Sunday, May 22, 2016

Sunday Snippet Vol. 8

I have been passionate about taking photos for years.... I vividly remember receiving my first camera at a young age, I had many dress up photo shoots with my childhood friends, I was always the camera toting friend out at the bar, on class field trips, vacations, parties, etc.  I loved playing with angles and light.  Pictures have been a constant in my life since I can remember.  I always had boxes of photos that I would go through and reminisce, and I always enjoyed going through the albums of photos my parents kept.  When social media first came into my life, what I loved most was viewing all the photos people posted...Instagram has become one of my favorite "creative outlets", it's a place where I can draw inspiration from, as well as experiment with different photo techniques.  I frequently enjoy looking through my Instagram feed and seeing my progress...I feel like I have learned quite a bit, and I hope to continue getting better and better.   I admittedly post photos that aren't that great, that I am not completely happy with, but it's all a learning experience.  I love the collage those tiny little boxes make, the stories they tell, the color themes...

Goodnight! Happy Sunday!

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Motherhood: A Definition


Honestly,being a Mother was something I didn't always want for myself.... although, I always knew deep down inside somewhere I would.   I know that sounds strange, but it is true, I was always very hesitant to the idea of becoming a mother... but I always would say, I know one day I will want a child...and ya know, my husband wanted children before I did and even when it came to the planning of having a child, I still had some reserves....I always felt it was very selfish of me to think that way.  I just knew that child would consume me and I would no longer be the center of my own universe.. not that I was ever THAT selfish, but you know what I am getting at.  The moment I became a mother, I wanted to kick myself for the way I thought... because being a mom is freaking awesome.  It gives you "all the feels" and introduces you to a new and exciting, and very intense kind of love.  A love that can make you shed tears over the thought of it, a love that is so strong it makes your heart hurt.....Tiny humans are amazing, they go from being helpless and pathetic to boisterous, smart, and strong in such little time.  You get to watch them grow and develop first-hand.  The time goes by so quickly, but they remind you constantly to be in the moment, to open your eyes, to see the world again as if it were new. It's so refreshing...Having a child teaches you so much - from patience to strength to creativity and lightheartedness.  Your way of thinking changes- your mind expanded.

I came here today to share what being a mom means to me, because it's more than just giving birth to a child.  It's more than just nos and yeses.  It's a re-introduction to life and the human mind.  There are times when its less than beautiful of course.....and there are days when you can't wait for bedtime...and then right after bedtime you immediately miss those little punks.  Always remind yourself that these minis are just learning, they're curious, and that's not a bad thing.  They are testing us, they're like little scientists figuring out what they can get away with, and how they can communicate their needs.  We just have to listen, be patient, get to know them, as well as be firm and consistent.  They are the light in our lives.  Let them shine!  Be there for them, talk to them, explain things to them, as always they will amaze you with their understanding of things and sometimes they will amaze you with their persistence as well.. but we are the grownups and we also are just learning our new roles as parents, sometimes it takes a minute to get it, and sometimes we lose our patience and understanding, and that can be upsetting, but we are only human - mistakes will be made.  And the love that exists between you and your babe will always be there...

Here are a few shots from my Mothers' Day.  I hosted a brunch that included assorted homemade artisan pizzas made by my talented brother, quiche, chicken milanese (two ways)- which is just basically chicken cutlets topped with salad - I made an arugula, tomato, and onion salad and an avocado, tomato and onion salad... the cutest mini cupcakes by my beautiful mother, home fries - a favorite of Zoey's that my father makes, and of course plenty of bacon and sausage and let's not forget the fruit salad.  It was a lovely day...The sun was shining and our bellies and hearts were full.  After everyone left we planted our garden sprouts as a family - And took the opportunity to shoot some cute photos.  I am pretty sure I envisioned these garden scenes before Zoey was even born.

Enjoy!










































Stop and Smell the Flowers

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Meh.

Do you ever have just one of those days where you just don't feel like doing the things you should be?  I do.. and today is one of those days..

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Sunday Snippet Vol. 7

I had a great weekend away with the family. We visited my brother-in-law in Pennsylvania for his birthday, and it was a little bit of everything. We partied, we ate, we relaxed, we hiked to some waterfalls (with  hangovers), we watched movies, and went out and about a little. I may have even had to have my husband pull the car over after our hike so I could vomit on the side of the road. Epic! Haha.  It was all great.

As a parent, I find it very rewarding when you can have a great weekend away with the little ones in tow.  When you can feel good that they were content and well behaved. It's just a feeling of success and even pride in your little mini for being such a trooper.  I say this all the time but it's just so crazy how fast they grow. I feel like I can see my little lady just growing right before my eyes. It's amazing and sad all at once. 

Peace and good night... I'm off to bed. Xo

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Family Recipe: Simply Delicious Baked Chicken

This is a family recipe.  One of those recipes I had to obtain from my mom once I moved out of her house. It is very simple, yet so delicious.  All my life, I've always been excited when my mother would make this dish.  And when she passed along the recipe, it was a pleasant surprise that it was so easy!! My friend Marianne - HEY!! - requested that I post more recipes. So, here is a simple, also toddler friendly recipe. My Zoey loves it! 

 When I am home, I try to do a lot of my cooking while the little naps, and this recipe is quite perfect for that.  It needs about 2-3 hours in the oven - depending on your oven.  The chicken comes out so tender and juicy, it basically falls right off the bone.  It also tastes great as leftovers.  It's a  great option for a dinner party as well- most people really enjoy it, and you can make it in advance and reheat.  It's comforting and simply delicious. 


Ingredients:

  • 2lbs Chicken Pieces ( Here i just used thighs  and legs, but you can use any cut)
  • 2 Cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs (I always season my own, but you can use pre-seasoned ones as well)
  • 2 Eggs (for a healthier version you can just use the whites)
  • Half a lemon (squeezed for juice, really not necessary but I find it helps tenderize meat)
  • One Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 Cup Wine (any kind, I used white here, but I prefer to use Red, I just had this bottle opened already)


This recipe is easily adjusted to serve more or less as well.. 

If you would like to season your own breadcrumbs, here is what I used:

  • 2 Cups Plain Bread Crumbs 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Preheat oven to 325.  Clean your chicken pieces, and squeeze the lemon juice over them and put aside.

If you are seasoning your own breadcrumbs start by putting all the ingredients into one bowl.
Breadcrumbs, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, and Parmesan



Use a fork to mix your breadcrumbs.

While the oil is heating....


Crack open eggs and lightly whisk together.

Place whisked eggs into a medium sized bowl and dip your chicken pieces in one at a time and then


firmly press your chicken into the breadcrumbs to get a light coating all around.


Place into heated frying pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side.
Have a roasting pan handy to transfer your chicken into once you have fried on both sides. 



OPTIONAL: When I have extra breadcrumbs I do this.  My mom always did this for me as a child.  You take your leftover bread crumbs and mix them with your leftover egg.


roll them into small balls and then flatten.



Fry on both sides for about 2 minutes each and then add to your roasting pan with your chicken.

Measure out a cup of wine or more... (I know this is only half, but I did add more) and add to the pan with your chicken, make sure to drizzle some over the chicken.





cover with tinfoil and put in the oven for about 2 hours at 325 degrees.  My oven seems to run slightly warmer than others, so some of you may want to leave the chicken in a little longer. 
Voila! And surprise! I added potatoes here too as a little experiment, and I would do it again... next time I might even try some carrots...and maybe more wine with the potatoes and veggies.

I hope some of you try this and enjoy it as much as I always have. 

Thanks for checking in guys! XO