickles and all things that go with Pickles,</i>" I don't have much to show for it. They say that the less photos you take, the more fun you had, so I'm going with that. Who said that- I'm not so sure, but I think that saying is just perfect for this occasion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As some of you know, we call my son, Dyl Pickle, or Picks for short. My brother made up the nickname and it just kinda stuck. Speaking of my brother, him and his family recently moved to Maryland (BIG TEAR) and they totally surprised me with a visit for the Pickle Party! It was so</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">amazing!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z-NwZ2cs1s/UayyXU4b7OI/AAAAAAAAvY4/QirEAEFdz8o/s1600/IMAGE_60DDBCB8-1430-4BF8-A1F8-E6C880A40391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Z-NwZ2cs1s/UayyXU4b7OI/AAAAAAAAvY4/QirEAEFdz8o/s400/IMAGE_60DDBCB8-1430-4BF8-A1F8-E6C880A40391.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But let's rewind...when <a href="http://pinterest.com/sugalizzy/first-birthday/">pinteresting</a> ideas for Dylan's first birthday, I started to think of and pin foods that went with pickles. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6GGAWefjOK1q0Ep-keLZ05kUbhexGhRodiXf1ZTxVIXOOTjQxmWFJ1i7yvoiZQv6hWGlUKM9ptD6YGpgng7pck0N2XXYezX3eh1Lt-1sXFJQd1-aqWcl_Zu-Ra_xJVsd4N3J2dDzKdk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-06-04+at+10.34.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6GGAWefjOK1q0Ep-keLZ05kUbhexGhRodiXf1ZTxVIXOOTjQxmWFJ1i7yvoiZQv6hWGlUKM9ptD6YGpgng7pck0N2XXYezX3eh1Lt-1sXFJQd1-aqWcl_Zu-Ra_xJVsd4N3J2dDzKdk/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-06-04+at+10.34.41+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was pretty amazed with everything I found. Gotta love Pinterest! After I came up with ideas, I found a caterer who was willing to go the extra mile for my theme. I used <a href="http://www.pepperscatering.com/">Peppers Catering</a> located in Northboro, MA and they were great to work with. They were pricier than I expected and I was a bit disappointed by how much set up I had to do for how much money I spent, but I was prepared for that by my trusty planning coordinator in advance. I ended up ordering a bunch of sandwiches and wraps, 90 different kinds of sliders that had many different toppings to go with them, an Italian Table Presentation full of breads, assorted cheeses, meats, olives, roasted red peppers, bean dip, etc. In addition, I ordered a giant cake in the shape of a giant pickle (inspired by the one above) and a Smash Cake. I also ordered pickle relishes for the pickle bar. My friend Jamie also made 4 Large Mason Jars full of DYL pickles! I wish I could show you how delicious all the food came out, but I didn't take any food photos! I know! I guess when you're out of the food blogging world, it's easy to forget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But before I go into too much detail about the party itself, check out my invite. I found the wording on pinterest, changed it up a bit, asked my friend <a href="http://www.meganoconnell.com/">Meg</a> to draw a "cute, happy, birthday pickle" and then I designed the rest of the invite.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZBSLy8z_NjOb4rUioeBy_EmQQ5N74cYj94OljZY1kmyciodRsLeSbhUXgIB3PO8Z7uvFx8HWepO8DMTk_zE-KMtRar3BerhMY9zWD3imlmfzVsjaXSThpznUVMh_17oWo8KDu2fZ3Hc/s1600/DylansFirstBirthday_BACK+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZBSLy8z_NjOb4rUioeBy_EmQQ5N74cYj94OljZY1kmyciodRsLeSbhUXgIB3PO8Z7uvFx8HWepO8DMTk_zE-KMtRar3BerhMY9zWD3imlmfzVsjaXSThpznUVMh_17oWo8KDu2fZ3Hc/s400/DylansFirstBirthday_BACK+copy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pretty fun (and a little ridiculous) right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, the weather for Saturday was 93 degrees. Right smack in the middle of a New England heat wave. Now the last couple parties we've had, it's been raining so I was so happy it was a beautiful day, but I was a little worried that people wouldn't want to be outside. I love my house, but it is not set up for indoor parties... at all. When people started showing up, everyone was coming inside. My food was not ready and I was totally worried that my great outdoor party I had envisioned was going to turn into an indoor one. Luckily, at 3 o'clock when the party started (after naptime of course), my backyard is almost always shaded. We rented a few round tables and chairs for people to sit at and the cutest little kids table with kids chairs. I also had a large gymnastics mat for kids to play on, a water table, an inflatable pool filled with water and another filled with balls (mini-ball pit), and a swing and a slide. There was definitely enough to do, it was just whether or not people could handle the heat. No amount</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of shade would disguise 93 degrees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the kids loved being outside even if it meant the parents were sweating just a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We set up the food in our 2-car garage. Completely cleared it out and filled it with three large rectangular tables. Aside from the adult food, I also had a kids table where I put out pouches, baby food jars filled with cheerios and puffs, baby sun-tan lotion, bubbles and little toys for the kids to play with. We also had plenty of water, sodas, and beers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvqeTxEXi7U/UayyUbCS71I/AAAAAAAAvYg/zi0BrOKLlzc/s1600/IMAGE_70D26226-D6CE-4E9A-B92B-20F3C506E206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvqeTxEXi7U/UayyUbCS71I/AAAAAAAAvYg/zi0BrOKLlzc/s400/IMAGE_70D26226-D6CE-4E9A-B92B-20F3C506E206.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In our basement, we set up the dessert table. We had tons of cookies, brownies and blondies, the Giant Pickle Cake (totally ridiculous, but amazingly delicious), the Smash Cake, and Hamburger Pops made by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CCbyL">Creative Confections by Lauren</a> in Allston, MA. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I totally recommend using Lauren for the Cake Pops if you're local, they were so delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I found these adorable pops on </span><a href="http://maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com/2011/09/burger-bash.html" style="text-align: start;">this post </a><span style="text-align: start;"> and then starting searching for someone who could make pops like those in my area. Lauren did such an amazing job. I ordered two flavors- one with Cookies N Creme another with Confetti. They were so delicious (and HUGE).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My bff Courtney also made the cutest little Hamburger cookies. I found the recipe again on <a href="http://maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com/2011/09/hamburger-cookies.html">this blog</a>, and it was something Court and I planned to make together on Friday. But then my brothers family surprised me and I just wanted to spend time with them so Court took over. (You're the best Courtney!) Aren't they adorable? Made with Nilla Wafers, Thin Mints, Coconut with green food coloring and red and yellow frosting for the ketchup and mustard.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0epRbTyY3M/Ua4G_oRPATI/AAAAAAAAvb0/adhD9Qsk4pk/s1600/IMAGE_01F83F9C-6AB4-4C45-9825-C6F1AE044FD4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O0epRbTyY3M/Ua4G_oRPATI/AAAAAAAAvb0/adhD9Qsk4pk/s400/IMAGE_01F83F9C-6AB4-4C45-9825-C6F1AE044FD4.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think the biggest reason my pictures are such a disappointment (aside from the fact that I didn't take much) are that I kept my 50mm lens on. The 50 is great for portraits, but not so great for sharing the whole scene. Even these pictures I took of the basement only show what's on the table, not the awesome decorating done by yours truly and my BFF Courtney. Hint.. mainly done by Court. I'm pretty good at coming up with fun ideas, but not so great at executing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nacQWtmOvRE/UayyTqSCCfI/AAAAAAAAvYY/Ayj0QjEs9-k/s1600/IMAGE_24A913CE-5971-4457-8903-FF95D3FA84CE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nacQWtmOvRE/UayyTqSCCfI/AAAAAAAAvYY/Ayj0QjEs9-k/s320/IMAGE_24A913CE-5971-4457-8903-FF95D3FA84CE.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> (thanks Court)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(instagram: LizzyKC11)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My decorations also included a tree decorated with pickle ornaments. Yep, you read that right. No pictures to show for it though. I also had 5 large 20X30 foam core boards printed of pictures of Dylans first year that we hung from the deck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For centerpieces and to display what foods we were serving, I quickly put together these labels- I just photoshopped it together with the pickle from the invite. We used skewer sticks and foam board to put it together. We then placed the sticks in Mason Jars filled with rocks that I had leftover from my wedding (almost FIVE years ago!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, more party pictures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cake Smashing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The delicious inside of the cake... that would be green fondant, marshmallow filling, marble cake with chocolate mouse.... mmmmm...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Naked Gift opening...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A funny, theme related gift (thanks Kerry!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh... see the screen in the background? I also made a video of Dylan's first year. It's 20 minutes long and I played it on the upstairs and downstairs TVs on a loop. I'll spare you the whole video, but check out the end... it makes all those Monthly Photoshoots of Dylan wearing his Monthly Sticker worth it. Watch my son grow up before your eyes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And to finish off the day, our only family picture. Dyl looks beyond excited right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy 1st Birthday Little Man. We love you Dyl Pickle!</span></div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-79104766660567248642013-06-05T13:34:00.000-04:002013-06-05T13:34:12.521-04:00National running day!Today is June 5th, also known as <b>National Running Day</b>. It's a great day to come back from my blogging hiatus, don't ya think? Dave and I also met 8 years ago today! Crazy! Fittingly, we met at a bar after running the Harpoon five miler. See June 5th really is a special running day! I have a post all ready to go about Dylan's first birthday party so hopefully I'll also get that up this week.<br />
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I could sit here and tell you how much I currently love running and how I'm finally back on a successful running routine, but that just isn't the case. I've been competitively running since grade school and I'm currently in one of my lull years. I love running, I think about running, I talk about running especially track, but I'm just not doing a lot of it right now. I know it's common, to have ebbs and flows with something you're truly passionate about, and that's okay because you can't be 100% into any one thing every second of every day!<br />
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But I wanted to post today about how my love of the sport culminated last month with being inducted into my <b>High School Sports Hall of Fame</b>. I've talked about my glory days of running track on this blog before but the reality is <b><i>we really were that good</i></b>. (It wasn't all talk- I swear!) Even Dave was super surprised/proud when he saw me giving a speech in front of 300+ people at the Banquet. Just to give you an idea- Doug Flutie was inducted last year : )<br />
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Our Indoor Track Team I captained along with three of my close friends in 99-2000 went on to go Undefeated in our league, win the State Relays and the State Championship Meet. We set 14 School Records that year, 8 of which currently stand.<br />
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Earlier in 2013, we heard the news from coaches that we were going to be inducted on May 3rd, making us the youngest team and youngest individuals ever to be given such an honor. I got together with two of the four captains and we reminisced and planned our speeches. We watched footage that my dad had taped on his big VHS video recorder and we were brought right back. I'm not currently running religiously but I know in my heart I'll always be a runner. I know that when I think about my past and my high school experience, what I remember most is my days spent running around that oval. I remember my black Adidas spikes, the bell lap, the baton and my teammates. I remember finishing a race and running to my coach to see if the time he clocked matched my enthusiasm. I remember looking into the stands and seeing my parents cheering me on. I remember holding up those trophies with my fellow captains and thinking life doesn't get much better than this.<br />
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On May 3rd, I stood at the stadium at my rebuilt, brand-new high school and gave a speech that I hope to be proud of for many years to come...</div>
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(Ps- that's Susan Warnick in the back there- the emcee for the event, also an Alumni of my high school)</div>
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I reminisced (see that giant scrapbook!!!) and I tried to show my love for the sport- what it's taught me and what it continues to teach me in the years since competitively running on the track. </div>
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I also tried to tie back to what happened on April 15th, the tragedy that changed Boston and runners forever. I will someday write about that on this blog, but the right words haven't hit me yet. </div>
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Here's a little glimpse into the ending of my speech.</div>
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Running transformed my life and I wouldn't be half the person I am today without it. I still wear my 2011 Boston marathon jacket proudly even though the thought of even walking 26.2 miles scares me. <br />
So on June 5th it's nice to take a moment and reflect back on this sport- it's peaks and its valleys, it's highs and its lows and to know that without it, <b>I just wouldn't be me.</b><br />
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I said in my acceptance speech that people know where I'm from and that I'm a runner before they know much else about me. And that's not because I look like a runner. It's because when people talk about the sport- marathons, track and field- my eyes light up and you can tell how passionate I am about it.<br />
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I know I'll find time for the sport in my life again - but for now I'm going to relish in the past.<br />
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<b>Thanks for reading... what does running mean to you?</b></div>
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<br />Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-91151562095295456412013-03-22T13:17:00.001-04:002013-03-22T13:17:43.637-04:00Happiness<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband always says I'm going to live a really long life because I'm so happy and very rarely let stress into my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think happiness is a state of mind and if you allow yourself to be happy- to feel happiness, to forget negativity and stress, you'll live better too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been enjoying every second with my son. I've read a few blog posts and Facebook newsfeed statuses that rubbed me the wrong way lately and I just want to say something plain and simple: </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">having a baby doesn't last forever</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. You know the expression or is it a commercial jingle? </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>"You have a child forever but a baby for just one year?"</b></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Well, when your baby is waking up for no reason or crying and crying, stay calm and tell them you love them. When your baby falls asleep in your arms and you still have a pile of dishes in the sink and a full basket of clothes to fold, take the time to enjoy it. All week I've been having those peaceful moments with Dylan after he finishes nursing and he's lying fast asleep in my arms. I stare at his perfect face and listen to his loud snore and relish in it because I know these moments won't last forever. It take a lot more effort to be miserable. It's a lot easier to be happy. Think about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just received this forward from my mom. I often delete forwards but I loved this one and had to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">share.... my favorites are highlighted in red...</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5092" style="color: navy;">7% Written by a 90 year old<br /><br />This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5099" style="color: navy;">Make sure you read to the end!!!!!!<span class="yiv859577559Apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br />Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.<br /><br />"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5102" style="color: navy;">It is the most requested column I've ever written.<br /><br />My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5102" style="color: navy;"></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5103"><b>1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.</b><br /><br /><b>2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.</b><br /><br /><b>3. Life is too short enjoy it.</b><br /><br /><b>4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.</b><br /><br /><b>5. Pay off your credit cards every month.</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.</span></b><br /><br /><b>7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.</b><br /><br /><b>8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.</b><br /><br /><b>9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.</b><br /><br /><b>10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.</b><br /><br /><b>11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.</b><br /><br /><b>12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.</b><br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their</span></b></span><span style="color: red;"><b></b></span></div>
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<b><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5106"><span style="color: red;">journey is all about.</span><br /><br />14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.<br /><br />15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry,</span></b></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5109"><b>God never blinks.<br /><br />16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.<br /><br />17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down</b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5112"><b>in many ways.<br /><br />18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">19.. It's never too late to be happy. But its all up to you and no one else.</span><br /><br />20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for</b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5115"><b>an answer.<br /><br />21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.</b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5116"><b>Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.</span><br /><br />23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.<br /><br />24. The most important sex organ is the brain.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">25. No one is in charge of your happiness but y</span>ou.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years,</span></b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5121"><b><span style="color: red;">will this matter?'</span><br /><br />27. Always choose life.<br /><br />28. Forgive<br /><br />29. What other people think of you is none of your business.<br /><br />30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.</span><br /><br />32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.<br /><br />33. Believe in miracles.<br /><br />34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything</b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5124"><b>you did or didn't do.<br /><br />35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.<br /><br />37. Your children get only one childhood.<br /><br />38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.<br /><br />39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,</span></b></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5127"><b><span style="color: red;">we'd grab ours back.<br /><br />41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have,</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">not what you need<br /><br />42. The best is yet to come...<br /><br />43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.</span><br /><br />44. Yield.<br /><br />45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."</b><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><br /></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1363960216182_5130" style="color: #666666;"><i>Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%'.<br /><br />I'm in the 7%. Friends are the family that we choose.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Friday!</b></span></div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-12531925766261595352013-03-19T21:17:00.002-04:002013-03-20T11:02:27.325-04:00Lately...<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Lately...</span></i></b><br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4XrQZGREsg/UTqcXG-GUHI/AAAAAAAAnzU/CT1ie4RKFYA/s320/IMAGE_AA8CAA91-9594-458B-9F3D-450C6E8AE9A0.JPG" width="319" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've been feeling like this winter is never ending and my family can't catch a break in the sickness department. One week my son is sick and the next week, me and Dave are sick. After 3 ear infections in three months, it seems that Dylan is AGAIN coming down with another cold. Meanwhile, I'm finally at the tail end of my cold and cough. Is it just me or does it seem like the cold symptoms will never end when you're going through it? Then one day, magically, it's just gone! Here's hoping that Spring REALLY is around the corner and today was the last snow storm of the season.</li>
</ul>
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<img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zj-jjjvO--w/UUEgFEFea8I/AAAAAAAAn8s/6QPKHteyFCQ/s400/IMG_8446.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Dylan's been doing great with sleeping, but this morning I woke up at 4 o'clock and just KNEW he was going to get up. Sure enough a few minutes later, he woke up and I brought him in bed with me and watched him sleep. Sometimes there is nothing better than cuddling with your baby and watching them sleep. Motherhood really is so amazing. Also amazing... how your body can adjust to broken sleep...</li>
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<img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7w7hKIKDeoY/UUEgD-OCVYI/AAAAAAAAn8c/22tD1ds5L9U/s400/IMG_8442.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I've been cooking using our slow-cooker for ALL our meals and I've been pretty estatic with the results. Lately I've made <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2013/01/slow-cooker-greek-lentil-soup-tomatoes-spinach.html">Greek Lentil Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/the-weekend-crockpot-salsa-chicken-recipe/">Salsa Chicken</a>, Pulled Pork and <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2011/01/weekend-eats.html">Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches</a>.</li>
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<div>
<ul>
<li>I've been feeling like maybe the reason I keep getting so sick is because I'm not working out. And maybe I'm {ALMOST} ready to make time for it in my life. I tested about half of the fit test of the Insanity workout before having a baby emergency and it felt good to sweat. So, maybe, just maybe I do miss working out... just a little.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVnTS0B2ttkUM2qNLxlGtFsUqOOwyGp4KH6X6-GvNKQ2_EZlK4_vE0uF1tkcmJKJOdGyW6ZydMMMrZnS4_Y9hwi8869KY2Sc8U2PTN7A77soR4rho-z_WqREeVZ7s0x5SRbIvU0aRDVQ/s1600/Insanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVnTS0B2ttkUM2qNLxlGtFsUqOOwyGp4KH6X6-GvNKQ2_EZlK4_vE0uF1tkcmJKJOdGyW6ZydMMMrZnS4_Y9hwi8869KY2Sc8U2PTN7A77soR4rho-z_WqREeVZ7s0x5SRbIvU0aRDVQ/s320/Insanity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>I went to a get-together at my friend Laura's and I got a glimpse into what life would be like 10 kids. Not that I would ever have that many, but having ten kids under 5 in one house was quite a sight to see. I felt bad for Laura because collectively, we destroyed that house in less than 2 hours. But it was fun!</li>
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<img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZkxsDkQhFw/UUZofej5JoI/AAAAAAAAoW0/e8dPVU8DTd0/s640/IMG_8750.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Oh and lastly, after finishing all five seasons of Friday Night Lights, I went on a search for another great series to watch during my commute. I've started Parenthood and I like it, but don't love it. I also started Girls and got so hooked that I've already finished the first 2 seasons. After the first few episodes I didn't think I was going to like it, but it's just so well-written and intriguing that it draws you in and you can't look away.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Edited to add- another random thing to add... I've been totally inspired by one of my bff's <a href="http://80milestobrewster.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a> and all the DIY stuff she does at her two homes. And lately, her latest endeavor- <a href="http://80milestobrewster.blogspot.com/2013/03/brewster-kitchen-day-3-4.html">re-doing her kitchen at her Cape house</a>, has led to us thinking (and hopefully acting) about doing the same. Go check out Stephanie's blog- better yet, add it to your reader... err... FREELY and get inspired!</li>
</ul>
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<b><i>What's been going on with you lately?</i></b></div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-79853051350697175742013-03-05T17:23:00.000-05:002013-03-05T19:53:19.809-05:00Tuesday Things....I've been wanting to write on this blog but haven't found the time and when I do have the time, I lose the motivation. So this post will be so random. Random Tuesday Things!<br />
<br />
But at the end, I promise I'll have a recipe!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We hired a cleaning lady, finally, after living in our house for nearly 6 years. It's the best investment we've ever made! I was sick of spending every weekend during naptime running around the house trying to get all my cleaning done in a short amount of time. I don't enjoy cleaning (AT ALL) so now it's nice to know I don't have to do it! And now we can enjoy Dylan's naptime as a family. Twice this weekend, we took Dylan out on a walk during his normal naps. He looks all around until he just passes out...</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw0flz89vvY5WF313wbBCqCnVCZJJcw4-5mi0qfekCLN2T4lIeSS7r5Nvec4eFjxCZWhyEEwGkC53msKGZNnf67-hzNyVbom4M0Fg15d9zw8XnE0MECXgg5JRP5FRLA2Jd64xr-lHT28/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.17.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw0flz89vvY5WF313wbBCqCnVCZJJcw4-5mi0qfekCLN2T4lIeSS7r5Nvec4eFjxCZWhyEEwGkC53msKGZNnf67-hzNyVbom4M0Fg15d9zw8XnE0MECXgg5JRP5FRLA2Jd64xr-lHT28/s640/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.17.28+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And when we're not out and about during his naptimes, we like to take naps as a family in bed. It's the best!</div>
<ul>
<li>I still feel like a superhero for everything else I get done even if I'm not running around the house during his naptime. Over the weekend, I did four loads of laundry and got it folded, Grocery shopped, menu planned, cooked dinner for us, cooked food for Dylan, took a million pictures, edited a ton of photos, visited with friends and family.</li>
<li>Speaking of friends and family, it was my sister-in-laws birthday Saturday so we celebrated at my moms. I absolutely love it when we get the boys together.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NflRWXfDWM/UTUCRlHxc7I/AAAAAAAAndA/eMfXFzpS7hA/s1600/IMG_8115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9NflRWXfDWM/UTUCRlHxc7I/AAAAAAAAndA/eMfXFzpS7hA/s400/IMG_8115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">My dad used to live in track suits when I was growing up so seeing the boys in these made me smile. Made me feel like my dad is still with us...</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We also visited with Dylan's bff Dane who is a month and a half older! And a lot stronger, as he totally tried to beat up my son...</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr59TgiWAAs/UTUC3DfQHHI/AAAAAAAAnm0/rsgsJXi5ipg/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr59TgiWAAs/UTUC3DfQHHI/AAAAAAAAnm0/rsgsJXi5ipg/s400/IMG_8337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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But then would try to kiss him right after...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz8LTlSV_v-cza841Fx7dgyDeItkJWF1UcuMcpGpvyonV4kiNLg2w8sQ3g7spZQVuCeL-cwMoDyB5d0wYJs15-brDMDnrHFUZNAFutKHpR3AEwYGZ9DBMAInEBnELf3kKjIWzbH2qJNA/s1600/IMG_8284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz8LTlSV_v-cza841Fx7dgyDeItkJWF1UcuMcpGpvyonV4kiNLg2w8sQ3g7spZQVuCeL-cwMoDyB5d0wYJs15-brDMDnrHFUZNAFutKHpR3AEwYGZ9DBMAInEBnELf3kKjIWzbH2qJNA/s400/IMG_8284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dylan wasn't so sure about the kissing...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PtEHstKmGM/UTUCra7XVLI/AAAAAAAAnjE/r7SUPb2deBI/s1600/IMG_8288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PtEHstKmGM/UTUCra7XVLI/AAAAAAAAnjE/r7SUPb2deBI/s400/IMG_8288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">In other news, Dylan started eating little chunks of food and I've found the easiest appliance to cook all his food in is my rice cooker. We got a rice cooker for our wedding (almost 5 years ago!) and sadly, I had never used it. But now I've been using it weekly to make softened apples and apple sauce and to steam carrots and sweet potato. It's as simple as peeling your apples, coring them, chopping them up and putting them in the rice cooker with water. At the same time, you can dice up some sweet potatoes and carrots and steam them on top. And Dylan's been loving it!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CFksL03w2ehuswe76vEGyOKIhpvprGjgwurKZWVWIvFh29cKDb4nbaeFm_glYpbVKb0IyridInJNGr3tsJjns6nSNP9VE7HNrhiexOtqezheonMV-tIrZhG9WqX0XOxIB3G7lKbuGKg/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.11.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CFksL03w2ehuswe76vEGyOKIhpvprGjgwurKZWVWIvFh29cKDb4nbaeFm_glYpbVKb0IyridInJNGr3tsJjns6nSNP9VE7HNrhiexOtqezheonMV-tIrZhG9WqX0XOxIB3G7lKbuGKg/s640/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.11.17+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Other random things... Dylan seems to always get sick on Tuesdays. I got home from work yesterday and he looked absolutely miserable. We went to the doctor this morning and sure enough, another ear infection. My poor baby.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I've been getting an insane amount of spam on this blog- anyone else having issues with Blogger and Spam?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Also, I've started to plan Dylan's first birthday. His nickname is Picks, so let's just say it will definitely be Pickle themed! If you have any amazing pickle-themed recipes or dishes that go great with pickles, please send them my way!</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Okay, enough rambling for one post... want a recipe? How about an easy Slow-Cooker recipe that sounds really weird but tastes really good? Pretty much everything I've been cooking lately is with my slow-cooker. My friend Kerry recommended this to me and it was so good! I changed a few things but for most part, kept the recipe the same. Kerry got it from a Slow-Cooker recipe book.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Kielbasa Chickpea Slow Cooker Stew</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 large can of chickpeas or two 15 ounce cans</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>10 baby carrots sliced</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 medium onion, chopped</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 red pepper, chopped</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 green pepper, chopped</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 teaspoon of dried thyme</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 teaspoon of dried basil</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 teaspoon of pepper</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 package of turkey kielbasa, sliced (or sausage would be great)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>2.5 cups of Chicken Broth</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 container (8 ounces) of hummus</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>salt to taste</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Instructions:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Throw everything in the slow cooker except the hummus and tomato paste and cook on low for 10-11 hours or on high for 4-5. Once ready to eat, add in the hummus and tomato paste, mix well, adjust seasoning, cook for 10 minutes more and serve.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlsPstnKTDtpVBIpvqzTReucO3DJ63yv-RG4L9v__erJD1eNvpzV0LnzUqH4-zSN44ehA8vICGZeh3CJRkUT_PLCT_OgA7i1jDxWLJYu-ZDqdYpix_9uPXTACsPRBMKlZp6ZKlLMU_yw/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.56.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlsPstnKTDtpVBIpvqzTReucO3DJ63yv-RG4L9v__erJD1eNvpzV0LnzUqH4-zSN44ehA8vICGZeh3CJRkUT_PLCT_OgA7i1jDxWLJYu-ZDqdYpix_9uPXTACsPRBMKlZp6ZKlLMU_yw/s640/Screen+shot+2013-03-05+at+3.56.32+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The easiest kind of recipe!</div>
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Happy Tuesday!</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-31199738448797715872013-02-08T20:54:00.000-05:002013-02-27T12:02:09.835-05:00Taco Bar Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I fell off the planet yet again... but at least this time I have a better excuse then just saying I'm a full-time working mother. I've pretty much been sick for over a month. First with a cold that wouldn't go away which turned into a sinus infection. After about a week of being on Antibiotics, and finally feeling healthy, I got the Norovirus. You know, the cruise-ship virus- the one where you can't keep anything down. Fun stuff. After four days of barely eating and barely drinking I was extremely dehydrated and had intense stomach pains. I went to the ER in the middle of the night with my mom and was diagnosed with kidney stones. A week later I got surgery to break them up and that's where I'm at. Finally feeling healthy and finally feeling like I'm on the mend. The rest of 2013 has got to be better than the start, right?!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well one of the highlights in the last month was the Taco Bar Party* I had in late January. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>*The asterisk in the title is because this party could also be named the Norovirus Party since half the party got sick after... Not sure who brought the sickness over but that is one contagious virus! And all I can say is that if it happens to you, don't let yourself get too dehydrated! Especially if kidney stones run in your family. Lesson learned.</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway... I love hosting parties but I usually put a ton of pressure on myself to have the best food. Since having a baby, I've realized that I just can't do everything so I wanted to simplify my menu which is how the idea for the Taco Party was formed. I kept it simple but still had a ton of options for everyone.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxD1OOcORSc/UQWPy6WHXLI/AAAAAAAAlGY/-zLpTj0R7yc/s1600/IMG_6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TxD1OOcORSc/UQWPy6WHXLI/AAAAAAAAlGY/-zLpTj0R7yc/s400/IMG_6597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm psyched how well this turned out and I think it's a great way to have a party- </div>
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<b><i>Make Your Own Taco Bar!</i></b></div>
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My friends had the choice of Flour, Corn, Whole Wheat Soft Shell Tortillas or Hard Shells. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWKTux6soE0/UQWPyjDdfGI/AAAAAAAAlGM/goJyjRLpgOk/s1600/IMG_6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWKTux6soE0/UQWPyjDdfGI/AAAAAAAAlGM/goJyjRLpgOk/s400/IMG_6596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For proteins I had Ground Turkey that I cooked with Taco Seasoning and <a href="http://www.ro-tel.com/">Rotel.</a>*</div>
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<i>*Rotel is always my secret ingredient in Mexican cooking. It's a great tool to add spice! It's a canned tomato product with Jalapenos or Chilis. </i> </div>
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I also baked up some <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2011/03/scallops-cod.html">Blackend Fish</a> (Cod) using a recipe I've made countless times on this blog. Only I baked the fish this time instead of frying it.</div>
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I also made a double batch of <a href="http://www.zatarains.com/Products/Rice-Mixes-and-Side-Dishes/Black-Beans--Rice.aspx">Zatarain's Black Bean and Rice</a> for a side or to put inside your taco.</div>
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Now let's get to the good part- the fix-ins!</div>
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I pretty much had everything you can think of that you'd want on a taco- chopped tomatoes, medium spice chunky salsa, mango salsa, salsa verde, lettuce, cheese, green onions, red onions, cilantro, jalapenos and homemade guacomole.<br />
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I had the perfect mix of store-bought and homemade in the mix and I think I had enough choices that satisfied everyone. Plus I set up all the fix-ins with my cute martini glasses and glass ice cream bowls : )<br />
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All in all, the Taco Bar ended up being a great idea and I definitely want to stick to one theme for future parties. Doing something like this made the party more fun and allowed me to concentrate on the real fun- the kids!</div>
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Hope everyone is having a lovely snowed-in weekend!</div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-22035166371468700552013-01-09T10:50:00.001-05:002013-01-09T10:50:08.924-05:00The Future of the Blog...So blogging...<br />
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And the future of this blog...<br />
Is it okay to say I don't know where this blog is going? That I had a clear direction- <i>food and running</i>- and... well... now I'm not exactly passionate about either?<br />
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I was talking to my friend Meredith today about blogging and how I thought she should start one. Her immediate question was:<br />
<i>Who would read it?</i><br />
I told her that you don't start a blog for people to read it. You do it for yourself.<br />
I later was talking to Gretchen <i>(the girl who is responsible for me starting this blog to begin with)</i> about that and she said that's not always the case. Which I guess is also true.<br />
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If you blog, you most likely love getting feedback in the form of comments or emails. You're probably also a little narcissistic. That's not a bad thing- it's just probably the truth. You're proud of something- so you write about it... for the world to see it.<br />
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In a way that's what I used to do with the meals I made and the races I ran.<br />
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But as you know, my world changed. I had a baby. And I went back to work fulltime. So the idea of spending all this time and energy cooking just doesn't interest me anymore. I'd much rather be spending the the time with my son... watching him start to scoot across the floor... watching him take two toys and bang them together like it's the best thing in the world. Listening to him laugh...<br />
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I still cook but our meals are more about convenience and speed rather then creative, seasonal recipes that I used to love so much. I think everyone is looking for quick meals so I will try to continue my QFM (Quick Fix Meals) Series. But I just don't know how often I'll do that...<br />
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But the running. I'm not sure what to say about it except to say I'm not doing it. And, <i>I don't miss it. </i>Yep, it's true! It's safe to say running was a huge part of my life for about 15 years. But even though I ran pretty consistently, I wouldn't say I ever loved it. I loved the feeling I got when I finished a long run, or ran a tough speed workout... but somewhere along the lines, my passion dwindled. I say this to my friends and family a lot, but I do think I'm inherently lazy. I'm not nor have I ever been, the type of person who <i>craves</i> working out. My college roommate Lindsay and my running partner Nancy (who at 3 months post-partum already runs at least a half marathon every weekend) need it in their daily life. I want to love running again and I want to crave working out... but with where I'm at in my life, it's taken a huge back seat.<br />
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So I guess this post is just simply asking you guys to bear with me while I figure out what I want this space to be...<br />
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I'll try to show up here a little more often with recipes. And hopefully, someday, I'll actually run again.<br />
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In the meantime, I started <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/p/project.html">Project 365 </a>- and I'm hoping to take a picture of something cool everyday of the year <i>(not just of my baby- even though I think he's pretty cool and fabulous).</i> I also am obsessed with Instagram and I still blog on my baby blog. Both of those are private though...<br />
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<b>Oh, <i>two</i> more things...</b><br />
1. Is this the saddest thing you've ever <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13087.html">heard</a>?<br />
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Recall on my absolute favorite baby item! My suggestion- wash the damn thing! You know I'll still be using it!<br />
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2. Is Friday Night Lights the best show ever? I started watching it on my iPhone during my commute. It's making commuting a lot easier! Clear Eyes, Full Heart: CAN'T LOSE.<br />
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<b>So that's it, for now. Thanks for letting me ramble. I'm sure I'll be back....</b><br />
<br />Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-92229922548216776862012-12-30T20:08:00.000-05:002012-12-30T20:11:57.333-05:00Christmas {In Pictures}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas Eve and Christmas were special days for us. Although I didn't grow up celebrating, I love getting together with family. Here's some pictures that document our holiday. From our family to yours, Merry Chrismakkah and Happy New Year!</div>
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Scenes from Christmas Eve...</div>
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Dylan joins his 6 cousins- all boys!</div>
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Christmas Day...</div>
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My favorite gift...</div>
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Merry Holidays! Here's to a happy and healthy 2013!!!</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-24105403211558951532012-12-22T21:34:00.000-05:002012-12-22T21:34:08.975-05:00Thanksgiving 2012: Mostly in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(Thanksgiving- WHAT?!?!? Another post I started weeks ago, figured I better get it up since Christmas is in two days!)</i></div>
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Thanksgiving 2012 was just a wee bit different than past years.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEW3bVIB96g/ULDXq86zkrI/AAAAAAAAg5I/bD3PbRk4EZo/s1600/IMAGE_3E792EDA-48A3-4E73-9D54-B412E00D6DF8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEW3bVIB96g/ULDXq86zkrI/AAAAAAAAg5I/bD3PbRk4EZo/s400/IMAGE_3E792EDA-48A3-4E73-9D54-B412E00D6DF8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Mainly because of this guy.</b></div>
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I'm beyond thankful for my little man. I can't imagine my world without him. He has made us so incredibly happy and has brought so much joy to our life.</div>
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Dylan + his 3 Cousins.</div>
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Dylan, Xara, Enzo and Dante. Xara is two weeks older than Dylan and the twins are 5 months older. </div>
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It was just so much fun to have al the babies together...</div>
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And well the food was pretty delicious as well!</div>
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Starting with our brined 20 pound turkey!</div>
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Sliced perfectly by Dave!</div>
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Another favorite- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Dried Cranberries and Pomegranates. </div>
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A Delicious Mesculin Green Salad with Feta, Dried Cranberries, Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions and Candied Pecans.</div>
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Maple Chicken Sausage Stuffing with Butternut Squash and Dried Cranberries </div>
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Butternut Squash, Kale and Cheddar Bread Pudding</div>
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Candied Sweet Potatoes</div>
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There was a ton of other food, but I didn't take a picture of everything. </div>
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Maple Gingerbread Cupcakes...</div>
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Action dinner shot...</div>
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We even had handmade by my cousin's 3 year old Zoe- place-cards. How precious are these?</div>
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My plate of fabulous food...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu2-VDVF4Ss3SoXkyaysRpjiYhLfJI0OHOeT4bsvl4Sc5o3nMhUWv12458KLD3ks1HWxMs9l2BT7kuoa3K1osER3f3IFetmx1KyBEzKw_AvbZr2XOVGBn2UuLi8fvbfkrf9hm5pSlfxI/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu2-VDVF4Ss3SoXkyaysRpjiYhLfJI0OHOeT4bsvl4Sc5o3nMhUWv12458KLD3ks1HWxMs9l2BT7kuoa3K1osER3f3IFetmx1KyBEzKw_AvbZr2XOVGBn2UuLi8fvbfkrf9hm5pSlfxI/s400/IMG_4281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another angle...</div>
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Special pictures from the day...</div>
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My nana with her 5 grandbabies. All the kids are wearing I LOVE BUBBIE shirts!</div>
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My baby, me and my Nana.</div>
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It was such a wonderful holiday with such delicious food and fabulous company! And one of my brothers babies took his first steps. Couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving. Looking forward to Christmas and sharing these precious memories with Dylan.</div>
<br />Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-9455105030472999102012-12-04T09:24:00.001-05:002012-12-04T09:24:21.072-05:00True Meaning of Busy...<div class="tr_bq">
I've fallen off the blog-wagon... AGAIN. I have so many posts in my head and so many things I want to write and no real time to do it. And when I do have time to actually write something on this blog, all I want to do is crash. Like take a long hot shower. Get into bed. Watch the junk on my DVR. Read blogs.</div>
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Yep, I'm still reading all your blogs like crazy... but I feel like I don't actually have the time or willpower to write. Last month I looked into joining the Blogher network and I was about to fill out the application when I saw this:<br />
<i style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Arial, 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Arial, 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">We're looking for <span style="border: 0px; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">blogs:</span></i><br />
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<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>written by <span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">women</span>, or with a demonstrated <span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">female audience</span></i></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>with <span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">excellent content</span> that engages a community</i></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>that are <span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px; font-size: 20px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">updated</span> weekly (preferably twice a week, or more)</i></li>
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Yep. See that last part. Blogs that updated WEEKLY. It may not seem like a lot to many of you, but for me, getting a weekly post up has been impossible. Being a full-time-working-mother is hard work. Adding in an hour + commute each way and it's even tougher. I love spending time with Dylan but I also love my job. It's been a tough balance because I wanted to go back to work. I didn't have to.<br />
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An older woman in my office said to me when I came back, <i>"You know in my day, we didn't need <b>two</b> salaries so I could easily be a stay-at-home mom."</i> I found it interesting that she naturally assumed I HAD TO work not that I wanted to work. And then if you admit you didn't HAVE to work, does it make you sound like a bad mom?<br />
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Then on the other end of the spectrum, I work with some women who are all about detachment parenting. Women who would never dare attempt to breastfeed. Women who don't have to work or want to work but rather women who work because they couldn't imagine taking care of a baby 24/7. <br />
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For me, in the situation I'm currently in, I want to work but that doesn't make me love my son any less. I am beyond obsessed with him and think about him all day long everyday. I have an album for every month of his life with an average of 300 pictures in each one. I look at those photos several times a day.<br />
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But, I just often wonder about how busy I USED to think I was. I didn't know busy until now. One of my best friends <a href="http://80milestobrewster.blogspot.com/">Stephanie</a> wrote this post on her blog and I couldn't agree more. Stef's baby is a month and a half older than Dylan. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">the new normal is so much harder than the old normal. what did we use to do with all our time?! how did i not always have a clean house, dinner on the table and perfectly defined abs?! now i have someone else to get dressed and fed in the morning. a dryer full of clean clothes to fold that are not mine. an extra 20 tiny little nails to trim. milk to thaw. bottles to wash, sterilize and fill 5 nights a week. bath time. story time. play time. lots of play time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">last week dane was in a talent show at his day care. there were "performances" by each age group and all the parents were invited. there was food, refreshments and a band playing (i laughed to myself about the band who landed a gig playing at a day care center). i looked around the playground and said out loud, "ALL of these parents work". there was probably a hundred moms there who ALL juggle work and kids. it was good for me to see because i have spent all this time feeling bad for myself.. like what i was doing was so extraordinary. this is the norm. it finally sunk in that this is just the new normal.</span></blockquote>
What I'm doing everyday, what other working mothers are doing everyday, is just the new normal. I can't imagine the old normal anymore and honestly I wouldn't want to. Because this new normal is so worth it.<br />
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Don't you think?</div>
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<i>I'm currently home from work with a sick baby. I started this post over a month ago and I finally have a second to publish it while Dylan is napping. I still have other things to post- Thanksgiving and running updates. Yep, I've been running!</i>Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-74918113444640452252012-11-20T07:43:00.000-05:002012-11-20T07:43:07.681-05:00Quick Fix Meals: Soy Chorizo Sweet Potato ChiliSo Thanksgiving is in two days. And I'm hosting! Fifth year in a row. And this year my extended family is coming in from Nebraska so I'm even more excited! Can't wait to recap the special day. Now on to a recipe I cooked last week that I just had to share...<br />
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Have you ever made something on the fly and immediately after tasting it thought "OMG, this is so much better than I thought it would be, I have to blog about it!" Well that's what happened last week. I actually cooked this dinner last Monday night but we didn't eat it until Tuesday. (Thats my method- cook two meals at once so you don't have to dirty your kitchen every night). Basically I threw a bunch of ingredients in a soup pot and then set it to simmer while I did the night-time routine with my son.<br />
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When I came back an hour later, I thought it was too spicy but figured I'd deal with it the next day. Well, Tuesday night, I heated up the leftovers and both Dave and I were pretty amazed with the result. It was delicious! And super easy which is exactly what I need after a commute, working full time and taking care of a baby.<br />
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<b><i>Soy Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili</i></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<i>1 red onion sliced</i></div>
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<i>1 Package of Soy Chorizo (from Trader Joe's) removed from casing</i></div>
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<i>1.5 cups of your favorite chunky salsa (I used Medium)</i></div>
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<i>1 14 ounce can of black beans</i></div>
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<i>2 cups of chopped sweet potato</i></div>
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<i>2 links sliced of Trader Joe's Spicy Sausage (optional- I had it so I used it but you could easily omit to make vegetarian)</i></div>
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<i>1 cup of chicken broth or veggie broth</i></div>
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<i>Water, salt and pepper to taste</i></div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<i>This is a simple recipe. Throw all the ingredients in the pot except for the broth, water and salt and pepper. Let it simmer together for an hour or more. Adjust seasoning by adding broth, water and salt and pepper. This is a perfect prep ahead recipe because I think the flavors blended even better together overnight!</i></div>
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Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can't wait to report back about all the fun and deliciousness!</div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-13003404538140854392012-10-31T10:39:00.001-04:002012-10-31T10:39:25.620-04:00Happy Halloween!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H<span style="color: orange;">A</span>P<span style="color: orange;">P</span>Y <span style="color: orange;">H</span>A<span style="color: orange;">L</span>L<span style="color: orange;">O</span>W<span style="color: orange;">E</span>E<span style="color: orange;">N</span>!<span style="color: orange;">!</span>!</b></span></div>
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<br />Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-12964894898434607622012-10-12T20:58:00.002-04:002012-10-12T20:58:14.185-04:00Mommy 'Vice: The Registry<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I have a little bit of an obsession: I love helping people out with their Baby Registry! Now, almost 5 months in, I think I have a really good idea of what baby items are essentials and which ones you can skip or borrow. My friend <a href="http://cleangreencuisine.blogspot.com/">Gretchen</a> and I worked on this list for her best friend who's pregnant so I thought I should share it here too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>{And well, I've been working on this post for weeks. And now it's Friday night and I'm finally going to post it. I hope this is the type of post people refer to and I hope it's super helpful.} </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Shout out to my friends <a href="http://carascravings.com/">Cara</a>, <a href="http://www.satisfiedcravings.com/">Elina</a>, and <a href="http://www.healthyfoodforliving.com/">Lauren</a> who are pregnant! About a year ago we went out to dinner and I was pregnant (secretly). Super excited for you guys to join motherhood. Special shout-out to <a href="http://cakebatterandbowl.com/">Kerstin</a> on your adorable baby girl too!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Playards or Pack N Plays</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I use a Graco one in my living room for changing. To be completely frank, I only use my Pack N Play to change Dylan downstairs. Seems like a really expensive changing table. I think I will probably use this more when he gets older, but as of now he doesn't nap in it and he doesn't play in it. When we travel, I bring something else that's much more portable (we'll get there- Rock N Play Sleeper).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So as of now, I don't think this is the best investment because we only use the changing table, but maybe that will change as he gets older.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do suggest getting one with a changing table, but it's not necessary to get the one with the bassinet. You don't need anything too pricey and if you can borrow it, do it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have this one:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4279440&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=566066" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4279440&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=566066</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_-z67JiciQZJvgxAlBpp10IB3CHgFl6d9gnT0iIWV8RQtA3jUDdmEV73o6h-kJA6YQ-BKvGTpvqTXBSF7ghugsh3wzdx8tfp1GtX7elpleeva2VZmom12GJuxelZ_DMmfaG7KAdzUZ0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.34.00+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_-z67JiciQZJvgxAlBpp10IB3CHgFl6d9gnT0iIWV8RQtA3jUDdmEV73o6h-kJA6YQ-BKvGTpvqTXBSF7ghugsh3wzdx8tfp1GtX7elpleeva2VZmom12GJuxelZ_DMmfaG7KAdzUZ0/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.34.00+AM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Bassinets: </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those frilly bassinets, I say skip. Instead you could use your Pack N Play or a co-sleeper for the first few months. We borrowed Gretchen's Co-Sleeper and loved it. We used it as stand-alone bassinet until we moved Dylan into the crib. Gretchen used it attached to the bed until her son Fausto completely outgrew it (like 6 months). Either way, you'll want your baby in your room at least in the beginning, and this is small and easy to move around. This is the one I borrowed:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.babymetro.com/Arm-s-Reach-Mini-Convertible-Green-Sprinkle-Dot-p/ar-4111-sd-p.htm" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.babymetro.com/Arm-s-Reach-Mini-Convertible-Green-Sprinkle-Dot-p/ar-4111-sd-p.htm</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Another option for a portable place to sleep is the Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleeper. <span style="color: red;">If you get one thing on this list, get this. </span></b>I swear by it, and I buy it for every baby shower I go to. We used it a lot in the beginning at night and for all his naps. Now we use all over the first floor. And we use it a lot in the kitchen. He watches me cook in it and he sits in it at the dinner table. It's at incline so it's really comfortable for babies with reflux and it allows your baby to see what's going on when he is awake. And it's comfortable when they sleep because it puts them in a position they were in while in the womb. They have lots of options now, but it's not necessary to get anything too fancy. I have the one below. Best fifty bucks ever spent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Newborn-Rock-Sleeper-Yellow/dp/B002M77N22/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IJRX6YY0ZC2L9&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Newborn-Rock-Sleeper-Yellow/dp/B002M77N22/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IJRX6YY0ZC2L9&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj613rnJA0LFbzZMm_hSnFaulNhA3ul9AodJkZzXrWFiQSqgn22mBLLt09x6r3ph_otz34doymHYq61A8dfCdIKhHnJxzSzhuVGQp5qQNbNZ8yTrxtM8WZWBieQLR_jZwvA_sL4es3H2ww/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.33.35+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj613rnJA0LFbzZMm_hSnFaulNhA3ul9AodJkZzXrWFiQSqgn22mBLLt09x6r3ph_otz34doymHYq61A8dfCdIKhHnJxzSzhuVGQp5qQNbNZ8yTrxtM8WZWBieQLR_jZwvA_sL4es3H2ww/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.33.35+AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">3. Swings</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is something that I wouldn't invest in right away because some kids hate them. Dylan probably used his a total of 10X. We got the one that was highest rated and pretty expensive- The Lamb Swing. For one week and one week only, we called it the "Silence of the Lambs" because it got Dylan to sleep, but at 3 months, we already packed it away. My suggestion: BORROW. Some kids love them, some don't. And it's a big cost for an item your kid might not like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have this one:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=48171" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3090973&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=48171</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I also got this one as a hameydown. We keep this in our room and it worked for 5-10 minutes so I could take a shower when Dylan was super young. But Dylan didn't want to spend lots of time in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwR4xltfc55w2NYeKt8dp7cMDKW1LdmOI5l3DZ3SzkLh6rrt3wEYybD7kNc7URR3xv5D9YUlbNTIwUEq7f8-zNBLSNd4MKL7DM3JIInzw73DG-U25IFuct1GPtiMSFGHKqN6wafqY2bg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.39.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwR4xltfc55w2NYeKt8dp7cMDKW1LdmOI5l3DZ3SzkLh6rrt3wEYybD7kNc7URR3xv5D9YUlbNTIwUEq7f8-zNBLSNd4MKL7DM3JIInzw73DG-U25IFuct1GPtiMSFGHKqN6wafqY2bg/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.39.08+AM.png" width="247" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">4. Carriers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We use the carriers- but not religiously. I got the Baby K'tan and the Ergo and so far both of them are great. We also borrowed three other ones. I think it's good to always have one in the car incase your baby doesn't want to stay in the stroller.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://store.ergobaby.com/</a></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Suggestion: Buy one- (I think the ergo is the best) and then borrow a few other options before you make the investment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a few other options:</span></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.sollybaby.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.sollybaby.com/</span></a></u></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.sakurabloom.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.sakurabloom.com/</span></a></u></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.mobywrap.com/</span></a></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Carrier-Black-Small/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_19?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858289&sr=1-19" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Ktan-Carrier-Black-Small/dp/B000UYFULU/ref=sr_1_19?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858289&sr=1-19</span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">5. Strollers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you plan to run or go on long walks, I truly believe the BOB is the best. I have this one.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Revolution-Single-Stroller-Black/dp/B004DC9TAS/ref=sr_1_11?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858347&sr=1-11" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Revolution-Single-Stroller-Black/dp/B004DC9TAS/ref=sr_1_11?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858347&sr=1-11</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLyQ8q9NKeOSZPTaMEaJhR4Oi4l2LzZGvIeEsxrAjJNYFU3n6ll_obMQkL4y3pf9R2reMh9gFqVK9YDQB9ZbA0cNOJ9PQi-TwqQCrdTtyJric8lsOUDtAjs6RMqMU4-p0shXMN_n3VxI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.40.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLyQ8q9NKeOSZPTaMEaJhR4Oi4l2LzZGvIeEsxrAjJNYFU3n6ll_obMQkL4y3pf9R2reMh9gFqVK9YDQB9ZbA0cNOJ9PQi-TwqQCrdTtyJric8lsOUDtAjs6RMqMU4-p0shXMN_n3VxI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.40.47+AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-lBfGj5njL2GGOqjodNwIfZmbOE8wWXLpNdKx_BhFnzvh3M6Ubob5dv0uyHnWIDFHTPaj3oHVdd70VEo7s0g4HCWSJF7hgD5K-O1peevMI37PTbOriJuqHdKgP07J3tBdH6RA1r_qHo/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-05+at+7.57.18+AM.png" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You will need the car seat attachment. If you get a Chicco Carseat (we'll get there don't worry), get this: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10994900&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=630326" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10994900&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=630326</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you get a Graco Carseat get this: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10994898" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10994898</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You need this so when the baby can't hold his head up, you can still take walks/jogs and just put your car seat in there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You should also get what they call a Snap N Go. It's basically a stroller that you can dump your car seat into and it folds really nice and easily. If you get a Graco car seat you can get this: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12353532" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12353532</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you get a Chicco car seat like I have, you should get the Chicco brand because the Chicco car seat doesn't LOCK into place in the Baby Trend Snap N Go's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11820851" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11820851</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUutEK_zeD43R_kgbwdMoRNtKyLZurorBuuoszppPBOmqwNcOGiCIUHkUa_NadAtYm0XP_m8ib7RExFLmtk2YSoNSE_-MlkYoeR1hhXxOJWVtjqvU5_FZS6CTYUNiFVsFAdogJzgHUxLI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.41.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUutEK_zeD43R_kgbwdMoRNtKyLZurorBuuoszppPBOmqwNcOGiCIUHkUa_NadAtYm0XP_m8ib7RExFLmtk2YSoNSE_-MlkYoeR1hhXxOJWVtjqvU5_FZS6CTYUNiFVsFAdogJzgHUxLI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.41.43+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Snap N Go is really all you will need for the first few months. I keep mine in my car and it's so awesome. So easy to use, so portable. We love it. </span><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l2dR-QC6Ku6W7Q3JI3v5EuO6-HKTQvKphV98UrSEEMFfBtM54ejJ0NDGRo9aXkAoVuceLpgfpQOXPu_CX6wAXufsOd34fVUe0zmMHKnOyjwP4PKBwSoWL69x5o9mt-P5qNnhWKIgOHY/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-05+at+7.47.57+AM.png" width="290" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now we use the Bob a lot more and I've heard a lot of people say it's too clunky to bring in your car but I still love it! Sure it's big but it folds up easily. I wouldn't bring it out unless I need it like if we plan to go for a run or long walk. For the grocery store or the mall, I always use the Snap N Go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen, who lives in the city, loves their Phil & Ted's stroller. They have this one:</span></div>
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<a href="http://philandteds.com/us/Products/Push/Explorer#.UFojCqRAZhc" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://philandteds.com/us/Products/Push/Explorer#.UFojCqRAZhc</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But this one has since come out and that's what they would have gotten:</span></div>
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<a href="http://philandteds.com/us/Products/Push/DOT#.UFojbaRAZhc" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://philandteds.com/us/Products/Push/DOT#.UFojbaRAZhc</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They also got the doubles kit, planning for #2, but they also use it for groceries! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Other accessories to consider:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Weather Cover</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Extended Shade Cover</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Handlebar Console for the Bob</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WHATEVER you do, DON'T GET the TRAVEL SYSTEM.</b> They are clunky and pointless. You want a stroller with versatility. It's a waste of money. All you will need the first year is the Snap N Go and then a more versatile stroller. The research I did proved that the Bob and Phil and Teds were the best.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">6. Car Seats</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You need an infant seat and then a bigger seat for when they're older. We got this for the infant seat:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicco: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3155366" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3155366</a> ( + an extra base)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is the extra base: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156653" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3156653</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZplYEkeOMfwxTXum31DGStuySWrEizSPmGn77ExMpmh3lvZFn_e_rWsIDWfczA2juka4JjlPyOXNCk-NrjqpfhZdMXNJEWegYnxqpbUb3ppTeGfcLuFyW_3vSf6zINROFrSMiBmwuzA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.42.27+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZplYEkeOMfwxTXum31DGStuySWrEizSPmGn77ExMpmh3lvZFn_e_rWsIDWfczA2juka4JjlPyOXNCk-NrjqpfhZdMXNJEWegYnxqpbUb3ppTeGfcLuFyW_3vSf6zINROFrSMiBmwuzA/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.42.27+AM.png" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Graco one is also good:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12319176" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12319176</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Extra base: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3749233" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3749233</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Benefits of Graco- the cover extends further than the Chicco, but it's heavier. They also say the Chicco is warmer- great in the winter, not so good in the summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Bigger seats:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/graco-nautilus-3-in-1-car-seat-matrix-8177" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.diapers.com/p/graco-nautilus-3-in-1-car-seat-matrix-8177</span></a></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/britax-boulevard-70-g3-onyx-429439" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.diapers.com/p/britax-boulevard-70-g3-onyx-429439</span></a></u></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">7. Feeding Pillows</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I could go back in time I would have registered for both the My Brest Friend and the Boppy. I would not have been able to breastfeed without My Brest Friend in the first month. I was still TOO big in the first month to fit the Boppy around me comfortably plus I always felt like it was too low. My Brest Friend was such a lifesaver. Get the Boppy and the My Breast Friend if you plan on Breastfeeding. The My Breast Friend is the ONLY thing that worked for Gretchen and myself, its a must. And I'm so lucky that Gretchen let me borrow it! I still use it everyday! I keep that in Dylan's nursery and keep the Boppy downstairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Brest Friend: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4/ref=sr_1_6?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858952&sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4/ref=sr_1_6?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858952&sr=1-6</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJQLeiwKJt7y_eE1JQXHliyRfxZhIZD6ok-aZ3GqF5qp7UiRovEPYGa9zql0Hs2RwlnlYeOWSyh_w45nxghH4XtPn14o7yUJHatg_whG3plz33sjKxQQuTIuD4JmI3fM0_CDQqwbpVW8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.43.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJQLeiwKJt7y_eE1JQXHliyRfxZhIZD6ok-aZ3GqF5qp7UiRovEPYGa9zql0Hs2RwlnlYeOWSyh_w45nxghH4XtPn14o7yUJHatg_whG3plz33sjKxQQuTIuD4JmI3fM0_CDQqwbpVW8/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.43.13+AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzQ4H-VM9MamHtmxUU2701IYEXIKDNmGcFsOR7UYZyzHd7I20LJ2Jtjy6Q3ZxoFUDccO_xk4Vgg91XAFsHmEuknD42iZsDRYGnZGgVX9ip8aEEQgD87rjqmoJxigFIDfGNik5_5DB7r0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-05+at+7.57.42+AM.png" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boppy: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-2100133K-Bare-Naked-Pillow/dp/B000KW5I6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858952&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-2100133K-Bare-Naked-Pillow/dp/B000KW5I6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332858952&sr=1-1</a></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCEqsrQSg9s1CQmifVnc7gxPj1B2fxXAfWWtB2Wiwm8jGfvkGO6gYAFJ4zHo2Y1mSowDBoaiFGy0o6VKZsFiLMVxsiMC_tJw5iBGviIZR4zOCuqxlKd4y4B2cSFp1Q0jZlpU0v2PHZRo/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-05+at+7.52.32+AM.png" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get a cover for it that you like too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The other item I highly recommend is a <b>Travel Boppy.</b> I LOVE MINE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Travel-Pillow-Basket-Green/dp/B006UDLXFW">http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Travel-Pillow-Basket-Green/dp/B006UDLXFW</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIMuN7PMGCsvz92LS557Xxq_ve71Ji9OnjDjBQGaTThmCXGa6NtiUuGlBYOGI3EXR6el7R30T4wcuPsL7J_stX3LpUWOg5rMiOmK63ZEWRsBwzrZIFAy9vPDkXSB68_3walrPlsv2sPs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.43.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIMuN7PMGCsvz92LS557Xxq_ve71Ji9OnjDjBQGaTThmCXGa6NtiUuGlBYOGI3EXR6el7R30T4wcuPsL7J_stX3LpUWOg5rMiOmK63ZEWRsBwzrZIFAy9vPDkXSB68_3walrPlsv2sPs/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.43.41+AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVzCqkRfjzBUG0eqlSKixeZFSSyiEH0Sltg4vK4rQPrjyIfxzC3CPBcH5KXIij4ITmXd77_GkoMO_kqNbLDj_OW9TLsWEhBAo7XM35TOLnuW55j3ajz5yDziyVC2Nd0UMou_BXwENfKA/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-05+at+7.54.29+AM.png" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm one of those breastfeeding momma's who can only comfortably breastfeed for the entire feeding with a pillow. Sure I can feed Dylan in my arms for a few minutes... but a full feeding- my arm feels like it will fall off! This one looks like a purse when it's folded up and I keep it in my car and just attach it to my stroller. I also used it for Dylan to take naps in when I was at friends houses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh get a nursing cover too. I personally like to call them Hootie Hiders. hehe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bebe-Lait-Nursing-Cover-Chocolate/dp/B001CCHUTE/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349013495&sr=1-3&keywords=nursing+covers">http://www.amazon.com/Bebe-Lait-Nursing-Cover-Chocolate/dp/B001CCHUTE/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349013495&sr=1-3&keywords=nursing+covers</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKnLxYgdToAc0o_MMYFlaI66FTzph-L_Gggc4ih5klBus_RRexeyO0TXiYb3ZoR5CUKnzr0M9hYncFAFqvM9VZJiIhzjnWp_zPQOM1KZ22TRZJPxqIlscrH77SXbWWyO7z0l78jP52tI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.58.46+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKnLxYgdToAc0o_MMYFlaI66FTzph-L_Gggc4ih5klBus_RRexeyO0TXiYb3ZoR5CUKnzr0M9hYncFAFqvM9VZJiIhzjnWp_zPQOM1KZ22TRZJPxqIlscrH77SXbWWyO7z0l78jP52tI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.58.46+AM.png" width="278" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">8. Bottles</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I use these:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dr. Browns: <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3188877&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=117174" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3188877&fromRegistryNumber=47728933&product_skn=117174</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen uses:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/born-free-bisphenol-a-free-glass-bottles-gift-set-8232" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.diapers.com/p/born-free-bisphenol-a-free-glass-bottles-gift-set-8232</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My day care wouldn't take glass bottles though... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The other thing you'll need if your baby goes to daycare is labels. I plan to write another post about this company- but I love LOVE: Name Bubbles: <a href="http://www.namebubbles.com/labelpack/daycare-labels.html">http://www.namebubbles.com/labelpack/daycare-labels.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These labels won't come off when your bottle is getting warmed. They are waterproof and dishwasher proof. They are awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you breastfeed when you go back to work, you'll need a pump, but don't get this before the baby comes. Gretchen and I both borrowed this one:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-on-the-go-tote-breastpump-309371" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.diapers.com/p/medela-pump-in-style-advanced-on-the-go-tote-breastpump-309371</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you borrow your pump, experts say you shouldn't, <i>{but I think you should}</i>, you should invest in these accessories. If you buy your pump new it comes with these things:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Replacement Tubing: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Tubing-Retail-Medela-Advanced/dp/B0033B9CZ2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349008486&sr=1-2&keywords=pump+accessories">http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Tubing-Retail-Medela-Advanced/dp/B0033B9CZ2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349008486&sr=1-2&keywords=pump+accessories</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Medela One Piece Breastshield with Valve: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Medela-One-Piece-Breastshield-Valve-Membrane/dp/B0001BUKA8/ref=sr_1_19?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349008486&sr=1-19&keywords=pump+accessories">http://www.amazon.com/Medela-One-Piece-Breastshield-Valve-Membrane/dp/B0001BUKA8/ref=sr_1_19?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349008486&sr=1-19&keywords=pump+accessories</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also have this little hand pump that I use in a pinch (no pun intended). Its a good cheap option if you don't pump on a regular basis:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><a href="http://www.target.com/p/medela-harmony-manual-breastpump/-/A-528690" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.target.com/p/medela-harmony-manual-breastpump/-/A-528690</a></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also make sure you get a Cooler Bag and Ice Pack to keep your milk in at work. (Comes with pumps if you buy new- which I did not : ) I use a thermal from <a href="http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/Catalog/Category/20/">Thirty One Gifts</a> that I won from Cara's blog!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">9. Diaper Pails</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Diaper-Genie-Elite-Disposal/dp/B001BMWABI/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1349008703&sr=1-5">Playtex Genie Elite </a>and have yet to use it. Breastfed babies diapers don't smell! At least not to me : ) You have to buy the refills separately and they're expensive so I'm waiting until I really need to use them. We use keep a Trash bag on the door and take it out weekly. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">10.Diapers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I use Pampers Swaddlers. They never leak and they have a yellow line that turns blue when the diaper is wet. How awesome is that? Dylan sleeps in one diaper all night- from 7pm to 7am and it never leaks. Sure it feels ten pounds by morning, but it doesn't leak!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now if you want try cloth, that's a whole other conversation. Gretchen is a huge advocate for cloth and here are her reasons why:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Disposable diapers are the 3rd largest contributor to landfills.</i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most disposables have all kinds of plastics, gels, and chemicals in them. </i></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yes, its more work than just throwing a diaper in the trash. But having never dealt with diapering a baby before, they didn't know it was more work because they didn't know any other way. And the new all in ones are practically just as convenient as disposables.</i></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll have Gretchen post another post on this topic soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you want to use disposables and are concerned about the environment, she likes the seventh generation ones. They started using the overnight ones when their son was around a year, because the cloth system just wasn't working at night. They use cloth wipes now, but started with the seventh generation wipes and use them on the go. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">11. Monitors</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have this one:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Digital-Video-Monitor-Screen/dp/B004VL2VRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332860434&sr=1-1" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Digital-Video-Monitor-Screen/dp/B004VL2VRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332860434&sr=1-1</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am in love with my monitor, mainly for one main reason... you can move it from the monitor part. So if Dylan moves, I don't have to go into his nursery to move the camera, I can move the camera from the monitor! I hear the infra-red night vision isn't as clear as others, but I have nothing to compare it to, so I love it and think it's worth the money! And the screen is HUGE!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">12. Bath Tubs</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We used this tub in the sink when he was tiny (first two months)- I borrowed it from Gretchen... this is another item you could borrow...</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Puj-Tub-Soft-Foldable-White/dp/B002WWF4IM/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1348086399&sr=1-1&keywords=puj" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Puj-Tub-Soft-Foldable-White/dp/B002WWF4IM/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1348086399&sr=1-1&keywords=puj</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now we use this one:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/safety-1st-space-saver-fold-up-tub-26842" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.diapers.com/p/safety-1st-space-saver-fold-up-tub-26842</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll want some towels with hoods with wash cloths, like these:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10884002">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10884002</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/american-baby-company-organic-terry-hooded-towel-set-celery-178667" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.diapers.com/p/american-baby-company-organic-terry-hooded-towel-set-celery-178667</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen uses California Baby products and I use Johnson and Johnson:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.californiababy.com/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.californiababy.com/</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">13. Humidifiers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have this one and I have to be honest, we barely use it. I would skip this until you need it. There's other things you will need so you can save the $40+. Or get one that you can use in an adult room too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Ee-8189-Ultrasonic-Cool-Humidifier/dp/B0050LY2DU/ref=sr_1_8?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332860676&sr=1-8" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Ee-8189-Ultrasonic-Cool-Humidifier/dp/B0050LY2DU/ref=sr_1_8?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1332860676&sr=1-8</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">14. Sleepwear</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aden and Anis blankets are the best. Don't register for any other blankets. It seems like everyone gives you baby blankets and we never ever use them. If I could go back in time, I wish I returned all the blankets we received except these ones.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Muslin-Swaddle-Blanket-Friends/dp/B002USE0Q0/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I15TMCZ3N6A6RO&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Muslin-Swaddle-Blanket-Friends/dp/B002USE0Q0/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I15TMCZ3N6A6RO&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I live by the Halo Sleepsack and Dylan still uses them. He broke out of every other swaddle... this one rocks because it zips up. And yep, he still uses them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409033">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2409033</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpD-cqDX0Huvuhw1_Hmq_JbhXQQStyQvXyHpGOwKyYXY_gKqeTfVlpCOcsjNK-nrFpqFnAo7kmkwFD4xu4RaG0jJ01NkXR2ktnN2GwE5SThw53h_6KfFvhRukNdj33gN0hEsceF4jaME/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.37.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpD-cqDX0Huvuhw1_Hmq_JbhXQQStyQvXyHpGOwKyYXY_gKqeTfVlpCOcsjNK-nrFpqFnAo7kmkwFD4xu4RaG0jJ01NkXR2ktnN2GwE5SThw53h_6KfFvhRukNdj33gN0hEsceF4jaME/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-09-30+at+9.37.28+AM.png" width="309" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen and I both highly recommend swaddling, and we had very different babies. Fausto is a terrible sleeper and Dylan is a great sleeper, but swaddling helped them both. They really sleep longer wrapped up. They'll fight it and people will just give up and say, my baby didn't like it. They won't like it. But they need it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And yes, Dylan is still swaddled every night and for naps when we're home!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">15. Bedding</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pick out your bedding but keep in mind you will probably only use the sheet for awhile, so get some extras. You're not supposed to use a bumper or any blankets for infants (another reason swaddling is good - keeps them warm). I'd also get a waterproof cover for your mattress.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">16. Excersaucers</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Great to use around 4 - months. Or in my case 3+ months. It lets you put them down and leave them for like 5 minutes so you can do luxurious things like pee by yourself. My friend Jill has renamed this the "circle of neglect." Which is just awesome and hysterical. Dylan loves his and can spend lots of time in it. He spins around and touches everything! Get one that has lots of things to touch and do!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">17. Baby Timer</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This will be another post, but I swear by mine. I would say this is one of the best things you can buy on this list. I have friends who make fun of me for having so many gadgets for feeding my baby, but I think this is the best thing EVER. It's very easy to forget how long it's been since your baby last ate and this helps keep you on track. You hear him crying at 4am and you think there's no way he could be hungry because you just fed him. Then you look at the timer and realize it's been 6 hours! I think the timer helps you so much as a sleep deprieved Mommy. I also use the ZZZZ feature to track how long his naps are.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/itzbeen-baby-care-timer-green-38147" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.diapers.com/p/itzbeen-baby-care-timer-green-38147</a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">18. Bouncy seat:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good to have one that vibrates and one that has something fun to look at. I wouldn't spend too much money on it because your baby may not like it. Dylan sorta likes it, doesn't love it. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">19. Playmat</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen and I both have this mat. Love it:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Activity/dp/B0042RU2SW/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2LV2FYNW5CTN9&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Activity/dp/B0042RU2SW/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2LV2FYNW5CTN9&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>20. Medicine Ball</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used this during my labor and have yet to use it since. Gretchen said it was the only way to calm her screaming baby so it had multiple uses for her. I hope to use it again when I start my home gym!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/TKO-Anti-Burst-Fitness-Stability/dp/B000FH2W54/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1048R2D3Z8FW1&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://www.amazon.com/TKO-Anti-Burst-Fitness-Stability/dp/B000FH2W54/ref=br_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1048R2D3Z8FW1&colid=3AVZ45DWN0PH9</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>21. A good diaper bag</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen uses the Diaper Dude cause its not too girly. Here's a fun post on cute ones:</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://ramshackleglam.com/blog/baby/best-diaper-bags/" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://ramshackleglam.com/blog/baby/best-diaper-bags/</a></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I use a backpack Fisher Price one that both Dave and I can carry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>22. Sound Machine/Night lights</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We use our sound machine every night. We love it. We keep it on the Ocean sound and it's really peaceful- for all of us! (we hear it all night long through the monitor)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA35oaTrPWk0zKZ04WrrkBqswchOVrM8Mg9T-5PwigQBuE_mkHAoVKa71SA93-nEWCM_Ca_-xDxl2g964ZZkb8VBaUA040YGKzS_KGxirKCA0vi-Btl0l1pWx95hdxaWP4koLn1_v3CI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-12+at+7.51.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA35oaTrPWk0zKZ04WrrkBqswchOVrM8Mg9T-5PwigQBuE_mkHAoVKa71SA93-nEWCM_Ca_-xDxl2g964ZZkb8VBaUA040YGKzS_KGxirKCA0vi-Btl0l1pWx95hdxaWP4koLn1_v3CI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-12+at+7.51.00+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>23. Burp Cloths</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some babies spit up a ton, some don't. But burp cloths are a MUST regardless. Get tons and have them in every room in your house. You'll never know when you'll need one. I only have one of these, but this is my favorite...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDgvdySY_ihtM2YjcbPCIdpzrSCFvS1ST7TBDWeU0DW20_svky6uNJIfZy8g1pIxcv7IZwhDdnWG1yIfWRoq1Yd7mPyswJSyLS67M53KnIgEBM6t7a0kVpC_7Fxt8JIphTtYsEryxpYM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-12+at+7.59.30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDgvdySY_ihtM2YjcbPCIdpzrSCFvS1ST7TBDWeU0DW20_svky6uNJIfZy8g1pIxcv7IZwhDdnWG1yIfWRoq1Yd7mPyswJSyLS67M53KnIgEBM6t7a0kVpC_7Fxt8JIphTtYsEryxpYM/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-12+at+7.59.30+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>24. Pacifiers</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since week 4 we've been using the <a href="http://www.mambaby.com/">MAM pacifiers</a> and I love them! Not only do they look cute but they fit perfectly in Dylan's mouth while also leaving room for his nose to breathe. Dylan only uses a pacifier when he is napping/sleeping. We've tested a few others (like the ones they give in the hospital) but we found these are the best. And most of my friends agree!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>25. G</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">rooming kit with all the basics:</span></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; outline: 0px;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3175865" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3175865</a></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>26. Bibs</b></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzQ03wWX57dEwQAYXQRcM65PE8gQnJpb1aaivg_Y1lUf9Cs0fY-QxEKD3U7ac1FlnftvaJ2XlIrxqRp46UgJMck5Ia0_0jV476kw_1Qa8v1tHUZyUg-D-b2Acwg5goDaCjfHgcHpx9ZI/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+12.46.26+PM.png" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bibs are definitely something I thought I wouldn't need. I didn't want Dylan to be that kid that always had an ugly bib on. Well guess what? He is! Dylan drools and spits up so bibs are a necessity. He goes through 5 a day at daycare!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once the babies start eating solids, wipeable bibs with a lip for catching food are essential.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gretchen uses these:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.kleankanteen.com/products/kid/kid-kanteen-sippy-classic.php" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.kleankanteen.com/products/kid/kid-kanteen-sippy-classic.php</a><b> </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">27. Nursery Essentials:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">A comfortable glider is a must. You'll use it for rocking to sleep and late night feedings. Gretchen had to talk me into getting one and now I can't imagine life without it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Changing Pad for your changing table. I just have it on my dresser. Gretchen has a changing table from Ikea. If you have room for a changing table, I would get one because the pad shifts around a lot on the dresser!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Bins for Storage- I have three different bins/crates/baskets in our room where I keep things like diapers/creme next to his changing table, another filled with books next to his rocker, a third filled with bibs, burp cloths and socks and another filled with all his blankets!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">28. Toys!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Toys- Dylan is obsessed with this one we got as a gift!</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0ARtjIOFo4/UCGtUgJKqSI/AAAAAAAAZHY/Io1z_P7g0kI/s320/IMG_3570.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rhino-Toys-81032-Oball-Rattle/dp/B005RVCGTA/ref=zg_bs_2522032011_37">Oball Rattle</a><br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgFlGiWVq_E/UE_i878zx3I/AAAAAAAAbjo/e1AktveHVQE/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vulli-Sophie-the-Giraffe-Teether/dp/B000IDSLOG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1350088879&sr=1-1&keywords=sophie+the+giraffe">Sophie the Giraffe</a> is another fav</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pdx_jFYXwUY/UHdnUYkL5kI/AAAAAAAAdNQ/MMzIygHJs1c/s400/IMG_1349.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As well as teething toys- rings, keys, etc..</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-Nk6YAl0vI/UHIZSec350I/AAAAAAAAcyc/S-GLAzmj558/s320/IMAGE_52286D79-985A-4E3D-B595-6AFE7A569E4C.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Einstein-Dreams-Crib-Soother/dp/B006YBHE6M/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1350088909&sr=1-2&keywords=soother">The Baby Einstein Crib Soother</a>- we call this his TV. It instantly calms him down and he watches it until he falls asleep when he is upset...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_0">The bumbo</a>- okay not really a toy but wasn't sure what category this belonged in. This is another item we borrowed and so glad we did! </span><br />
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<img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gSVIZSa9DI4/UHIhOB2W5XI/AAAAAAAAc3w/5BeNllycyJ0/s400/IMG_1296.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<i>(Dylan with his twin cousins)</i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also bought <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4312138">this mat</a> to go on our hardwood floor. </span><br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDcU70k2NIo/UEPuDSy-tQI/AAAAAAAAa1c/6znnFcioOJQ/s320/IMG_9689.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And yes I realize that I became the mom who no longer has a living room. Oh well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And that's a wrap! Hope you find this helpful. Feel free to comment/email any questions. I'm no expert but I think I have a pretty good handle on the best baby items! As you can see, having a baby isn't cheap but oh boy is it worth it. I leave you with our most recent family photo. Happy Weekend!</span><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBalcpne3381pMrEWlSX8HGa-_H_nonPTOa3ghx1GxgEmbPUfipePEFJp81g-jAR-Sx5zzDCmeTS-vaFm31x_7Oethc9i_9bjjSEZzkreYJh2mP_iEnVhPrfwVdNTarBt8R48vWG23R4/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-08+at+12.48.36+PM.png" width="392" /></div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-40914850942310449982012-09-19T12:11:00.000-04:002012-09-19T12:11:47.360-04:00Creative Sweet, Salty & Spicy Pizzas (QFM)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my favorite Quick Fix Meals is making pizza. I buy dough from the store and meals come together in less than a half hour. Another favorite thing: using non-traditional pizza sauces. These two pizzas are definitely different. The first uses BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce and the second uses Pesto! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBYGHVI-E63vacqtAX7peNm7rjDTSaL76dbs7uN0rFuYWtlEiKt9UTjc4yhUZlPOmg7HKfNs2tlR2sTPB8necB6rDWfdd5q90QY_fxjOFjq6X3Fb1hsJpqGe37E2sxJFKk71HWlyqvJw/s1600/IMG_9814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBYGHVI-E63vacqtAX7peNm7rjDTSaL76dbs7uN0rFuYWtlEiKt9UTjc4yhUZlPOmg7HKfNs2tlR2sTPB8necB6rDWfdd5q90QY_fxjOFjq6X3Fb1hsJpqGe37E2sxJFKk71HWlyqvJw/s640/IMG_9814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made these two creative pizzas using the<a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-chicken.html"> Shredded BBQ Chicken</a> and the <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/09/pulled-bbq-chicken-tacos-with-cherry.html">Sweet and Spicy Cherry Peach Salsa.</a></div>
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The first was a play off of the Cherry Peach Salsa BBQ Chicken Tacos. Basically all those ingredients on a pizza!</div>
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<b><i>BBQ Chicken Cherry Peach Pizza </i></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<i>Store Bought Pizza Dough</i></div>
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<i>1/8 Cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce or enough to spread all over your pizza dough</i></div>
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<i>Shredded BBQ Chicken</i></div>
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<i>1/4 Cup of the <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/09/pulled-bbq-chicken-tacos-with-cherry.html">Cherry Peach Salsa</a></i></div>
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<i>Shredded Mozzarella Cheese</i></div>
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<i>Sprinkling more of the Cherry Peach Salsa to put on top</i></div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<i>Roll out your pizza dough on a cookie sheet or pizza pan. Spread BBQ Sauce. Add Shredded Chicken, Peach Salsa and Cheese. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Top with remaining Cherry Peach Salsa.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmDyCuUreqQ/UEaiXzEEPvI/AAAAAAAAbAg/2JezYc4GGbE/s1600/IMG_9816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmDyCuUreqQ/UEaiXzEEPvI/AAAAAAAAbAg/2JezYc4GGbE/s400/IMG_9816.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second was inspired by a pizza I saw on <a href="http://www.thesweetslife.com/2012/08/nectarine-and-prosciutto-pizza.html">The Sweets Life for Nectarine and Prosciutto Pizza.</a> Only instead of using Prosciutto, I used up the rest of our shredded chicken. This recipe combined Basil Pesto (that I made a few days ahead in the food processor), Peaches/Nectarines, Shredded Chicken, Red Onion and Monterey Jack Cheese. So it had that whole spicy, sweet, fresh combo going on. Sounds completely random, but I think this was a winning pizza and one I will make again.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G2tUYakFCs/UE0_VmEpaqI/AAAAAAAAbZM/CeXjmeRLjCU/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G2tUYakFCs/UE0_VmEpaqI/AAAAAAAAbZM/CeXjmeRLjCU/s640/IMG_9846.JPG" width="457" /></a></div>
<b><i>Pesto, Chicken and Nectarine Pizza</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.thesweetslife.com/2012/08/nectarine-and-prosciutto-pizza.html">Inspired by The Sweets Life</a><br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<i>Store Bought Pizza Dough or make your own</i><br />
<i>1/4 cup of Basil Pesto (Make your own! I use a big handful of basil, pine nuts, handful of parm, salt, pepper and 1/4 cup of good quality Olive Oil)</i><br />
<i>Shredded Chicken</i><br />
<i>Half a Red Onion, Sliced in Half Moons</i><br />
<i>1 Nectarine and/or Peach, cut in circles or slices</i><br />
<i>1/2 Cup of Monterey Jack Cheese</i><br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<i>Roll out your dough on a cookie sheet. Spread the Basil Pesto as the base. Top with Chicken, Onions and Nectarine/Peaches. Add Shredded Cheese on top. Bake at 425 for 10-20 minutes. Serve with delicious Kale Chips!</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ECRpYktvj8/UE1AUbnxP3I/AAAAAAAAbaM/ixQgwK5wFW0/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ECRpYktvj8/UE1AUbnxP3I/AAAAAAAAbaM/ixQgwK5wFW0/s400/IMG_9856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Love my pizzas! Can't wait to make both of these again!</div>
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<b><i>What's your favorite non-traditional sauce?</i></b></div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-11301572691022184392012-09-12T13:58:00.004-04:002012-09-12T13:58:50.412-04:00Pulled BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cherry Peach SalsaLong title right? I left you hanging with my <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-chicken.html">BBQ Pulled Chicken</a> there... time for me to post some more recipes!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIi5igJxkXI/UEagFrf2fWI/AAAAAAAAa_k/T2gIeUL46y4/s1600/IMG_9802-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIi5igJxkXI/UEagFrf2fWI/AAAAAAAAa_k/T2gIeUL46y4/s640/IMG_9802-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
After the meat is already cooked, the rest of this recipe is really easy. This is a great weeknight meal- takes minutes to put together. Especially if you pre-make the salsa like I did!<br />
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The salsa is a mixture of cherries, peaches, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 of a minced jalapeño, the juice of 1 lime and sprinkling of salt.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XC28fcbJI/UEagC1g24vI/AAAAAAAAa-0/K107MqwxCso/s1600/IMG_9794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XC28fcbJI/UEagC1g24vI/AAAAAAAAa-0/K107MqwxCso/s640/IMG_9794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Be careful with the jalapeño and cilantro... it can overpower the whole thing. I ended up adding more and more peaches and cherries to counterbalance that. So taste as you go....<br />
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All you have to do is grab some flour tortillas, scoop some chicken and add the salsa on top. </div>
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Boom. Done. </div>
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<b><i>Pulled BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cherry Peach Salsa</i></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adapted from<a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/08/28/smoky-pulled-pork-tacos-with-cherry-peach-salsa-crock-pot-recipe/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"> Iowa Girl Eats</a> via <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/spicy-dr-pepper-shredded-pork/" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">Pioneer Woman</a></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></b></div>
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<i>1 cup of <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-chicken.html">Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicke</a>n (or however much you'd like!)</i></div>
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<i>Flour Tortillas (I used<a href="http://www.josephsbakery.com/p-10234-Flax-Oat-Bran-and-Omega-3-Whole-Wheat-Flour-Tortilla"> Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Flour Tortilla</a>- my fav!)</i></div>
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<i><b>For the Cherry-Peach Salsa</b></i></div>
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<i>1 cup of pitted cherries (I just chopped around the the pit)</i></div>
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<i>2 large peaches, chopped</i></div>
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<i>1/4 cup cilantro</i></div>
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<i>1/2 </i><span style="background-color: transparent;"><i>jalapeño</i></span></div>
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<i>salt</i></div>
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<i>juice of 1 lime</i></div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<i>For the Cherry-Peach Salsa- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can make it up to two days in advance. Microwave tortillas for 30 seconds... then fill with (STRAINED) chicken and salsa. Add as much or as little that you like.</i></div>
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It was awesome! If you're worried about the chicken being too sweet... don't worry. The chipotle peppers and the <span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">jalapeño</span> add a nice bit of heat! Sweet and spicy- my fav!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUhOEGQBsJE/UEagECHvdnI/AAAAAAAAa_M/o85TwoQPdu4/s1600/IMG_9798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUhOEGQBsJE/UEagECHvdnI/AAAAAAAAa_M/o85TwoQPdu4/s400/IMG_9798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll post the other recipes in the next day or two... I won't leave you hanging!</div>
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Enjoy : )</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-42156182753989631492012-09-09T17:54:00.001-04:002012-09-09T17:56:00.131-04:00Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLYtLlByzRA/UEagCcvDAhI/AAAAAAAAa-s/JIAvsgJSTdo/s1600/IMG_9788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLYtLlByzRA/UEagCcvDAhI/AAAAAAAAa-s/JIAvsgJSTdo/s640/IMG_9788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been breaking out the slowcooker quite a bit lately. It's been making meals come together really quickly. Last week I made BBQ Pulled Chicken. The plan was to make Pulled Pork but when I couldn't find a Pork Butt or Pork Shoulder at the grocery store that I was happy with, I decided to make Pulled Chicken instead using a combination of chicken breasts and chicken thighs.*</div>
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*Heads up: Notice how Chicken Thighs on the bone with skin are always super cheap? I bought them and trimmed off all the fat then threw the thighs on the bone in the slow cooker. Once it was ready to shred, the meat just fell right off the bone.</div>
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This is a simple recipe that I know I will use over and over again. And this meat made enough meat for 4 different recipes plus tons of leftovers!</div>
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<b><i>Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken</i></b></div>
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<i>Adapted from<a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/08/28/smoky-pulled-pork-tacos-with-cherry-peach-salsa-crock-pot-recipe/"> Iowa Girl Eats</a> via <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/spicy-dr-pepper-shredded-pork/">Pioneer Woman</a></i></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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<i>4 large skinless chicken breasts</i></div>
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<i>4 bone-in skin removed chicken thighs</i></div>
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<i>salt and pepper</i></div>
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<i>1 large sweet onion</i></div>
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<i>4 chipotle peppers in adobo + 2 tablespoons of sauce</i></div>
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<i>1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce</i></div>
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<i>2 tablespoons of brown sugar</i></div>
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<i>20 ounces of Cherry Dr. Pepper</i></div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<i>Cut onion in quarters and place in crockpot. Add chicken pieces to the bottom of the dish. Season with lots of salt and pepper. Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, brown sugar and Dr. Pepper. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken pieces from crock pot and shred then place back in slow cooker until ready to serve.</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAtNuxniwYU/UEagBSAevRI/AAAAAAAAa-c/qGeozH1bgzY/s1600/IMG_9786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PAtNuxniwYU/UEagBSAevRI/AAAAAAAAa-c/qGeozH1bgzY/s400/IMG_9786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the upcoming days I'll post the recipes of what I did with all this chicken:</div>
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<b>Pulled BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cherry Peach Salsa</b></div>
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<b>Pulled Chicken and Cherry Peach Quesadillas</b></div>
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<b>Pulled BBQ Chicken Pizza with Cherry Peach Salsa</b></div>
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<b>Pesto, Nectarine and BBQ Pulled Chicken Pizza with Monterey Jack Cheese</b></div>
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I love making a protein like this that I can use in several meals throughout the week! All the recipes I made resemble each other but we never felt like we were eating the same thing each night. And dinner came together quickly because the main part was already done!</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-70038908188790277592012-09-05T12:06:00.001-04:002012-09-05T12:06:18.879-04:00Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Cakes (& Mushroom Cakes too...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I cooked last week. A lot. I felt like the old me... spending lots of time in the kitchen while little Dylan looked on. One of the best recipes I made was <b>Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Cakes</b>. They were fun, different and an interesting use of Quinoa that I haven't seen before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp7M724qcmBLwANgPB9SglfJmf9pVEutTIL0DdF8gR_h8BWwfa29xXpryD6PAB2o1Qopi_UpH8bN1ZBSi11QpzB39IrEO0CrTRlyrjF31bVkw9SQoUrX4oQTEOJGNrS934tpzliR0UvM/s1600/IMG_9276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp7M724qcmBLwANgPB9SglfJmf9pVEutTIL0DdF8gR_h8BWwfa29xXpryD6PAB2o1Qopi_UpH8bN1ZBSi11QpzB39IrEO0CrTRlyrjF31bVkw9SQoUrX4oQTEOJGNrS934tpzliR0UvM/s640/IMG_9276.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So they key to making this a Quick Fix Meal is to prep ahead. The night before I made the Quinoa and Sautéed 2 small chicken thighs. The next day the meal came together wicked fast. (Yes, I wrote <i>wicked</i> - it's part of my vocabulary!)<br />
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I loved the subtle spice of the buffalo sauce mixed with the tasty pops of quinoa. I served this with a salad with feta and sautéed mushrooms but it would be great with celery and carrot sticks on the side. And blue cheese or Ranch dressing if you're into that sort of thing. Me, though, I'm scared of white creamy dressings so I stay away. And there was enough flavor in these cakes that you didn't need extra dressing. Trust me! My husband though, is a dipper so he served these up with Ranch dressing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPnCZk2o3PU/UD-_Nr2ZPTI/AAAAAAAAafs/Z-pqEmAGoSA/s1600/IMG_9278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPnCZk2o3PU/UD-_Nr2ZPTI/AAAAAAAAafs/Z-pqEmAGoSA/s400/IMG_9278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Cakes</i></b></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/08/buffalo-chicken-quinoa-fritters.html">Closet Cooking</a></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1/2 cup quinoa</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 cups chicken broth</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded (I used 2 small chicken thighs)</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1/4 cup hot sauce or to taste</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1/4 cup onion, finely diced</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1/2 cup cheddar, shredded</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1 egg</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>salt and pepper to taste</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>oil for frying</i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Instructions</b></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><i><b>(Prep ahead method- cook quinoa the night before- add 1/2 cup of quinoa to 1 cup of broth and let simmer until cooked about 15 minutes. Also cook and shred/chop the chicken thighs)</b></i></li>
<li class="ingredient"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the cooked quinoa with the chicken, hot sauce, onion, cheddar cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper, adding more panko and another egg if needed. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. F</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">orm patties and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-6 minutes per side, and set aside on paper towels to drain.</span></i></li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yq3Klhfi6Kc/UD-_N-yCQUI/AAAAAAAAaf4/HteTsG47W-M/s1600/IMG_9279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yq3Klhfi6Kc/UD-_N-yCQUI/AAAAAAAAaf4/HteTsG47W-M/s400/IMG_9279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So... I actually cooked up about a cup of quinoa so I had extra to spare. And because I had a ginormous container of portobello mushrooms, I cooked those up to add to my side salad. But then I thought... what if I update my favorite <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/search/label/Mushroom%20Cakes%20with%20Guacomole%20and%20Red%20Pepper%20Coulis">Mushroom Cakes</a>? I first made these in January of 2010 and loved them. So to the food processor I added sautéed mushrooms, garlic, dried basil and mozzarella cheese. Then I mixed that with an egg or two, panko and the rest of the quinoa. Seasoned that up with salt and pepper and browned them up in a hot skillet like the buffalo cakes. I added a guacamole on top. Not the best picture but these cakes were super delicious- and fast!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb1GG22IURY/UD-_PiTYLUI/AAAAAAAAagk/Mcddkzs3uqQ/s1600/IMG_9291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sb1GG22IURY/UD-_PiTYLUI/AAAAAAAAagk/Mcddkzs3uqQ/s400/IMG_9291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So two quick, delicious, very different kinds of quinoa cakes. A fun, creative twist on fritters!</div>
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Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-88588559790530550592012-08-30T11:49:00.003-04:002012-08-30T11:49:14.278-04:00Random Thursday Things<div style="text-align: center;">
A freelancer friend of mine said to me yesterday, </div>
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<b><i>"What you do when you're bored determines where your true passions lie...."</i></b></div>
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Pretty deep right? I thought that was interesting and I've been thinking about it quite a bit.</div>
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<b>When I'm bored...</b></div>
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I take photos</div>
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I edit photos</div>
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I blog</div>
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I read blogs</div>
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I cook</div>
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I read cooking blogs</div>
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I read cooking magazines</div>
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I shoot video</div>
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I edit video</div>
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I run</div>
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I read about running</div>
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and most recently...</div>
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I've started taking time-lapse video</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/48525428" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/48525428">Boston Harbor</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user11385366">Lizzy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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I work above the 30th floor in a Boston high rise building and the views are pretty remarkable in every direction. This video shows the Boston Harbor (check out the boats and ferry coming in and out), the Clock Tower (check out the hands moving!) and the airport (you can see planes flying in!). Pretty fun stuff. I look forward to shooting more time-lapse in the future.</div>
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Oh and I shot all this on my T2i! Best $500 ever spent : )</div>
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In unrelated news, Dylan and I match today. Both wearing Octopus shirts because it's totally normal for a mom to dress like her son right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievFw-WEN1-n5SBx9fyngQyyVU3XVO_wkCRFegc9UlA8Gc_wj-ldf549vYEPizPb9coezwEoH8zxxutwhO7oxQBqXsd9Znvx1vtjgMmt0klBWjPL4CRhdofplZQzbXptfKS-CpxWWCPF4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-30+at+11.43.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievFw-WEN1-n5SBx9fyngQyyVU3XVO_wkCRFegc9UlA8Gc_wj-ldf549vYEPizPb9coezwEoH8zxxutwhO7oxQBqXsd9Znvx1vtjgMmt0klBWjPL4CRhdofplZQzbXptfKS-CpxWWCPF4/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-08-30+at+11.43.33+AM.png" width="281" /></a></div>
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Happy Thursday! I'll be back soon to post about all the delicious recipes I've been making lately.</div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-5336955037212724462012-08-23T11:53:00.002-04:002012-08-23T11:53:32.338-04:00Mommy 'Vice: Take Video!<div style="text-align: center;">
The beginning of Mommy 'Vice starts today and it's short and simple. </div>
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You know that awesome DSLR camera you bought to take pictures of your baby {or of food}? Well, don't forget to switch to the video function once in awhile and get some awesome footage! Now my day job is a Video Editor so I don't expect everyone to be able to create something like this, but there is plenty you can do just using iMovie. So get your cameras out and start recording.</div>
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<i>{If you have questions on how to shoot video on your camera, reach out to me! We use our DSLR cameras professionally to shoot video as well...}</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/47904645" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/47904645">Sunday Morning</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user11385366">Lizzy</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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I'm hoping to put together a video like this together once a month. This was taken Sunday morning. Dylan was in such good spirits, I decided to wake up Dave and the rest just came together very organically.</div>
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I spent time researching songs- fell in love with Emilie Mover, listened to a bunch of her songs and found the one I used: Made for Each Other. I later found that it was also used in a <a href="http://tvcfblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/fisher-price-laugh-learn-dance-play.html">Fisher Price commercial!</a></div>
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<b><u>The lyrics: </u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You are exactly one of a kind</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>There ain't no other I would find</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You are eternally on my mind</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We're so completely intertwined</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And in a perfect world as this</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You can wake up every day</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And make your way</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We dream of the best stuff </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And we can make it happen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>We were made for each other</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And we sing along with all our favorite songs</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And we can make them up</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Because we were made for each other</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For Always...</i></span></div>
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I'm always looking for good music like this track to put against videos, so let me know if you have any suggestions!</div>
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I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed making it.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thursday!</span></div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-1835536450981880192012-08-16T14:03:00.001-04:002012-08-16T14:03:22.600-04:00Quick Fix Meals: Quinoa Jambalaya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFDk98qf-x0/UC0uFDcxiGI/AAAAAAAAaBE/DwDlvDJ8VHI/s1600/IMG_3746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFDk98qf-x0/UC0uFDcxiGI/AAAAAAAAaBE/DwDlvDJ8VHI/s640/IMG_3746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The other night I put this dish together with random ingredients I had in my house. I had no set "plan" but this dish came together in the same amount of time it took to make the quinoa. Which is no time at all! I was pleasantly surprised at how EASY this was to put together, but also how much flavor this dish had... with no added seasoning. I used a spicy chicken sausage and I cooked the Quinoa in chicken broth which flavored this entire dish without the need to add anything additional. So if you're in the mood for something unique that takes less than 20 minutes to make from start to eating, you gotta try this dish. I promise you won't be disappointed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMDornZsDUNeDF1JlK48LnHczoazfKyLwA60bSRZoxhK2W9hgu1UjN3_f80R6ZdftXeCZE8i3YUN5iiE-JR6-QULjpLSIHTS7po7-ED4iR-ufYxKmEjETIXiG7o6_Yez9vDCPEp4xBEg/s1600/IMG_3760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMDornZsDUNeDF1JlK48LnHczoazfKyLwA60bSRZoxhK2W9hgu1UjN3_f80R6ZdftXeCZE8i3YUN5iiE-JR6-QULjpLSIHTS7po7-ED4iR-ufYxKmEjETIXiG7o6_Yez9vDCPEp4xBEg/s400/IMG_3760.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Quinoa Jambalaya</i></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<i>2 cups of Quinoa (I used half cup of red, half cup of regular)</i></div>
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<i>4 cups of Chicken Broth (Sometimes I add a little extra- basically an entire box)</i></div>
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<i>4 Spicy Chicken Sausage Links, sliced and sautéed</i></div>
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<i>1 cup of Cooked Shrimp, sautéed</i></div>
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<i>1 package of frozen vegetables- I used 1 bag of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhoran/305752019/">Trader Joe's Organic Soycutash</a> (a mixture of corn, edamame and red peppers)</i></div>
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<b>Instructions:</b></div>
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<i>Add 2 cups of Quinoa to a stock pot. Add the four cups of broth. Cook on medium low heat for twenty minutes or until the quinoa is cooked. You may need to add a bit more broth depending on how hot your stove is. While the quinoa is cooking, add your sliced chicken sausage to a hot skillet with olive oil. Saute for 10ish minutes until the sausage is cooked on all sides. Add your cooked shrimp and saute for a few more minutes. While you are doing that, remove your soycutash from it's packaging and place in a microwavable bowl. Microwave for 5 minutes or until it's no longer frozen. Add to your cooked quinoa along with the shrimp and sausage. Mix well and serve!</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvZYfWmSpfw/UC0uHK2d-XI/AAAAAAAAaB0/fMRzOgWsm_A/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvZYfWmSpfw/UC0uHK2d-XI/AAAAAAAAaB0/fMRzOgWsm_A/s640/IMG_3755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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You could easily make this dish vegetarian by using Vegetable Broth and Soy Chirozo and removing the shrimp. I think Soy Chirozo would add the same type of flavor the spicy chicken sausage did.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxM5MOPEfbw/UC0uJX_3vGI/AAAAAAAAaCY/7jo5bMuEZnU/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxM5MOPEfbw/UC0uJX_3vGI/AAAAAAAAaCY/7jo5bMuEZnU/s400/IMG_3758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So because I made so much of this dish, I had enough for 6 large servings. Having leftovers is a favorite in our household. Especially now with Baby Dylan, it's great to look in the fridge and know there is food for a few days. And it's even better to have lunch already made now that I'm back at work!</div>
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Yep, I started work last week and it's going well... I'm happy to report that I've been able to bring lunch everyday with meals like this one : )</div>
Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6626288962348691125.post-80362866761311478212012-08-02T10:49:00.001-04:002012-08-02T10:58:50.838-04:00Mommy 'Vice: Blog's a Changin'So I've been thinking a lot about this blog and how I want to move forward with it. I've been a little lost and haven't been posting as much. Mainly because although Dave and I eat home-cooked meals every night, they are nothing glamourous or worthy of a food post. Often times our meals are made while I'm wearing Dylan in the <a href="http://www.babyktan.com/">Baby K'tan</a> or while Dyl watches on sitting in the <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/en_US/brands/babygear/products/51903">Rock N Play Sleeper</a>.<br />
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Meaning I have very limited time to get dinner on the table. So our go-to meals have been proteins we can grill quickly- steak, chicken, burgers or fish that can cook fast in the oven. I always have salad made and usually some sort of side. Bulgur Wheat has been my grain of choice lately. We've still been eating fairly well, but I haven't figured out how and what to blog about when it comes to food. I don't want to show you guys something that isn't special but I do know I want to continue my <a href="http://www.foodtorunfor.com/2012/07/quick-fix-meals-qfm-mediterranean.html">Quick Fix Meals Series (QFM)</a> so hopefully I'll post more meals in the future.<br />
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On the running side of things, I have been running. Not with any regularity, but I've been getting out there and I've really been enjoying it. Mainly because I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I really have no desire to train for a marathon or run any races. I just want to get out there and enjoy the outside and run. So what does that mean? It means although I've been running, it's been more of a walk-run. I run when I feel like running and walk a few minutes every mile. My favorite running spots always include trails. Lately I've been running at Wellesley College- around Lake Waban.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c83y6HWQhdg5kjMAz19EABydukfx5FVIvyqUqiELb5HWgol2ErWRbCJLbpiI1ZevPZ4FelfNs0BJ8sJl5j4sx17iEvpYHd3UoCPQ1_k67nqhxJCpQDTCFBS_b6qzPjQikoV3exhMrNw/s1600/collage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c83y6HWQhdg5kjMAz19EABydukfx5FVIvyqUqiELb5HWgol2ErWRbCJLbpiI1ZevPZ4FelfNs0BJ8sJl5j4sx17iEvpYHd3UoCPQ1_k67nqhxJCpQDTCFBS_b6qzPjQikoV3exhMrNw/s320/collage1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I'll be posting here about runs I go on now and again but mainly I'll show you collages of my scenery rather than my mile splits. Running fast and far just isn't high on my priority list anymore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M3LHPigURBmncvJt8kKo8A520Ve2mA2p0QHQ2B0PzTWXq7SR0W-FsCJct9B5ReRKMAxYXfAFVN0V8ikTwx8lxU3ShrKDQ0AoM2en9d9wKv2eOr9m1v6OkDR1Uzg_vAyR6iTRbRbQ5RI/s1600/collage2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M3LHPigURBmncvJt8kKo8A520Ve2mA2p0QHQ2B0PzTWXq7SR0W-FsCJct9B5ReRKMAxYXfAFVN0V8ikTwx8lxU3ShrKDQ0AoM2en9d9wKv2eOr9m1v6OkDR1Uzg_vAyR6iTRbRbQ5RI/s320/collage2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
So that brings us to the title of this post. I've been totally inspired by <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">Cup of Jo Blogger Joanna Goddard</a>. If you don't read her blog, you should. Her posts are motivational and come from the heart. She writes a post weekly called <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/08/blogging-as-career.html#uds-search-results">Motherhood Mondays</a> and I absolutely adore it. She writes about everything from breastfeeding to how women balance work and motherhood to best maternity outfits to bedtime routines and everything in between. She provides personal stories without revealing too much {meaning she doesn't overshare private details} and her words have such strong meaning behind them. You can tell how passionate she is about what she writes. Without copying her ideas I wanted to do something similar on this blog. It's really hard for me to just focus on food and running when I have this little guy who has become such a huge part of my everyday life. And to just throw in a couple pictures of him or a monthly post about him here and there doesn't seem right either.<br />
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So I've been thinking about this and I want to add a new series to this blog called<b> Mommy 'Vice</b>. Short for Mommy Advice, clearly. I want to write about some of my own experiences with motherhood. I want to blog about short little stories or advice on baby gear. I want to feature friends outside the blog world who have provided me with tons of insight on being a Mommy. I want to tell you about the meals I create when I have 20 minutes or less. I think creating a feature like this will help me feel better about blogging. Because lately I've been out of sorts with the whole thing... and I want to love blogging again and I feel like this might help.<br />
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Plus who doesn't want to see pictures of my little man?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlPcmJi8z3Q/UBWMNI97MkI/AAAAAAAAY1w/tb7PQthafB0/s1600/IMG_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FlPcmJi8z3Q/UBWMNI97MkI/AAAAAAAAY1w/tb7PQthafB0/s400/IMG_3090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(thanks <a href="http://beckontherun.com/">Becky</a> for my adorable Under Armour shirt!)</div>
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So what do you think?Lizzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10186456510876605883noreply@blogger.com8