Menu Monday

It's Monday again.  And I have no voice.  And I am tired.  BUT, we did have a great weekend to show for it, so I will push through and hopefully get it together by my my third cup of coffee, or the end of the day...whichever comes first.

Menu Monday

Whew...is it really Monday again?  This weekend flew by in a blur and I am still trying to catch my breath.  I hope yours was as fun and non stop as ours!

Menu Monday

What a fun weekend!  We found ourselves heading to Gainesville (my hometown) for the day for a little family, a little business and a lot of fun!  

Menu Monday

Happy (not as chilly) Monday to you all!  I know I really should not be complaining about a little ice on my windshield, but even all the way down here in sunny Florida it was cold!

Menu Wednesday

What.a.weekend.  If I had one word to explain the events that took place around our house it would be a simple four letter word....

Menu Monday

What a great weekend we had!  We didn't really do anything spectacular, but had a low-key relaxing weekend that was just what the doctor ordered.

Menu Monday

Happy belated Mother's Day to all of you amazing moms out there!  We had a fabulous weekend filled with lots of fun had with friends and our own little family of 3 (well, I guess 3 1/2!)

Menu Monday

Happy Monday!

We had a fun, hard-working, yet relaxing weekend at my mom's house on the St. John's River.  Her river cottage is located on a little slice of land heaven in East Palatka where the views never seem to disappoint.

Menu Tuesday

What a week!  There are sooo many fun things to report on that happened last week; from being featured on a local news story, to finding out the gender of our new little one to revealing it with my class, to planning the new nursery.  So.much.fun.

I plan on doing a few specialized posts about all of the above, but until then, here are a few snippets:

Thursday I was featured on a Channel 6 story about making your own skin care products at home.  More info to follow on this, but I had a blast with Tara, the producer, as she and a camera crew came to our house and taped me playing around with food.  What more could a girl ask for?  I loved it!

Menu Tuesday

What a great weekend!  

We had a blast with berries, buddies and beautiful weather.  Here are a few snapshots of our time at Southern Hill Farms (more detail about the farm coming in an Orlando Moms Blog post soon!).  Now to get busy making some new recipes with the 5 lbs. of berries we took home.  Eeeek!


Gorgeous.

Menu Monday

Wow!  What a difference a week makes!  Last Saturday morning we were bundled up hunting Easter eggs in 30 degree weather and this weekend we were at the beach with temps reaching close to 90!  Everett enjoyed both equally; as long as he's outside, he's a happy camper no matter what the event or temperature!

Menu Monday

What.a.weekend!  If you thought last weekend was jam-packed (which I did) this weekend was that and more.   Our original plan for the weekend a while back was to go camping.  My mom had been planning on coming down to watch E (twist her arm) anyway, and we just thought we would have a low key weekend visiting, shopping and watching March Madness since our camping plans fell through.  Well, we did do all of that, and much, much more.  

Saturday we started with breakfast at Panera and a trip to Lake Meadow Naturals in Ocoee to gather eggs for the week.  It's such a quaint little place and we love to take E every once in a while to experience farm life  - even if just for a quick trip to the hen house.  My mom had never been, and I was so excited to show her around.

Menu Monday

Hi all and Happy Monday!  We had a non-stop weekend (more non-stop than usual) and are all pretty tired this morning...but a good tired.

Menu Monday

 

Happy Monday!  Today is a day filled with mixed emotions – I’m heading back to work!  I am excited to once again have a daily routine, but am going to miss my little guy so very much.  Luckily, Mike is going to be staying home with him the rest of this month for a little father/son bonding time, so I know he’ll be in good hands.

We had a very productive weekend around the house with a little basketball watching party at our friend Lynn’s house.  I love getting things checked off our our to-do list; spring cleaning is definitely in the air!

 

Here are some of our highlights:

Stroller walk with shades.  Mr. Cool.

 

More smiles.

 

2 month check-up.  Up to 12 lbs. 10 oz.!

 

2 month shots, poor baby.  Ouch!

 

Nursery updates.

Have I mentioned how much I love Hobby Lobby?  Well, I do.  I always seem to find something whether I’m looking for it or not!  I found this awesome E a couple of weeks ago and just recently purchased the numbers. 

Instead of spelling out his name which is very common in nursery décor at the moment, I wanted to do something a little different but still special to him – so I decided to buy the numbers that made up his date of birth.  Don’t worry, I do know how to count (my mom thought I had the 1,2,3,4 in the wrong order) – his birthday is 2/4/13.  I am so stoked with how it turned out!

 

Handyman Mike installing our new faucet!  It’s the little things isn’t it!?!

Ta-da!

 

Here’s what will be on our plates this week-

M:  Chicken Pesto Pizza

T:  Crock Pot Chicken and Black Bean Tacos* w/ Refried Beans

W:  Pork Loin w/ Spicy Thai Noodles* and Roasted Green Beans

Th:  Cuban Wraps w/ Chopped Salad

F:  Grilled Sausages w/ Peppers and Onions and Corn on the Cob

Sa:  Black Bean Soup w/ Yellow Rice

Su:  Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry w/ Brown Rice and Egg Rolls

 

Have a great week!

Menu Tuesday :)

 

Hi all!  I hope you had a fabulous LONG weekend!  We definitely did and had a great time at our friends Jill and Ryan’s baby shower/party… but more on that later in the week! 

We also stained the tree bookshelf for the nursery, wrote tons of thank you notes and then just took time to rest.  I know our days of just resting are coming to an end, so I’m taking advantage of every chance I get!

 

 

With only 4 weeks (give or take) left before Baby A makes his debut, we are coming down to the end of our to do list.  This week’s agenda includes:

• car seat installation
• hospital pre-registration
• hospital/diaper bag packed
• email/text announcement distribution list
• install and decorate tree bookshelf in nursery

We’re getting so close!!!

 

As for our menu, here is what’s cooking -

M:  Pressed Sandwiches w/ Carrot Sticks

T:  Steak and Blue Cheese Pizza

W:  Apricot Chicken Kebabs w/ Veggies

Th:  Black Bean Soup & Yellow Rice

F:  Chicken Pad Thai w/ Broccoli

Sa:  Jenny’s Birthday Dinner!

Su:  Chicken Cordon Blue w/ Wild Rice and Green Beans

 

Have a great week!

Menu Monday

 

Hi all and Happy Monday!  I am officially off of vacation and back to work today (sigh).  Part of me is always glad to get back into a routine, but part of me always wishes Christmas break was a little bit longer.

We had a nice and relaxing weekend getting some of the final prep finished in the nursery (only 1 more project to go that Mike started) and I got all of the clothes sorted and organized.  I can’t wait to show you all the updated projects in the nursery – hopefully sometime this week..I’m beginning to think that I want to move into that room!

 

 

Project sneak peak:  Tree bookshelf built by Mike himself, homemade Taggie Blanket made by yours truly and homemade closet dividers.

 

Saturday night was spent watching the Packers win (yippeee!) outside on our friends Lynn and Tuller’s patio which was complete with a grill full of delicious food and a fire pit.  This in a nutshell is why winter in Florida rocks.

 

 

Double Cheese.

 

But, as we get back to life and back to reality, the reality that Baby A’s due date is only 6 WEEKS AWAY is starting to set in!!!  I am officially 34 weeks today and am starting to get waves of sheer excitement (I can’t wait to see what he looks like), and pangs of absolute nervousness (which I can only imagine is normal).  I’m also excited to be the guest of honor at two baby showers this week.  We are so blessed to have friends and family that care so much for our little dude’s arrival! 

We also have a hospital tour this week as well as some maternity shots with my friend Milissa – she is a super talented photographer who also did the pictures at our wedding.  I know they will be awesome.

 

As far as our menu – here’s the plan:

 

M:  Chicken Pesto Pizza

T:  Balsamic Pork Chops w/ Tomato Chutney and Pasta

W: Turkey and Cranberry Panini w/ Chips

Th:  Bang Bang Chicken

F:  St. Charles Baby Shower

Sa:  Sweet and Spicy Wings

Su:  Chicken Cordon Blue w/ Wild Rice and Veggies

Have a great week!

Menu Monday

 

Hi everybody…we’re baaack!

We flew in late last night to be greeted by a dead battery – yuck.  Luckily, there was a nice lady that gave us a jumpstart and we were on our way home to get some much needed shut eye.  Mike was up early since he had to work –double yuck- and I have been unpacking and doing laundry all day…the joys of traveling.

 

My brother-in-law built this gigantic snowman…by himself!  Almost everybody who drove by stopped and stared!  Way to go Mark!

 

We had a blast up north and I can’t wait to share all of our adventures with you all over the next couple of days. The weather was great (highs in the 20s – better than single digits) and the company was second to none.  Mike and I got to meet our new niece, Remy, experience our first baby shower and catch up with some of his hometown friends – and they never disappoint!

---and in case you were wondering…the snow boots were fabulous!

 

State Street – Madison, WI

 

As for this week, my mom is coming down for a few days and then it’s a bit of relaxing before I go back to work next week! Here is our menu plan for this week (hoping to try a new recipe and get back on track with our eating; travel means eating out!).

Have a great New Year’s Eve and Happy New Year!!!

 

M:  NYE!

T:  Savory Egg Sandwiches w/ Salad

W:  Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry w/ Fried Rice

Th:  Post Roast Baked Potatoes

F:  Southwestern Egg Rolls w/ Ranch Dip and Carrots

Sa:  Blue Cheese Burgers w/ Steak Fries

Su:  Chicken Tender Chopped Salad

Menu Monday

 

Happy Monday everybody! 

We had a great weekend visiting with family at my Aunt Janie and Uncle Jerry’s famous Christmas Party, followed by checking a lot of things off of our nursery to-do list (nursery update coming tomorrow!).

We headed up to Palatka after work on Friday evening to my aunt and uncle’s beautiful house on the St. Johns River for their annual (yet last) Christmas Party.  They have the perfect party house; in fact, it’s the exact place we held our wedding reception!

 

 

By the time we arrived the party was in full swing.  Lots of food, fun and festivities. I loved the lights!

 

 

They even hired a band from Jacksonville, The Impediments to play throughout the night.  They are so personable and sound amazing.

 

 

Most of the partying took place outside, but the desserts were inside where the guests got a glimpse of all of their beautiful Christmas décor. 

 

 

As far as the food was concerned, Aunt Janie and Uncle Jerry made huge batches of Jambalaya and Chili (my mom’s recipe) while everybody else was asked to bring a side dish.  Everything was delicious, especially the desserts!

 

 

A small bonfire under the lights culminated the chilly and festive night.  We had a blast chatting with everybody and loved just having to walk right next door (my mom’s house) to call it a night.

 

 

As for this week and next we have a lot to do before we leave for Wisconsin…only 12 more days! 

I am excited to take part in a cooking class tonight at Truffles and Trifles; a fine gourmet kitchen shop in College Park.  I received a gift certificate from my first grade class as an end of the year gift last year and am finally cashing it in and couldn’t be more thrilled. They offer tons of different classes, but at tonight’s class we will be making Holiday Food Gifts.  I’ll have a full recap on Wednesday!

We’re also looking forward to our friends’ annual Thankschristmukkah Party (we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah) this weekend.  It will be the 3rd year in a row, but the first year with costumes – and we love costumes!

As for our menu – this is what we’re eating…what are you craving?

 

M:  Leftovers

T:  Napa Salad w/ Chicken

W:  Chicken Pesto Paninis w/ Potato Chips

Th:  Mexican Pizza

F:  Shepherd’s Pie

Sa: 3rd Annual Thankschristmukkah Party

Su:  Chicken Wine Bake w/ Veggie Cous Cous

Menu Monday

 

Hi everybody and Happy Monday – I sure have missed you all!

I took a bit of a hiatus over the Thanksgiving break, but am back.  We had a low-key, relaxing couple of days and actually got a few things checked off of our to-do lists…we have quite a few these days!

 

 

We spent Thanksgiving at my mom’s house on the river and ate lots of DELICIOUS food.

 

See, I told you.

 

Our Thanksgiving menu consisted of:

• Turkey
• Dressing
• Gravy
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Italian Green Beans
• Mashed Potatoes
• Lime Jello Salad
• Cranberry Relish
• Wheat and Rosemary Rolls
• Pumpkin and Apple Pie
• Wine and Shocktop Pumpkin Wheat

 

 

Mike had three plates full and dessert.  That boy does love to eat!  After dinner there was lots of football.  Played and watched for the rest of the night.

 

 

We went to bed a little early Thanksgiving night with the hopes of heading to Jacksonville for some Black Friday shopping.  We had a 3:30 am wake up call so we were on the road by 4am to head to the St. John’s Town Center for a Babies R Us trip.  On our buying agenda:  a baby monitor and crib mattress both half price.

 

 

I thought the Town Center would be packed…but it was completely the opposite!  We arrived at 5am and there was plenty of parking, no lines and friendly faces.  I was so surprised!

After purchasing our items with no problems, we headed to Panera for a quick bite before continuing on to some other stores on our list.

 

 

 

The weather was chilly and the Town Center had their Christmas lights up and Holiday music playing.  I loved the vibe – it definitely helped put me into the Christmas spirit!

 

 

After finishing up at the Town Center, we headed back towards my mom’s house but decided to make a pit stop in St. Augustine for a bit more shopping and a real breakfast/brunch.

We used our Trip Advisor and Urban Spoon apps to find a local favorite and they definitely pointed us in the right direction.  We stopped at Leroy’s Café for some grub.  Although considered “not your average hole in the wall”, this small restaurant definitely packed a big punch.  After a short wait, the service was fast and friendly and the food was delish…especially the home fries. I would definitely recommend it if you are in the St. Augustine area!

 

We spent the rest of the weekend finishing up some nursery projects, putting up our Christmas tree and outside lights and enjoying a yummy dinner with our friends Ryan and Jill while watching college football…and can I just say GOOOOO GATORS !!!  I was definitely a happy camper after watching them beat Florida State…it doesn’t get any sweeter than that!

 

As for this week, I’m so excited!  Our college buddy Noelle will be in town with her hubby and I can’t wait to catch up over a bite to eat. 

 

Here’s our menu plan:

 

M:  Meatball sliders w/ Carrots and Ranch

T:  Dinner with Nomo!

W:  Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Noodle Casserole*

Th:  Girls Night!

F:  Taco Salad

Sa:  Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ Fried Rice

Su:  Pesto Stuffed Pork Tenderloin w/ Tomato Chutney and Orzo

 

Have a great week!

Menu Monday

 

Happy Monday everybody!  I hope you all had a wonderful and restful weekend.  I know we enjoyed our extra hour of sleep due to Daylight Savings Time.

This weekend we were out and about celebrating our second anniversary (I can’t believe it’s already been two years!).  Last year we decided that every year, one of us would be in charge of planning an anniversary get-away, or event and this was my year (to recap Mike’s anniversary planning last year click here, here and here).

I knew we couldn’t go away for the whole weekend like last year (I had a commitment at school that I had to attend Sunday) so I decided on a Friday night date followed by a Saturday of exploring new places.  Friday night was spent making chocolates at Farris and Foster’s Chocolate Factory in Baldwin Park and Saturday took us over to Tarpon Springs, FL; Sponge Capital of the World and home to delicious Greek food. 

 

 

More on these two adventures this week with some follow up posts with all the details!

As for our menu, I have a few new recipes to try out and a recreation of one of our first dates on Tuesday (our actual anniversary).  I can’t wait to share!

 

M:  Chicken Tender Salad

T:  *Deconstructed Lasagna and Apple Crisp

W:  *Chicken Souvlaki w/ Roasted Carrots

Th:  Pressed Sandwiches w/ Tomato Soup

F:  Apricot Pork Chops w/ Fried Rice and Broccoli

Sa:  Palatka – Dessert Party!

Su:  *Mexican Stuffed Shells w/ Salad

 

*New recipes or methods!