WILW: Random

What I'm Loving Wednesday!!

I figured I'd just share some of my favorites this past week.

Starting with the good stuff: Red Wine.  It's a Fall/Winter staple, let's be real.  My step-mom had the two on the right, both were very good!  I am a huge fan of the one on the left, Cocobon.  It runs about $9 a bottle and is a smooth finish.  It's funny because everyone seems to have different tastebuds it seems! I don't like sweet wines, and I don't find this to be sweet at all.

Lately I have been in a salad making rut. Meaning, I don't want to make salads, but I want to still eat them!  Although these are not organic, they are SO yummy.  We have an awesome grocery store, so I'll grab a few ready made bags and eat them throughout the day. My system definitely runs best on 2-3 salads or veggies per day.

Girls' Night!  We got together last night at Kristin's.  It's literally the only time I seem to get out of the house with friends and no children, so I am loving that.

We also enjoyed a harvest salad.

And I was the bad influence who brought the pumpkin roll---totally not pictured because we were too busy shoving our faces with it!  We finally snapped a picture, and it's crazy to think we've been having these (almost) monthly for quite a few years now.   Next month we are dining out! yay!

I love my XM radio and what I really enjoy, is this station!  I feel like it's always speaking to me in some way…I would love to find this message #645 again, as it really was awesome.  {side note, yes my xm stations are SO random!  I love listening to jazz music, country…and there's a bunch of rap too haha!}

These quotes from my chiropractor's office: How unbelievably true are BOTH of these?  I believe that when we bring children into this world, it is our #1 priority and duty to love them with everything we have.  That means different things for different people, children, situations etc.  But I just loved this quote.  And of course, "improvement" begins with "I".  It's the hardest step but the most important. Work. ON. YOU.

I also must say, that I am LOVING Amazon Prime as always.  I have already begun Christmas shopping and I am super happy about that.  I really want to enjoy this season as much as possible, without the hustle and bustle of S-T-R-E-S-S.   I am not skipping over Fall, as I love this season too, but I am making sure I get a head start on shopping for all of our loved ones.

Happy Hump Day!!

What's Up this Week

There really is nothing cuter than watching my {almost} two year old partaking in Christmas festivities.  She's been really good about not touching a lot of the ornaments, but once in awhile I catch her sneaking one off.  She tries to put them back on, but hasn't quite figured that out yet.  Last night I got a little video of her "wrapping a bracelet" too, since I was trying to do some more wrapping, she wanted to be like mommy.  #meltsmyheart

She also randomly learned how to open our fridge door and was so excited, she yelled, "TA DA!" And of course, she just wants cheese, but she can't open that drawer yet, thank goodness.  She walked away after opening it the other night, and I was like "Hey, close the door missy!" And she goes, "Ha, oh sowwwyy."   She is just something else!

I kind of just pulled some craft items out and let her do her thing the other day. Haha.  As long as she didn't eat the glue stick, we were fine.  Which she didn't, by the way.  Luckily she hasn't been putting anything inappropriate in her mouth for awhile!   We colored, glued snowflakes, cotton balls and gingerbread men.

Tuesday night my friend and I exchanged our gift!!  We decided to do mani/pedis for Christmas! I treat her for this, and then in July she treats us for our birthdays.   It gives us some mommy free time and some pretty toes and nails!  We also stopped out for a bite to eat and had lots of girl talk.  Yay! It also made me really happy to hear that her and Daddy had a wonderful "date night" while I was out doing my thing.  They went to grab sushi, (she enjoys Teriyaki chicken) and she was really well behaved.  So good to hear, as sometimes taking her out can be rather challenging.  But they had a blast and that is what mama likes to hear!

I went with a sparkle red gel.  LOVE it!

I can tell my hands, feet, legs are starting to swell and get puffy.  My rings aren't tight yet, but they're getting there.  Just a few more weeks to go!

Wednesday I had to get us out of the house, so we just went to Barnes and Noble. She loves the train set, the legos, and all the books/toys.

They have this little stage where they must have their story time, and she just jumped on it and danced around.  No one was really there, but she had a ball singing and prancing. It had me cracking up.  She's totally my daughter!

We walked the mall a little bit, bought a gift and had it wrapped.  The local school band was having a fundraiser, so we danced around to "Fly me to the Moon" as our gift was prestigiously wrapped.  As much pain as I am in, and as uncomfortable as I am, I really am trying to make these last few weeks of just her and I count.  I am so so so excited for Christmas morning and cannot wait to see her face.

We are hoping to take her to Santa either tonight or tomorrow, so that will be interesting!! We didn't go last year, and so this will be her first time.  I have my 37 week check tomorrow--ahhh!! This weekend I am getting my hair done, we have a 2 year old birthday party and my step-brother comes home for Christmas!! So much going on and a lot to get ready for.  Let's hope I waddle through! Here's to a great Thursday my friends!

Girls' Night Re-cap

Soooo....Wednesday night was going to be our last "Girls' Night" but after we were all having such an awesome time, it was evident we need to squeeze just one more night, before Matty leaves, just us four.

Matty hosted and greeted us with Upside Down Pineapple cake Martinis.

Brooke's look: What are you lookin at B??

I made Chicken Wing Dip & Beer bread.  It's an oldie, but a goodie..and we ate every last bite!!

2 Chicken breasts--throw into boiling water, cook, cool, shred.
1 brick of cream cheese spread evenly on bottom of pie plate.
Ranch dressing/red hot sauce mixed to taste & stir in chicken
Bake at 350 until it bubbles/you smell chicken wings.

Serve with tortilla chips or beer bread.

Matty served Spring Rolls as the entree w/ spicy peanut sauce.

Kristin brought a spicy Watermelon/Cucumber salad.

Alison made homemade Strawberry Ice cream [strawberries, coconut cream & honey she claims!]

 

 She even brought along a dessert bar.

Brooke & I wore stripes.

We had so much fun talking, laughing, and listening to music.  We kept playing "Blurred Lines" and even the "Clouds" song by Zach Sobiech. 

I downloaded this song after I watched the video about him and his life...and I must say, it's the perfect reminder how how precious life is.  I was kind of grouchy on the way to girls' night on Wednesday, I'm not going to lie. I was overtired, as Brooke had not slept much the past few nights and I was exhausted. I almost didn't want to go, I was that tired.  But I didn't want to show up with a crappy attitude, so I played this song a few times on the way there, and really reflected on all the good in my life.

I shared it again, once we were there awhile and I was so happy to be there in that moment with such sweet friends.

Life is not always perfect and you can't always be super happy all of the time...but if you can focus on the good, and not on the bad, you can turn your mind around most of the times.  Zach made people happy; he made it very clear that that was really what life was all about.

creepy eyes haha

There will be one more Girls' Night July 2nd at my house!! I cannot wait...any dinner ideas?? I'm impressed with all the appetizer ideas you guys gave me!! Thanks for those.  I love these friends.

Mexican Feast::Girls' Night

Hello lovies!

I am so happy to see the sun shining again today!  We don't always tend to get this much sun, this many days in a row!! Last night was my monthly girls' nights.  Like always, it was full of fabulous food, good conversations and loving friends. 

My sweet angel was so fussy; I am very thankful for my dear friends who all took turns trying to console her.  She was just not having a good time!  She's sleeping soundly in her swing, so I am grateful to be able to re-cap our fun night while she's peaceful.

Last night's theme was "Mexican" with Cinco de Mayo near, and the fact that Alison made an amazing Mexican meal last year, it sure did not disappoint!

Upon arrival, she had her homemade Margaritas ready to go!  I enjoyed a small one.  I seriously told her I want to go all day and drink them and have the hubs come get me later in the evening.  {Mama's day out?!}

It was as good as it looked.  I could go for another. Yes it's only 10:30 in the morning.

I loved Alison's table decor; so festive!

And I also love going to her house, as it's always a preview for me as to what's to come with toddlers!

It looks much worse!  Do you remember GAK??  Well she made her own non-toxic version for her twins to play with and her daughter calls is "Schlop."  It peels right up and cleans just fine, but I just had to giggle.  Life with tots!!

Kristin was on the appetizer detail and I will say that I will definitely be making these for Joe & I!

It was a Zucchini Bruschetta dish and it was deeeeeeeeelish!  I believe the recipe is similar to this.

 {Fresh Zucchini Bruschetta Recipe}

It was so tasty and light; perfect for a warm summer evening.  Good job Kris!

Alison went above and beyond for her Mexican meal...holy moly guacamole!! [and salsa verde, arepas, yum yum yum!!]

 Matty brought that yummy corn/black bean salad.

I had never heard of nor tried said "Arepas" but I am sure glad she made them!! It's a corn cake stuffed with veggies or pulled pork and cheese.  I was in Mexican heaven!! It's my all time favorite food. 

I found a similar recipe for the Arepas found here South American Corn Cakes

I am not great at frying things in oil, but it may be worth the try sometime because these were little bites of heavenly Mexican goodness.

I was on dessert detail, and I asked my other pro-cooking friend Ann for an easy idea and she said, "Tres Leches Cake."

HOLY COW.  If you need a simple yet decadent dessert, this is for you!

It didn't look like anything special...just you're typical yellow cake.

Don't be fooled!! It is so moist and super filling.

I baked a box of yellow cake mix, following the Tres Leches directions.

However, the trick to this cake?!  It contains three types of milk. Yes, 3.  After the cake was done baking, I poked holes in it with a fork and then poured the milks all over the cake, then you put it in the refrigerator, frost it, then refrigerate until serving.

When I served it, Matty sliced into his piece with a fork and saw the milk ooze out...Yum!!

Tres Leches Cake  Recipe here

It's bittersweet because Matty is moving to Florida in July.  I'm so excited for him, but I will miss our treasured girls' nights.  He is such a fabulous "Guncle" to Brooke! [We'll just have to visit him down south!]

On a positive, he started his own blog!! He is so witty, semi-inappropriate and up to date on all the latest pop culture trends.  His latest blog post is titled,

Move Over Tyra Banks, It’s Time For America’s Next Top Hooker

 Seriously.  He's a hoot and his blog is sure to be a big hit!!

 Check it out::
The Swarley:  A Twisted Take on Pop Culture 

3 cheers for Girls' Nights.  And now I must get my fitness on and work all that crazy good food (plus the baby weight) off my booty!! Happy Thursday dolls.

Girls' Night Recap & an App Recipe

Can I get a hollaaaaa--

It's Thursday!

Last night Matty hosted our monthly Girls' Night.

It was much needed and so fun!

Brooke decided she wanted to look super stylish

& trendy..

 Sweater dress: ON

Jeggings: Carter's

Booties: Grandma Delle Fave

You're getting me all dressed up 

and we're not going any where for another few hours??

 I dunno about this ma.

I look a little too grown up,

don'tcha think??

 Baby boooooooties!

Yea, I need to rest up for Girls' Night.

 I was in charge of an appetizer 

Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels

{recipe below}

Kristin made a salad

Alison made dessert: Orange Cake with buttercream frosting

and in honor of St. Patty's Day Matty prepared

Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes & carrots!

We each shared the happenings in our lives and laughed.

They took turn loving baby Brooke.

Alison getting her baby fix:

rocking her to sleep like a champ.

Somehow we ended up talking about bats--

and one thing led to another and well,

Kristin flipped out and asked me to play

"The Booty Song"

to help her get her mind off the disgusting bat talk!

I heard this song the other morning while dancing around

putting makeup on...

Don't tell me you don't dance around too!

Anyway I thought it was a catchy stupid song.

Yes, the title is:
WHO BOOTY

 bahahaha

Once again, it was a fabulous night with fabulous friends!

I love my girls!!!!

For my appetizer I tried to go "easy"

Which means, I should have known I'd mess it up.

I suck at 'easy' dishes.

I mess them up.

I don't know why.

Recipe adapted from my free Pillsbury Calendar

Bacon-Cheddar Pinwheels:

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated seamless dough sheet

2 tablespoons ranch dressing

1/4 cup cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

1/4 cup chopped green onions (4 medium) 

 

***However, I think it needed more Ranch, more cheese 

and I think the seamless dough would be hella easier. 

 

Mistake--

I should have had 2 long rectangles, not 4 short

made for odd rolling.

Spread the dough out, pinch together the perforations.

Spread the ranch dressing all over.

Sprinkle the green onion.

Have 4 pieces of bacon cooked.

 Crumble bacon on top.

Add the cheese:

{again, use more!}

Roll up...

Slice and bake @ 350 for about 11 minutes

They don't look too purrdy.

And eat.

 They were good.
Nothing to write home about, but simple to make and transport.
I think they'd be better with more ranch and cheese though.

Next up:
Kristin's in April and I am bringing a salad!

Girls' Night with my Girl

Our monthly girls' night has been something we all look forward to.

It was a little wacky, in December Matty was out of town

and in January, I was super prego and my friends just stopped up

at the hospital to visit Brooke and I when the time came.

So, for February, they all came here again.
Last Wednesday it was Alison's turn to 'host'.

She cooked in my kitchen,

so that this new mommy

 and newborn didn't have to travel out and about just yet.

Thank you!

Kristin brought a fun little dip:

Cream cheese

Wasabi sauce

Soy Sauce

Sesame Seeds

Rice Crackers

Yummy!

Matty brought a healthy salad.

Alison prepared Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

{this recipe looks somewhat similar}

 Alison also roasted butternut squash, cranberries, & onion in the oven.

I think there was EVOO & salt/pepper...totally making that again!

{Yes, that's my baby laundry on the end of our huge table--ahhh!}

And I spent all day cleaning, then tried to get ready, and 

realized that I never estimate enough time with a baby!!

She was wide awake and demanding my attention.

 

 Thank goodness she loves the sound of my hairdryer?!

A little pre-girls' night fun.

CK onesie

Baby Legs Legwarmers

She was ready for her first girls' night!

But then she decided to do this the entire time...

There's always next month!! 
So...my plan was to whip up an elaborate dessert.
I didn't factor in feedings and cuddles, so it turned into

 Tastefully Simple's

Sugar & Spice Chai Bread

paired it with a Chai latte and it was still scrumptious!
{even though I don't consider it ' real baking' this new mommy was pleased!}

{yes, I stole your pics on Instagram Kris!!}

So it was a fabulous night.

Great food.

Wonderful drinks.

Better friends.

The first picture where I told them I was pregnant {May 2012}

 And here is one now that lil miss Brooke is with us!

Next month we're in the city at Matty's!