Weeknight Meals

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We have a short week this week, as we are going to DC on Wednesday to visit my sister. Can't wait!

But we have 2 dinners planned, both of which are relatively quick and easy.

If you are looking for inspiration, we've made both of these many times.

• Mirin Glazed Salmon  (Nigella Express)
• Wild Mushroom & Spinach Risotto (Sara Foster) We are having this with sausages and some broccoli. 

That's all that's on our menu this week so far...we have a 2nd bday to plan for as well. He's requesting green cake that tastes like chocolate. Any ideas?

Weekend Links

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TGI weekend. This week flew by for me. We were supposed to head to my parent's house for tonight, but woke up to find a kid with a fever. What is it with weekends these days?! So, we cancelled our trip and I have just woken up from a 2 hour nap. My son is still snoozing, so hopefully he'll wake up feeling refreshed and a bit better. My parents are coming in tomorrow anyway, as Jack's daycare is on spring break this week. The will take care of him on Monday and Tuesday while we are at work and on Wednesday morning, we will drive to DC to visit my sister. I haven't been to DC in years, and am so looking forward to the trip. Fingers crossed everyone is healthy by then!

Here are some links I found interesting this week:

Why are do women's shirts button on the left and men's shirts button on the right? This article in The Atlantic researches it.

My sister sent me this hilarious Buzzfeed quiz: can you tell which of these quotes were said by serial killers and which ones were said by Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey?

Have you heard that the first shape-shifting creature was discovered?

This makeover of a tiny NYC rental apt. bathroom gave me hope. (Domaine Home)

I am so tempted by this list of 10 classic trench coat options. (Verily) I also like this option from Everlane.

I love Kaitlin's new Guide to Modern Etiquette. I have thought so often that we need a new / popular character like Emily Post to set some guidelines that are actually followed.

I also have decided I'm an Ashton Kutcher fan because of this. This was never an issue when we lived overseas; both men and women's restrooms had baby changing tables. I always want to think of America as fairly progressive, but little things like this bother me!

I always love to see what's on other people's Reading Lists.

This Cup of Jo post (plus the fact that it's currently flurrying in Brooklyn) makes me want to go to Jamaica. That bar!

This bag is tempting.

This feminist take on the ABC picture book looks awesome.

I can't not re-post this article that Kaitlin shared. Costa Rica is running completely on renewable energy. So cool!

Short Film: Head Over Heels

I saw this film mentioned last Friday on Cup of Jo, and watched it over the weekend. It's so wonderful. And so neat to read about a film student being nominated for an Oscar.

I rarely watch the short film Oscar nominations, and this made me want to see more of them.

You can watch the whole video here.

Flares

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Flares are everywhere! Le Catch blog says it's her new uniform, Damsel in Dior wears them on date nights, and Cup of Jo mentioned it in a round up.

I love these Madewell flares, and as I mentioned, I bought these. So comfy.

Home Idea: Chalkboard Wall

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We are currently renting our apartment, but I like to dream about possibilities of home ownership. I love the creativity of a chalboard wall. I love the above playroom designed by Emily Henderson.

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I also like the idea of having one in the kitchen, like this one on Decorpad, though it might be awkward to have to lean over the stove to write on it...

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I also love this childrens' bedroom on Simply Grove.

I wonder about the practicality. They look so cool, but is your house constantly dusty?

Monday: Meals for the Week

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This weekend was so nice, though we're still battling colds and coughs, so it was a bit less restful than I'd hoped. Friday night we went out for pizza at a nearby kid-friendly restaurant. We had a playdate on Saturday morning, all took a nap in the early afternoon and then ran a few errands and ended up at the park for a bit. I've checked this book out of the library to read next as Kaitlin recommended it.

Sunday we did our weekly shop and had a friend over for dinner. Nothing too exciting, but a nice mix of quiet and social. Hoping for some spring weather to knock the coughs out of our apartment. Plus, some home-cooked meals.

• Haianese Chicken Rice (Mark Bittman for the New York Times): We lived in Singapore for 2 months in 2010 and the food was amazing. I've been wanting to try to find some recipes from our time there for ages. Hopefully this one will live up to our memories.
• Caramelized Shallot, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Garlic Butter Pasta (How Sweet It Is)
• Spiced Pork Burgers with Grilled Peppers (Real Simple): We've made this a bunch and it's a nice change from beef or turkey burgers. We've accidentally substituted caraway seeds for the fennel seeds in the past and they've been just as delicious. 
• Korean Beef Bowl (Damn Delicious)

Soup: Lentil Soup with Lemon Yoghurt Cream (The Kitchn)

Sweet Treat: Chocolate Chunk Blondies (Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust)

Notes on last week's meals here. 

Weekend Reading

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This week has been bookended by bad sleep.  Life with a toddler is such a guessing game. Is it a new tooth? A new cold? A bad dream? Anyway, I'm hoping to get some good zzzzs this weekend. We have a playdate tomorrow morning and may have dinner with a friend one night.

It's snowing here again today, which doesn't feel very spring-like, but happy first day of spring anyway!

My high school English teacher sends out a weekly poem. This week's was a favorite.

Everyone is talking about The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. I may have to give it a try this weekend.

Google Feud looks completely addictive. We used to play sporcle all. the. time.

Kind of tempted by this recipe for fried chicken via Food 52.

I'd never heard of Hedgehouse throw beds, but they look super comfy, and are on sale at One Kings Lane!

This is the perfect book for Easter. All time favorite with a feminist slant.

J.Crew is having 30% off spring sale styles. I'm tempted by this and this.

I'm reading this right now and can't put it down.

Wednesday Music

I loved this article about the Alabama Shakes. It made me want to re-listen to "Hold On"(above) and get excited for their new album, "Sound & Color" which comes out next month.

I'm desperate for new music these days!

The Best Winter Tights

via H&M

Winters in New York can be so cold. I'm always on the lookout for warm outfit options. When I was pregnant, I found these amazingly cozy, heavy cotton tights.

After I had my son, I packed away a few functional pieces of clothing (just in case) and burned the rest (so sick of them!). But this winter I found the tights hiding in a drawer I'd missed when I did my wardrobe overhaul. One cold morning, a couple of months ago, I decided to see how they fit when I was not pregnant. Somewhat embarrassingly, I just turned them around...since they're stretchy, they fit fine. They are amazing and I wear them at least once a week. Because they are thick, they aren't particularly slimming, but they are cozy and I've received quite a few compliments on them. 

So, pregnant or not, I highly recommend these affordable, perfect-for-winter-weather, tights. 

This Week's Meals

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This week's recipes are a mix of standbys and newbies. Here's what's on our menu:

• Roasted Chicken and Carrots with Olives and Lemons (Real Simple): This is a hit in our household. My husband prefers a traditional chicken, but I think it's a nice twist, and our toddler can't get enough of the carrots.
• Potato and Spinach Saag (How to Cook Everything Fast)
• Update on this: this was tasty, but the cream made it really filling. I think next time I make it I might cut the cream in half, or use light cream instead. 
• Weeknight Bolognese (barefoot contessa, how easy is that?): This is a perennial favorite. Tip: cut the salt in half. 
• Chicken Pot Pie

Soup: Fire Roasted Chipotle Tomato Soup with Cilantro Lime Crema & Black Beans (Kale & Caramel)
Note: this soup was delicious, but very spicy! I enjoyed it, but don't think young kids would, unless they have a high tolerance for heat.

Weekend Links

via Brooklyn Flea

I can't believe the weekend is already drawing to a close. We had friends in town, so ran our errands yesterday morning and then had a sitter come so we could go out to dinner at Lobo in Park Slope. You can't go wrong with margharitas.

Today we checked out the Indoor Winter Flea Market (and Beer Hall) in Brooklyn. I'm looking forward to the other locations opening up in April, but would definitely go back to this one too.

I've been busy this week, so haven't stumbled across too many must-reads, unlike some people. But here are a few links I've found interesting:

In honor of International Women's Day last weekend, these photos of women are amazing.

Have you read about the sinkholes in Siberia? This article talks about the mystery craters. 

I do love tan leather sofas.

I love Jordan's tips on how to look well-rested.

Not sure I'll ever need this, but a guide to authenticating vintage handbags. Hey, you never know...

What happens when you give up your phone for a week? Good stuff.

A pretty home tour via Style Me Pretty.

Clementine Daily shares the Best Sites for vintage and reclaimed furniture.

Shopping for a little one? Here are some seasonal picks for boys from H&M.

Also, kind of loving this sweatshirt from Banana Republic.

LOFT Dresses

LOFT Dresses 

S/S Stripe Maxi Dress / Wild Cat Flippy Dress | LOFT / Stripeblock Shirtdress | LOFT / Short Sleeve Shirtdress | LOFT / Grey Spaceblock Tee Dress | LOFT

I think I may have an addiction to dresses. It comes out full-force in Spring and Summer.  LOFT is killing it this season.I especially love their Lou & Grey line. Here are a couple of dresses I like, if you'd care to see.

The kicker: they're having 40% off sale today, so most of them are pretty affordable!

Bath Time with Kiddos: The Best Products

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Bath time can be an event in our household. There's coaxing to get my son in; there's coaxing to get him out. Here are some of our favorite products and games to play, as well as some items I wish we had.

1.

Pottery Barn Kids Whale Knee Pad - $16
We don't own this, but I kind of wish we did!

2. 

SkipHop Bath Spout Covers - $13

3.

Ikea Hooded Bath Towel - $7.99
Perfect for when they've outgrown their baby towels.

4. 

Green Toys Submarine - $13.27
Especially entertaining when accompanied by this song, of course.

5. 

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Bubble Bath - $9
 Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash - $7

The Best Hand Lotion

via Scottish Fine Soaps

I'm always on the hunt for good hand creams, especially in winter.

I'm writing this post in part because I love the hand lotion pictured here. I received some in my Christmas stocking and it smells lovely and is so soothing. Here's the rub: I've recently developed an allerty to it. BUT, if you have less sensitive skin than I do, I highly recommend it. Hot tip: they often have it for well under $10 at Marshalls and TJ Maxx.

Since I can't use my favorite anymore, I've purchased scores of lotions. Here's what I've found works best for my chapped winter hands: O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream. I now swear by it. It doesn't really have a scent, it's quickly absorbed into your hands without being greasy, and you can find it at most drug stores for under $10. Problem solved.

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This Week's Dinners

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I've had quite a bit of suecess with easy weeknight meals lately, though I wasn't a fan of last week's slow-cooked pork recipe, though that could be because the cut of meat I got was too fatty. I had to toss the leftovers, but am trying again with a different slow-cooker pork recipe this week.

Here's what's on the menu:

• Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts (Real Simple)
• Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Farfalle (The Kittchn)
• Slow-Cooker Pork and Black Beans with Fresh Salsa (Real Simple)

Soup: Chicken and Orzo Winter Soup (Food 52)

Muffins: Basic Buttermilk Muffins  (AllRecipes.com)

I have some buttermilk that needs to be used up. I'm going to use blueberries. 

Tonight we're making pizza for dinner, using Papa Sal's Pizza Dough. We bought pizza sauce, some artichoke hearts, roasted tomatoes, and mozzarella. Plus, whatever's left in the fridge. 

Anyone have a recommendation for quick and easy weeknight meals? I am always on the lookout!

International Women's Day

The day sort of got away from me, and I only realized it was International Women's Day a few hours ago. I've been scouring the internet for a good poem or quote, but can't find one that seems just right.

So, I've stopped looking for quotes and am now listening to Ani Difranco. I forgot how much I love her. Here's one of my faves if you care to have a listen:

Weekend Reads

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This weekend, I would like to curl up (with a good book) in this room. Instead, I will be running errands, going on play dates, and perhaps curling up in my own, slightly less glamorous living room.

Here are some links I liked this week:

A campaign to put a woman on the $20 bill.

Spooky subway activity: witnesses describe portal to mysterious G Train platform between subway stations.

Another Subway secret: have you seen the hidden subway station beneath City Hall?

Fascinating article on Remembering a Crime You Didn't Commit.

I would love to go on a cross-country road trip.

How to order the best cup of coffee.

A beautiful Brooklyn home.

Secondhand gym clothes. I guess this is a thing?

A documentary about the man who created Eloise! Created by Lena Dunham.

I often go make-up free for 24 hours, but always use a moisturizer. Maybe this weekend I'll try a 24 hour detox. 

I love Megan's picks from ASOS. ASOS was such a great resource for me when I was pregnant. I also keep seeing this dress on blogs and would love an excuse to try it!

World Book Day (UK Edition)

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Today is World Book Day in the UK. If you get a minute, it's worth checking out the hashtag #worldbookday. So many fun pictures, links, etc! I love how they encourage people to dress up as their favorite characters from books. Here's a great article with costume suggestions. I am keeping them in mind for Halloween.

What's on your bedside table? Here's my shortlist:

All the Light We Cannot See / The Girl on the Train,  / Americanah / The Rosie Project

In the U.S., World Book Night is on April 23. 

Welcome Mats

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I bought our doormat at the hardware store. It's durable, but doesn't have any text on it. I like the simplicity of it, but these doormats at Reed Wilson made me chuckle. Holla is pretty great too.

Also, "hi" and "yo".

French Pharmacy Products

French Pharmacy Products by ruthieh80

Nuxe face moisturizer / Avène Thermal Water / Nuxe Oil / Klorane powder shampoo / T LeClerc matte foundation / Bioderma Sensibio H2O micelle solution (English Version) and Crealine...


In 2010, I moved to France for a year. Coincidentally, GOOP published an edition of their newsletter called The French Pharmacy. It was great timing, as the move was overwhelming, but I desperately wanted to try new things.

I am by no means a make-up or skin care aficionado but above are some of my favorite products, both from that newsletter, and products that were recommended to me. T. LeClerc, at the time, was the make-up brand found in most small pharmacies. I rarely wear foundation, but when I do, I reach for their matte foundation, which is sheer and lightweight. I also use their Pressed Powder whenever I have a special occasion.

One last tip I received was that this product is incredibly gentle and works wonders at healing scars and minor skin irritations. I frequently use it on my toddler's face when he has dry skin.

Monday: Easy Meals

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This weekend was fun, but tiring. On Friday night, we cleaned out the fridge and my niece slept over. We woke up early Saturday morning to drive to my parent's house in Connecticut. Saturday was my dad's 70th birthday, and today is my older brother's bday. 

We were in charge of the cake. As I mentioned Friday, we tried this recipe. I hightly recommend it! 

CT was full of sledding, eating, and catching up on The Walking Dead. We drove back to the city this afternoon, and swung by the grocery store to stock up. 

Here's the menu for the week (we are embracing the slow-cooker): 

• Slow-Cooker Tuscan Pot Roast (Real Simple) 
• Stir-Fried Chicken and Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce (How to Cook Everything Fast)
• Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Apple Relish and Egg Noodles (Real Simple)

Soup: Easy Tomato Soup (Barefoot Contessa: Foolproof)

Here's to a good week!