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