Tag Archives: planning

Toddler Cooking Party…He’s 3!

IMG_3064To say that George loves all things kitchen related would be a ridiculous understatement.  He doesn’t just like “playing” kitchen…he likes using the real stuff, carefully stirring at the stove, watching every single step and trying it out himself.  He even sort of non-verbally lures new guests or friends to lift him onto the counter near the mixer so he can touch it for a while (since he knows Jeff and I won’t).    Obsessed would be a better word to use.

Since George is still mostly non-verbal, we had to guess what theme would be best for his birthday and “cooking” popped into my head as a fun thing for all kids to do!   Here’s how we pulled it off: Continue reading

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Frozen Food Month! (or two…)

All tucked away and ready for June!

All tucked away and ready for June!

Jeff and I decided to jump on the frozen meal train for our first month (or two) with the baby.  It’s incredibly easy to get any type of food delivered in New York City at all hours of the day, but the cost and calories are ridiculous when added up.  I decided instead of depending on the famously convenient city, I would plan a little over a month of food and snacks for us so we have minimal grocery shopping each week when the baby comes.   Unfortunately, our first month will be smack dab in the middle of farmer’s market season, so not only will we miss a bit of that deliciousness in exchange for quality time with the tiny,  but I also had to plan food that was summery without needing the seasonal veggies ahead of time.  It was quite the task!

This is the master list of everything we can choose from....who needs take out?!

This is the master list of everything we can choose from….who needs take out?!

I started by doing some research on Pinterest and creating a board with frozen food ideas.  The site Once A Month Mom also helped A LOT.  Since those recipes are broken down each year by month, I was able to narrow my choices down to May through July which ensured that I would be picking food appropriate for the season.  I wrote down all my ideas, separated them into breakfast, lunch or dinner and then narrowed them down by my favorites.

Yes...I TAPED everything in despite the fact that I am perfectly capable of using the computer!

Yes…I TAPED everything in despite the fact that I am perfectly capable of using the computer!

When it came to typing up the recipes, I first established what portion of the meal could be made ahead and frozen and what portion would be better fresh.  I typed the prep recipes separately from the “on the day” recipes which also included the grocery list for the fresh stuff.

The prep recipe is on the left and the recipe for Jeff to follow while I'm sleeping...;-)...is on the right!

The prep recipe is on the left and the recipe for Jeff to follow while I’m sleeping…;-)…is on the right!

I imagine each week we’ll decide which meals and snacks we want to have, and Jeff can just jot down the grocery list from each recipe onto a master list and hit the store on Sunday!  I’m really excited to have all of our food planned for June so we can focus on being new parents.  Now I just need to precook and freeze everything before I go into labor… 😉

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Your Next Christmas Mission

(I’ll be peppering all of my posts this month with my favorite things to buy this holiday season!  Click on the images to buy them yourself.)

Artwork by Erin Rachel Hudak. 100% of the profits will go to the Humane Society Disaster Relief Fund to help displaced animals after the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.

Rosella eco resin rings with gold flakes

It’s the second week of December, so here is your mission for this week: Get those cards and gifts written, packed and shipped!   I know it might still seem early to you, but I promise this is definitely the week to get your homemade cookies, cards and gifts out there so they arrive on time.  Shipping now means you can take advantage of First Class Mail (packages under 13 ounces) and Parcel Post (packages over 13 ounces), which is WAY cheaper than Express or Priority…and don’t be duped by Flat Rate boxes!! If you don’t have something heavy to send, this will sometimes be 5 TIMES the price of weighing and shipping normally.

This year, (after a huge baking disaster last year), I will be making truffles on Tuesday for some far away friends, so my photos and recipes will be coming soon!  Jeff and I had a hilarious time shooting our photo for our Christmas card this year and I promise to reveal it once I get the actual cards sent later in the week.

Gift Shop Brooklyn sparkly clutch.

Here’s my own To-Do list for this week:

  • December 10th:  Make truffle grocery list and shop for supplies. Photoshop labels for truffles.  Finish shopping for Jeff and Joan (my mom).
  • December 11th: Make truffles all day!
  • December 12th: Pack truffles and wrap.  Fill out Christmas cards and address. Prep to ship everything.
  • December 13th: Ship all Christmas goodies.  Make party grocery list and prep charts.   Pull together Christmas party outfit.
  • December 14th: Party prep.  Design and print food labels.  Start decorating house and set up photo booth.
  • December 15th: CHRISTMAS PARTY!  Prep and cook all day.

    This is our 2011 Christmas card "album".  Just a little teaser for what's to come!

    This is our 2011 Christmas card “album”. Just a little teaser for what’s to come!

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Santa’s Coming!

Flying Bear from Mt. Royal Mint

(I’ll be peppering all of my posts this month with my favorite things to buy this holiday season!  Click on the image to buy it yourself)

It’s officially December, so it’s time to ask yourself, “How far behind am I?”

Every year, you have a choice.  Embrace the crazy and learn to absolutely love it or complain for 2 months straight and make everyone around you miserable.  If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE IT and I have some ways to make things a little easier for you this month.   Do these three essential things (after the jump) this weekend and I’ll have more fun stuff throughout the month! Continue reading

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Modern Co-ed Baby Shower

My new favorite shower activity! The guests fill out a birthday card for each year of the baby’s life, giving advice or telling a little story about that time in their own life. The new parents can give their child one each year and be just as excited to see what each one says!

This past weekend I hosted my third and final baby shower of the year, and came away with some wonderful new friends and a couple of great recipes to share with you.   I wanted this party to feel effortlessly casual and fairly un-baby-shower-ish, so I kept the food simple, decorated with bold, modern balloons and only had a few games, none of which were cheesy!   [All photographs courtesy of Aimee Almstead Photography] Continue reading

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