2011 Resolutions.

1. Take more pictures.

I started to join the 365 photo project but I have decided instead to take a picture a day of Sydney.

2. Learn my camera better.

This goes with number one.

3. Bye bye baby weight.

I have about 10-15lbs to go and some major toning.

4. Get organized.

As far as pictures. Possibly start Sydney a scrapbook. I have tons of baby things like hospital bracelets I need to do something with.

5. Get crafty

Improve on my knitting and bust out the sewing machine and get learning.

6. Garden

Get the landscaping done on the house and start a garden.

I'm over Winter

I can't wait until summer. Can't. Wait. I think I will spend every day at Coney Island with my girl.

Holidays and more.

Thank god Christmas is over. I love being with our families but by Christmas night I was ready to pass out. Seriously it took a lot for me to stay awake. I almost got sick but took 70% of the things on my "to do" list and crossed them off and felt much better. My family doesn't care if my baseboards are scrubbed and possible repainted. My problem is that I try to make things as perfect as possible for Sydney. I made myself sick last Christmas and at her birthday party just from stressing. She doesn't even know whats going on so I don't know why  do it.

Sadly, I didn't get that many pictures on my camera but I know my Dad got a lot. So I'll put some more up later. Sydney got an entire Toys R Us store pretty much. And really, I hate it. Its too much. My nails a broken from opening boxes and I have to clean out the basement tonight to create a second play room for her. She won't be getting new toys for a long time. The problem is that she has a HUGE family and her great grandmother tends to spoil her.

Our Bokeh Tree

Christmas Morning

Sydney in her Christmas dress from her great grandmother. Poor girl.

So now I have the night to myself to clean the basement I suppose. I was thinking about going to get dinner but I think I'm going to beg Rob to pick up Sake Bomb on his way home. I have a mad craving for some vegetarian sushi.

My baby girl.

I have a serious problem with my daughter.



I can't stop kissing her. I can't stop looking at her. I can't stop smelling her. I am obsessed.

She is my whole world and its so crazy to think how much in love with her I am. She has turned my whole world upside down but I wouldn't change it for anything.

And now if you'll excuse me I have to go upstairs and smell my baby's hair.

Coming soon....

I have a new project I am starting. Well 2 actually.

And a baby/toddler food post is coming soon.

Morning Glory Muffins.

Since Sydney has decided shes not eating anymore I had to think of ways to pack in the fruits, veggies, and whole grains for when she does eat. These are perfect for that and good for adults too.

3/4c all purpose flour
1/2c whole wheat flour
1/2c brown sugar
2 tea. cinnamon
1 tea. baking powder
pinch of fine salt
2 large eggs
1/2c vegetable oil
1 1/2c carrots, grated (about 2 carrots)
1/2c crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 c raisins
1/4c applesauce.
2 tbl wheat germ

Preheat to 350
Whisk flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In another bowl whisk eggs, vegetable oil, and applesauce. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients with a spatula. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and raisins until evenly moist. Fill 12 muffin cups and bake for about 30 min.

Notes:

* The applesauce replaces half of the oil so if you omit it, then replace it with oil.
* The 1/2c of raisins can be replaced with 1/2c extra of carrots if you like. Or crasins, dates, or dried cherries.
* I soak my dried fruit in hot water for about 15 min. before adding it to the batter. It makes them plump and juicy.

Enjoy.

Food Stuff

I want to get rid of all processed food in my house. I would probably throw it all out of Rob wouldn't get pissed. I would say 98% of Sydney's everyday at home food is homemade, organic, unsalted, fresh food. And I love that. She eats  pretty much everything we put in front of her (unless its slimey). I have mostly made the switch over but every once in a while I'll make a frozen veggie burger or have some chips. I pretty much have Rob convinced that produce is not that expensive. Tomorrow when I go to the store I will be stocking up on dried beans and grains and lots of produce. I plan on starting to make our own salsas and tabouli to have with pita breads and tortillas. Since the dog won't eat her food unless you mix in yogurt and Sydney eats like 3 bowls of yogurt a day and I'm dipping fruit in it, I want to start making our own but messing with bacteria like that kind of freaks me out.

Hopefully this week  I can post some recipes of what we make. I'm thinking it'll be a lentil week since we are both on a lentil kick right now.

Also, I am dying for a new flash for my camera. And a remote for my shutter.

Wordless Wednesday

I'm going to start doing "Wordless Wednesday" since its too cold to do anything fun enough to write about and I have been uninspired by any recipes.

So here is number one.