Kitchen Adventures

I recently had the opportunity to try Dream Dinners at a fraction of the price thanks to Groupon.  I had such a fun time going in and assembling our meals--I made 6 meals in just over an hour.  Usually, it takes me about an hour to make dinner once you include all the vegetable chopping, so to make SIX dinners in that time frame was awesome.  All of the chopping was done for me.  All I had to do was measure out ingredients and assemble them in freezer bags.  It was SO easy--and fun! They set out soft drinks, coffee and leftover goodies like chocolate chip cookies nad cupcakes.  so, I was in heaven.   

Over the next couple of weeks, we enjoyed our meals.  A typical meal needs to be defrosted in the refrigerator first.  Then, you cook the meat, add the pre-assembled sauce/glaze/vegetable medley and serve.  It took so much stress out of my evening.  I love to cook, but it's difficult with a toddler crawl-running everywhere and a husband who just came home from work and is tired.  I was falling into the spaghetti/chili/frozen pizza (eek!) rut and really needed some new ideas to spice things up. 

Going there and seeing how the whole make-ahead-meal world operates was eye opening and inspired me to do a little freezer cooking on my own.  Over the past few days, I doubled the recipe of a few of our favorites and froze the leftovers.  I have recently been cooking out of Deceptively Deliscious, and from there made and froze taco filling, bolognese sauce, and sloppy joe filling.  I also pre-assembled a new to us recipe I found through allrecipes.com for Chicken Teriyaki in orange ginger garlic sauce.  I can't wait to try it!

So, in case you are wondering what I mean by 'pre-assemble', I will break it down for you.  I did all of the prepwork for this recipe and froze it in a ready-to-cook state.  I bought some chicken breast tenderloins and threw a little over a pound in a freezer bag.  Then I took another gallon size bag and stuffed it down in a bread crumb container, folding the edges over the top.  This way, the bag doesn't fall over spilling my ingredients everywhere. I dumped all of the ingredients for the orange ginger garlic sauce in and then sealed the bag.  I even included a small freezer bag of brown rice (uncooked) just so that everything is together when I need it.  I can't wait to try it--it sounds so good, doesn't it?

Freezer cooking on my own definitely takes more time that going to Dream Dinners, but is also less expensive.  That said, Dream Dinners is still a great option for the busy family--most of their meals come in at under $4 a serving.  I just prefer to eat for much less!

She's a Big Stander

Staci is officially standing! Yesterday she did it for the first time on her own--let go of the couch to play with the card she was holding.  I don't think she even knew what she was doing, and when Max and I began clapping and cheering she had this look of bewilderment--and then a giant grin! She stood there for a good 30 seconds at least. 

Ever since last night, she has been working on her new skill.  She has already improved so much--and can stand and clap at the same time! Such a show-off :)

She has also started giving hugs on command.  It is by far my favorite new trick of hers! She has been so wiggley for months now and would never just cuddle.  I swear, one hug from her can make your heart and soul sing.

She is getting so big! She has outgrown her 12mo sleepers and is moving into the 18mo stuff now.  Which means a lot of laundry and organizing is in my future. 

Staci also has some words! Her first official word was 'Hi' and she is still saying it! Now every time we go through a door she will say hi to whoever is on the other side--even if it's no one.  She loves saying hi to the dog and kitty especially.  These are also words for her--'Duh' and 'kiyey'. Last but not least is 'UH OH!'.  she will throw things on the floor just to say, 'UH OH!'.  So. adorable. 

Wordless Wednesday

new pictures

Mandy took some amazing pictures of Staci for her one year pics, as well as a few headshots for me and my new website.  Go and see the sneak peak!  Head shots    Staci's one year pics

New Adventures

For a few months now I have been wanting to do a little something to bring some 'fun money' in, but have been reluctant to look for a job outside the home because Staci is still nursing. Also, it's important to me to get to be there for her and watch her grow up. I wish there was a job I could bring her with me to, but those just don't really exist outside of child care--and I'm just not very interested in watching other people's kids! 

Thankfully, I have this really great friend of mine who is an up-and-coming photographer.  You all know who I'm talking about--Mandy Leonards Photography.  She had the idea to have a boudoir marathon, and invited me to do the makeup for it.  It all sort of snowballed from there, and I have started my own business as a professional freelance makeup artist. 

I did a bunch of research (thank you, dear Google) and found what I believe are some of the best and most high-quality professional makeup products on the market and ordered some things to start my kit.  I'm very excited to get it all and play and practice with it!

please check out my website and let me know what you think!

Makeup By Megan Alexis

Oh What Fun, YOU ARE ONE!

Dear Anastasia,
  I can't believe this day has already come and gone.  You are O-N-E! You are the light of my life, you make everything more fun.  My friends think I'm crazy for not doing much without you--I need more 'me' time they say.  But who would want 'me' time when I could have 'us' time?  You are hilarious, you are cute, you are smart, and I love you.
  Today was a gorgeous day.  This morning I dressed you in a pretty pink dress with tulle around the skirt at the bottom and a little slice of cake with a candle on it. It was a present from Aunt Windi!  It's your birthday after all.  Your FIRST birthday, and I just had to dress you up!  I sang happy birthday to you a few times and we danced.  You LOVE to dance.  After breakfast, Aunt Mandy and Bella came over and we went for a long walk.  You honked the 'horn' on the stroller and played music for us with the buttons.  You showed Mandy how well you walk behind your push toy; you giggled at Bella.  We ate lunch, you took your nap, and then we headed out to run a few errands.  I made you turkey meatloaf (potentially your favorite food) for dinner and then it was time for bed. 
  Tomorrow is Good Friday and Daddy has the day off so we are going to the zoo to celebrate your birthday as a family.  I can't wait, I know you will love it!

--You are in 12mo sized clothing
--You just learned to clap last week
--You giggle after I laugh--which makes me laugh, and then you laugh more--it goes on for a while like this
--You are still not sleeping so well but getting better and better. 
--You still love to nurse, especially at night
--You are pulling up and cruising and just today stood for a couple of seconds all on your own
--You have now learned how to open the cabinets.  So Mommy needs to babyproof those ASAP!
--You are finally crawling on all fours more and more.  That belly scoot is way too much work!

Mommy loves you.  You are moving into an '8' year which is a money year.  Hmmm perhaps you will start your uber-successful modeling career so Mommy and Daddy don't have to worry about your college fund.  I wouldn't be surprised, you're pretty darn cute.

Another Guest Post

My photographer friend Mandy asked me to write a guest post for her blog on makeup for photography.  Go check it out for tips and tricks you need to know!