The Moms Dish

I've Moved to Faith&Composition!

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 21:46:00 +0000

Dear Moms Dish readers, I've moved my little blog to another space, and I hope you'll come and visit me there! Hop on over to Faith&Composition. There you'll still find pieces on gracious homemaking, intentional mothering and natural living, only instead of curating much of my content from around the web, F&C consists of nearly all my own original creations. It's a new creative outlet for me, and I sincerely hope you'll join me there! Please update your bookmarks, and if you like what you see, enter your e mail address in the sidebar to get F&C delivered straight to your inbox. I look forward to seeing you there!

Lavish & Lime - Every Purchase Plants a Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:44:00 +0000

Lavish & Lime is an "online boutique," created by a husband and wife team who wanted to make eco-friendly products easier to find for the green conscience consumer. It all started with the research and preparation for their growing family.

"When the girls came along – like most new parents – we started thinking more about ingredients, materials and the impact we were having on the environment with diapers, baggies, etc. We found there were lots of great eco-friendly products out there, just not necessarily readily available – and Lavish & Lime was borne."

Louise, of Lavish & Lime (True Cuddles interview)

Here is just a sampling of some of the greener attributes (for you and the planet) of products for sale at Lavish & Lime -- Lead-free wooden toys, PVC-free bags, Chemical-free beauty supplies, 100% Biodegradable sporting accessories, Water-conserving timers, Organic skin care, Reclaimed jewelry.

Not only will you feel good about living a little greener with these safe and healthy products for your family and loved ones, but a tree is planted with every purchase you make. Lavish & Lime partners with the non-profit organization, Trees for the Future, to continue to pay it forward to our planet and the people who enjoy it. Check out their website for some great products for you and your loved ones.

Lavish & Lime, Eco-Friendly products for Greener Living and Giving

Dust Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Want to add a bit of whimsy to your child's bedroom or playroom? Check out these fun pieces from Dust Furniture. Artist, Vincent Thomas Leman creates "abstract traditional furniture." He and his wife, Jessie, launched Dust Furniture and decided to add a witty reminder to people to keep furniture clean, or to have people "dust furniture."

"Maintaining that art can be both beautiful and functional, Vincent combined his knowledge as a fine woodworker and his engineering skills to create gravity bending furniture with personality, while leaving function fully intact."

Thred up - Swap kids clothes online

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:19:00 +0000

ThredUp.com makes it easy to have your own virtual clothes swap and outfit your kids with "new-to-them" clothes for the extra low price of just $5, plus the cost of shipping. Each member can post a box of clothes on the website to be swapped, so you just choose the boxes that you like and pay $5, plus shipping, and it's yours! It's free to join and once you do, the website keeps track of your swaps for you, that way everyone plays fair ... it is a swap, so you have to give and take. Check out thredup.com for full details and have fun swapping!

Coloring is Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:21:00 +0000

For your little artist, it's all about the process ... and when it comes to kids, that means getting messy creating their fridge-worthy masterpieces. Luckily there are art products that are safe, natural and eco-friendly. Clementine Art™ provides a host of art supplies with wholesome ingredients for your little ones to let their creativity run wild. So when your tot gets more paint in her hair than on the paper, you can rest assured knowing that her colorful appearance isn't harmful to her health.

Wonderful things can happen in a kitchen by a teacher who wants to solve a problem. Clementine Art™, was created by a teacher who wanted to promote creativity, with safe art supplies for your child and the planet. Clementine Art™ is available at a number of retailers across the USA, including select Starbucks, Whole Foods, and babyGap retailers.

Hoping this Hiatus Ends Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:22:00 +0000

As I've mentioned in a previous post, we're in the process of a little remodeling. Unfortunately, it's taken a bit longer than planned, and though Internet recently returned, my desktop computer is STILL out of commission. Thus, I've had to take a hiatus from posting, since my ancient laptop makes it difficult. Soon I will hopefully be back up and running! But in the meantime, I wanted to share with you one fun find.

Kayce Hughes is a mother of 7 and clothing line designer who has an adorable line of duds for women and children. She also has a charming home, and I'm delighted to say I'll be featuring her house tour on Domestic Ease in a few weeks. It's sure to be worth checking out, so make a note to click over there on Sept. 13. And until then, stop in at her online shop to browse these fanciful threads!

This Week at Domestic Ease

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Today I'm over at Domestic Ease. As our internationally themed month at DE continues, I'm talking about all things Asian inspired, including this yummy kid-friendly sushi recipe by Weelicious. So hop on over there, and take a look.

Sweet Finds for Little Girls

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:38:00 +0000

Baby girl is due to be here in 4 weeks, but we're still frantically preparing for her arrival. Thank goodness she really just needs milk, a warm place to sleep and a dry diaper. Of course, I have it in my mind that she needs much, much more, which means I have sewing projects coming out my ears, and a cabinet maker will be invading our home on Saturday. But in the meantime, I wanted to share some finds I've discovered as we prepare for her.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

I may have blogged about this before, but I'm making her a bird mobile using this free pattern from Spool Sewing. All you seamstresses, check it out.

Image

CUSTOM THANK YOUS

These are custom Thank You cards I designed to send out following my recent shower. I designed these sweet cards via DownloadandPrint and printed them on cream card stock. DownloadandPrint has a host of free template designs that can used for a variety of events. Hop over there and get inspired.

RUG QUANDRY

I'm currently trying to decide on a rug for her room. The first one makes my heart go pitter patter, but I'm worried I'm bringing too much neutral khaki into her room. Rug 2 is the second runner up. The fabric for her bedding is this paired with pale pink. What do YOU think? Any preferences?

Rug 1, via Calypso.

Rug 2, via Layla Grace.

Sip & See

I don't know yet if I'll have a Sip & See, but if I do, I'd love to serve lemonade or some bubbling refreshment using these pretty labels.

Or perhaps these.

POSY PARASOL

I'm loving these sweet parasols, which would make a darling photo shoot prop for toddler girls. Parasol pattern and image via Martha Stewart.

PERFECTION

And speaking of photo shoots, I am head over heels with this simple image. So sweet!

Image by Jose Villa via Shelter.

SCHOOLED
Bloom has a great post detailing what your child(ren) should know before they get to kindergarten. It has me thinking about the best ways to educate little girl and her brother.

INSPIRED DESIGN
And in my never-ending search for nursery inspiration, I came across these two sweet rooms and wanted to share. If you're looking for more inspiring nurseries, check out Nursery Notations or the featured nurseries at KenziePoo.
Nursery by Theophile & Patachou, via Nest Egg.

Nursery via Shelter.

Meal-Planning Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:24:00 +0000

UPDATE TO MENUS: I was a bit disappointed with the Quinoa Falafels (Monday). They were crumbly, and the taste was so-so. If you still want to make falafels but would like another recipe, I'd recommend this one instead.

It's been way too long since I've posted a weekly meal plan. Between preparations for our little girl arriving in four weeks (fingers crossed she won't be too late), a variety of family members who have come to stay and some remodeling projects on the house, things have been a bit crazy around here! But delay no more ... it's time to share my weekly meal planning again. So without further ado, here's what's on our menu. I hope it will bring some inspiration to your meals as well.

MONDAY

Quinoa Falafels with Tahini Sauce
Pita Bread
Photo

I just discovered The Sprouted Kitchen, and I'm loving it! It will surely become a go-to recipe destination for healthy meals. The photography is beautiful (taken by the adorable blogger's fiance), and the blogger herself looks like someone you'd want to instantly call a good friend. Her recipes look absolutely delightful as well. There are several I'd like to try. For now, I'm starting with these Quinoa Falafels. I'm serving them with pita bread for a heartier meal, and a side salad, if I feel like whipping one up!

TUESDAY

Hamburgers

Coleslaw

Organic grass-fed beef was on sale last week, so hamburgers are on the menu. I also received a head of green cabbage in my organic produce co-op, and coleslaw is a great way to use it. This coleslaw recipe is right on.

WEDNESDAY

Fish Tacos

Black Beans

Photo

Yep, they're on the menu again, but these fish tacos are some of the best we've had! Our two-year-old even loves 'em. Serve with a side of black beans.

THURSDAY

Black Bean, Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas

Green Salad

Photo

I still have spinach to use from the co-op, so it will be going into quesadillas. Top a tortilla with Monterrey Jack cheese, black beans, fresh spinach and some more cheese. Fold in half, then grill in a panini press or stovetop. Serve with a side of black beans.

FRIDAY

Pizza

Green Salad

Photo

For a couple months, I couldn't stomach my homemade pizza. But I'm back to making it now, and I'm using only basil pesto as my sauce. It adds so much flavor! Use this recipe for basil pesto and homemade pizza dough. I also like to use half pine nuts, half walnuts.

SATURDAY

Corn and Summer Vegetable Sauté

Grilled Cheese

Photo

With so much fresh corn in abundance right now, this recipe takes advantage of in-season veggies. Save some to top salad greens for lunch the next day. Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

SUNDAY

Left-overs or dinner out. Enjoy the last few hours of your weekend!

It's a stroller. It's a bike. It's a Taga!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:08:00 +0000

With the birth of my first child, I did so much research to find a stroller that could grow with my family. Be it on a walk or jog, to and from the store, or being able to add another seat to the stroller so it could carry more than one child ... I had a list of requirements that needed to be met. Luckily, I was able to find what I was looking for at the time. I still do research from time-to-time just to see the improvements and new innovations that have hit the stroller industry. I thought I had seen it all, until I came across the Taga.

By their own definition, Taga combines the fun of a carrier bike with the functionality of a luxury stroller. This high-end innovation is pretty remarkable; built with pride and designed by an international team of world-class designers, engineers and manufacturers. Taga was created with the end-user in mind, and designed and constructed to make the urban lifestyle easy to maneuver for parents and fun for children.

[According to tagabikes.com]
Taga is a multifunctional vehicle designed for families on the go. It is a baby stroller and carrier bike all rolled into one—and a means of transportation unlike any other. In seconds, Taga goes from super fun, safe and maneuverable bicycle to designer stroller that easily navigates stores, boards trains and slides into elevators. The possibilities for adventure—and reasons to buy one—are endless.

Here's a quick-list of what makes Taga a great green vehicle to move your family around in:

It's pure quality time with your child
You can ride with confidence and control
It's the only bike that transforms into a stroller
No parent workout can compare
Taga grows with your family
Invest in a truly green vehicle

Take a look at this transport option for your family. I'm kind of in love! If I lived in a more urban neighborhood, this would be my vehicle of choice.

Dancing in the Minefields

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:43:00 +0000

For your Thursday ... a sweet song to encourage each of you to take time to dance with your spouse and appreciate the blessing he is! Click here.

Image: Andrew Peterson, Dancing in the Minefields

Domestic Ease

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Good day lovely readers! It's Wednesday, so I'm over at Domestic Ease today with some fun tips for making the most of the remaining Summer days. Check it out here.

And a few more things for you to browse:

I just discovered Flowie (via Creature Comforts), and I'm loving a few of their bags. They're also having a summer sale right now!

A yummy summer-fresh recipe when zucchini is filling the grocery store shelves and farmers markets.

And if you're dreaming of a vacation to escape the summer heat ... spend some time browsing this chateau in the South of France. I have already bookmarked it for a future dream vacation (I don't know if it will ever come true, but this is about dreaming!). Alexis at Fern & Feather was immensely lucky to have recently visited there, so you can see her pics of the Chateau by visiting her blog. They're lovely!

Today at Domestic Ease

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:03:00 +0000

Today I'm over at Domestic Ease sharing some fun ways to infuse the textural appeal of burlap into your family's life. Here are a few of the charming finds, but click here to see the rest.

Cloth Diapering, a Perfect Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:11:00 +0000

My mom has been here for nearly a week, so we've been running around having fun, and in the meantime, I've been focusing on this project for my son. I tell you that because the combination has meant a severely neglected blog. I apologize! Meal Plans will be posted in a few days (I Promise, Crissy!), along with some other fun stuff!

In the meantime though, I'm planning on using cloth diapers for our little girl. So I recently purchased a couple Fuzzi Bunz at a local green-living store, but then I also recently registered forgDiapers. I'm trying to decide which may suit our needs best. What do you think about cloth diapering? Are there any systems you would highly recommend? Leave a comment and let us know! (By the way, if you'd like some great info about cloth diapering vs. disposable diapering, Kat Phillips did a great guest post on this blog. You can read it here.)

I'm also looking for some great registry shops other than the usuals. What are some of your favorite shops/online sites for baby gear and clothing?

Lastly ... a little something fun for you to browse. This nursery is absolute perfection! Quite unattainable for most, yes I know, but it's a great source for inspiration! The only downfall if this were in my home ... I don't think I'd ever leave!

Meal-Planning Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:28:00 +0000

Happy Monday! Enjoy the beginning of your week, and get inspired for some meals with these menu ideas.

MONDAY
Grilled Cheese
Tomato, Watermelon Salad

Image

After having a similar salad at a local restaurant, I wanted to make it at home. So when watermelon, tomatoes and arugula were in my bi-weekly organic produce co-op share, this week was the perfect opportunity to try the recipe. Get it from Epicurious here. Pair the salad with a simple sandwich, like a grilled cheese.

TUESDAY
Pesto Pasta
Green Salad

Image

This recipe is my own creation, so I don't have exact measurements. Use quantities to your liking and have fun experimenting. This recipe is a great summertime one, since it makes use of fresh basil and summer-fresh tomatoes.

Pasta - 8 ounces or enough to serve your family
Cherry tomatoes - halved
Black olives - quartered
Pine nuts - toasted
Parmesan cheese, grated

Get the basil pesto recipe here.

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts, then heat a little olive oil in a pan. Add the tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes, then add olives and toasted pine nuts, remove from heat. Drain pasta and pour basil pesto over pasta. Mix in tomatoes, olives and pine nuts. Top with parmesan cheese.

WEDNESDAY
Mexican Quinoa Salad

Image

Quinoa, a perfect protein that is high in amino acids, is a great meatless option, and this recipe mixes lovely summer flavors with the grain. I'll also be adding black beans and avocado.

THURSDAY
Grilled Hamburgers
Potato Salad

Image

Grill up a hamburger and serve with potato salad. We like this potato salad recipe, via Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

4 cups potatoes, coarsely diced and boiled until firmly tender
3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and coarsely chopped
¾ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
2 tbsp dill
salt to taste
Mayonnaise – a few tbsp
Combine potatoes, eggs, and pickles. Add
dill and salt to mixture and combine thoroughly. Add just enough mayonnaise to
hold the salad together.

FRIDAY
White Beans with Chicken Andouille Sausage

Image

Recipe courtesy of Natural Health. Get it here.

SATURDAY
Grilled Chicken
Cantaloupe Salsa
Green Salad

Image

Grill chicken breasts and then top it with this cantaloupe salsa, or serve the salsa on the side with tortilla chips and a green salad.

SUNDAY

Left-overs or enjoy dining out!

Have a great week!

Some Random Friday Finds

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 20:53:00 +0000

I can hardly believe Friday has come and it's now Friday afternoon! Let me be honest, the last thing I need to be doing right now is browsing the blogosphere or posting an update ... a freelance article needs to be written, the floors need to be mopped, and laundry needs to be folded. But alas the little man is napping, so I'm taking a few minutes for myself before he wakes! Here are a few recent finds that I'm loving:

*Seeking design ideas for a baby shower? These images are sure to inspire.

*This Eva & Oli diaper bag, which I recently won via a Babyccino giveaway. I'm the girl who never wins anything, so I was ecstatic to have such great luck! It arrived today from France, and it's as spectacular as it looks in the picture. Thanks Eva & Oli and Babyccino!

*This darling clothing line, EmersonMade, (via A Room Somewhere) launching Aug. 10.

*This fabric paired with pale pink cording for our little girl's crib bedding. What color combos do you like for little girls?

*This post brought tears to my eyes.

*I received quite a bit of fresh basil in my organic produce co-op share this week, so we're enjoying loads of fresh pesto. Here's a great source for pesto four ways. I'm also loving browsing this site in general, so you can bet some of the recipes will show up in Monday Meal Planning (which I promise, will resume next week).

*And speaking of food, Cannelle et Vanille is a treasure trove of eye candy, with gorgeous photos and delectable recipes that will capture your attention the moment you visit their site. The most recent post gives some inspiring dishes for eggs, and since I have 3 dozen eggs fresh from my aunt's farm in the refrigerator, I'll likely put some to use!

*Another gorgeous food blog, Sunday Suppers will have you wishing you lived inside their perfectly serendipitous photos.

*Yes, it's random and completely irrelevant, but this image makes me wish I were half as glamorous.

Image: This is Glamorous, via It's Mary Ruffle

* A sweet idea for a first-year baby book. Unfortunately, I'll be lucky enough to merely get my collection of my son's first couple years simply printed before our little girl arrives.

*And last, a book I'm going to have to seriously consider purchasing, especially since I've been thinking about ways I can be more intentional in teaching my little guy from day to day. Recommended by Bloom, if this is anything like the reading last recommendation I took them up on, it will surely be good. How are you intentional about teaching your young children at home?

Enjoy your weekend! Meal-Planning Monday will resume on Monday ... thanks Crissy for letting me know the menus are actually helpful!

Today at Domestic Ease

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Well dear readers, it's been a crazy couple weeks. So I feel again I need to apologize for my lack of posting! We were in Missouri visiting my family and recently returned, which means I'm now about to enter the flurry of laundry, meal planning/grocery shopping and cleaning that always follows the return from a trip. Although I must say it will be nice to try to establish some semblance of routine again! And speaking of routines, I'm over at Domestic Ease today discussing the importance of establishing patterns within your family. Click here to read the post, and be sure to leave a comment!!! We're giving away one $500 gift card to Pottery Barn to celebrate the launch of our new forum. All you have to do is leave a comment on a post before July 15th. Happy Wednesday!

All-Natural Clean

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Greetings friends! I'm over at Domestic Ease today sharing some of my favorite all-natural, non-toxic products for keeping kiddos (and adults) clean this summer. Click here to check it out, and be sure to leave a comment to be entered in this week's giveaway: a $25 gift card to Pottery Barn.

Meal-Planning Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Well friends, I am FINALLY feeling better, which means it's time to get back into some regular posting! So to kick off this week, here's the latest installment of Meal-Planning Mondays.

MONDAY

Fish Tacos

Rice

Black Beans

Image: Epicurious

The lime mayo makes all the difference for these fish tacos, so don't skip it. Serve with a side of frugal black beans and rice. Fish tacos recipe courtesy of Epicurious. Get it here.

TUESDAY

Southwestern Salad with Chicken

Image: StephModo

This recipe via StephModo sounds like the perfect dinner for a summer evening. Make extra chicken for tomorrow night's dinner.

WEDNESDAY

Chicken & Fontina Panini

Image: Food Network

Focaccia bread

1/4 cup Mayo

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 chicken breasts, cut into thin slices

1 cup arugula leaves

1/4 pound fontina cheese, thinly sliced

Extra virgin olive oil

Preheat a panini press or skillet. Combine mayo and mustard and top focaccia. Layer chicken, arugula, cheese and top slice of bread. Brush with olive oil and heat on the press or skillet.

This recipe is courtesy of "Brunch," by Georgeanne Brennan.

THURSDAY

Zucchini & Corn Tacos

Image: SELF

These have been on the menu before, but with the abundance of summer's produce, we like to eat these often. Try topping salad greens with your left-overs the next day for a quick lunch. Recipe courtesy of SELF, get it here.

FRIDAY

Grilled Steak

Veggies

Green Salad

Image: BonAppetit

I'm getting a little sick of pizza every Friday night, so this week we're mixing it up and grilling steak, a favorite of the hubbie's. Grill your steak and serve with a side of grilled veggies and mashed potatoes or a green salad.

SATURDAY

Lebanese-Style Cous Cous

3/4 cup cous cous

2 cups boiling water

1 pund baby spinach

1 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup chopped mint

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (rinsed & drained if using canned)

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup fresh lemon huice

3 tablespoons olive oil

Crumbled feta

Pour cous cous into boiling water. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand five minutes. Blanch spinach in boiling salted water for 30 seconds. Drain and plunge in cold water. Drain thoroughly. Chop and add to cous cous. Add parsley, mint, cucumber, tomatoes and garbanzo beans. Stir well. Combine garlic and salt in a small bowl. Add pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Whisk until emulsified. Add to cous cous, stir well and let sit 15 minutes. Top with feta and serve. Recipe courtesy of Sprouts Farmers Market.

SUNDAY

Left-overs or enjoy dining out!

Lonny New Issue

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Since I've been so under the weather, I'm not real sure when the newest issue of Lonny came out, but much to my pleasure, I discovered today that it's out! Click here to browse the enchanting pages of the 5th issue!

I love that there's a piece featuring Catherine of Rikshaw Design! I wish I could order her fabrics for our baby girl's nursery!

And an article featuring the former editor of one of my fave (now defunct mags), House & Garden:

And a few more inspiring images:

My Recent Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:39:00 +0000

Hello lovely Moms Dish readers! I apologize for my recent lack of activity in the blogosphere. Our family has unfortunately been bit by quite a bug, and within the past couple weeks, we've had walking pneumonia, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections and an ear infection, all between my husband, son and myself. Of course, it just so happens that I have been hit the hardest with it all. Thus needless to say, I haven't been up to posting much of anything. So please forgive my inactivity, and once I kick this thing for good (which hopefully is within the next couple days), I'll resume normal posts!

Until then, a post of mine is running over at Domestic Ease today. So click here to hop over there for ten easy tips on how you can green your family. And fingers crossed, I'll have new content for you here in no time!

A Few Fun Things

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:56:00 +0000

Since I clearly dropped the ball on Meal-Planning Mondays this week, we're going to simply pick it up next week. So in the meantime, here are a few fun things to peruse. Enjoy your Thursday afternoon ... Memorial Day weekend is on the way! Hope it's filled with moments a little like this:

Image

A few fun thngs:

KenziePoo - a sweet blog with great nursery decor ideas

La Petite Mag - a fun kiddo-inspired read, edited by the author of KenziePoo

Little Lovely - another fun blog, discovered while searching for girl's nursery ideas

IS*LY - crafty and inspiring

Style Me Gorgeous - design ideas from a graphic designer

Sarah Jane Studios - lovely children's illustrations

The Long Thread - crafting and sewing

Prudent Baby - another crafting blog with great nursery decor tutorials and inspiration

Shabby Apple Swimsuit Giveaway - enter this giveaway via Grosgrain Fabulous

Vintage Fringe - a sweet boutique currently offering 20% off

Smallable - covet-worthy clothing for the little ones (via DesignMom)

Lisa Leonard - a site with beautiful imagery and a jewelry store to match

Meal-Planning Monday Delay

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 26 May 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Greetings lovely readers! I apologize for the delay, but Meal-Planning Mondays will run tomorrow, due to a busy schedule and a toddler who decided NOT to nap the past few days today! Hope you had a great Monday/Tuesday, and hopefully tomorrow, the little man will take some time to do this ...

Image: mpisti

Summer Blues

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:32:00 +0000

Morning lovely readers! It's Wednesday, so I'm over at Domestic Ease today. This week I'm sharing blue-themed fun finds to help families make the most of summer. So click here to hop on over there and check it out.

Have a blessed day!

Meal-Planning Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (BJ and Shalene) — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:57:00 +0000

Good afternoon lovely readers. I hope each of is having a great day! It's hot here ... hot, hot, hot. I guess it's the start of summer! In usual Monday fashion, here are a week's worth of menus for this week. I hope you find at least a few recipes to enjoy!

MONDAY

Grilled Chicken

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Image: Whole Foods

GRILLED CHICKEN

Fire up the grill and cook some organic chicken breasts. This recipe by Real Simple for Grilled Garlic Chicken is one of my summer favorites. Grill 2-3 extra chicken breasts for tomorrow's dinner.

SPINACH AND STRAWBERRY SALAD

Recipe by Whole Foods. Get it here.

TUESDAY

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Image: Better Homes & Gardens

This recipe came courtesy of a friend of a friend, so I don't know the original source. (If that friend happens to be reading, please let me know so I can credit appropriately.) It is satisfying as a meal on its own, but serve with corn bread and a green salad if you want something even heartier. In our family, we like to top the soup with Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream and sliced avocado. This also makes a generous portion, so enjoy the left-overs for lunch on Wednesday.

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

2 - 3 cooked chicken breasts, meat shredded or diced

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, diced

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

1 can stewed tomatoes, dices

1 box chicken broth

1 can tomato soup

1 can black beans (I use dry beans that I've prepared ahead of time)

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. cumin

Combine onion, jalapeno and garlic cloves with a little of the chicken broth in a large pot. Let it simmer for a couple minutes, then add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour.

WEDNESDAY

Chicken Recuerdos De Tucson

There isn't an image for this ... my apologies! If you make this dish, photograph it and we'll run the image next week!

This recipe is courtesy of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Get it here.

THURSDAY

Corn & Summer Vegetable Saute

Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas

Image: Cooking Light

This saute is a great way to take advantage of summer's fresh bounty. Cooking Light suggests adding diced cooked chicken to it at the end for a complete meal. Here we've simply paired it with spinach and cheese quesadillas.

CORN AND SUMMER VEGETABLE SAUTE

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light. Get it here.

SPINACH AND CHEESE QUESADILLAS

Top whole wheat quesadillas with shredded monterey jack cheese and fresh spinach. Fold over. Press in a heated panini press or heat stovetop in a griddle.

FRIDAY

Homemade Pizza

Image: Eating Well

Ahh ... Fridays are pizza days! And though we usually stick to the same tried-and-true recipe (click here and scroll down to Friday for my favorite pizza dough recipe), I do like to mix it up one way or another.

This week, try this homemade pizza sauce and top with your favorite toppings.

SATURDAY

Corn and Potato Chowder

Green Salad

Image: Cooking Light

Perfect for a weekend dinner, you can make this ahead of time if you're busy and reheat before serving. Serve with a green salad.

CORN AND POTATO CHOWDER

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light. Get it here.

SUNDAY

Left overs or dine out! Enjoy your Sunday evening!