Friday, October 24, 2014

Toddler Food Ideas

One of the requests I received back when I was uninspired was to do a post on what I feed Frances and Sterling.  Feeding kids can easy and it can also be a nightmare.  I think the key is keep switching things up and introduce new things.  Now that Sterling is older he eats what we eat for dinner.   He is not given a choice.   I do not cook him a separate dinner unless Matt and I will be eating really late.  I try to make him eat what we eat.  Now don't get me wrong many nights he goes to bed hungry but he has to at least try everything and if he eats well he is allowed a piece of dessert- sort of a bribe to get him to eat more but it works.  By making him take at least one bite of what we are having it has helped teach him that some things that look gross and he said he wouldn't eat he actually likes.  For example this week I made butternut squash soup and roasted cabbage,  he immediately looked at his plate and said I am not eating that- gross!  Then when I made him try it and he actually liked both and almost cleaned his plate. I call that winning in the Mom Department:)

Frances Moon is obviously a different story.  She is full on into finger foods now.  I still use pouches for on the go but other wise it is food she can feed herself.   Breakfast is usually a Kashi Waffle or Oatmeal and Fruit.  Lunches are often on the go and are a squeezable pouch but dinners are always at home.  I tried to take pictures of Frances Moon's dinners  to give you some ideas of what she eats.  There are so many options and I would welcome ideas too, but these are just a few baby/toddler meal ideas.


String Cheese | Strawberries | Peas (canned)

 Avocado | Beets | String Cheese | Shredded Chicken


Sweet Potatoes | Blueberries | Morning Star Chicken Nuggets


Morning star Veggie Patty | Cauliflower | Strawberries and Blueberries


Carrots | Mandarin Oranges | Snappea Peas


Roasted Cabbage | Cracker Barrel Cheese | Bananas


For those curious the plates above are the Dr. Browns Plates and the last plate is by 5x7 Designs.  I like the Dr. Brown plates because they are small and divided.  I also like the 5x7 plates because they are open and the designs are so cute- Sterling has one too! They make adorable gifts as well.

One tip to make things easier is to prep on Sunday or Monday.  I often roast a few sweet potatoes, butternut squash etc to have in containers for the week.  Then it is easy to pull out and feed Frances, no extra cooking or work required. 

A few ideas of food to buy and keep in your fridge or freezer, I usually keep these items stocked at our house.

- Morning Star Veggie Patties
- Morning Star Chicken Nuggets
- Kashi Waffles
-  String Cheese or mini Babel both are softer cheeses
- Yogurt
- Snappea Peas
- Cheerios
- Ritz Crackers
- Fig Newtons
- Libby's diced veggies (these come in plastic containers like mandarin oranges and are great for kids.  They have carrots, peas, and green bean options)
- Mandarin Oranges
- Nutrigrain Bars
- Avocado
- Fresh Fruit- I always buy bananas, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.  They are softer fruits and easy for Frances to eat.
- Giggle Bites Food - This line by my friend Melissa is awesome.  This is all I fed Frances in the beginning and we still use it often.  She also offers Toddler Sneak-Ums which are genius to mix in with whatever else you are cooking!


and because many times Frances Moon is over the food I serve her.  Feeding any age child is never easy.  This Ecard suns it up as does her face.






Thursday, October 23, 2014

Tory Burch Private Sale Starts Now!

Today Tory Burch just started her private sale.  The deals are pretty awesome.  I rounded up my favorites.  Happy Shopping!  If you didn't get early access you can shop the whole sale HERE!
My top two picks are this Bag and sweater, I am thinking about both for me!








Fall Wish List

We finally had a bit of cold air come thru here again this week and it is delightful.  It has me craving Fall clothes and accessories.  A few things I have spotted lately that I really like.

I have been very impressed by Banana Republic lately.  I am loving both of these scarves.  I know plaid is super hot right now and I always love a Python print, it would really go with everything.  I don't like to spend too much money on scarves so these are a great price.  Use code BRSHOPNOW for 40% off.



Speaking of plaid- how awesome is this plaid coat from Gap and it is under $175!!  Use code HAPPY for 20% off!


I have been wanting some new lounge wear pants.  Something so soft and cozy but still cute and I think I am going to order these JCrew Whisper Jersey Leggings in the black or Navy color.  You can get 25% off with code TGIFALL

I am also tempted to order the Jersey night shirt as well.  I love sleeping in night gowns but it does get cold sometimes.   Plus this is cute to wear around the house in front of kids and not too flashy.  Also 25% off with code TGIFALL.


Since I got my TB horse blouse I have been loving the horse print.  This dress is a must for Fall.  It looked so amazing on Blair.


I have wanted a pair of these forever and they are finally on sale!  I love the edgy look of the Rag and Bone design with the exposed zipper.  I ordered the black but they also are on sale in a gorgeous burgundy color.



Matt and I host Thanksgiving every year at our house.  It is our pride and joy.  We both love to cook and entertain so it is always fun.  This year I have decided since this tradition will be carrying on, I want to invest in some legit Thanksgiving Dinner Plates.  Which do ya'll like better??  Or any ideas where to find some cute ones? 



I am so excited to see these jeans in the perfect shade of gray for Fall. I live in my gray jeans!


I love all things high waisted these days.  This maxi skirt is so gorgeous.  I always love a black/white color combo.


Such a great casual jacket.

I love the cut and color of this sweater for Fall.

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Serena and Lily just marked down some new Fall things.  Shop the sale Here and scroll thru to see my favorites!





Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Bacon Corn Dip


I am a dip lover.  Well really I am an appetizer lover.  I would be so happy with a spread of good appetizers and wine and no real meal.  With the holiday season fast approaching and football in full swing it is always good to have some delicious appetizer ideas.  The past few weeks I have gotten an abundance of corn in my CSA Basket- I am talking like 6 ears a week so I was trying to get creative how to use them up. Enter this corn dip.  It is cheesy and filled with bacon you can't ask for much more in a dip.  Easy to make ahead and just reheat before you serve it.  I served ours with Tortilla chips but you could do another type of chip if you prefer.  Try not and eat spoonfuls of this, I dare you!
Enjoy!



|| B A C O N   C O R N  D I P ||
adapted via Damn Delicious

Ingredients
  • 5-6 slices bacon, diced ( I used a mix of Prosciutto and bacon because I had it on hand)
  • 3 cups corn kernels (I used fresh corn that I roasted in the oven about 30 mins, you can also use frozen or canned)
  • 1 small white onion diced
  • 1/4 cup diced orange or red bell pepper
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced, 
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced 
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • dash of hot sauce we used homemade Habanero hot sauce but any hot sauce will give this an extra kick
  • Tortilla chips for serving
 
Instructions
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and prosciutto and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.  Leave some of the extra drippings  to cook veggies in.
  • Add corn, onion, bell pepper and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese and milk until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in green onions, half the bacon,  and garlic salt, season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Add in hot sauce
  • Serve immediately, sprinkled with extra bacon




Tuesday, October 21, 2014

The Perfect Floral Blouse on Sale!!

I just wanted to pop in real quick and share my Equipment floral blouse that arrived from the Saks sale.  It is even better in person.  Truly the perfect Fall Blouse.  It is still on sale right now, so a great time to buy!  I am wearing a small it runs TTS!  Don't forget to use code FREESHIP for your free shipping!

 Had to show off my gorgeous fresh flowers too!




Get it while you can.  It looks great with white, black, or blue jeans.  Really a versatile blouse. Great for work or play.   Also looks great tucked in with higher waisted pants.




Halloween Treats and Tricks

I can't believe Halloween is two weeks away!  Confession: Halloween is my least favorite holiday.  I am a Christmas gal, Matt makes fun of me because I like Christmas and Christmas decorations so much.  The day after Thanksgiving I am ready to get my tree up and start decorating for Christmas.   The funny thing is Sterling is Halloween obsessed, it is by far his favorite holiday.  Our house has been decorated for weeks and he seriously can't have enough pumpkins or spooky things.  As a mom we want to do things that make our kids happy so I put up the ugly Halloween decorations (secretly counting the days til I can take them down) because it brings him so much joy.  and truth be told I am starting to get into Halloween because it makes Sterling so excited and happy.    I am sure many of you have Halloween parties coming up and wanted to share some adorable food ideas I found and also some great deals on Halloween decor.

Such a fun spin on Chocolate Chip Cookies.  All you need is an tipped icing bag to do the legs.
 

I actually already told Sterling we would make these this weekend.  
 
 
\\ Halloween Fruit
I always love this idea of bananas and oranges.  So simple and a healthy snack for the kids.
 
 
Such a cute idea, they seem easy to make and the kids could help.
 
How delicious does this bark look???
 
 
I bet these taste just like the cinnamon twists at Taco Bell and they look super easy you just need a bat cookie cutter.
 
Such a cute idea for a school party.
 
 
I am so making these for dinner one night next week.
 


I thought this was the coolest idea ever!
 
 
I thought this was such a neat idea to do with the kids.  I would even do it with all metallic crayons for a gorgeous pumpkin.
 
 

And now is a super time to stock up on Halloween decorations for next year.  I always do this after the holidays then the next year is so fun to pull out your bargain buys that are new!

Pottery Barn has 40% off their Halloween stuff and West Elm has up to 50% off.
 
I always love the look of Mercury Pumpkins.  These are gorgeous on a dining room table.

 

 Super cool.  This would make Sterling so excited.

These wine stoppers are so cute and would make a great hostess gift for anyone throwing a Halloween Party this year.
 

Sterling has been dying for me to get a ghost so I may order this bad guy.
 

Love these trees, they are not too flashy.

I love the idea of these on a bar cart for decoration. 


I love these adorable glasses and they are a steal at 50% off at West Elm.  Awesome for a Halloween Party.


and if you love the Pumpkin scent around your house these Nest candles and diffuser are the best!!  They smell so good.


I have to end with a picture of what I witnessed last night.  It was quiet in our house and quiet means something bad or sneaky is going on.  I walked out on our front porch and found Sterling coloring on all our columns with permanent markers.  He said he was drawing scary people for Halloween because our house wasn't spooky enough.  I had to contain my laughter while I lectured about never using permanent markers.  But how funny is that guilty little face??