Monday Monday (let's eat)

What's up, peeps?! Miss me? I've missed you. It's the end of October. It's almost Halloween. WHAT?! But that's fabulous, because that means I get to enjoy incredibly yummy and totally cozy food again. Hurray! Wanna know what you should make this week? Just listen to City Mouse, eat this:

Monday: Chipotle Stout Sloppy Joes from The Beeroness

Tuesday: Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Skinnytaste

Wednesday: Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Casserole from Kalyn's Kitchen

Thursday: Easy Butternut Skillet Shells from How Sweet It Is

Friday: Bacon, Brussels Sprouts and Goat Cheese Pizza from Pink Parsley

Saturday: Grilled Pumpkin Caesar Salad with Steak from Heather Christo

Sunday: Whiskey Miso Pork Chops from Steamy Kitchen


Now THAT is a meal plan. Go out and do something awesome.

xoxo
Erin

Monday Meal Planning - Back to School!

Rise and shine, people. Monday Meal Planning is baaaaaaack! And just in time for back to school. As I said in my last post, my baby starts Kindergarten next week. And I know with school, ballet, cooking class, and gymnastics (phew) I'm going to need all the simple and easy meals I can get my hands on. Not to mention yummy back to school snacks and treats. My head is spinning just thinking about it. Let's get started, shall we?

Monday:
Sriracha-Pineapple BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with Easy Guacamole from Kalyn's Kitchen
OK, so technically we had this last night, but holy woah was it super good. And SOOOO easy. I threw this in the crock pot, whipped up some easy guacamole, and made a simple tomato salad. Done. Everyone loved it. I only used 2 tbl of Sriracha, to keep it mild for the little people, but the big guy and I added more to our sandwiches.



Tuesday:
Baked Chicken Milanese with Arugula and Tomatoes from Skinny Taste

Wednesday:
Greek Chicken Salad from Pink Parsley

Thursday:
Peach BBQ Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Cilantro Citrus Slaw from The Novice Chef

Friday:
Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup from Skinny Taste

Saturday:
Stovetop BBQ Chicken Shells and Cheese from How Sweet It Is

Sunday:
Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri from Tasty Kitchen

Back to School:
Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries from Pink Parsley
Whole Wheat Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins from How Sweet It Is
Funfetti Sandwich Cookies from Pink Parsley
Coconut Cream Pops from Skinny Taste
Edamame Dip with Smoked Paprika and Garlic from Cookin Canuck

And that's that. For all of you who are sending your little people off to school this week, WOOHOOO!!! :)

Happy Monday
xoxo
Erin

5 things she's loving right now. (Kindergarten Style)

My baby is starting Kindergarten in two weeks. TWO WEEKS??!! As much as I am truly ready for these two maniacs to go back to school, I cannot believe that this little person, who held onto one finger for three whole months before she decided she could walk on her own, is going to be taking a bus and going to "big kid school".  Sigh. Where has the time gone?

I asked if she'd like to pick her top 5 items for going to Kindergarten. She was psyched to help you all out. Here ya go.

1. Crocodile Creek Lunch Boxes

These are beyond adorable. BPA and Vinyl free. They have a large assortment of adorable designs, all with matching accessories. Snack keepers, sandwich holders, ect. ect. Miss E picked out the princess (it's the purple, chick cannot help herself) and my little one picked out the ballerina. 

Emma says: "They have whatever you like on them. And they have sandwiches carriers so your sandwich doesn't get smooshed."

2. The Bryant Park Collection at The Gap

I can't blame her for loving this collection. I think a majority of it is too mature for a 5 year old, but touches of it here and there are so sweet. The leopard print cardigan, the embellished tees and jeans. OK, so the lace up boots are a bit much for a Kindergartner, but can I have them??! 

Emma says: "It has all the stuff that I like! It has cheetah! (leopard print) And sparkles!"

3. GoGo Squeez

I think everyone in my house would agree that GoGo Squeez is awesome. I like it because it's organic, 100% fruit, and easy to eat. She likes it because it's yummy, has tons of flavors, and is easy to eat. Plus it's "sort of cool". At least that's what I've been told. I wouldn't know. I'm an old lady. 

Emma says: "It has lots of flavors. I bet everyone could find one they like."

4. TOMS, Lilac Paisley Youth Vegan Classic 

We love TOMS. We love that they give a pair for every pair purchased, we love that they are easy to throw on (which is awesome when you're running to get to school) and we love all the different patterns and color options. There is literally a pair of TOMS for everyone. 

Emma says: "They're pink and purple. Actually, the bottom is lavender. I love lavender! And they're swirly."

5. "Kindergarten ROCKS!" by Katie Davis. 

Have an apprehensive Kindergartner? This sweet little story will help to ease any fears your kiddo may have about the first day of school. 

Emma says: "Kindergarten ROCKS!"

There it is. 5 things she's loving right now. Kindergarten Style. Now, can I turn back time for another month or so??? Sniff Sniff. 

Happy Wednesday! And happy back to school!

xoxo

Erin 

Carrie and Brian's Maternity shoot (Verona, NJ)

I was so insanely happy to shoot for this awesome couple. And even though it was approximately 100+ degrees, and even though I'm pretty sure at times Brian wanted to jump in the pond (did I say it was HOT?) we still had a really great time..

I'm so excited for you two and can't WAIT to meet the little babe! Hope you enjoy these!

Sweet Baby G! (it's about time!)

Sweet Baby G! Can't wait to see you again!!!! 

I'm not a Carny.

There is something about having children that puts "the fear" in you. Like one day you'll totally go Bungee Jumping and then you have a kid and you're like "OH MY GOD! We're all going to die!" Maybe that's just me. But I totally used to love roller costars and all sorts of scary stuff (except for flying, always hated it, still hate it) and now I can barely go on a speed boat without freaking out. So on Saturday morning when we went to an antique show and saw the Ferris Wheel, I almost peed in my pants. I knew my kids would make me go on it. I knew my husband would make me go on it. I did NOT want to go on it. I went on it. 

I mean look at that thing. It's nothing but spit and tin-foil. Plus, it was nasty out. 

Even these two don't look so convinced. 

OK, well..maybe she was convinced. She was psyched. My palms began to sweat

Can't I just stay down here and take pictures of these cool blue and white lights. This thing seems to be run by a 15 year old Carny Boy. No offense to 15 year old Carny Boys. 

I almost passed out taking this picture. I mean I can't even believe I took it. Looking back on it, I was an idiot.

AHHHHHHH!!! I just rocked the seat! Look at how happy he is that I'm freaking out..why am I doing this again???

Oh, right. That's why. Sigh.....

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Erin 

My kids wear character pajamas. GASP! (a short rant)

I used to be a kids clothing snob. Snobbity.Snob. My oldest wore Gap and Hanna Anderson and Zutano and Kissy Kissy. Gorgeous little dresses and super cute cuddly pj's with nary a Dora or Cinderella to be seen. She had Lilly Pulitzer bathing suits and teeny tiny Minnetonka Moccasins. And then I had another kid, and then I realized that I didn't give a shit. Funny how that happens. They now own more Dora/Minnie Mouse/Tinkerbell shiny and glittery nightgowns than I can count. They love those hideous things. So yes, my kids wear character pajamas. And I may or may not have bought myself a pair of Mickey Mouse undies for our Disney Land trip next month. But that's where I draw the line! Flame away, haters. Character PJ's for life!

Happy Thursday!
xoxo
Erin

Is it Taco Tuesday? Well good!

'Cause do I have some recipes for you! GO TACOS!

Thai Beef Tacos from How Sweet It Is
Shrimp Tacos from Sam the Cooking Guy
Crock Pot Korean Beef Tacos from Pink Parsley
Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos from Skinny Taste
Crock Pot Cheddar Beer Chicken Tacos from How Sweet It Is


It's Taco Tuesday, peeps! Get it!

xoxo
Erin

p.s. shortest.post.ever.
p.p.s. OK, fine. I'll thrown in some pictures of my lunch from yesterday.

Sweet Baby P, 10 days old....

I've known sweet Baby P's mama since I was 9. That's a LOOOOOOOONG time! When she asked me to take her newborn pics, I jumped at the chance. Add in Baby P's 3 year old twin brother and sister, and I was in heaven! I love this family...

She is just PERFECT!! Congratulations!

xoxo
Erin

Tunic Love (and three really crappy iphone pics)

A couple of months ago my sister told me about a yoga clothing brand that she had just discovered, Alo Sport, and asked if I had tried any of the clothes. I hadn't, but was totally intrigued. The designs were fab, the prices better than others (ahem) and they had a really great selection of styles. My sis got a few pieces, I saw pics, LOVED them, but then never did anything about it for myself. 

Right around the same time I was checking into a yoga class and spotted some really cool looking tunics out of the corner of my eye...didn't look any further, went into class. For the next few weeks I did the same thing, spotted them out of the corner of my eye, went into class. Last week I couldn't take it anymore, I went over to see them. Lo and behold, they were Alo Sport. Duh. Today I finally succumbed, and I'm so freaking happy that I did. OH EM G. You guys, this is the Tunic-T to end all Tunic-T's.  It's so soft and so long. BUT it has a drawstring. So for those of you who aren't giants, you can make it shorter to your liking. AND it has a hood. Extra bonus points for a sexy back! It's perfection in a t-shirt/tunic/tank top. I'm smitten. I suppose I'm supposed to wear this as a cover-up for yoga, but this chick totally plans on wearing it out. A lot. Check out the (awful) iphone pics below.

Dear Tunic, 

I pink, puffy heart you...with stripper glitter. 

xoxo

Erin 

p.s. Happy Thursday!

Tomato Soup for days...

Is it cold and grody where you are? It is here. Damp and dreary and totally April. Yuck. I've gotten so used to the gorgeous weather we've had the past two months that I just can't shake the chill. I want tomato soup for days. Warm and cozy tomato soup. I've rounded up my favorites for you and threw in a couple grilled cheese recipes for good measure. Yum.

Sherried Tomato Soup from The Pioneer Woman

Michael Symon's Spicy Tomato and Blue Cheese Soup from The Amateur Gourmet

The Best Tomato Soup from I Am Baker

Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Panini from Panini Happy

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and Pear from Simply Recipes

Make yourself some tomato soup and grilled cheese and feel 6 all over again.

Happy (rainy) Monday!
xoxo
Erin

Grilled Portobello Burgers w/ Three Greens Pesto {a recipe} And why I will never be a famous food blogger

Last weekend I had this amazing Portobello sandwich at one of our favorite restaurants, Bissell House in Ridgefield, CT. It was so yummy that everyone else at the table (one who was eating a burger, and one who was eating a spicy fried chicken sandwich) wished they had ordered it instead. HA! I knew I had to recreate this beauty at home. 

The sandwich at the restaurant had an Arugula Pesto. I decided to make a Three Greens Pesto. Mostly because I had Basil I wanted to use and when I went to grab the Arugula, I realized I actually bought a mixture of Baby Arugula and Baby Spinach. Whoops! Whateves..Three Greens it was! 

The pesto recipe I used was adapted from the Arugula Pesto from Simply Recipes. Instead of using 2 cups of Arugula, I used one cup of the Spinach/Arugula blend and one cup of basil. And I didn't use all 6 cloves of garlic. Just four. I think 6 would've been way too kickin' for me. Note my lovely dirty dishes. Why yes, those are princess plates. 

The sandwich had some sort of roasted/marinated tomatoes on it. I didn't feel like roasting. LAZY. So I went with just marinating them. I adapted a recipe for Marinated Tomatoes from the butter queen herself, Miss Paula Deen. Mmmm, Grrrrll!! Instead of using parsley, I went with Basil since I used it in the pesto. My husband hates thyme. Ever since the thyme (ha! ugh) when we were super young, like 23, and I made a ginormous lasagna and dumped a ton o' thyme into the sauce instead of basil. Whoops! Tasted like dirt. But man did he eat the hell of out that lasagna just to make me feel better. What a guy. So I used some dried Italian seasoning instead. It has a wee bit of thyme but not enough to induce gagging. 

Instead of using all veg oil, I subbed in some of this amazing Lemon Olive Oil we got when we were in Napa from The St. Helena Olive Oil Co. Don't be a dumb dumb. If you're ever in the area (LUCKY!) go there! And then make the people around you (strangers) taste things that you just tasted because they were so awesome that you had to share the love. Or don't. I think it weirded people out. 

Here's the deal. I make food to actually eat. Which means, that for the most part, I take pictures of food at night. Which is a horrible idea. The lighting is junk. Unfortunately (fortunately?!) we're a real family. And my real husband works in NYC. NYC is an hour from our house. So during the week, for the most part, this guy gets home anywhere between 6:15 and 7:30. Or later. GASP! Yes, it's true. We rarely eat as a family during the week. I know, I should be put in jail. It's just the way it is! And that my friends is why I can never be a famous food blogger. That and I don't really blog about food all the time. And I forget to take pictures of the food we do eat. And I watch far too much HBO. I'm not sure if that's a reason, but it's just a fact. Oh wait, the burgers! So about 15 minutes before grilling the burgers, I marinated them in a combo of balsamic, olive oil, minced garlic and more Italian seasoning. We grilled the mushrooms on a well oiled grill for about 5-8 minutes a side. Topped with some fresh mozzarella at the end, and DONE! 

Here they are. Grilled Portobello Burgers with Three Greens Pesto and Marinated Tomatoes.  And a dirty martini. Obviously. 

Grilled Portobello Burgers with Three Greens Pesto and Marinated Tomatoes

(adapted from Simply Recipes and Paula Deen) 

Three Greens Pesto:

1 cup packed Basil Leaves

1 cup packed Arugula/Spinach Leaves

1/2 cup Walnuts

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

1/2 cup Olive Oil

4 garlic cloves, unpeeled. 

1 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1/2 tsp of salt

Directions:

1. Brown 4 cloves of garlic with their skins on in a skillet over medium high heat until the garlic is browned in spots. About 10 minutes. Let cool and peel. 

2. Toast the walnuts in the same skillet over medium heat until lightly browned. 

3. Combine greens, roasted and raw garlic, walnuts, and salt in a food processor. Pulse while drizzling olive oil into the processor. Remove the mixture and add to a bowl. Stir in the parm. Set aside. Take a few bites because it's so yummy.

Marinated Tomatoes:

3 tbl. chopped fresh basil

1 tbl sugar

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt

1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt 

1/2 tsp pepper

3/4 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup of Lemon olive oil

1/2 cup of red wine vinegar

4 to 6 large tomatoes cut into wedges. 

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. 

Marinated Portobello Mushrooms:

4 portobello mushroom caps

1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

2 tbl of olive oil

2 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 tbl minced garlic

salt and pepper

Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thin

Directions:

1. Place mushroom caps in a shallow dish. Top with marinade. Let sit at room temperature for around 15 minutes. Turning a few times. 

2. Pre-heat grill for medium high heat. Brush or spray grill with oil. Place mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting. Grill for around 5-8 minutes per sides basting frequently with marinade. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella during the last two minutes of cooking. 

Grill buns, top with pesto, tomatoes and the portobello slices. EAT! 

Yum. I'm jealous. I want one, right now. I'm kind of mad at you all for eating one when I'm not having one. I know, I'm crazy. 

Happy Friday! Have a fabulous weekend, lovies!

xoxo

Erin