In the Kitchen: Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

This salad serves well on any occasion. Substantial enough to be a main course, Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo makes a perfect luncheon or shower salad.

Chicken Florentine Salad with Orzo

Serves 4-6

4 Cups Spinach leaves thinly chopped

3 Cups Cooked Orzo, chilled

2 Cups Roasted Chicken Breast,  cubed

1/4 Cup Chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes

1/4 Cup Pine Nuts

1/4 Cup Sliced Black Olives

2-4 Tbsp Brianne’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette

Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

 

Cook Orzo in salted water 8-10 minutes (or per instructions). Refrigerate to cool.

Chiffonade spinach leaves. Mix spinach, chicken, and chilled orzo with olives + sundried tomatoes.

Toss in Pine nuts.

Dress + Serve

 

Note: Cut back on the dressing for a healthier alternative – it’s just as tasty! This salad, unlike many others, keeps well dressed for a few days.

Brianna’s Home Style Blush Wine Vinaigrette

Image From Here

 

Just in case you were considering using another dressing and were needing some more justification. (I know how it is… not wanting to add another bottle to your precious refrigerator space.) It’s also delicious in a simple cucumber + red onion salad.

 

Reflections: Tea & Gratitude

Last week, for whatever reason, was REALLY long. I don’t know if it was the few nights that Daniel worked late or the 100+ degree heat 7 days in a row, or what , but I was ready for the weekend! Friday night, Daniel was working late and I had ambitious plans to get some packing and cleaning done after the baby went down. Sitting in the cool, dark nursery, rocking and singing to the baby is the surest way to kill any plans I have to be productive. Naturally, I was in no mood to clean or pack but nowhere close to being ready for bed at 7:15. Instead, I put the tea kettle on to make a cup of “Mother’s Milk Tea” (I’ve been drinking obsessively for the past few months to promote healthy lactation) and kinda zoned in front of the TV for a bit. (Something I NEVER  RARELY do!) As I finished my last sip of tea (more like… gulp. Mother’s Milk Tea –  is not delicious sipping tea) I noticed that the tag (tab?) had the following quote printed on it: 

“An attitude of gratitude brings opportunities.”

This quote reminded me of how thankful I am that we can afford for me to stay home and care for our sweet baby girl. I’ve mentioned before that it’s been an adjustment financially; requiring us to change our spending habits and reorganize our priorities. If I’m totally 100% honest, I don’t miss much at all about that pre-baby life at all. Especially when I consider what those changes mean. Sometimes it’s easy to loose track of the things we are thankful for; we take for granted some of the most important gifts. I joke about being “young and broke” but shouldn’t because we are rich in so many ways. Happiness is not found in having or doing, but in being. I need to remember to give thanks, in all seasons.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you – Thessalonians 5:18 

Tonight… I am most thankful for:

  • Our healthy and happy daughter whom I cannot imagine life without
  • My dear husband who makes the coffee every morning and loves me even when I’m cranky.
  • Our amazing families who love and support us in every way imaginable.
  • The “vintage” roof over our heads, A/C that works in 108 degree heat, and  our loyal guard Dog Durch
  • Being able to stay home with Olivia – watching her grow and learn every day.

 

Just in case you nursing mommas were wondering… Yogi makes an alternative to the popular “Organic Mother’s Milk Tea” that’s a little bit cheaper! At the recommended 3-5 cups a day, that stuff gets expensive!

Yogi Woman’s Nursing Support Tea

On Sale (right now) at Whole Foods $2.99!

Shout Out: Deena Riley Photography

A few months ago, we met up with Deena Riley to have some quick pictures done at sunset. She met us at The Filter Building at White Rock Lake – the perfect backdrop for this shoot. Deena photographed our sweet baby when she was just 12 days old in our home. We considered a few different options when we were looking for someone to take Olivia’s newborn portraits. Honestly, price was a huge consideration for us. I found packages ranging from $125 to $1500. Working with a tight budget – we wanted a package to include prints + digital negatives and didn’t want to compromise on talent! Overall, we were hugely satisfied with her friendliness and professionalism as well as the amazing quality of her work. She ran a contest earlier in the spring that allowed us to purchase a sunset shoot at an awesome discounted rate! We were thrilled to have the opportunity to take advantage of this package – Below are some of my favorite shots.

* Note: Olivia (at 4 months) was being a little stinker and WOULD NOT smile. Probably confused as to why she wasn’t in the bath at sunset.

Definitely check out Deena’s website next time you’re looking for a family photographer! 

Mom Life: My Breast Feeding Story

In celebration of World Breast Feeding Week  I thought I would share my story here. I hope you find it encouraging and uplifting… 

I was determined to breast feed from the moment I got pregnant. In fact, at my first prenatal appointment, my OB-GYN said something along the lines of “Are you planning on breast feeding? Because your body definitely is!” I was even more than determined. I was downright excited. I never considered any alternative. It was the one thing I didn’t need to do any research on… I didn’t need statistics to tell me what I already instinctively knew. So I’m going to completely skip the preachy part that these stories always tend to include and skip right to the personal stuff. 

Olivia nursed on the delivery table just moments after being born. She latched on with no trouble whatsoever. In fact, she was quite literally attached to my breast for 24 hours. I’m sure this is true with most infants in the first few days of life. Looking back, I’m not sure how I blocked out the searing pain of nursing a baby for 24 hours STRAIGHT. I mean… she literally wanted to nurse every 15-30 min. I guess I was too high on a more intense love than I’d ever felt… Finally, on the second night, with nipples that were cracked and bleeding, I called the nurse desperate for suggestions. Since obviously Olivia wasn’t actually getting anything other than colostrum, she suggested that I let her suck on my pinkie finger for comfort. I HAD NO IDEA HOW STRONG AN INFANT COULD SUCK! I was so shocked that I woke Daniel up and made him stick his pinkie in her mouth just so he could understand. I scheduled time with the lactation consultant the next day to make sure that a poor latch wasn’t causing the pain. Nope. Her latch was great. And the pain – totally normal. And it makes sense that your nipples would need an adjustment period. More than painful, it’s frustrating. And the first few weeks definitely didn’t get much better in our case. I winced when Olivia would start crying in the middle of the night for a feeding… When you’re deliriously tired and incredibly sore down there… there’s nothing wonderful about rolling over (we were co sleeping at the time) and letting a little monster latch on with the strength of a pirana. Enough about the pain, I don’t think anyone can adequately express it.

Around 3 weeks, the pain tapered and my milk supply began to adjust to Olivia’s demand.  Like a light switched, I started to really enjoy nursing. More than enjoy it… I loved it. Just as much as I thought I would. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and emotion every time I nursed. Even the middle-of-the-night feedings, I enjoyed. Nursing was, and still is, our most special bonding time. I make a point to try and keep the TV and other distractions off – which was more difficult during the first few weeks when nursing was basically ALL we did – but I really cherish the time now. I’m already trying to emotionally prepare myself for the day when Olivia doesn’t want to nurse anymore.

I read a few different books while I was pregnant about what to expect when nursing a newborn. Most sources said to expect about 10-15 minutes on each side. Quickly I learned that Olivia was a remarkably fast eater! I obsessively timed each feeding (Using the Total Baby iPhone App – Mentioned Here) for the first 5 WEEKS! Olivia never ate for longer than 10 minutes on a side – More often 6-7 min on the first side, then 3-4 min on the second side. By 3 months, she was eating in under 10 minutes total – usually only on one side. And thus started my obsession with my milk supply. When Olivia began eating on only one side, I began pumping (after almost every feeding) on the opposite side. Obviously this created an over supply problem leaving me with 100+ ounces of frozen breast milk. As you can imagine, pumping after every feeding got old REALLY quick. And… being totally lopsided was especially inconvenient when we were out and about. So I stopped pumping as frequently… then pretty much stopped pumping all together (With the exception of 1x in the morning to empty overnight excess). Naturally, my body adjusted to what it was sensing was a lower demand level. Psychologically, I knew that this would happen… but I still panicked that my supply would “dry up.” And when I say panicked… I mean stressed day and night, EVERY DAY for almost 2 months. Was she getting enough? Was she really a fast eater or was I not producing enough for her to nurse as long as other babies? So a friend, after listening patiently for so many hours, shared an article on things I could do to boost my supply. And I tried them ALL. Mother’s Milk Tea, Fenugreek, Oatmeal, Beer…. you name it, I tried it. All of which had some small effect. Almost 6 months of successful nursing and I STILL worry about my supply.

It makes me incredibly sad to think about the number of women who are equally committed to nursing but have REAL issues – supply, latching, jobs with unaccommodating bosses etc. I feel like women should be encouraged.. more than that…. supported (financial and emotional) with breast feeding. It isn’t easy at first, but there are several completely FREE resources available.  Online forums and message boards as well as local branches of LLL make finding support and information easy. In a culture that has become obsessed with convenience – I’ve found breast feeding to be a wonderful reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. I hadn’t given much thought to my opinions on extended breast feeding pre-baby. I’ve come to feel very strongly about letting Olivia decide when she’s ready to wean. I have no qualms with the appropriateness of nursing a “toddler”  and plan to nurse as long as possible. 

That being said… our breast feeding journey is nowhere close to over. 

 

Some of my nursing must-haves

Mother’s Milk Tea

Coupon Here

Aiden + Anais Muslin Blankets

I found that these are just as easy and lighter weight to cover-up while nursing in public.

Buy Here $49.95

 

Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads

These are an awesome, more eco-friendly alternative to disposable nursing pads.

Buy Here $29.99 Multi Pack     GIVEAWAY Here

GlamourMom Nursing Tank

By far, the best nursing tanks out there, pricey, but worth it.

Buy Here $59.00

 Some other great breast feeding stories over here:

world breastfeeding week blog round-up

Featured Image Here

 

Momma Meg Loves: Just Between Friends

Just Between Friends is a HUGE children’s and maternity consignment sale. Sort of like a giant community garage sale. Consignors bring their new and gently used clothing, gear, and toys to sell at this 3-4 day event. Usually held at convention center-type locations, Just Between Friends events can be found in cities all across the country. Find an event here. 

A few insider tips –

  • Register as a first-time momma (dads, and grandparents too!) and gain VIP access one day before the sale is open to the public.
  • Consigners and volunteers are also eligible for early access and presale.  Consigners who also volunteer earn a larger profit on items sold.
  • Often the last day of the sale they run everything at 50% OFF
  • Kids and Babies are not allowed during presale. The only exception – “nursing” babies who must be worn in a carrier or sling. I remember reading that strollers weren’t allowed at all… however, this is definitely not enforced. 
  • They do offer big blue Ikea shopping bags but best to bring your own/ leave with your own (full of treasures). 

My first experience with JBF was before Olivia was born. I attended the Plano Sale on the last day (knowing that the selection would be picked-over) having every intention of just looking to see what it was all about. I walked out $15 later with an armful of gently used (some even new with tags) outfits, a bassinet frame (I ditched the mattress pad + sheet set) several classic kids books and a wooden chandelier to hang in the nursery!

This weekend is the Dallas/Mesquite Sale at the Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall. Schedule Here. Thursdays are definitely the best day to shop the best selection and totally worth the $3 entrance fee (only charged on Thursday). It’s best to go with an idea of what you’re looking for otherwise it can seem overwhelming. This was my first time attending the Dallas/Mesquite sale and it was easily 4x bigger than the Plano event. 50+ people in the check-out line… definitely crowded! My friend Michelle brought a stroller in today with no problem…I have mixed feelings about stroller vs. baby wearing, definitely benefits & drawbacks either way. I’m a baby wearer and Liv stays happier but as she gets heavier it might get more challenging. 

The selection was impressive. Although JBF specifically requests only items “in good condition” – if your standards are as high as mine… you’ll find that you’ll have to dig through lots of “very loved” to find the “like new” and “gently used.”

Loot from today:

Graco Johnny Jump Up $18.00 (Similar $54.99)  

Very Good Condition. I’ve been thinking about buying one of these but just couldn’t justify the price tag (new). I’d seen the cloth variety at resale shops around town but really wanted one with a tray. Liv is already a huge fan. 

Century Wood High Chair $25.00 (Similar $149.99) 

Sturdy, Loved, Cheap – a definite DIY project. For some crazy reason, I didn’t think to register for a high chair when I was pregnant. I guess 6 months just seemed like an eternity away. But let me tell you… 6 months FLEW by. And now we’re gearing up for solids… needing a high chair. This bargain variety came with a darling teddy bear cover/cushion that I’m going to disassemble, study, and recreate (with help from Michelle – who is going to teach me how to sew – Check that off the 2012 to-do list) using fabric that better represents Liv’s little personality. Also considering a new coat of baby-friendly paint to cover the “love” marks and scratches.

Set of 2 Carter’s 9 Mo. Sleepers $2.00 (Similar On Sale $9.60 Each)

Set of 2 Gerber 9 Mo. Sleepers $2.00 (Similar $14.99/ 2Pc Set)

Definitely an awesome opportunity to find great stuff for kiddos and babies. Eventually, I’m going to get my act together enough to volunteer + sell. Any of you other momma’s ever shopped, sold or volunteered at a JBF sale? Where do you buy budget-friendly kiddo stuff?

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Some of my other local thrift and resale favs –

Once Upon A Child – Lake Highlands Location Skillman & Abrams

Green Beans Resale Boutique Mockingbird & Abrams

KidSwap – Snider Plaza – Hillcrest & Lovers Lane

 

 

Momma Meg Loves: FREE BAMBOOBIES

In celebration of World Breast Feeding Week, Bamboobies is giving away free nursing pads (while supplies last), just pay shipping!

I bought this multi-pack right after Olivia was born and they’ve saved me a bundle on nursing pads. I still occasionally use disposable ones while I’m out and about but usually wear these super-soft, washable, and adorable ones while we’re just hanging at home! The overnight ones are great for heavy leaking and… duh overnight.

Buy Here $29.99

Giveaway Here

In the Kitchen: Zucchini Nut Muffins

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Gramma G’s Zucchini Nut Muffins

2-3 C Shredded, un-peeled zucchini (1-3 zucchinis)

3 Eggs

3/4 C Coconut Oil

1 T Vanilla

1 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)

1 t Salt

1 T Cinnamon

2 C Flour

2 C Sugar or Substitute Coconut Sugar

1 1/2 t Baking Soda

1/4 t Baking Powder

In a large bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, oil and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients (Flour, Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon, Baking Powder, + Baking Soda). Mix Dry ingredients in with zucchini mixture then fold in nuts if desired. Fill baking cups 2/3 full then bake for 15-18 minutes at 400 degrees. (12 min for mini muffins)

Note: These do freeze well. To defrost, just pop in the toaster oven for 10 min (better) or microwave for 1-3 min. (Still good)

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