Staycation Re-cap

What a week!! While I love going away and being on a "real vacation" being 32 weeks pregnant, having a toddler, and us wanting to save some money with the new baby on the way, and let's be honest, Joe wanted to hunt…we made the most of a stay cation.  I'm not so sure I'll want to do them when then kids get older, because I find true value in all of us getting out of the house, exploring new areas to travel and explore.  We are already planning our July family vacation, and I'm pretty sure it will involve the ADK mountains and Lake George again.  With baby boy being rather small, I don't think we will go all rustic, but I am excited to get out and see that place in action!

As for our stay cation, what did we do? I suppose this is more for my own memories, but feel free to read on if you'd like.

Monday was really low key and I just ran errands alone (woop!) and Joe grilled us some BBQ bone-in chicken breasts.

Tuesday we found Brooke a big girl bed! It was like 70 degrees and so nice out so it was perfect weather to get out and about with her.  This was a huge deal to find her bed set, as we really need to get the crib/changing table into the nursery sooner than later, and transition that girl!  I don't want to be dealing with a newborn and a toddler up all night.  We accidentally left her sound machine at my parents' house, so she's been sleeping without that for the week, and has been fine!

We also picked up our 40 pounds of Zaycon Chicken.  I haven't tried it yet, but it looks huge and awesome! For such a great deal, I will surely be back in March when they return.  If you are interested in $1.89 a pound for chicken, that is hormone and antibiotic free, use this referral code!

https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf369969

I had my girls' night Wednesday and it was so much fun.  I haven't seen Matty since before I was prego, so I believe that was April?? He shared some amazing news---him and his boyfriend are coming home in June!! I couldn't be more excited.  I can't wait for our monthly girls' nights to start up again.

Thursday I thoroughly enjoyed my prenatal massage and even drifted off to sleep a few times!  Joe arranged for my stepmom to watch Brooke while he hunted that same day, so I also snuck in a pedicure and then went to my OB appointment without trying to wrangle Brooke and pee in a cup. Do you know how much talent that is, especially since she can open that bathroom door??? #justsayin

In baby news: he is measuring ahead at 34 weeks, while we just entered 32.  I told my doctor how I have been having Braxton Hicks, which I don't really think I had them this much with Brooke, and he was all like, 'eeeehhhh don't worry mon' [he's Jamaican] but for real, said it was no biggie, but then he started feeling around and goes, "OH WOW.  He's already in position, head is way down.  You have a few more weeks fella, what are you getting all cozy down there for?? No wonder you've been having BH contractions, his head is low.  As long as they don't get painful or start coming really frequently, you should be fine."   So, stay put baby!  We love you and can't wait to meet you, but are not ready yet! Keep on baking.

It also snowed a little bit off and on, so that is always fun when it does that for the first time of the season.  I know I've mentioned it before, but I am ready for the cold.  I'm so weird.

I did get a little emotional the last few days, with missing my Sadie girl.  I had been fine, but then when a week came up, I realized how much I do miss her so, and it just makes me really sad she won't be here around the holidays.

Friday we started the morning with a cozy fire and I met with a new cleaning lady.  We also decided to go to the mall, which is always an adventure with an almost 2 year old.  Joe did find himself a nice new winter jacket and I stocked up on my holiday soaps from Bath and Body.  She got to run around like a maniac and wanted to climb the gates that held in all the Christmas trees.  This whole Christmas season will be fun and reeeeeeally interesting!

We ordered takeout from a fancy restaurant for dinner, so that was quite delish!!!  I even set up the living room, so we could eat in there. I just stick Brooke in her high chair and we flip the ottoman top over and it's a table.  Silly, but we never eat in there/with the tv, so when we do it's kind of a big deal.

I was able to go to Wegmans (our grocery store) TWICE this week by myself.  That's a vacation right there!  Saturday I also got to run errands: library, post office, dry cleaners, without having to buckle/unbuckle, lift and somewhat struggle with the constant in/out of errand running.  It's really not fun for her, (or me) so I really do appreciate when I can get out and do that.  

We lit our fireplace and just relaxed a bit here and there too.  I am horrible at just putting my feet up and constantly feel the need to do stuff; I believe the nesting instinct is really kicking in like crazy, and I have all these projects I start and need to finish.

Today is Sunday, he's hunting (still hasn't gotten anything yet) and Brooke and I just finished up some Buckwheat pancakes.   I'm thinking lasagna for dinner.  I feel like all I do is cook, eat, clean, figure out what to cook next, cook, eat, clean…repeat. Which is why I need to stop procrastinating and go clean my kitchen!

More than anything, it was nice to have Joe around more.  He was still 'working' on other projects he has started #entrepreneur but I can tell Brooke really enjoyed just having him home more often than not.  We still have a lot do before baby's arrival, but I can't stress…he will come regardless of what is in place or not.

I'm looking forward to:
-hosting my first homeschool meet up tomorrow (I know one other momma is brining her girl)
-sharing AdvoCare at a holiday stop and shop tomorrow night
-Thanksgiving
-picking out Brooke's new bedding
-reading my books from the library

Chicken Recipe: Pollo Involtini

I haven't shared any recipes in awhile, and I thought this was a yummy one.  I personally would add more seasoning because I just love flavor.  It has a nice presentation and would be perfect for a week night meal or even if you're entertaining. 

Be sure to buy quality ingredients; organic chicken breasts etc.  I should have used a stronger white wine {preferably pinot grigio, but I didn't have that on hand.}

Here is a link to the recipe:

Pollo Involtini Teresa Guidice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped frozen thawed artichoke hearts
1 (packed) cup baby spinach (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage or rosemary
1/3 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly oil an 11 1/2 x 8-inch baking dish.

2. One at a time, place a chicken breast half between 2 plastic storage bags. Using a flat meat pounder or a rolling pin, pound the chicken until it is 1/4-inch thick. Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the artichoke hearts. Stir in the spinach and sage and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the spinach-ricotta mixture to a wire sieve and press with a heatproof spatula to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the ricotta and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

4. Place 1 chicken breast, smooth-side down, on a work surface. Spread one-fourth of the spinach-ricotta mixture in the center of the breast, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Fold in the sides, and then roll up from the bottom, like a burrito, to enclose the filling. Place the roll, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts and spinach-ricotta mixture. Pour the broth and wine over the chicken.

5. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of a breast reads 165ºF, about 20 minutes. Transfer each portion to a dinner plate, and top with a spoonful of the pan juices. Serve hot.

Soften onion, garlic,  artichokes, & spinach

Stir all together!

Add a small amount of mixture on the pounded breast

Drizzle light coating of oil at the bottom of pan

Fun to make!

I had some sweet potatoes on hand and these always make the house smell so scrumptious!

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onion w/ EVOO

Side Salad w/ Avocado & Italian Dressing

Hubby liked it, but he has trouble with too many veggies, so Brooke and I ate the remaining leftovers.  I just love a good stuffed chicken, so I will play around with some other ingredients as well.

What have you been cooking?  I try to lighten things up around here during Spring. I love trying new recipes!

First Date Night Since Baby and a Recipe

Our first official "Date Night" since baby!

Saturday night Joe's parents came over to babysit.

Wow.

So many memories flooded through my mind

of when I used to babysit for other couples,

and also when my own parents would go out Friday nights.

Now, it was my turn.

And in typical fashion,

I wasn't ready to leave when they got here! 

I got caught up in feeding/changing 

and my hair wasn't quite finished.

That's ok, because grandma was more than eager to get a hold of Brooke!
We kissed our little love goodbye,

and scurried off.

Our first of two stops was Trata.

The trendy, newer restaurant/bar here in the Roc.

I've heard the food is not great,

[and you know we are huge foodies!]

So we just stopped in to check it out and have a drink.

It was a cool building and my pinot noir was divine. 

google images

More importantly, we were out of the house,

 I was as dolled up as one can be one month post-partum

{I totally wanted to rock heels, but the foot of snow prevented me!}

I'm still wearing maternity jeans, but some flowy non-maternity tops fit nicely.

It was so fun to people watch,

and just be the two of us.

As we finished our wine and headed back to the truck,

I turned to him and was just so giddy,

"I'm having such a great time already!"

Our next stop was the newer sushi joint that opened while I was prego.

I had been dying to go, but obviously had to wait until after baby.

NIKKO

 google images

It was a decent place;

a tad over-priced,

however the sushi was really good.

We most likely won't go back,

as there are plenty of other great sushi places ,

but were so happy to have tried it!

It was the perfect 'first date' out since having Brooke.

Just long enough to fall in love all over again with each other,

and yet by 9:30 we were home racing to get our pj's on.

 His parents were shocked we were home already,

but it was just long enough for both of us.

Sunday all three of us lounged around,

being absolutely lazy.

It was perfect.

We watched the movie
Flight

With Denzel Washington

It was a bit intense, but a pretty good movie.

Dinner time rolled around and I decided upon this...

Easy Mac & Cheese Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 bag of frozen veggies thawed

2 cups of diced cooked chicken

4 tablespoons butter melted

1 cup of milk

1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1. Boil pasta according to box

2. In a casserole, stir in chicken, broccoli, pasta, 3 tablespoons of the butter,

milk, cheddar cheese.

3. Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, Parm cheese & Panko and sprinkle on top.

4. Bake at 400 for a half an hour uncovered

Hubs loved it and it was super easy for this lazy mama!!

Easy Chicken w/ Cranberry Stuffing Recipe

Sexyyy laaaaadies...

{Gangnam style}

Sorry, stuck in my head.

I'm so pumped that I passed my glucose test and my iron is great!!

Yayyyy

I guess my sweet cravings haven't caused too much havoc

I have a quick and easy recipe for you today!

My simple version of a lazy week day Thanksgiving meal 

Chicken with Cranberry Stuffing

Ingredients

• 3-4 organic chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 scallions chopped
• 1 box ready made stuffing {or dried bread cubes w/ seasonings}
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth 
• salt/pepper to season

Instructions:

Mix stuffing, scallions, & cranberries in a bowl.

In a small bowl/cup mix together the mustard & broth.

Mix wet & dry ingredients together.

Using a sharp knife, slice chicken breasts as if you were opening a book {or slicing a bagel}

Stuff the breasts & secure with toothpicks.

Season with a bit of salt/pepper.

 Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

With the extra stuffing, I throw it in a casserole dish with a lid,

so that it can cook and not get too dry.

I like it a little mushy to serve along side...

 While that's cooking, 

I steamed some organic broccoli on the stove.

Season with lemon & EVOO

And there you have it;

 a nice little meal.

Weekend Rewind: OOTD & a New Recipe!

Friday night was so much fun!!

I started getting ready, and had a minor dilemma.

Black peep-toe booties, or over-knee brown suede boots?

Le sigh.

Poor me, I know. 

Such big problems.

hehe

So, who better to turn to than twitter!

I took each vote into consideration 

and even painted my toes in case the booties won.

The weather wasn't bad here, so I thought for sure I'd go with the peeps.

Wrong!

Pix were taken as hubs yelled, "WE GOTTA GO!!"

OOTD:

Black Shirt: Banana Republic

Vest: Arden B.

Jeans: Seven {Skinny}

Peep-toe booties~Charlotte Russe~didn't wear~

Brown Boots: Aldo

Jewelry: Coach {can't see it, doh!}

We met at a little restaurant right around the corner,

from where we live.

It's usually really really delicious!
It was at best, okay.

I think my master cooking skills are starting to really

hurt our dining out experience.

We are beyond picky now. 

Yikes!

So, here goes.

I ordered the "King Cut" Prime Rib, thinking I'd have

tons of leftovers for lunch the next day.

I asked for it medium-rare.

The one pictured above came out and in all my excitement, 

I remembered to take a picture!

Then I sliced into it, and realized there was no pink

what-so-ever-and it was borderline dry.

I never do this, but I told the waitress.
She said they ran out of prime rib.

What, what? 

{It was only 6:45?!?}

She returned with a steak about a 1/4 of the size

and it was pink, but very fatty.
I ate what I could, but was not impressed.
We told the waitress anyway, again, I never do this.
She felt bad and wished I said something before I ate that one.
I explained, it was okay, 

but just really not a choice steak to be serving customers.
Well, wouldn't you know one of the owners saw my steak and also

thought it was a very bad cut/piece and so she didn't charge us the $26.

Pretty nice, eh?

Guess it's ok since we drank another bottle of Australian Pinot Noir at $22.

So, the moral, be polite, but be honest.

As I learn to cook better, I really appreciate feedback.

Obviously, manners get you everywhere and I was slightly blushing

and a bit embarrassed to tell them I wasn't satisfied...

but it was worth it!

I'm not saying go out and complain 

about something at every meal you dine out for, 

I actually know people who do this for freebies tacky

but if you're like Joe and I and expect to go all out and pay for a quality meal,

it's important that that happens. 

And if it doesn't, the restaurant owners need to know.

Moving along...

We stopped at another local pub for a drink.

And then...

I didn't take many other pictures. 

and if I did I'm not posting them!!
I hadn't bowled in years.  

We had so much fun, my arm and left bum cheek is actually sore!

Oh, and remember how hubs was rushing me?
I didn't end up wearing socks with my boots, 

I figured it was just a quick dinner.
Yeah. Wrong!

Luckily we swung by our friends' house and I borrowed a pair of socks.

Can you imagine not wearing socks in a pair of used bowling shoes? 

Yeah. Me either!

BLEH!

We got in around 1:30am...big night out for us old folk!!
Which left us being:

L

A

Z

Y

That's what we were yesterday!

I'm talking about breakfast in bed {for hubs}

Watching a Kardashian marathon I must have been really out of it!

Finally emerged from the house to go buy food for dinner.

We are true travel junkies and watch Anthony Bourdain No Reservations.

Well, he was visiting the US/Mexico border and we saw him eat

this amazing chicken roll-up.

We may or may not have the recording on our iPhone.

It went something like this:

**SOAK TOOTHPICKS IN WATER**

So it doesn't really have name...

 A Grilled Bacon Chicken Roll-up

Stuffed with Cheddar Cheese,

Chopped onion

chopped jalepeno

Slather on Teriyaki sauce last 2 minutes of grilling.

I'm not a huge Teriyaki fan, but this has me changin' my mind.
Spicy, but sweet and salty.
Every taste-bud experienced something with each

scrumptious bite.

And today we enjoyed our long drive out in the country.

Sippin on Starbucks Chai Lattes.

Dreamin big dreams of someday owning a lot of acres, a big country home,

enough land for gardens and clotheslines,

free space for kids and dogs to roam,

and a wrap-around porch with matching rocking chairs.

Oh and his crazy 10-car garage.

Dream big, or don't dream at all!

We had a tasty organic beef & vegetable stew,

and as I put this blog post together, 

hubs has been "saving the world" 

COD style.

What did you do this weekend?

Oh, you haven't entered my GIVEAWAY yet?? Hurry!! 

=D

What's for dinner?

Curry Coconut Chicken

Serves 3-4

Time: approx 1 hr

Ingredients:

•  3-4 organic chicken breasts
• 1 small onion
• 1 can coconut milk
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• small can of tomato sauce
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 2 T curry powder
• 3 T of sugar
• Sea salt/cracked pepper to taste
• 1-2 T of vegetable oil

Directions: 

In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the curry on mediu.m heat

Slice the onion, crush the garlic, and cube the chicken. {use glass cutting board for raw meats}

 Add the onion and garlic to the oil to soften.

Add the chicken and cook until chicken is no longer pink.

Add salt/pepper to taste.

Feel free to pour yourself a nice glass of white wine at this time, as there's not a lot more work that goes into this meal.  Cooking with a glass of wine at hand, is the best.  I chose this fine pinot grigio.

love.love.love.

Once the chicken is cooked, add the coconut milk, tomato sauce, sugar, & diced tomatoes to the frying pan.

Simmer on low for 30-40 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil enough rice for as many people you are serving.

I do brown rice for me and white rice for him.

Follow directions on the box for the rice.

Pour chicken mixture over rice & serve.

It's on the easy side with a hearty, but not too rich flavor.

Chicken cacciatorre~ Slow Cooker

Since the holiday season is here, you will needs lots of easy and healthy recipes to get you and your families fed during this time.
Chicken Cacciatorre {Hunter's Chicken}
Rustic, yet not difficult or too rich.
Ingredients:
3-4 lbs. boneless breasts and/or thighs

1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon each basil and oregano
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 bay leaves
1 large can of crushed tomatoes OR diced...whatever your preference
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups red wine
Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling before serving

Place sliced onions on bottom of crock pot. Add chicken.

Stir together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.

Cook on low 7-9 hours or high 3-4 hours. Serve over pasta, with a salad on the side.

*I used bone in one time--TOO many small bones--because it all fell apart, there were so many tiny bones I would just be on the safe side and do boneless thighs/breasts*

Delicious taste, you don't even need pasta, 

but if you married an Italian, he'll probably want spaghetti!

Weekend Fun & last Chance Giveaway!

Today I am thankful for patience. I have a lot of it. It always comes in handy. =)

My weekend consisted of:

Lots of blog reading/browsing, twitter (@MrsDellefave}, deciding to host a Scentsy party at my house and online.

Check it out if you'd like to order anything!

Discovering the fun in Instagram! {@MrsDelleFave}

and a good glass of sauvignon blanc

Ooooo I feel so artsy! ;P

Not having to cook dinner 2 nights in a row.

Friday we went to a cute little Italian restaurant Proseccos.

The best part was the Michael Buble sound-alike singing Frank Sinatra~esque songs.  

Love.

Tyler!

Saturday we went for sushi at Sakura

Spicy Tuna hand roll

So delish!!

Spending lots of time with 4 dogs

and hoping my hunter would get a deer...but he did not. 

Maybe next time!!

I also received my awesome socks from my sock swap partner Julia!

Thanks again for hosting it Ashley!!

We ended our Sunday with grilled chicken wings & a 49ers win!! =D

My girl Ann's recipe:

Dishin Divas

Buy fresh or frozen wings from the store, thaw according to package directions and follow the recipe below - it's from "Eat This, Not That" with my modifications...

2 pounds of wings
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
Mix spices and toss with wings.

The recipe says to bake at 450 for 15 minutes.

I prefer the grill!---

Then toss with your favorite bottled sauce or a mixture of 1/2 melted butter 1/2 hot sauce! 

**We just dumped the Organic wings on the grill for about 30 mins then tossed in Red Hot/Butter**

If you have not entered my GIVEAWAY--today is the last day to get that cute purple purse!!

It will close tonight at midnight.

Good luck!!!!!

 Check tomorrow for the winner!