Whats for dinner?!

Is it just me, or is "whats for dinner?" the questions that pops in your head just around the time that its too late to actually find a recipe and get down to the grocery store... but early enough to sit there and ponder what you can make with the items in your kitchen.  I am not a planner.  I am not a cook... or even a take out, order in, or get out of my sweats and go out for dinner kind of person.  Not these days anyway.  There are a number of reasons I prefer cooking dinners at home these days.  One- Dyllan eats around 5pm and is in bed by around 6pm- which means we can't go anywhere after 5pm (unless we have a babysitter).  Two- I am trying to eat healthy- which rules out most take out or restaurants (for the most part).  And three- and this is a big three- we are doing our best to stick within our food budget- which is tough enough as it is.. not taking into account many meals out or takeout.  Food in Australia is expensive.  Rediculous in fact.  A block of cheese is $8.. meat is usually a treat...fruit is a delacacy (3 banannas yesterday costed me $7.50).   Lucky we "hook-up" at Bakers Delight.. a friend of Lionel's works at the bakery down the road and every Thursday at the end of her shift- we get anything and everything we want.  FOR FREE... cinamon rolls, custard berry log loafs, apple cinnamon scrolls, Vegemite and cheese scrolls, loaves of bread, hot cross buns (yes, they actually sell and eat those here.. I thought it was only in nursery rhymes!) scones.. you name it.. we get it.  So every Thursday- our fridge, freezers, and cupboards are packed with bread, bread, bread.

Yesterday morning as I was working my butt off in spin class.. it dawned on me that the reason I have been feeling so lazy and "doughy" lately.. is because of all the bread.  Duh.  I have never been a huge carb person.. I dont love pasta, and I can usually pass on breads, rice, grains.. (sweets- though.. thats a different story..another day)  and all this bread has really effected me.  There are two.... ok 3 things that taste better here in Australia:  Breads, Cheese, and Chocolate.  Yikes.  Basically until today- my diet has consisted LARGELY on those 3 things.. in any form.  Melted.. Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Chocolate ice cream bars (mini's so it doesn't count, right?), Shredded cheese out of the bag, cheese and tomato, chocolate scones, chocolate covered pretzels... you get the picture.  Ontop of all these tasty melty treats.. I live with a husband who is in training for an Ironman.  Can you imagine what he needs to eat with all that training?  Well, imagine that.. and me eating dinner with him.. pretty much bite for bite we eat close to the same amount.  (to my credit- I go to the gym and work out too... just not nearly as hard or as long as him.)

So today is the start of my road to recovery.  I am not going to order the sweet pasteries on Thursdays anymore.  (we will still get bread.. obviously.  Can't pass up a (free) good thing) but no more custards, choc chip, or apple cinamon glazed treats.  I usually make healthy choices when it comes to dinners- but my downfalls are snacks, sweets and now breads and cheeses.  So I have decided to share with you- some of the things I have made for dinner.  They are quick.  Easy. Cheap. and best of all.. Healthy.  I actually enjoy cooking these things- and they taste great- Bonus.  Once a week (maybe more) I will share a dinner that I have made- that I really enjoyed.

The first one I'll start with is this....

Last week Dan and I had our friends Mere and Eva over for dinner.  I had come up with a few ideas of what I wanted to fix before hand.  On my list was bruchetta, rocket (arrugula) and spinach salad with goat cheese and pear, and for desert fresh strawberries dipped in greek yogurt and brown sugar*. I was missing a main.  So who better to call on than one of my best friends Jessica.  The Chef.



*One of the many tasty recipes we learned from Jodi Wes

Whats for dinner? Honey Dijon Chicken..

I'll start my dinner series with this recipe...

Tomato Bruschetta

Honey Dijon Chicken

Pear, goat cheese, rocket salad

Fresh Strawberries dipped in Greek yogurt and brown sugar

Cheesecake bites

Last week Dan and I had our friends Mere and Eva over for dinner.  I had come up with a few ideas of what I wanted to fix before hand.  On my list was bruschetta, rocket (arugula) and spinach salad with goat cheese and pear, and for desert fresh strawberries dipped in Greek yogurt and brown sugar*. I was missing a main.  So who better to call on than one of my best friends Jessica.  The Chef. To get some advice on what to fix as a main.  

Jessica- hard at work

Jessica and her boyfriend, Trevor - also a chef- recently moved Mangenguey,  a remote island in the Philippines to cook and run the resort  (you can see their awesome life on their blog).  I sent Jessica and email asking for advice on the main and within minutes I got an email back with the answer.  I like that about Jessica- she is decisive, didn't give me options...just told me what to make.  She suggested honey Dijon chicken on the BBQ with cranberry and onion cous cous.  I took her advice and the dinner turned out amazing.  It was super easy- pretty quick- healthy and really good. So, thanks Jez.

Bruschetta mix, honey dijon marinade, strawberries and cheesecake

Cranberry cous cous

Pear, Rocket, Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients & Recipe

• Bruchetta:
• 6 medium heirloom tomatoes (any tomatoes will do)
• 1 red onion
• handful of fresh basil
• balsamic vinaigrette
• olive oil
• 1 pkg Greek feta
• salt / pepper
• 1 baguette

You can make this ahead of time- and let it sit in the fridge and soak up the flavor.  Basically I just make this according to taste- not measurements.. so taste as you go- you cant go too wrong.  You can cut the baguette into little pieces and toast in the over for a minute too if you want it warm and crispy.  

• Salad:
• 1 package of rocket (arugula) lettus (you can use spinach instead or spinach and rocket mixed is good too)
• 1 ripe pear
• crumbled goat cheese
• red onion
• olive oil (~4 tablespoons)
• balsamic (~3 tablespoons)
• Dijon mustard ( ~ 1 tablespoon)
• honey (~ 1 tablespoon)

Pour lettus into salad bowl- cut pear super thin- into slivers length wise- add super thin slivers of red onion.  To make the dressing whisk balsamic, olive oil and honey, then add olive oil and stir.  Taste it- and you be the judge if it needs more of one thing... I never measure- so that was just a guess.  It should taste tangy and only slightly sweet).  Top with crumbled goat cheese (you can use feta instead if you prefer). 

• Honey Dijon Chicken:
• 1/2 c honey
• 1/2 dijon mustard
• garlic- chopped
• 6 small chicken breasts (I cut some big ones in half to make smaller ones)

Jessicas directions:  "Salt, pepper and lightly oil chicken before grilling then brush with a pre-made mix of fresh chopped garlic, dijon and honey while grilling.  i would say equal parts honey and dijon, should be relatively thick and you can save leftovers, just be careful not to double dip whatever you brush the chicken with.  add minced or pureed garlic just for a little more flavor...maybe 2-4 cloves per 1/2 cup honey/1/2 cup dijon"

• Couscous:
• cous cous
• yellow onion
• dried cranberries
• Jessica's directions:  "Pair with a dried cranberry (or dried cherry or a mix of both), sauteed yellow onion (super small diced) Cous Cous pilaf.  Cook Cous Cous as directed.  Saute onions, add dried fruit, cous cous and a little water.  Salt and pepper to your taste."
• I make all my rices, cous cous, and quinoas in our rice cooker- and instead of water- I use reduced sodium chicken stalk- gives it more flavor.
• Desert:
• fresh strawberries (whole)
• Greek yogurt- 1 cup
• brown sugar- 1 cup
• cheesecake (I bought one frozen)
• Wash strawberries- put  Greek yogurt and brown sugar in separate small dishes.  Cut cheesecake into small squares and serve with toothpick. Dip strawberry in yogurt then brown sugar.

*One of the many tasty recipes we learned from Jodi Wes

Mothers day weekend

Dee Why food and wine festival

 The weather was perfect on Mothers day.  The sun was out- and so were the people.  The cafes and parks were packed with picnickers and footy games as people ventured outside to celebrate mothers day.  We were no exception.  We kicked off the day with breakfast at a little cafe overlooking Mona Vale beach- Lozzo treated the whole gang (Dan, Me, Dyllan, Lionel, Kayleigh, Brenden and Libby) to breakfast.  After breakfast we went to visit Granny- who has just come back from the hospital.  Long story short:  Granny went into the hospital a few weeks ago for an operation to remove the cancer from her bladder.  Once in the operating room- they discovered that the cancer had spread further than they could operate.  They then determined that operating was not an option and that it was more important to keep her comfortable and pain-free.  She is now at home- in good spirits (considering the outcome) and happy to have her family around.  Mothers day was no exception- she was laughing, singing, and cracking jokes all afternoon.  We pray that she will remain pain free and happy in the days and weeks to come.

After our visit with Granny and the family- Dan, Dyllan and I headed to Dee Why beach for the food and wine festival.  Great food- warm sun- and live music.  Couldn't get much better.

Saturday night we headed into the city for date night and Das's 30th Birthday.  We started out with some wine in our Starbucks cups while we walked along Darling harbor- checking out all the boats, tourists, and nightlife.  We had a cocktail at Cargo bar on the harbor and enjoyed all the people watching- couldn't believe how many batchelorette ("hen's" they call it here) parties there that night!  We got dinner at the convenient store that I use to frequent (for the bin candy of course) when I worked for Boost Mobile in the city- years ago!  Then headed to a cute, quaint wine bar to celebrate Das's 30th- with 100+ of his closest friends!  He rented out the entire bar- it was so much fun being at a bar where there are so many familiar faces.  We danced the night away and had a great time.

Wine in our Starbucks cups.  Starbucks and Sussex street.. nice.  Convenience store dinner (bottom right)

Happy Cinco de Mayo

Senoritas Dyllan and Djirri

Today is Cinco de Mayo- and sadly its not as big of a holiday in Australia as it is in America.  Today Djirri came over after school to hang out with Dyllan- and I greeted her with "Happy Cinco de Mayo!" thinking she might at least know what it was.. nope.  So I gave Djirri a quick history lesson- and she ran home to get her poncho and hat to dress Dyllan up in in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo is one of my top 5 favorite holidays - maybe it was living so close to Mexico while studying at the U of A- or it could be the fact that I grew up in a Mexican "Casa" that resembles Taco Bell.. or the all the late night Taco Bell run's even- I love salsa- and in college my room mates and I would make Taco Salad weekly- our spring breaks and out of town date dashes always involved a trip down to Mexico - at any rate Mexico and Cinco de Mayo bring back some very fond memories.  .  So naturally- Cinco de Mayo has a special meaning to me.

I will never forget Cinco de Mayo 2004 -my room mate Caryle were studying abroad in Newcastle, Australia- and we assumed everyone celebrated Cinco de Mayo around the world.  We decided to be festive and throw a party at our place.  No one had really heard of Cinco de Mayo- in fact they couldn't even translate it.  (I guess Mexican influence isnt as big over here)- so we were especially excited to show everyone a good time.  We walked down to David Jones (which is like our Nordstrom or Macys- an upscale department store) where we did most of our alcohol shopping.. (Newcastle didn't have many choices for us- and we couldn't walk anywhere else.. so David Jones it was.)  We were appalled when our case of 24 corona's rang up at $70.  We ended up buying cheap beer and making up for it in snacks.  Haha.. I dont think anyone really understood our theme but we had fun all the same.

Tonight in honor of Cinco de Mayo- I am making taco's- and maybe even margaritas!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Websites for moms

Over the last year or so I have gathered quite the collection of useful websites and resources for expecting moms and moms.  I am not a HUGE web surfer.. or book reader for that matter- so I really liked the idea of getting brief updates sent to my email on a regular basis. 

Some of my favorite websites so far are:

www.babycenter.com - This one is awesome- I signed up for this when I was newly pregnant- and each week I would get an update sent to my email on the size of my baby and what to expect for the week.  It was really fun finding out each week what fruit/vegetable Dyllan was resembling that week.  Plus it made the count down fun and exciting.  The email is brief (which I like) and gives you a summary of what's going on with links to click if you want to find out more.  I am still getting weekly updates sent to my email from babycenter.com - I usually open them- and its fun to read about what other kids Dyllan's age are doing- and what to expect at this stage.  It also has a feature called "milestones" where I can log on and record Dyllan's milestones- when she reached it and a photo to go with that milestone.  You can also share with friends and family.  Its a pretty nifty resource.

www.ebay.com - Although I haven't actually bought anything from here yet- I am thinking its a good place to buy used kids clothes.  For $10 you can get a stack of clothes in your kids size.  I have found a few I like- and Dyllan is quickly outgrowing everything we've packed. So I think I will be placing a bid soon.  I'm a big fan of second hand.. kids grow too fast to waste too much money on new.  I wish there were more second hand kids shops around here..or at least outlets..

www.groupon.com- I have purchased a few things from here- and been tempted to purchase many many more.  You sign up- get a daily groupon (group coupon) sent to your email on all kinds of things- from groceries, to hair cuts, to nordstrom rack certificates, to harbor cruises, and dinners at local restaurants.  Savings is usually around 50%!  There are other sites that do the same things like www.livingsocial.com, www.stardeals.com.au, team spreets, jump on it, and ouffer

www.mint.com - We started using this site a few years ago.  Its a great way to keep track of your financees as well as have it in your face.  You can download the mint app- and have your finances mapped out on your phone.  It also sends you emails to let you know when changes have been made (ie low balance, fee charged, deposits, etc..)  I like the budgeting tool, and the easy to read graphs and categories.

www.webmd.com- I use this site instead of google if I have a medical question- its reliable and trusted. www.askdrsears.com is also a good resource.

www.healthybitchdaily.com From the author of Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven- this is another daily email- but I enjoy the content and look forward to opening it.  Everyday is a new topic- Mondays are about food, Tuesdays about self, Wednesdays about beauty and style, Thursdays about Eco chic, and Fridays are inspirational people.

www.thenaptimechef.com- This website is full of quick and simple recipes that you can cook in a short amount of time (nap time)- emphasis is on fresh and seasonal ingredients. 

www.taste.com.au - I use this website almost daily.  Its got tons of great ideas from a variety of magazines in Australia.  I use the search bar and just type in an ingredient in my fridge- then see what it suggests I make.  You can filter your search by star rating, magazine, or meal type. 

www.food-4tots.com- some good recipe ideas for kids.

Hormone gel reduces risk of having a preemie

Do you use Twitter?  Well I recently set up a work twitter account- and started following medical journals- plastic surgeons- health news.. etc etc.. and today The New York Times tweeted this article

   In it they discuss a hormone gel that is believed to reduce the risk of premature birth in women with a short cervix. Its interesting because my doctor was a little concerned that my cervix was short- but no treatment was recommended (or probably available at the time).  Its worth a read if you or anyone you know is pregnant- and there is a chance they might have a short cervix.

Here is our little preemie- just a day old.  Its funny to look back at these photos- she was soo tiny...

First time being held by Dad.

our little fighter

Look at all that hair!  More than she has now (at 15 months!)

Mom Necessities

When you become a parent- your life changes.  Drastically.  For example- I used to shower- wash and blow dry my hair every morning before leaving the house.  The old me used to take almost an hour to get ready for the day.  The new me- 15- 20 min is all I've got- in fact today I had exactly 15 min from when basic training ended to when I had to be at Monday playgroup- to shower- get ready and get to playgroup (I was only 5 min late!).  The old me used to spend my discretionary money on things like happy hours, a new pair of jeans, candy, frozen yogurt, going to the movies.. now I find buying a pair of skinny jeans size 12-18 months and a new sippy cup more exciting- and necessary.  Priorities change, and life becomes a balancing act.  A whole new dimension is added to your marriage, your friendships, and your social life.  The day is never long enough to fit everything in- but in the same breath- some days 6:30pm- bedtime-  can't come quick enough.  Either way- its awesome seeing this little girl grow- smile- and learn.  She's got such a personality now, and she makes me laugh every day.  There is nothing more fun than being a mom- and it just keeps getting better.

Now that some of my friends are (finally) starting to have babies or at starting to think about it- I figured it might be nice to share with you guys the things that I love, I cant live without, and that make my life as a busy mom much easier.*

Starting with things for myself:

• Dry Shampoo- if you haven't used dry shampoo before- you don't know what you're missing.  This stuff has pretty much changed my life.  It totally works!  In between washes- just spray some of this stuff on your roots- or wherever it feels greasy- and viola!  Dry Shampoo- and a fresh clean looking head of hair.

Klorane Dry Shampoo- you can order it off Amazon

• Kids Club- I don't know what I would do without kids club at the gym. If you are looking for an hour (or an hour and a half) a day for yourself- to get back into shape- to help socialize your kid- join a gym. With a kids club. Not only are kids clubs cheap (mine is $3 for an hour and a half) but its also fun for the kids, great for their social skills, and the best part of it all is you get an hour and a half to get fit- AND even shower after your work out. I find that if I don't go to the gym- not only do I never wake up- I usually don't bother to get out of my pajama pants either.. or brush my hair, wash my face.. (Even if you don't like working out- its still an hour and a half you can at least pretend to cycle- as you sit there on level 0 reading a trashy magazine, listening to music or watching tv... All. By. Yourself.)
• 

  Dyllan is in the pink pants

• Group Fitness Classes- staying with the gym theme-  I rely on the group fitness classes at my gym.  I find that if I dont do a class- I do exactly what i said above.. go through the motions- reading a magazine and listening to music- but I dont get the best work out.  Since time is limited I find that the classes give you the most bang for your time.  I am a huge fan of the Les Mills classes- my favorites are: spin, body pump, basic training, abs butts and thighs, and body attack- but there are tons of classes which means lots of variety- and I don't get bored. 

Now things for babies/toddlers/kids that I love and can't live without.   Many of them I received from my baby shower.  Some have really surprised me.

My girlfriends are to thank for a lot of these amazing gifts!
Photo from Dyllan's LA babyshower with my college girlfriends.





This pillow has been amazing!  Its a bunny pillow- and I use it every day- good for sleeping- its not too bulky- you can wash the pillow case- its not too puffy- Dyllan likes playing with the ears as she goes to sleep.  Carlye got it in Chicago - but you can order it from here.

•  I didn't think babies shoes A.) Were that big of a deal. B.) Mattered what brand, size, or style you got and C.) Should cost more than $5-$20... until Dyllan got some Pediped shoes from a girlfriend.  At first I thought they looked cute.  They came in a fancy box with nordstrom wrapping paper.  How could they not be great, I thought.  Well that was August- and its now May.  Dyllan is STILL wearing her pediped's -size 0-6 months..haha... but they still fit! - they must have molded to her feet- and keep growing with her.  They are the only shoes she wears.  To the beach- to the gym- with a dress- with jeans.. these are it.  They go with everything (for the most part) and they don't come off.  She doesn't pull at them- or try to take them off- she doesn't slip out of them- or lose one at the store.  They are amazing.  Its not like I haven't tried other shoes- I've bought a pair from target- and some flip flops from kmart- and even gotten some great (looking) pass-me-downs- but nothing compares to the pediped (that I have tried- so far- but I'm sure there are other great kids shoes out there).  I finally ordered a second pair!  A girl just can't have enough shoes, right?  The only problem?  They are a bit pricey.  But I justified this by saying that one pair of these- lasts longer than 4 pairs of cheap ones- plus they actually stay on her feet!

Pediped Shoes: you can order them here or get them at Nordstrom

• Sleeping bag- I recently discovered this crazy sack when a girlfriend brought me over a stack of her daughters sleeping bags that she had outgrown.  At first I thought they were strange- bulky and uncomfortable- and didnt think Dyllan would go for it.    But it didnt take long for me to figure out why these things were made.  Genius.  Most babies kick their covers off in a matter of seconds.. meaning that you have to periodically go in an tuck your baby in again.. and again.. and then go to sleep wondering if they will be warm enough in just their pajamas.  This sleeping bag zips on over the pajamas and comes in a variety of different fabrics- from thin to thick depending on the outside temperature you can choose one that suits best.  I was surprised that Dyllan didn't mind sleeping in this sack one bit.  She can still move around and even stand up in her crib while inside her sack.  I now put it on her every night. 
  

  

  This one is from The Bambino Store

• 
  
  Baby Monitor- we only just started using this here in Australia.  Its great because we can turn it on in Dyllan's room- give Yunny and Lozzo the walkie-talkie- and go out.  They can listen for her- and we have freedom to run down to the store- get a movie- or go out.  The only thing I don't suggest (and this is TOTALLY just my opinion..) is using it all the time- turn it off when you go to bed.  Turn it off if you don't want to hear your baby cry.  Turn it off unless you are specifically listening for something (ie- if your baby is sick)  Otherwise you will sit there feeling bad that you are letting your child "cry-it-out", you will lose sleep listening to static and/or rustling around, and you will sit there and worry or stress over nothing. 
• 

  

  Sony Baby monitor from Babies R US

• 

  The Bob Stroller- This stroller is amazing!  We have my grandpa Sussex to thank for this bad boy.  We use our Bob every day- Its awesome for so many reasons- you can put all your gear in the bottom (I do my grocery shopping with this stroller!)- it has a back pouch- and you can buy a cup holder/ wallet pouch for the top.  The front wheel can be locked straight (good for running) or swivel for everyday use.  It folds up super easy- and you can throw it in the trunk.  The seat reclines so your baby can nap- and the hood comes up to block sun and rain.  You can buy accessories  like the infant car seat clip- which you can clip your infant car seat into straight from the car.  After they grow out of the infant car seat- you can convert that into a snack tray.  All around- great stroller.  I highly recommend.
• Tent- This Kidco tent was a lifesaver.  We used this tent every day.  Its essentially a portable crib- that folds up nice and small like a windshield sunshade.  I brought it to work- and Dyllan would nap in the other room for hours in this tent.  We traveled with it- we would take it with us to friends houses for dinner so we could put Dyllan to sleep on time- it also serves as a shady place to put your baby while in the park, at the beach, etc.  On top of all that- you can zip it up and rest assure that your baby wont get out.  It comes with a blow up mattress (which we never used) and a cushy liner.  The only trouble with this tent- and it was a big issue for us- is that if you don't fold it up exactly according to the directions- it gets a kink and you can't ever fold it up again.  We went through 3 of these tents (luckily just exchanges.. but still a hassle) Kidco Peapod tent from Toys R Us.
• 

The Moby Wrap- I actually splurged and bought this thing just after Dyllan came home from the hospital.  I bought it initially because Dyllan was too little for a baby bjorn- but still loved being close to me.  I was sold on it because not only can it fit preemie babies- but it serves multiple purposes- and continues to be useful as your baby gets bigger.  There are like 40 different ways you can tie this long piece of fabric- each serving a different purpose.  I forgot to pack it to bring to Australia- and Dyllan is probably getting a little big for it now- but I could probably still use it- and probably would if I had it here.  I guess I also mentioned the moby along with some of my other favorite things in this post

Moby

• Sesame Street Keyboard- um- Dyllan LOVES this thing.  She will set it up on the coffee table- and DJ while Dancing for minutes (minutes are good with toddlers attentions span).  I took a good video I will have to post on here.
  

And something I wish I would have known about before... also a great baby shower gift idea:

Monthly onsie stickers from EtsyEileen- look, you didn't have to actually cook the cupcakes to show your kids age..wish we discovered this earlier.

 *Im sure I will have to update this list- because there are so many things I am forgetting to mention here.