March 27th, 2011

Mother Nature has a sick, sick sense of humor.  She allows for trees to flower, daffodils to bloom, and our lettuce and pea seeds to emerge in the garden and then this.

Our hostas that are coming up.  Hostas and snow aren’t supposed to be introduced to each other in the spring.  In my opinion, I took this snow fairly well.  I actually found it more comical (and…if I’m being really, really honest, it was pretty….boy do those words taste like vinegar coming out of my mouth!).  The temperatures were predicting it to melt quickly.  Those predictions I likey!  We had a bowling birthday party that afternoon for Kaleb.

For lunch the kids all had hot dogs and potato chips.  I guess bowling works up an appetite, because both of the girls happily ate their lunch.

Trent was hungry and ordered lunch at the Bowling Alley.  Apparently at bowling alley your choices are an array of various fried foods.  Trent selected buffalo flavored chicken strips with french fries.  Whenever the word buffalo is on a menu, 95% of the time Trent will go for it.

That evening we went to my parent’s house for Ben’s birthday celebration.  The plan was to bbq burgers…and my mom didn’t let the snow deviate their plans one bit.  And yes, that is a bath tub in their backyard, but I promise there’s a good reason and it’s legit-ish. 

Menu was burgers and fixings, german potato salad, baked beans, and a green salad.  A perfect meal to combat the snow and pretend it’s actually spring.  Grandpa Coco now knows if I take a picture of him with food, it might go up on the blog.  It’s so cute!

Kid table fun!

Birthday cake Julie made for Ben. 

With vintage cake toppers.

And a big round of “Happy Birthday To You” for Mr. Ben!

March 21st, 2011

My dad was on his spring break and we decided to do an afternoon field trip with the girls.  First stop was the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

(this was a picture from their facebook page from last fall)

We had lunch at their Sassafras Cafe and then walked to feed the fish from the bridge.  The weather was fantastic, balmy and warm, almost like a summer afternoon.  I am typing this looking out the window at 4 inches of snow.  Missouri weather is quite curious indeed, it doesn’t know if it wants to wear its winter, spring, or summer hat.  My official vote is it should sport a spring hat and wear it proudly.

Next stop was The Hill, Digregorio's specifically.

We got all kinds of goodies.  My dad stocked up with a big list of things.  I wanted to try a couple new pastas, specifically Bucatini.

It’s thick spaghetti with a hole in the middle, how fun is that?  I’ve seen Giada and Rachel Ray make it before and knew Digregorios was the place to make the purchase. 

I made it for dinner that night and tossed it with sautéed kale, cannellini beans, bacon, garlic, and parmesan cheese.

So, so good!!!  Highly recommend.  I think it’s my new favorite pasta shape (the former favorite being penne rigate).

Hmmm…or maybe it’s a close tie resulting in a photo finish.  What’s your favorite pasta shape?

March 20th, 2011

Earlier in the week I took the girls to 2 places I’ve been chompin’ at the bit to visit.  I had a gift certificate to Vom Fass and I wanted to check out Penzeys Spices.  Luckily they are next to each other in Maplewood!  Vom Fass was first and much fun, it’s like a candy store for adults.  They have a vast variety of oils, vinegars, and spirits in bulk.  You get to pick out what you want and then pick a cute glass container to put it in.

 

 

 

 

 

These were 2 of my purchases.  I picked out the balsamic vinegar (so, so good!) and Lauren picked out the garlic olive oil.  She tasted it in the store and immediately made her decision.  I couldn’t wait to use them, so I broke them out and they inspired our Sunday night dinner.

I marinated the vegetable in the vinegar and oil and drizzled the oil on the bread, then they all headed out to the grill with me.  I also grilled chicken and made a salad with the vinegar and oil for the dressing.  They made many welcomed appearances in our dinner.

Penzeys was much fun too.  The girls loved smelling all the spices and the store had a coloring corner for kids, so the girls colored pictures and they hung them up on the wall.  This is the story of my life, I went in to get whole nutmeg and to just browse.  Walked out with Chili powder, tandoori spice, dried anchos, garlic powder, ground chipotle, and celery seed.  Oh, and the whole nutmeg.  But I could also see myself getting all caught up in my spice excitement and forget the one thing I walked in there for. 

March 17th, 2011

It’s St Patrick’s day, spring break for the girls, and AMAZING WEATHER!!!

This is our temperature thingy in our house.  Acu-rite is definitely Acu-wrong here, but it only stretched the truth a bit, it was definitely in the 80’s.  For the afternoon I decided to take the girls to the Zoo.  Worst. decision. ever.  Completely didn’t put the two and two together that the St Patrick’s Day parade in dogtown would make Forest Park a big hot mess.  It took me over an hour just to get out of the congestion.  Came up with a plan b quickly.  Rocketslide Park in Webster and a visit to my parents house.

My dad gave the girls Barbies when we were at their house and they didn’t let them go for the rest of the day. 

For dinner I made Cooking Light’s Couscous-Chickpea salad with ginger lime dressing.  It was really simple and I think my favorite part of this recipe is it gave me 3 days worth of lunches too.  Now that’s a recipe that keeps on giving!

March 16th, 2011

Trent’s sister, Michelle, and family are staying overnight on their way to Chicago for a mini spring break vacation.  Jon and the kids are coming in on the train and Michelle is in Illinois for work and will meet everyone at our house later in the afternoon.

Trent took a half day off of work and we took the girls to lunch and a bakery by the train station for a donut dessert while we wait.

I love how Sydney attacks her donut from the top.  She eats her toast the same way, it’s not great on stain management.

Once Michelle arrived we hung out for a bit and the weather was just teasing me to get out and enjoy the sunshine and warm temps.  So I became slightly crazy to get people moving patiently encouraged everyone to change and head out the door.  We took the kids to our neighborhood playground.  Ahhh, Vitamin D and fresh air!!!

After an hour or so Sydney announced loudly that she had to poop a need to get home.  So we left and I started making dinner.  Lauren and Elizabeth played outside while I grilled.

I just love this picture!! It reminds me of Nettie and Celie in The Color Purple…without all the domestic and racial violence and sister separation drama…

I grilled steak, corn on the cob, asparagus, and mushrooms for dinner.

A chimichurri sauce for the steak (garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil pureed).

Cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese for the kids.  Whenever we have company I try to have kid friendly food, adults get a night off from “mom, I don’t want to eat this,” “I’m not hungry, can I play now,” and “mom, I don’t like this.”

Post bath book time with Uncle Jon! 

I am so proud of myself for remembering to take pictures while entertaining!  I hardly ever remember to do this….especially both pre and post table, yay me!