chitter chitter

Dry Bar

2012-01-31T08:00:00.004-05:00

I love this idea!

I love getting my hair blown out. (I'm a regular Pauly D.) In fact, this past year I started a new tradition where I take a break from getting things ready for our Christmas Eve party to our local salon for a quick blowout. It's so nice get that little pampering break.

This place has taken it to new heights. Head north, Dry Bar, head north!!

A Rose By Any Other Name

2012-01-30T09:03:00.000-05:00

A friend sent me a link to this news last week. That Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of Opie/Richie Cunningham) has great taste in names! Too bad I can't say the same for her parents.

Digits

2012-01-26T13:41:00.004-05:00

Did anyone catch this week's Teen Mom 2. My favorite part had to be when Janelle kept berating Kieffer, repeating "Tell me who has the 508 number." Cory and I died laughing because that's our area code. Is Kieffer having a lil sumpin sumpin on the side with a MassHole?

When reading a recap of this episode on Huffington Post, there was an awesome footnote: ** A quick Wikipedia search tells us that people with that area codes are from parts of Massachusetts, including Cape Cod and the Islands. The post doesn't mention if said girls are slutty.

In other Teen Mom news: Wow.

Love Is In The Air

2012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was crafting like a mo-fo on Sunday while Cory watched the Patriots game and my brother entertained the kids while simultaneously attempting to watch the game.

I focused on Valentine's Day, changing my mantle over.

I also made the sign below. Originally I was going to try and spray paint a cheap Ikea doormat but decided it probably wouldn't hold up to wet boots. So I went with this instead:

I think I'll hang it outside of my front door. If I made it again, I'd use felt letters and just pin those to the doormat/canvas. It makes me smile every time I read it.

And this marks the first time I've pinned any of my creations to Pinterest. I think it will be a good way to keep track of holiday decor because I feel like I reinvent the wheel each year.

Avalanche

2012-01-24T13:28:00.004-05:00

I'm not looking for this blog to become all about CrossFit but it's part of my daily life so maybe you can tolerate just a little talk about it?

Last night's class was insane. The WOD (workout of the day) gets posted the night before or first thing in the morning. I took a look in the afternoon immediately started getting nervous.

So the WOD was called "Avalanche" and it was for time. You had to do 10 cleans then run 200 meters (outside!) Then 9 cleans and run 200 meters, then 8 cleans and run 200 meters. All the way down to 1. The prescribed weight for women was 95 lbs. I did 35 lbs and that was mighty heavy for me. That's why I love CrossFit. You can scale every exercise and still get an amazing workout. This workout took me 17:57 but it was one of the hardest workouts I've ever done. I never thought I'd actually look forward to running but I did because it was a break from lifting heavy shit. And it was refreshing to get out in the cold air. Let's hope I can increase my weight next time this one comes around.

I am so not an experience or avid runner so I had to look up how many miles 2000M was. It's a little over 1 mile :)

In running related news, this post by Carrots 'N Cake about Tabata Treadmill Workouts was interesting. I don't love running but I think maybe I could do something like this once a week or so.

Also just so you know, I am not completely drunk on the "CrossFit Kool-Aid." There are moments where I wonder "What the fuck am I doing here. I'm paying for this punishment. I am grunting like a mating animal." I'm crazy.

Meal Planning

2012-01-23T15:55:00.004-05:00

The Korean beef is from Trader Joe's. It's yummy.

Here is the recipe for Paleo "Pizza." I'll give it a whirl.

Paleo Pizza Crust:
1-1.5 lbs ground turkey
2 tbsp almond meal
1 egg
1 tsp basil
Steps:
Mix and spread in a pan or skillet about 1/2 inch thick.
Bake at 450 for 10 min.
Add your favorite toppings and cook for another 12-15 min.

On Friday night, I may be going to a talk by Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet, so we'll leave that night TBD.

Just Another Day For You & Me in Paradise

2012-01-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when you're just trying to keep from screaming, its best to just grab the iPhone to shoot a video of the complete shit show your house has become. This here is dinner time at the Chase casa. Theo is melting down because Cory's taken away his dinner after the nine hundredth warning to NOT THROW YOUR FOOD. We are going to have our hands full with this little bastard. He has no fear of authority. Just like the father. But really my favorite part of this video is Beatrice yelling in the background "I NEED A HOT DOG" and then the end when Theo, still crying does his best to say "Cheese." Aw, welcome to my world.

P.S. Try getting that Phil Collins song out of your head (see blog title.) Sorry, sucka.

Treat, Treat

2012-01-19T13:00:00.005-05:00

I was looking through all of my photos on my phone and found this one that I never posted. During the holidays, I made these treat bags filled with cookies for Beatrice's teachers.

This simple tutorial shows you how to make your own treat bags. The tutorial is really well done. I think the handmade bag/box adds a personal touch to any gift. (Full disclosure: I watched the video 47 times because I kept getting hung up on one part. This should not deter you. I am braindead about 80% of my waking hours.)

Speaking of teachers' gift here are other cute ideas I found on Pinterest.

Read It/Watch It

2012-01-18T15:05:00.003-05:00

Just finished Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me. Damn funny and a super easy, light read.
And on Monday, I had an impromptu date with Cory to see The Descendants. I would recommend it for a matinee.

That's all I got.

Read Up

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Some days I feel as if I've finished the Internet. I hit up all of my usual blogs, then crickets...nothing left to read. This website, Give Me Something To Read, has lots of interesting stories and articles. Their 2011 Highlights List is a great place to start. Enjoy!

No Tea for You

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Little Miss was not a happy camper after I whooped her at the Fancy Nancy Tea Party game.
This fit lasted for a full 20 minutes. To date she has refused a re-match. Cory says I need to lay off the taunting next time.

'Shit Girls Say'

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty f'ing funny.

Although this one made me laugh harder.

Neither Here Nor There

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is a random smattering of what's going on in my head right now. In true lazy blogger form, I present to you my bulleted list.

Why oh why does Kyle Richards of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills think its OK to wear those god damn hair clips with her hair half up? (After scouring the Internet for 20 minutes I have given up my search for a photo if her with this heinous look.) You all know the hair clip of which I speak... the one you throw in your hair as you run out the door to do errands or you use to to keep your hair out of your face while you brush your teeth. I'll even allow you the smaller version but c'mon girl, lose the big ass clip.

There are some CrossFit exercises that scare the shit out of me, such as the Rope Climb and Handstand Push Up. I can't even imagine my body being able to do those things. I am genetically predisposed to squatting and lifting heavy things. My people were a working in fields not climbing trees and shit. I can bang out a mean weighted squat but this getting my body off the ground....not so much. Once I get through the Foundations course, I am going to set some realistic CrossFit goals.

Eating clean (er) has been going OK. I totally had full body reactions to cutting out the sugar and carbs (lethargy, headaches, irritability... similar to the DTs.) The carbs I can handle. I am not a big at-home pasta and bread eater but the sugar, I like me some sugar. I cheated on Saturday night with wine and pizza, chips, and cookies and I felt like shit the next day. I know that I will never be so strict that I keep to this way of life 100%. I am just hoping to learn how to treat special occasions as such and not think I deserve a food treat on a random Tuesday night. Or better yet not treat food like a treat but find other 'rewards' instead. I like the saying "Don't treat yourself with food. You are not a dog."

Beatrice has been going to bed without a Pull-Up for the last 3 nights. I know we waited way long on this. She's been potty trained for over a year and a half but every morning she would wake up with a drenched Pull-Up. Recently she decided that she was a big girl and would no longer rock the Pull-Ups. I was hesitant to support this idea because of my hatred for changing beds. I don't know why I hate that task so much but it angers me but so far no sheets have been soiled in this experiment. She wakes up every night around 2 or 3 for a pee break. There is something so adorable about her little feet going pitter patter down the hallway in the we hours of the morning. She grins ear to ear when she comes into our room chanting, "Dry undies" (and she does this while grabbing her crotch in such a charming way.) She is so dang proud of herself (as am I). I heard her playing with Theo yesterday and he made one of his 3 man grunt noises "Ma" which she construed as him calling her "Mama." She replied "OK, Theo, you can call me Mama. I wear underpants to bed now." I wish I knew 4 years ago that all it took to earn Mama status was toss on a pair of knickers.

We started watching the first season of Downton Abbey last night. Actually Cory fell asleep about 20 minutes into it but I hung in there. It's not going to be for everyone but I'm enjoying it thus far. Gawker has been doing pieces about it for a while if you want a primer. And I will have you know that every time I read a writeup of the show, I thought to myself, "I need to check out this Downtown Abbey show everyone is talking about." Yup, been reading it as DOWNTOWN for months. I'd like to tell you that I noticed my mistake as the opening credits were rolling but I'd be lying. It wasn't until the third or fourth time a character said the word, Dowton, that I caught on. Maybe that is a sign that I'm too dumb to watch PBS.

The Monthly Give- January 2012

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's a new year. Let's start it off in the spirit of giving. If you have kids, I'm sure your play areas are overflowing with Christmas/Hanukkah presents. My goal is to take this weekend to clean out the playroom and put aside the toys the kids no longer use. I will make a donation to the Vets or Big Brothers Association. They make it very easy to donate. You just set up a time and leave the items in your driveway for pickup.

Of course I would recommend doing the clean out once your kids are already asleep. I made the mistake of trying to do this when Beatrice was around and she gave me a tongue lashing for trying to throw away her 1-legged Aaron Carter doll.

Also, while reading Hip2Save, I found information about Inspiration Through Art's 2012 Valentine Card Drive. I think this would be a great thing to do with Beatrice.

Happy 2012

2012-01-04T11:03:00.000-05:00

As you know, I am a Resolutions kind of gal. I like the idea of starting each year anew while putting behind the challenges of the previous year. It's refreshing and rejuvenating. Here are my 2012 Resolutions:

Participate in a Monthly Give every month of 2012: Research shows that you feel better mentally and emotionally when you help others. I will post the January Monthly Give later this week.

Create and accomplish monthly, measurable CrossFit fitness goals: I just started a new gym, CrossFit. I'll post more about it later but so far I love it and it was just what I needed to re-boot my workout regimen.

Aim to eat Paleo: I don't remember if I've blogged about this way of eating but I tried it last summer and it really worked well for me. Basically it encourages you to eat like a caveman-- meats, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits. Basic, old fashioned eating before we became engulfed by modern agriculture and the evils of sugar! I've read up on it and while I can't spout out all of the biological research behind it, I can tell you it makes sense and it made sense for me when I stuck to it. If you are one of those people that can eat just one piece of chocolate or one piece of bread, this way of life might not be for you. But if you're like me and sugars and carbs trigger more cravings and you've never been good at this whole 'willpower' thing, maybe think about it. I wet my feet with this book, Primal BluePrint. In all reality, I will aim to live the 80/20 rule where I'll do my best to stick to it most days but will indulge in certain non-Paleo foods at parties, holidays, vacations, etc. I heard a good quote the other day- "Everything in moderation, including moderating."

Blog more: I find blogging to be a great creative outlet. Blogging is good exercise for my mushy, decaying gray matter.

Participate in my community: There are lots of good things happening in our little town. Cory and I joined the Farmer's Market Group. We are hoping to start a Farmer's Market in the town square next Spring. This is a great group of like minded people and its been really fun working with them. I've also become involved in Beatrice's school PTO and that's been fun too. I think this kind of ties into my first resolution. I feel good when I'm connecting with people and helping out. I like the team atmosphere as I lack this in my day-to-day since I primarily work from home.

Floss daily.

Find a way to work remotely 1 month in the next year: (This goal is a carryover from last year.)

Continue to work on mental health goals. (This goal is a carryover from last year.)

So research shows that you have more success at keeping your resolutions when you share them with others and declare them loud and proud. You also have a greater chance at success if you make them measurable and attainable. You also should check in periodically to see how you're faring. I'll set a reminder in my calendar to check back in on March 1st to keep myself accountable.

So let's take a look back at last year's resolutions. I've added my annotations.

Use my brain more: I did read a good amount of books last year. I also subscribed to Vanity Fair so I read some great articles there. Don't laugh, I count magazine articles are literature! I also attended a screening of Food Inc. at our local library and went to a couple of author readings.

Eat dinner as a family 1 night a week: FAIL. The problem with this goal is that our kids eat dinner at 5pm and go to bed by 7. Usually Cory and I will eat dinner once they're in bed. We do eat breakfast together most mornings though so I think as long as we eat one daily meal together, we're getting that family bonding time around the table. Once they're a bit older, we'll eat dinner together.

Get my mental health in order: This one is ongoing. I was doing well after a rocky start last year. I'd say February-October was good. My medication was working and then things got rough again in November through December. My mental state can pretty much be tracked on the calendar. My low points come at the same time every year and strike with the same symptoms (lethargy, trouble getting out of bed, disassociation, irritability, sense of being overwhelmed, anxiety, poor eating habits, lack of motivation to exercise, negative self talk.) Then Christmas comes and my mood improves slightly. Then the New Year comes and I feel refreshed and re-charged. Every year after I come through the 'dark period' I tell myself, "Don't let this happen again next year." I've added it to this year's list.

Drink more water: I succeeded at this tangible goal. Sometimes you have to throw some easy ones on the list.

Find a way to work remotely 1 month in the next 2 years: We only have about another year to make this one come true. I've added it to this year's list.

What are your resolutions/goals for 2012?

Merry, Merry 2011

2011-12-28T16:04:00.000-05:00

We had a very, very Merry, Merry. The festivities started on Christmas Eve when we hosted Noche Buena for our family and friends. We did a Latin American themed menu, serving Pollo a la Cerveza (Chicken in beer sauce), Congri (Cuban black beans and rice), Carne Asada, Grilled Plantains, Pork and Chicken Tamales, and homemade roasted poblano salsa and tomatillo salsa. Cory and I had a lot of fun making the meal together. It pleased me to see lots of people serving themselves seconds (and thirds!) The night was a lot of fun.

Christmas morning was wonderful. Beatrice was very excited to come downstairs and see all of the presents. She was so cute, opening her gifts from Santa. At one point she commented "Santa knows just what I like."

After present opening we went off to Cory's grandmother's and then to my aunt's. It was a really special day.

I hope your day was filled with laughter, joy, and merriment.

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-21T08:16:00.003-05:00

This car was parked next to me at the mall the other day. Fantastic.

Meal Planning

2011-12-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, we are headed to Philadelphia for a memorial service for my brother-in-law's mother that passed away last month. Maybe I'll score a Philly Cheese Steak.

The other day I heard Beatrice asking our nanny to read her the menu for the week. Afterwards she dictated the following grocery list:

I wish my lists were always that fun. I think she'll be 10 years old still calling Swedish Fish Sweet Fish (see Santa's beard.)

Boozin' and Shoppin'

2011-12-13T13:34:00.005-05:00

That photo above is of my kids in a club. This was their first time in a club but it was daytime so we figured it was ok. Actually this was technically Beatrice's second time in a music venue (she attended a Snoop Dogg concert while in utero.) Anyhow, we brought the kids to TT's Rockin Holiday Flea Market and Bloody Mary Bash.

We drank killer Bloody Mary's and shopped the kitschy goods. We even got the kids a steamed dog and a Narraganset beer for $4. You can't beat that. Cory helped them out with the beer.

We walked away with a couple of treasures. Cory had to have this elf cookie jar (obviously.)

We also bought this RipeGoods handcrafted necklace for my sister in law.
The owner of this outfit is our friend from high school. I had heard she made jewelry so I was pleasantly surprised to see her selling her wares at TT's. It was great to catch up with her and shop her beautiful jewelry.

Bob Barker Loves Us

2011-12-12T12:17:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Cory had his man bits snipped. The neutering was a success (unlike my epic fail.) There were a couple of notable stories from this experience. And lucky for you, I've been given clearance to share them.

Most men have their vasectomies taken care of in the urologists' office, it's quite a routine procedure. However, my husband suffers from severe doctor/medical intervention/fainting issues. Once the doctor assessed him at the consultation he recommended that the procedure occur in the hospital with full anaesthesia. However, I will have you know that my man was tough as nails when I had my babies via c-section, even cutting the umbilical cord. He's good with medical stuff with others, just not himself.

Anyhow, once the surgery was over, the doctor met me in the consultation room for the standard de-brief. He told me that everything went fine and filled me in on post-care stuff. I was trying to make note of everything while he was trying to rush out to his next ball surgery. So as he's zipping through his spiel, I hear the phrase "supportive undergarment." Not knowing this was in the plan, I inquire "So this support garment I need to buy, is that something I can get at CVS or do I need to go to like a Dick's Sporting Goods?" He basically laughed in my face and walked out of the room shaking his head, thinking I was making some kind of joke. Why I didn't just go with Sports Authority?

A couple of minutes later, the staff called me into the Recovery Room. Cory was laying there, eyes kind of glazed over and still a bit groggy. The nurse was telling him that he needs to take it easy for the next couple of days and apply ice and not lift heavy things. She stops to write something down and he 'whispers' to me "Ask her when I can use this thing again" while motioning to his nether regions. If you have him tell the story, he'll say he totally whispered it. He may have "Irish" whispered it but it was completely audible. The nurse looked at us, then I kind of mumbled something about asking the doctor at his post-op appointment. I know I tend to exaggerate my stories but this one is verbatim. If I was embellishing this I would have added that he pelvic thrusted and licked his lips too. Come to think of it, he totally licked his lips.

And finally there's really nothing funnier than your nearly 4 year old picking up your husband's jock strap off the ground with one finger, asking "Daddy's tessicles still hurt?"

I know, I am juvenile.

Thanksgiving ReCap 2011

2011-12-01T09:44:00.006-05:00

Ate lots of food. Laughed a lot. Played with the kids. Danced our asses off.

(What? You guys don't have dance parties at your Thanksgiving Celebrations? Maybe it's a Portuguese thing. *)

And now for the more civilized family shot.
Do you like Theo's Bieber circa 2010 hair? Do you know how much blow drying and hairspray that takes.

*Another notable moment, was when my mother launched into a turkey story just as we all stuffed the first bites into our mouths. While prepping the 26 lb turkey for cooking, she reached into the cavity to pull out the innards and thought she got most of it out. She went back in for a final check and found the neck. It was the longest neck bone she's ever seen! It was as long as, and I quote "a giraffe's penis." Who says that!?!

1st Floor Bathroom ReDesign

2011-11-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting about the changes we've made to our house. I'll start with the bathroom. First I had ro bring in the big guns for the demo. (Do you love how he's wearing sunglasses as his eye protection?)

Then we brought in Cory's uncle to paint the wood trim white and add wallpaper. We put up a new mirror and light. For the mirror, I used one that my sister bought me at her co-worker's yard sale ($5). I repainted the gold trim a coral color. I couldn't find the exact light I wanted so I went with this cheap one from Lowe's in the meantime. (Although I am oddly drawn to the globe 70s bulbs.) Here it is.

I really like how it came out. Hope you do too!

Bit By the Crafting Bug

2011-11-21T08:01:00.000-05:00

All of these endless hours of perusing Pinterest have inspired me to actually 'do' stuff. I've had a Thanksgiving banner bookmarked for years so I finally scoured my craft area and found the materials. It makes me smile when I look out from the kitchen to the yard. I might leave it up year round. Its a good reminder! (I couldn't get a clear photo-- It says "Give Thanks.")

I made a wreath similar to this one. I didn't have burlap so I used some Ikea curtain remnants that I had laying around. I need to make a couple more rosettes and figure out how to hang it in a prettier way. It's a work in progress. (My pic sucks but I'm too lazy to take it with the good camera-- the iPhone camera will have to do.)

I found a way to organize all of my makeup. I must waste at least 3 precious minutes a day trying to find what I need in my makeup bag (when your whole beuty regime takes only 5 minutes, that's a lot of lost time.) I saw a good idea on pinterest to take an old cookie sheet, spray paint it, cover it in craft paper, hang on your wall, then add magnets to the backs of your makeup. Voila!

I want to make this wreath but they get you comin' and goin' for those styrofoam balls. They are $5/4 at the craft store. Any green/cheap ideas to replace the balls? I already have yarn from my knitting days (I need to get back on that.)

And finally, this one isn't really a craft, but more of a tip. I tried this pretty "sock" hairbun. It's a nice alternative to the messy knot I wear on my head most days. (Instructions here.)

What have you been craftin' up lately?

Currently Reading

2011-11-18T08:14:00.006-05:00

As a child, I loved the Ramona books and loved the show on PBS. (After all I did name my daughter Beatrice. I told Cory its in honor of his grandmother but we all know its a shout out to Ramona's Aunt Beatrice and sister, Beezus. Beverly Cleary knew what was up, unlike today's authors.) I remember early Saturday mornings glued to our little TV (manual dial changer, bunny ears, and no remote! the horror!) Earlier this year my niece gave Beatrice all of her old books. You can imagine my joy when I spotted a couple of Ramona books in the pile. Last month Beatrice pulled this gem from the bottom of the box and we began our journey through Ramona Forever. I can't tell you how refreshing it is to read a book that isn't about princesses or pinkness. Ramona is one feisty little bitch.

When we started the book, I wondered if Beatrice was ready for it. She was so eager to dive in so I figured we'd give it a shot. If you come over, she'll brag to you "me and mama read chapter books!"

After every couple of pages, I'll ask her about the characters, the plot, what she think will happen next, etc. Some nights she recounts all of the details like Encyclopedia Brown (another childhood favorite- did you ever watch that film strip?) and other nights she can't piece together the story to save her life. It all depends on how tired she is and how distracted she is playing with my hair (we're in a hairdo phase.)

We are 3/4 through this book and last night we hit upon one of the major climaxes in the plot. (Spoiler alert!) Mrs. Quimby, who has been pregnant since Chapter 2 finally goes into labor. (We're going to find out if the baby is a boy or girl and what his/her name will be!) Beezus and Ramona wait by the phone to get the call from the hospital (they are left home while the parents go to the hospital.-- so 80's. Another reason this book is awesomely 80s is because rich Uncle Hobart has made his fortune working the oil rigs in Saudi Arabia.)

I'm going along, reading with enthusiasm and suspense when (my) Beatrice declares "Mama, I'm ready for bed. We can finish this tomorrow." She was so blase about the whole thing. I put the book down, rushed through the whole tuck in/hugs/kisses/water routine and came back to finish the book. Don't worry, I won't ruin it for you. But damn, that shit was a page-turner.

Beatrice Makes Plans

2011-11-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

I'm looking forward to sharing this with Bea's future spouse.

American Baby

2011-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Last week my mother took Beatrice to the American Girl Store. Theo and I tagged along to make sure the brainwashing wasn't a complete success. I wasn't feeling too good about it as we pulled into the parking lot and Beatrice squealed "The American Girl store!" I hadn't told her where we were going so I asked "How do you know where we are?" She retorted "Mama, I can read the star sign." Wow.... that's some shit, girl can't even write her own name or tie her shoes but she knows the doll store.

This trip was planned by my mother as a reconnaissance mission for Christmas. Since this is Bea's first American Girl doll, I suggested we make a beeline for the cheaper Bitty Baby (read Gateway Drug) section. Bea's eyes lit up as my mother pulled one after another off the shelves for her to hold. Then she saw the twins in the next section and flipped the f out. I think at that point my mother would have bought her a set of octuplets.

W then we made our way up to the larger sized dolls (read Heroin) section. I don't think I'll have to worry about the American Girl marketing geniuses converting my little boy. He spent most of our twenty minutes up there hiding and trashing the joint:

On the way out the door my mother caught my eye and motioned to the section of mini-sized dolls, pantomiming buying one for Beatrice right then and there. I gave her a "Are you f'ing crazy look" after we turned it over to see the price tag of $22. It's 6 inches tall. My mother is totally drinking the Kool-Aid.

Meal Planning

2011-11-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

Recipes:
Jerk Chicken Slow Cooker Soup
Green Chile Chili

All Before 6:30 A.M.

2011-11-10T11:15:00.007-05:00

I sometimes think Beatrice was born in the wrong region. Her latest thing is that before she comes downstairs for breakfast, she goes into the bathroom to put on her headband. Then she climbs up on her stool to check herself out in the mirror. Here's our little Southern Belle-in-training. How long before she starts putting on her face before breakfast?

So while the first born is busy prettying herself before the sun rises, her brother (pictured behind her dangerously atop the counter) is growling and maniacally searching for a morsel of food. You can't even get the coffee going before you shove a banana appetizer (a.k.a banappetizer) in his mouth while his eggs/pancake/oatmeal cooks.

Nothing like a calm, lazy start to a hectic day.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

This year's Halloween was a 2-part extravaganza. The Friday night before Halloween we had a wedding to attend. A costumed wedding for the entire family. Cory most definitely represented well with his bandleader uniform. Beatrice and I rocked it out as ballerinas and Theo went as a skunk (of course.)

Then a couple of nights later, the kids donned their costumes again and we hit the pavement. Beatrice liked it a bit better this year and Theo totally got into it.

Here are some pictures.

Meal Planning

2011-11-08T11:48:00.002-05:00

I made a delicious chicken pot pie last week (if I do say so myself) that oddly my children would not eat. Let's see if the Shepherd's Pie fairs better this week.

Bob Barker Is Pissed at Me

2011-11-07T08:13:00.005-05:00

This post title is a paraphrase of what Cory said to me as we left the hospital on Thursday. The spaying was an epic fail. The doctor wasn't able to do the procedure because I had excessive scar tissue. I was not even aware that this was a possibility so you can imagine how I reacted when she told me this news. The only good thing that came out of this surgery was that I had the most restful sleep I've had in the last 5 years. They didn't give me the full blown anaesthesia, just something to make me take a nap. I woke up damn well-rested. Well rested and still fully fertile. What a kick to the Fallopian's.

When I got home I was achy and crampy. Beatrice was in bed with me while I read her a book. She kicked me while rolling over and I winced, telling her to be careful with my tummy. With eyes as wide as saucers she inquired "Do you have a baby in there?!" Is the universe trying to tell me something?!?

This is officially the last post that will deal with my reproductive organs. I can't make the same promise about Cory's manbits.

Breeder's Cup

2011-11-03T08:46:00.004-04:00

This is the end of an era. I am off to the hospital now for my procedure. I am feeling good about it, content that I am making the right decision. I am definitely lucky that I don't feel ambivalent about not wanting to bear any more children. My family is complete and we have been blessed with two healthy and happy children.

As Cory took the kids off to Miss Maria's today, I stood in the doorway and watched as they left. My heart swelled with pride knowing that this body grew those babies, gave birth to those babies, and fed those babies. This body has served me well and for that I am grateful.

Thank you Beatrice and Theo for giving me the chance to be your mama. I treasure forever that moment the nurses put each of you on my chest and I breathed in every last bit of you, knowing that you were mine.

Bling

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I love my engagement ring. But hot damn, if I did it all over again...
Found on Pinterest. I warn you that once you start with that site, you will soon begin abusing it. You will need a Pintervention.

Meal Planning

2011-10-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

I found this Days of the Week chalkboard at the Christmas Tree Shop. Its perfect for meal planning because I don't have to remind Cory every night what's on the menu (Read the G-D blog!)

I clearly need to work on my penmanship skills.

So tonight we'll eat Chicken Soup. My mom sent some as it's our tradition to eat this every Halloween. I think I am working on 25 years and counting (at least.)

Here is the recipe for the Butternut Squash Lasagna.

Here is the recipe for the Chicken Pot Pie. My friend Jessica made me a chicken pot pie when she came to visit us after I gave birth. Don't think I haven't thought about canceling Thursday's procedure just for another chance at that heavenly homemade pot pie.

Friday my mama will play Nurse Nightingale and bring us dinner since I'll be home recovering. She is really playing up this surgery. She lives for this shit. Yesterday we were over her house since we were without power. She had a big tree limb down in her backyard. I told her that my brother and Cory and I could move it. Just then my other brother showed up so now there were 3 men there to do it. He was in a rush so said he'd come back tomorrow to do it alone. I told my mom that it was fine, I could chip in and do it. My mother in typical overreacting Portuguese mother mode, violently screamed at my brother, "Your sister is having surgery this week. How dare you ask her to move trees right now." My brother and I busted out laughing. You would have thought my brother told me to get out there and move a tree just minutes after coming out of anaesthesia.

So Smaht

2011-10-27T15:54:00.004-04:00

This is a magnetic strip on the inside of a medicine cabinet for bobby pins. Some people are geniuses.

(Found on Pineterest. That site is ridoncs. )

Weekend Happenings

2011-10-25T14:09:00.006-04:00

I have to post something so that the F word isn't the first blog post title you see when you accidentally make it to my page. (Let's be honest, no one comes here on purpose.) I don't think I've ever used a swear word in my post title before but goddammit book clubs really make me mad. There I go again... I have to stop.

So we had a jam packed weekend. Basically everything we did was kid-related. Don't get me wrong, I love my children but having a weekend filled with only kid-centric things like the PTO Pumpkin Fair, Clifford Visits the Library, and the Halloween Lantern Lighting, is somewhat depressing.

Well, I guess we did sneak in some things I like. We hit a couple of yard sales. I scored these boots for $3.

I'm not scared to wear other people's shoes. And actually it turned out that the lady grew up next to our nanny. I'd heard all about her so I know she's good people (and thus I assume she is hygienic.)

We also went to the SOWA Open Market. While those things were fun, they were experienced with kids in tow. If you have kids, you know that feeling of being somewhere public, having to keep one hand on your child, one on your coffee, all the while making sure he/she doesn't break anything/walk into someone/throw a fit in the middle of the walkway.

So enough complaining. These little buggers do make life more fun (and exhausting.)

Oh I just remembered one more notable event this weekend. Before the Lantern Lighting we went to El Oriental de Cuba, a delicious Cuban Restaurant. I got the Seafood Stew which was fantastic. The next morning I open up the Boston Globe to find this story about local restaurants lying about their seafood offerings. I was definitely chomping away on Charles River Catfish.

Fuck Your Book Club

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to get myself invited into a book club for years. (Whatever, don't invite me into your club now. It's too late.) Logic would dictate that I should just start my own club but I'm too lazy. And I'd probably be too lazy to read the whole book. And if I'm being honest here, I don't really think anyone would want to be in my book club. Lest we forget, I was an English Major. That annoying kind that thrived on discussing literature and metaphor and allusions. Clearly this is still my passion.

So I came across this post last week on A Cup of Jo. I love her "articles club" idea!

love me some magazines- they are such a manageable commitment and I am all about managing expectations here. We currently have Vanity Fair, GQ, Travel & Leisure, sitting atop our fridge. I don't know why the top of the fridge is the defacto magazine holding area.

Check out the comments in that post for some more article suggestions. Have you read any good articles lately?

Laugh It Up!

2011-10-21T08:00:00.003-04:00

I did the ugly laugh while watching this. Is there anyone funnier than this chick from Bridesmaids?

No One Wins: It's a Tie

2011-10-20T10:55:00.004-04:00

Here are 2 things you SHOULD NOT do while awaiting next month's tubal ligation procedure:*
1) Hold newborn babies.
2) Look at photos of your newborn babies.

Here are 2 things you SHOULD do while awaiting next month's tubal ligation procedure:
1) Look at yourself naked in a full length mirror. Go ahead, do it, I'll wait here...
2) Go to sleep at 10pm. Set you alarm for 12am, 2am, 4am, and 6am. 'Nuff said.

All joking aside, I'm sure I'll have a more heartfelt, serious post coming about the end to my baby making odyssey. Or maybe I'll just treat it flippantly and sarcastically as I tend to do with most life events. Shut up, that's a healthy coping mechanism.

* a.k.a tube tying or going-out-of-business sale

Brimfield Antiques Fair

2011-10-18T11:59:00.002-04:00

I was cleaning out my blog Drafts folder and found this one about the Brimfield Antiques Fair Cory and I went to back in May. It is a little piece of heaven on Earth. I love other people's castoffs. I can't wait until it comes back to town. I have a list as long as my arm of stuff I want to find.

We knew it was going to be a great day, when driving into town we spotted this guy. Yup, he's totally riding his mom's handiscooter.

Here are some of the items we purchased.

Knock, Knock, Who's There?

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

The other day, I was working from home and heard an odd sound coming from my bedroom. I quickly grabbed my phone to take this video.

Besides my manly, irritating voice, can you hear the thump, thump, thump coming from inside the wall?

And then if I wasn't freaked out enough, while running at the gym later that morning, I popped on this week's This American Life Podcast.
Fast forward to Act Two: Oh the Places We'll Go (30:05) or if you are pressed for time go straight to the clincher at the end (34:40.)Aghhhghhhghhg!

I think we'll be relocating to the guest room until further notice.

Chelsea Come Lately

2011-10-13T10:35:00.001-04:00

See how I did that little pun with the post title. Could it be that I am getting my blog mojo back?

So I know I am late to the game, but I just discovered the literature of a Miss Chelsea Handler.

Before I left for vacation, my gym partner, Sue, lent me all of her books. (See list to the right for links.) The night before we left, Cory and I were packing our suitcases, trying our best to stay under the checked baggage weight limit. We started moving things out of the suitcase into his backpack. I had 5 hard cover books to bring but was quickly rationed down to 2. Cory chastised me endlessly for wanting to bring Chelsea Handler books. Because he's so high-brow you know. He doesn't have a literary leg to stand on considering he just added these nuggets to our bookshelf:

Day 3 of vacation, I had plowed through my allotted 2 texts. I refused to hit up the romance novels at the villa, so I was left bookless. Every day or so I would whimper, "Sure wish I had a Chelsea Handler book to read right now."

When we got home, I made quick work of the collection on my bedstand. She is damn funny, albeit slightly annoying and crass. The crass part doesn't bother me one bit, in fact it draws me closer to her.

I recently discovered that she has a blog. The jury's out on if she actually writes it though. Now that I am a Chelsea Handler aficionado I tend to think not. The tone is slightly different in the blog, kind of someone (an assistant or intern?) trying to write like Chelsea Handler.

I've actually never seen her TV show, Chelsea Lately. Is it funny?

Theo doesn't know what's coming next

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

This was Theo at his 12 month appointment. We were waiting for the nurse to come in to give him his vaccinations. He has no idea what's about to happen.

Last week when we walked into the doctor's office for his 15 month appointment, he was all scowls and bad attitude. When the nurse walked in for fun time, he immediately started crying, clinging to me for dear life. He's like the mother, still holding a grudge!

Pricey Addiction

2011-10-10T15:04:00.003-04:00

Aw fucker.

Just this morning I had one of my proudest mothering moments. I was adding a heaping scoop of God's nectar (peanut butter) into my protein shake. I placed the spoon on the counter next to where Theo was seating and he grabbed it, maniacally licking the last bits of goodness off of the spoon. I rewarded him with a heaping spoonful that he proceeded to take down in 3 seconds. The apple doesn't fall far.

St. John 2011 Re-Cap

2011-10-08T18:55:00.011-04:00

I know this post is really late but for posterity's sake I must document our wonderful vacation to St. John. We survived our day-long journey to paradise to be handsomely rewarded with sick accommodations at Casa de Sonadores. This villa was lovely, from its 6 burner stove to the multiple outdoor showers to the air hockey table in the game room. It was way too nice for us.

I can sum it up with an example of how our kids took to this kind of living. On night #2, Beatrice called me up to her room.
Bea: Mama, can you tun down Julian's TV. It's too loud. And turn down the air conditioning too. (She says this while laying atop her king size bed, watching Dora on her own TV. Her arms may or may not have crossed behind her head. I have a vague recollection of Theo fanning her and feeding her bon-bons.)
I walk next door to Julian's room to find him watching the same Dora episode, AC and volume full blast. He was in his glory. These damn kids with their upper middle class problems.

My childhood family vacations consisted of visits to my grandparents' 2 bedroom cottage in Marshfield. I shared a twin bed with my sister while my grandmother was in the bed next to us. My grandfather was in the room next door that always smelled of vinegar and BenGay(what, your grandparents didn't sleep in separate rooms?) Then my parents had the pullout in the living room with my brother(s) in between them. Now that's what I call a proper family vacation.
This trip had many highlights and many lowlights and in true lazy blogger fashion, I will now succumb to the bulleted list.

Highlights

The beaches were majestic and we had most shorelines to ourselves.

Even though we are those a-hole parents that took our daughter out of school in the first month, I made sure to bring her workbooks so that she could get her lessons in with Auntie. I don't think her Ashland preschool teacher drinks beers during lessons but hey this was island livin'.

I opened the fridge on Day 2 to find we were out of beer. Between 4 adults, we had consumed 96 beers in 36 hours. The beer just tastes better on an island.

Road sodas are allowed on this glorious island. Road sodas make life easier when you're dealing with 3 kids and high humidity. Knowing a frosty beer is awaiting you after you load all of the chairs and gear and kids into the car really makes it bearable. That and the fact that its' 10am and you're headed to the beach.

Uncle Joe's Barbecue remains as good as ever. It took us all of 4 hours being on the island before we hit up Uncle Joe's. His BBQ is the best. I wish I had some right now. We also tried some new food carts and more local places this time. All were delicious.

We hit up the Beach Bar for happy hour many afternoons. One night, while on the beach behind the Beach Bar I was snapping photos of the kids. This Rasta guy was playing with his dog. He kept egging me on to take a photos of him and the dog. I obliged at first and then he began posing the dog and engaging him in action shots, all the while yelling out directions at me about angles and aperture. I'd take the photo, then he would hustle over to review it. He never gave me his email or anything so I guess these photos were just for my benefit. And now your's. And oh ya, while we were at the same place a couple of nights later, another patron started chit chatting with me and warned me to keep the kids away from said dog as he's been known to be a biter. Thanks for the tip. Luckily he kept his jaws off me when we shared our Sports Illustrated/Dog Fancy moment.

Cory and I got to add a couple more photos to add to our collection of kissing shots. Everytime my sister takes a photo of us she jokingly instructs us to smooch after the last shot. Cory bristles at the thought and I go in for the passionate liplock. My sister and I live for making Cory uncomfortable. Is that wrong?

And last but not least Cory and I were not afflicted with any medical conditions. However Dave did get a touch of the dehydration and placed on on the DL. We have this exercise DVD to blame.

Lowlights

While 2009 was the trip riddled with medical emergencies, this one can be coined the trip of loss. As is customary with bad luck, our losses occured in a set of 3.

I decided to get some exercise and swim while at the beach. Let's just say that my swimming technique is unique. There is a lot of flailing. I would liken it to a butterfly but without the fluidity and sheer power. So I made it out as far as I could go without having a panic attack, then headed back to shore. Then I ran my hands through my hair and felt my naked earlobe. Nuts, I lost a diamond earring. Not just any diamond earring. The first diamond my wonderful husband had ever given me. He bought the pair with ice cream money. The scene that ensued was very similar to this one.

6 years ago (!) my siblings gave us an awesome Sony digital camera as a wedding gift. We used the shit out of that camera everywhere we went. It was the perfect size and until its untimely death it never gave us one problem. Day 3 of the trip, Cory dropped it somewhere along our travels. Luckily we had just wiped the memory card clean. Embarrassing Internet exploitation avoided!

While on the plane ride home, I reached into my bag for my bronzer and realized I left it in the bathroom at the villa, along with my favorite necklace.

Speaking of flights, Theo's air travel performance could be summed up as was severely sub-par. He is basically the worst age for airplanes. He doesn't want to sit still for shit. He wants to run, eat things off the ground, hide in small spaces, grunt, pull strangers' hair, and break stuff. He's not yet into TV. So ya, two 3 hour flights are not his thing. He did ok on the way there and the first leg of the way home but all shit hit the fan on the last 15 minutes of our flight into Boston. He had finally fallen asleep but woke up in our descent, bullshit. He wanted off that plane stat and wouldn't take no for an answer. The fasten seat belts sign was on so we couldn't even walk him up and down the aisles. Everyone hated us. We finally landed and then the lights came on. You know how its always awkward on a night flight when the lights come on and you're all standing around waiting to get off the plane. Well we had to do that uncomfortable waiting game with a screaming 15 month old. I did not know he was capable of screams and cries this guttural. It was bad. We finally got off of the plane and then had to go face all of these people again while waiting in baggage claim. Not the best way to end our trip. Theo may have a 5 year ban on American Airlines.

This time we really didn't do to much shopping. There was no way we were gonna top 2009's souvenir.

Off to plan our next adventure.

More photos here. And a trip down memory lane here and here.

Random Musings

2011-09-29T12:32:00.004-04:00

We're back from vacation. It was fantastic. A longer vacation re-cap is coming. For now, I am just trying to make it to the weekend so that I can go to bed early and catch up on my sleep. My kids didn't get the memo that you are supposed to sleep later and more frequently on vacation. We also came home to a newly painted house (yay!) so we have to get everything back in order. Pictures of that to come soon too.

Just some random nonsense now.

This article from Mindy Kaling is damn funny. I love her. And I love the New Yorker. I need to add a subscription to my Christmas wish list. It's never too early to start that list.

I read Tina Fey's Bossypants on vacation. You should get it. It was really good. How's that for a descriptive endorsement.

Cory and I celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary last week. I am one lucky lady. Our trip to St. John was our gift to eachother. I just looked up the traditional gift for 6 years (yes, I'm cheesy like that) and it is sugar. How apropos as St. John was once a Dutch sugar colony. The island is filled with ruins from the sugar mills. But really the best gift he's ever given me are these treasures.

On vacation Beatrice came up with a new thing. Every time you'd wear something she liked, she'd say "Mama, can you save that for me?" or "Auntie, can you save that for me?" Man, I love the stage she's in right now. It warms my heart to think that she finds my style 'cool.' I hope that doesn't change for at least another 5 years.

Theo started day care today. (We're sending him 2 days a week with Beatrice to her in-home daycare.) I left the house to head into work, totally forgetting today was the day we started this new schedule. Cory texted me, asking where the nanny was. Oops... today was the day to get both the kids out the door to day care. I didn't even give my littlest one some extra lovins' and a pep talk before I left the house. I am sucking at this mother of 2 thing.

I started reading the Junie B. Jones series with Beatrice. This is the first line I read aloud:
I'm Junie B. Jones! The B stands for Beatrice, only I do not like Beatrice. I just like B.
Beatrice gasped in horror. I probably should have screened that line before reading it verbatim. Damn, Junie, that's some f-ed up stuff.

2 Tickets to Paradise

2011-09-13T17:43:00.003-04:00

Well actually its more like 3 tickets and a lap seat for a rambunctious 15 month old. T minus 2 days until we'll be in paradise. I can't even wrap my head around how wonderful it will be to swim in warm water and not have to plan anything beyond beach or pool in the morning, pool or beach in the afternoon, RedStripe or Corona. You get the drift. I promise more blogaction upon our return.

Beatrice Isabel's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-07T14:29:00.002-04:00

My darling girl,

Today was your first day of preschool. Last night when I was tucking you in, you could barely contain your glee. You told me, "Mama, I am so 'cited to go to school." Your enthusiasm was electric.

This morning you proudly donned your new dress, shoes, and backpack, and hit the road towards 13 years of school days. You were so brave, taking your new teacher's hand and walking towards your new school. You didn't utter a whimper or make that little, barely perceptible 'nervous' face that only your Mama and Daddy can detect a mile away.

When i picked you up this afternoon you told me all about your day. True to form, you first told me that you had Graham crackers and juice for snack (you are your mother's daughter!) You played catch in the gym and there's even a sandbox in your class with real sand!

Its days like this when I am again reminded of how lucky I am to be your mother and how blessed I am to walk with you through these milestones.

I Feel the Earth Move

2011-08-23T14:20:00.003-04:00

I can cross this off my bucket list: Survive an Earthquake.

A 5.9'er no less. I thought at first it was just my stomach rumbling. Then I thought it was building construction. Then I went into my hallway at work to look around and confirm I wasn't imagining it. Then I stood in my doorway. I am such a scaredy cat. I really need to work on my natural disaster planning.

Ma'am I'm Gonna Need to See an I.D.

2011-08-16T13:59:00.005-04:00

My family was up in Maine a couple of weeks ago to visit with my aunt and uncle at their lake house. On the way back from our trip to the ice cream parlor, my brother asked my mom to stop at the store so he could grab some beer. I went in with him so I could get some ice and my aunt came in too. My brother grabs the beer, puts it on the counter, then slickly hands me a $20 and tells me to buy it because he left his wallet and I.D. at the house. I shake my head because I don't have my I.D. either. He then whispers to my aunt, "Auntie, can you buy this, we left our I.D.s at home. " She replies, "I don't have my I.D. either." We all start laughing, including the sales clerk who has been watching this entire episode. My aunt has a full head of silver hair and is in her late 60s. She was dead serious. That's only the second time she's ever bought beer but if you ask her to get you an eight ball she's all over the correct processes and procedures.

Guess Who's Back... Back again...

2011-08-12T13:08:00.003-04:00

I have been so bad with the blogging, I know, I know. Maybe when the colder weather comes back my writer's block will subside. Today, I do have some random musings to share.

This morning I dropped Beatrice off at daycare and our beloved childcare provider pulled me aside to ask me something 'personal.' (Those are the most dreaded words any parent wants to hear.) I think she saw the look of terror on my face and quickly assured me "No, well its not personal like that." But I took that with a grain of salt because we have what you would call a relationship with murky boundaries. She, like me, is Portuguese. And with that comes an unspoken code. We've discussed the following topics just in the last week:
1) My weight. Down to the pound. Yup, she asked for numbers.
2) Cultural affections. She has some firm beliefs on which cultures hug and which don't. There are many assumptions you can make about a culture that doesn't hug. So she tells me...
3) Her reproductive organs. All of them. Which ones were removed and when and how.
4) My reproductive organs. Will I need remove them and when and how.

So anyways, she proceeds to tell me that for the past couple of weeks Beatrice has been talking about her grandmother who only has one leg. Now our provider has met both grandmothers and has noted that they both stand atop 2 healthy legs. I immediately bust out laughing because yes, Beatrice does in fact have a grandmother, though she is technically a great-grandmother, with only one leg. Turns out that Beatrice and her gaggle of little girls have been pretending that they only have one leg. They pretend they are in wheelchairs and they take turns being the one with one leg. I need to get that on video. And because I am a sicko I am most definitely going to teach her that trick where you sit with one leg under your butt and the other hanging down so it looks like you really only have one leg. She's going to blow the minds of her little playmates.

In other news, Theo is walking. I have yet to capture it on video or film because he is still kind of sporadic about it, generally preferring to crawl because he can move more quickly that way. He does this fantastic "come to Jesus" thing where he throws his arms up in the air and looks to the heavens while he ambles forward like a drunken sailor.

While I haven't been doing any blog writing lately, I've been doing some blog stalking. You need to be reading this blog now: Mandajuice. Take a look back through the archives. Its a soap opera just without Cruz or Eden. (Ten points for you if you got my Santa Barbara reference.)

The Monthly Give- July 2011

2011-07-28T11:17:00.005-04:00

This monthly give is time sensitive. I just received an email from Room to Grow.

Unfortunately the toys shelves at Room to Grow are looking empty right now for the newest babies in our program. We are almost completely out of toys for newborns to age 18 months. I am urging you to please run a collection drive on our behalf to help us fill out shelves.
Infants toys we love include wrinkels, key rings, activity gyms/floor mats, soothers, teethers, etc. No stuffed animals please. We also have a strong need for board and soft books!

If you recall chitter chitter has supported Room to Grow in the past (here, here, and here). They are a great organization. Please let me know if you have any goods to donate and I can pick them up from you. I will make the drop off at Room to Grow next Thursday. Thanks in advance for your support.

Under the Sea

2011-07-25T12:37:00.002-04:00

I had an ocean filled birthday weekend. Friday night we dined on mussels. Saturday we went to Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Saturday night we had an old fashioned Portuguese clam bake with steamers, 2 lb lobsters, and corn on the cob. And Cory went over the top by getting us oysters too. By late Saturday night I was one salty, sandy mess inside and out. There is nothing like a New England summer.

Happy 32nd Birthday To Me!

2011-07-22T08:51:00.004-04:00

That's a self-centered title for a post, huh. Well, a lady only turns 32 once. 32 is a weird age, I have to say. I am not someone that generally gets worked up about the age number but 32 feels somewhat 'mature.'

My day is off to a rocky start. Beatrice threw a fit about going to daycare again. For the past month or so she's been getting all upset in the morning. But then she's fine when she gets there. Pre-school should be a good time. To get through the morning, I reminded myself what we were doing last year on my birthday. -- (dealing with a 5 week old baby, a 2 1/2 year old, and oh ya moving into a new house during the hottest, most humid summer ever.)

Cory redeemed the morning by giving me a lovely birthday present- tickets to Cirque de Soleil, a sweat towel for the gym, and an antique hook to hang our kitchen dish towels. Perfection! He really is the best gift giver.

My birthday celebration actually started a day early. Yesterday Cory and I played hooky and hit the beach. It was by far one of the best days I've had in ages. We even brought our bikes to ride up to the beach.

The celebration continues tonight with dinner and drinks on the patio at John Stone's and then the beach again tomorrow. I love having a summer birthday.

Posting...

2011-07-13T12:51:00.006-04:00

Posting has been light this summer. I'm just not feeling the blog-thang lately. Oh well.

Another thing that has been light this summer is house cleaning. We usually clean on the weekends but summer weekends have been overflowing with visits to the pool, the beach, and parties. We are trying to soak every last bit of leisure out of the weekends so there's no time left over for the mundane business of cleaning. Hopefully we can catch up throughout the week.

This weekend is jam-packed again. We have my beloved nephew's 3rd birthday party and a wedding. The wedding is a backyard casual affair. I am very much looking forward to it as a night out. And we don't have to drive. Uh-oh, let's hope we don't have a repeat of the last wedding I attended.

Beatrice Wishes America a Happy Birthday

2011-07-07T13:48:00.004-04:00

We had a great 4th of July weekend. If I wasn't such a deadbeat I'd have photos to share. There Here some highlights and lowlights.

Let's get the bad out of the way:

Pulling up to the beach and realizing that I'd packed everything but Theo's bathing suit. Oops.

Pulling back the shower curtain, jumping in (sans contacts so I was basically legally blind) to find a garter snake waiting for me. WTF?!? My brave husband removed it and humanely disposed of it in the yard. He used one of these. Why does he have that laying around the house you ask... obviously for garter snake removal.

Some highlights include:

Beatrice discussing what kind of cake "America" will have at her party.

Watching Beatrice play with all her little buddies. She is at the perfect age now to play with her friends without needing constant adult interaction.

Watching Theo crawl along the wet sand, covering himself in the mud-like grit. He loved it.

Dunking Beatrice and Theo under water. They both wanted to do it over and over, in the pool and the ocean. We have some water babies on our hands.

Beer

Ice cream

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Summer should only be made up of sunny long weekends.

Happy Birthday, America 2011

2011-07-01T11:28:00.003-04:00

Have a great long weekend everyone! I am very much looking forward to some pool time, beach time, and BBQs.

This is our first 4th of July in our new house. Our neighbors informed us that they really whoop it up for the 4th. I'll report back next week.

Happy Birthday, America.

Disturbia

2011-06-30T09:04:00.004-04:00

This is by far the most horrifying car crash story I've ever read. I can't keep it to myself. Join me in my horror.

And if you weren't disgusted enough, read this article from my lovely home state. I need more information on this story. This cannot be true!

Now for a little pick-me-up:

3 Became 6

2011-06-28T14:25:00.000-04:00

This past weekend at Baby Bella's 1st birthday we finally updated this photo taken one year ago:

What a difference a year makes!?!

Meal Planning

2011-06-27T13:12:00.002-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- Asian shrimp over greens. I just got this Roasted Seaweed Snack at Trader Joe's. I think it would be good atop the salad.
Wednesday- Wheat flatbreads (dough from Trader Joe's) with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil from the garden (the basil not the tomatoes-- yet) + salad.
Thursday- Out to dinner with the girls
Friday- Start to the 4th of July weekend!! Yay. I am in the mood for hamburgers, corn on the cob, steamers, and lobsters. We'll have a combination of some of those foods. You can keep your watermelon though. I hate watermelon but people insist on having it at BBQs. For the record, that does not f-ing count as dessert.

Happy Father's Day 2011

2011-06-23T08:21:00.005-04:00

We celebrated our second Father's day this year as a family of 4. This year was a bit less chaotic than last year.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I am in constant awe of the Father my Husband has become. From day 1 he has amazed me with his love, patience (most days), and support. He is the father I didn't have, the father I hope Beatrice one day finds for her children, and the kind of father I hope Theo becomes. We are all truly blessed.

One of Cory's gifts was Theo's name and birth date inscribed in his wedding ring. (to accompany Beatrice's name and birth date and our wedding date.) There isn't any more room in his band so I guess we're done reproducing. Plus, we're running out of room on our accordion Father's Day card.

Conversation With My First Born

2011-06-21T20:50:00.002-04:00

Me: I love you and your brother more than anything in the world.
Beatrice: Thanks.
Me: I'll love you both forever.
Beatrice: One day I'll tuck you into bed.

It's amazing the things that she comes up with. Little does she know that one day our roles will change and she will take care of me. At least I hope she will.

Happy 1st Birthday, Theo Philip Chase

2011-06-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

My sweet boy,
I sat down to write your 1st birthday post and realized that I never published our birth story. Without further delay, here is the story of how you came into this wild world.

A year ago today, I was driving into the hospital to have you. Your father and I laughed about the fact that I was driving myself and not in labor but would soon be welcoming you. That is the beauty of the scheduled c-section (one of the only perks.)

Once we arrived at the hospital, we were admitted to our pre-op room where they got me hooked up to IVs and machines while I waited to go into the operating room. This time was so different than the first with your sister. For starters, this wasn't an emergency c-section after hours of labor so I was well rested and prepared. We distracted ourselves by watching the World Cup game. I can't remember who was playing but just ask your father, he remembers everything.

By 9am I was padding down the hall to the operating room. The attending nurse was very funny, commenting that there should be music while you march yourself into surgery. In sync we both started humming the Rocky theme music. After some prep, Daddy came in to sit next to me behind the curtain.

It was quite a surreal experience, lots of surgical noises and antiseptic air. All of the doctors and nurses were great. After about 20 minutes, the doctor announced that you would be here in about 30 seconds. She pulled your head out first and proclaimed "Look at those eyelashes." Then she pulled the rest of you out and announced, "Its a boy!" Your father traveled beyond the curtain to cut the umbicial cord, much to my (and his ) surprise! They wrapped you up and put your beautiful face next to mine.

Once the surgery was over, we went to our recovery room. The following hour was wonderful. We made a couple of phone calls but mostly just enjoyed you. You breastfed for the first time with no problems. You were unnamed for a little while but we finally settled on Theo. We still think it suits you just fine.

This past year has been magical as we've gotten to know each other. You are an amazing little boy, so full of love and joy and energy, oh the energy! I love you more than you could ever fathom. To many more healthy and happy birthdays, Theo Philip.

P.S. Your father said that you came into this world with 'bad sports karma.' Just a couple of days after you arrived, the Celtics lost the NBA finals. However the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup last night so the curse is now reversed!

P.S.S. Here are some more posts from your 1st year of life.
1 Week
3 Weeks
5 Months
6 Months
7 Months
8 Months
9 Months
11 Months

Documentaries

2011-06-15T15:07:00.000-04:00

A Cup of Jo had this great list of the Top 10 documentaries. We watch a lot of documentaries in these parts so I was excited to check them out. I had seen most of the docs on her list so I started to read suggestions in the Comments section. Here are some more to check out:

Dear Zachary: A friend makes this movie about his best friend's son so the son will know his father (father is killed). Big twist at end.*

The September Issue: What leads up to Vogue's biggest issue of the year. Anna Wintour is candid (as candid as she can be.) **

Rize: Visual overload of kids in south central LA dancing, done by photographer David Lachapelle. By far one of my favorite documentaries.

Vernon, Florida: The originally intended story was completely different from the documentary Errol Morris ended up making - the back story is as interesting as the odd documentary itself. ***

Good Hair: Funny and non-judgemental but also posed a through-provoking question: Why is white hair considered "good" and black hair not

Grey Gardens:Your mind reels watching the cousins of Jackie Onassis live in squalor and trying to figure out how they got there.

Thin Blue Line: A movie about a man who may or may not be wrongly accused of murder.

*If you are at all in a bad mood or feeling glum, do not watch this movie! It is one of those movies you walk away from feeling sick to your stomach but its worth the watch.

** I really liked this one. Very interesting peek into the magazine and fashion industry. The Devil Wears Prada was based on Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue.

*** We started watching this last night but fell asleep. It started off slow. I think we'll give it another chance tonight.

Let me know if you've seen any of these or would recommend any others.

Jedi Theo's 1st Birthday

2011-06-14T12:45:00.002-04:00

We had Theo's first birthday this past weekend. We did a Star Wars theme because as we know, I am theme-obsessed. It was really fun setting up all the decorations. Cory's mom had saved all of his childhood Star Wars stuff, including a lunch box, trash pail, and bed spread. Our lovely artist friend, Jessica Dunegan, created a one-of-a-kind R2D2 birthday banner. And I had a field day with the puns ("May the Pork Be With You" pulled pork, "Chewbacca Chicken" pulled chicken, Yoda Soda, Jabba Juice, you get the idea...") The best part was watching Theo go to town on his cake. He even managed to get his foot into the action. In true Portuguese fashion, he got a hose down in the kitchen sink right after.

Here's a slideshow of the party:

The impetus for the Star Wars theme came to me a couple of days after Theo was born. Behold Theoda:

Meal Planning

2011-06-13T10:34:00.006-04:00

Monday- Sandwich or something quick in the car as we drive to our niece's High School State Championship lacrosse game.
Tuesday- Kale soup (compliments of my mother-- she almost makes this as good as my grandmother did)
Wednesday- Spanikopita and salad
Thursday- Theo's 1st Birthday. Pizza party!!
Friday- "Forgotten Project Friday" girls night. We'll be dining on "Appetizers Around the World."

Happy Birthday B-I-L

2011-06-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

Hope you plan on whoooopppin' it up.

Healthy Obsession

2011-06-09T09:25:00.006-04:00

I tend to have a bit of an obsessive personality (have we met?). I will find a new blog and within days read every post the blogger has ever written. When I first started reading blogs, I did this with Dooce (one of the pioneers in the blogoshpere.) Recently I did this with MamaPundit. Lately I've done this with Carrots 'N' Cake.

Without coming off as too stalker-y she and I have a lot in common. She has an unhealthy love for peanut butter, she loves BodyPump, and she aims to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Anyhow, she has a lot of great material on her blog.

She posted about Real Simple's 30 Healthiest Foods. I eat most of them but have to add these to my repertoire:

Walnuts: I am more of an almond gal (also on the list.) I gotta switch up my nuttin'. That's what he said.

Sardines: We grew up eating these at Portuguese BBQs and street fairs. I also have fond memories of my grandfather opening up a can and putting hot pepper on them. They are actually quite good (if you're into fish.) I need to get in touch with my roots on this one.

Blueberries: I am not a huge berry fan. Even when we had the bounty of berries from the bushes at our old house, I much preferred picking them to eating them. I am hoping we'll have a good crop. I didn't technically write it into the lease but I will for sure be back there picking come July. Maybe they'll be good added to oatmeal.

Kiwis: I give the kids kiwis all the time. I just don't really care for the flavor or texture. Can you add them to salads? Is that weird?

How many of these foods do you eat? Maybe try adding one or two a week to mix things up.

Carrots 'N' Cake also did a great post today on chia seeds. I started adding these to my oatmeal a couple of months ago. They are the new flax seed, if you will. Give it a whirl.

Do you have any new blogs you are obsessed with?

The Monthly Give- June 2011

2011-06-07T08:00:00.002-04:00

This month's give is for Reach Out and Read. I was made aware of this a couple of months ago at our pediatrician's office. The doctor checked out the kids and then gave them each a book from Reach Out and Read, an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide.

Reach Out and Read builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. The 3.9 million families served annually by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed, with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and a six-month developmental edge over their peers.

You can donate books to participating locations. A comprehensive list is found here. The books should be new or gently used.

I will be donating books at the end of the month, so if its easier for you, you can email me or leave a comment and I'll add your books to my growing pile.

Meal Planning

2011-06-06T09:53:00.009-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- Lentils, roasted beets, and paprika chickpeas over greens
Wednesday- Turkey meatloaf and mashed turnips
Thursday- Bean cakes and corn on the cob
Friday- We'll be doing last minute stuff to get ready for Theo's party so we'll probably just do leftovers.

Hot-and-Spicy Pinto Bean Cakes

2011-06-03T13:20:00.003-04:00

(Altered from a Weight Watchers recipe; 6 servings)

*Be sure to use high-quality fresh salsa, which you should be able to find in the dairy case of your supermarket. You can also prepare the cakes with chickpeas. *

Ingredients:
15 oz pinto beans
1/3 cup(s) fat-free Greek yogurt
4 clove(s) garlic clove(s), peeled
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp table salt
3/4 tsp green chili hot sauce
6 Tbsp self-rising white cornmeal
1 1/2 cup(s) salsa

Instructions:
1. In a food processor, puree the beans, yogurt, garlic, cumin, salt, hot sauce, and 2 tablespoons of the cornmeal; scrape into a bowl. Refrigerate, covered, until chilled, about 30 minutes.
2. Form the mixture into 6 (3-inch) round cakes, about 1/2-inch thick. Put the remaining 1/4 cup cornmeal on a plate, and coat the cakes on both sides with the cornmeal.
3. Spray a large nonstick skillet with olive-oil nonstick spray and set over medium heat. Add the cakes and cook until browned on the bottom, 5–6 minutes. Spray the tops of the cakes, turn them over, and cook until brown on the other side, about 5 minutes longer. Spoon the salsa onto each of 6 plates, then top with a bean cake.

Bridesmaids

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

I saw Bridesmaids earlier this week. It was damn funny. I did the ugly laugh which is akin to the ugly cry. There was snorting and heaving and hooting. It felt good to laugh with reckless abandon. You should go see it this weekend.

Ain't No Party...

2011-06-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Beatrice's latest obsession involves unicorns, not uncommon for little girls of her age. She is also obsessed with birthday parties. Her biggest comeback if you do something that upsets her is "You can't come to my birthday party." Let's review--- her birthday is February 24th.

The dishwasher wasn't even loaded after her 3rd birthday party before she starting planning her 4th. The girl is OBSESSED. First she wanted a Bubberfly (Butterfly) party. She jumped right into planning, having me cut out paper butterflies so that we could hang them from the ceiling. About a week later the plan changed to a Pinkalicious party. Then it became a Tea Party. Then it was a Unicorn party, then a combo Unicorn Tea Party. Last week she informed me that she would be having 3 birthday parties. One would be a a Princess Leia party (I think a direct result of Theo having a Star Wars party in a couple of weeks-- she will not be out shined.) One would be a Pinkalicious Tea party and the final would be a Unicorn party. She already had her grandmother help her with the Tea Party invitations.

She is so my daughter, getting such a thrill from party planning, organizing, and a good theme. I have created a monster. I have never been so proud.

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-05-31T11:23:00.004-04:00

I have kind of been sucking at blogging lately. Sorry to the three readers I have left. I haven't really been taking many photos either. Photos are usually the spark for my blog posts. I need to get better about that. In fact, this past weekend, I told myself to keep the camera handy but I think I only snapped 2 photos! Before we had Theo, I could hand Beatrice off to Cory while I clicked away but now we are engaged in man-to-man defense so there are no free hands for the camera. Especially when you have a child that crawls at the speed of light and a daughter who has now decided she doesn't like to have her picture taken.

In other news, we had a great Memorial Day weekend. We went to the Farmer's Market, planted our garden, moved a monstrous wood pile, took a short day trip to Portsmouth (albeit cut short by a feverish Theo), did some errands, ate some oysters and steamers, and enjoyed some well earned beers. Wouldn't it be nice if I had some photos to illustrate these events. I suck. Remember the old days (Memorial Day 2010 Wrap-Up & Memorial Day 2009 Wrap-Up)?

I am not going to do any meal planning this week because I want to eat what we have in the freezer and fridge. Have I mentioned I don't really like leftovers. Its not going to be my favorite dining week but that's alright because Friday night we're going out to dinner to celebrate my brother in law's graduation. I think we're going to Tres Gatos. My mouth is watering.

Kim Kardashian's 20.5 Carat Rock

2011-05-27T12:59:00.003-04:00

Kris Humphries couldn't spring for a full 21 carats? Cheapskate.

It's so weird that her mom and her fiance have the same name spelled the same stupid way.

Mazel Tov, lovers.

From the Mouths of Babes

2011-05-24T08:00:00.003-04:00

For the past week we've been talking to Beatrice about death and fathers and feeling sad. She is pretty bright for her age and pretty aware of emotions (her own and our's.) Last night, she busted out with, "I sink (think) Grandpa Sil (Phil, Cory's father) died because a tiger attacked him." Awesome. That is way more bad ass than a heart attack.
I can't wait to hear what she comes up with for my father. Perhaps a face off with a honey badger?

Meal Planning

2011-05-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- I have a dentist appointment so it will probably be leftovers when I get home.
Wednesday- I am going out for drinks so we'll probably have a quick dinner before I leave. Our fridge is pretty full of leftovers so I think we'll do that again. Or if its still raining, maybe soup and sandwiches.
Thursday- We are going to lay the rest of the never-ending mulch once we put the kids down to bed so I think I'll throw this Jamaican Chicken Soup recipe in the crockpot before I go to work.
Friday- This will be the start of Memorial Day Weekend. Yay, the unofficial start to summer. I think we'll cook something on the grill. I am thinking steaks and grilled vegetables.

Jerk Chicken Slow Cooker Soup

2011-05-23T09:51:00.001-04:00

Jerk Chicken Slow Cooker Soup
(If you're on WW, it's 6 points/serving)

Ingredients:
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
1 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced (medium)
1 medium onion(s), chopped
14 1/2 oz canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted with green chilies, undrained
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/2 tsp table salt
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, minced
1 pound(s) Chicken, breast, raw, without skin & bone

Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine allspice, cayenne, ginger, garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat; set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Place chicken in a 5-quart slow cooker; add any spices remaining in bowl. Add garlic, onion, tomatoes, beans, broth, salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; stir. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 7 hours. Stir in lime juice and cilantro; let sit for 5 minutes for flavors to blend.

Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving (6 servings)

New Blog and Book: Carrots 'N Cake

2011-05-19T10:03:00.004-04:00

I've been reading this Boston based blog, Carrots 'N Cake, for a couple of weeks now. I really like the author, Tina Haupert's approach to balanced eating and healthy living. Tonight I'm going to a reading of her new book at the Brookline Booksmith.

This will officially count towards my goal of 'doing more thought-provoking activities' (just typing that kind of makes me feel like a douche.)

Happy 11 Months, Theo

2011-05-16T10:27:00.001-04:00

Happy 11 month birthday, my sweet boy. You are just one month shy of your first birthday. These past months have flown by. Its been wonderful to watch you learn so many new things.

Your latest favorite past time includes playing with the oven tray (and hiding your shoes in there.)

You are also enjoying 'tasting' everything, including mulch, dirt, acorns, grass, dust bunnies.

Mealtimes have become quite a messy challenge. You refuse to let us spoon feed you. We basically have to trick you while you are attempting to hand feed yourself. We slide in the spoon full with the precision of a stealth fighter pilot. The other day I was cleaning out the freezer and came to your shelf of baby food. There are only a couple of containers left and I realized that I won't be needing to make you any more. You'll just eat what we're eating. All of these firsts are beginning to end.

You have 6 teeth. They are sharp as a shark's. You aren't aware of that. I am when I get in there to do a grass or mulch finger sweep and get a razor sharp bite in return. Thankfully you've had all your shots.

Sometimes when the days are gray and my heart is heavy, I take one look at you and your sister and the clouds and weight disspiate. You are easy to love and a joy to have as a son, Theo.

Somethins' Amiss

2011-05-13T15:57:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: The lost post re-appeared below. Yay.

Something weird is going on with this here blog. I posted something yesterday and its not showing up. And my other posts are showing up all spacey. Shite.
Well I am short on time right now. I had a busy week with a trip to the Brimfield Antique Fair and a 2 day work meeting. More to come next week on those events.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Hello There

2011-05-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

Posting has been light this week. It's been a crazy week. Tuesday Cory and I went to the Brimfield Fair (more to come on that next week), then Wednesday and today I was in all day meetings. Lots of team building and brainstorming and catered lunches. The best part of the meeting was when the head of marketing announced that we will be launching a new product and will be creating an intense ad campaign that will include a viral video by the producer of this video. I can't wait to see what they come up with.

Meal Planning

2011-05-09T11:45:00.002-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- Salmon Cakes with Trader Joe's Tomato-Less Salsa over greens
Wednesday- Work dinner
Thursday- Beets, Feta Cheese, and Lentils over Wilted Kale
Friday- Thai Chicken Skewers with Pineapple, Mango & Red Chile salsa

Salmon Cakes

2011-05-09T11:19:00.001-04:00

I based this off of a Weight Watchers recipe.

Ingredients:
1 large sweet red pepper(s), finely diced, divided
1 medium scallion, trimmed and minced
1 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, minced
14 1/2 oz canned salmon, drained
1 stalk (small) celery, finely chopped
1 medium shallot, minced
1 large egg (I'll use egg whites or egg substitute)
2 Tbsp fat-free mayonnaise (I'll use plain nonfat Greek yogurt)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or ancho chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp table salt

Instructions:

Place salmon in large mixing bowl and mash with back of a spoon. (It is not necessary to pick out the bones.)

Stir in remaining scallion, red pepper, celery, shallot, egg, mayonnaise, cilantro, cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp of black pepper and 1/8 tsp of salt; mix well.

Refrigerate for about 10 minutes.

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray; heat skillet over medium heat.

Loosely pack a 1/4-cup measuring cup with salmon mixture; turn measuring cup ingredients out onto skillet and press down on salmon cake with a spatula until it is about 3/4-inch thick; repeat to make 8 salmon cakes total.

Cook salmon cakes for 3 minutes on first side; gently turn over and cook until golden on second side, about 2 to 3 minutes more. (Be careful not to crowd salmon cakes; cook in 2 batches if necessary.)

Yields 4 servings (2 salmon cakes/serving. )

Thai Chicken Skewers

2011-05-09T10:19:00.001-04:00

Thai Chicken Skewers
This is a Weight Watchers recipe (Points Value= 3; Servings= 8)

Ingredients
13 1/2 fl oz light coconut milk, about 1 3/4 cups
2 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped, or to taste
1 Tbsp dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp thai curry paste
1 tsp ginger root, fresh, grated
1 tsp lime zest
3/4 tsp table salt
2 spray(s) cooking spray
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded thin, cut crosswise on the diagonal into 16 strips

Instructions
* In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, cilantro, sugar, curry paste, ginger, lime zest and salt until blended; set 1 cup of coconut milk mixture aside for dipping sauce.
* Transfer remaining coconut milk mixture to a resealable plastic food storage bag (or shallow glass container with cover). Add chicken to bag (or container), seal and turn to coat; refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 hours.
* Meanwhile, soak sixteen 18-inch wooden skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes(to prevent scorching).
* Preheat broiler. Line a broiler pan rack with nonstick aluminum foil (or use a nonstick baking sheet coated with cooking spray).
* Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Thread one piece of chicken onto each skewer and place on prepared pan; coat with cooking spray. Broil, turning once, until chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
* Meanwhile, bring reserved sauce to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes. Arrange skewers on serving platter. Spoon sauce into a bowl for dipping. Yields 2 skewers and about 1 tablespoon of sauce per serving.

Happy Anniversary, Sister and B-i-L

2011-05-05T08:48:00.005-04:00

Look what you can accomplish in 4 short years.

Bird Bombs

2011-05-04T13:38:00.007-04:00

I think this is going to require a power-washer.

Every time I see bird shit I am reminded of a Cape Cod summer many years ago. Cory and I were at Nauset Beach at Liam's Snack Shack. Cory was waiting in line while I waited by the tables. I was basking in the gorgeous Cape air, when all of a sudden I felt a splat! It was obviously bird shit streaming down the center of my back. I quickly asked the kid at the table next to me for a napkin. He was about 8 or 9 sitting by himself, holding the table while his family ordered their food. I did my best contortionist moves to try and wipe the bird shit off but I only succeeded in smearing it around more. And for reasons I still cannot fathom, I walked over to the little kid's table and asked him to wipe the shit off my back. Just as he was finishing up (it required multiple napkins) his mom walked up. Have I mentioned that I was in my bikini (why didn't I toss on a cover-up to hit the snack shack), definitely glistening with sweat and gobs of non-SPF Banana Boat tanning oil. Awkward.

The Monthly Give- May 2011

2011-05-03T14:23:00.001-04:00

This month's give will benefit Birthday Wishes whose goal it is to celebrate every homeless child's birthday in Massachusetts. Let's try and assemble some Birthdays-in-a-Box which include the following items:

Cake mixes

Cans of frosting

Packages of juice boxes

Disposable aluminum cake pans

Disposable cameras

I will deliver the goods the first week in June.

Meal Planning

2011-05-02T08:00:00.007-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- Thai Chicken Soup *
Wednesday- Leftovers
Thursday-Black beans, egg white scramble, & corn salsa over grilled polenta cakes
Friday- Chicken Tikka Masala + Cauliflower Curry

* This recipe from SavoryGirl was delicious last time I made it. I didn't have some of the essential ingredients so I ended up substituting and it was still yummy!

Ah To Be A Princess

2011-04-29T12:48:00.005-04:00

I am totally eating up all of this Royal Wedding stuff. Congratulations to the Prince and Princess. I loved every last detail, but mostly all the hats. We don't wear nearly enough hats in this country. I need to have a Kentucky Derby party or go to a Baptist Sunday service to get my hat fix.

Cauliflower Curry

2011-04-28T10:15:00.005-04:00

Cauliflower Curry

(This is a Weight Watchers recipe. PointsPlus value= 2; Servings= 4)

Ingredients:1 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion(s), finely chopped
2 tsp ginger root, fresh, peeled and minced
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
1 cup(s) canned tomato puree
1 1/2 cup(s) water
1 pound(s) cauliflower, florets, cut into bite-size pieces and steamed
1 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped (I'm going to use cilantro, I don't love parsley)

Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ginger; cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened, 4-5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and cumin; cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in the tomato puree and water. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
3. Place the cauliflower in a serving bowl, top with the sauce, and sprinkle with the parsley.

Yields about 1 cup per serving.

Chicken Tikka Masala

2011-04-28T10:10:00.008-04:00

Chicken Tikka Masala
(This is a Weight Watchers recipe I doctored a little. Instead of serving with rice, I'll serve with quinoa.)

Ingredients:
2/3 cup(s) fat-fat Greek plain yogurt
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp ginger root, fresh, grated
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Ground Cumin Seed
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tsp olive oil
1 clove(s) garlic clove(s), minced
1 small jalapeno pepper(s), minced
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp paprika
8 oz canned tomato sauce
1 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup(s) cilantro, fresh, chopped

Instructions:
1. To prepare chicken, in a large bowl, whisk together first seven ingredients; add chicken and toss to coat. Cover bowl and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
2. Preheat outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan or nonstick skillet.
3. Skewer chicken pieces onto four metal or wooden skewers. Grill or cook skewers in a hot skillet until chicken is cooked through, turning frequently, about 5 to 7 minutes. (Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring.)
4. To make sauce, heat oil in a large, high-sided skillet (or wide saucepan) over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic clove and jalapeno; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add remaining teaspoon of cumin and paprika and stir to coat. Add tomato sauce and evaporated milk, reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Remove grilled chicken from skewers. Add to tomato mixture and simmer 1 minute to heat through. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and quinoa.

Happy Ending Sundae

2011-04-28T10:06:00.001-04:00

Check out the love Beatrice shows for this ice cream sundae. Not a peep out of her as she goes to town on this chocolate and peanut butter delight.

Oh, the apple does not fall far..

Eastah 2011 Re-cap

2011-04-26T10:31:00.011-04:00

Easter was lovely this year. It was very low key and stress free. We did have one minor snafu involving the Easter eggs for the hunt. Saturday night we were filling the eggs and Cory deemed the items to fill them unacceptable. He rushed out to CVS to get some candy. I thought her eggs were just fine without the candy. Hell, we grew up looking for colored hard boiled eggs, none of this plastic eggs filled with candy shit.

Here is my girl during her hunt. (Theo was still sleeping but he got to look for a couple of eggs when he woke up.)

Here's a flashback to past Easters (2010 and 2009.)

Meal Planning

2011-04-25T08:00:00.004-04:00

Monday- Nanny's
Tuesday- Lentil soup (I found a good recipe in Martha Stewart. If it comes out good, I'll post the recipe.)
Wednesday- Breakfast burrito
Thursday- Turkey Meatloaf and salad
Friday- Seafood Stew*

*Seafood Stew
Ingredients:
4 cups of vegetable broth
4 fl. oz white wine
1/2 c. of clam juice
2 cups of chopped onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups of diced tomatoes
2 cups of raw spinach
1 cup of chopped green or red pepper
16 oz. white fish, chopped into small pieces
12 large shrimp
3 sprigs of parsley or cilantro
salt and pepper to taste (do this at end b/c fish and clam juice will be salty)

Directions:
Saute the onions for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and green pepper.
Add the vegetable broth, white wine, diced tomatoes, and clam juice.
Simmer for a couple of minutes. Add in the fish. Cook for about 15 minutes.
Add in the shrimp and spinach. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Top with cilantro or parsley.

Happy Earth Day 2011

2011-04-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

Do something good for the earth today. Turn off that water while you brush your teeth, water a plant with that last gulp of water in your (BPA-free) water bottle, cut up those cereal boxes to make coloring paper for your kids. And get your free shampoo sample.

Here are some more ways to do good on this green day.

I am hoping Origins will do an Earth Day promotion again this year. I love their stuff.

UPDATE: Origins is doing their promotion again. You can “trade in” any one of your existing skin care products, regardless of brand, for a FREE Origins high-performance, paraben free cleanser (while supplies last) at Origins retail stores and department store counters! You will have the choice between two full size award-winning products – Checks and Balances Frothy face wash OR A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea ($20 value!)! All cosmetic packaging collected will be recycled or responsibility converted to energy through the Return to Origins Recycling Program. And Starbucks is giving away a free coffee if you bring in a reusable mug.

Feel the Burn

2011-04-20T13:10:00.004-04:00

Once a week I train with a couple of other ladies at my gym. We have an awesome trainer who makes the hour go by relatively quickly. There is one lady who sometimes joins our session. She's what I like to call a 'canter.' No matter what exercise we're doing, there's always some reason she can't do it (shin splints, rotator cuff, stomach ache, hangnail... you know the type.) I don't really know why it annoys me. She's the one basically wasting money by not getting the most out of her workout but it still totally bugs me. And oh ya, she's a 'miscounter' too. For all of our exercises we have to do 20 repetitions. I actually counted her reps today, she petered out around 14 or 15. No one likes a cheater.

Today we did a new exercise, something our trainer saw on Biggest Loser last night. So it started with interval speed training on the treadmill for 6 minutes. Then we jumped off and stood in back of the treadmill with our backs to it, holding a 25 lb weight. We had to squat 20 times, each time touching our rear ends to the treadmill base. We had to do that circuit twice.

Ugh, I don't think I can get up out of this chair the rest of the day. Please send a bedpan.

Massa Making 101

2011-04-18T11:07:00.006-04:00

This past weekend we got all pioneer woman. We baked some Massa (Portuguese sweet bread.) Any self respecting Portuguese woman would whip up loaves of this on the regular. Slowly, all of the massa makers are dying off. Once my grandmother died, we would get our massa from various Portuguese markets or other relatives but it was never as good as my grandmother's. And everyone has a different spin on their bread. Some make it softer, drier, more lemony, saltier, sweeter, etc. We've been talking about making our own for years.

So my mother, sister, and mother-in-law gathered to give it a shot this past weekend. My mother, sister and I are not bakers while my mother-in-law definitely is. We made a good team because my mom went off memory and a cryptic recipe from her 85 year old aunt while my mother-in-law provided the break baking know-how.

The end result was near perfect, just as I remember my Vavo making. And hell, how can anything that uses lard, 2 lbs of sugar and 1 lb of butter taste bad?!?

Post, Post, Post

2011-04-15T15:18:00.003-04:00

Hey there, sorry posting was so light this week. I need some blog fodder. Here's to hoping this weekend is filled with drunken revelry, gourmet meals, and a quick beach getaway. Oh wait, a quick look at my calendar indicates that this weekend is filled with swim lessons, bread making, and a play date. Don't worry, I'll take copious notes.

Meal Planning

2011-04-11T14:29:00.005-04:00

Monday: Nanny's
Tuesday: Asian Fish and Veggies in Parchment Paper
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Friday: Spinach Pie* (We didn't end up making this last Friday. Instead we had an impromptu date night to The Elephant Walk and to see Win-Win. It was a much needed night out for us.)

*Recipe (yields 12 Servings; For those on Weight Watchers, 1 serving=5 points) Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil

30 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed to remove excess water

1 cup(s) onion(s), finely chopped

2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1 c. egg substitute

8 oz fat free feta cheese, crumbled

1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp table salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 pound(s) phyllo dough, frozen, thawed according to package directions

Instructions:

Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add spinach and onion and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 5 to 7 minutes; stir in parsley and nutmeg. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add egg substitute, cheeses and salt and pepper; mix well.

Lay 1 sheet of phyllo in and up the sides of prepared pan; coat surface lightly with cooking spray. Top with 7 more sheets of phyllo, coating each layer with cooking spray. Spread spinach mixture over dough and top with 8 more sheets of dough, coating each layer with cooking spray. Roll the overhanging sides of dough into the edges of pan, forming a border.

Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 squares, almost through to the bottom, but not quite or the filling will leak. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Bake until crisp and golden, about 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting squares all the way through to the bottom.