February Challenge- Week 4 (Overnight Oats)

Another victorious week over here.  A great way to end the month even if Week 2 was a total fail.  Well victorious might be a little bit too strong of a word because I had Tostada Cubana on Wednesday morning. Breakfast was at home but it was not exactly healthy. 

I attribute this week's victory to overnight oats.  Typically, I make overnight oats in the summertime when I want a cold but healthy breakfast.  This week, I decided that having my oats prepared the night before makes the morning a lot more goof proof.  If I want them warmed up I can put them in the microwave for less than a minute, but there's no mixing or stiring involved.  (This is not the lazyness talking but rather the tiredness.) I can also make a couple of servings because depending what type of liquid you use, it can last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. 

There are lots of recipes for overnight oats.  I usually just follow the liquid to oat ratio on the box and substitute juice or almond milk for water and then add fresh or dried fruit and sometimes nuts or seeds.  Then I combine the ingrediants and put them in a sealed container.  Voila, overnight oats!


Ordinarily I would just leave them overnight in a plastic container but the Mason Jar looks so much cuter.

Stocking In (The Image Search for the Pregnant Job-Seeker)

A relatable stock image from Getty Images

So I totally missed THIS story when it came out.  Thank you Cup of Jo for bringing it to my attention.

Sheryl Sandberg and Getty Images teamed up to create a collection of of thousands of stock images that portray women and girls in a more current and empowering light. We all know what stock images are even if we don't use that term to describe them. They are the images you use in your PowerPoint presentation or your low-budget website when you want to show things like coworkers sitting at a table or a confident business woman. Let's face it, most of these images are sterile and convey no sense of reality.

This collaboration is much more than a victory for all of us who have to sit through PowerPoint presentations.   It is a radical step because it is going to change the images we all use and view, images that show us how to be and how to live. 


Bookends (Decor for the Generations)

 

The End Bookend CB2/ Whale Bookend Jonathan Adler/ James the Bookend available at the Moma Store/ Menagerie Bookends by Serena and Lily/ Imm Living's Bookend

Just because you have children doesn't mean everything you buy for your home has to be baby-fied.  There are so many playful objects d'art out there that are fun and appeal to the aesthetics of both grownups and little ones alike. Take these bookends.  Some of them are designed with children in mind and others are not, but they are all playful.  Did you incorporate decor in your home that both you and your kids could enjoy?

Diaper Beach Bags (Baby's on a Boat)

Baggu Canvas Backpack/Sea Bags for JCrew

Good weather is on the approach.  Where I come from this means one of two things: you are at the beach or you are on a boat.  I'm not a proponent of having too many diaper bags but isn't it a fun idea to have one specifically for aquatic activities?  And how cute are these two nautical bags? 

Nursery Gris (Pinning)



Hemnes Dresser by Ikea/ Elephant Lamp by Alex Marshall/ Ubbi Diaper Pail/ Origami Paper Pendants by Serena and Lili/Meadow linens by Dwell Studio/ Mason Crib by Franklin and Ben/  Serpent Painting by Happy Menocal/ Pink Bin by H&M/ Baskets from Target/ Nesting Tables by Serena and Lily/ Star Egg nightlight from Giggle/ Glider by Serena and Lily/Parsons Day Bed by West Elm/Ivy Letter Pillow by Serena and Lily/ Bunny Pillow by Dwell Studio/ Bunny Rabbit by Jellycat/

Hemnes Dresser by Ikea/ Elephant Lamp by Alex Marshall/ Ubbi Diaper Pail/ Origami Paper Pendants by Serena and Lili/Meadow linens by Dwell Studio/ Mason Crib by Franklin and Ben/  Serpent Painting by Happy Menocal/ Pink Bin by H&M/ Baskets from Target/ Nesting Tables by Serena and Lily/ Star Egg nightlight from Giggle/ Glider by Serena and Lily/Parsons Day Bed by West Elm/Ivy Letter Pillow by Serena and Lily/ Bunny Pillow by Dwell Studio/ Bunny Rabbit by Jellycat/

When I was expecting Baby Cricket someone asked me if I decided on the nursery's "theme." I demurred. At that point, I was focused on making room for my baby in a space that was a study/closet/storage room. And since the room would continue to be a multipurpose space, I didn't want the decor to be too babyish.

So I searched for a crib, because it seemed like the logical place to start even if she wasn't going to be sleeping in there for a while. After extensive pinning and researching, I found a safe, American-made, grey crib and cute sheets (see above). And voila, there was my theme: grey with pink and white. No animals or fairy tales just colors that looked nice together.

Grey is trendy especially for a nursery, and I can see why. It mixes well with almost any color so it can be girlish or boyish or androgynous. It's also very calming.

P.S. Don't you just love the snake picture? I love the idea of having skulls and snakes around so baby girl won't fear them as she gets older.  (Wishful thinking, I know.) 

P.P.S. I didn't purchase most of the things above. In fact, I outfitted most of our nursery from Craigslist and hand-me-downs. More on that later. But looking around sure is fun!

February Challenge: Week 3 (A Cold Weather Shake)

This week was so much better!  Order was restored to our lives (well as much order as you can expect with a 7 month old).  And I met my breakfast goal each day (even on President's Day).

This week I tried a warm Chai Gingerbread shake that I found on Goop.  Now I know there are a lot of Goop critics out there.  Yes some of the ideas that come out of there are unattainable but I don't think attainability is what Goop is about.  How many of us are tall, thin, and blond movie stars married to hot rock stars and shuttle between London, L.A., and East Hampton?  If that was me I would probably consider a $300 a day meal plan and give my friends $500 dollar pajamas.

But I digress.  Here is the recipe.  I will definitely drink this a few times a week until the weather calls for a colder food.

Goop's Chai Gingerbread Shake

Ingredients (Makes 1 Serving)

• 1 cup warm brewed rooibos chai tea (Note: I could not find this so I purchased regular Chai Spiced Tea)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (I did not have allspice on hand so I sprinkled in some nutmeg)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk (I used almond milk)
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• Coconut nectar, raw honey or stevia to taste (I used vanilla instead)
• Optional: 1 scoop protein powder of your choice (I used this powder)

Scandal Babies

Scandal is one of my favorite shows. Lately I've been thinking about what kinds of babies these out control adults once were. Below are some wardrobe ideas should Shonda Rhimes ever decide to do a prequal.

Baby Olivia

Baby CZ Cashmere Layette in Cream/ Juicy Tracksuit/ D&G Christening Coat/ Tartine et Chocolat Pleated Bow Dress/ Marie Chantal Dress 

Some babies were born with silver spoons in their mouths; Liv was born with a stylist on speed dial. And while her mother and father might be some of the most morally ambiguous parents out there, one thing is certain, they loved their daughter very much and spared no expense in providing for her.

Baby Liv most certainly wore white with hints of grey and other complementary colors. Nobody lounges around better than Liv and Baby Liv would also be dressed impeccably for her playdates and bottle time. And if any baby was going to rock an $1,800 D&G coat that baby would be Liv!

Baby Fitz

Kissy Kissy Airplane Footie/ Skylar Luna Star Sleepset/ JCrew Baby Anchor Cashmere Sweater/Baby Gap Navy Pull-On Khakis/ Florence Eiseman Eton Suit/ White Sailor Suit

The future leader of the free world was once a boy with a simple dream of flying. Not even a cruel and overbearing father would keep this baby boy from achieving his dreams.  Baby Fitz would be all about wearing clothes with  planes, boats, an anchors on them. Given his pedigree he would have an Eton suit on hand for more formal occasions and of course his very own sailor suit.

Baby Mellie

Royal Baby Layette/ Kissy Kissy Footie and Jacket Set/ Florence Eiseman Dresses available at Bergdorfs/  Kissy Kissy Gown and Bonnet/ Ralph Lauren Smocked Taffeta Dress

Baby Mellie was a baby born with purpose.  Her "take me home" outfit would have been a full set with a matching jacket or sweater.  I'm sure her mother took nothing to chance where her little Alpha baby was concerned.  For playdates and casual time Baby Mellie was always in a dress, and by dress I mean a Florence Eiseman shift.  On dressier occasions, Baby Mellie was all about bonnets, bows, and smocking.  

Finally, Fourth of July wear would be the cornerstone of Miss Mellie's wardrobe.  

Morning Commute

JCrew Cate Cami/Alexander McQueen Blue Chiffon Skull Scarf/ Black Crepe Blazer/ White House Black Market Instantly Slimming Skirt/ JCrew Double Cloth Lady Day Coat/ Isabel Marant Hi-Tops and a more affordable version HERE

I'm not quite fitting into my pre-pregnancy outfits, but I need to look professional and put together until I work off my baby weight. My solution was to find a few well priced pieces that would be my uniform until I get my body back.

The JCrew Cate Cami, which comes in several colors and prints, is a piece I wear several times a week. The White House Black Market's instantly slimming skirt has been a life saver for me these past few months and I also have this piece in different colors. I also like this blazer from Nordstroms because it drapes rather than buttons, so there is no unnecessary tugging. The high top sneakers and Alexander McQueen scarf make me feel a little less stuffy when I'm slogging to work on these cold and wet winter mornings.

Winter Whites

Ergo Baby/ Baby CZ Flower Hat/ Baby CZ Cardigan/ Pippa and Julie Sweater Dress/ Gerber Organic Onesie/ Gymboree boots (Sold Out but similar can be found HERE)/ Cozy Chic Mini Blanket (also available in a larger size)/ Kissy Kissy Take Me Home Footie/ Petit Bateau Bunting Bag/ JellyCat Bashful Lamb

I'm trying not to let the snow and cold get me down.  Especially since it means a certain seven-month old goes out far less than she wants to these days.  But, the snow has me thinking that white looks awfully good on babies.

Babies, look wonderful in white. They look great in everything of course, but white just makes them look all the more sweet and beautiful.  What is more precious than a baby scooting about in a little white onesie?  Not a whole lot.

Now I understand some of you think dressing up your baby in white is a dangerous proposition.  Yes, they spit up, poo, and get into all sorts of things.  But light pinks, blues, and yellows also show stains.  So, buy some Oxyclean do a double wash and let your baby wear white!

February Challenge: Week 2 (Life Gets in the Way)

Life:1 February Challenge:0

That just about sums things up.  We were living in a hotel this week and the snow has delayed our return home.  

Since I could not make myself breakfast I agreed that I would eat things like oatmeal, fruit, and hard boiled eggs.  My initial thoughts about spending a week in a hotel were: room service, a freshly made bed every morning, gym and pool at the ready.  I didn't factor in that a certain seven-month old would not enjoy hotel living.

And because I was sleep deprived I "deserved" cherry ricotta pancakes, baked apple and lemon pancakes, eggs Florentine (with extra sauce).  So there you have it.  My week in regression.  Here is to a better week next week.

Galentine's Day Gift Guide

 

Rose Soap/ Sense and Sensibility special edition/ Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter/ Homemade Cookies/Leather Tassel/ Heart Leg Warmers/ Heart Sunglasses/ Needlepoint Love Pillow/ Heart Cutout Leather Gloves/ Pink Nail Polish/ Bonnie Belle Lip Smacker/ Bisous Change Purse/ Heart Mosaic/ Heart Tote

 

I'm not encouraging you rush out to buy gifts for Galentine's day but if you wanted to, these are some fun gifts for your special galentines. There is a mosaic and needlepoint pillow in keeping with some of Leslie Knope's previous gifts. If you want to write a 5,000-word essay about why your friend is awesome, then have at it.

Galentine's Day

Artwork by Michelle Taylor

For those of you who aren't Parks and Recreation fans, Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13th. Here is P&R hero Leslie Knope's description:

“Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every Feb. 13, my lady friends leave our husbands and boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”

This sounds like so much fun. Especially since my life now seems to be a constant loop of work, baby, work, baby. Don't get me wrong I'm happy on so many levels but I really do miss quality time my friends.

Here are five ways to celebrate Galentine's Day.

1. Have Breakfast for Dinner: French toast and frittatas are to Galentine's Day what turkey and sweet potatoes are to Thanksgiving. If you live in D.C., you can always hit the Diner or Ted's Bulletin.

2. Call your gal pals and have a full on conversation: I think all I do is text these days. A long phone call with an old friend is really a luxury.

3. Get manis and pedis with your besties: No explanation necessary.

4. Watch a marathon of Girls or old Gossip Girl episodes.

5. Hand out your own old school Valentine's cards (corny I know).

6. Throw your own Galentine's Day party: It doesn't have to be elaborate just have some ladies over for eggs, French toast and bloody marys. Of course here are some amazing Galentine's parties for those of you with a little extra time and creativity: Rue Magazine,Dream Box Photography, 100 Layer Cake, and Style Me Pretty.

P.S. Check out this video for a full explanation on Galentine's Day.

Be My Little Baby (Baby Valentine's Picks)

Since I became an adult, I've pretty much been underwhelmed by Valentine's Day.  Overpriced dinners, the smell of over-fertilized flowers, the list of disappointments is too long to share here.  

At the heart of it, Valentine's Day is a great concept, especially if you are a kid.  How sweet to have a day devoted to spreading love and appreciation.  I loved making valentines out of doilies for my classmates and coming home with my construction paper mailbox filled with the ones I'd received.   I also loved making heart shaped sugar cookies topped with red icing and pink sugar crystals.  

 

This week Cricket received a number of fun Valentine's gifts from her great aunts and grandmother.  I had not thought about sending a baby a Valentine's gift but when I opened up Cricket's presents I understood what a sweet idea it was.  Here are some gift ideas for your favorite Cupid.   

Left: Peruvian pom pom hat by Baby CZ/ T-Shirt by Sweet and Soft/Ruffle Leggings by Old Navy   

Center: Heart Romper by The Gap/ Heart Stripe PJ's by The Gap 
Right: Heart Knit Hat by Fiddlestyx Studios/ Heart Rollneck sweater by Hearthside Handworks 
similar styles available at the Children's Boutique/ Cashmere Lounge Pants by Baby CZ

Starting Solids

The little one is just starting on solids. As I've learned with almost everything related to parenthood each new phase presents its own challenges and presents you with new things you need. We were lucky to get most of her "solid supplies" as either gifts or hand me downs, but did purchase a new high chair for her.

McFly! (The Orange Puffer Vest)

Do you have a Mommieform?  That go to outfit that you can throw on so you look like you care even if you are exhausted and know that you will likely get covered in some type of something or other from your cutie pie.

I love a puffer vest, therefore I have more than one.  Since the fall my flamingo colored JCrew excursion vest has been on heavy rotation.   It perks up whatever it is I'm wearing.  

Left: Jcrew Scarf/ JCrew Tippi Marino Sweater/ JCrew Black Matchstick Jeans/
Center: JCrew Excursion Vest in Flamingo/ Isabel Marrant Boots / Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats
Right: Equiptment Flanel Shirt sold out but similar HERE/ JCrew Andie Chino

Post baby I really needed to strategize what I could wear since I had a little more fluff to cover up. Over the past few months I have learned that black skinny jeans and a strategic scarf are your best friends when you want to conceal my tummy.  I also learned that buttoned down shirts look better when the sleeves are rolled up and they aren't buttoned up or down all the way.  Okay I admit I'm a late adopter on point two.

P.S. Am I the only one that thinks about Marty McFly when I put on my puffer vest?

February Challenge

This year, I'm trying to challenge to develop better habits each month.  While I hope to meet each challenge 100% perfection is not the goal.  The goal is to try to do better.  

This month I've challenged myself to eating breakfast at home every weekday.  Weekends will not be part of this challenge because brunch is my favorite meal, and also because having a six month old means that daytime socializing is where it is at. In the mornings I'm in a rush I find myself going to Starbucks or my building cafeteria to get fueled up.  I rarely make a healthy choice and I always end up spending more money than I would if I stayed at home.

I did pretty well this week considering it was the busiest week since I returned from maternity leave.  I bought a bagel on Thursday morning and considering my track record these past few months I consider that to be a victory.

What types of good habits would you like to embrace?

Post Partum Rings

 

 

1. Aurélie Bidermann Rose Gold Lace Ring 2. Roberto Coin Pois Moi Ring 3. David Yurman Crossover Ring

4. Cartier Trinity Ring

I haven't fit into my engagement ring or my wedding band since late into my pregnancy. I want to get a ring I can wear until I get past this post partum weight hump and then either resize or repurpose it. The Aurelie Biderman Ringis by far my favorite but I'm not sure if I would like the way a thick ring feels on me all day, everyday.
Oh and it's about two more weeks until Valentine's Day (hint hint).

Carry On (Rest in Peace Philip Seymour Hoffman)

This morning my friend's facebook status update read:

"Was hoping that I'd wake up this morning and Phillip Seymour Hoffman would still be alive."

Rarely does someone's facebook update encapsulate how I feel.  I find it surprising I'm so moved by the passing of someone I never met.  The thing is  Philip Seymour Hoffman  seemed so approachable. I feel like he could have been a friend, or at least he bore a likeness to friends I've had, especially in college and in my early 20's.  He was that friend of a friend you always enjoyed having a beer with at a party or the person you would run into at the lunch room that had witty and heartfelt things to say. 

The saddest part about an untimely death is what it does to those who are left behind. I'm sure his friends and family knew him as Phil or Dad or Sweetie.  No doubt he was a complex person with immense talent, and a deadly addiction. To those who loved him and depended on him he was completely irreplaceable.   

For the rest of the us he was Philip Seymour Hoffman. A talented actor that had great roles in some of our favoroite movies. If I saw that Philip Seymour Hoffman was in an upcoming movie, I just knew the movie would be good, great, excellent.  For us moviegoers he was also completely irreplaceable.

Godspeed, Philip Seymour Hoffman.  

Merluzzo Fresco al Pomodoro (Fresh Cod with Tomatoes)

Photo from La Cucina Italiana

When I was pregnant last year I suffered from morning sickness for 20 weeks. Even after the morning sickness ended there were still a lot of things I just could not stomach. Salmon, chicken, SALTEENS, and Dijon mustard, were all casualties of the morning sickness.  I spent my days eating bagels, potato chips and other carby foods.  

I knew that I couldn't subsist on carbs for the whole pregnancy so I scoured my cookbooks and the internet for things that I might be able to tolerate. This recipe, from La Cucina Italiana, was one of my favorite finds. It is very tasty and easy to make. It is one of the few recipes I've tried that works perfectly without any modifications. 

 

Now that I'm back at work I really enjoy this recipe, because except for the cod, all of the other ingredients are in my cupboard. I pick up some fresh cod on my way home from work, then when I get home I put some basmati in the rice cooker,  and presto the fish is done by the time the rice is ready.

Buon appetito!

Merluzzo Fresco al Pomodoro

Ingredients
 

1 (24-ounce) can peeled tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, juices drained, tomatoes roughly chopped

• 3/4 cup pitted black olives
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• Fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds cod fillet, cut into 2-inch square pieces (I use pacific cod and put oil, salt, and lemon on it prior to cooking.)

Instructions

In a large skillet with lid, combine tomatoes, olives, oil, bay leaves, thyme, sugar and generous pinch salt and pepper. Over medium heat, bring just to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 20 minutes.

Add cod and continue to cook, uncovered, until cod is cooked through and sauce is flavorful, about 12 minutes more. Serve warm.

Find the original recipe HERE.

Think Spring

Paul & Joe Cotton-blend tweed jacket (see more Paul & Joe)

This winter is brutal, not has been brutal, IS brutal. I can't wait for spring and I'd love to welcome it with this fun jacket. What is on your list of spring must haves? 

Anyone out there?

I'm a self described generalist with far more likes than dislikes.  Among my favorites are cooking, travelling, socialising, reading magazines and exercising.  I recently had a baby so I'm learning how to make time for a lot of this stuff, so naturally since I'm time crunched I decided to start a new hobby.