I recently saw a similar recipe in a parenting magazine and had to share my own version. What I love about it is that it tastes great for both you and baby - much better than the yuck-fest you get from baby food jars. Just remember to share with the wee one and not hog to yourself!
Winter Squash Soup
Butternut squash peeled and cut lengthwise with seeds removed.
One large sweet potato quartered.
Olive oil
One quart chicken stock
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
How to: brush squash and sweet potato lightly with olive oil. Cook for 35 min at 375 degrees. Remove and chop both into big chunks and add to boiling chicken broth - simmer for 10 min. Place everything in batches into food processor and purée. Pour back into pot and add cream and Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy with your favorite dark rye or pumpernickel bread.
Cat Nap
Monday, October 29, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Good Buy Baby: Best Baby Brands
It's amazing how much clothing your wee one can accrue in 4 months. After two checkups she's been labeled by her doc, "the most average baby you could hope for." And that's good in terms of clothing because having a kid in the 50 percentile for both height and weight means clothing sizes mean exactly what they say. Well, this isn't exactly true. So 4 months and 2 'Pass It On' events later I've compiled a list of best baby brands. Keep in mind this is unscientific, unsponsored, and based entirely on my experience alone, so take it as you will. But man what I would've given (or not given according to my wallet) to have this list sooner!
Ariel's Best Baby Brands 2012
General Overview:
CARTERS: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn, durable, no shrinkage after dryer
GAP: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn, no shrinkage after dryer
VITAMINS BABY: at least one size smaller than size shown (I buy 6 month and it fits like a 3/3-6 month), fabric ok, sewn for long thin bodies, shrinks in dryer
BABY GRAND: true to size, soft material that stays soft after continuous washing but flimsy material - more for fancy playdates than warmth, fabric pulls open between snaps (exposure of baby's legs and diaper), no shrinkage
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn yet fabric between snaps on legs stretch open to let cold air in, very soft and pretty clothing for all occassions that wash well and don't shrink
GERBER: true to size, bad materal (like itchy and full of fabric balls after on wash bad), cut and sewn badly on legs, zipper sewn badly and causes twisting of material and what I call "leg suffocation" from material pulling tightly around leg
CUTIE PIE: true to size, ok material, cut and sewn ok, fabric pulls open between snaps causing exposure, no shrinkage
SPASILK: true to size, super soft material, well cut and sewn, durable, no shrinkage after dryer
LITTLE ME: at least one size smaller than size shown, ok material, fabric pulls between snaps
Ariel's Best Buys:
CARTERS: best overall quality and bang for your buck. I love love love the Sleep n' Play outfits and have had to fight other customers at Marshalls for these when they come in. Also, rely on Carters for super soft bath towels and wash cloths that last and last.
SPASILK: again, awesome Sleep n' Plays which are all you want to put your baby in for the first month.
GAP: Best outfits for people who have the money to buy Gap anything for their kids. Honestly, I wish I had the dough to spoil my child with Gap gear!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: best clothing for visiting grandma, hands down
Spasilk's oh-so-comfy bodysuits Carters Just One You First Impressions - does that come in mommy size?
Ariel's Worst Buys:
GERBER: Poor baby Tova has had her circulation cut off more than once in these outfits, and don't even get me started on the poor quality of their burp bibs. I mean really, come on, you can't use something just a little softer for my baby's drooly-grin? I used one to attack a lazy booger and I swear it took the outermost layer of her skin clear off. You could get rug burn draping one over your shoulder!
Beware these onesies! Maybe if I buy their socks the material will file her nails for me
Ariel's Best Baby Brands 2012
General Overview:
CARTERS: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn, durable, no shrinkage after dryer
GAP: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn, no shrinkage after dryer
VITAMINS BABY: at least one size smaller than size shown (I buy 6 month and it fits like a 3/3-6 month), fabric ok, sewn for long thin bodies, shrinks in dryer
BABY GRAND: true to size, soft material that stays soft after continuous washing but flimsy material - more for fancy playdates than warmth, fabric pulls open between snaps (exposure of baby's legs and diaper), no shrinkage
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: true to size, good material, well cut and sewn yet fabric between snaps on legs stretch open to let cold air in, very soft and pretty clothing for all occassions that wash well and don't shrink
GERBER: true to size, bad materal (like itchy and full of fabric balls after on wash bad), cut and sewn badly on legs, zipper sewn badly and causes twisting of material and what I call "leg suffocation" from material pulling tightly around leg
CUTIE PIE: true to size, ok material, cut and sewn ok, fabric pulls open between snaps causing exposure, no shrinkage
SPASILK: true to size, super soft material, well cut and sewn, durable, no shrinkage after dryer
LITTLE ME: at least one size smaller than size shown, ok material, fabric pulls between snaps
Ariel's Best Buys:
CARTERS: best overall quality and bang for your buck. I love love love the Sleep n' Play outfits and have had to fight other customers at Marshalls for these when they come in. Also, rely on Carters for super soft bath towels and wash cloths that last and last.
SPASILK: again, awesome Sleep n' Plays which are all you want to put your baby in for the first month.
GAP: Best outfits for people who have the money to buy Gap anything for their kids. Honestly, I wish I had the dough to spoil my child with Gap gear!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: best clothing for visiting grandma, hands down
Spasilk's oh-so-comfy bodysuits Carters Just One You First Impressions - does that come in mommy size?
Ariel's Worst Buys:
GERBER: Poor baby Tova has had her circulation cut off more than once in these outfits, and don't even get me started on the poor quality of their burp bibs. I mean really, come on, you can't use something just a little softer for my baby's drooly-grin? I used one to attack a lazy booger and I swear it took the outermost layer of her skin clear off. You could get rug burn draping one over your shoulder!
Beware these onesies! Maybe if I buy their socks the material will file her nails for me
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Good Buy Baby! Leg Warmers
It's October and it's getting cold, but not so cold that baby has to be in a sack of fake fur (or whatever monstrosity they're trying to pedal at the store... if I wanted my baby to look hairy I'd have mated with an ape!)
The cold brings with it all sorts of trouble. You can't just put baby in a body suit because then she'll be too warm once you enter the store - and have you ever tried getting her out of snowpants in a shopping cart? Or the age-old dillema of going potty. By the time you get the bottoms off to change her diaper she's too hot up top, too cold down below, and has a jumpsuit the size of a pillow holding her back up in the kind of yoga pose you wouldn't dare try at home.
And then there's that October weather that turns from freezing in the morning to hot as heck in the afternoon. This is the weather I'm focusing on today. You bundle up baby and by the time 1pm rolls around you're both sweating and you've got to decide who gets to lose the long sleeves first while the other cries. Some pals at my playgroup (and I mean MY playgroup, babies get to entertain themselves) donned some pretty fab items last month that I finally got around to purchasing this week: Leg warmers for baby. We're talking Flash Dance leg warmers like the kind we rocked in middle school.
.jpg)
"This cow goes 'Moo-La-La!'"
These things are great! They are one size newborn to toddler and that means baby's entire leg is covered all the way to her onesie. And they're not just for girls, I've seen some rad stripes and sports themed themed leg warmers for wee guys too. And the best part? You don't have to strip them off for a diaper change. That's right, baby's legs stay toasty.
I highly recommend "My Little Legs." They come in a variety of colors or you can get a 4-pack for $20 on amazon. They are thick, durable, warm, and wash well. Tova is currently donning animal prints. These leg warmers can also be used on baby's arms if she's wearing a short sleeve and needs a warm-up.
Instant Halloween Costume - Awesome!
The cold brings with it all sorts of trouble. You can't just put baby in a body suit because then she'll be too warm once you enter the store - and have you ever tried getting her out of snowpants in a shopping cart? Or the age-old dillema of going potty. By the time you get the bottoms off to change her diaper she's too hot up top, too cold down below, and has a jumpsuit the size of a pillow holding her back up in the kind of yoga pose you wouldn't dare try at home.
And then there's that October weather that turns from freezing in the morning to hot as heck in the afternoon. This is the weather I'm focusing on today. You bundle up baby and by the time 1pm rolls around you're both sweating and you've got to decide who gets to lose the long sleeves first while the other cries. Some pals at my playgroup (and I mean MY playgroup, babies get to entertain themselves) donned some pretty fab items last month that I finally got around to purchasing this week: Leg warmers for baby. We're talking Flash Dance leg warmers like the kind we rocked in middle school.
.jpg)
These things are great! They are one size newborn to toddler and that means baby's entire leg is covered all the way to her onesie. And they're not just for girls, I've seen some rad stripes and sports themed themed leg warmers for wee guys too. And the best part? You don't have to strip them off for a diaper change. That's right, baby's legs stay toasty.
I highly recommend "My Little Legs." They come in a variety of colors or you can get a 4-pack for $20 on amazon. They are thick, durable, warm, and wash well. Tova is currently donning animal prints. These leg warmers can also be used on baby's arms if she's wearing a short sleeve and needs a warm-up.
Instant Halloween Costume - Awesome!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Eat Your Greens! Satay Spinach
While pregnant I was told more than once I needed to get my iron up - and that already included an iron supplement! I love vegetables as much as the next person (can you sense the irony) so I needed to find a tasty way to do so and spinach was the answer.
Spinach is one of those wonder-veggies - it's dark green, delicious, and super versatile. And you can't argue with it's ability to clean you out. So here's a recipe that's quick and good enough to serve at a dinner party.
Satay Spinach
When cooking spinach remember it shrinks waaaay down when it's cooked. So I start out using 3 bunches of spinach, or 4 huge handfuls if you buy fresh in the bag (like I do from Costco).
Heat olive oil to high in a large pot then lower temp to medium
After thoroughly washing spinach add it one handful at a time to the pot. Be careful because the oil may splatter at first from excess water on the spinach leaves. Load it all into the pot then cover and let the leaves cook down for a few minutes. Drain out water.
Add 2 garlic cloves diced and mix into leaves now leaving uncovered.
Add a huge hunking over-the-top spoon full of peanut butter. Allow it to melt and mix in.
Spinach is one of those wonder-veggies - it's dark green, delicious, and super versatile. And you can't argue with it's ability to clean you out. So here's a recipe that's quick and good enough to serve at a dinner party.
Satay Spinach
When cooking spinach remember it shrinks waaaay down when it's cooked. So I start out using 3 bunches of spinach, or 4 huge handfuls if you buy fresh in the bag (like I do from Costco).
Heat olive oil to high in a large pot then lower temp to medium
After thoroughly washing spinach add it one handful at a time to the pot. Be careful because the oil may splatter at first from excess water on the spinach leaves. Load it all into the pot then cover and let the leaves cook down for a few minutes. Drain out water.
Add 2 garlic cloves diced and mix into leaves now leaving uncovered.
Add a huge hunking over-the-top spoon full of peanut butter. Allow it to melt and mix in.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Butternut Squash Fries
I love fries any way I can get them. October starts squash season and that means the best fries of all - butternut squash fries! Much like sweet potato fries these take half the time to cook and taste just as sweet (if not sweeter).
What you need:
1/2 a Butternut Squash peeled, seeded and cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
How to do it:
Put fries into pan and stir in olive oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. I never bother flipping half way because it lets all the heat out.
They won't be crispy unless you separate them nicely (which I never do). I like them soggy, so I just load 'em on and put 'em in.
Enjoy with grill fare or late at night as a snack.
What you need:
1/2 a Butternut Squash peeled, seeded and cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
How to do it:
Put fries into pan and stir in olive oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. I never bother flipping half way because it lets all the heat out.
They won't be crispy unless you separate them nicely (which I never do). I like them soggy, so I just load 'em on and put 'em in.
Enjoy with grill fare or late at night as a snack.
Baby Boom for the Blues
From time to time I get down in the dumps. I love my wee one, but I miss my career too. Will I be able to go back again someday? Am I missing out on more training and trends than my colleagues? Can I ever catch up?
Then I see a movie at 2am that makes me feel so much better - smart women have been making the same tough choices since the beginning of time. And so many of the biases we get from others and ourselves remain the same.
My 2am movie last night was Baby Boom with Diane Keaton. I remember watching it with my mom when I was young and thought it was very funny then. But watching it with my husband last night was therapeutic for me and very informative for him.
"See! That's how people talked to me when I was interviewing - like I was either too fragile or mentally occupied by baby to do a proper job!" And that applied to interviews for everything from administrative positions to cashier gigs at local book stores.
Some things never change. And movies like Baby Boom help me to laugh about it instead of cry.
Then I see a movie at 2am that makes me feel so much better - smart women have been making the same tough choices since the beginning of time. And so many of the biases we get from others and ourselves remain the same.
My 2am movie last night was Baby Boom with Diane Keaton. I remember watching it with my mom when I was young and thought it was very funny then. But watching it with my husband last night was therapeutic for me and very informative for him.
"See! That's how people talked to me when I was interviewing - like I was either too fragile or mentally occupied by baby to do a proper job!" And that applied to interviews for everything from administrative positions to cashier gigs at local book stores.
Some things never change. And movies like Baby Boom help me to laugh about it instead of cry.
Friday, October 12, 2012
How To Make Your Towels Smell Better
I avoid my garage at all costs. This is due to a number of reasons:
-it's dark and creepy
-it smells like stray cats
-it's cold
-the cats run in there every time I open the door (answer to reason 2?)
-there's no place to set the baby down... etc.
This means laundry sits for longer than it should. With clothing you can fluff it up in the dryer and it's no problem - but for towels it's another story.
The result? Awful, smelly towels - like the kind you remember from summer camp that sat out wet all night in a dank cabin. Or like the hand towels grandma kept under the sink with all the moth balls. It's the worst. So how do you fix it?
Add three cups of white distilled vinegar to your next wash. Just load in all your towels, put three cups of vinegar into the prewash drawer, and run it on on the "soak and spin" cycle once. Leave it there for an hour afterwards to let it set-in (a great way to buy time and avoid the garage until the husband comes home and checks it for ghosts). Then add your regular detergent and wash as usual.
Done. Awesome.
3 cups:
plus soak and spin
-it's dark and creepy
-it smells like stray cats
-it's cold
-the cats run in there every time I open the door (answer to reason 2?)
-there's no place to set the baby down... etc.
This means laundry sits for longer than it should. With clothing you can fluff it up in the dryer and it's no problem - but for towels it's another story.
The result? Awful, smelly towels - like the kind you remember from summer camp that sat out wet all night in a dank cabin. Or like the hand towels grandma kept under the sink with all the moth balls. It's the worst. So how do you fix it?
Add three cups of white distilled vinegar to your next wash. Just load in all your towels, put three cups of vinegar into the prewash drawer, and run it on on the "soak and spin" cycle once. Leave it there for an hour afterwards to let it set-in (a great way to buy time and avoid the garage until the husband comes home and checks it for ghosts). Then add your regular detergent and wash as usual.
Done. Awesome.
3 cups:
plus soak and spinWednesday, October 10, 2012
Discussion: Removing Milk Stains
Has anyone found a good method for removing those permanently nested milk stains from your cotton shirts?
Good Buy Baby - Breast Pads
So you're home from the hospital bouncing baby in hand and your milk has come in - yay! Once the pain of fullness goes away (it will) it's time to start thinking about how to keep that fabulous miracle food from permanently staining all of your clothing (it will).
I've tried several different types of nursing pads both disposable and reusable. Not every pad is perfect and you'll have to change multiple times a day until your flow becomes stable (2-3 months). I highly recommend Johnson's Nursing Pads during those first 2 months. They hold an insane amount of milk - really. And they are solid, meaning they don't bunch up and twist about in your bra. They maintain their shape which makes them easy to remove during feeding/pumping, and put right back in again for multiple uses. And best of all? No itch! Those Lansinoh pads are always in stock in the drug store, but beware! They will make you itch and have enough packaging on each pad to stuff a mattress.
It's 3 months (for me anyway) and you've got your flow under control. You want to do your bit for the environment by cutting down on disposables (which I still use at night). I recommend Charlie Banana washable pads. I got mine on Amazon with my diaper order (Amazon has great prices on diapers!). They're perfume and dye free for sensitive skin like mine, super soft, and won't make you itch. At night just hand wash them in the sink and let them dry for use the next morning.
You're welcome retailers.
I've tried several different types of nursing pads both disposable and reusable. Not every pad is perfect and you'll have to change multiple times a day until your flow becomes stable (2-3 months). I highly recommend Johnson's Nursing Pads during those first 2 months. They hold an insane amount of milk - really. And they are solid, meaning they don't bunch up and twist about in your bra. They maintain their shape which makes them easy to remove during feeding/pumping, and put right back in again for multiple uses. And best of all? No itch! Those Lansinoh pads are always in stock in the drug store, but beware! They will make you itch and have enough packaging on each pad to stuff a mattress.
It's 3 months (for me anyway) and you've got your flow under control. You want to do your bit for the environment by cutting down on disposables (which I still use at night). I recommend Charlie Banana washable pads. I got mine on Amazon with my diaper order (Amazon has great prices on diapers!). They're perfume and dye free for sensitive skin like mine, super soft, and won't make you itch. At night just hand wash them in the sink and let them dry for use the next morning.
You're welcome retailers.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
How To Make Your Carpet Smell Better
When I go to play groups I'm always mucho impressed when someone comes in with a hand-made quilted play blanket. But then there's the rest of us (i.e., me) who were born without the ability to sew a straight line much less piece things together in a string of consistantly straight lines and come out with something you can use and possibly even display with pride at the end of it - whew! And if I'm lucky enough to get an hour to myself during the day I'm not going to spend it at my sewing machine... if only...
So instead I use towels and the carpet. But what happens when your carpet starts to get that awful smell? You know the one that's a perfect blend of feet, cats, dogs, spilt milk... etc? Well, Ross doesn't always have animal print rugs in stock and I don't always have the dough for it - so what do I do?
Baking Soda.
Yes.
Baking Soda.
Take a box and sprinkle it generously all over your carpet at night just before you crash. Take a broom and sweep it over the rug so it gets deep down inside. Leave it in overnight and ignore it for as much of the next day as you can.
When baby's asleep or willing to sit tight in your front pack get out your vacuum and run it over a few times.
Now get down on your hands and knees and take a big whiff... go on... nice huh?
So instead I use towels and the carpet. But what happens when your carpet starts to get that awful smell? You know the one that's a perfect blend of feet, cats, dogs, spilt milk... etc? Well, Ross doesn't always have animal print rugs in stock and I don't always have the dough for it - so what do I do?
Baking Soda.
Yes.
Baking Soda.
Take a box and sprinkle it generously all over your carpet at night just before you crash. Take a broom and sweep it over the rug so it gets deep down inside. Leave it in overnight and ignore it for as much of the next day as you can.
When baby's asleep or willing to sit tight in your front pack get out your vacuum and run it over a few times.
Now get down on your hands and knees and take a big whiff... go on... nice huh?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)