Monthly Archives: August 2015

Comfort Food with a Twist

I’ve been storing up recipes and meal photos so I’m able to share a bunch all at once! You’re in for a treat today! I have everything from Pizzas to Burgers to Philly Cheese-steaks and Grilled Cheeses…ALL with a little twist!!

In our house it’s all about delicious, homemade food while trying to stick to healthy options. Being healthy doesn’t have to be boring and taste like cardboard! As long as you stick to some basics, you’d be surprised how changing one detail can make something more figure friendly AND still taste delicious.

Breakfast / Waffle Grilled Cheese

Here’s a take on that famous grilled cheese, turned healthier and for breakfast!

Frozen Waffles (wheat or gluten free)Sugar free jam
Lowfat Greek Yogurt (I like Fage 0%)
Cottage Cheese
Agave
Confectioner’s Sugar
Butter (homemade or Kerrygold)

No need to thaw the waffles. Spread jam onto one of the waffles. Mix 1/2c of yogurt with 1/4c cottage cheese and spread on the other waffle. Put the two pieces together like a sandwich. Heat a pan with some butter and cook until golden, low and slow, on both sides. When it’s done, drizzle with agave, top with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of sugar. ENJOY!

Lunch / Eggplant Burger with Tomatillo Salsa

Great for Meatless Monday or anyone trying to cut meat out of their diet

Eggplant
Rolls (we prefer Arnold Rounds)
Greek Yogurt
Sriracha
Tomatillo
Onion
Tomato
Jalapeno

Peel and slice Eggplant into 1/2″-3/4″ rounds and microwave for 3-5 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, chop and add to a bowl: tomatillo, onion, jalapeno, and tomato. Let the salsa sit for 20 minutes or all day, the longer it sits, the better. Fire up the grill and cook eggplant until warmed through and toast rolls. Mix yogurt and sriracha in bowl. Spread the “mayo” mixture onto the roll and top eggplant with homemade salsa.

*When grilling, I LOVE to add any fresh veggies to the grill to enjoy as a side. They taste amazing and there’s no pots and pans to clean!

Dinner / Philly Cheese-steak Stuffed Peppers

Philly Cheese Steak without the guilt!

Peppers
Onions
Garlic
Oil (avocado or evoo)
Steak (I used minute steaks, but will get deli roast beef next time as the steak was tough)Swiss Cheese
Worcestershire Sauce
Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Cut tops off peppers and scoop out the insides (the bigger the pepper the better so you can fit LOTS of goodies in there). Meanwhile, saute onions and garlic in some oil until soft and translucent. Add steak and sauces and cook just enough to warm through and incorporate the flavors. Stuff peppers with meat and onions. Top peppers with cheese and bake 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until they are soft and cheese has melted.

Brown rice (cooked) is also a great addition to these peppers and helps to fill you up and stretch the meal further!

Naan Baked or Grilled Pizza

Who has time to make dough? Who has time to even roll out store bought dough?

Naan (we prefer Wheat by Stonefire)
Sauce (see recipe below)
Veggie Toppings / Meat / Beans
Cheese

Pizza Sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
2T good olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
s+p
Throw everyone into the pot (don’t saute garlic). Heat through before using on pizza. Can stored for a couple days or frozen.

Using a pizza stone with the over on 450-500 degrees, heat or grill the Naan while prepping the sauce and toppings, until partially toasted. Add your sauce and whatever toppings you want (onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, beans, etc….and cheese). Cook for 10-15 minutes until crust is crispy and cheese in melted. If using meat such as chicken or ground beef, cook in a pan first and then add it to the pizza. (bbq chicken pizza, black bean bbq pizza, buffalo chicken pizza, margherita pizza, Hawaiian pizza…so many choices!)

We like to freeze leftover sauce in ice cube trays – English Muffin Pizzas don’t get any easier when the sauce is already portioned out.

Cocktails / Coffee Mudslide

3t sugar free mocha cappuccino powder (Caffe D’Vita)
4oz Kahlua Ready to Drink Mudslide
8oz Water
Ice

Blend until smooth. Garnish with coffee beans

Margarita

2oz Tequila
Splash Lime Juice
Splash Cointreau

Mix and pour over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Other waist-friendly drink options:
Vodka + Sprite Zero
Rum + Diet Coke
Gin + Diet Tonic
Vodka + Cranberry
Vanilla Vodka + Diet Ginger Ale

All recipes are my own unless otherwise noted. All brands mentioned were by my own choice, I have not been compensated for any item mentioned in this blog. Please drink responsibly.

*Waffle recipe adapted from Food Network*
*Peppers recipe adapted from Lauren Gleisburg*
*Drink recipe Cocktails for Dieters / Facebook*

Ocean Air, Salty Hair

Our (constantly changing) Routine

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It’s taken nearly 5 months, but we have gotten into SOME kind of routine which has helped tremendously to keep us sane and enjoy our baby instead of running around worrying about things that aren’t important. Here’s what works for us on a typical day – but as always, just when I wrote this, Brandon decided to change things up! What a sweet guy.

Monday-Wednesday Brandon goes to Daycare

4-5am / Brandon will wake up for a quick snack – maybe 3-5oz – usually back to sleep. Kevin feeds him and either puts him back to bed or into his swing if he decides it’s time to be awake for the day!
6a / alarm goes off, I pump immediately and Kevin makes my coffee, puts it in the freezer and feeds Zoe. He jumps in the shower and I get dressed. I HAVE to lay my clothes out at night otherwise I wouldn’t get out the door on time.
5:30-6:30a / Brandon is probably awake by now. Kevin makes breakfast while I finish getting ready and get Brandon dressed and ready for the day. He won’t eat as soon as he wakes up so if we have to get out the door, we wake him up. Little man gets in his high chair, I make my coffee, pack his bottles for the day, get my breakfast to go and I’m out the door by 6:45. Kevin feeds Brandon and finishes getting ready.
7:30am / Boys are out the door and heading to Daycare.
8-4:30p / WORK
4:30p / We both leave work and whoever has the carseat will pick up Brandon, the other goes home and preps dinner.
5:15p / Everyone is home, Zoe gets fed, we change, I pump, we play on the bed and then start dinner. It’s usually something I’ve prepped already or something we can throw together quickly. Cook. Eat. See my meal prep posts here and here.
5:30p / Brandon eats.
6p / Clean up and pack lunches
6-7:30p / We finish up chores, play with Brandon, sit outside and have conversation. Prep his bath, his nursery and his bottle.
7:30-8p / Kevin usually does bath and bottle and bed so I can pump, make lunches or shower. Brandon is now in bed, we tie up any loose ends, get off our feet and catch something on the boob tube.
8-10p I’ll get my clothes out for the morning, pack up my pump attachments, do my hair, blog and then I find myself falling asleep on the couch. I’ll pump one last time just as I get into bed.

It’s a long, exhausting day but we have our routine and it works for us. It looks a little nuts, but at this stage in the game, routine is everything! Thursdays-Sundays are a little easier since I’m home from work and don’t need to rush out the door.

5:30-6a / Brandon is deciding it’s time to wake up (yay).
7a / Brandon eats breakfast while I try to make breakfast and Kevin gets ready
9a / We’ve been playing for most of the morning. Brandon is ready for his bottle (5oz) and nap (1-2 hours)
930-whenever / I do work, pump, have a snack, do dishes, shower, plan next weeks meals and make a shopping list…etc
1130a / Brandon wakes up and we play
1230p / Pump and then errands
1-2p / Brandon has another bottle and takes a nap (1-2 hours) – unless he slept during errands which throws everything off. I do work.
3-5p / We play, I prep dinner, Kevin comes home and we relax. Our evening routine is the same.

Being first time parents has been a constant learning experience. But being as crazy organized as I am helps make it work. The little bitty details make our days run smoothly. Taking Brandon’s food out of the freezer to thaw the night before, put k-cup in the Keurig, set mugs underneath, set out Brandon’s bowl and spoon, pack his cooler with bottles, chop veggies for our eggs, lay out Brandon’s outfit….these are ALL things I do the night before to make the morning a little less chaotic. I spend my weekends meal prepping so the evenings can also be stress free. I TRY to hold off on cleaning up and dishes until Brandon goes to bed so we can spend as much time with him as possible.

I’m exhausted just typing about our day forget about actually living it! Of course not every day is the same, naps can be all over the place, dinner may be hit or miss, Kevin may be working later than normal or have another obligation. Those days are a little more difficult but we make it work.

I’d love to know what works for you!

5 Months

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Age: 5 Months

Stats: Won’t know until 6 months

Clothes/Size: We were in 3-6 month clothes for a pretty brief time but I feel the 6 month clothes are fitting more comfortably and look cuter. Little man is growing at a great rate and is basically in the appropriate size clothing.

Favorite Foods: Brandon LOVES to eat. I mean, we already knew he loved his bottle but he just can’t get enough of spoon feeding. We have backed off a little on solids to limit his intake as his little body isn’t processing it AS quickly and it’s binding him up a little. I know most of his nutrition is coming from my milk still and the solids are really just to get him used to it for right now. He likes sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, carrots and pears. Mommy and Daddy don’t mind licking the spoon either!

Diaper size: Still in size 2 and they are getting the job done nicely. I still have a ton of them so I hope we’re in them for a while longer.

How much am I eating: A TON! Anywhere around 20oz or so in the course of a 24 hour period with two feedings of solids. His breakfast and dinner are solid – about 1/8 cup of fruits of veggies mixed with a dash of cereal. He won’t typically take a bottle after he eats, but he has 4-5 / 5oz bottles throughout the day.

Mama’s weight: Not even going there. I think I’ll remove this from the month update. Sigh.

Words: Brandon LOVES to talk. He lays in his crib and talks, he plays on the floor and talks, he talks to is toys and to us. It’s just the most adorable thing ever. Sometimes even screeches! He also loves to smile and laugh!

Activities: We’re sitting up on our own, but can tip over if he leans too far over. Yesterday he decided to roll from his back to his front! Luckily, I was on point and got a video of that for Kevin since he wasn’t home. He’s VERY close to getting up on all fours. He can get up on his knees but pushing himself with his arms are not happening anytime soon. I’m OK with that.

Sleep: Just as everyone warned, you get into a routine and at the drop of a hat it completely changes. He has been waking up twice at night and then wants to be awake for good around 4:30-5:30am. He’s going to bed around 7:30 as usual and then wakes up around 10pm and again 1:30/2am. Not sure if it’s a random growth spurt, if he’s teething, or just changing things up. Kevin will usually put him in the swing with a pacifier if he wakes up really early and doesn’t want to fall back asleep – we can usually get another hour out of him. Anyone have any suggestions? He hasn’t been to Daycare in a week so maybe that’s messing with his schedule.

Favorite Things: Loving toys now and it’s fun for me to pull new items out of the baskets and see how he takes to them. The Infantino Soft Blocks, Banana Teether, Snuggle and Teether Giraffe, and Ball Rattle are just a few of our favs. I bought a set of vinyl building blocks at a thrift store last week, wiped them down and he has really enjoyed those as well. If I can find a name on them, I’ll link them.

Signature Moves: Rolling. Sitting. Leaning. Standing with assistance. Playing and sucking on his toys.

Mom’s Proudest Moment: Everything is getting so fun now. Brandon is getting so independent – we still can’t leave the room without him loosing his sh*t, but that’ll get better. Brandon rolled over from back to front the other night and I was able to witness it! I know crawling is not too far away.

Dad’s Proudest Moment: Daddy loves spending quality time with Brandon and playing airplane. He loves to make him laugh and teaching him new things. This is so far the most fun age.

Thoughts about EP

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I’m going to change things up for a second and go off on a topic that a lot of people/Moms, don’t touch on as often as they should for one reason or another. Being as last week was National Breastfeeding Week, I saw a lot of posts of Moms and their Babies having that bonding experience and it got me to thinking of us Moms that are Exclusive Pumpers, EP. Sometimes we get overlooked from that “I breastfeed my baby” clique, when really, we do too…

For most, if not all, EPing is not something we choose over direct breastfeeding. It’s not really a choice at all. We want to give our babies the most natural food we can with the most benefits and this is the way we have to do it. Here’s my story…

I gave birth to my little man March 16, I was 40 weeks and 2 days. He was immediately put skin to skin and I tried to nurse him. It all seems like a blur from those first few hours. Over the next couple of days, nurses and Lactation Specialists were in and out of our room trying to get Brandon to latch and nurse properly. We thought we were making steps towards this mommy/baby bond when in reality we weren’t. I was given a pump in the hospital to help stimulate my milk to come in since the lack of nursing was hurting in more ways than one. One night, the nurse suggested we try just a 1/2 oz of formula just to fill his belly since he was just fussing constantly. Looking back, I wish I knew more and wish we didn’t cave in so soon. But would that have helped him figure out nursing? Who knows.

Slowly, he was taking more and more formula and losing more and more interest in wanting to feed from me. My milk was taking forever to come in. We went home. We went to the pediatrician. We met with the Lactation Specialist. We had plans and goals. We went home. Brandon wasn’t gaining weight. It was becoming more stressful. I was trying everything I knew how, Kevin was trying everything he could to help me. We gave him more formula. It was just one bad time after another and I was spending my time focusing on lack of feeding my child than I was actually enjoying him…which looking back kind of breaks my heart. No wonder why he was crying, he was hungry! He wasn’t getting anything from me. I started pumping more. He was getting more formula. My milk was slowly coming in, but not nearly enough to quench his hunger. Two weeks into being a Mom and I was not enjoying it. I was crying all the time and just miserable. There’s not something or someone to be mad at. After calls to my LS and trying different things, I came to the realization I was going to be an EP. But I still didn’t really know what that meant or what I was doing. I didn’t feel well informed. I pumped. Fed my baby and went about my day. At night, Kevin and I both got up, he fed Brandon while I pumped. I didn’t get that bonding time. It hurt.

Brandon started gaining weight. We starting backing off on formula. I started producing more milk. I would do a power hour (no, not like those college days). I became happier, I started enjoying my new life. Unfortunately, weeks had passed that I will never get back. I look back and wished I was more informed about things, was happier, and had more help. I could have gotten caught up in the moment with my new baby boy rather than stressing about how he was going to get fed next.

So, we pump. We pump any chance we get. Baby naps, we pump. Baby’s awake, we pump. Baby’s crying, we pump. Guests come visit, we pump. We go out for the day, so does our pump. I’ve pumped at parties. I’ve pumped at weddings. I’ve pumped at graduations. I’ve pumped in the backseat of a car going the cemetery for a funeral. If I forget an attachment, I’m screwed. If we forget the car inverter, I’m in pain and engorged. It sucks. It’s not easy. Those middle of the night pumping sessions alone. I sit there. No one to talk to. No little face looking up at me. Just me and my motor. The countless hours dreading that pump. Staring aimlessly at my phone. It’s hard. I’d give anything to throw in the towel. But I don’t want to. This is my life. This is how I am feeding my baby. We have supplemented too, I’m not ashamed.

I’m not that person who feels very strongly that “I have to breastfeed my baby, there’s no other way”. I wanted to give myself and my baby the chance to do something that is natural. If that didn’t work, then it didn’t work. The only thing I have against formula is that it’s expensive as WHOA. Luckily, we have only been through two tubs in 5 months. We just used one up last week and I am not buying more. It’s milk and solid from here on out. Did I ever set myself a goal as to how long I would nurse? No. Do I now? Nope. I’m taking this one day at a time. I never thought I would last this long and I am over the moon proud of myself. Would I like to last a year? Maybe. I have a small stockpile of milk in the freezer but not enough to even last a week. I have had a small supply which means I pump at night for the day and day for the night..sometimes just barely getting by. Now that Brandon has started food, he needs his bottle a little less which means I can pump my normal schedule and have a little leeway.

No one chooses this. We shouldn’t be looked down upon, or forgotten about because we don’t directly nurse our babies. Why should it matter how they’re being fed or what they’re being fed? It should be no ones business but your own. It hit me that there are more of us out there than I originally thought. That’s sad. If anyone needs the help and support its the Moms that have problems breastfeeding their babies. We can’t just take a casual day trip and pull out the boob whenever our babies get hungry. We have to plan everything within a 3-4 hour window. I’m so sick of “I can’t, I have to pump” coming out of my mouth.

I hope this has helped offer support to one Mom out there. Whether you’ve been through it or are currently going through it, keep going. Just focus on your baby and offering them something so beneficial for as long or short as you feel is enough. Even if you give them milk for a week, a month or a year anything is great and you CAN do this. And just think, anyone is able to feed them to give Mama a break.

Belated Happy I Give My Baby Breastmilk Week. I feel like last week really made me think about what I was doing and not just going through the motions day in and day out. As tiring and boring and frustrating and painful it is, I’m doing something great for Brandon and I wish it didn’t take me five months to sit back and really understand the goodness it has. It is something I feel passionate about and didn’t even realize just how much of an impact Exclusive Pumping has on me, my life and my family. It’s the only thing I know. For Moms who breastfeed, good for you and I would NEVER think badly towards you or feel envious or jealous. I give so many props to Moms who can direct nurse their babies. For pumpers, find other Moms doing the same and get the support. You may feel like a cow hooked up to a machine….but in the long run it’s worth every moan and groan. Honestly, pumping is my life and sometimes I wonder if direct feeding is even for me. Either way, I’m taking everything a day at a time and just enjoying Brandon’s every breath.

More Empties

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I started this post months and months ago and never actually got around to posting it – therefore, there are a few more additions to the original photo.

It’s that time again, lets talk about some products – good and bad – so I can fill our recycling bin and stop storing empty bottles. You’re welcome Mr. Trash Collector Recycling Guy.

Let’s begin with the thumbs-down, not so great products.

Olay / Olay 7-in-one Anti-Aging Moisturizer and Tinted Foundation – My Mom purchased these and wasn’t really using them or didn’t enjoy them so she gave them to me to use. I used them but obviously don’t need Anti-Aging formula. I don’t love or hate these products, I used them because they were there. The smell is nice, I didn’t think the tinted moisturizer had any coverage. They were find for what they were.

Nivea / Nivea Enriched Body Lotion / I think I posted about this stuff months back about all positives but now I’m not so sure about it. It’s thick, yes, but I just find it to be kind of “eh”. The smell is ok, it’s moisturizing but doesn’t necessarily make my skin super soft after.

Dove / Dove go fresh Body Mist / I think this was another purchase from my Mom and once again I used it because I had it. I don’t mind it either way. The smell is nice, it’s refreshing…I usually use it after my shower if it’s before bed or I’m not going anywhere and don’t want to waste perfume. It’s nice, but body mists are not something I lean towards typically.

Now for the goodies!

L’Oreal / L’Oreal True Match Foundation / Every makeup guru on YouTube raves about this foundation so last summer I caved in and bought it…what a treat! I really love this foundation and the number of shades they have is phenomenal. It’s lightweight, great coverage and lasts all day. I will say, by the end of the day I can’t wait to wash my face but other than that, A+!

Avon / Smooth Minerals Liquid Foundation (not available) / I haven’t worn this foundation in a long time. I kept the tube so I would know what to re-order because I really liked it. I do not believe this exact formula is offered anymore. I did really like it. It was lightweight and nice coverage.

Bath and Body Works / A Thousand Wishes Body Wash / I can’t say I LOVE B&BW products but I don’t hate them either. I prefer the hand soaps more than the body washes and body sprays. But as I’ve said before, I will use up anything that is given to me. Some of the body washes are definitely great smelling though!

Bath and Body Works / Eucalyptus Mint Hand Soap / And while I’m thinking about it, Crisp Morning Air (not available). I do like the hand soap from B&BW, they are heavily fragranced and seem to get the job done.

Bath and Body Works / Stress Relief Candle / This is another item I do enjoy from B&BW. Their candles smell so good and last quite a while. If you can catch them during a 2/$22 sale and $10 off $30 (online) you can get them for a great price.

Philosophy / Hope in a Jar / I’ve talked about this product before so I don’t want to sound like a broken record….I love it. You should try it. Period.

Lush / BIG Shampoo / Again, I’ve talked about this item before and I still really like it. It’s pricey but worth it.

A couple items snuck into the empty pile between when I took the picture and started posting.

Nivea / After Shave Balm / Here’s a manly item for you! Kevin uses this after he shaves and likes it, plus it smells good too!

Nivea / Lip Balm / Do we see a trend here? I swear by this lip balm! I have all different “flavors” but it’s been so great on chapped lips. I don’t like fruity ones…just the original/minty/moisture ones. Thumbs up.

Colgate / Peroxyl Oral Cleanser / Kevin uses this as a mouth rinse when he gets a canker sore in his mouth. He seems to like it…I don’t get them so I can’t comment. Give it a try!

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “we get it, you like Philosophy”…fact. I go through the Hope in a Jar faster than anything. Y’all know, I love it! I have a sample of their new Renewed Hope, and I think I love it better than the original formulation. Oy vey. If you could see the other half of my bathroom counter you’d think I was sponsored by them or something. #iwish

Dirt / Kevin goes back and forth between short hair and long’ish hair. He was recommend this stuff by a friend and I had to trek all over NYC to find it. It has a great scent and is a good texturizing hold for mens short hair. Found on Amazon or Duane Reade.

Caress / I think this was in my stocking or something. I don’t typically (I actually never) buy myself body wash so I rely on gifts from other people. Sometimes I’m so grossed out by the scent I end up dumping it or just keep pushing it to the side. This stuff is spot on. I love the smell of this, it has great lather and you actually see the bottle getting emptier. Is it just me, or do some things never seem to get any lower? I may be a fan of Caress from here on out.

FINALLY, Revlon Colorstay / I know I posted the L’oreal True Match in the beginning, but this is a close runner up. I had this Foundation before buying the L’oreal and I like it. The only thing I’m not a fan of is the weight, it’s a bit heavier than the True Match, but still a good full coverage foundation.

Glad to finally get this post out, time to start collecting more empties! What are you fabs or flops?