Easy Fish Tacos

February 22, 2015

When it comes to making dinner I am drawn to “easy” recipes. Why make things hard on yourself if you don’t have to? You won’t find any crazy ingredients in my recipes. In fact, I always find myself laughing at certain TV show Chefs who boast the easy peasiness (is that a word? My spell check is currently saying no. I am saying yes and just made it one) of a dish they made before the camera using ingredients I am not sure are sold in grocery stores within a 100 mile radius from here. If a recipe calls for an ingredient that I need to Google to know what it is, I usually mentally check out.

I say hail to the easy recipes of this world and want to provide one to add to your repertoire. If you love fish tacos, then I think you will enjoy this dish. It is light and tasty. Good news – if you make this recipe during the brutal winter months like I have, well then boys and girls, for a brief moment old man winter knocking outside your door morphs into a good looking pool boy on standby with a refreshing Pina colada. This recipe seriously reminds me of summer!

So, if you don’t want to take my word for it take the imaginary pool boy’s. Let’s go!
Easy Fish Tacos:
Serves 2 – 4

Fish prep

1 – 1.5 lbs of Cod
Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper and Garlic Powder to taste

Slaw prep

2 Cups – Packaged Cole Slaw with Carrot
4 – Green Onion Bulbs – Diced (both white and green part)
1 – Garlic Clove – Minced
1 – Lime (Juice)
1 – Avocado – Diced
Salt and Pepper to taste

Sauce prep

1/2 Cup – Sour Cream
1 – Lime (Juice)
1/2 tsp of Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp of Chili Powder

Extra ingredients

Tortillas (I use small corn, served warm)
1 – Can of Black Beans

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange Cod on a baking sheet and season both sides with Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper and Garlic Powder to taste. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While fish bakes, prepare the slaw and sauce. For the slaw, combine the Cole Slaw Mix, diced Green Onion Bulbs, minced Garlic Clove, juice of one Lime and diced Avocado in a bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl mix the Sour Cream, juice of one Lime, Garlic Powder and Chili Powder. Once the fish is done cooking, move the cooked fish to a bowl and shred. To assemble, heat the tortillas in the microwave. Be sure to cover with a paper towel. Cook for 15 – 20 seconds. Spread the sauce down the middle of the Tortilla, add a spoonful of fish, top with slaw and serve. I cooked Black Beans on the stove top and served on the side. Enjoy!

Eating My Words

February 20, 2015

My little Lo Bug, as I like to call her, turns a whopping two months old today. Yes, I am shedding a tear as I write this. No, I am not dramatic and I am sure all my fellow mother friends out there can relate to this feeling. The feeling of time. Precious, precious time.

I can’t believe we have hit this milestone already. Looking back to the wee hours of the morning on December 20th, when she arrived, already feels so far away. Those first few days and weeks when I was really not sleeping, new to the whole motherhood gig and really just starting to get to know my baby, I like to refer to those days as the walking zombie phase. During those early days I paced the floor, doing the typical “mom” bounce that we all develop, shushing my crying little one, in sweats that I was going on day three of wearing (don’t judge!) and thinking… “I will never sleep again. I will never figure this out. I will never be myself again.”

Now I am eating those words and so many others.

“I will never sleep again!” Yes, yes you will. And, I have! Thankfully. No, it is not the same sleep as my childless self, but baby does adapt and start to get on a schedule. Some nights are better than others but you do find sleep as time progresses. At two months, I am still exhausted, and no, baby does not sleep through the night yet, but she is starting to sleep at longer stretches, giving me, some much needed shut eye.

“I will never breastfeed.” This was me prior to being pregnant and even for the first good half of my pregnancy. It wasn’t until I started reading (translation becoming a professional “Googler”) that I started to consider breastfeeding after learning about the benefits for both baby and Mom. I scheduled myself for a Breastfeeding Class during my pregnancy and that is what sealed the deal for me to give it a try. I am not advocating breastfeeding here. In fact, to be honest, I supplement baby Lo with formula as well. That is what works for me and you will find out what works for you too. However, I never thought I would do it, but here I am 8 weeks later, still going strong and actually enjoying.

“I will never give my baby a pacifier.” Really? Yes. I will admit that I actually thought and said this before. I always felt like a pacifier was an unnecessary soother and that there had to be other means to calm baby. HaHa – oh silly girl! Tell that to a Mom as she is trying to calm her precious baby that seemed to morph into a screech owl. Just kidding, people! I was also so fearful of starting a habit that I would eventually have to break. Guess what? I will cross that bridge when I get there, but for now, baby Lo is grateful for the binkie (what we call it around here in Mountain Maryland) and so am I!

“I will never figure this out.” Oh, my dear, yes, yes you will. I remember questioning everything I did. I think I texted my mother play by plays of every sound baby Lo made. I even recorded her hiccups once because they sounded so deep that I thought for sure something was wrong. I sent the video to my mother asking… “is this normal?” Then after she declared yes, I still asked baby Lo’s pediatrician TWICE, yes, two times people, in the same appointment. Oh, first time Mom worries. I am not over this hump yet, far from it, but my worries from yesterday subside for new worries, and you start to figure it out.

“I will never let my baby into my bed.” Baby has her bed. Mommy and Daddy have theirs. There is no mixing. I did not want again, a habit. Have you seen a cute little infant in sweet PJ’s with morning eyes and yawns starring at you from their bassinet or crib? Seriously, it is the sweetest thing! You want to swoop them up and squeeze them and snuggle all morning. And, that is just what we have done and do. It doesn’t get better. They get cuter! Now my mind thinks… they are only little once. Enjoy these moments. I think now is the part where I should state to learn about SIDS. Bringing baby into your bed does have its risks. You can learn more Here.

“I will never let myself go.” I did not realize pre-baby how much time baby takes from you. Doing my hair, make-up and getting dressed takes time. I will state again… it takes time. There are days when I debate how to use my “free” time to do dishes, laundry, watch an episode of Real Housewives or Gasp! take a nap. I threw this “I never” out the window the first week. Enough said.

“I will never put work on the back burner.” This one surprised me the most! During my pregnancy I was so proud to state, “I will take 5 weeks off and be back to work.” I thought I was superwoman. Many people questioned me and I quickly shot them down. Work needs me, I need work, I will be back just as soon as I can. After a surprise C-Section – Read Here – I was required to take at least 8 weeks. What I did not realize was how quickly I bonded with my baby and how being superwoman now has everything to do with her and being a Mom.

“I will never be myself again.” Oh, this one is a dozy. Hormones are raging the weeks after baby. Sleep, Ha! Who needs sleep? You feel so unlike your former self it is almost heartbreaking. Although, slowly glimpses of the old me started to shine through. The best part of this revelation for me is that my never statement is part true. “I will never be myself again” No, you will not. Why? Because you are a better you. I am a better me. Babies do crazy things to you. In a really, really good way.

Do you have any words you have eaten when you became a parent? Please share below!

Marsala, And I Don’t Mean Chicken…

February 8, 2015

Pantone has collaborated again to bring us their Fashion Report for Spring 2015. This year’s colors have a softer theme than last season. (Here is the recap I did of their Spring 2014 picks with some style looks). Overall, looking at the colors it did resemble last seasons, with one big difference… marsala, and I don’t mean chicken! I had to go throw in a joke. A bad one, but a joke still.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. – Leatrice Eisema, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute^®

Photo courtesy of Pantone.com

To be honest, marsala reminds me more of a Fall / Winter look. Therefore, I found it interesting to see if Pantone’s “color of the year” pick translated well into wardrobe options for the Spring. Surprisingly, my search uncovered some great fashion items of all different price points. Here are some styles I am eyeing up this season.

From left to right – 1. Jacket – Gap – 88.00 (Currently, a 30% Off Sale! Use MORE) | 2. Long Sleeve – Forever 21 – 12.90 | 3. Pants – Old Navy – 34.94 (Currently on sale for 24.97) | 4. Flats – ModCloth – 29.99 | 5. Purse – Michael Kors – 298.00 | 6. Necklace – ModCloth – 39.99

As the season changes, I will update the Blog with some new picks. Do you have any favorite marsala items? If so, please feel free to share links in the comment section below.

Snack Attack Smoothie

February 3, 2015

6 weeks post baby and I have learned that the day slips away from you. One moment you are feeding your baby at 5:30 am, then you blink and you are rocking your baby after multiple diaper changes, additional feedings and cooing sessions and the clock reads 3:30 pm. It is easy to not eat at all or eat really badly. I will admit… I am a sucker for Oreo’s and will sneak to the cupboard for one here and there throughout the day and then suddenly I realize, I have eaten half a sleeve.

So, eating healthy is essential for loosing the baby weight, maintaining energy and just overall feeling good about yourself. For me, smoothies are my healthy snack go-to. They are easy to make, they pack a lot of punch (since you can combine a bunch of nutrients into one drink) and the possibilities are really endless (so, no boredom here!)

When the snack monster attacks, well I enjoy fighting back with a smoothie creation. Here are two I recently created. Enjoy!

Banana Berry Smoothie:
Serves 2

1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries
6 Large Strawberries
1 Banana
1 Cup of Almond Milk – Original

Combine the blueberries, strawberries, banana and almond milk in a blender and mix until well blended. Serve up!

Pineapple Banana Smoothie:
Serves 2

1 Cup of Frozen Pineapple
1 Banana
1 Yoplait Strawberry Banana Yogurt
1 Cup of 2% Milk

Combine the pineapple, banana, yogurt and milk in a blender and mix until well blended. Serve up!

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Welcome To The World

January 31, 2015

I was 35 weeks the night I made my way to Labor and Delivery. I was scared. You were my first pregnancy and you were providing all the symptoms associated with early labor. All day at work I tried to hide the discomfort I felt, as lower back pain radiated to my belly and numbed my legs. In fact, twice that day I found myself in the bathroom, pacing, thinking “this baby is coming. I am not ready.”

I mustered the energy and composure to host a property tour of 14+ people. Walking the resort hoping my water did not break in front of a group of complete strangers. When it ended that afternoon I made my way, waddling, I completely agree with the description of a pregnant woman’s walk in her late trimester, and called my Doctor. “You need to go to Labor and Delivery.”

At 35 weeks the nurse thought I was just dehydrated but after some water and monitoring I was informed I was indeed having contractions as close as two to six minutes apart. You did not make your appearance though that night. Instead two more weeks passed. Some days the pain stayed the same; other days the pain intensified. Every day was different. One thing that remained the same… I knew you were ready to enter this world.

And, into the world you came, still early at 37 weeks.

It all happened so fast. My water broke just like the movies, which now makes me laugh, because in reading, only about 14% of women’s water breaks naturally. After a few for hours of labor, we found out a C-section was necessary. Looking back, I already find myself foggy on certain aspects of the night. Although, two moments are clearly embedded in my mind. Like looking through a blurry lens and watching everything come into perspective. The moment I first laid eyes on you as they revealed you to us from behind the curtain. Let me tell you now, it does exist… love at first sight. I also never knew tears like that existed. Tears that come from a portion of your heart that is tucked away, reserved for bliss. The second moment occurred when I first held you. Through the grogginess of surgery and medicines, my world stood still when I looked into your eyes. It was the first moment they locked, yet I felt like I had known you forever.

These first few weeks have been filled with so much emotion. Pure love, moments of frustration, immense joy and overwhelming exhaustion. As you experience your firsts in this world, so too am I.

Who knew you could hold a conversation with another human being without saying a word? Or develop this superhuman power of reading someone’s mind and mannerisms to know just what they need. Speaking of needs… it is the first time I have ever felt what it is like to truly be needed and the pride of meeting those needs.

Your milestones while small in scale to this big ol’ world are huge to me. The first time I realized you knew my or your daddy’s voice, watching you search for one of us speaking in a room and that smile, oh that sweet smile.

I have cried right alongside you. Rocking you. Praying for us both. Even muttering – “It is me and you, learning as we go. You have never been a baby before and I never a mother.” We always seem to get through though.

As a person who has always been on-the-go, you little one have allowed me to let go. It is the first time I have been okay with the piles of laundry at the foot of the bed and growing dishes in the sink. I don’t quite care as I allow you to sleep on my chest because being close to you is all that matters in this world.

I never understood living in the moment until you. It is the first time, the clock does not really matter. Time is just time. My day is based on you and your needs. No one else’s. It is also the first time I have felt selflessness win over selfishness.

We have accomplished a lot together these past weeks. Together we are learning and growing.

I prepared my whole pregnancy to welcome you into the world but what I did not prepare for was that it would actually be you welcoming me into the world. A world I did not know existed before you. A world full of so much more happiness and emotion. A world with fulfillment and purpose. A much, much, much better world.

What I Wore: Week 29

October 27, 2014

Week 29! Eek! Actually, tomorrow is Week 30. I remember early on with the pregnancy thinking about the weeks that I am experiencing now just seeming so far away and now when I look back, I feel like then was such a long time ago. Overall, I am just surprised how quickly time is flying by. It is amazing how you look at time when you put it into perspective. If someone said, “You leave for your tropical vacation in 10 weeks,” you would think, “That is forever away!” However, when you think, “I have 10 weeks to go with my pregnancy.” The excitement of nearing the single digits and being so close to meeting this baby, you can’t help but think, “I got this!”

One thing though that I am trying really hard to say “I got,” is dressing my new body. I have very few maternity items. I am trying so very hard to not spend a lot of money on such clothes, but there are some key pieces, or must haves in my opinion. I am saving some money by trying to work with what I got. Sometimes I pair it with a maternity item, and other times I can rely on pre-pregnancy items to work. Here is what i wore during week 29.

Pants: Leggings (Lauren Conrad – Kohls)
Top: Button-up (GAP)
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats (Payless)
Scarf: Gift
Jewelry: Watch (Michael Kors) and Bracelet (TJ MAXX)

Dress: Maternity Long-Sleeve (Liz Lange – Target)
Hose: Previous Owned (Vera Bradley – Kohls)
Shoes: Mary Janes (Kohls)
Belt: Black Belt (Mossimo Supply Co – Target)
Jewelry: Bracelet (Gift) and Necklace (Owned for so long, I forget where I purchased)

What I Wore: Week 27

October 13, 2014

So, I am really putting it out there with today’s post. When I first found out we were expecting, I threw myself into reading and researching. I remember the very early weeks becoming quite overwhelmed. The more I read, the more I felt like I should have been preparing for baby long before I knew there was a baby. I remember thinking… “how am I going to have enough time to accomplish all I need to do?”

Slowly, as time went by and the weeks past I learned that you just have to take it day by day. You will feel overwhelmed some days and other days you will simply enjoy the process of being pregnant. One thing I focus on is the things I can control, which is taking care of myself. From trying to eat healthy, getting rest and quite frankly making myself feel good. Your body changes and I will be the first to admit that it has not been easy. Aches and pains that accompany pregnancy and then the selfish thoughts of “will I ever go back to my pre-pregnancy self?” enter my mind as I stand in the mirror. Again, taking everything day by day seems to really help. Some days I am tired and miserable and other days I feel such an inner glow and truly enjoy this time. I think it is natural for most women.

I bring all of this up because superficially, making yourself feel good, really can have an impact on your pregnancy. I feel better when I get up and do my hair, put on make-up and dress my best than I do on days when I lounge in sweatpants with a messy bun on my head. Maybe it is just me? But I feel more myself put together. Now don’t get me wrong… there are days when sweatpants are the answer and believe after a long day at work, the first thing I do is go home and change into lounge wear.

Dressing a pregnant body can be hard. Especially when you work in a field where professional attire is required. It is also hard when you are stubborn like me and are trying to watch your every dollar by making your current clothing work and not spending a fortune on maternity. I did break down and buy Maternity Jeans and oh my goodness… heaven! Do yourself a favor ladies… accept it and enjoy the pure bliss of comfortableness.

As I mentioned before I have thrown myself into reading and searching the internet. I LOVE the many week by week pregnancy blogs out there. It is super helpful to hear what other women are going through especially during the week you are in. I even found myself in those early stages excited at the thought of dressing myself as my body changed. Now here I am! So, here are a few outfits I wore during week 27:

Dress: Black Summer Maxi from Target
Sweater: Cardigan from Target
Belt: Target
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats from Payless
Jewelry: Silver Bracelet (Cannot remember where I bought. I have owned for awhile)

None of the items in this outfit are maternity, so you really can work with what you have to make an outfit work. I love summer dresses! They are great paired with tights or leggings or a sweater to push them through the Fall and Winter seasons.

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity
Tank Top: Gap
Sweater: Cardigan from Gap
Shoes: Steve Madden Boots
Scarf: Purchased for me as a Christmas Gift. Not sure the brand.
Jewelry: Watch from Michael Kors and Necklace from the Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl’s

With this outfit, the only thing maternity is the jeans. Everything is items I wore before I was pregnant. Tops that you own that were once flowy are now perfect when your pregnant. That is what i did with the Tank Top in this this outfit.

Do you have any fashion advice for dressing when pregnant? If so, share in the comments below!

Easy Weeknight Buffalo Chicken Pizza

October 7, 2014

Let’s face it… if you are anything like me, then you are hungry when you get home from work, yet there is no Chef waiting for you. I always tell my husband that if we ever won the lottery the first thing I would do would be hire a Chef. I know… you are probably thinking, “Your Blog is about cooking and your recipes?” I know! I know! I mean I do enjoy to cook, but I am also pretty tired after a long day and sometimes I wish dinner awaited me, ready to just eat when I walked through the door.

But so far, no lottery winner here and dinner must be made. So, if I can find a quick and easy weeknight recipe that is also delicious… I am sold forever. That is the case with my Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

I mean look at it. Isn’t it just delicious looking?

Well, it is! Such an easy recipe and in my opinion better than any Buffalo Chicken Pizza I have eaten out at a Restaurant.

BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA:

1 Pre-made Store Bought Pizza Dough
1 Cup of Franks Hot Sauce
1/3 Stick of Butter
1/2 Cup of Blue Cheese Dressing – I use Marzetti Chunky Blue Cheese
1 Package of Pre-Cooked Chicken
1 1/2 Cups of Mozzarella Cheese
Handful of Crumble Blue Cheese

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Start by spreading 1/2 a cup of Blue Cheese Dressing over the Pizza Dough. Then layer on 1 cup of the Mozzarella Cheese. In a microwave safe bowl, melt 1/3 stick of Butter. Add 1 cup of Franks Hot Sauce to the Butter and stir. Add the Pre-Cooked Chicken to the Butter and Hot Sauce and allow it to soak up the sauce for about a minute or two. Then using a fork, add the Chicken to the top of the Pizza, which was layered with Mozzarella Cheese. Be sure to spread evenly. Once the Chicken is added, using your fork, sprinkle or splatter some of the Butter and Hot Sauce mixture onto the Pizza. Please do not dump left over sauce. This will make for a soggy pizza. Add the remaining 1/2 a cup of Mozzarella Cheese to the top of the Chicken. This helps in making everything stick. Sprinkle a handful of Crumbled Blue Cheese to top. Place the Pizza directly on the top oven rack and place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any food. Cook for about 15 minutes.

Mommy Dear

June 24, 2014

I titled my blog post today “Mommy Dear,” because as the story goes as a child I without any prompting referred to my Mom as just that. After time, “Mommy Dear” must have wore off because my memory has always been of calling her “Mom.”

Although, I think back to that name and smile because she is so very dear. And, just like most little kids go through the stage of calling their mother, “Mommy,” then graduating to “Mom” when it no longer becomes cool, my mom however, for the most part (except those weird pre-teen years) has always been cool to me.

My mom has always been my best friend and confidant. Through the awful middle school and high school years with the petty girl drama, when one week you had a best friend and then the next an enemy, my Mom was always there. When someone broke my heart, it was my Mom who always came to the rescue to boost my broken confidence. For the not so proud moments, Mom showcased her disappointment but never missed the opportunity to show her love. And, for every proud moment I had, my Mom was my biggest fan.

Being the oldest of five, she not only gets to be called the title of “Mom” from four other kids, but she also gets the stress and worry that comes with being a Mom of five kids. And, as much as I praise her now, she doesn’t always get all the credit, but bares a lot of the brunt from grumpy kids. They say you hurt the ones you love the most and my Mom has had to endure many of our bad days.

But she is resilient and the most selfless person I know. Always giving up her time and energy towards her kids and to her loved ones. One of my favorite stories that showcases my Mom’s act of kindness was right after I accepted a promotion at the company I currently work for. I was heading in for my first day in the new role and had a big meeting. As I was walking into work I noticed blue streaks all over my light tan slacks. It wasn’t until I got in the door and a co-worker gasped that I realized my husband who is notorious for having pens in his pockets must have washed my slacks with his jeans and a busted pen. Blue ink all across my pants stood between me and my 10 am meeting. I called my Mom, because of course that is the first thing you do with a Mom like mine and she said, “what do you need me to do?” I knew I was pushing it when I responded, “go to my house and grab a new pair of slacks and drive them to me?” I work an hour away, but guess what without a sigh or complaint, to the rescue she came!

So, today, I celebrate you on your Birthday and say – thank you and mean it, for years and years of love. You truly are a dear Mommy to me and my siblings. We are blessed and lucky! Love you.

The Perfect Beach Cover Ups

June 20, 2014

On the eve of the first official day of summer, let’s get our excitement levels up as we swoon over the return of a great season. Life is better in the summer. I always feel healthier, have a little more pep in my step and enjoy the carefreeness that comes with the season. Who is with me?

With vacations in the near future, I find myself more concerned and excited over the perfect beach cover-up than the swimsuit itself. Think about it – you are showing off your cover-up more than your actual suit in most cases. I mean we choose this assemble for that very reason – to cover us up from our itsy bitsy teeny bikinis.

I get more excited over cover-up fashions than swimwear and this season there are some great cover-up finds.

1 – ASOS Cold Shoulder Beach Cover Up | $38.11
First, this one looks like an adorable dress. Paired with some wedge heels, this cover-up can take you from day to night as to hit the local hot spots or beach bars. Plus, the color is perfect for the season! Remember my Pantone Spring Fashion Report round-up? It is that Dazzling Blue.

2 – Forever 21 Floral Swim Cover Up | $15.80
Can you beat this price? I think not! Plus, bold colors and bold prints are very much in trend this season.

3 – Anthropolgie Offshore Caftan | $120
This would be my summer splurge! I adore everything about this cover-up. It is distinctly feminine, un-restrictive and reminds me of the perfect go-to as you walk the beach at night.

4 – Victoria’s Secret Relaxed Linen Pant | Orig. $49.50 – Sale $39.50
I love everything about this look. Particularly the word “relaxed.” That is just what a beach vacation or day at the pool should be… relaxing. With this outfit, you don’t have to care, but you look good doing it!

Happy Summer!