Getting our Greens!

Hi Friends!

I have realized over the last week how bad I've been about getting "greens" into our diet. I'm usually really good about Isla's meals and diversifying veggies but we've all definitely been in a rut the last week or two. I wanted to get motivated again so I decided this is the week of SALADS! I am not a huge salad fan --- I know, odd for a Vegetarian. I don't mind them but I usually don't crave them either. A big key to keeping salads/green in my diet is diversifying them -- which can be as small as a change in dressing! -- When something's boring I definitely don't eat it just to eat it. I should also mention.... the reason I'm blogging about this somewhat mundane goal is so I'll actually do it. A little peer pressure eh?! :)

Tonight I made a super yummy arugula salad to accompany our dinner. I love arugula because right when you get tired of romaine or spring mix you can go with arugula and shake it up. I also like that it's kind of peppery and I love me some pepper! YUM! (I actually S&P'd this like the recipe says also!)

This recipe has a super light dressing which is perfect for Summer. USE REAL LEMONS. Seriously- the dressing won't be the same without it. I added some of those crispy onion pieces from Trader Joe's and this was super delish! Check it out!

_______________________________________________________________________

Arugula Salad with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan Cheese

Recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence

Total Time:

10 min

Prep:

10 min

Yield:4 servings



Ingredients

2 bunches arugula, washed, dried, and torn

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano





Directions

In a serving bowl, drizzle the arugula with the oil, squeeze in the lemon juice, and

 sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss until well mixed and taste for seasoning. Use a

 vegetable peeler to shave thin pieces of Parmigiano over the top.


You can also find the recipe: Here

Bottles Be Gone

Hi Friends-

Big News around this place.

Isla took her bedtime milk from a sippy cup with no drama tonight! That's progress people!

#MOMWIN!

I was planning to switch her over from her usual Dr. Brown's glass bottle to a sippy cup around her first birthday. Instead, I continued nursing until she lost interest which was about 15 months and I thought it would be too much change to stop nursing and remove the bottle all at once. I tried to switch over to sippy cups around her 16 month birthday and she was not a fan.

I don't think the issue was that she was attached to her bottle but more that we couldn't find a cup that she loved to drink her milk from. She was fine using her Lollacup (that has a straw) and her sippy  cup for water but when it came to milk she just didn't like using them. I finally had enough and went on an Amazon 'cup-finding' mission two weeks ago. I didn't have much luck because she resisted the cup I liked the most out of my purchases. Unfortunately the other 2 I ordered were just too small. What baby using a sippy cup wants 3 ounces of milk?!! That's just weird! At least make it 5 or 6- otherwise you're going to have to refill (and we all know that isn't happening mid-bedtime-routine!)

Today while she was sitting in her high-chair we got out a bag and packed up all the bottles for storage. We had a little talk (i.e.: I chatted to myself) about how the bottles were for babies and she was growing up to be a 'big girl' and big girls used cups. She completely disregarded my little 'bottle-bye-bye' routine so I was a bit worried when her nap and bedtime rolled around. Naptime was her typical drama---not wanting to go down, not wanting the cup, not wanting her milk. She did eat quite a bit so I was ok putting her down without taking her milk. When she pushed it away, I just said, "ok you must be full" and put it aside. She slept great and woke up happy--- YAY ISLA! That's a miracle!

For bedtime we did her normal routine and filled up her cup. At first she shook her head at it and tried to just lay down on me. Eventually she popped up and whined for her milk. She took 3/4 of the cup and laid down again.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN FOLKS!

She went down perfectly tonight and with a CUP of milk under her Toddler belt.

YAHOOOOO!!!!

I am currently using the Thinkbaby Sippy Cup. It had mixed reviews on Amazon but I've had zero issues with it besides Isla not wanting milk from it the first time. Tonight she took it just fine. I believe they have a straw top you can interchange on the cup also!  I am also going to try the Lifefactory Sippy Bottle that my good Friend, L has so much luck with! I think it may be a good transition to a sippy since the bottle is glass like her Dr. Brown's but the top is a sippy. We still LOVE our Lollacup and of course the cheapie straw cups from Target for water!

Any other cup/transition suggestions you have please send my way!

xo.
S

Isla's Flower Girl Debut! :)

Hi Friends!

My Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law (who also happens to be one of my closest Besties) just got their Big Island Pro-wedding pics. I have been so excited to see them since Isla was the Flower Girl and I was actually in the pics this time and not behind the camera--love that! The wedding day was SO beautiful---it literally took my breath away. I had to post a couple of their 'couples' shots here to prove that point! I can't wait to put a little album together for Isla so she can look back and see what a 'hit' she was on Auntie and Uncle's Big Day!!!

Those robes!!!!!  and this midget robe--just please! 

When I was posting these on my personal blog last night I couldn't help but look at this pic and think about Isla as a Bride someday (if she chooses of course!) --- these side by side will be so sweet :) 

I absolutely love that they captured this moment: E's Best-Friend, Kels and I staring at Isla and admiring Erin in that DRESS. Oh that dress!!! 

My Sis. xoxo. 

Window smooches. 

This will be framed in Isla's room.....it's just too beautiful. 

High-Fives for Auntie. 

Spying on the boys. 

My most favorite pic of this year. These two make my heart skip a beat. 

My walking partner stole the show. 

Handsome B-Daddy. 

High-Fives Uncle D---lets Party DUDE! 

Our most favorites. (Thank GOD YOU'RE HOME!) xoxo. 

Love this pic of the guys---most of these guys went to high school together- come a long way!! 

That's my Sarah!!! Fabulous Cousin and her Hubby, Josh. Love you two! 

And just because I can't help myself---yes, that shot below is real. REAL LIFE is SO BEAUTIFUL! 

Just another reason I adore her--barefeet on lava rocks. 

The Dancing Queen wanted to party! She danced until she dropped! 

Reception in the sand. 

Isla hung in way past bedtime and I'm so glad she did--these dancing shots with Auntie are priceless. She refused to dance with anyone else---I think she was in love with that dress and those dance moves! We never needed a piece of paper making E her legal Auntie but it feels good to say it's legit--Isla couldn't be more lucky to have such a cool, fun Auntie like my E. 

Love this. 

What a night it was! Mucho love and hugs to the Newlyweds.

xoxo.
S

Sanity Saver: GW 2014

Hi Friends!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I spent mine in Yakima with my girls for Girls Weekend 2014. We were talking about how this annual trip has gotten harder and harder to plan as changes come and families grow but we've realized  just how important it is to get away and get together for one weekend a year. I like to tell B this one weekend keeps me sane for the other 362 glorious days he gets to spend with me-- (I like to count Friday :)

This one weekend of wine, laughter, relaxation and sisterhood really replenishes my 'sanity' and 'patience bank.' I went home really missing Isla's little face and sweet voice. It felt good to be back and not feel completely stripped down to my last nerve. I once again realized how vital this weekend and these sisterhood friendships are. I love you ladies....life and motherhood wouldn't be as sweet or as SANE without you.

 me + my SIL, E. She keeps me 'in-law.sane' :) 

 E & my Cousin, Sarah (our token Spokane member ;)

 Second Street- Yakima.  

 My dear Mama Friend, L-- our Wednesdays keep me SANE!

 Kana. 

 Lookout and Antolin Tasting Room. 

Tasting at Treveri--our fave, you should try this little gem! 

 Bottoms up! 

 Bubbles for the road! 

To Mamahood, Sisterhood, gallons of laughter and BUBBLES! 

Cheers to us! 

xo. 

S

PS- A special shout-out of gratitude to Isla's GG Houx who came up and stayed with her for the weekend. She loved it and they had a super fun time together! We love you guys. xo.