12 Days of Salads

Today is officially the last day of Christmas and as the decorations come down, we have a new 12 day theme going on around here. Our Christmas season was filled with all of the very best things; family, festive fun and food. Lots of it. Everything was delicious, but we are ready to get back into our normal eating routine, especially lightening up our dinners. Predictable? Yes. But why not start a fresh year with a fresh menu. 

I cannot take the credit for this idea, as it was Mark's genius idea last week, but I am on board and excited! For the next two weeks, 6 nights each week, we'll be eating salad for dinner. This allows for one off night per week. And to keep things fresh, I'm using new recipes. All of our salads will include fresh greens, veggies and some sort of protein. I am a lover of salads so this plan sounds heavenly to me. As long as there's meat involved, Mark is happy, so this is a win win! 

This week's menu looks something like this:

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Andouille Sausage

Black + Blue Steak Salad

Greek Salsa Salad with Naked Greek Burgers

Grilled Zucchini Ribbon + Kale Salad with Roasted Salmon

BLT Chopped Salad with Corn, Feta + Avocado

Lemon Pepper Chicken Kale Salad

In case you didn't catch it the first time, this kitchen challenge was alllll Mark's idea. Thanks, lovie.

I'll be posting these recipes as I make them. Start the year off right and eat your greens, everyone!

{What Will Ate} Peaches, Pears, Peas + Ricotta

This baby food business is quite fun! I love watching Will try new foods and the excitement in his entire body at even the sight of a spoon. Making my own baby food is so easy and I truly enjoy it. I know that Will is getting whole, unprocessed foods and that alone is worth the little bit of extra time it takes which really is nothing at all.

Will is proving to be a good little eater, just like I hoped he would be! We have still been incorporating a new food every 3-4 days. Here are a few things we can add to Will's menu:

Peas
Pears
Peaches
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Whipped Ricotta +Herbs

...yes, you read that right! I mixed up my favorite appetizer for a wine exchange party shortly before Christmas and I gave Will a few bites because I was curious. HE WAS IN LOVE. What a good little Italian boy. The Roasted Butternut Squash Soup was the first course to our Christmas dinner at my parents house so thanks to my mom, Will enjoyed a fancy little Christmas meal. I'm making a batch this weekend to add to his regular menu rotation.

Every new bite isn't always met with excitement. It seems to be the trend that the first few bites he is unsure and doesn't eat much of it. But on day two, he always gobbles it up. Right now, Will gets some fruit with whole grain oatmeal cereal in the morning and a vegetable at night. All of his fruits and vegetables are steamed and then pureed. Sometimes I add a little extra virgin olive oil to the veggies. I use as much fresh produce as I can but thankfully, Harris Teeter has a wonderful selection of organic frozen fruits and vegetables. 

If you are in the baby food making club as well, here's a great resource that my friend Sarah shared with me. This site has loads of information and recipes. 

Next on the menu? Zucchini, green beans and fuji apples!

Little Will- 6 Months!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season and that you were able to ring in 2014 in a memorable way. 2013 truly was THE MOST WONDERFUL year and we are so thankful for everything that came with it.

Christmas arrived so quickly this year and during all of the magic and fun, our little boy turned 6 months old! I held it together with no tears, much to my surprise. At his 6 month appointment, he weighed 15 pounds, 15 ounces and is 27 inches long. His daddy is hoping he will be tall...and a quarterback!

I know I say this every month, but this REALLY has been my favorite so far. 

I cannot describe the joy sweet Will brings us every day. He is forming his own little personality more and more and truly is the happiest baby ever.

Will is on the move! The little guy has been rolling around like crazy when we play on the floor. He is so proud of himself!

Right before Thanksgiving, Will got his first case of the sniffles. He held out for 5 months which I would say is pretty darn good. Even with a fever, he was still smiling. Extra snuggles included.

I was so excited about running the Turkey Trot this year with little Will in tow! Last Thanksgiving, I had just announced that I was pregnant and I got teary seeing all of the families running. Unfortunately, it was the coldest it has ever been and with Will getting over his cold, it just wouldn't have been smart to take him out there. Mark stayed home with him while I ran with my family. It was a wonderful day and we celebrated our first Thanksgiving as a family of three!

The beginning of December was the most magical of all, as we brought Christmas into our house. Everyone says that once you have a baby, Christmas goes to a whole new level. My level is already at the highest possible when it comes to Christmas but somehow, having Will this year made my heart EXPLODE. His eyes just lit up at the first sight of twinkle lights, something I will remember forever. 

Will is the luckiest lovie to be surrounded by so much family and so much love. 

If I could keep him this age forever, I would, but somehow, each month is better than the last.

Happy 6 months, little one!

Baked Brie with Cranberries, Cinnamon + Pecans

Christmas may be over but we continue to celebrate in our house long after December 25th. For the entire 12 days of Christmas to be exact! This Christmas has been extra special for us and I never want it to end. 

The celebrations continue this week as we say hello to 2014! As we get ready for a cozy night in with friends, I'm menu planning for New Year's Eve- babies and bubbly included! I am loving the idea of several small bites instead of one big meal. 

If you are still in need of some tasty bites to add to your New Year's Eve spread, I have the perfect addition. This is a wonderful holiday appetizer that everyone seems to love. I made this last year for my family's pre- Thanksgiving dinner cocktails and appetizers and we added it to our pre- Christmas dinner menu this year as well. I made a second batch when we celebrated Christmas with Mark's family this weekend and even the smallest people in the house gobbled it up! 

In a big crowd, one just doesn't seem to be enough. So go ahead and make an extra! Your dinner guests will thank you.

Baked Brie with Cranberries, Cinnamon + Pecans

1 wheel or wedge of Brie cheese

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1/3 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

a few shakes of cinnamon

1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

In a small saucepan on medium heat, melt butter. Add nuts and a few shakes of cinnamon. Saute for 3-5 minutes until nuts are toasted.

In a baking sheet, lay out puff pastry and place brie on top. Place cinnamon/butter/nut mixture on top of the brie followed by the brown sugar then the cranberries. Wrap the brie with the puff pastry. Brush with egg to finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is brown and nicely puffed. Serve with crostini and apple slices.

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Merry, Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a Merry, Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!!

Allison Parker Designs: WINNER!

Someone is getting an early Christmas gift from Allison Parker Designs & Baby Will!

Congratulations!!! Jodi, I will put you in touch with Allison so that you can order a onesie of your choice from her shop.

Thank you to everyone who entered and next time you need a baby gift, don't forget to check Allison's darling shop.

Merry, merry Christmas!!

{Lemon + Rosemary + Vanilla} Williams-Sonoma Stovetop Aroma

Christmas time always seems like the perfect time to simmer a little stovetop aroma to make your home smell warm and cozy as you bring friends and family in to celebrate the season. I have always loved the orange/cinnamon/clove combination, but I tried a little something new last night and it was divine. My cousin Meg brought this over to my mom in a jar as a hostess gift and I needed to make it right away! This is the scent that is burning in Williams-Sonoma stores and it is positively delightful!

Lemon + Rosemary + Vanilla are a trio made in heaven.

I sliced on lemon and added it with a few sprigs of rosemary to a small sauce pot. I filled it 3/4 full with water and added 2 Tablespoons of vanilla extract. Simmered on low leaves your house smelling fresh and cozy. Just add water as needed.

Prepared in a mason jar with some raffia and a gift tag, this makes a wonderful hostess gift! Just swap the vanilla extract with an actual vanilla bean to keep the liquid clear.