Food 52 Genius Recipes {Book Review}

It's no secret that I love reading.  It's also quite obvious that I don't have a ton of free time on my hands, so when I do make the time to read, I want to make it count!!  Lately I have felt a little boring in the kitchen; I absolutely love to cook, but sometimes get overwhelmed by some of the daunting recipes that look amazing but have so many steps and/or ingredients.  When I saw this cookbook, I knew that I had to have it!! I know we aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I am so darn glad that I did! I am currently making the front cover's recipe and let me tell you, it smells divine.  

I mean really, look at that pasta dish…

Oh, and the best part?  This book is full of delicious recipes that are simple.  I am a huge fan of cookbooks for so many reasons.  Sure, online is a great source, but just like curling up with a good romance novel, getting all cozied up with a cookbook really makes me happy.  I envision a big group of friends and family sitting down to a perfectly prepared dish that I've made, as food is most definitely one of my love languages.

When I received Food 52 Genius Recipes  in the mail, I immediately opened it right up, poured a cup of tea and couldn't wait to run my fingers through the pages.  The photographs {which are KEY for me to want to cook something!} are absolutely beautiful and each recipe is easily stated and a short snippet about the dish as well.   It explains why and how to do things in each recipe, and I have found myself nodding my head several times at a new trick to try!

From meatless dishes, to scrumptious breakfast ideas, and even desserts, this book has it all.  Sometimes I feel like a cookbook has so much in it, I don't even know where to start.  Well, in this case it was a no brainer, as my husband even saw the cover and said, "I want that now!"  I prepared the front cover pasta dish last night and my husband is Italian, so I am always seeking his approval for pasta dishes.  This was no exception; as simple as the ingredient list was, he went back for seconds and even said, "This is a make again, for sure!"  I call that winning.

I think sometimes even the best cooks can get a little over-worked or even bored.  I know that having two little kids 2 and under has made my kitchen time a bit frazzled, and I am always looking for simple but good meals to try.  My mouth is literally watering as I flip through the pages collecting inspiration from this gorgeous cookbook.  Not only does is serve as a tool in my kitchen to whip up fantastic meal for my family, but it is also such a pretty book to display in my home.  I appreciate both the artistic photographs and the written recipes so much.

If you are a lover of cooking or know someone who is, this for sure a kitchen staple.  I cannot wait to try more of these recipes in my kitchen. It has brought some joy back into the mundane chore of cooking.


One of my fellow blogging friends told me about this wonderful opportunity to become involved with Blogging for Books.  This is my first review of a book and I am so happy with my choice!

*Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  All of the opinions are honest and are my own.

Mother's Day {blessings, love, beauty}

Hello beautiful friends…I have gotten sick!! I really thought I had escaped it, but alas, it came for me.  Last Tuesday I started feeling ill: body aches, fever/chills…I rested, slept 9:30-5:30 and thought I was getting better!! Thursday I even enjoyed a Corona.

Thank goodness Brookie and Daddy are super connected and have such a wonderful relationship.  She has spent all of his time home, making him work haha!





Her first "bike"!


And then Friday, it hit me again, HARD.  I can feel the tightness in my chest and continue to cough, ears plugged, and am taking tylenol.  I think I have blown my nose so many times, it feels like I have broken it!! Crazy how sore it is. Between my terrible allergies and this icky sickies, it has been a rough few days--especially since the weather has been unbelievable and all we want to do is play outside!  I mustered up as much energy as I could to let her play a bit...



Either way, "This too shall pass" and I am trying so very hard to not be mean to myself…as I have not kept up with my blogging, the laundry, or even cooking good meals.  But it has allowed me to spend a lot of time just "being" with my children.  Cuddling on couches, resting, laying on the floor.  And maybe it was someone's way of telling me to S-L-O-W down and do this more often.  At least that is what the silver lining is telling me from all of this.  I feel better, but am no where near my normal perky, super productive, happy go lucky self.  And that is okay.  I will be there soon….

He was super clingy Saturday.  I didn't mind.

Sunday brought Mother's Day: My almost 4 month old in a 9 month outfit.

One of my favorite plants that comes up each year!

Our lilacs are in full bloom and smell heavenly.

Joe and Brooke picked me out some beautiful hanging baskets!

These are my favorites!

He also took her out back while I tidied up the dishes.  Yes, I did dishes on Mother's Day.  I actually did a lot of them and changed many diapers…mommies don't get days off.  And that's okay.  One day my Mother's Day won't have little bums to wipe and messes to clean.  I can't even think of that right now.



She was being a little crabby for him and captured it…little drama queen.



My sister and brother in law stopped by unexpectedly and it was so nice to see them!

While Brooke napped, I sipped a little vino, read some of this enlightening book and actually fell asleep in the sunshine.  It was glorious.

My Mother's Day Car {{yes that is chocolate from a little 2 year old's fingers}}

I thought it was so sweet Joe picked the fox out because of baby boy's "theme" and a fox has really come to us with him…love it.

It was such a gorgeous day, nice and warm with a little breeze.

And then it rained  little bit and she just loved dancing around in it.

Joe grilled chicken wings for dinner and grabbed this for dessert.

My Mother's Day was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better day with my sweet family. 

My mother has taught me how to be an incredible stay at home mom.  I have so many happy memories of singing Winnie the Pooh, finger painting, playing outside in the sandbox and just roaming around in our backyard.  She was always there, watching us three girls.  When I recently read an article about 70s/80s moms and how hands off they were, a chord struck in me and I remembered how nice that was.  I never once felt alone, scared or like my mom wasn't doing something good enough for us--she allowed us to think and use our imaginations.  Granted, we didn't have things like internet or cell phones/ipads, but we had tv and sure I had my favorite cartoons and such, but nothing replaced the ability to create stories with my stuffed animals, playing house, or just running around and letting off some energy!  I needed that reminder, and that although times are different, I want my kids to have that same experience of being kid.  Sticky popsicle lips, dirty grass-stained feet, and being so tired they may even fall asleep before the summer sun sets.  It's so funny how life comes full circle when you have kids of your own, so thank you mom.  My mom was never a helicopter mom, and I love her for that!

My step-mom has taught me to love and accept others as part of your family and that blood doesn't always mean family.  She's allowed me to know that while my parents may be part, she will be there to take care of my dad and that he's happy and not alone.  In the last year alone, I have learned how hard (yet important) it will be to one day say goodbye to my son as he ventures off to find himself and become his own person.  She has always shown my babies so much love and they just love having fun with their Nana.  It is something I am very grateful for!  I know that she will make an impact in their lives for years to come.

My mother in law has taught me how important it is to be close with my future daughter-in-law (and son-in-law) some day.  She was there for me when I was completely losing my mind from lack of sleep with Mr. B and I cannot tell you how much her saving grace meant to me!  Food is definitely one of my love languages, in so many ways.  Any time someone offers my family a meal, I just find that so thoughtful and one of the best things…as a full time momma what I am going to feed my family is on my mind 24/7 and to not have to think about one meal = PURE BLISS.   I am so grateful for my mother in law's amazing Italian cooking and I know she will teach my children some of her incredible recipes.  I also know that her love of gardening will be passed to Brooke, as she already loves digging in her dirt piles with a plastic shovel.

And my children, my sweet, young, innocent babies who have made me a momma.  Thank you.  Thank you for pushing me, giving me a greater reason other than myself and making me want to be better each day.  I sometimes feel absolutely exhausted---deep down into my bones tired---and I know it is because I know how much you both need me.  I know that there is no one in the whole world like your mother.  I am the one you will need for the rest of your life.  So for now, the problems you have a fixable and easy [[thank you God]] A hungry tummy can be fed.  A little boo boo can take a bandaid.  A fussy cry can be simply burped away.  A worry of where "racket/red cat" aka BLANKET can easily be found.  And although these demands pile high, much like my laundry, they are nothing in the scheme of real problems some families face, and for that I am so very thankful.

Happy Mother's Day.

Self Care/Guilty Pleasure

Being a mommy of two little ones I know first hand how hard and how necessary it is to still take care of myself.  I read an article not too long ago about being a mom and wife and it articulated my feelings so well---stating that we give and give, until we thing we have nothing left to give in our day/night and yet we are forced to give some more.  Newborns need so much care and attention and toddlers are exhausting even when you are getting a full night's sleep!  But just when I feel like "I just can't," I find that I am peeling myself off of my bed, half opened eyes, and kissing foreheads, wiping bottoms, and loving just a little more.  And because of the endless needs having to be met by mommy, what is it that I do for myself?  Well, I admit the "guilty pleasure" post kind if feeds into this as well, so I am combining the two!

√ Workout -- it really does release endorphins and helps me focus and feel better after a good sweat sesh.  Even if it's a 20 minute workout, it is better than nothing and I always, always, always feel better.

√ Get outside.  Now that the weather is nicer I try so hard to get outdoors.  Nature always helps!

√ Tea {or some sort of hot beverage} The simple act of sipping something hot soothes me.

√  An "escape" through TV or book.  With the ability to binge watch a show, I've gotten hooked on a few shows.  Pretty Little Liars, as I've mentioned before, is just so silly and I just love their outfits/hair/makeup ha!  I am just a lover of fashion, what can I say.  I also enjoy Real Housewives now that Bethenney is back.  I also like other You Tube mommies.  When do I watch?  While folding laundry, on the elliptical, before falling to sleep, or even when doing my endless dishes. It helps me not feel so isolated, I guess!

√ Good wine.  If I have a glass (or two) I really want to enjoy the taste. I see nothing wrong with enjoying a little bit, here or there.  Drinking every night? That would be a problem, but a solid glass of red with some pasta on a Sunday or a white pinot grigio in the summer?  Divine.

√  Girl time.  Ideally time spent out of the house and without the kids.  It is necessary from time to time to just be around my girls!! It doesn't happen nearly as often as I would like, but as the kids get bigger, I know I will make more time to do this.

√ Date night.  We have been so busy with everything, but we really make an effort to get out at least once a month. I admit that we both would like to get out more often, but I still have yet to take the plunge and find babysitters we trust.  That is my goal by the end of May, so that hubby and I can get out more often this summer.

√  Be kind to myself.  More than anything, I have to remind myself of the "oxygen mask theory" and that if the house is not 100% clean, but I need to take a timeout and do one of the above, I do.   I really have to stop myself and not compare myself to anyone else.  I know it is so hard to not do that, but I know that I am my own person and that I have to just always be true to myself.  I am not someone who has a super neat and tidy house 100% of the time.  I am creative and I like to do projects--and I love to cook, all day long.  So the reality is what it is and I just do my best to not get too hard on myself.

I really enjoy fashion and makeup, so sometimes I do allow myself to just sit and curl my hair or put on makeup.  It makes me feel like a pretty woman, and that is so important to me to feel good sometimes.

This #bedm concept reminds me of a post I wrote last June, you can read that HERE.

What do you do for self care or a guilty pleasure?!

Adventure

Once upon a time, I met a man who, let's say, pushed me out of my comfort zone.   Since the day we met, I quickly learned that our entire life could (and would) be an adventure.  From simple Sundays to lavish vacations, we are constantly exploring, taking chances and living our dream life!! I don't think I have ever heard my husband say, "I am bored" and I know that I have not uttered those words since I have met him.  That is how I know I met the right "one."  {well, for many reasons, but for sure, his passion for life and adventure is a sure catch!}



I have always been one to want to try new things, take chances and put myself out there.  Sometimes I need a push, but I know that in some form or another, I am always grateful for any adventure I have embarked upon.  

Lately "adventures" may be more like filling up a tumbler with a beverage that may resemble pinot grigio and having my husband chauffeur us around to Target, the Dry Cleaner's and the grocery store.  Seriously, if you feel like you're a bit in a lull, go grocery shopping after a glass of vino. (obvs no drinkie and drivie) but it honestly felt like a mini vacation. It was quite fun to spruce up the mundane chore of buying food and make it a bit more lively.



Like I have mentioned before, my husband is constantly working on something, and so his ideas are nothing less than an adventure!  It takes guts, hard work and tons of motivation/dedication, and each day we spend together leads to something new.

We have had tons of vacation adventures, from Caribbean islands, Mexico, Toronto, LA, South Carolina, Europe, we have traveled many places and see so many amazing sites.  I know we have barely even stuck our feet in the waters in which we will travel.   Visiting other places does so much for a person's soul.  Our first vacation was a cruise, just after knowing each other for a month!  Many people would say we were crazy, which I agree, we were…but when you're in close quarters with a person on a ship, you quickly learn that you love or want to leave.  Clearly you can see what we chose.

8 years in a relationship,
5 years married this July.
Two dogs, now one,
and two beautiful children
later…
My adventure has just gotten started.

When I was single, and completely obsessed with SATC, I LOVED this quote:



I truly felt in my heart, I knew there just had to be someone out there for me.  I never wanted to settle in a relationship, and all too often I would find myself with some guy that just didn't get me.  I would try to make myself fit into his life, and it was all too much work.  Square peg, round hole, if you will {The Holiday--great movie!}  And although Joe and I have our fair share of differences, I feel like it's enough to keep things exciting and new, but not too much where we lose ourselves in the relationship.  So maybe I was inadvertently asking the universe to send me a wild and crazy man, by posting and believing this quote years ago, but I am sure glad of the adventure we are living, in this one crazy beautiful life.

What does adventure mean to you?

Introduction #BEDM

Hello!~

St. Martin

I am so excited that it is MAY!! April was full of germs and cold weather…so I am hoping for lots of sun and pretty Spring flowers!! Summer is my favorite season and I cannot wait to play in the sun with my two kiddos.

As you'll see (if you watch the video) I love life.  I have a lot to say and sometimes don't know how to hold back; I tend to say what is on my mind, unless I have time to think about it.  I turned to blogging a few years ago, when I quit teaching and was simply a housewife.  My husband and I laugh at how I thought I was "busy" then.  Sure, I was busy.  I was making lavish, gourmet meals and spending countless hours at salons. Hair. Nails. Pedicure. Wax.  You name it, I was keeping myself quite pampered.  Now?  I am lucky to get a 4 minute shower and the only salon I frequent is my hairdresser because I am a blonde at heart, but unfortunately not at the roots. ;)

I love being a mommy and would not trade this season of my life for the world!  I know that all too soon, they won't need me for every waking second and that these sticky hugs and stinky diapers won't last forever.  In the midst of mommy mode, I do my very best to be a good wifey! I adore my husband and I put him and the kids before my own needs most of the time.  I know when I need a timeout, and I try my very best to balance working out, eating right, and doing things that I LOVE--which brings me to blogging.  I love to write and I love to read; neither of which I do a ton of because of many reasons.  My husband works long hours at his day job, has several houses as part of a rental company, is fixing one house right now and just embarked in a start up company.  He has an entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be tamed, just simply harnessed.  He has big dreams, as do I, and we do our best at cheering each other on.

So who am I?

I am a confident and loyal person.  I love salty air, sand between my toes, and beach hair.  I have a flare for the dramatic and have learned to weed the drama (mostly) out of my life.  I much rather watch it or read it, not live it.  I have everything I could have ever dreamed of and each day keeps getting better.  I have learned to live a "progress not perfection" life.  I used to be way more uptight when I was younger but have learned to loosen my grip a bit.   I constantly have goals and dreams that I am trying to achieve.  I think that is why my husband and I get along so well; we are just full of never-ending ideas!

I am not someone who has 200 friends, but rather just a small handful of really close ones.  I am shy at first, but I am really trying to put myself out there.  My goal is to make more mommy friends so that my kids have other kids to play with…since I feel like we are alone a lot, I want that to change.

So, if you are new, hello!! And if you've been with me awhile, maybe you'll learn something new.  Ask  me anything, as I really want to to take my blog to the next level and really discover more about myself.

{{I was all ready for my workout, which did happen finally at 8pm last night!!}}