MommaHaven

Dear Friends: I have a New Blog! Please come visit:)

2011-04-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

Hi friends and family!

If you would like to continue following my blog, please hop over to it's new address:

http://www.novellableu.com/

Henrik: 7 Month Update!

2011-02-24T09:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Henrik,

Your 7 month birthday sure was a fun one! You got to celebrate it in Fort Myers, Florida at Great Grandmas and Papas! You loved hanging out with your g-grandparents and Grammie Pammie! The weather was so beautiful and we loved walking! The night we flew out was one of the largest blizzards ever, we were very lucky to get out of Michigan just in the nick of time.

You continue to amaze us all the time! Down in Florida you worked on your crawling! You can now get to all fours and rock back and forth. Then you plop back down to the good old army crawl! You were quite the celebrity at the neighborhood pool! You love to scream and shout to get everyone's attention!

You got to see the ocean for the first time... Well, it was the Gulf of Mexico, but close enough!

You love facing out and taking in the ocean breeze. Mommy was so glad to see sunshine and palm trees!

dippin' your toes in the water!

You are definitely a natural when it comes to swimming! We all twirled you around the pool, and you loved it!

snoozing at the park:

with gramps and papa:

Once we left Florida, Michigan had another big snow storm! Here you are, all bundled up, watching Dad snowplow the sidewalk. I think you miss Florida's warm weather.

Mom's group is a fun way for you to hang out with all your buddies. You seem to have a baby crush on Eliana, and she even took a snooze with you in your crib. She kept trying to play with your hair! Too cute.

Now that you have mastered crawling & scooting around, you love to roll away before we can get any pants on you. Here you are rolling away and grabbing yet another remote control; your new favorite toy...

Changing your diaper always seems to take forever...you prefer to jump on your changing table for at least a minute and then roll all over. You are such a strong little man!

Your favorite time of the day is bath time! Rubber ducky is your fav!

Henrik: 6 Month Update!

2011-02-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Henrik,

You are growing up way too fast little man! Most of the time you don't even act like a baby anymore...you are such a little boy already. You love to explore and discover new things. You are in love with our coffee mugs (we don't let you have them), your feet, bathtime, your baby Einstein language DVD, your jumper, your fluffy blanket from Grandma, and anything that crinkles.

Your expression when you see a coffee mug:

You also love sitting in your high chair right next to us at dinner time. Prunes are still your very favorite, and sweet potatoes are a close second.

Right at 6 months, you figured out how to army crawl! You scoot around on your belly until you find something that you shouldn't be touching, like: lamp cords, cable cords, stairs...yep, it's time to baby proof!
Here you go, crawling towards freedom:

One time you army crawled from your blanket all the way into the kitchen! Now that we have mom's play date's once a week you get to hang out with Parker, Isabelle, Eliana, Will, and Layla! At first you were timid around all the other babies and now you are mr. popular! You also have a big belly-laugh now! It is really funny to hear you crack up:

You were also quite the model for your 6 month photos; good job sitting up like a big boy!

my favorite:

You starting teething a little this month, but so far nothing has popped through! You are still very tall, in the 98% still~! Now you love to grab things, especially Daddy's nose. You will be sitting on his lap and the next minute you have captured his nose...it is a cute little game you play! You also love to yank on Mommy's hair, or her earrings. In fact, she doesn't wear earring anymore because you have a strong grip!

We also lowered the crib for you after we found you trying to pull yourself up on morning...sneaky!

You also have developed a roll reflex that is quite amazing! If Mommy is changing your diaper (and it's a messy one) you feel the need to spin and spin and spin. Sometimes you get a bath twice a day when this happens...you think it is hilarious!

Some babies are fussy with food...not you! You have yet to turn down one kind of food! Truly amazing!

Here we are at home, this was Daddy's cousin's baby shower!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:08:00.003-05:00

Changes on the Horizon!

2011-02-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I have been busy working on my new etsy store...hopefully the big launch will be by the end of this month. I also am going to be switching domain names (website address) for my blog. I really hope all my lovely readers will follow me to the next site :)! It still will be all about Mommyhood, running 2 businesses, and of course Henrik!

Hope to see you there!

Tanger Outlet Shopping!

2011-01-25T14:21:00.000-05:00

I found tickets on kayak.com for $120 to Fort Myers, Florida! I am beyond excited to get out of snowy Michigan!! It will be Henrik's first time to see the ocean. I'm off to find him a few rash guard/ swim outfits to protect him from the sun.

Tanger Outlets in Howell have BabyGap, Old Navy & Carters:

Here are a few coupons:
BabyGap 15% off any purchase

Carter's 20% off a purchase of $50 or more.

{diapers.com and soap.com} My Two Cents...

2011-01-24T16:58:00.001-05:00

Have you checked out Diapers.com and Soap.com?

At first I thought they were overpriced, like Babies r Us...but they have truly amazing sales and very fast free shipping. There is nothing worse then getting something on sale, and having to pay 10 bucks for shipping!

I purchased Henrik's Britax Marathon Convertible Seat thru Diapers.com. They were having a 20% off sale, gave me a free $10 coupon in an email, and free 2 day shipping. They were cheaper than Amazon, Babies R Us, Albee Baby, and Target! The seat was originally $279, and I got it for $213! Also, they have amazing customer service, similar to zappos.com....free returns with NO hassle. So many places make you pay for return shipping, etc., so annoying!

Since I ordered the Britax, they have been sending me even more coupons for their sister site, SOAP.com.

I checked it out since I need to buy a few things for Florida anyways. I always buy CHI thermal hair care Silk Infusion. At Target, it is $14. At SOAP.com it was $17!

However, they gave me $10 off my first purchase, with free shipping over $25. I also needed Baby Sunscreen for Henrik, and I love Neutragena PURE 60+ SPF. They had it on sale for $8, and I normally get it for $10 at Meijer. Target had it for $8 too. So the way I look at it, the sunscreen was a draw, but I got my CHI Silk Infusion for 10 off, or $7! Since I normally pay $14, I saved myself 7 bucks.

My Overall Opinion:
I would never buy from either website without a coupon or sale. They do mark up their prices, but they have amazing sales! Unlike Babies R Us, they are cheaper than competition when coupons are involved. Babies R Us Coupons never get anywhere close to Target Prices. Can you tell I hate Babies R Us? Well I do! Total ripoff, I try to avoid them like the plague!

Lastly, hear are a few Soap.com promos. Check out your favorite Hair Care/ Skin Care products, it might be cheaper with the $10 off.

also:
PROMO 30% off Soap.com
SOAPFM
or
20% off second order
Hcare20

Happy 5 Month Old Birthday Henrik! (whoops, very late!)

2011-01-24T14:40:00.002-05:00

I started writing this in December and forgot to post it!

Dear Henrik,

Happy 5th Birthday! I remember how excited we were last year, anxiously planning your nursery! I remember for Christmas, Grannie Pammie bought you this Camo Hat! It was your first gift! Fast forward to today, and here you are wearing it:

so cute. You love the snow. You coo at it and try to grab snowflakes. You don't mind being bundled up at all!

This month you discovered your toes. You like to hold them and you try to eat them.

You also discovered your scream! Sometimes it scares you, but mostly, you like that it makes us laugh. Now you scream at the grocery store, church, home, mom's groups....really anywhere! The quieter the place, the more you like to fill it with your big boy scream. Grandma says this is "Karma" because I had a shrill ear-piercing scream just like you when I was a baby.

Changing you is a whole new kind of workout that consists of us pinning you down with one arm since you are a rolly poly. You also like to grab your dirty diaper, or grab your shirt, or your diaper cream. Taking a shirt off you can sometimes take a few minutes since you have an iron-clad grip on them! You like to see Mommy and Daddy make funny faces after you have a dirty diaper. Sometimes we wonder how someone as cute as you can create such an awful stinky mess!
Mr. Mischievous, fresh off a nap:

You also started eating solids this month! Here is your very first meal of sweet potatoes:
"What is this Stuff?"

"Oh, I love it!"

At your very 1st Christmas, you were oh so popular. All your big cousins wanted to hold you. You didn't mind!

Chillin' with the boys:

Then it was off to Dad's side of the family! It was Baby Central! Dominic, Kara, Amelia, and Natia were all there to play with you!

Here comes Kara:

On Christmas Day, Uncle Jeff spoiled you with all kinds of Tonka Truck Toys, & Grandma & Gramps got you your very first bike~

After all the Christmas fun, it was time for your Baptism. Mom & Dad were very emotional. It was so beautiful to see you welcomed into the church family. Everyone was in the Christmas spirit and full of joy. Father Dave talked about you in his homily. He mentioned how you spit up on him at the Baptism Presentation and then giggled. He talked all about how the church family, our family, and friends all get to teach you about Jesus. You are our precious gift from God!

Your Godmother Kayleigh made you a beautiful outfit! She even sewed on your Great Great Grandma Minnie's buttons.

You really liked your baptism and all the attention on you, right up to the part were you got dunked in the Holy Water! We caught it all on camera, it was so cute!

Afterwards, you were pretty tired from all the fun...so you fell asleep at your own party. You really love Papa Jerry

Your Godfather, Uncle Jeff, was so proud of you too. He even got you a special shirt from his fav' movie:

We love you, our lil' baby boy!!

O..M..G..

2011-01-13T23:16:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed that Kim Zolciak from the Real Housewives Show of Atlanta says " O M G!" instead of "oh my god!". I noticed I have been doing that too! For example, I just realized it has been almost an entire month since I have blogged! OMG For shame!!

I'd like to give a million excuses, but instead I'll just start off the New Year with some New Goals of mine! I'm sure many of you can relate to being busy! Right now I am at the Kalahari Resort in Ohio....at a work function for my hubby.

I've had time to really catch up on a lot of reading...and also I've done a lot of reflecting! Last year was a whirlwind of getting my photography business really busy and raising a newborn! I found myself up editing pictures while he slept! By the time December rolled around I was so sleep deprived and exhausted....I really needed to rest. One day my hubby told me that I wasn't moving from the couch...no computer, no iPad, no phone, just rest!

I guess I really took it to heart since Ive been away for a month! I remember thinking "Will I ever wake up feeling refreshed, or will I still just want to sleep!?"....
I FINALLY feel really rested & rejuvinated! I think I have my spunk back!

Ok, enough blabbing...after a day of reflection & hangin' out with Henrik at the baby pool here I drafted some New Year Goals for me:

1) Continue to seek Balance in my life as a new mom, a business owner, a wife!
2) To set strict hours for "work" "blogging" and "editing pictures"
3) To rest.

This year I have a Mommys helper that will help with watching Henrik once a week so I can get all my editing done. It will be a nice time for me to head into Ann Arbor and spend a day at a nice coffee shop!

I'm really looking forward to this year...so many changes in life...Henrik changes every day...I feel so blessed to be apart of it!

If you have a moment, please leave a comment about what your goals are for this New Year! I love hearing from other moms!

Taco Night Giveaway Winner Announced!

2010-12-17T20:31:00.001-05:00

Congrats to LAMusing! You won the Taco Giveaway from My Blog Spark!

I will be emailing you shortly!:)

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:12Powered by RANDOM.ORG

{Seven Slings Promo, Great Christmas/ Baby Shower Gift!}

2010-12-16T20:49:00.000-05:00

Seven Slings has a new promo code for 93% off on our 3 piece gift sets which include the Seven™ Slings baby carrier of your choice, a color coordinated pair of baby leggings and an adult acrylic cuff bracelet with matching sling fabric sealed inside! You get all 3 pieces (Reg $72) for only $5 + Shipping fees.

The code is "Christmas".

They make great baby shower and Holiday gifts!

I purchased the Carmel Latte one for my friend Erica who is due in February!

Go to www.sevenslings.com , click on "Shop Now", scroll down to the gift sets, select the one you would like (be sure to visit the sizing page to get the right size carrier for you) and you will automatically be repositioned to the center of the page where you can enter in the promo code!

Type in Christmas and it will bring your product total to $5!

We are not sure how long this promotion can last. You can use the code more than once - you just have to open a new browser/window to do so. This promotion code is valid once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like!

{Promo code for 90% off Udder Covers!}

2010-12-15T17:11:00.004-05:00

I just received an email for a promo code for

90% off any Udder Covers 3 piece gift set which includes: the Udder Covers™

nursing cover of your choice, a matching Milk Bands™ breastfeeding

bracelet and 2 pairs of 5 ply washable 100% cotton breast pads!

You get all 3 pieces (Reg $46) for only $5 + Shipping fees.

The code is "Christmas".

If you're not currently nursing, you probably know someone who is or

shortly will be! They make great baby shower and Holiday gifts!

Go to www.uddercovers.com , click on "Shop Now", scroll down to the

gift sets, select the one you would like and you will automatically

be repositioned to the center of the page where you can enter in the

promo code “Christmas”! Type in Christ and it will bring your product total to $5!

We are not sure how long this promotion can last. You can use the code

more than once - you just have to open a new browser/window to do so.

This promotion gives you 1 gift set for $5 + S&H!
This promotion code is valid

once per transaction, so you can order as many times as you would like!

Merry Christmas!

Taco Night Giveaway! {closed}

2010-12-14T23:15:00.006-05:00

Taco night is always a big hit with my hubby. Since he is an avid deer hunter...ground venison made into tacos is something he loves!

Old El Paso includes a line up of chilies, dinner kits, dips and sides, enchilada sauce, refried beans, seasoning mixes, shells, taco sauce, and salsa. We usually stock up on their taco seasoning since Mexican Night is a weekly dinner choice for us!

Get started with your own Old El Paso family taco night with this $0.60/2 Old El Paso printable coupon.

One lovely reader will win an Old El Paso “Family Taco Night” prize pack, which will include a packet of Old El Paso Taco seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili pepper serving dishes, and $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings! yummy.

I'm currently obsessed with wholly guacomole at Costco...so I plan to incorporate that with some tortilla chips into our family taco night!!
!

TO WIN: Leave a comment with your favorite Mexican style dish.

Giveaway ends this friday.

Winner will be chosen by random. If the winner doesn’t respond to my email within 48 hours, I will pick another winner. Products were provided to me and for the giveaway by the lovely My Blog Spark!!:)

{Christmas Gift Deal} Carter's 20% off $40 order + Plus Free Shipping

2010-12-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

I have been having quite a hard time finding cute, cozy size 12m outfits for Henrik. Yep, he is 5 months old and in 12m sizes! He is really tall!

Costco is having great deals on Carter's outfits & pjs. The only problem is out of about 15 outfits, I could only find one size 12m! However, carters.com is offering 20% off any order over $40, which brings it down to Costco Prices, and today there is free shipping. The promo code is JINGLE.
Also, It's nice to shop online; just filter by size instead of digging through a costco table!

I also have tons of babies to shop for on my hubby's side of the family. This is a one stop shop for this today!

Some of the cute deals:
Striped Cardigan Set for $12 with promo

Also these cute fleece jackets for $9

Promo is JINGLE

{Henrik's Baptism, TinyPrints.com Promo}

2010-12-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

I received a 20% off coupon from www.tinyprints.com for any invitation! Normally, they are pretty pricey~ but they have the cutest designs. All of their cards are also on heavy cardstock which makes a nice keepsake for his baby book!

My brother is Henrik's Godfather, and he is only in town for Christmas! We decided to have his baptism the day after Christmas, which is also my birthday! It will definitely be a little crazy, but that is normal for this time of year!

Here is his invite:

We also put a newborn picture of him on the back, which is included free!

And here is his matching RSVP website that comes with the invite...too cute: http://tinyprints.com/r768da

Here is the promo code!
2 Days Only! 20% Off All Orders | Code: TPDEC20 | Ends 12/3 | Plus FREE Shipping

Now its time to plan the menu!!

{It's Beginning to Feel A lot Like Christmas}

2010-11-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

It's my favorite time of the year! I have my Christmas Mug out already and I'm sipping some Starbucks Christmas Blend Coffee.

Since Henrik is off in nap-land, I have a few minutes to write about fun Christmas Gifts. I love Banana Bread, pumpkin bread, and cranberry walnut bread. If I had my way, I would eat just that, coffee, and maybe some chocolate. ha!

This year I found a perfect Label website for my Christmas Bread gifts for my neighbors and friends.

You can create cute food packaging for breads:

or for biscotti:

or for panfortes:

Besides the wonderful ideas, they include all the recipes! There is something so cute about a perfectly packaged gift idea, don't you agree?

I'm so looking forward to December. My photography business will officially be in "slow season" so I can spend my days baking and playing with my little boy!

Here is the website for some great ideas: http://www.myownlabels.com/

Diaper Bag Sale!

2010-11-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

Thank God for this sale, I am writing about it very late...it expires tonight:

Diapers.com is holding a private sale through Sunday.

Take 40% off select diaper bags with code psbags. Includes Kalencom, OiOi, DwellStudio, Select I’Coo, Micralite, Kelty, Easywalker, and Esprit strollers are 30% off with code psstrollers.

Tip: to pull up strollers included in the sale, type the coupon code into the search bar. To pull up the bags, type in fbbags (beats me! don’t know why it’s different from the code). Free shipping when you spend $49 or more.

The chicco diaper bag that I received at my baby shower is horrible. We broke the zipper, and it has no organization. It was like a black hole...put something in there and never see it again! I'm excited to feel somewhat organized again!

Happy 4 Month Old Birthday Henrik!

2010-11-12T15:22:00.001-05:00

Technically Henrik turned 4 months old last Saturday, but that's ok!

Dear Henrik,

At your 4 month old doctor appointment, we found out that you are in the 97% percentile in height and 70% in weight! No surprise there, you sure do eat a lot. In fact whenever you cry, we just say, "oh he's hungry again".

So even though you are 4 months old, you are already fitting into 9 and even 12 month onesies! While you look like a mini-athlete, we have a feeling you might be a musician one day. Whenever we turn music on, you stamp your feet and start talking. When Daddy plays the guitar you go into a baby trance and stare at it. If you are grumpy, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is your favorite song that makes you smile.

Mommy and Daddy make up lyrics all the time because we are a little rusty on the lullabies. Daddy's are the most interesting because they are usually way off. haha!

You love your Excer-sauser...although it is a bit like the "Circle of Neglect". I swear you only go in it when Mommy has to vaccum or enjoy a cup of coffee without you trying to grab it from her.

At Grandpa George's birthday party, we looked like the mini version of him with your little flannel shirt.

Of course you spit up on that cute shirt, so back into pjs for you. You love to stand and you get fiesty if we try to sit you down. You also are trying to read our lips already. We point to something and say what it is. First you look at our lips then you look at the object. You are very inquistive and sometimes you look like you understand what we are saying!

You are outgrowing your favorite swing! Very sad!

You let me take a few pictures of you outside. Since you have mastered the roll, you kept rolling off your pillow into the grass. You loved the grass and when I tried to pick you up you held onto the grass and ripped up large chunks! You are strong!!

You still hate blue jeans and pee all over them as payback for me putting you in them.

You love hanging out with your grandmas. They spoil you and love you sooo much!

We are so proud of your new rolling technique! So far you can roll one way and do a push up. Very Impressive! You don't seem to mind your big boy crib...I think it was harder for Mommy to not have you by her side at night. You are still sleeping thru the night, which is wonderful!!!! We loveeee you soooo oooo much!

My love for OPI Nail Polish!

2010-11-09T23:46:00.000-05:00

I finally made it over to Ulta the other day to get some much needed makeup essentials! More importantly, I remember my $3.50 off a $10 purchase coupon.

Right now they have OPI nail polish, 2 for $10...pair with the coupon and you will get 2 polish for $6.50 total. The Ulta coupon is only available this week! That is an amazing deal considering I usually splurge on them for $8 each. I love the new deep purple and wine colors for winter!

Is it me, or if your day just better when you are wearing a cute new nail color?:)

Meal Planning

2010-11-08T18:15:00.004-05:00

Lately I have been in a bit of a rut with meal planning. I feel like I make the same things over and over!

On Moneywise Moms, there was a blurb about a meal planning website called Relish! I think it is just what I need to kick start some new recipes in my arsernal. Also, with November being a very busy photography month for me...it just makes my life a little easier!

Each week you you receive an email with some suggested recipes-- or you can search the database...or even search by ingredient. The best part is that it creates a shopping list for you. Usually if I am making a new recipe I either bring the recipe with me to the store....or if I am really lazy...I just bring the whole cookbook! That way I don't forget some crucial ingredient. I love the shopping list because it is organized by aisle! I LOVE that I can just print off a shopping list...one last thing to worry about. Also when you have a list, you aren't going to feel tempted to buy a bunch of things that you don't even need. I feel lost without a list!

If you'd like to give it a try, you can use code moneywise to get 30% off your suscription, thanks to Moneywise Moms Blog!

If you've never had luck with meal planning, you may want to give relish! a try. That makes it just $14.70 for three months (even less if you sign up for a longer subscription). Meal planning can save you so much money and stress; it is worth the cost if you've never successfully meal planned on your own.

Happy Halloween & Henrik Update!

2010-11-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it is already November. Where did this month go? This is my very busy season with photography, so hopefully I can be blogging much more within the next few week!

Henrik's first Halloween was a blast! We put our firepit and patio chairs in our front lawn and passed out candy. Henrik was out by 7pm, but I think he liked looking at all the trick or treaters.

We also went on a little Halloween Parade at Grandma's house!

He wasn't too thrilled about the Dragon outfit, but he didn't cry...he just kept looking at himself in the mirror!
He loves his Grandpas!

Time for a parade with Dad!

Next Sunday he is 4 months old! He has been waking himself up around 8am every morning (he usually sleeps into 9:30-10am). He keeps trying to roll over and back and gets very frustrated. He has rolled over all the way, but then he get a little scared!

Today I woke up to hear him making noises. He was swinging himself back and forth and rolled over. Then he tried to roll back and get's stuck halfway. It's too cute. I miss my extra sleep though! haha.

We have him on a bedtime schedule of bath, feed, and a book before bed. Every 15 minutes we try to put him down to sleep...but he isn't fully "out" until around 10pm!! He sleeps through the night though so that is good! Hopefully I can get him sleeping a little earlier though.

He loves food shopping, meeting new people, and just being out of the house. He gets a little crabby if we are in the same room for too long...he is very curious!
Trying to drink a bottle by himself:

Pickin' Apples with Mom:

Mr. GQ

Sweet Dreams:

Great Diaper Deal! 234 Pampers Diapers for $21.76 or Less with Free Shipping

2010-10-21T15:34:00.001-04:00

So I LOVE my cloth diapers, but you need some disposables around for long road trips & vacations~

Check out this deal:

Right now Amazon has a box of 234 Pampers Swaddlers diapers (size 1-2 only) priced at $31.09. If you’re signed up for Amazon Mom and you enroll in Subscribe & Save the price drops down to $21.76. That’s $.09 per diaper! I don’t think I’ve ever been able to get Pampers for that cheap without jumping through hoops with coupons and store offers.

If you have one of the 20% off diaper coupons from Parents Magazine don’t forget to use it! Also, be sure to check your email and see if you received a 10% off baby product coupon for being an Amazon Mom. I received one last week. If you can combine those two with the above diaper deal you’re in for an excellent price on a box of diapers!

Remember, you can cancel the Subscribe & Save option at any time after your order ships! Just go into your Amazon account and look for your Subscribe & Save orders to cancel them.

Thanks babygoodbuys.com!!!

Halloween Treats

2010-10-20T17:40:00.003-04:00

I love that Halloween is so Avant Garde now! The wackier the better it seems. I love when people think of something creative, something outside the horror films or teeny tiny costumes.

I was perusing food network to find some Monster Punches or cute snack ideas for a Halloween Party.

I think this is hilarious, it is definitely going to get a reaction out of your guests:

The Dark and Spooky Drink:

Ingredients

Black decorating sugar, for the glass
Juice of 1 lime, plus 1 lime wedge
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup ginger beer or all-natural ginger ale
1 black gummy spider

Directions

Spread out the black sugar on a small plate. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass; dip the glass in the black sugar, then fill with ice.

Combine the rum and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake well. Carefully strain into the glass, minding the sugar on the rim. Top the drink with ginger beer and add the gummy spider.

Photograph by Kate Mathis

I think this would be cute as a kid's drink with apple cider and sprite to make it sparkle-y!

Or, if you are having a more refined dinner:

How about a pumpkin parfait?

Ingredients

13 gingersnaps, chocolate wafers or graham crackers
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
2 1/2 teaspoons bourbon
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2 cups cold heavy cream

Directions

Put 7 cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush into crumbs with a heavy pan. Brush the bottoms and about 1 inch up the sides of 6 parfait glasses with the butter. Add a spoonful of crumbs to each and roll them around the insides of the glasses; pour out the excess crumbs and reserve for topping. Refrigerate the prepared glasses.

Put 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, the pumpkin, 1 1/2 teaspoons bourbon and the nutmeg in a food processor. Pulse until smooth, about 1 minute.

Put the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power until melted, about 1 minute, stirring halfway. Add to the pumpkin mixture and process until combined. Transfer to a large bowl.

Beat 1 /12 cups cream in a bowl with a mixer until soft peaks form; fold into the pumpkin mixture until smooth. Divide among the prepared glasses and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Beat the remaining 1/2 cup cream with a mixer until foamy. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoonbourbon and beat until soft peaks form. Top the parfaits with thewhipped cream, reserved cookie crumbs and the remaining 6 cookies.

Photograph by Andrew Mccaul

{Meal Plan Monday!}

2010-10-18T16:48:00.004-04:00

This week I have alot to catch up on: Wedding Photography editing, organizing, Henrik Pictures....

so I am ready for some easy, slow cooker or grill meals!

Monday: Brats, Winter Squash, Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Pot roast!

Wednesday: Angel Hair Pasta & Meatballs, Garden Salad

Thursday: Slow CookerPulled Pork, Garlic Bread, Sweet Corn & Carrots

Friday: Quiche & Mozzarella Tomato Salad

Write out a planning sheet. you can use this weekly meal planning sheet too, but I usually just write mine out next to my grocery list. You can also post it on your family calendar...ours is on our fridge.

Consult your calendar and fill in any events that will affect your mealtimes. I always write down our plans, or who is coming to visit Henrik on what day, so I don't forget! If we are Up North for a weekend I write that down so I plan different meals on those days.

Shop your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer first. Fill in meals that you know you can make with what you have. Put easy dinners or portable feasts on those busy nights when you’ve have other plans. If I am gone all day I usually plan a slow cooker meal.

Look to the grocery ads for Loss Leaders. Build the remainder of your meal plan around what’s on sale.

Take it one week at a time. I get overwhelmed if I try to plan too far in advance. I plan my meals around whats on sale after I read the Sunday paper. I also ask my Hubby what he is craving, but it is usually the same every week (hamburgers, tacos, pork are his fav)

Henrik is 3 months old!

2010-10-14T10:35:00.001-04:00

I can't believe our lil' bear boo is 3 months old + 1 week today!

He is in love with putting his hands in his mouth. It usually starts with two fingers then the whole hand tries to fit in there! Also, if you tickle his nose, he will try to put your fingers in his mouth too!

He still has a love/hate relationship with his stroller. If you catch him after a nap, he is wide awake and would much rather be playing then in a stroller! However, I found a $5 crinkle toy that he is currently obsessed with! I just dangle it on his stroller and he just stares at it and coos. It's like baby crack!

He is still very wiggely in his bumbo seat, but he likes it! He looks like such a little boy in it (not an infant!).

He is still stares at my big camera and frowns at it.

Last weekend I had the privilege to shoot a wedding Up North in Charlesvoix, Mi! It is truly beautiful up there! Henrik slept the full 4 hours there, and back! When he finally woke up he was a little bewildered, wondering where he was! We brought his pack n' play though and that is all the "home" he needs. He will sit in there and stare at his mobile and talk to himself.

His "hi" noise is sounding even more like "HI!". If you walk into a room he gets really excited and goes "Hiiiiiiaaaah!" I swear it sounds like he is the first talking 3 month old.

He is also starting to want to do more activities. He sometimes looks bored if he is just sitting on my lap...he wants to try out the play gym, then the bumbo seat, then a walk, then a car ride, and he LOVES the Grocery store. He loves staring at everything and talking. Yesterday we were in line at the Post Office and he had everyone laughing with his squeaks and hiaaaaaaaaahs noises.