tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70771120236262420492024-03-27T19:53:35.367-04:00New Mom on the BlogStumbling blindly through the land of Motherhood.The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-11607682031691984942016-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:002016-02-04T00:00:08.098-05:00A dream is a wish your heart makes...<i>Today I am 39 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I've been putting on a brave face, but in truth every muscle and joint and ligament and ounce of of my freaking being is uncomfortable. The thing is, I realize that less than a year ago I would have given ANYTHING to be in this position. And I realize that this is the last time I'll ever be doing this. And so, I'm trying to relish every ache and every pain and every trip to the bathroom every 10 freaking minutes - because I wished for this. I hoped for this. I prayed for this. And here I am. In reflection, I wanted to tell this story for the life we're about to welcome into the world. Because I'm uncomfortable - but dang it, I'm so happy.</i><br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
"It started out as a feeling which then grew into a hope<br />
Which then grew into a quiet thought which then turned into a quiet word<br />
And then that word grew louder and louder until it was a battle cry..."<br />
- <i>The Call; Regina Spektor</i><br />
<br />
<br />
At the beginning of 2015, I made a secret Pinterest board that was dedicated solely to ideas for announcing a pregnancy at Disney World. It's a notion that makes me cringe even today, but it's true. My husband and I had long ago decided that we wanted our last vacation as a family of 3 to be taken at Disney World.<br />
<br />
I have a habit of getting WAY ahead of myself when it comes to planning and given that we were planning to start trying for another baby at the beginning of the year, the timing seemed perfect.<br />
<br />
Six years ago, when we found out we were pregnant for the first time, I learned nothing about my reproductive health in the process. For all intents and purposes, we got pregnant accidentally on purpose after one month of trying. It's a blessing, one that I do not take for granted (especially now), but it was unfair. It's unrealistic. It set me up for what would end up being 6 months of sadness and disappointment and above all - confusion.<br />
<br />
But, first - Disney World.<br />
<br />
Upon packing for the trip we had planned for for months, I realized that I would be able to take a test around the fourth day of our trip there and was sure it would be the most magical positive pregnancy test anyone had ever peed on. I thought of fun ways for us to secretly announce our pregnancy through photographs while at Disney World to share with our families when we returned. I was excited for the trip, yes, but I think I was more excited about what the trip would mean for us.<br />
<br />
I remember taking the resort transit to Hollywood Studios on our second day of the trip and suddenly being overcome with nausea. The kind that only exists in the first trimester. I can't even describe the elation I felt at this sudden and inexplicable urge to vomit. I had never been more sure that I was pregnant.<br />
<br />
We arrived early at our brunch reservations the next day and while waiting for our table, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. And that's when I saw I had my period.<br />
<br />
In my bag, I had packed <i>six </i>different pregnancy tests.<br />
And four tampons.<br />
<br />
I walked out of the bathroom with tears threatening to spill down my face. I don't even think I had to say the words to my husband. I think he knew. And he tried to hide it, but I saw the disappointment I was feeling mirrored in his expression. We both decided not to discuss it and to try to just enjoy the trip.<br />
<br />
We spent the rest of that day at Epcot. I drank a beer in every country that day. Partially because I could. But, mostly because I was numbing the pain. There was so much self blame. I wanted to space out my pregnancies. It had always been the right decision for our family and now I was filled with so much doubt. Truly, this was one thing I felt like I (personally) was born to do - and I was failing at it. Quite frankly, I felt <i>broken.</i><br />
<br />
The next day, while waiting in a very long line at the Magic Kingdom, I did the thing you should never do when you're panicking about a possible medical problem - I Google'd.<br />
<br />
However, the great thing about relying on Dr. Google when it comes to fears about your fertility, is that sometimes you stumble upon a community forum that tells you you are absolutely insane. It was there that I learned facts that sustained me for the failed cycles that would follow. It was there that I learned I was not even close to infertile - just uninformed and impatient.<br />
<br />
I learned that it can take up to a year for a <i>healthy</i> couple to conceive.<br />
I learned that a couple only has a 20% chance of conceiving every month.<br />
I learned that I had expected to get pregnant in a <i>fraction </i>of the time that many couples out there have been trying (and some with varied levels of medical intervention).<br />
I learned that accidental pregnancies are pretty much mathematically improbable.<br />
I learned that <i>most </i>pregnancies (including my own previous pregnancy) are pretty much mathematically improbable.<br />
<br />
I felt like an idiot. Little Miss "I got pregnant after one month of trying, what's wrong with me now?" really got a dose of her own medicine. I read post after post after post after post of women struggling with fertility, women starting IVF, women who knew so much more about this stuff than I ever bothered to learn. It was like I had fallen asleep in health class in middle school and suddenly woke up at 31 and decided to pay attention.<br />
<br />
So, I read. And I learned. I found solace in a community full of women who understood what I was going through.<br />
<br />
Who would listen when a very pregnant person complained to me about her pregnancy while I was hoping so desperately to be in her shoes.<br />
Who would sympathize when I was asked over and over again when we were finally going to have another kid.<br />
Who would understand when every pregnancy announcement was like a punch in my (empty) gut.<br />
<br />
Even though I was now armed with the knowledge that our timeline was completely normal, I felt less normal as every non-pregnant day went on. I discovered through various tracking methods that sometimes I ovulated and sometimes I didn't. My body just doesn't see it to be a necessary process every month. The birth control pills which had regulated my cycles for years were finally out of my system and in response, my system had no idea what to do with itself.<br />
<br />
I put in a call with my OB/GYN for an appointment to discuss my concerns. The nurse I spoke to was very reassuring and sweet and told me that I should give it one more irregular cycle before I made an appointment.<br />
<br />
That cycle never came.<br />
<br />
And one afternoon, motivated by some sweet women on a board which had become my safe haven for sharing my obsessive charting who saw my chart and told me I would be crazy to not pee on a stick that afternoon, I stopped by a store and bought a pregnancy test.<br />
<br />
I was on the way home from our second annual musical and still feeling elated from watching our students and their triumphant performance. I didn't want to ruin that feeling with another disappointment, but I just had to know.<br />
<br />
I remember closing the door to the bathroom and standing outside of it. I had seen so many negative tests already. I just didn't want to see another one turn right in front of my eyes.<br />
<br />
I cautiously approached the test the way one would approach a live wire. Convinced it would be another disappointment.<br />
<br />
But it was positive. I was finally pregnant.<br />
And no, it wasn't Disney World - but it was still magical.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm sharing this story here because I am certain there are people out there who, like me, don't understand the reality of fertility. Who think pregnancy is a right rather than a privilege. Who perhaps have never felt the pain of this struggle. Who <i>have </i>felt the pain of this struggle and are glad to hear someone break the silence that surrounds infertility. I was never one to approach people about their plans for procreation - I find that to be a highly personal decision and I never wanted to accidentally harm someone who was unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant.<br />
<br />
However, I also never applied those same principles to myself. I approached myself over and over saying "Why aren't you pregnant yet, Amanda?" and it was a very painful and scary time. It didn't have to be. It just took a little bit of self help and education.<br />
<br />
And now here I am - 3 days before I'm due with this little man. All I can feel is grateful that I didn't allow the fear and judgment and disappointment keep me from the magic I've wanted for so long.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
"Now we're back to the beginning<br />
It's just a feeling that no one knows yet<br />
But just because they can't feel it too, doesn't mean that you have to forget<br />
Let your memories grow stronger and stronger<br />
Until they're before your eyes..."<br />
<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-39233718473480701562015-11-23T11:10:00.001-05:002015-11-23T11:10:43.806-05:00Begin again...Brevity has never been my strong suit.<br />
You ask me what time it is and I'll tell you how to build a clock.<br />
<br />
So, as the weeks and then months and then nearly a year passed - I really wasn't sure how I could come back here without writing nothing short of a novel. I'll try to be brief, but that isn't easy for me.<br />
<br />
To say a lot has changed in the past year would be a drastic understatement. Here's a short list.<br />
<br />
- I got promoted and became the head of my department making many dreams come true and giving me the opportunity to do even more of what I love to do so much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQdgUUtdXEDe2TXMVOWzII787dVcUwxPpPcwvP16zZE_isEScc7ptH2BED-z1ILrDRUlzlRYXqu7WsmcoR_yCBViW_rjTVy96-Hhg8xAaE1EmhWc-7C9bubTk1oSAcHKoLlWGgE_AqVou/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQdgUUtdXEDe2TXMVOWzII787dVcUwxPpPcwvP16zZE_isEScc7ptH2BED-z1ILrDRUlzlRYXqu7WsmcoR_yCBViW_rjTVy96-Hhg8xAaE1EmhWc-7C9bubTk1oSAcHKoLlWGgE_AqVou/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
- We decided to put our house on the market. While some of our neighbors were truly the best people we've never known, we knew that with The Incredible Hulk starting Kindergarten in the fall and being hesitant about the school he was slated to attend, we needed to make a change and began the arduous process of preparing our dream home to be put up for sale.<br />
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- We went to Disney World for the first time as a family. (Not that important, just part of what we've been spending our time doing and important for a future post I hope to write.)<br />
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- We started showing our house. It was on the market for around 45 days. In the first week we had 9 showings. It was not an easy time in our lives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryR0NiVGK8NbxeoeyXxvTxj0rI1cxEagdtaXavkfWZ5thHu66NM-LQ0484suFIMkWu-beL3OajATDmSZ_RGE5FG9VtjJx4hSKQm0OPLh3kwJ04Xz55YiWV3OJIUq5-rIUczfARq7ZqxEu/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryR0NiVGK8NbxeoeyXxvTxj0rI1cxEagdtaXavkfWZ5thHu66NM-LQ0484suFIMkWu-beL3OajATDmSZ_RGE5FG9VtjJx4hSKQm0OPLh3kwJ04Xz55YiWV3OJIUq5-rIUczfARq7ZqxEu/s320/IMG_1056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
- I got in a car accident. The other driver was texting when she hit me. It wasn't bad, but it totaled my vehicle. And so, in the same week we put our house on the market, we were in the market for a new car. I got another minivan. <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2011/11/never-say-never.html">Hell didn't freeze over.</a><br />
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<br />
- My team put on our second musical with the students at our school. <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/06/05/someone-you-should-know-the-kids-at-giant-steps-elementary/">Oh, and it was on the news.</a> NBD.<br />
<br />
- I got promoted...again. This time to a job I've been spending my career working toward with a team of professionals I respect so much. It was a bit ground-breaking to tell the truth. It meant stepping away from being solely a music therapist (I haven't touched a guitar in three months) - and now instead using those skills to oversee an educational team. More dreams coming true.<br />
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<br />
- We took a another trip to our happy place. Michigan in the summer will officially be a tradition for our family as long as they'll allow it. This time we were hosted by some of the best friends in the world and if there was any reason we were able to get through this stressful year in one piece, it's because of them.<br />
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<br />
- Our house sold...and we hadn't yet found a place to live. So we started that process. Which had its heartbreaking moments. Lots of beautiful homes that didn't work out...<br />
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<br />
- ...but, with two days to spare before TIH started Kindergarten, we moved into our new home. We love our neighborhood, we love how much closer we are to our family here. We love his school. We have LOTS of work to do on the new home and we love that too. We're starting our first official project today...which brings me to the final bit of news...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDkLOcKWRKAWbt5-cORozgqsg9lyDjBBCtYt53ettexAgx3iNPoF-ysbX4MtNtoLSGEXxN2MTgdkCXk2r88RNooiQkqpv6LsrcjYDf762ru0XI9Zxm1cQkS_mE6_GcqHgzAD2gHrBh2hb/s1600/Clay5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDkLOcKWRKAWbt5-cORozgqsg9lyDjBBCtYt53ettexAgx3iNPoF-ysbX4MtNtoLSGEXxN2MTgdkCXk2r88RNooiQkqpv6LsrcjYDf762ru0XI9Zxm1cQkS_mE6_GcqHgzAD2gHrBh2hb/s320/Clay5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was finally ready to begin again. It took me awhile to get there. And then it took us even longer to respect God's timeline. But, on the day that I drove home from the musical at my school, still giddy from the success of another year, something told me to stop and get a test.<br />
<br />
So I did.<br />
And I was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ22j28PD_gM0u03Rk3Z67QEnFGP6rqhPjDhNm2UWqKhnsAILww8tf2QQe6OnriL0aBLvwS1EnDwgLNEWpbT9f-wuGwIQ9HC3GRWEPXU0KOrJ2BGvrieccnGmFiNnamV5TxcxxPk2O2QkW/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ22j28PD_gM0u03Rk3Z67QEnFGP6rqhPjDhNm2UWqKhnsAILww8tf2QQe6OnriL0aBLvwS1EnDwgLNEWpbT9f-wuGwIQ9HC3GRWEPXU0KOrJ2BGvrieccnGmFiNnamV5TxcxxPk2O2QkW/s320/IMG_1666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This pregnancy began much like the first - being bowled over my nausea from around week 6 to week 16. And then smooth sailing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Hl9bRyvLS9MqL5xeOUE4HkBJEZtak2K7-wn2Wt0q7N7JlePOuLyrMBttrfWiHAqjRYVMp4WSt745jQ6mIC-2HlXc3AUQWM8HvCbQTYMHUUGeXV8_dFmf3VEGOCnocWlLwyoJwHy8X3O/s1600/10872897_10103154062440549_5563448776798584148_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Hl9bRyvLS9MqL5xeOUE4HkBJEZtak2K7-wn2Wt0q7N7JlePOuLyrMBttrfWiHAqjRYVMp4WSt745jQ6mIC-2HlXc3AUQWM8HvCbQTYMHUUGeXV8_dFmf3VEGOCnocWlLwyoJwHy8X3O/s320/10872897_10103154062440549_5563448776798584148_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh...and it's another boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I started this blog (5 years ago next week), I always imagined that I would chronicle my second pregnancy week by week. Share every detail. Every funny story. Every way that this pregnancy is all at once totally different than my first, and in some ways completely the same.<br />
<br />
Instead, I've been reveling in the here and now a bit. Without putting words to it. I know this is likely the last round for us. So, I've just been enjoying the journey and not wondering what is going to happen next.<br />
<br />
There's been enough change for one year. I'm happy to revel in the simplicity of stasis.<br />
<br />
Brevity has never been my strong suit.<br />
I'm always afraid I'll leave out some detail that will bring everything together for the reader.<br />
But, at some point, I just had to start somewhere simple.<br />
Simple is good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZecS-9ZFKJDsko1ZgzwCKrnpKv1ucUHoomc38cCZitzh7TP3xo3qRdBshRb6yBqhF2bWz9oFJAyK_dbHnDIL8ebjCMmKfA55v_Ighd4QriiUfs3H7Af9ZW5ItfGcTWeyxrQcYATWSNajC/s1600/Clay36BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZecS-9ZFKJDsko1ZgzwCKrnpKv1ucUHoomc38cCZitzh7TP3xo3qRdBshRb6yBqhF2bWz9oFJAyK_dbHnDIL8ebjCMmKfA55v_Ighd4QriiUfs3H7Af9ZW5ItfGcTWeyxrQcYATWSNajC/s320/Clay36BW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a></td></tr>
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<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-75765643397680329472014-12-01T00:00:00.000-05:002014-12-01T07:01:30.594-05:00Picture this...If ever you walked into the NMTOB house, you would find yourself staring at a whole lot of pictures of our faces. I've never really been so great at decorating and I'm even worse at finding wall art that doesn't A: resemble something you would find in a hotel or B: fail to measure up to the proportions of the wall. The result of this is crippling design paralysis and a lot of blank walls.<br />
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However, the one investment I have been willing to make year after year is photography. Whether it be scenery shots of my favorite places to visit or adorable snapshots that needed to live somewhere other than Instagram, every room of our house is filled with lovely photographs. Call it boring, call it borderline narcissistic, but at least the walls aren't blank.</div>
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So, when the people from <a href="http://www.woodsnap.com/">WoodSnap</a> contacted me about a product review, I was stoked. Their product combines my first love (beautiful pictures) and wall art in a way that makes people stop and say, "Hey, wait. That is seriously cool." (No, really they've done exactly that since our <a href="http://www.woodsnap.com/">WoodSnap </a>has been sitting on my mantle.)</div>
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Since we received ours, I can't stop thinking of cool things you could have printed to display. Maps of your favorite cities. Reprints of old family photos. Cool collages you creative types can make in Photoshop. Beautiful quotes in pretty fonts. The options really are endless.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwezysvuN17l66VmAEgjS73jOq3KEOzu-ps0es9LmwpwcdJKiZ_cKzZ-T8bXTnD4esIjwSvwp83oEHUyH_4YnJec0T6rRdii6avFwx-wVxpYrvniNV9Sx2PrcINm0tzCvqxqE_8PWSxIh/s1600/10735500_362285157273135_1335198780_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwezysvuN17l66VmAEgjS73jOq3KEOzu-ps0es9LmwpwcdJKiZ_cKzZ-T8bXTnD4esIjwSvwp83oEHUyH_4YnJec0T6rRdii6avFwx-wVxpYrvniNV9Sx2PrcINm0tzCvqxqE_8PWSxIh/s1600/10735500_362285157273135_1335198780_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me? I opted for printing this lovely photo courtesy of our fourth (!!!) photo shoot with <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwxN8oRgsX0V4bx0LvzHHCcA3Uzxvp5VX2lNW2iMSqUMhqn3cerZUBuIIDOEdxKwvFbl1UcZejAtyry0V2vvfLFFo_htu6ntvDcvB6C0puVvj_0pfhzwwtJpmXaIZzaCw2O-IDclbK0Aw/s1600/Clay21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwxN8oRgsX0V4bx0LvzHHCcA3Uzxvp5VX2lNW2iMSqUMhqn3cerZUBuIIDOEdxKwvFbl1UcZejAtyry0V2vvfLFFo_htu6ntvDcvB6C0puVvj_0pfhzwwtJpmXaIZzaCw2O-IDclbK0Aw/s1600/Clay21.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The result was stunning:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLWd5mZWjrc6eJ_m5J9P7HlPbxho0Im2Voqk3y_MTh-BrHNG9yGYmIci6jmeFtcAREiIhxC_lPTVrPySmZASm0ist4LPdRJX_lRIA6VSz5iDluKA9AA57OT-jBXIrrKpfR7I49m6P2OEw/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLWd5mZWjrc6eJ_m5J9P7HlPbxho0Im2Voqk3y_MTh-BrHNG9yGYmIci6jmeFtcAREiIhxC_lPTVrPySmZASm0ist4LPdRJX_lRIA6VSz5iDluKA9AA57OT-jBXIrrKpfR7I49m6P2OEw/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our <a href="http://www.woodsnap.com/">WoodSnap </a>taking up residence in our Christmas mantle display.</td></tr>
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I am so impressed by the vibrancy of the colors and the fact that you actually have to walk up to it to see that it's made of wood. This makes it an attractive conversation piece.<br />
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I know what you're thinking - "This would make THE PERFECT GIFT for my grandmother/mother/co-worker/sister, etc." Right you are! And the best news is that <a href="http://www.woodsnap.com/">WoodSnap</a> is offering 30% off orders <b>today</b> for Cyber Monday as well as Free Ground Shipping for US orders. So, order the best gift today, get it here well before your first holiday gathering, and save a buck in the process.<br />
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How could it be any better?<br />
So, hurry up. Get those presents purchased, so you can sit back and <strike>drink some wine</strike> enjoy the holiday!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">Though WoodSnap provided me with complimentary product for review on this blog, the opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. Obviously I barely have the time to wash my own hair daily, so I'm not going to take the time to write about a product I don't fully endorse</span></span></span></div>
The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-11208117960404795592014-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:002014-11-26T00:00:08.516-05:00It's Turkey Lurkey time...<i>If you've never heard the song referenced in this post's title, please FEAST YOUR EYES. Because, it is one of my all time favorites.</i><br />
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So, last year around this time I had this wild idea that I'd really like to host Thanksgiving at my house this year. 2013 Me was clearly a bit on the over-zealous side, but 2014 Me decided to just go with it.<br />
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As you've probably noticed, I have been a terrible, neglectful blog owner and meal planner. I've planned November, but mostly week by week. (I will try to be back for December to finish out the year strong...maybe.) However, I'm going to attempt to make all of that better by sharing the NMOTB menu for Thanksgiving 2014 (hopefully to be repeated in years to come.) I'll include recipe links, but there are a few things here and there which are family recipes that I can't really share. Not because I don't want to, but because I have practically <i>studied</i> how to make these things successfully. Unless you all want to swing by my house and watch me. Bring wine.<br />
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Without further ado, I present to you <b><u>The NMOTB Thanksgiving Extravaganza</u></b> (AKA:<i> How to Try </i>Really<i>, </i>Really<i> Hard Not to Give 15 People Salmonella Poisoning</i>).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of the veggie tray I actually made for Thanksgiving 2012. #nailedit</td></tr>
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<b><u>Appetizers</u> </b><i>Because nobody is hungrier than guests who can smell turkey but can't eat it yet.</i><br />
- <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185421709628328599/">Veggie Tray</a> with Ranch Dip and Hummus<br />
- <a href="http://www.lifesambrosia.com/2009/11/rosemary-cranberry-spread-recipe.html">Cranberry & Rosemary Cheese Spread</a><br />
- Assorted Cheeses and Olives<br />
- Mixed Nuts<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner</u> <i>Because my middle name is "Casserole."</i><br />
- <a href="http://bethsfavoriterecipes.blogspot.com/2011/12/perfect-turkey-in-electric-roaster.html">Roasted Turkey</a> with Stuffing {I'm not going to lie, I was going to kind of wing it on the turkey (pun <i>totally</i> intended) since I've seen my mother-in-law put hers together many times and it always comes out perfectly, but then I started getting really nervous that I'd screw it up. So, I'm mostly going to follow the suggestions under the link. And have my fingers crossed. For the stuffing, I just follow the directions on the bag.}<br />
- Mashed Red Potatoes and Gravy {Following the recipes for both which have been handed down for generations. Trust me on the red potatoes...they make the BEST mashed potatoes you've ever had.}<br />
- <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/09/corn-casserole/#_a5y_p=901450">Corn Casserole</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.printfriendly.com/print/?redirect=1&url=http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2014/09/moms-sweet-potato-casserole.html&headerImageUrl=&headerTagline=&imageDisplayStyle=right&customCSSURL=&disableClickToDel=0&disablePDF=0&disablePrint=0&disableEmail=0&hideImages=0">Sweet Potato Casserole</a> {Never been big on this myself...I put it on my plate every year (because, THANKSGIVING), but it isn't my fave. My husband, on the other hand, lives for it, so I'm trying this recipe out.}<br />
- <a href="http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipes/classic-green-bean-casserole-24099">Green Bean Casserole </a>{Our family is the traditional sort that just likes the recipe on the back of the soup can. What can I say?}<br />
- Macaroni & Cheese {I grew up with two Southern-cooking grandmas, so this has to be on my menu. However, I have a lovely guest bringing it for me, so I'll ask her for the recipe to share some other time!}<br />
- <a href="http://www.thugkitchen.com/roasted_brussels_sprouts_quinoa_cranberries">Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa with Cranberries</a> {Warning, this recipe comes from Thug Kitchen which is the best recipe website on the planet, but has language that is probably NSFW.}<br />
- <a href="http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2012/12/21/delicious-roasted-broccoli">Roasted Broccoli</a> {We were going to have steamed asparagus, but the roasted broccoli is SO much better, my husband convinced me to switch.}<br />
- <a href="http://www.thugkitchen.com/post/67563997830/put-down-the-fucking-can-opener-trust-me-on-this">Cranberry Sauce </a>{Another recipe out of Thug Kitchen.}<br />
- Green Salad with <a href="http://culinarymamas.com/my-signature-homemade-salad-dressing/">Shallot Vinaigrette </a>{I had this dressing at a dinner party the other day, and OHMYLORD.}<br />
- Dinner Rolls {Did you see the list of food I just said I was preparing? I bought frozen rolls. Deal.}<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Dessert</u> <i>Because we'll all need something to tide us over before we start digging into the leftovers.</i><br />
<i>-</i> Pumpkin Pie {Another recipe to be made by a guest. I can't bake. It's no secret.}<br />
- Apple Pie {My husband is making his recipe...he insists upon this every year.}<br />
- <a href="http://www.homecookingadventure.com/recipes/chocolate-salted-caramel-tart">Sea Salted Caramel Torte with Chocolate Ganache</a> {Right, so remember when I said I can't bake? So I decided to try baking by making an exceptionally complicated dessert with three different components. This won't end well. For example: I ground the almonds for the crust and then knocked the entire 1/4 cup over into the sink. At least my apron is cute.}<br />
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream<br />
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Oh, and <b><u>drinks</u></b>. A lot of them. I'm convinced that the trick to a successful Thanksgiving Dinner is to get your guests good and drunk so they'll all be too hungry to notice if your food didn't turn out so well.<br />
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In all seriousness, Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Yes, partially because it is a holiday completely centered around eating, but also because it's a holiday that almost always begins and ends with delightful time spent with loved ones celebrating the most important thing a person can possess - <i>gratitude</i>. I am unbelievably excited to start my own traditions this year by hosting this delightful meal. Here's to many returns.<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-68287751072966810642014-10-20T00:00:00.000-04:002014-10-20T07:03:16.590-04:00Veggie luv...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I've made pretty clear in my posts here, one of the most beneficial things I've found about meal planning is giving my family a varied and well-rounded dinner menu for the month. Because we like our veggies around the NMOTB house, we go through produce like no other. The only thing that bothers me sometimes is that I've been known to get stuck in a produce rut. We generally cycle through the same 5-10 vegetables/preparations a few times a month and that can get awfully boring.<br />
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Enter, <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/shop-good-food">Door to Door Organics</a> Produce Delivery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSn4Nz9yoYqyJIOA87Q3BF5VdRsxWPTQ6ghqWGrCOhP5ZRbnL2zJZHPhqq9uC8IBOm8E8IfmbEPM3q8x1k-RTP275Clwnmuo3TDl97TzlfwEHac5mBFNFMll-HjKa3OQCezQ1pxw780JL/s1600/Door+to+Door+Organics+Logo+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSn4Nz9yoYqyJIOA87Q3BF5VdRsxWPTQ6ghqWGrCOhP5ZRbnL2zJZHPhqq9uC8IBOm8E8IfmbEPM3q8x1k-RTP275Clwnmuo3TDl97TzlfwEHac5mBFNFMll-HjKa3OQCezQ1pxw780JL/s1600/Door+to+Door+Organics+Logo+2.jpeg" height="145" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're not familiar with the concept, DTDO provides a service where on a weekly/biweekly basis, you can have fresh, organic produce delivered right to your door step. What I love about it is that the produce box is predetermined for you (though you can build a profile with your tastes/make substitutions as necessary), so it offers the opportunity to try a variety of produce you'd otherwise skip over if you're stuck in a rut (like me.)<br />
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When our box arrived (with the apt slogan, "Joy Delivered"), it was like Christmas Day.<br />
I don't think I've ever torn into a box so excitedly before.<br />
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The medium vegetable box we ordered was literally brimming with gorgeous, fresh produce. I also added a few things from their fresh market (they have practically EVERYTHING you could want out of a natural food store).<br />
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I might be hooked forever.<br />
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DTDO tasked me with creating an original recipe to share with you all as part of a giveaway we'll be doing this week on the blog. Two lucky Chicago-area readers will receive a $50.00 gift certificate each toward your own box of Joy Delivered. <br />
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I wanted to share a recipe that was easy to cook on a weeknight (because in the NMOTB kitchen, those are the best meals you can ask for) as well as a recipe that would offer a way to use any number of the great organic vegetables that would come in a produce box delivery. This recipe is totally customizable, so make it with your favorite combination of vegetables, use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara, and whatever pasta strikes your fancy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCzMVEoRxXavGenTbRhdW65RMBpSlVEEnQPrQZ_TjC0wKaNSPIDvXWFKc7yhEdw4JC7amBL5W_Btww_W8-NMRFkbhxFMI7CJSA4PCefye7TToVJy45aUpz_C501cj4A3NgUPrsR4CE7Y_/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCzMVEoRxXavGenTbRhdW65RMBpSlVEEnQPrQZ_TjC0wKaNSPIDvXWFKc7yhEdw4JC7amBL5W_Btww_W8-NMRFkbhxFMI7CJSA4PCefye7TToVJy45aUpz_C501cj4A3NgUPrsR4CE7Y_/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>{NMOTB Pasta Primavera}</b></span><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
- 3ish tablespoons EVOO (as if I measured this...do what feels good)<br />
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (sliced thin)<br />
- 1 yellow onion (diced)<br />
- 6 cremini mushrooms (sliced thin)<br />
- 1 zucchini (sliced into half coins)<br />
- 1 head of broccolini (chopped)<br />
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)<br />
- 1 jar of marinara (I usually make my own, but for the purposes of this recipe, I used Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce which is GREAT and available in the <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/shop/products/raos-homemade-marinara-sauce">DTDO pantry</a>, do whatever you want!)<br />
- 1 pound of the pasta of your choice (We used <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/shop/products/vince-and-sons-pasta-fresh-spaghetti">this fresh spaghetti</a> and it was OUTSTANDING. Dried pasta of any shape would be fine as well!)<br />
- 1 can of cannellini beans (rinsed/drained)<br />
- 2 big handfuls of fresh spinach<br />
- Italian Seasoning (eyeball this)<br />
- Salt/Pepper to taste<br />
- Freshly shredded parmesan for garnish<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
- Drizzle some of the EVOO in a large skillet and warm over medium low heat. Add sliced garlic and heat until fragrant.<br />
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- Add diced onion and toss with more EVOO. Heat until soft/translucent.<br />
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- Add all vegetables into pan (and toss with more EVOO if things are a little too dry, you can tell it's one of my favorite ingredients). Stir everything up, season with Italian Seasoning and a little S&P, and cover the vegetables. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are softened, stirring frequently.<br />
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- Meanwhile, boil your pasta in salted water. If using fresh, this takes less than 5 minutes, so save enough time for whatever you're making.<br />
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- Once vegetables have softened, pour marinara and can of beans into the skillet and stir to coat everything. Taste and adjust seasonings.<br />
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- Add pasta and spinach and toss until spinach is slightly wilted.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XEvTxntqgiHwTG9reYx5N5v0fqpKXFxtiwL0RQEt_qZSyPdQY1vRWeEiBKybeTX-GahThljdAm_REWpDuZFO_6ZPFc8Mf6Pu-uerkQMb8aIYGRZfGsIo2Fv-BmeisMtERtMixUxfe3E7/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XEvTxntqgiHwTG9reYx5N5v0fqpKXFxtiwL0RQEt_qZSyPdQY1vRWeEiBKybeTX-GahThljdAm_REWpDuZFO_6ZPFc8Mf6Pu-uerkQMb8aIYGRZfGsIo2Fv-BmeisMtERtMixUxfe3E7/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Garnish pasta with fresh cheese. We used this delightful <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/shop/products/sartori-cheese-rosemary-asiago">Olive Oil and Rosemary asiago</a>. Serve with crusty bread for mopping up the delicious sauce and a nice green salad featuring gorgeous DTDO produce!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeiRNicBk8cpjKlJKZ9P4Ek78I2nX3hFxi1ytnXcS5UYd8bmoCVQO016un-aOtPMgm31sc7alHVgGIr2K2WTeOvEckjpxApQMLs7B5xMbiouEkKBSxi7czPXrWDMHQ40vVdiFppYbAEz/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeiRNicBk8cpjKlJKZ9P4Ek78I2nX3hFxi1ytnXcS5UYd8bmoCVQO016un-aOtPMgm31sc7alHVgGIr2K2WTeOvEckjpxApQMLs7B5xMbiouEkKBSxi7czPXrWDMHQ40vVdiFppYbAEz/s1600/image1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you ready to make your own delicious recipe with a box from DTDO? Below you'll find all of the great ways to win using my fancy Rafflecopter giveaway widget. The only bummer of this giveaway is that you must live in the greater Chicagoland area to enter (unless you live in Chicago...in which case, there are no bummers!) You can search for your zip code <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/content/delivery">here</a> to see if you qualify. The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, October 24, and I'll be announcing the winner here on the blog on Friday morning!<br />
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However, because they're so awesome, DTDO is also offering $10.00 off your first order exclusive to NMOTB readers. So even if you don't win the giveaway, you can try out produce box deliveries at a discounted price. Follow the link <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/signup?gift_cert=NewMomBlog14&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=chicagobloggers">here</a> to get started.<br />
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Follow the Rafflecopter directions below for multiple ways to enter the giveaway and may the odds be ever in your favor!<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2f214e4e1/" id="rc-2f214e4e1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">Though Door to Door Organics provided me with a complimentary delivery for review on this blog the opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. Obviously I barely have the time to wash my own hair daily, so I'm not going to take the time to write about a product I don't fully endorse.</span></span></span>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-81485507932706461572014-10-15T00:00:00.000-04:002014-10-15T00:00:00.479-04:00I wanna catch up...Okay, as promised, I'm here today to give you what remains of the October 2014 meal plan. I say "what remains" because although I meal planned the first and second weeks of the month...for the life of me, I cannot remember what we ate. Some of the time was spent on travel and celebrating our sixth anniversary, but there were a lot of dinners eaten at home that I'm still forgetting. This is such a blogging fail, I can't even discuss it. So, let's all pretend that the month of October started on the 13th and move on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqv-dV2BSnZI_Vg5COt6S3WlbTRgILvy3kExPWqLKOXI-jo-qE53JC_rI9O-qWDgNGQGcFlwMepftUdHoNCovPLPiU-6-MsViWhcafahbyYfqbpJx4mbWzQ7-62wwNPTOWV64_L_fHA3A/s1600/Door+to+Door+Organics+Logo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqv-dV2BSnZI_Vg5COt6S3WlbTRgILvy3kExPWqLKOXI-jo-qE53JC_rI9O-qWDgNGQGcFlwMepftUdHoNCovPLPiU-6-MsViWhcafahbyYfqbpJx4mbWzQ7-62wwNPTOWV64_L_fHA3A/s1600/Door+to+Door+Organics+Logo+1.png" height="145" width="320" /></a></div>
Something super exciting that will be happening here at NMOTB this month is a giveaway from <a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/">Door to Door Organics</a>. This will be specifically for my Chicagoan readers, but it is a giveaway that literally could be for ANY demographic this blog reaches. (Moms? Sure. Non-moms? Great. Non-women? Awesome. Single, married, divorced? Have at it.) Come back here next week for all of the details and to check out the yummy original recipe I'll be sharing made exclusively from my own DTDO delivery.<br />
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<i>Remember that for up-to-the-minute meal planning ideas and recipe reviews, you can always go follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a>. Somehow I manage to neglect that form of social media less than any other form. Recipes with a "*" are ones you can find reviews for on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/tried-it/">Tried It!</a> pin board.</i><br />
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<b>Monday, October 13 - </b>{No meal plan. Wow. Already this is not going well.}<br />
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<b>Tuesday, October 14 - </b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/978784/one-pan-pasta?xsc=soc_pin_onepotpasta_06_06_2013&crlt.pid=camp.2cci2qUEyjtv">One Pot Pasta</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Wednesday, October 15 - </b><a href="http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/slow-cooker-tex-mex-qunioa-casserole/#_a5y_p=1753511">Slow Cooker Quinoa Tex Mex</a>*; Guacamole<br />
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<b>Thursday, October 16 - </b><b><i><a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/">DTDO</a> Original Meal:</i> </b>NMOTB Pasta Primavera; Green Salad; Bread with Basil Butter<br />
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<b>Friday, October 17 - </b>Burgers; <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oil-and-vinegar-slaw-recipe.html">Cole Slaw</a>; Tator Tots<br />
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<b>Saturday, October 18 - </b>{No meal plan. Attending <a href="http://www.paigeworthy.com/">Paige's</a> wedding!}<br />
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<b>Sunday, October 19 - </b>Spaghetti; Salad; Bread<br />
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<b>Monday, October 20 - </b><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/">Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad</a><br />
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<b>Tuesday, October 21 - </b><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2013/07/16/buffalo-style-mozzarella-pork-chops/">Buffalo Pork Chops</a>; Pasta; <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/rethinking-healthy-side-dish">Roasted Broccoli</a><br />
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<b>Wednesday, October 22 - </b>Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad; Bread<br />
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<b>Thursday, October 23 - </b><a href="http://bakerbynature.com/steak-asparagus-teriyaki-ramen/">Steak Teriyaki Ramen</a>*; Egg Rolls (Probably going to get some that are frozen because I'm keeping it real.)<br />
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<b>Friday, October 24 - </b>Order In<br />
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<b>Saturday, October 25 - </b>Chili Bar! (We're having a big Halloween costume party and will be serving multiple versions of chili with all of the <i>accouterments</i> you can imagine!)<br />
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<b>Sunday, October 26 - </b>Vegetable Beef Soup; Bread<br />
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<b>Monday, October 27 - </b><a href="http://cocinandoconalena.blogspot.com/2011/02/creamy-chicken-and-rice-casserole.html">Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole</a>*; Salad<br />
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<b>Tuesday, October 28 - </b><a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/cheesy-chicken-enchilada-soup-recipe/">Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup</a>*<br />
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<b>Wednesday, October 29 - </b><a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/03/slow-cooker-jambalaya.html">Crockpot Jambalaya</a>*; Salad; Corn Bread<br />
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<b>Thursday, October 30 - </b><a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/shrimp-avocado-pasta.html#_a5y_p=1384647">Shrimp Avocado Pasta</a>*; Salad<br />
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<b>Friday, October 31 - </b>Pizza<br />
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<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-37060917282092384502014-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:002014-10-14T19:24:12.155-04:00Responsibility? What's that...Also known as, the meal plan I created and never posted.<br>
I'm trying to make this up to you all by posting not only the VERY late October meal plan, but also the laughably absent September meal plan this week. I also have a giveaway coming up. Can we still be friends?<br>
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(Traditionally, the busiest part of my school year is the Fall when a lot of the students I serve have their annual IEP reviews. Last year, this somehow made me exceptionally more productive blog-wise. This year, I have no excuse other than the fact that I'm lazy. Or something.)<br>
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<i>Remember that for up-to-the-minute meal planning ideas and recipe reviews, you can always go follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a>. Somehow I manage to neglect that form of social media less than any other form. Recipes with a "*" are ones you can find reviews for on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/tried-it/">Tried It!</a> pin board.</i><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>{September 2014}</b></span><br>
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<b>Monday, September 1 - </b>Burgers; Cole Slaw; Tator Tots<br>
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<b>Tuesday, September 2 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Wednesday, September 3 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Thursday, September 4 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Friday, September 5 - </b>Burgers; Tator Tots; <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oil-and-vinegar-slaw-recipe.html">Cole Slaw</a><br>
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<b>Saturday, September 6 - </b>{No meal plan - we have a lot of plans in September that involves me not having to cook. I like September!}<br>
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<b>Sunday, September 7 - </b><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/balsamic-glazed-steak-rolls/c723300c-8122-462d-b8ff-2c85ecd7325d/?nicam4=SocialMedia&nichn4=Pinterest&niseg4=Tablespoon&nicreatID4=Post&crlt.pid=camp.AxUc7qiDDaLm">Balsamic Glazed Steak Rolls</a>; <a href="http://secretcopycatrestaurantrecipes.com/olive-garden-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/">Smashed Potatoes</a>; Asparagus<br>
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<b>Monday, September 8 - </b><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/03/monday-night-dinner-chicken-piccata/">Chicken Piccata</a>*; Angel Hair Pasta; <a href="http://www.thedailymeal.com/rethinking-healthy-side-dish">Roasted Broccoli</a><br>
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<b>Tuesday, September 9 - </b><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/08/15/one-pot-lemon-orzo-shrimp/">One Pot Shrimp Orzo</a>*; Salad<br>
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<b>Wednesday, September 10 - </b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-roast-pork-344319">Slow Cooker Pork Roast</a>*; Egg Noodles; Salad<br>
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<b>Thursday, September 11 - </b>Rotisserie Chicken; <a href="http://beyondwonderful.com/recipes/salads/pasta-grains-and-potato-salads/orzo-salad-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-roasted-peppers-black-olives-and-feta-cheese/">Orzo Salad</a><br>
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<b>Friday, September 12 - </b><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2014/07/07/best-marinade-for-grilling-skirt-steak/">Grilled Skirt Steak</a>; Grilled Vegetables; Baked Potatoes<br>
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<b>Saturday, September 13 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Sunday, September 14 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Monday, September 15 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Tuesday, September 16 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br>
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<b>Wednesday, September 17 - </b><a href="http://eatingonadime.com/crockpot-chicken-pot-pie/">Crockpot Pot Pie</a>*; Biscuits; Salad<br>
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<b>Thursday, September 18 - </b><a href="http://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/2014/08/mustard-garlic-and-lime-marinated-chicken-breasts.html">Mustard Garlic Lime Marinaded Chicken</a>*; <a href="http://thegingeredwhisk.yummly.com/2012/06/garlic-roasted-zucchini.html">Roasted Zucchini</a>; Cous Cous<br>
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<b>Friday, September 19 - </b>{No meal plan - we're entertaining!}<br>
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<b>Saturday, September 20 - </b><a href="http://www.sandytoesandpopsicles.com/eat/lemon-steak-foil-packet-camping-recipe/">Lemon Herb Steak Foil Packet</a>; Salad<br>
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<b>Sunday, September 21 - </b><a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html#_a5y_p=668423">Spicy Sausage Pasta</a>; Salad<br>
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<b>Monday, September 22 - </b><a href="http://www.askmefood.com/2013/12/grilled-beer-marinated-chicken.html">Beer Marinaded Chicken</a>*; <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-reviews/research-institute/easy-grilled-corn-recipes">Grilled Corn on the Cob</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a><br>
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<b>Tuesday, September 23 - </b><a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/09/ole-ole-ole-ole.html">Chipotle Bowls</a><br>
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<b>Wednesday, September 24 - </b><a href="http://beyerbeware.net/2012/09/hunk-of-meat-monday-crock-pot-italian-chicken.html">Crockpot Italian Chicken</a>; Pasta; Salad<br>
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<b>Thursday, September 25 - </b><a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/pesto-pasta-with-chicken-sausage-roasted-brussels-sprouts/">Chicken Sausage with Roasted Brussels in Pesto Pasta</a>; Salad<br>
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<b>Friday, September 26 - </b>Grilled Italian Sausage; <a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/10/07/one-pan-fettuccine-alfredo/">One Pan Fettuccine Alfredo</a>; Peas<br>
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<b>Saturday, September 27 - </b><a href="http://theartofcomfortbaking.blogspot.com/2013/10/crockpot-buffalo-chicken-sandwiches.html">Buffalo Chicken Wraps</a>; Chips<br>
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<b>Sunday, September 28 - </b>Chili<br>
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<b>Monday, September 29 - </b><a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-lemon-chicken-potato-casserole-recipe/#_a5y_p=2187241">Lemon Chicken Potato Casserole</a>*; Steamed Asparagus<br>
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<b>Tuesday, September 30 - </b>Beef Tacos; Rice; Guacamole<br>
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Stay tuned later this week for an additional half of a meal plan (I know. I can't pull it together) as well as some details for the giveaway I'll be doing in the next few weeks from<a href="https://chicago.doortodoororganics.com/shop-good-food"> Door to Door Organics</a>!The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-35775884230970681222014-09-22T00:00:00.000-04:002014-09-22T00:00:01.467-04:00Oh, Lido...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lido missed the boat that day</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>He left the shack</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>But that was all he missed</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>And he ain't comin' back</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear Lido,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A little over five years ago, there was a great buzz going around the hospital where I worked that the feral cat who lived in the courtyard had given birth to the cutest kittens. Slowly, many of the kittens disappeared and even the mama cat was nowhere to be found - but, you remained. My friend and co-worker at the time would sneak out and find your tiny little self hiding in the bushes or laying out in the sun and would send me pictures.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"You need to adopt this cat."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was convinced that I was not a cat person and in truth, that I wasn't a pet person in general. Shortly before we were married, we adopted a puppy. The dog was needy and didn't sleep and was not a good fit for a home with two working owners. We were able to find her a new home with family members, but I still look at our decision to adopt the dog as one of my biggest failures in life. The entire situation made me terrified that I would never be able to be a good mother if I couldn't even care for a silly animal.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, with that history I told my friend I would never adopt you because I didn't want another shot to fail at pet ownership.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And yet a few days later (and against all good judgment), I somehow had you sitting in my front seat in an old copy paper box with holes cut out so you could breathe, waiting to come home with us. You hissed and spit and refused to eat for the first few days we had you. We thought you were just nervous, but we soon learned that this fiery personality was pretty much uniquely you. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We named you by putting my playlist on shuffle until we heard a name we liked.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And that song was "Lido Shuffle."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There were times that people didn't even know we owned a cat because we had to put you away when guests came over. Unlike normal cats, instead of running and hiding under beds when you were nervous, you would stalk our guests and slap them with your paws. You'd hiss and growl and even bit a few people. You were kind of a jerk, Lido. But, you were our jerk.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we brought The Incredible Hulk home, you didn't go near me for 8 months. You seemed to hold me personally responsible for this new family member cramping your style.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But, you eventually figured out that he was here to stay and for the most part, you accepted that.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You also accepted that we liked him a little bit more than you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You got a lot of second chances with us, Lido. This must be why people say cats have nine lives.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you know that we tried to keep you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You hissed at my pregnant belly when I used cocoa butter because you didn't like the smell. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meowed anytime anyone closed a bathroom door to you, only to have us open it up so you could walk away. Affection was mostly on your terms, but when you did cuddle, you were actually kind of great at it. (Even though you insisted on licking us constantly because you clearly you thought we didn't bathe enough.) You loved p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">epperoni, a fact we discovered when we had to put you on Prozac to improve your mood and hiding it in the pepperoni was the only way to get you to take it. (You totally knew we were drugging you, thanks for only spitting on the meds sometimes.) You loved to sit in front of open windows and meow incessantly. I told you to be quiet a lot, but I want you to know that I really loved that sound because it told me how happy you were. You made us into the cat people we never really thought we'd be.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you know we wish it could be any other way.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you know we wanted to ignore the two doctors who told us this week that we shouldn't keep you as a pet anymore.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you know this was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope you know that I'll never know for sure if I did the right thing or not.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you know that every day since, I've walked into the house expecting to hear your obnoxious meowing and feeling desperately sad when I all I hear is silence.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I texted the friend who helped me take you home to tell her you were gone, to tell her about the terrible decision we had to make, to tell her "Thank you" for convincing me to adopt you five years ago. Because, Lido...it was a really great five years. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You were a crazy cat. But, you were our crazy cat.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She told me "Don't forget, Amanda. You saved him."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She's halfway right. Yes, we saved you from the courtyard where no one was around to feed you and you were likely going to meet the fate of your mom and all of your brothers/sisters.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But, Lido? You saved me too. Saved me from the feeling that I was a failure and could never take care of another living being. Saved me from the crippling self-doubt I'd experienced. Saved me from the selfish person I once was.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lido, you made me a mama and I love you for it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You weren't perfect. But, you were ours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope that when you get to where you're going that there's a pepperoni buffet and open windows for you to sit by for all eternity. When we meet again, I know you'll probably purr and sit right on top of me, but bite me if I try to pet you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And that's okay, because that's how I'll know it's you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Lido will be runnin'<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Havin' great big fun<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Until he got the note<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Saying tow the line or blow it<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And that was all he wrote</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love you, Kitten Man.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YBQxBdbjmmlb432lBVRw4ph0F3Umacb9h7dBFZgVWNn6bgkAHDMxbnI4dtMYJLwaXU0U-KQ_gzLgNZJsOamCvk2ZgLU4RbSvDSxiay0JtH3iK2YY0EIOtk-ckOvLC-ijkZQxVLCk3edW/s1600/10419482_10102327714713019_9202869015888501305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YBQxBdbjmmlb432lBVRw4ph0F3Umacb9h7dBFZgVWNn6bgkAHDMxbnI4dtMYJLwaXU0U-KQ_gzLgNZJsOamCvk2ZgLU4RbSvDSxiay0JtH3iK2YY0EIOtk-ckOvLC-ijkZQxVLCk3edW/s1600/10419482_10102327714713019_9202869015888501305_n.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more for the road...</td></tr>
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<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-20648333288107929772014-08-13T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-13T00:00:04.993-04:00Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou...A long while ago, my husband mentioned that he was in the mood for some sort of Cajun pasta. It was around Lent, so I thought - why not make it a Cajun shrimp pasta and kill two birds with one stone? The problem was finding the perfect recipe. I wanted one that didn't use heavy cream and also one that wasn't too spicy or complicated.<br />
<br />
Basically, I wanted something that didn't exist.<br />
<br />
My sister-in-law shared her recipe with me (which was a huge help), but sort of like all recipes that are awesome - it didn't involve a whole lot of perfect measurements or instructions. Those are absolutely my favorite recipes - the ones that you know are finished by a feeling rather than by a window of time or oven setting.<br />
<br />
Those recipes are also very difficult to replicate.<br />
<br />
SO, using her suggestions as a guideline and another recipe as framework, I set out to make my own Cajun shrimp pasta. I'm happy to say, it was a wild success. I'm also happy to say, that I actually wrote down what I did so I can share it with you here.<br />
<br />
Who's hungry?<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{Cajun Shrimp Pasta}</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil<br />
- 1 lb. of shrimp (I use frozen, forgive me.)<br />
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic<br />
- Cajun seasoning (probably about a tablespoon, but you're just going to eyeball it)<br />
- juice from 1-2 lemons<br />
- 2 tablespoons of butter<br />
- Garlic powder (you'll use less than the Cajun, but ditto about the eyeballing)<br />
- Sliced mushrooms (one small can or 4-5 fresh; dealer's choice)<br />
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)<br />
- 3/4 cup of milk<br />
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese<br />
- 1/2 box of whole wheat linguine (cooked)<br />
- fresh shredded parmesan<br />
- ground pepper<br />
- kosher salt<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXSKqMOp8u_Qa1w1vRJuJol6mulBqQ5XpcYKO9u6s26D9j9jhEpwDa3eHPZnNddJPwRsPnMsI0e-eZPQdTRycGFW9qfoPEwmTJWlgyulWYEK2qaK6Jvhdz44RgyzUyOf9dCGTUm0u2A9P/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXSKqMOp8u_Qa1w1vRJuJol6mulBqQ5XpcYKO9u6s26D9j9jhEpwDa3eHPZnNddJPwRsPnMsI0e-eZPQdTRycGFW9qfoPEwmTJWlgyulWYEK2qaK6Jvhdz44RgyzUyOf9dCGTUm0u2A9P/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of this pepper! Insanity.</td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Directions</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcgxqu_pK3YV-S5fUnssI5VzcY4Y7U6cHX5itGUVENZuWvpSzAyfc-yZeX_YyQ_HqajTmY4TvvSiBBtI0q2nrqqsJwmpLlfhUItTmoMvbGlsRxJYZurN39K2FAcE1d26ktn_86LUgED7p/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcgxqu_pK3YV-S5fUnssI5VzcY4Y7U6cHX5itGUVENZuWvpSzAyfc-yZeX_YyQ_HqajTmY4TvvSiBBtI0q2nrqqsJwmpLlfhUItTmoMvbGlsRxJYZurN39K2FAcE1d26ktn_86LUgED7p/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Start by thawing (if necessary) and marinading your pound of shrimp. I like mine being cleaned and deveined, but if you're so inclined do all that yourself - go for it. Toss shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, juice of half a lemon, and Cajun seasoning. Let it sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNHXa1vU45tC_7C4H5JCPs3KL1U_Gk_T_31mP0m3xvLviYesFxwh_ELjV6fkRvWQ8Mm1jel-2LuKUwq8gtN6iPJRd7NrKajACmmbm54I4LTulbTmNEF7NEiyvhI5Yd7L7rDO5_DypcA0G/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlNHXa1vU45tC_7C4H5JCPs3KL1U_Gk_T_31mP0m3xvLviYesFxwh_ELjV6fkRvWQ8Mm1jel-2LuKUwq8gtN6iPJRd7NrKajACmmbm54I4LTulbTmNEF7NEiyvhI5Yd7L7rDO5_DypcA0G/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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- After your shrimp has had time to marinade, melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet and sauté the shrimp in it. At this point you can add another good sprinkle of the Cajun seasoning as well as some garlic powder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hj9IkooeyNwn_z1RL-SkUE2mA8NWvCeG1rgm_80VE72FNuo2mLZpY18KF3eI1qgmnzV3TvltMJ49HDsabkpw5PHdfAbs3uJHX4h70Ah7ExnyjamGi8KwyPcDzD-xJRqUFeAdJDgl0hP_/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hj9IkooeyNwn_z1RL-SkUE2mA8NWvCeG1rgm_80VE72FNuo2mLZpY18KF3eI1qgmnzV3TvltMJ49HDsabkpw5PHdfAbs3uJHX4h70Ah7ExnyjamGi8KwyPcDzD-xJRqUFeAdJDgl0hP_/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
- Let this simmer until the shrimp is mostly cooked and then add the mushrooms and the sliced bell pepper. Meanwhile, you can start boiling your linguine.<br />
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- Stir everything around so it gets nice and covered in the butter and squirt in some more fresh lemon juice.<br />
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- Add milk and cream cheese to the pan. [Side note: You can use any sort of cream cheese you want. We almost always have Chive & Onion in our house, so that's usually what I use. The cream cheese just aids in the sauce-thickening process.]<br />
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- Let all of that cook down until it becomes a nice, creamy sauce. I usually like to let the sauce thicken up to the point where it starts to coat the spoon when I stir it.<br />
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- Toss in the linguine, add the parmesan, and season with the kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. PREPARE TO BE AMAZED.<br />
<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-33628251626268359202014-08-11T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-11T00:00:03.470-04:00In the real world...<i>In addition to providing some reviews of all of the recipes we tried as part of our <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2014/07/well-she-seemed-all-right-by-dawns.html">July meal plan</a>, this month I am also providing you all with an idea of what happens in the NMOTB household after the meal plan is created (as promised.)</i><br />
<br />
When people visit us and see our monthly meal plan hanging on the fridge, the follow-up question is usually, "So, do you actually stick to it?" My answer as always been, "Well, yes. Within reason."<br />
<br />
But, this month I decided to actually keep track of the subtle changes we made to have a better answer for people. Sometimes the changes we make will be to the actual meal (i.e., We have a salad instead of asparagus because I didn't see any good asparagus when I went to the grocery store) and sometimes it will be a change to the calendar because of unforeseen social engagements, travel plans that change, or simply that I just don't feel like cooking dinner. It seemed like the changes in July were more related to the latter because it ended up being an exceptionally busy month. In looking back, it still appears that the correct response to that FAQ is, "Well, yes. <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/08/food-glorious-food.html">Within reason</a>."<br />
<br />
<b>July 7</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Beef Lo Mein using <a href="http://momsdish.com/recipe/400/beef-lo-mein-recipe">this</a> recipe.</i><br />
<i>Reality - Beef Lo Mein using <a href="http://wholesomemommy.com/beef-stirfry/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ThecentsibleSawyer+(Wholesome+Mommy)&utm_content=Google+Reader">THIS</a> recipe. </i><br />
The first recipe used beef boullion which I didn't feel like buying just for one recipe, so I did a little more <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinteresting</a> and voila!<br />
<br />
<b>July 8</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Buffalo Pork Chops; One Pan Fettuccine Alfredo; Green Beans</i><br />
<i>Reality - Dinner with my husband's boss</i><br />
We had planned to order pizza later on during this same week, so instead I just pushed back all of the meal plans by one day and we enjoyed socializing with my husband's boss at a local eatery we'd been hoping to try.<br />
<br />
<b>July 12</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Pulled Pork; Grilled Corn; Potato Wedges</i><br />
<i>Reality - Too tired to cook</i><br />
I would say this happens about once a month. I plan a big meal and then realize it isn't going to work given everything else I have to accomplish on that day. This day was TIH's fourth birthday party, so by the time we got home I didn't want to do anything. I'm not sure what we ended up eating, but I didn't cook it!<br />
<br />
<b>July 13</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Grilled Shrimp with Mustard Sauce; Baked Potatoes; Sauteed Brussels & Corn</i><br />
<i>Reality - Pulled Pork; Grilled Corn; Potato Wedges; Cole Slaw</i><br />
We pushed the meal from July 12 back onto this day and invited friends over to share it with us! It was absolutely delightful to have everyone over and the meal was enjoyed by everyone!<br />
<br />
<b>July 17</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Stuffed Peppers; Bread; Salad</i><br />
<i>Reality - Homemade Pizza; Salad</i><br />
This was TIH's birthday and he specifically requested pizza for his birthday. Since we'd done our fair share of dining out over the course of the month already, we opted to make it ourselves. Served with a nice slice of birthday cake, of course.<br />
<br />
<b>July 18</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Grilled Brats; Cole Slaw; Tator Tots</i><br />
<i>Reality - Snacks</i><br />
Here was another example of not really being in the mood for a big meal or wanting to cook it. Instead, my husband swung by the deli and got a few snacks (wings, cheese & crackers, etc.) and we ate that.<br />
<br />
<b>July 19</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - No meal plan - having visitors</i><br />
<i>Reality - Stuffed Peppers; Bread; Salad</i><br />
My husband's parents were visiting and we weren't sure how long they would be staying in town, so we weren't sure if we would be cooking for a crowd or dining out. When we found out they were heading home early, I went ahead and moved up the meal plan for July 17 to this day.<br />
<br />
<b>July 25</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Steaks; Grilled Vegetables; Baked Potatoes</i><br />
<i>Reality - Steaks; Grilled Vegetables; Baked Sweet Potatoes</i><br />
The sweet potatoes just sounded better when I was grocery shopping!<br />
<br />
<b>July 26</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Spinach & Mushroom Smothered Chicken; Carrots; Pasta</i><br />
<i>Reality - Had dinner with friends</i><br />
You know me, I can't miss out on a social opportunity. We can have this meal some other time!<br />
<br />
<b>July 31</b><br />
<i>Meal Plan - Breaded Pork Chops; Cous Cous; Sauteed Asparagus</i><br />
<i>Reality - Going Away Happy Hour</i><br />
A very good friend and colleague is starting a new job with the next school year, so I spent the evening sharing memories over cocktails and moved this plan to August. Great way to get a headstart!<br />
<br />
------<br />
<br />
<i>As you can see, I wasn't too great with the picture taking this month, but we did try a lot of great new recipes. Some of which I'm happy to say will for sure be making return appearances on future meal plans.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2014/06/cilantro-and-lime-salmon.html#more" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Grilled Fish</a> - (not pictured) We initially planned to cook this on the grill, but decided to go with the oven at the last minute (took about 20 minutes at 400 degrees; my oven generally cooks slow.) My husband had tilapia instead of salmon, but this delicious marinade worked very well with both. We left the fish in the marinade for 30 minutes before cooking it. I think it would be great grilled, so definitely worth a try!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://wholesomemommy.com/beef-stirfry/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+ThecentsibleSawyer+(Wholesome+Mommy)&utm_content=Google+Reader" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Beef Lo Mein</a> - SO GREAT. In addition to being very tasty and enjoyable for the whole family (TIH included!), it was exceptionally easy to put together. A friend of mine also said she tried it with chicken, so this recipe is adaptable to a variety of tastes (would probably be great with extra veggies or tofu as well, if you are so inclined!) This recipe will be added to the regular rotation without a doubt!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/10/07/one-pan-fettuccine-alfredo/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">One Pot Fettuccine Alfredo</a> - I love me some fettuccine alfredo and I even have a great recipe I've honed over the years - but this is PERFECT for an easy weeknight side dish. Sure, cream sauces aren't the healthiest dish in existence, but this is DEFINITELY better than something I would make from a box (which I've been known to do in a pinch.) These meals that come together in one pan are obviously my new favorites. I've already put this on our <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2014/08/whoa-whoa-i-gotta-go-back-to-school.html">current meal plan</a>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.traegergrills.com/teamtraeger/post/2013/12/20/Grilled-Shrimp-with-Mustard-Sauce.aspx#.U7M3aShgmnl" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Grilled Shrimp with Mustard Sauce</a> - (not pictured) Great method for brining and grilling shrimp. The mustard sauce was just "eh." I would have rather had a spicy cocktail sauce or a tarter sauce or really any other kind of sauce. The sauce itself wasn't bad, it just didn't really do much for the shrimp. Now we actually have a method for grilling shrimp now - we've done it before, but it was all kind of lackluster. Glad to have something in my arsenal that works!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemon-shrimp-with-parmesan-rice" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan Rice</a> - (not pictured) I think I did something wrong with this recipe. For starters, it could have been that I used a boil in a bag rice brown rice instead of the rice recommended for the recipe. The shrimp itself was great, but paired with the rice it was sort of a gummy mess. My husband didn't seem to hate it as much as I did, but we both agreed it just wasn't our favorite recipe. Worth giving it a shot if you can learn from my mistakes, but I'm not sure we'll be trying it again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-and-mushroom-smothered--chicken" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Spinach & Mushroom Smothered Chicken</a> - (not pictured; not attempted) This is the second or third month in a row that we haven't gotten to this dish. I swear it sounds delightful to me, but we keep scheduling it on days that it gets cancelled. We'll get to it someday.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://diethood.com/cheesy-chicken-orzo/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Cheesy Chicken Orzo</a> - (not pictured) This was touted as "Grown Up Mac & Cheese," but really I think I would have liked mac & cheese from the box better. We tried to doctor it up a bit by adding some spices and hot sauce, but it just wasn't really anything special. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to it!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-32064795195476384692014-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-08T16:38:04.861-04:00Whoa, whoa, I gotta go back to school again...Well, here we are at the end of summer. Also, when did the end of summer start to coincide with the first week in August? That's nuts! While I'm a little late in the month to get this monthly meal planning post up, I have a good excuse. My family and I spent a few days exploring a beach town in Michigan, and I can say with some certainty - I have found one of my new favorite places in the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amen.</td></tr>
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Despite being on vacation, I did still do a little bit of meal planning. We had rental house with a fully equipped kitchen, so one of our first stops was to the grocery store so we could get some ingredients for what ended up being some truly delicious summer meals. My husband has a new-found love for charcoal grilling and I have a new-found love for not eating in a restaurant every night on a vacation.<br />
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Given that I still have a week and a half before I have to report back to work for our next school year, I'm hoping to share some great recipe reviews soon and perhaps a NMOTB post that has nothing to do with food. (But, no promises, I always fail when I make grand plans like this.)<br />
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But, let's get on with what you're really here for - a MENU! (New recipes that I'll be trying for the month are denoted with a "*." I'll try to come back here on the blog to review them, but you can also look for short commentary on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/tried-it/">Tried It!</a> board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a>. (I'm currently rebuilding this board after the loss of my beloved <a href="http://www.nopenothingnada.com/">I Made This</a> board was lost in an interweb black hole, but there's some good stuff on there already.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the question marks. Somedays that's all you got.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>{August 2014}</b></span><br />
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<b>Friday, August 1 - </b>{No meal plan - we had dinner with friends instead of eating in!}<br />
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<b>Saturday, August 2 -</b> {No meal plan - first night in Michigan and went out for some YUMMY Italian!}<br />
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<b>Sunday, August 3 - </b>Grilled Burgers; Tator Tots; Salad<br />
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<b>Monday, August 4 - </b>Grilled Chicken (Garlic Herb Marinade); <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/_mobile/product-reviews/research-institute/easy-grilled-corn-recipes">Grilled Corn</a>; Pasta Salad; Green Salad<br />
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<b>Tuesday, August 5 - </b>{No meal plan - spent our last night in Michigan enjoying some delightful Mexican food and sangria}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 6 - </b>{No meal plan - I got home to discover our cupboards mostly bare. We ordered in.}<br />
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<b>Thursday, August 7 - </b>Breaded Pork Chops; Sauteed Asparagus; Cous Cous<br />
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<b>Friday, August 8 - </b><a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2009/08/seared-chicken-with-avocado/">Seared Chicken with Avocado</a>*; <a href="http://www.justataste.com/2011/07/quinoa-with-corn-and-scallions/">Quinoa with Corn & Scallions</a><br />
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<b>Saturday, August 9 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Sunday, August 10 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Monday, August 11 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Tuesday, August 12 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 13 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Thursday, August 14 - </b>{No meal plan. August is so easy!}<br />
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<b>Friday, August 15 - </b>Grilled Italian Sausage with Marinara; <a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/10/07/one-pan-fettuccine-alfredo/">One-Pan Fettuccine</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Saturday, August 16 - "</b>Ribs a la My Husband" (Don't ask me what he does, but whatever it is, it tastes like MAGIC); Potato Salad (I'm going to try to steal my mom's recipe from her); <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/_mobile/product-reviews/research-institute/easy-grilled-corn-recipes">Grilled Corn</a> (Gotta have as much as we can before the farmer's market is out!)<br />
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<b>Sunday, August 17 - </b><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/06/13/one-pot-zucchini-mushroom-pasta/">One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta</a>* (Love these easy peasy wonderpot meals!); Salad<br />
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<b>Monday, August 18 - </b><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/">Cilantro Lime Chicken Pasta</a><br />
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<b>Tuesday, August 19 - </b><a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/11/olive-garden-copycat-minestrone-soup-slow-cooker/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+CookingClassy+(Cooking+Classy)&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail">Slow Cooker Minestrone</a>*; <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2013/07/no-knead-buttery-parmesan-and-sour-cream-bread.html">Parmesan and Sour Cream Bread</a>*<br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 20 - </b><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/05/30/pf-changs-chicken-lettuce-wraps/">PF Chang's Copy Cat Lettuce Wraps</a>*; <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/07/02/panda-express-chow-mein-copycat/">Chow Mein</a>*<br />
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<b>Thursday, August 21 - </b><a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/10/messing-around-kitchen-like-busy-bee.html">Lemon Caper Chicken with Cous Cous</a>; Steamed Asparagus; Salad<br />
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<b>Friday, August 22 - </b><a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/08/grilled-pizza/">Grilled Pizza</a>* (My husband and I have been talking about doing this forever so we're finally going to try it! Fingers crossed that it doesn't become a disaster!)<br />
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<b>Saturday, August 23 - </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185421709633192846/">Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes & Artichokes</a>*; Salad (This recipe was on the back of the orzo box I bought for another recipe last month - looks so good, I thought we'd try it!)<br />
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<b>Sunday, August 24 - </b><a href="http://www.thetwobiteclub.com/2014/05/kielbasa-pepper-onion-and-potato-hash.html">Kielbasa & Potato Hash</a>*; Sauteed Zucchini<br />
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<b>Monday, August 25 - </b><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-recipe-classic-beef-stew-10000000614077/">Beef Stew</a>; Bread; Salad (This will be our first day with school back in session. Growing up, my mom ALWAYS made beef stew on our first day of school. So, though it may be a little warm to be enjoying a hearty meal like beef stew, I always really enjoyed that tradition.)<br />
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<b>Tuesday, August 26 - </b><a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/09/ole-ole-ole-ole.html">Chipotle Bowls</a><br />
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<b>Wednesday, August 27 - </b><a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/10/thats-amore.html">Chicken Parmigiana</a>; Pesto Pasta; Salad<br />
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<b>Thursday, August 28 - </b>Roasted Chicken and Vegetables; Egg Noodles; Salad (My mother-in-law made this dish for us when we visited once and it was very tasty! I asked her for her secret and it turns out it just came from the back of the box. That's two recipes this month. The back of the box is a great place to look for inspiration!!)<br />
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<b>Friday, August 29 - </b>A new grocery store just opened near us and they have a great deli counter where you can get some GORGEOUS meals. We used to have a grocery store like this near us in St. Louis and we would have at least a meal a month which we just picked up on the way home. So glad we're able to do this again with this new awesome store!<br />
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<b>Saturday, August 30 - </b><a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/11/18/slow-cooker-cilantro-lime-chicken.html">Salsa Chicken</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a>; Corn<br />
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<b>Sunday, August 31 - </b><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/03/monday-night-dinner-chicken-piccata/">Chicken Piccata</a>*; Angel Hair Pasta; <a href="http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts/">Roasted Brussels Sprouts</a>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-86737620003700429212014-07-22T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-22T07:58:03.703-04:00I know this much is true...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a></td></tr>
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<i>As a first-time (and hopefully to someday be, second-time) mom, I'm frequently weighed down by the overwhelming amount of lessons I am responsible to teach to my son. So, I recently started writing down the ones that were really important to me. I imagine this list will continue to grow. And perhaps, the things that I find to be super important right now, won't be the things I emphasize when TIH is much older...but for now...these are the things I really want my child to know.</i><br>
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Wear sunscreen. Wear a helmet. Wear your seatbelt. Look both ways before crossing the street. Don't run on the pool deck.<br>
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Among the rudest things you can tell a person is that they look "tired."<br>
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<a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/09/never-had-such-lousy-food-baby-this.html">Don't yuck anyone else's yum.</a> This is a lesson that starts in our house with food and goes all the way up to someone's religion.<br>
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That being said, it really is okay to disagree with someone. And if someone makes you feel bad about your disagreement, it's probably more about them than you.<br>
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I truly think you can say almost anything you need to say if you can be kind with your words.<br>
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You should always, always, always try to be kind with your words.<br>
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In practically every situation, you should respect the word "no" and the people who use it. Expect the same from the people you surround yourself with.<br>
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Validation does not mean agreement. You don't have to agree with anyone, but you should validate their reality at every step.<br>
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You will learn more if you are friends with people who are different from you.<br>
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Be yourself. It is better to be hated for something you are than loved for something you're not.<br>
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Food nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Eat well.<br>
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You are no better than any other person on this planet.<br>
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If it's "elite," you probably don't want to be a part of it.<br>
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The uncomfortable conversation you avoid having by not expressing anger directly is far less painful than letting that anger eat you alive.<div><br></div><div>Class is about making people feel comfortable around you. Class is an attribute that should never be assigned to material things.<br>
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Be nice to your server. To the clerk at the grocery store. To the barista at Starbucks. To everyone you meet. Treat others not just how you want to be treated - treat them even better than that.<br>
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Some of the most important words to have in your vocabulary: Please. Thank you. Excuse me. You're right, I'm wrong. I'm sorry.<br>
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Do something that scares you every once in awhile. Don't enjoy life from the sidelines. But, if something feels wrong or scary or like a bad idea in your gut - listen to that little voice.<br>
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We hope to be lucky enough to get you gifts for every Christmas, for birthdays, and sometimes gifts "just because." We really hope you enjoy them, but I truly hope you remember and cherish more about those special days than the gifts. Those occasions are not about the presents.<br>
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Believe in something. I sure hope it's God, but even if it isn't, I hope you believe in whatever it is with all of your heart.<br>
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Don't litter. Recycle. Carpool. Prevent forest fires. Leave the planet better than you found it.<br>
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Be generous with what you are given and with what you earn.<br>
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Never underestimate the power of a sincerely written "thank you" note. Gratitude is an incredibly important (and often underrated) virtue.<br>
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Love is love.<br>
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<i>That's all I have for now. Love, Mom</i></div>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-73177798880069643262014-07-17T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-17T06:07:06.516-04:00Slow down everyone, you're moving too fast...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear TIH,<br>
I don't even try to hide the fact that I was not really a baby person before I became a mother. Whenever I would hold a friend's baby before becoming a mother myself, it was as though the baby could sense I was uncomfortable and he or she would promptly scream their heads off. Even in the first weeks of your life, every time I held your tiny little body close to mine, I was so scared that I was "doing it wrong," that I would "break" you somehow, that you also could sense I was really not any good at this.<br>
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On one such occasion, <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2013/01/better.html">feeling the anxiety</a> which was all too familiar in those days, I had finally gotten you to go to sleep in the middle of the day. I looked down at the smallness of you and was dumbfounded how such a tiny little thing could be so overwhelming for me. I felt a tear roll down my cheek and before I knew it, I was silently crying as I held you. I felt like SUCH a failure. And I whispered to you, "I'm sorry about all this. I can't wait until you get bigger."<br>
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And, you did get bigger.<br>
You grew and grew and grew.<br>
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You learned. You walked and talked and did all of the things I was longing for when you were that tiny baby in my arms.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9yvrlPWvJu96isrdxKxKVvhCgBnCZLqRW4Fr9xU38AkH_zZxD3eM0DU5H-U9wEj1t-n0NjmUBAmpfaFjAsAsJTmFJITJMzLj6Ei3vVo3WchAO6hJH_2ZfK3PBV41DLttZvnEYKcqmSx/s1600/999038_10101460993903469_978170526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgth9yvrlPWvJu96isrdxKxKVvhCgBnCZLqRW4Fr9xU38AkH_zZxD3eM0DU5H-U9wEj1t-n0NjmUBAmpfaFjAsAsJTmFJITJMzLj6Ei3vVo3WchAO6hJH_2ZfK3PBV41DLttZvnEYKcqmSx/s1600/999038_10101460993903469_978170526_n.jpg" height="213" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a></td></tr>
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<br>It all happened SO fast.<br>
And today - you are four.<br>
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I love that you're growing. Watching you grow is one of the great privileges of my life. And, I love that we've gotten to grow together. I got to grow from a sort of selfish woman who didn't really have any idea what it was like to take care of anyone else into someone else entirely.<br>
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Your mom.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a></td></tr>
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So, thanks buddy. Thanks for letting me watch you grow. Thanks for teaching me in your little way to be the woman that I am today.<br>
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I know you're excited by how big you're getting and how much you're learning. You tell us every day about the new "big boy" things you can do. And truthfully, it breaks my heart a little bit.<br>
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Buddy, I have to tell you, it's not so scary for me that you're little anymore. It's actually much scarier how fast the time is going. So...if it isn't too much to ask - slow it down just a bit.<br>
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Because as it turns out, I <i>can</i> wait for you to be bigger.<br>
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Love,<br>
Mommy<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this year's photo shoot with <a href="http://www.rosser-photography.com/">Rosser Photography</a>.<br>
Stephanie, I am forever indebted to you for these priceless and beautiful memories.</td></tr>
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<br>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-41479158865770294142014-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-09T00:00:01.062-04:00I don't quite know how to say how I feel...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px;"><i>Last month I got to see my little sister marry the love of her life. The minute she asked me to be her matron of honor, I knew exactly what I wanted to say to her in her toast. I thought I'd share it with you all today. Enjoy.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">I'm an ugly crier.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">For those who don’t know, I am Andrea’s sister Amanda. You know, I’ve been in a lot of weddings (though this is my first time being the matron of honor) and I have to tell you, mostly matrons of honor tell the story the first time they met the groom. So, I guess that means I’m supposed to tell you that story and tell you that I immediately knew that Ricky was perfect for Andrea and all of that. Truth be told, I had no idea if he was perfect for Andrea that night or not. I do know that when my son stuck his entire hand in Ricky’s pumpkin beer, Ricky didn’t even flinch and went immediately and bought himself another one. No questions asked. No hard feelings whatsoever. So whether or not Andrea liked him, as far as my husband and I were concerned, we were going to keep Ricky around for awhile.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Actually, the story I really want to tell tonight is one that happened several years before Andrea and Ricky even knew one another. Back in January 2006, our family took a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona. We stayed at a resort on a golf course which had about every available amenity you can think of including, in the center of the resort, a beautiful pool that was gorgeously landscaped, huge, had tons of lounge chairs, fluffy white towels, and a huge water slide that made it look like it had been carved out of a mountain. As St. Louisans are wont to do at the opportunity to swim in the middle of January, we decided to spend an afternoon poolside and all made our way down there as a group. Well, everyone except for Andrea, who told us she needed to “get ready” before she met us down there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I settled myself in on a lounger and opened my book, reading only for a little while before I noticed my sister making her way across the pool deck. Let me tell you - she was decked. out. Every inch of her was styled to perfection - from her bathing suit coverup to her flip flops to her sunglasses to her beach bag - everything matched, everything looked great on her, and everything looked perfectly together. She took the chair next to me, settled in, pulled out a magazine, and leisurely began to flip the pages. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">About three minutes passed when she tossed aside the magazine and announced loudly, “I’m bored.” She stood up. Threw off the sunglasses. Kicked off the flip flops. And made a beeline <i>straight</i> for the water slide. Where, she entertained herself by going down the water slide, SQUEALING with delight the entire time. This went on for about an hour until she got bored with that and dragged me across the pool deck and made <i>me</i> go down about twenty or thirty times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I tell this story here today, not only because I cannot pass an opportunity to tell a funny Andrea story, but also because I think it perfectly encapsulates Andrea. It’s pretty normal for a little sister to look up to her big sister, but I am here to say that, though she may be my crazy little sister - I have always looked up to Andrea.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">She is 100% able to pull herself together. She’s graceful and poised and truly makes it all look effortless. However, she also knows when to throw that all off and just have a really good time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">And here’s the good news - though I haven’t known him quite as long as I’ve known her - I can say with some certainty that Ricky possesses these same qualities. (Which is mostly convenient because Andrea needs someone to go down the water slide with her.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Marriage - I’ve found in my long 5 and a half years - is a little bit like that. You need to be able to be serious. To pull yourselves together and remain poised when the occasion calls for it. But, also, you have to know when to shake it all off, have a great time, and go down the water slide together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">If today is any indication of the joy you will share in the life you spend together, I think you guys are going to be just fine. And so, I lift my glass to you and to your joy on this day and in all the days that follow. I love you both. Congratulations.</span></span><br />
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The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-2839099551521847642014-07-07T01:00:00.000-04:002014-07-07T01:00:06.780-04:00Homeward bound...<i>Check me out. I was able to register the New Mom on the Blog domain name over the weekend and even get it set up with my old URL. I'm official y'all. Though you will be redirected from the old .blogspot URL, you can update your bookmarks or feeds...just because it makes me feel fancy.</i><br />
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I have probably hundreds of foods tied to memories in my life, but the recipe I'm sharing here today has a taste so nostalgic for me, I might as well be sitting beside a campfire outside of my grandparent's camper the moment I take a bite. I did a little research on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> and it looks like "foil packet dinners" are becoming a pretty popular trend. Maybe they're en vogue right now, but I can tell you that my family has been making these for decades (and upon talking to my grandmother about the etiology of this recipe - it appears they've been around for even longer than <i>she</i> thought.)<br />
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My family always called these "hobo dinners" and if you search for recipes for that, you'll find something very similar to what I'm going to share today. (You can also look for "foil packet dinners" as I mentioned before, or "campfire dinners.") From what I gather now, this recipe came from a friend of my great uncle, though we always were told this was something my grandmother learned from all of her years as a Girl Scout leader. No matter where exactly this recipe came from, we know that, like all things that get handed down, we've adapted it slightly over the years and have learned little tricks along the way. I'm very excited to share it with you today. The Incredible Hulk (who we all know has his picky eating moments), declared this his "favorite" meal and ate every single bite. You know it's a winner with that sort of endorsement. <br />
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Though these are great to bring along for camping and can be cooked on an open fire, we cooked ours on our grill at home. You can also just stick them in the oven. Additionally, once you've learned the method of filling the packets and cooking them, you can pretty much stick whatever you want in there (even dessert items!) This would also be a great way to cook up some veggies for my non-meateater friends. (The vegetables were pretty much TIH's favorite part anyway.)<br />
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Let's get started.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">{Hobo Dinners}</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
- 2 pieces of foil 2-3 feet in length per packet <i>{Use heavy duty foil - we didn't and it worked, but was a pain...learn from my mistake.}</i><br />
- 1 hamburger patty <i>{Create this however you want - we used our usual method for cooking hamburgers and seasoned them as such.}</i><br />
- 1 carrot per packet (chopped)<br />
- 1 celery stalk per packet (chopped)<br />
- 1 red potato per packet (peeled and sliced) <i>{The red potato is so important. My family has been using them in our cooking forever and they are just the best. No comparison to any other potato variety.}</i><br />
- half an onion per packet (chopped)<br />
- 1/2 can of tomato sauce per packet<br />
- salt & pepper to taste<br />
- 1 pat of butter per packet<i> {My family always uses a pat of Fleischman's margarine which was how the recipe was taught to us. I haven't used margarine in my cooking in years and don't even keep it in the house. In fact, when I eat margarine now, it makes me pretty sick. I do know for a fact that you can use either form and these will still turn out delicious. But, </i>Time<i> magazine did recently devote its cover to butter with the headline: "Eat butter."</i> <i>Who am I to argue with </i>Time<i>?}</i><br />
<br />
<b>Directions</b><br />
- Place one burger on top of one piece of foil and cover it with the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and sliced red potato. Sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qJ1Y_xs0YQkm3Z28wsFIRGyxZkcPJgLob2ZchnLObOLGJ1kFyYacJBafya18-2TxEc8XTKgyoLfhbPTQs7rp4xO3ioZDtpIIAvoOI-SvoMPErf7LWEA6H6z1qZTSImqYWL2YmytxbC1T/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qJ1Y_xs0YQkm3Z28wsFIRGyxZkcPJgLob2ZchnLObOLGJ1kFyYacJBafya18-2TxEc8XTKgyoLfhbPTQs7rp4xO3ioZDtpIIAvoOI-SvoMPErf7LWEA6H6z1qZTSImqYWL2YmytxbC1T/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a nice burger underneath all of that good stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Pour the tomato sauce directly over the vegetables and add the pat of butter (or margarine.) Season with more salt or pepper<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVxvvoHxlnBejVU49o6IZOMd0aqOZkCjFcjau0x9Nl8BBUf07FbfrDdGHbSQRCzhDya2W3uAqSTv0Iw1IcJwAr8CWFsWuLTeRja5xMu4BUirF8u90Zh_tfqDMqn1CAIUN4yd0hv_kB5aR/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVxvvoHxlnBejVU49o6IZOMd0aqOZkCjFcjau0x9Nl8BBUf07FbfrDdGHbSQRCzhDya2W3uAqSTv0Iw1IcJwAr8CWFsWuLTeRja5xMu4BUirF8u90Zh_tfqDMqn1CAIUN4yd0hv_kB5aR/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next step: take a blurry cell phone image for your blog. #fail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Now comes the art of foil packetry. Make a tent out of the foil and fold it at the top. Continue rolling down until you meet your pile of veggies/meat/sauce. Then fold up the sides.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOj9-GIbG_vAVJ2_iJ4uN96xLY14xW-yNYDHxCDBsAKbqIPpbDZgi2tCkKWoqLqp1tCOjur-LjtrbY_aaR_IUrdoxvUMdVtk39EyQenrTfieUybg5xEXXHCfjRqbxSmfT5D9TGvDe__yq/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOj9-GIbG_vAVJ2_iJ4uN96xLY14xW-yNYDHxCDBsAKbqIPpbDZgi2tCkKWoqLqp1tCOjur-LjtrbY_aaR_IUrdoxvUMdVtk39EyQenrTfieUybg5xEXXHCfjRqbxSmfT5D9TGvDe__yq/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I submit to you: the foil tent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Flip your foil packet over and then re-roll it with a second piece of foil in the same fashion. This will keep the juices from leaking out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjTXdeiFuHyEqnNV088UI91rtnOpgKAREV7pYvrrddhJHAjSeaz5VOk3ksYSdIPux64a_sgjGJC8zxxZIrvvCnk7x6zggXtfZ2quqlbOpupdCO6Kv4yAPf2bBTfXO8myrYSA3cwq3a9a6/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjTXdeiFuHyEqnNV088UI91rtnOpgKAREV7pYvrrddhJHAjSeaz5VOk3ksYSdIPux64a_sgjGJC8zxxZIrvvCnk7x6zggXtfZ2quqlbOpupdCO6Kv4yAPf2bBTfXO8myrYSA3cwq3a9a6/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like so. (As you can see, the results don't have to be pretty.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Repeat these steps until you have a foil packet per person ready to go on the grill. Hobo dinners are customizable, so if anyone likes theirs a certain way (e.g., no meat, no celery, etc.) you can mark them with nail polish. (This was a suggestion from my grandmother because she says the nail polish won't burn off on the grill so you'll still be able to see whose is whose.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlHU80BNi8XiArvAYmTKVz2avtBeVOwanxNL0mCXWOeBIsa5ZVnNL3WRcnLt9glYDwHh8NSz53vEJsY1us7D-MpD-2ABSm7uLjoJDA5SSzr1RFKYyfEMrZA0GqTP7Q6LyYWFjSJ3vKI3a/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlHU80BNi8XiArvAYmTKVz2avtBeVOwanxNL0mCXWOeBIsa5ZVnNL3WRcnLt9glYDwHh8NSz53vEJsY1us7D-MpD-2ABSm7uLjoJDA5SSzr1RFKYyfEMrZA0GqTP7Q6LyYWFjSJ3vKI3a/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We lost our grill to a bird's nest this spring. (Gross.) Here's the new one. Ain't she a beaut?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- The cook time for these will vary based on the way you are cooking them. Ours were on the grill for about 30 minutes and were turned often. In the oven (at 375 degrees), my grandmother said they take a lot longer. You want to cook them until the burger is just past pink and the vegetables are soft.<br />
<br />
- After they're done, carefully open the packet. (A lot of steam will come out and the foil will be hot...so many burned fingers as a kid.) Transfer to a plate if you're fancy like that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2220Az5uNIWt9LKMZRaskTSq5SUGzJSV9W0oIxaP5zWsGn7mOIYXWYdlMlhLiSCAQz7RvgctPuvdVM2crqwZCXysCgebTMbzURuZG9IWnyoIdnZLXTVfBe7LT53M9HszKsllqsrlNICuH/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2220Az5uNIWt9LKMZRaskTSq5SUGzJSV9W0oIxaP5zWsGn7mOIYXWYdlMlhLiSCAQz7RvgctPuvdVM2crqwZCXysCgebTMbzURuZG9IWnyoIdnZLXTVfBe7LT53M9HszKsllqsrlNICuH/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a warm hug from grandma.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other ideas and bits of advice that my grandmother had to share:<br />
- Consider using a chunkier tomato sauce for a bit more substance<br />
- Set the ingredients up assembly line style and have the whole family build their own packet (get the kids involved!) This is how I learned to do it, so obviously this was my favorite tip.<br />
- Try chicken breast, green onion, mushrooms, rice, and butter and cook using the same method<br />
- Make "banana boats" for desert (bananas, chocolate chips, pound cake, and marshmallows with a little butter). WOW. Done and DONE.<br />
- Make extra because these taste even better as leftovers (You see, these people know me...leftovers are totally my jam.)<br />
- Serve with a nice crusty bread (I did this without even hearing it from her first...totally a good move.)<br />
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So, that's that! Trust me when I say your whole family will love this. My husband was a huge fan - especially because of the simple clean up. I would love to hear about adaptations anyone tried and how they turned out. ENJOY!<br />
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<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-79629330761407363162014-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:002014-07-06T20:46:40.444-04:00Well, she seemed all right by dawn's early light...Guess what? Even though you didn't see them? There were meal plans for the months of May and June! So...even if I slacked as a blogger, I can say that my tried and true methods of monthly meal plans continue to remain intact. I tried some new recipes during those months...can't remember them at all (especially since I lost my beloved "<a href="http://www.iamweirdlysadaboutlosingthisboardwhydidyouclickhere.com/">I Made This</a>" board, thanks for that, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a>) and so I didn't do any recipe reviews. That's about three months with no recipe reviews. GREAT.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to pick up where I left off, so let's just get this meal plan shared so I can move on with my life of being a subpar blogger. Besides, I have lots of <strike>Mad Men episodes to binge on</strike> a <i>mise en place</i> to prepare for tonight's pasta.<br />
<br />
<i>New recipes to be tried this month are denoted with a "*." I hope to be back to share my reviews of those recipes, but you can also find my notes on those recipes by going to my new <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> board: "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/tried-it/">Tried It</a>." You'll also find links to all of the recipes featured below in one handy dandy location. Make sure you're following me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> for access to my obsessive pinning at all times. I hope you like statement necklaces and smoothie recipes because that's a lot of what my pins feature.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTxxVYf5vgZfOMgOoRiFV26Gd1iONoGIL33f2JqxWkZZkTJgzzeC5JbPrkAV3DyOk2gPQoiOqI7XRj_fk7VQYeM_5H1RBfzZJ2e2wAQgGTgJvjPNkbMrPkaCUj2oBvI_BiqohOltykHiT/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTxxVYf5vgZfOMgOoRiFV26Gd1iONoGIL33f2JqxWkZZkTJgzzeC5JbPrkAV3DyOk2gPQoiOqI7XRj_fk7VQYeM_5H1RBfzZJ2e2wAQgGTgJvjPNkbMrPkaCUj2oBvI_BiqohOltykHiT/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>{July 2014}</b></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, July 1 - </b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/978784/one-pan-pasta?xsc=soc_pin_onepotpasta_06_06_2013&crlt.pid=camp.2cci2qUEyjtv">One Pot Pasta</a>; Salad<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Wednesday, July 2 - </b><a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2014/07/homeward-bound.html">Hobo Dinners</a> {This requires some explanation. This is a old family recipe that my grandmother learned when she was a Girl Scout leader. We've made them for years and always called them "Hobo Dinners." It's basically a foil-packet dinner that can be cooked on the grill or a campfire (if you are so inclined.) I'm hoping to provide a tutorial for this one up on the blog because it's not only an easy meal - it's also delicious (total comfort food for me) AND very versatile. Once you've got the concept down, you'll be cooking all of your food in foil before you know it. Okay...maybe not.} {UPDATE: I've shared the recipe for this meal! <a href="http://www.newmomontheblog.com/2014/07/homeward-bound.html">Check it out!</a>}<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Thursday, July 3 - </b>{No meal plan}<br />
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<b>Friday, July 4 - </b>{<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Happy</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Fourth! </span>No meal plan - but I'll hopefully be eating something delicious and bad for me. 'MURCA.}<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, July 5 - </b>{No meal plan - attending a family reunion. Likely eating embarrassing amounts of fried chicken - please remind me to run approximately 12 miles upon return.}<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, July 6 - </b><a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2014/06/cilantro-and-lime-salmon.html#more">Grilled Fish</a>* {Salmon for me; Tilapia for my husband}; <a href="http://thegingeredwhisk.yummly.com/2012/06/garlic-roasted-zucchini.html">Roasted Zucchini</a>; Rice<br />
<br />
<b>Monday, July 7 - </b><a href="http://momsdish.com/recipe/400/beef-lo-mein-recipe">Beef Lo Mein</a>*; Salad<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, July 8 - </b><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2013/07/16/buffalo-style-mozzarella-pork-chops/">Buffalo Pork Chops</a>; <a href="http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/10/07/one-pan-fettuccine-alfredo/">One Pot Fettucini Alfredo</a>*; Sauteed Green Beans {I love my own famous fettucini recipe, but this one only calls for one pot. Trying it out for the first time, but I'm already sold.}<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday, July 9 - </b><a href="http://www.rachelcooks.com/2011/10/28/homemade-taco-seasoning/">Chicken Taco Salad </a>with <a href="http://damndelicious.net/2014/01/10/southwestern-chopped-salad-cilantro-lime-dressing/">Cilantro Lime Dressing</a> {We're still using our own blend of taco seasoning to season taco meats and LOVING it. I've made this Cilantro Lime Dressing recipe before and could eat it with a spoon.}<br />
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<b>Thursday, July 10 - </b><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/11/greek-stuffed-pitas/">Greek Stuffed Pitas</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Friday, July 11 - </b>ORDER PIZZA<br />
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<b>Saturday, July 12 - </b>Crock Pot Pulled Pork; <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/_mobile/product-reviews/research-institute/easy-grilled-corn-recipes">Grilled Corn</a>; <a href="http://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/2011/07/baked-potato-wedges.html">Potato Wedges</a> {My husband and I have our own special pulled pork recipe that's a favorite, but I recently saw <a href="http://futureexpat.com/2014/02/crockpot-beer-pulled-pork/">this recipe</a> on Pinterest and we may give that a try instead.}<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, July 13 - </b><a href="http://www.traegergrills.com/teamtraeger/post/2013/12/20/Grilled-Shrimp-with-Mustard-Sauce.aspx#.U7M3aShgmnl">Grilled Shrimp with Mustard Sauce</a>*; Baked Potatoes; <a href="http://molltk3.blogspot.com/2013/05/early-summer-brussel-sprouts-corn.html">Sauteed Brussels & Corn</a> {Okay, for starters, I have always loved brussels sprouts no matter how you serve them. If you don't like brussels sprouts - I get it...it's an acquired taste...however, I feel like 95% of people are not trying to cook them in any interesting way. We tried this amazing brussels sprouts and corn recipe the other day and my husband - who does not like brussels - went back for SECONDS. He's converted, y'all. Proudest day of my life. SERIOUSLY. TRY IT.}<br />
<br />
<b>Monday, July 14 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, July 15 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, July 16 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, July 17 - </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>TIH TURNS FOUR! (WHAT?)</b> </span><br />
<a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it.html">Stuffed Peppers</a>; Salad; Bread {I made a meal plan, but I have a feeling we will take TIH out to dinner. That's been our tradition for the past few years.}<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b>Friday, July 18 - </b>Grilled Brats; <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/oil-and-vinegar-slaw-recipe/index.html">Cole Slaw</a>; Tator Tots<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, July 19 - </b>{No meal plan. We may have visitors, so I haven't decided what to serve yet.}<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, July 20 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
<br />
<b>Monday, July 21 - </b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lemon-shrimp-with-parmesan-rice">Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan Rice</a>*; Steamed Asparagus<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday, July 22 - </b>Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad; Bread<br />
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<b>Wednesday, July 23 - </b><a href="http://www.thewhickerbasket.blogspot.com/2010/01/french-dip-sandwiches.html">Beef Dip Sandwiches</a>; Steamed Broccoli; Chips<br />
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<b>Thursday, July 24 - </b><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/05/crockpot-fried-rice-recipe.html">Crock Pot Fried Rice</a>; Salad<br />
<br />
<b>Friday, July 25 - </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185421709629620368/">Steaks</a>; Grilled Vegetables; Baked Potatoes {My husband is the king of grilled veggies. I usually do a variety of bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, summer squash, red onions, tomatoes, and then toss in a few cloves of garlic. You bite down on one of those? You know what heaven tastes like.}<br />
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<b>Saturday, July 26 - </b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-and-mushroom-smothered--chicken">Spinach & Mushroom Smothered Chicken</a>*; Carrots; Pasta<br />
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<b>Sunday, July 27 - </b><a href="http://diethood.com/cheesy-chicken-orzo/">Cheesy Chicken Orzo</a>*; Salad<br />
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<b>Monday, July 28 - </b><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/13-healthy-and-gluten-free-ways-to-make-pizza?sub=1691254_464460">Pizzadillas</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Tuesday, July 29 - </b><a href="http://www.life-in-the-lofthouse.com/2012/07/chicken-caesar-sandwiches.html">Chicken Caesar Sandwiches</a>; Chips<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday, July 30 - </b><a href="http://bevcooks.com/2011/12/simple-shrimp-and-guacamole-tostadas/">Shrimp & Guacamole Tostadas</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a><br />
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<b>Thursday, July 31 - </b>Breaded Pork Chops; Sauteed Asparagus; Cous Cous<br />
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Check back this month where I will at least TRY to review some of these recipes. I'm also planning to answer the FAQ regarding monthly meal plans - "Do you stick to your plan?" Within reason I usually stick to the plan, but I thought I'd give you an idea of what that looks like by posting a "meal plan vs. reality" post. Hope to hear what you all are cooking. I'm in desperate need for ideas. Picking recipes has become like pulling teeth for some nights. Post your ideas here!The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-29242862648581054362014-06-24T00:00:00.000-04:002014-06-24T00:00:01.446-04:00Oink, oink, diggity dear...Please add this post to the every growing list of New Mom on the Blog posts that are nothing about being a "new mom." Also add it to the also lengthy list of blog posts tagged under "shameless self-promotion."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVosT9PTpFj__VnMqFq5uRRc2mWCU4eoAEE2j8YRPmHE3_QniUk4b9Qyg4IXjv9YJLqPZNrXAAA7proKHXpYftwbC_SJBeOs-GZJCKewC6THRypy2ric0f5z4f_c-37pLybKWoBxyvajR/s1600/TPO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVosT9PTpFj__VnMqFq5uRRc2mWCU4eoAEE2j8YRPmHE3_QniUk4b9Qyg4IXjv9YJLqPZNrXAAA7proKHXpYftwbC_SJBeOs-GZJCKewC6THRypy2ric0f5z4f_c-37pLybKWoBxyvajR/s1600/TPO.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz hands for days.</td></tr>
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As I teased in my <a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2014/06/help-me-get-my-feet-back-on-ground.html">previous post</a> (and blamed for my two-month blog hiatus), I had the pleasure of seeing a school year's worth of work come to fruition at my place of employment. For the entire school year, we've been working on putting together our very first musical at the school I work for, and on June 6 what was once a silly dream became a magical reality. To describe it in words doesn't seem fair - it was truly one of the coolest things I've every done.<br />
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In a rare NMOTB moment, I am sharing an interview I did with my co-worker, colleague, and friend Tyler on his podcast (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/UTpodcast">The Urban Therapist)</a> which I actually listen to weekly and LOVE. (Does anyone else listen to podcasts? Tyler got me hooked and I can't imagine my commute without them now.) So, not only will you get to find out what I've been doing instead of blogging for the past few months, you'll get to hear me speak about what I do as a music therapist. (Well, one of the things I do as a music therapist, there's a little more to it than this if you can believe it.)<br />
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The first half of the podcast is my interview followed by comments by the hosts (Tyler & Andrea). They continue after the <i><a href="http://www.musicmotion.com/Musicals-Creative-Dramatics/mini-musical-three-piggy-opera-paperback-cd.asp">Three Piggy Opera</a></i> part of the podcast with even more intriguing things (such as homemade kefir and public transit.) I highly recommend you <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/urban-therapists-music-therapy/id667087232?mt=2">subscribe</a> and listen to them - I generally learn something new and interesting (sometimes unrelated to music therapy) and am always quite entertained. (And I'm not just saying that because they spend a large portion of this episode saying nice things about me...this podcast is one of my favorites.)<br />
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So - listen, enjoy, learn something new.<br />
Follow <a href="http://urbantherapists.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/053-3-piggy-opera-green-line-craft-club/">this link</a> and there are options for streaming the podcast or for downloading it for free on iTunes.<br />
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The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-44777479422023887322014-06-19T10:15:00.000-04:002014-06-19T10:15:03.893-04:00Help me get my feet back on the ground...I...just don't even know what to say readers. I'm sorry?<br />
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Truth be told, the time I've spent away from the blog has been spent quite well. For example, I watched my little sister marry the love of her life and enjoyed every minute of it. I also directed 80 elementary students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the very first musical our school has ever seen. (I also watched the newest season of Orange is the New Black.) So...even though it's been awhile, at least I can say it was time very very very well spent, but I'm ready to stop ignoring this blog I actually love a whole lot (even though I sometimes treat it like a red-headed stepchild.)<br />
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During my absence, I also somehow lost my beloved "I Made This" <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> board. This board is where I was reposting all of the recipes (and some of the changes I made to recipes) I feature here on the blog. The loss of this board feels catastrophic (yes, I realize it isn't), but it is a reminder of why I need to be better at blogging so that I am hosting my own content and not storing it somewhere where I have no control if something happens. However, if you do know how to get this board back for me (Pinterest says they can't), I might actually pay you one million trillion dollars...somehow. So, if you're looking for recipe recommendations, your best bet is to crawl through old recipe review posts until I'm able to rebuild.</div>
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Today, I'm back on the blog already hocking a product, and one that I've already pitched to you all at that...so you know I must really, really love this product.</div>
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The fine folks at <a href="http://www.justformomsavings.com/">Just for Mom Savings </a>have asked me to be a regular contributor to their awesome quarterly booklets for moms. ALL you have to do is go to their <a href="http://www.justformomsavings.com/">website</a> and sign up and you will receive their booklets which are not only filled with great ideas and recipes from awesome moms (like yours truly), but you'll also get tons of savings from products you're already using. (This quarter's coupons include Seventh Generation, Gerber, and Amy's Organic Foods - all of which are products which make regular appearances in my shopping cart with or without a coupon.)<br />
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And don't let the name fool you, a lot of these savings (and even some of the tips) can be enjoyed by non-parents as well (Dish TV, ProFlowers, and personalized stationery - just to name a few.)</div>
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What do you have to lose (other than the money you'll be wasting by not using these FREE coupons)? </div>
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If you want to receive this quarter's book, make sure you sign up before July 1...but, why wait? Go now!<br />
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You can also join in the social media fun by following Just for Mom Savings on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justformomsavings">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/just4momsavings">Twitter</a>!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">Though I am a contributor to Just for Mom Savings and receive advanced copies for review, the opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. Obviously I barely have the time to wash my own hair some days, so I'm not going to take the time to write about a product I don't fully endorse (plus, it's free, so whatever.)</span></div>
The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-26716461747882543512014-04-04T00:00:00.000-04:002014-04-04T00:00:00.188-04:00What was dark so long had felt like winter; finally there's sun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I need something to shame me into being a better blogger, I think. Work is crazy (in a good way) with no chance of slowing down until the summer. My spring break went by in a blink. And here we are - April. And spring. (Though, I was wearing gloves outside today, we all know in Chicago that spring doesn't really start until May.) I haven't read a book in the longest time (though I did get to go see <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840309/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">Divergent</a></i> while I was on spring break and it was AWESOME). I think I finally sort of caught up on my cleaning this week. But piles of laundry will grow. Surfaces will get dusty. And before I know it, it will be summer and I'll already feel behind on things I need to get done before the fall.<br />
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All of this to say? I'm sorry I haven't been writing. And I don't really have a good explanation for it. Also, I made so many promises (Recipe reviews! Lenten meal ideas! New recipes!) of things I would be featuring on the blog this month...and I totally failed. So, instead, I make no promises on the blog for the month of April and then anything that makes it up here will be a bonus.<br />
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Okay, I can make one promise - I have a meal plan to share with you! <br />
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So, here's that. As for the rest of April? Fingers are crossed.<br />
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<i>Meals with a "*" next to the name are recipes we will be trying out for the first time. And usually I review those recipes here on the blog, but in the interest of "no promises," I'll just tell you to check me out on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> (especially my "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/i-made-this/">I Made This</a>" board) to see initial reactions.</i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>{April 2014}</b></span><br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 1 - </b>Taco Salad (We marinaded chicken using a <a href="http://brittanyspantry.com/2013/09/homemade-taco-seasoning-mix/">DIY Taco Seasoning</a> recipe [amazing, I will totally never go back to the packet] and <a href="http://prettyyummyfoods.com/taco-salad/">this dressing</a> which I've made before [subbing 0% Plain Greek Yogurt for the sour cream.] The whole meal was delightful.)<br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 2 - </b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/couldnt-be-easier-bbq-pork-tenderloin-crock-pot-317152">BBQ Pork Tenderloin</a>; <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185421709630533025/">Cole Slaw</a>; New Potatoes<br />
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<b>Thursday, April 3 - </b><a href="http://inspiredreamer.com/very-greek-grilled-chicken/">Very Greek Grilled Chicken</a>*; <a href="http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2011/05/08/near-east-couscous-for-a-cause-dinner/">Greek Cous Cous</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Friday, April 4 - </b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/978784/one-pan-pasta?xsc=soc_pin_onepotpasta_06_06_2013&crlt.pid=camp.2cci2qUEyjtv">One Pot Pasta</a>; Caesar Salad<br />
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<b>Saturday, April 5 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Sunday, April 6 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Monday, April 7 - </b><a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cilantro-lime-pasta-salad/">Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad</a><br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 8 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 9 - </b><a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/2013/05/slow-cooker-balsamic-shredded-beef">Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef</a>; Risotto; Steamed Broccoli<br />
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<b>Thursday, April 10 - </b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-and-mushroom-smothered--chicken">Spinach & Mushroom Smothered Chicken</a>*; Brown Rice; Salad<br />
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<b>Friday, April 11 - </b><a href="http://ourlifeinthekitchen.com/?p=8142">Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Marinade</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a>; Guacamole<br />
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<b>Saturday, April 12 - </b>Grilled Pork Tenderloin (we usually get one that is already in a marinade, but you could also make your own marinade for this); Grilled Vegetables; <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/Spaghetti-Garlic-Olive-Oil-Chili-Flakes-21398824"> Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, e Peperoncino</a><br />
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<b>Sunday, April 13 - </b>Spaghetti; Salad; Bread<br />
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<b>Monday, April 14 - </b><a href="http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2013/07/16/buffalo-style-mozzarella-pork-chops/">Buffalo Pork Chop</a>s; Alfredo Pasta; Peas<br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 15 - </b><a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/2013/10/chicken-pesto-cavatappi-recipe.html">Chicken Pesto Cavatappi</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 16 - </b>Chicken Quesadillas; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a>; Guacamole<br />
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<b>Thursday, April 17 - </b>{No meal plan.} (Wow, April is really easy!)<br />
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<b>Friday, April 18 - </b><a href="http://www.heatovento350.com/2011/05/spin-art-pasta.html">Spinach Artichoke Pasta</a>; Salad (Didn't get to this meal last month since I was presenting at the Great Lakes Regional AMTA conference, but it's definitely a meatless favorite!)<br />
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<b>Saturday, April 19 - </b>Order in.<br />
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<b>Sunday, April 20 - </b>EASTER SUNDAY!<br />
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<b>Monday, April 21 - </b><a href="http://aaronandjillw.blogspot.com/2011/08/italian-chicken.html">Italian Chicken with Artichoke/Tomato</a>; Pesto Pasta; Salad<br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 22 - </b>Book Club! {No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 23 - </b><a href="http://www.thewhickerbasket.blogspot.com/2010/01/french-dip-sandwiches.html">Beef Dip Sandwiches</a>; Chips; Steamed Broccoli<br />
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<b>Thursday, April 24 - </b><a href="http://aaronandjillw.blogspot.com/2011/08/fiesta-chicken.html">Fiesta Chicken</a>; Cilantro Lime Rice<br />
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<b>Friday, April 25 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Saturday, April 26 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Sunday, April 27 - </b>{No meal plan - I'll be celebrating Easter with my family and we're having a taco bar, so I'll be bringing my world famous [okay, not quite, but it's good] guacamole!}<br />
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<b>Monday, April 28 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Tuesday, April 29 - </b>{No meal plan.}<br />
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<b>Wednesday, April 30 - </b>Hamburgers; Tator Tots; <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2010/07/oriental-cole-slaw/">Asian Cole Slaw</a>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-75969666340034692172014-03-02T00:00:00.000-05:002014-03-02T00:00:00.377-05:00Nothing ever came from a life that was a simple one...Okay, sorry for the delay - I'm back with my March meal plan!<br />
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As I'm sure I've mentioned here before, we're a Catholic family and so with Lent steadily approaching, you'll notice that on Ash Wednesday and the next several Fridays, we will be abstaining from meat (dates denoted with <i>italics</i>). Later on in the month, I am going to do a post about making Lenten meals work for our family (especially since my husband used to not eat seafood!) The post is inspired by Lent, but will feature tons of great ideas for those interested in meatless meal plans (religious practices aside) as well!</div>
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Last month's meal plan was interrupted with lots of illness (blah) and social engagements (whoo hoo!) as well as weather cancellations due to our grill being buried under about a foot of snow (also, blah.) We're throwing a few of those things back onto the menu, but you know how it always goes...we're being flexible. I can already see the changes on the horizon.</div>
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But...this is the meal plan as it stands today! (As usual, I'm trying a few new recipes this month and I will review them all...along with everything for January and February. Whoops. These recipes are denoted with a "*". Follow my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/i-made-this/">"I Made This"</a> board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog">Pinterest</a> for more timely recipe reviews and LOTS of obsessive pinning.)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>{March 2014}</b></span></div>
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<b>Saturday, March 1 - </b>Burgers, Tator Tots, Salad<br />
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<b>Sunday, March 2 - </b><a href="http://www.mykitchenescapades.com/2012/11/pork-carnitas.html">Pork Carnitas</a>; <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/fiesta-lime-rice.html">Fiesta Lime Rice</a><br />
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<b>Monday, March 3 - </b>Leftovers<br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 4 - </b>I will be dining out with my Book Club, so the boys are fending for themselves!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, March 5</i><b> - </b><a href="http://bevcooks.com/2011/12/simple-shrimp-and-guacamole-tostadas/">Shrimp and Guacamole Tostadas</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a><br />
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<b>Thursday, March 6 - </b>Italian Chicken (Recipe can be found on the back of Italian Style Progresso Panko Crumbs - it's delightful!); Pasta; Salad<br />
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<b><i>Friday, March 7</i> - </b>Cajun Shrimp Pasta (My own recipe! Check back for details later in the month!); Salad<br />
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<b>Saturday, March 8 - </b><a href="http://friedpiesandfireflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/chipotle-grilled-steak-with-lime-butter.html">Chipotle Grilled Steak with Lime Butter</a>*; <a href="http://rachelschultz.com/2013/08/17/crispy-smashed-potatoes/">Smashed Potatoes*</a>; (UGH, I WILL TRY TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5aR1pKS6IQAb9PxLS9zwuMyPJJ5xpZONbGRHVs2OFhCbbJ9iN33Y75ZOUK0DTcXvLKknonYL71pRZW3hjsYLXwZoHd90jb8SXndBDstkWKYK6LnhgKdm_YyUf4GjHRXgAiBqhbqBc-Ci/s1600/Quinoa-Chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5aR1pKS6IQAb9PxLS9zwuMyPJJ5xpZONbGRHVs2OFhCbbJ9iN33Y75ZOUK0DTcXvLKknonYL71pRZW3hjsYLXwZoHd90jb8SXndBDstkWKYK6LnhgKdm_YyUf4GjHRXgAiBqhbqBc-Ci/s1600/Quinoa-Chili.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>Sunday, March 9 - </b><a href="http://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/">Quinoa Chili</a>*; Bread<br />
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<b>Monday, March 10 - </b><a href="http://aaronandjillw.blogspot.com/2011/08/italian-chicken.html">Italian Chicken with Tomato and Basil</a>*; Pesto Pasta; Salad<br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 11 - </b>Sloppy Joes (A family recipe); Tator Tots; <a href="http://aaronandjillw.blogspot.com/2011/08/italian-chicken.html">Cole Slaw</a><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 12 - </b><a href="http://www.life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2012/07/chicken-caesar-sandwiches.html">Chicken Caesar Sandwiches</a>; Chips<br />
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<b>Thursday, March 13 -</b> <a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/ole-ole-ole-ole.html">Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls</a><br />
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<b><i>Friday, March 14</i> - </b>FISH FRY! (I took my husband to his first EVER [I know, can you believe?] good old fashioned Catholic church fish fry and we all LOVED it. Making this an official tradition.)<br />
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<b>Saturday, March 15 -</b> No meal plan. (I'll be visiting my family, so I'm banking on my mom's famous Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe in honor of the St. Patrick's Day holiday.<b> </b>Fingers crossed!)<br />
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<b>Sunday, March 16 - </b>No meal plan. (I'll be spending the night rocking out with my old band for a charity benefit. Dinner will be provided. Rockstar status also included.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqtUMcjQukY-hq_eZXSVcRPjziF7CQFpO7A5U4Ek-KJzN6b7X-64GmZalLpDoQ_hJd6-BowSz6yV_UQbmEP1wWxZaRokjdIb2v4ro_duh6cCGigQhbcU5GCpCOe0j6mifI3fRlwwGcVQy/s1600/5452295-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqtUMcjQukY-hq_eZXSVcRPjziF7CQFpO7A5U4Ek-KJzN6b7X-64GmZalLpDoQ_hJd6-BowSz6yV_UQbmEP1wWxZaRokjdIb2v4ro_duh6cCGigQhbcU5GCpCOe0j6mifI3fRlwwGcVQy/s1600/5452295-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Monday, March 17 -</b> <a href="http://www.gabbiskitchen.com/chicken-with-sun-dried-tomato-basil-sauce.html">Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Sauce</a>*; Asparagus (I know, about as un-Irish as you can get!)<br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 18 - </b>Grilled Pork Chops; Grilled Vegetables; <a href="http://talesofambrosia.com/2013/03/04/how-to-make-spaghetti-cacio-e-pepe-like-a-roman/">Cacio e Pepe</a><br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 19 - </b><a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/2011/11/18/slow-cooker-cilantro-lime-chicken.html">Salsa Chicken</a>; <a href="http://stephaniecooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/chipotles-cilantro-lime-rice.html">Cilantro Lime Rice</a>; Corn<br />
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<b>Thursday, March 20 - </b><a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/if-it-aint-broke-dont-fix-it.html">Stuffed Peppers</a>; Bread<br />
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<b><i>Friday, March 21</i> - </b>MARCH MADNESS (We're headed out to watch some of the games with a group of friends in honor of my most FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR. RCJHGOKU, by the way.)<br />
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<b>Saturday, March 22 - </b><a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2009/08/seared-chicken-with-avocado/">Seared Chicken with Avocado</a>*; <a href="http://www.justataste.com/2011/07/quinoa-with-corn-and-scallions/">Quinoa with Corn & Scallions</a><br />
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<b>Sunday, March 23 - </b>Vegetable Beef Soup (Soup season is slowly fading away [or at least we hope it is!] so we want to make sure we make our Fall/Winter favorite one last time! I wish I was willing to share this recipe because it is downright incredible. Oh well...)<br />
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<b>Monday, March 24 - </b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478">Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken</a>; <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-orzo-salad-with-spinach-pesto-olives-feta-recipes-from-the-kitchn-172767">Pesto Orzo</a>; Sauteed Zucchini<br />
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<b>Tuesday, March 25 - </b>Homemade Pepperoni Pizza; Salad<br />
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<b>Wednesday, March 26 - </b>Italian Roast Sandwiches on Brioche; Fettucini Alfredo; Salad<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79a_sIgjWMM1tvbqrG2a4OxBw81M0BQ14jPeCUcjHE6fuTIRPmhMOZZwuq6q37Q6Aa1F6rteuZkhqvV4M8x8bvWPc8i9986QJXZPgIAjUUbScg1QO5XP-yDD7YsQzFtjGjMqHDmN2xVDO/s1600/yummy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79a_sIgjWMM1tvbqrG2a4OxBw81M0BQ14jPeCUcjHE6fuTIRPmhMOZZwuq6q37Q6Aa1F6rteuZkhqvV4M8x8bvWPc8i9986QJXZPgIAjUUbScg1QO5XP-yDD7YsQzFtjGjMqHDmN2xVDO/s1600/yummy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Thursday, March 27 - </b><a href="http://grandmotherskitchen.org/recipes/simple-chicken-and-rice-soup.html">Simple Chicken and Rice Soup</a>*; Bread<br />
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<i><b>Friday, March 28</b> </i><b>- </b><a href="http://www.heatovento350.com/2011/05/spin-art-pasta.html">Spinach Artichoke Pasta</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>Saturday, March 29 - </b><a href="http://www.heatovento350.com/2011/05/spin-art-pasta.html">Grilled Chicken with Barley Corn Salad</a>; Broccoli<br />
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<b>Sunday, March 30 - </b>Pot Roast (Another favorite which needs to be on the menu before it gets to warm outside to enjoy it!)</div>
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<b>Monday, March 31 - </b><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/bruschetta-chicken-bake-65546.aspx">Chicken Bruschetta Bake</a>; Salad</div>
The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-56239915951627228252014-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-28T07:02:57.271-05:00What can I do...First things first - a winner!<br />
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Congratulations to <b>Wendy</b>! You are now the proud owner of a new (pink!) <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/">GooseWaddle</a> gift set. You will hear from me soon for details on how to claim your prize. ENJOY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTXQhxec7YLlfh_Y7nHg-hvLv3lcpiNV3OfF_BF8FqG3KGv2g0YwzgcGjQbFjO_wS1t7PcDds500cTe2puY8x2Jj7J4eqRE8zY6cFE2ZE4bffYrgfrRFDIYg9LWvPMjSx8OzykX-BUKq3/s1600/goosewaddle_gift_box2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTXQhxec7YLlfh_Y7nHg-hvLv3lcpiNV3OfF_BF8FqG3KGv2g0YwzgcGjQbFjO_wS1t7PcDds500cTe2puY8x2Jj7J4eqRE8zY6cFE2ZE4bffYrgfrRFDIYg9LWvPMjSx8OzykX-BUKq3/s1600/goosewaddle_gift_box2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next things next - a meal plan. I know I said I'd be posting it today.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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I'm working on it. My week at work has been unusually chaotic and busy and I have come home too tired to think every night this week. So, I'll try to post it sometime this weekend or by Monday at the latest.<br />
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This weekend will afford me a little bit more rest and a little bit more time to make some decisions on what we're going to eat. Stay tuned. For now, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great start to your March - spring is almost here, right? RIGHT?!The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-70919823759878552252014-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-24T06:32:58.379-05:00I've got your love to keep me warm...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIlAQOE-dV5VU_drM7I7YvqNgEKPxTye8ygiC-M6u_JRoD9EqFFS-a9FmIV0dVeE-XtKHh3RV9n614JZasUmAlCc8GjIkikgaCT0mfCSxEWvc4RP7UfgX1dgEY4W8AsGx7jRZohobvtxl/s1600/goosewaddle_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIlAQOE-dV5VU_drM7I7YvqNgEKPxTye8ygiC-M6u_JRoD9EqFFS-a9FmIV0dVeE-XtKHh3RV9n614JZasUmAlCc8GjIkikgaCT0mfCSxEWvc4RP7UfgX1dgEY4W8AsGx7jRZohobvtxl/s1600/goosewaddle_logo.jpg" height="106" width="320"></a></div>
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We've been going through a really cute phase in the New Mom on the Blog house. The Incredible Hulk has deemed it his job to find various things in the house that are either "comfy" or "cozy." The tags on his clothes are his favorites. Sometimes he'll reach out to touch our hair or his pajamas to let us know if they are "cozy" or "scratchy." Even his well-loved Lamby has one "cozy" ear and one "not cozy" ear. (The cat's tail is cozy, but TIH is not supposed to touch it.)<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36VfeYVQXdUZgLSfAUfIgOH3hf-aFOcz6wORgIausqDh-LCEFZA6U87mlpDvWrDsmJKXTtfViVjjG9WKS2x-OzyKVcTkXKuJRN4G4oLY3hL57z3yd6Ic59Kv8ObRKr_BMyTxlwhOKMHZy/s1600/goosewaddle_gift_box2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36VfeYVQXdUZgLSfAUfIgOH3hf-aFOcz6wORgIausqDh-LCEFZA6U87mlpDvWrDsmJKXTtfViVjjG9WKS2x-OzyKVcTkXKuJRN4G4oLY3hL57z3yd6Ic59Kv8ObRKr_BMyTxlwhOKMHZy/s1600/goosewaddle_gift_box2.jpg" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
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So, when the fine folks at <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/">GooseWaddle</a> asked me if I wanted to check out one of their blankets, I knew we had the exact reviewer for the job. (Literally, I had about five seconds to admire the adorable packaging our blanket came in before TIH ripped it out of my hands and said "COZY." I haven't really even been allowed to touch the thing since we got it.) So, TIH? Tell us what you think.<br>
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<b>Me:</b> Sometimes people give things to us so I can tell them what I think of them on my blog.<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Blog?<br>
<b>Me:</b> Yep. So, these people want to know what you think of your blanket.<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Hold on, I need to get some water.<br>
<b>Me:</b> What color is your blanket?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Blue!<br>
<b>Me:</b> What do you like about your new blanket?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> It's cozy.<br>
<b>Me:</b> What are some fun things you can do with the blanket?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Um. Play.<br>
<b>Me: </b>How do you play with it?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Um, you throw it up into the sky. (Demonstrates.) And you can touch them. (Demonstrates.)<br>
<b>Me:</b> How many blankets do you sleep with at night?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> Um...18. (That's pretty legit.)<br>
<b>Me: </b>Do you want mommy to get you more blankets like this?<br>
<b>TIH:</b> YEAH.<br>
<b>Me:</b> Do you have anything else you want to say about your blanket?<br>
<b>TIH: </b>COZY! TOUCHING! Where's my other blanket?<br>
(At this point he handed me the smaller of the two blankets and said "Now you can go to sleep." PRECIOUS.)<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1BKDXuLZxbdkaE-dvZ1HJfN8BZ2ICtlBsGtRVsdgMoVpSeR6Z5ZVDvL2xVEcnBKmReOqAzKDlFrULM-jWajMaNyeJG9DpW2meRNF4QRmni2B4h6DuWNLQFL9SSLc-EZWZodtzt6f0-d9/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1BKDXuLZxbdkaE-dvZ1HJfN8BZ2ICtlBsGtRVsdgMoVpSeR6Z5ZVDvL2xVEcnBKmReOqAzKDlFrULM-jWajMaNyeJG9DpW2meRNF4QRmni2B4h6DuWNLQFL9SSLc-EZWZodtzt6f0-d9/s1600/image.jpeg" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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Obviously he's a fan, but these blankets get the NMTOB stamp of approval as well.<br>
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Last week a nasty stomach virus ripped its way through our house (will this winter EVER END?) TIH had spent the course of the illness clinging to his two blankies and so the minute he looked to be on the way to wellness, I washed both. They washed nicely and came out of the dryer just as warm and fuzzy as when they started. Anyone who has been around an infant EVER knows that these things need to be washed on the regular, so I was glad to be able to do a quick quality check there. <br>
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I also really love the fact that the gift set comes with its own "lovey" blanket in addition to the large one. When TIH went to his babysitter for the first time, I really wanted him to have a small blanket to take with him that smelled like us and like home, but I also didn't want to run the risk of him being put to sleep with a blanket on him (since sleeping with loose blankets before age 1 greatly increases suffocation risk.) <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/">GooseWaddle</a> provides the perfect replacement. (Of course, if you're like TIH, you'll require both blankets to be with you at all times, so it wouldn't quite work out as well as I described.)<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRd93-WpMkV7ZF525k67-mTOkA60nTk7FxBsZRhkbQrPa7gz6KwayXnq6DapvQ0MbeGn539QRAZfAsLFt87Sj-OWwRYelNmwoB7xV0Wi3HboGALBNFQC-zSqffqT7ZGfV9oEfsr1Mxk36/s1600/GooseWaddle_0594a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRd93-WpMkV7ZF525k67-mTOkA60nTk7FxBsZRhkbQrPa7gz6KwayXnq6DapvQ0MbeGn539QRAZfAsLFt87Sj-OWwRYelNmwoB7xV0Wi3HboGALBNFQC-zSqffqT7ZGfV9oEfsr1Mxk36/s1600/GooseWaddle_0594a.jpg" height="298" width="320"></a></div>
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Another fantastic feature of GooseWaddle blankets is that they are stretchy enough to be used as a swaddle blanket, but also have the warmth many swaddle blankets are lacking. TIH was born in the summer and actually hated being swaddled because of how hot he would get. However, this would be the perfect solution to someone welcoming a baby into our current, polar-like conditions. (I haven't actually been able to try out the swaddle feature of these blankets. Swaddling a three year old would likely be like trying to swaddle a cat.)<br>
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Additionally, as someone who loves companies who "pay it forward" out into our world - for every GooseWaddle blanket purchased, <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/buy-1-give-1/">GooseWaddle donates a receiving blanket to a child in need</a>. Talk about warm and fuzzy.<br>
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So, wouldn't you like a chance to win one of these awesome gift sets?<br>
Great, because <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/">GooseWaddle</a> wants you to do just that.<br>
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In the interest of not doing anymore obnoxious giveaways in the comments that never work - I noticed a few of my blogger friends using this little widget called <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/">Rafflecopter</a>. So, you can enter the giveaway through that and hopefully it will be smooth sailing! (If you are having trouble, don't hesitate to ask me. I certainly don't want anyone to miss out on a chance to win this awesome prize!) Don't have kids? Doesn't matter. How sweet would this be to give as a shower gift? I'd be excited if it were a gift I received! I'll announce the winner here on Friday when I'll also be sharing our March meal plan!<br>
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For more information about GooseWaddle and their line of products, you can check them out on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/goosewaddle">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/goosewaddle">Twitter</a>, or by visiting their <a href="http://www.goosewaddle.com/">website</a>.<br>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2f214e0/" id="rc-2f214e0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">Though GooseWaddle provided me with a complimentary gift set, the opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. Obviously I barely have the time to wash my own hair daily, so I'm not going to take the time to write about a product I don't fully endorse.</span><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DMni-j9Er4TQ5hqRXC0hdDKL4Fm83Py2pkkCj1tURk6_kS1WOiiwLKyTlmc30QQpdiDwNMmKA1E9xCEznynT-l4eG1ng7iqH4FrRyC0BkebYYaU-k6WiR1rNP8wPfn19JjwtQr-YTGf9/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DMni-j9Er4TQ5hqRXC0hdDKL4Fm83Py2pkkCj1tURk6_kS1WOiiwLKyTlmc30QQpdiDwNMmKA1E9xCEznynT-l4eG1ng7iqH4FrRyC0BkebYYaU-k6WiR1rNP8wPfn19JjwtQr-YTGf9/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="320" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay cozy.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;"><br></span>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-21732224087366565392014-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-04T00:00:04.132-05:00Sure we could see a new start...Well, hello February. And hello blog that I have neglected for the last half of the month.<br />
And hello to you, dear reader.<br />
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The last month has been a little nutty for the NMOTB household and while we did do a nice job of sticking to our meal plan (as much as we could), the sticking to "No self-imposed life changes for awhile" resolution we made to ourselves...hasn't gone quite as well. Namely, my husband started a new job last week. No worries. It was just a great opportunity that sort of fell into our laps and after a lot of careful discussion, we jumped on it.<br />
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It did require my husband to travel more than originally planned in January, so of course, that did require me to scrap a lot of our meal plan and did not leave me a whole lot of time to do recipe reviews or cook actual meals.<br />
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So, here's the February meal plan (which features a whole lot of the <a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/take-cup-of-kindness-yet.html">January meal plan</a>, sorry about that) and a whole lot of holes because our February is not only short, but it's also really really busy. Not to mention, we've already had to change things around before I could even post this. And I'm four days later than planned...<br />
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Make sure you check back as I'll try to attempt to be a blogger again this month and will also be doing some recipe reviews - both the ones from January and the ones for new recipes we are trying this month. Phew.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>{February 2013}</b></span><br />
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<b>February 1 - </b>Well, as this post was being created, we were covered in several inches of snow and it was still falling. Going to the grocery store just wasn't in the cards. Our cupboards were unfortunately pretty bare, so we had to order Chinese.<br />
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<b>February 2 - </b>SUPER BOWL SUNDAY. (Wait, I think I'm technically not allowed to call it Super Bowl because it is like trademarked or something. Whoops.) Basically our dinner will consist of buffalo chicken dip, guacamole, chili, and all kinds of other things that are ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS.<br />
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<b>February 3 - </b><a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/thats-amore.html">Chicken Parmigiana</a>; Pesto Pasta; Broccoli<br />
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<b>February 4 - </b><a href="http://rachelschultz.com/2012/07/11/worlds-best-chicken/">World's Best Chicken</a>; Pasta; Asparagus<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU2huOuh8PpZiXwQZppy4X8qMZoIySInGp0kamico5U0oDCcWm7U9r8Zm547qz__E6gG3g9i-yKBP8eduLO6ng8l8gdk-r4w9jbIWukKVkLCoMedRRhLAo72WPVRRkGjXyM8tzZNTQqEv/s1600/beef-stew-rs-614077-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU2huOuh8PpZiXwQZppy4X8qMZoIySInGp0kamico5U0oDCcWm7U9r8Zm547qz__E6gG3g9i-yKBP8eduLO6ng8l8gdk-r4w9jbIWukKVkLCoMedRRhLAo72WPVRRkGjXyM8tzZNTQqEv/s1600/beef-stew-rs-614077-l.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>February 5 - </b><a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-recipe-classic-beef-stew-10000000614077/">Slow Cooker Classic Beef Stew</a>*; Bread<br />
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<b>February 6 - </b>Breaded Pork Chops; Roasted Acorn Squash; Cous Cous<br />
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<b>February 7 - </b>Chicken Caesar Salad<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PHUGOv2N50tEeJtvqglL4zLmFBS2NM5UCsyOZblBp3S5WTrzQOwelV4T-LzGDJTx6YSe2yumePP5viZV20AbnffVDob3w2kG41AYp4iU4cAmLpDEZwYoLTxLKCfVcFBgUvOB78HNoLkW/s1600/Skillet+Chili+Mac+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PHUGOv2N50tEeJtvqglL4zLmFBS2NM5UCsyOZblBp3S5WTrzQOwelV4T-LzGDJTx6YSe2yumePP5viZV20AbnffVDob3w2kG41AYp4iU4cAmLpDEZwYoLTxLKCfVcFBgUvOB78HNoLkW/s1600/Skillet+Chili+Mac+01.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>February 8 - </b><a href="http://www.deepsouthdish.com/2013/04/skillet-chili-mac.html">Skillet Chili Mac</a>*; Cornbread<br />
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<b>February 9 - </b><a href="http://thecozyapron.com/a-cozy-pasta-italian-drunken-noodles-and-shaking-things-up-a-bit/">Italian Drunken Chicken</a>*; Salad<br />
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<b>February 10 - </b>Leftovers<br />
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<b>February 11 - </b>No meal plan<br />
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<b>February 12 - </b><a href="http://remadesimpleblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/diy-panera-bread-asian-sesame-chicken.html?m=1">Asian Chicken Salad</a>*<br />
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<b>February 13 - </b><a href="http://www.inspiredtaste.net/18649/easy-lemon-chicken-recipe/">Moist Lemon Chicken</a>; Cous Cous; Salad<br />
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<b>February 14 - </b>Valentine's Day! So, my husband and I usually don't do anything big for Valentine's Day, but every year since TIH was born, we've always gone out to a casual dining restaurant. (Our favorite was a BBQ place when we were still living in St. Louis.) So, this year we'll likely do the same thing, though we haven't yet found our special, non-special spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO3MUcM_-dYoCuIoTBMasYESiVEZjVaRj-3o12rCWjZgz1akLx5Z5ZukjvU5ltukOWEqWAK4IJP-S9AAb8uahBHBMrii6nyeeOz_vLpg3R_v3iGJK3HpqZli5QPU4QYSxbV_t-IisXFfS/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoO3MUcM_-dYoCuIoTBMasYESiVEZjVaRj-3o12rCWjZgz1akLx5Z5ZukjvU5ltukOWEqWAK4IJP-S9AAb8uahBHBMrii6nyeeOz_vLpg3R_v3iGJK3HpqZli5QPU4QYSxbV_t-IisXFfS/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<b>February 15 - </b><a href="http://www.mykitchenescapades.com/2012/11/pork-carnitas.html">Pork Carnitas</a>*; <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/fiesta-lime-rice.html">Fiesta Lime Rice</a><br />
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<b>February 16 - </b><a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html#_a5y_p=668423">Spicy Sausage Pasta</a>; Salad<br />
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<b>February 17 - </b>Leftovers<br />
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<b>February 18 - </b>Chicken Stir Fry; Brown Rice; Asian Salad (<a href="http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2012/05/quick-easy-chicken-stir-fry.html">Here's a good stir fry recipe</a> I found, but usually we just pick our favorite chicken and veggies, toss them together in a skillet with a nice bottled sauce, and fry it all up.)<br />
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<b>February 19 - </b><a href="http://savvysavingcouple.net/2013/01/24/slow-cooker-french-onion-soup-pork-chops/">Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Pork Chops*</a>; Boiled New Potatoes; <a href="http://www.thegingeredwhisk.blogspot.com/2012/06/garlic-roasted-zucchini.html">Roasted Zucchini</a><br />
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<b>February 20 - </b>Italian Chicken (Found this recipe on the back of a Progresso Italian Panko box and it is GREAT); Pasta; Salad<br />
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<b>February 21 - </b>Pizza; Salad<br />
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<b>February 22 - </b>No meal plan, we'll be attending the annual Auction for Autism!<br />
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<b>February 23 - </b><a href="http://friedpiesandfireflies.blogspot.com/2013/03/chipotle-grilled-steak-with-lime-butter.html">Chipotle Grilled Steak with Lime Butter</a>*; <a href="http://rachelschultz.com/2013/08/17/crispy-smashed-potatoes/">Smashed Potatoes</a>*; Broccoli (THIS MEAL PLAN WILL FINALLY HAPPEN THIS MONTH. I hope...)<br />
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<b>February 24 - </b><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/easy-garlic-chicken-5478">Garlic/Brown Sugar Chicken</a>; <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-orzo-salad-with-spinach-pesto-olives-feta-recipes-from-the-kitchn-172767">Pesto Orzo</a>; Sauteed Zucchini<br />
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<b>February 25 - </b>No meal plan<br />
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<b>February 26 - </b>No meal plan<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed3forBjELV5YtGU2hzpYpcsesgtHh4B5G3PH_KoFUp67TsALt2-R7Zm35QK4D9QSksZLJBiA7H9wWnwaxF3wX8mbtF8g3sGZ8et0DTM3Hhv1zow-V-TnKGjdlSFD-dKHEvFNL8PUa2gr/s1600/chicken-and-broccoli-noodle-casserole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed3forBjELV5YtGU2hzpYpcsesgtHh4B5G3PH_KoFUp67TsALt2-R7Zm35QK4D9QSksZLJBiA7H9wWnwaxF3wX8mbtF8g3sGZ8et0DTM3Hhv1zow-V-TnKGjdlSFD-dKHEvFNL8PUa2gr/s1600/chicken-and-broccoli-noodle-casserole.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>February 27 -</b> <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/chicken-and-broccoli-noodle-casserole.html#_a5y_p=1019598">Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole</a>*; Salad<br />
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<b>February 28 - </b>Burgers; Tator Tots; Salad<br />
<br />The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-60614922192210005912014-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-14T06:52:34.347-05:00The sweet smell of success...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know if you remember, but I used to write a blog about being a new mom. And now I write mostly about cooking and meal plans and food. I hope you aren't growing tired of that. I feel like people are generally pretty excited about my meal plans and recipes, but I just wanted to call out the elephant in the room. This is still a blog about parenting. I just spend most of my life as a parent feeding others. I hope this makes sense to you because it basically makes no sense to me, but it makes me happy to cook and happier to share it with you. Okay? Okay.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i> So, anyway, a couple of times a month, I like to share my reviews of new recipes I've tried as part of our <a href="http://thenewmomontheblog.blogspot.com/2013/12/take-cup-of-kindness-yet.html">meal plan</a>. The recipes we have been trying so far have been a </i><b>wild</b><i> success. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><i>In case you've missed it, I also repin the pins for all of the recipes I try through <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Pinterest</a> on my board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmomontheblog/i-made-this/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">"I Made This"</a> so make sure you are following!</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP40WqssKar14PD7vNRdapulSG7FC3iOdWFn9EyElb-mjLxqDEVOk_JhiRjtI01SBdm2QMD0GaaosXXhePxtqsIU-kAmDuu1seaqz8bEyJXsEkvJdGsFzrdt-KhZgF4YuC6znF5BUdNlh/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP40WqssKar14PD7vNRdapulSG7FC3iOdWFn9EyElb-mjLxqDEVOk_JhiRjtI01SBdm2QMD0GaaosXXhePxtqsIU-kAmDuu1seaqz8bEyJXsEkvJdGsFzrdt-KhZgF4YuC6znF5BUdNlh/s320/photo+5.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.shugarysweets.com/2013/05/slow-cooker-balsamic-shredded-beef" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef</a> - Well, to say this recipe was successful would be a major understatement. For starters, my husband actually MISSED OUT on this dinner due to delayed/cancelled flights while he was out of town. So, the next day he heated it up for lunch - and then proceeded to eat it for lunch for the next three days. In fact, we all loved it. I knew from the minute I mixed up the sauce and poured it into the crock pot that it was going to be perfect. I served it with some boiled new potatoes and steamed broccoli. Next time, I'll definitely consider serving it up with some mashed potatoes and using the sauce in the crock pot as as gravy. Either way, this is a wonderfully easy and delicious meal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWN-9w4N4Y0OF8jkvIUU6njCkN7uZKdo2HXco__ING5mUWfW6kKUPG7fg4HAOylINl5CtmYg7dkUTgP7O3NTFbfPRpQ8k1aVbjfpHhQa5XlpzbP8D5gJRgp70kx7nhdtG34nZYfb6QrVv/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWN-9w4N4Y0OF8jkvIUU6njCkN7uZKdo2HXco__ING5mUWfW6kKUPG7fg4HAOylINl5CtmYg7dkUTgP7O3NTFbfPRpQ8k1aVbjfpHhQa5XlpzbP8D5gJRgp70kx7nhdtG34nZYfb6QrVv/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://ourlifeinthekitchen.com/?p=8142">Quick Lime Cilantro Chicken</a> - I accidentally cut up the chicken too small when I did this recipe. The only thing that affected was the way I wanted to serve it. I felt like it was small enough to be a taco filling when you're really supposed to eat it over a bed of rice (review for the rice below). My husband disagreed and said he wouldn't change a thing. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "quick" recipe. The prep took a bit of time (zesting/juicing limes, cutting chicken breasts, chopping cilantro, mincing garlic, etc.), but once it was in the pan it wasn't a big deal. We did a sprinkle of both the chili powder and cayenne pepper along with cumin. The flavor was awesome. I am thinking about using this recipe for shrimp or fish to make fish tacos for Lent. I'll let you know how that turns out!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1lkOBex2cKqlKoaf0kowDDXJDQNw3iRaftsnqN_RsCVK4N16qI9hCZOrX-Sa_efQOfh_d3GE_qFwWnBT1U-faGByJuB1dV-m2ikZuXmTUB6opw8XutOWrifJdb2Ko5vy2EJJPBSuRpbr/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1lkOBex2cKqlKoaf0kowDDXJDQNw3iRaftsnqN_RsCVK4N16qI9hCZOrX-Sa_efQOfh_d3GE_qFwWnBT1U-faGByJuB1dV-m2ikZuXmTUB6opw8XutOWrifJdb2Ko5vy2EJJPBSuRpbr/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/04/fiesta-lime-rice.html" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Fiesta Lime Rice</a> - Oh, holy hell this was great. My husband who does not like beans or tomatoes even raved about this. TIH took one bite and said, "MMMMM." I could eat a giant bowl of this for every meal. The flavor reminded me of a Chipotle Burrito Bowl, minus the sour cream, cheese, meat, and guac. So, that also means it's got all of that flavor with mostly healthy ingredients! BEST. We used brown rice instead of white and it was perfect. I allowed everything to sit together for a bit before service which I think helped the flavors meld a bit. Couldn't recommend this higher. We had almost none leftover.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/chicken-tortilla-soup/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Chicken Tortilla Soup</a> - The other day, a friend of mine texted me and asked if I could point her in the direction of a good Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe. I knew this one was on our meal plan, so I shot her the link with the caveat that we hadn't tried it yet, so I had no idea if it was going to be any good. She let me know that it was, in fact, delicious and I excitedly looked forward to making it for our Saturday dinner all week. My excitement must have clouded my judgment. Because not only did I forget two key ingredients (black beans and red bell pepper...what?!), I also totally neglected to check out the cook time and pretty much started cooking dinner about 2 hours later than I should have. (This was also on the day when I completely forgot about a birthday party TIH was invited to until someone texted me. Seriously. My brain must have turned to mush from all of the snow days.) HOWEVER, brain mush aside - this soup is actually DELICIOUS and SUPER simple to put together (as long as you don't forget key ingredients.) You should not only cover it with every suggested garnish in the recipe, I also read in the comment section that many people suggested serving it with a squeeze of fresh lime over the top. (Definitely do that, it was great!) Our only snafu in serving this was that the avocado I picked up had clearly frozen at some point (probably when traveling on the truck through our polar conditions.) So, when I cut into it, it was no good. The next time we make it, I am really interested to see what the diced avocado adds as a garnish, but it was still pretty dang fantastic without it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2013/11/greek-stuffed-pitas/" style="color: #00cc66; text-decoration: none;">Greek Stuffed Pitas</a> - I will admit right from the start that I had my doubts about this recipe. First...eggplant. I like it in small doses, but I was pretty sure my boys weren't going to be into it. Secondly...oregano. I know it is so strange since it is such a common ingredient in so many recipes, but oregano is just not one of my favorite herbs. Sure, I can handle it in spaghetti or pizza sauce, but I've been known to substitute (or fully omit it) in the past in other recipes. However, this recipe was far too easy to put together to pass up. When I opened up the oven, I was assaulted by the smell of oregano, and I thought my suspicions were coming true - I was not going to like this recipe. I felt this way right up until I took a bite. AND THEN MY SOCKS WERE KNOCKED OFF. The flavor of the chicken (oregano and all) was PERFECT. The eggplant took on the yummy flavor of all of the juices of the other veggies, chicken, and dressing and was perfect. We served ours in whole wheat pita pockets with a little Greek vinaigrette (thanks Aldi) poured on top. And, of course, feta. My husband complimented the meal several times between bites, called dibs on the leftovers for his lunch the next day, and has already requested it for a future meal plan. Simple? Tasty? Husband pleasing? WIN. (Also, vegetarian crowd - throw some tofu in there instead of chicken, or maybe some beans of sorts and you've got yourself a happy little meal.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">Looks great, eh? Anybody cook anything delicious? I'd love to hear!</span></span>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7077112023626242049.post-11555442841917579672014-01-07T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T08:35:17.302-05:00Comfortable...Unless you've been living in a cave, you've probably heard that regions in the Midwest are experiencing something called a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_vortex">Polar Vortex</a>." (I linked you to a Wikipedia article to explain what that is, but I'll give you the Cliff's Notes - it's freaking cold. Chicago was colder than the South Pole during parts of the day. <a href="http://chicagoist.com/2014/01/06/its_officially_too_cold_for_local_p.php">They brought the Lincoln Park polar bear INSIDE because it was too cold. </a> TOO COLD FOR A POLAR BEAR.) Needless to say, we've all been snowed in (literally, our garage is frozen shut) and have been doing what we can to stay warm and not bored out of our minds. (I love me a snow day, but being cooped up in the house gets a little maddening after awhile.) <br>
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So, what else could possibly be better on a too-cold-for-a-damn-polar-bear kind of a day than a nice, cheesy, comforting, casserole?<br>
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Before I go on to share this old family recipe, I must provide the following disclaimer: I know that cream-of-whatever soup is not good for you. You'll notice there are a lot of foods I post on this blog which ignore some of my own basic food rules (i.e., feeding my family with <i>mostly</i> whole foods packed with great nutrients). SOMETIMES YOU BREAK THE RULES. There are a ton of substitution recipes out there for cream of celery (et al) out there, so if that's your thing - check it out. Otherwise, continue on. All the while knowing that this recipe is built for comfort, not health. And that it should be served in moderation. On days that are too cold FOR AN ACTUAL POLAR BEAR. Now, proceed...<br>
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This used to be one of the simple recipes my dad would put together for us as kids when my mom would work late. She would cook it sometimes too, but I think my dad was pretty much the king of casseroles in our house when I was growing up. When my husband and I got married, he requested that I gather some of the simple weeknight meals that my family was accustomed to eating so that we would have some easy things to cook for the two of us. This recipe? At the top of his list. You're gonna love it. Let's get started.<br>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">{NMOTB Hamburger Casserole}</span></b><br>
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b><br>
- 1 lb. of ground beef (We usually use the leanest beef we can find. Go with what makes you happy.)<br>
- 1 box of rotini noodles (We always use whole wheat rotini. Growing up we used a lot of different shapes of noodles and obviously didn't use whole wheat. You can experiment here if you want.)<br>
- 2 cans of cream of celery soup (Just get over it. It's fine.)<br>
- Milk (You're just going to fill up one of the soup cans with milk. LOOK, RECYCLING. YOU'RE WELCOME.)<br>
- Cheddar cheese (I use most of a 2-cup bag. Eyeball this. You just want enough to cover the top of your casserole)<br>
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<b><u>Directions</u></b><br>
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. I forgot both steps while photographing this tutorial. That was a bummer choice. Do me a favor and don't forget.<br>
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- Begin by browning your pound of beef in a large skillet. Truth be told I've never tried this with ground turkey or chicken (obviously, it's HAMBURGER casserole), but if you wanted to be experimental, I'd love to hear your results...<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY4mXwUcNif9EEhRHmfuo73y0Mvn9n1sKKzH2pbJnXzB0nZN3CR3lpkGUomGT0rhG2tMd2Rtdg3qr2uTSVxOPjSBrsee4Bd-F-oktzAXPVLHptqYsmd0gIeXH5t3CH_gJ2LDuTSkr0AYu/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNY4mXwUcNif9EEhRHmfuo73y0Mvn9n1sKKzH2pbJnXzB0nZN3CR3lpkGUomGT0rhG2tMd2Rtdg3qr2uTSVxOPjSBrsee4Bd-F-oktzAXPVLHptqYsmd0gIeXH5t3CH_gJ2LDuTSkr0AYu/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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- Drain your beef once it is browned. Add to your skillet both cans of cream of celery and then fill one empty can with milk and add that in there too.<br>
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- Stir the mixture around until everything is combined and allow to cook over medium low heat until it bubbles and thickens. (At this step my mom would also sprinkle in a little thyme. We've tried it both ways and like it better without. But, by all means - experiment! It's a casserole. You can almost never screw it up!)<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8Ysu_N1qZeBw9P8es6X5yvxzAdY_MzGPhMybnwLsE42GxEuEZrXrDIyZbpQYvROXXBvCgGtf3So_Dpk1s5AVxowUTKik51IqqHqO4FPUK0H3wVU-jOKgEK3Sm2JHja3QWO0vD0NFSPe-/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8Ysu_N1qZeBw9P8es6X5yvxzAdY_MzGPhMybnwLsE42GxEuEZrXrDIyZbpQYvROXXBvCgGtf3So_Dpk1s5AVxowUTKik51IqqHqO4FPUK0H3wVU-jOKgEK3Sm2JHja3QWO0vD0NFSPe-/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, it'll look more appetizing in the casserole.</td></tr>
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- In the meantime, I hope you were boiling your pasta and didn't forget like me.<br>
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- Once your soup mixture has thickened a bit, your casserole is ready to assemble. Begin by draining your pasta and putting it in the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. (You can probably put it in something slightly smaller, but you may want to adjust cook times.) Pour your soup mixture evenly over the noodles. You don't have to worry about mixing it up, it'll get in there, but make sure it's relatively even so the whole casserole is layered correctly.<br>
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- After you've layered the noodles and soup mixture, sprinkle the entire top with cheddar cheese. Like I said, I usually use most (if not all) of a 2-cup bag of cheddar cheese to do this. Hey, no one said this recipe was health food.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ho2bjC5AqJIAtbT8KXypNbhhHK_QzJLxYqgF0JacSGQd1msLesXs3CkmRpM50E7Z2ItkBlPxKdmJolvXj2zGl1KEx6oUB1W1-2QUc7mENqt7CbXsfo0GOP6O5AQXM5LI0IcoeFBca-h1/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ho2bjC5AqJIAtbT8KXypNbhhHK_QzJLxYqgF0JacSGQd1msLesXs3CkmRpM50E7Z2ItkBlPxKdmJolvXj2zGl1KEx6oUB1W1-2QUc7mENqt7CbXsfo0GOP6O5AQXM5LI0IcoeFBca-h1/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div>
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- Then, just like any good casserole, you stick it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted/bubbly.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7uXcAGmpn_dRiDoq44Hh7neH3COmsHbvZGfLgTTi5ymygoJvYVX9n0-qXub799yCYbgPsrnCQzBUkFySuJSKRdG62wUPLQydAOg29x_gFzAV1bjfhtpdbya3WxkgKzhYG0Aha5wKS6w7/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7uXcAGmpn_dRiDoq44Hh7neH3COmsHbvZGfLgTTi5ymygoJvYVX9n0-qXub799yCYbgPsrnCQzBUkFySuJSKRdG62wUPLQydAOg29x_gFzAV1bjfhtpdbya3WxkgKzhYG0Aha5wKS6w7/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know it looks delicious.</td></tr>
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- We usually serve ours with some sort of salad or green vegetable. Because it makes me feel better about eating something so rich. IT BALANCES OUT, RIGHT? Recipe serves at least 8. Or, two people who like seconds and a busy 3 year old who eats two pieces of pasta - with leftovers. ENJOY!<br>
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<br>The New Mom on the Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16513072899127618019noreply@blogger.com19