8/30/2011

Wordless Wednesday At the park!



Whats for lunch bento

Bento Lunch


Clementines, cucumbers, strawberries, juice box, 
individual hummus (sold now in costco...whoot!) and a fruit snack stick.
Not pictured: pita chips for the dip!

Took these photos over the weekend, but didn't take a photo of what was in their bento.  We have had not trouble bringing these to restaurants.  The kids color and chat for a bit, then get down to the business at hand...eating.  It is a welcome break for me from cooking and a welcome break for my tastebuds (that crave cheese).   Could these kids get any cuter?


Top Ten Tuesday

Clothing addition...top ten pieces I can't live without. I am not a fashion diva.  I enjoy feeling cute, but it has to be simple!


1. Levi Jeans:: Have them in light and dark.  Dark dresses up, light is casual.  They fit me great so this is why I love them!





2.White Camis:: I wear these under everything from a thin shirt to a heavy sweater.

3. Keens shoes


4. Land's End Cardigans:: They come in a range of colors. At certain times of the year they are a steal.  Thinking of changing up some of the buttons to give some zing to the looks.  But for now they are fine.

5. Colorful necklaces:: When in doubt add a colorful necklace to make an outfit feel complete.



6.Casual Fun cotton dresses:: Doesn't matter the season I have one or two solid colored cotton dresses.  These can be worn alone or worn with lots of accessories.






7. My flats::  I have cute flats in plain black, shiny reptile red, coral and patent leather blue with buckles.  These can be worn with dresses, jeans, pants and skirts.  They are a must have from fall to spring.


8. PJs:: yes I did say pjs.  Once dinner is over and I know we are in for the night, I love changing into my cute, comfy pajamas.  I have a range of cute sets and adorable nightgowns.  Getting dressed down for be puts me in a relaxed mood.


9.  Workout gear::  I love to walk.  I also like really playing with my kids at the playground or on outings.  So I need a few cute looks that can go from working out to the grocery store.

10. A sweatsuit::  A must, every year I buy my kids one adorable sweatsuit for those lazy days in the house when it's raining or we have colds.  I have two sweatsuits of my own that go with these days.  It's almost like eating comfort food when I'm in them.  This year I'm thinking of buying myself a new sweatsuit to go with the kids.

Two Little Birds

Yesterday my little Gavin decided he wanted to pretend he was a bird.  His sister is more than happy to get in on any sort of make believe.  So the two built a nest with all the down twigs from Hurricane Irene. 
They took turns flying around the yard to feed each other.  Thankfully the menu wasn't for worms, but pine cones.
When it came time for dinner, they asked if they could eat outside.  When I set up their table, they flew over for their meal.  I'll give them this...they stay in character pretty well.

8/29/2011

Singing in the Rain

  Every time we pass even the tiniest puddle while crossing the street, Gavin almost pulls off my arm to jump in it.  So today as the sky opened up, both my kids were glued to the front window.  They eagerly watched as the streets swelled.  We heard rumbling thunder and saw lightening flash.  My little ones wanted to go for a walk in rain.  I explained that it would have to be later.  Fast forward about two hours and the kids are geared up with their boots and raincoats ready to go!




We made our loop, spotting puddles along the way.  The kids noticed the water flowing into the storm sewers in our neighborhood.  So we had a little lesson and followed them all the way to our creek.  The creek was churned up and as brown as chocolate silk.  It was swollen (not as much as after the hurricane) and reaching up the banks further than on our last visit.  The best part is we were able to spot the drain pipe where the storm sewer water meets the creek.  Sort of fascinating.



My husband doesn't like when he sees people washing off their car, or discharging any sort of liquid into the street.  So I took the lesson one step further and showed them the grates and how they should be kept clean and free of debris.  Conveniently, our storm sewers are labeled with a cute fish logo that says...water only, drains to stream


Menu Plan Monday

Monday:: Hurricane leftovers.  Like the rest of the east coasters, I believed we'd be without electricity, water and basic home conveniences.  So I cooked ahead burgers, tomato pie, pasta, tomato soup and chicken nuggets.  I diced up watermelon, cantelope and various veggies. I even sliced up some salami.  So dinner and many lunches this week will be leftovers.

Tuesday::  I have a dinner date with a friend.  We're using coupons for free meals from chik fila, then off for pedicures.  Leaving the kids and Chris with leftover pasta, sauce and salad.

Wednesday::  Grilled Herbed Chicken.  Drying out some of the herbs from my garden.  I'll then put it through my food processor for the perfect consistency.  Then we'll use some to coat chicken now, freeze some for later and olive oil to others for an amazing herb oil.  We'll through some asparagus, squash and eggplant on the grill too.  Making some honey wheat breadsticks in my breadmaker as a side.  The kids love those.

Uh oh...getting hungry now.

Thursday:: Quesadillas without cheese are super yummy.  I will defrost some leftover taco meat, make refried beans and add in the extra tomato, peppers, cilantro.  This is my new favorite meal.

Weekend:  I will be traveling to a wedding in Chicago.  Once I find out what the family wants I'll prep ahead some of it to make it an easier weekend on my sweet husband. 

8/15/2011

Meal Plan Monday

Monday: Hummus and a variety of dippers

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken and veggies.  2 farmers market and a country junction store...we're bursting with veggies.  Asparagus, corn, eggplant and squash are on the agenda.  Best part, with the leftovers I can dice them small and make a fabulous pasta salad or panzanella!

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes

Thursday: Mini pigs in a blanket.  Can you believe I found kosher (meaning allergy safe) mini hot dogs.  Thinking of making my own dough and wrapping these bad boys up.  We'll have a salad as well!

Friday: Heading out on a trip, we'll probably have some leftovers revisited on the road.

Saturday:  We'll have friends for the weekend.  Hoping to serve my easy, breezy pulled chicken.  Seriously, organic chicken + favorite bbq sauce (store or homemade) + crockpot= yum.my!  Last time I made this my kids tried it and were hooked.

Sunday: Winding down the weekend, we'll probably bring leftovers on the way home for the kids.