The best pumpkin pancakes!

Nothing says Fall like pumpkin. I can't get enough of the pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin donuts and especially pumpkin pancakes. These are the best I have ever had. The recipe is very easy to make and also easy to tweak to your liking. For example, I used almond milk instead of regular and you could not tell the difference. What I really like about this recipe is how moist and fluffy they are. You don't really want a super dense pancake. Then it just reminds me of bread. These are so easy to eat we gobbled up about four a piece last Sunday morning :) Check out the recipe here. You know it's a keeper...look at all those reviews.


I also wanted to add that these freeze and reheat perfectly. I froze the leftovers between foil (use what you have) in an airtight tupperware. To reheat I just popped them in the toaster until no longer frozen and warmed through. 

Rekindle your love for the crock pot <3

Making dinner was getting harder and harder to accomplish. By the time we woke up, showered, got dressed, ate breakfast and nursed Ellie there was very little time to prep dinner. I was running around going to the grocery store, making snacks, lunch, doing dishes, laundry and enjoying spending time with my kids! Reading books, cuddling, singing songs, going to the park, making cookies, building block towers, racing cars and pretending to eat Jacobs play kitchen coffee with avocado, cheese and salami inside....mmm. Doesn't that sound tasty? :) I found that if I didn't prep dinner earlier in the day, when the afternoon rolled around there just wasn't enough time or energy to make a full and nutritious dinner.

I decided to bust out the good old crock pot again. The weather has started to get cooler and what better than a warm and comforting meal? If you are anything like my husband, soup just doesn't cut it for dinner. So, I had to get a little more creative. I pinned some recipes, searched through my favorites websites and consulted my mom and mother in law. So far so good. I have made these (listed below) delicious meals in the crock pot in the past two weeks. My friend Jen requested the recipes so I told her I would get them up on the blog. I included the links to each recipe below.

*Turkey chili and cornbread- (Cornbread was made in the oven. I use the krusteaz brand bc it's very moist) Jacob loves beans and anything with tomatoes. He is not a huge meat eater so this is a good way to get him to eat ground turkey. We both ate way too much cornbread. But, hey we couldn't help it ;) You can find the chili recipe here. I browned the meat and then threw everything in the crock pot. High for two hours or low for four.

*Chili verde chicken tacos-This recipe was so easy. And the meat can be used for so many other meals besides tacos. Marios tacos looked more like tostadas because he piled on the meat so high you couldn't fold the taco...lol....men :/ You can find the recipe here.

*French onion soup- Ok, I know I said my husband doesn't care for soup. Well, this is about the only soup he really likes. It is so delicious, especially with the crunchy cheesy toast. Jacob is dairy free so he just had toasted bread with his soup. You can find the recipe here. Keep in mind that you do have to caramelize the onions on the stove top before you add them and the remaining ingredients to the crock pot.

*Chicken cacciatore- This is one of my favorites so far. I couldn't help but take "taste tests" during the cooking process. Not because I needed to check anything, but just because it was so good. I put it over pasta, but you could even serve it with crunchy bread...mmm. You can find the recipe here.

*Sloppy joes- I had to try this recipe. Mostly because I hadn't had a sloppy joe since I was a kid camping with my dad and brothers. What a way to bring back memories. I remember loving them so I decided to give this recipe a try. So so good. I served it with sweet potato fries and a salad. Jacob didn't quite know what to do with such a sloppy "hangaburger", but he managed. You can find the recipe here.

I plan on making more in the upcoming week. I may take a crack at Spanish chicken and liguica, pinto beans (to use for tostadas, breakfast, burritos and freeze for later), minestrone, roast and veggies, and chicken curry. Stay tuned because I will post links on the blog. I hope you rekindle your love for the crock pot and try out some of these recipes. Your belly will thank you!

Here are a few pictures I can share. Oops, I forgot to take a picture of the French onion soup until I was on my last bite ;)

It's okay!

There is nothing like having kids to teach you to not sweat the small stuff! I have to remind myself daily that the toddler meltdown, splattered spaghetti, blowout diaper, lack of a shower and the fact that I am always running late is okay! It's small stuff, small worries...nothing so horrible that it has to ruin our day, steal our joy and make us anxious.

I am guilty of having a bad attitude when all of these small annoyances seem to build up throughout the day. They collide and I have found myself mumbling under my breath, "uhh, oh my gosh, seriously?, lord help me, grr!" The problem isn't that I am expressing frustration, it's that my toddler (all children) is a sponge! He reads my body language, he sees my facial expressions and he hears how I react to everything!

A few months back he dropped something (food of some sort and it got all over) and I heard him say "uhhh, grr" and look at me for a reaction. He was looking for me to get upset at his accident. Not mad, but irritated. And then I realized that I was expecting my 2 year old to behave way older than he is. He's 2 for crying out loud...he's going to drop stuff all the time, have meltdowns, get distracted, throw things. And I'm supposed to behave like the adult, get over it and show him that it's okay. It's okay to make mistakes, to have accidents, because we're not perfect. Because mistakes and accidents are part of learning.

Now, when he drops the cup of milk and it splashes all over the floor or when he has an accident because he thought it was just a fart (lol), I choose to say "it's okay baby, it was an accident, mama will fix it, I love you!"

He has caught on. I hear him saying "it's okay." Especially after the boy Joshua in his potty book has an accident on the floor. He looks at me and says "it's okay, it's just an accident."

Aren't kids the sweetest? God has used mine to teach me so many things. One of them being, to relax, enjoy the important stuff and say "it's okay" to the small stuff.

Turkey parmesan meatballs!

Who doesn't love spaghetti? And spaghetti and meatballs, even better! This is my tried and true turkey meatball recipe. Super easy and super yummy. This is also a great dish to take to a friend who just had a baby or is recovering from surgery, because it is easy to reheat and good for leftovers.

Ingredients:
1lb ground turkey
1/3c bread crumbs
1/4c shredded parmesan
1tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
1/2tsp garlic
1/2tsp Italian seasoning
A few tbsp olive oil
Marinara (I prefer a simple marinara, such as the Trader Joes brand)
Spaghetti noodles
*A few pinches of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinara for a little kick.

Combine the first seven ingredients in a large mixing bowl (you can use your hands). Form 1.5 inch meatballs. Add olive oil to a large saute pan. Brown meatballs on a medium heat for about 8 mins on each side. Add marinara to pan and continue cooking on a low heat, with lid on, for about another 8mins. Cook noodles separately and add to sauce.

Voila! Quick, easy and tasty din din. Now just add a small salad and a glass of vino and your belly will thank you ;)

Mayday, mayday!!!

Does your house resemble a war zone, bombs going off at any moment (meltdowns/crying spells), somebody needs the paramedic (iky cold/teething), we are running low on supplies (diaper change/potty/nurse the baby/feed the toddler), train the troops (teachable moments)? How could we go through all of this without a few or a lot of mommy war wounds?!

Well, this week was one of those rough weeks that leaves its wounds. Jacob and Ellie both got sick. Ellie is in that separation anxiety phase. Jacob is still learning to be gentle with his sissy and share with others. Mario worked late and endless other things. Needless to say, I needed a mommy timeout.

This is not to say that I don't adore my children, that I am not grateful that I get to raise them, that I wouldn't rather spend time with them than anyone else in the world. But, in order to recharge and regroup for the hardest job in the world, sometimes mommy needs to take a break. A walk, a drive, a shower, a pedicure, a trip to the store, girl time, date night...the important thing is that it be KIDLESS!

Thank God for my sweet hubby because he knows all about the need for mommy timeouts. Friday after he got home he suggested I take a drive and grab some dinner. He would take the kids for a walk to the park. This also allows him to have alone time with the kids. A double bonus. Well, of course I had to argue :/ I knew it was what I needed, but for some reason I didn't want to go. Guilt about feeling like I needed a break, mommy separation anxiety, wifey separation anxiety??? He pushed the idea and I finally did leave. It was just what I needed. I came back, we ate dinner, gave the kids baths, tucked them in bed and spent some time catching up. What a great ending to a rough week!

It made me think about how much my perspective has changed on life. It might sound silly, but the little things mean so much more now that I am a parent. I find happiness and joy in lifes simple pleasures. Giggles, kisses, laughter, a drive with the windows down, getting dolled up, a glass of wine, an old movie, and many more. Life is so much sweeter now that I am a parent.

And in an effort to share some laughter, check out these mommy cartoons...take a breath, laugh and remember to not take yourself too seriously :)

Mama Reviews: Contigo kids water bottle

Why is it so hard to find the perfect paci, bottle or sippy for your little one? Seriously, we go through tons of different brands before we find one that suits baby and mama. It's nice to have friends or family that can suggest their favorites before you go out forking over more money playing that guessing game. Which, leads me to my next topic. The search for the best water bottle for 
Jacob is finally over!

I am so exited that I finally found these Contigo water bottles! I have used many different ones and these are by far the best for the following reasons: LEAK PROOF when open or closed, durable, easy to clean, vibrant colors, soft and easy to use spout, spot for attaching to backpack or diaper bag. The only thing that is kinda of a downfall is the price. They come about $10 a piece! But, considering all of the pros, they are worth it to me. I bought three and that should be enough to rotate while some are in the dishwasher. Also, Jacob has been using them for about a week and I have had no problems. He really seems to like them. Check out my pictures below to get an idea.

Tasty Trials: German chocolate fudge bites

I don't know if it's because Starbucks started making their pumpkin spice latte (reminding me of Fall) or if it's just left over cravings from being pregnant with my youngest. Either way, I have been on a dessert kick!

Today I took a crack at German chocolate fudge bites. Refined sugar free, dairy free, egg free and gluten free! Totally guilt free...wink, wink ;) No, really if you're going to have a treat these really aren't too bad for ya.

These are easy to make and only require a few ingredients and a food processor. They were a hit at our house. Mario and Jacob gobbled up three a piece before I was done rolling all of them. Check out the recipe here. Compliments of Chocolate Covered Katie.

Pizza Playdate

Pizza pie!!! Who doesn't love pizza? My friend Jen and I try to get the kids together for a playdate once a week. It is a great opportunity for the kids to play and release some energy (makes nap time do much easier :) and for Jen and I to drink COFFEE and catch up. We usually take a trip to the park, but this time we decided to plan something fun for the kids to make. Her daughter and Jacob are eight months apart and are the perfect age for helping in the kitchen. What better than to make homemade pizza?! Her husband made the dough (how sweet, right?) and I brought the toppings. I provided the recipe to the pizza dough below. I really liked this particular dough because it was easy to roll out and soft and tasty out of the oven.

Jason's Pizza Dough:
·3 c. bread (or reg) flour
·1 tbsp. sugar
·1 tsp. salt
·2 tbsp. olive oil,
·1 c. warm water w/a packet of  yeast mixed in.

·After water and yeast are mixed, mix everything together in mixer w/any herbs of choice. Let rise, covered. (Make sure yeast isn't expired)
· If you have a hook attachment for your mixer that works best, but if not, use your regular attachments.

The kids had a great time spooning on the sauce and sprinkling the toppings. Half of the toppings got eaten before the pizzas could make it in the oven. Oh well, the important thing is they had fun! Then they got to enjoy all their hard work. We are planning a cookie decorating playdate very soon. What new and creative ways have you mixed up your childs play time?

Tasty Trials: Raw lemon coconut truffles

My friend Tony shares my love for all things lemon and coconut. He recently had surgery so I decided to make him some healthy treats. I am always interested in recipes that don't involve dairy, since my son is dairy free. I had all of the ingredients on hand besides the lemons that I picked up earlier that week. It is a very easy recipe and only calls for a few ingredients and a food processor. I will definitely be making these truffles again. They cut the sweet craving, while still being healthy. Jacob loved them as much as me!

The only thing I changed was to add an extra tbsp of coconut oil and lemon juice. Mostly because it made the truffles more moist. The extra moisture was a good choice since they are better stored in the fridge. If you share the same love for all things lemon and coconut you must try this recipe. Delicious! Check out the recipe here. Compliments of the Petite Kitchen.

Mommy Essentials

Raise your hand if you looked tore up the day after you gave birth to your precious bundle of joy?!?! Lets face it we can't all look as stunning and adorable as the Duchess. (side note: I just love her for rocking her postpartum belly!) I was just happy I made it through 24 hours of labor and hours of pushing, alive and holding a healthy little peanut. All I could think about was caring for baby, eating and being as comfortable as possible. I was never so happy to eat hospital food in my robe :/ I packed tons of stuff I never even used in my hospital bag. I really could have survived with the following mommy essentials:
· robe
· chapstick
· headband/hair tie
· slippers
· healthy snacks
· sleep nursing bra & pads
· camera/phone & charger
· pjs
· outfit for baby
· toiletries
That's really all I needed. They supply you with diapers, blankets/pillows, feminine hygiene products, food and drugs!!! Because you might feel like you just got run over by a train...no biggie :/

"I cannot live without books" -Thomas Jefferson

Remember how busy we thought we were before kids?! I used to be able to find time for hobbies and leisure. Now, it would be a Christmas miracle to read a book, shave my legs/paint my toenails regularly or go shopping for fun. Out of all of those, I would probably choose to read a good book, snuggled up with a cup of coffee or cider and snacking on something horribly bad for you. What would you choose if you had hours to yourself? Since I'm reminiscing I will share a few....or a lot of my favorites. (In no particular order)

· A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
· The Joy Luck Club
· Interpreter of Maladies
· Cronicles of Narnia
· The Hours
· Glass Castle
· The Namesake
· Ordinary People
· Get Me Out
· The Help
· Water for Elephants
· Memoirs of a Geisha
· Gap Creek
· The Bell Jar
· Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
· Bossypants
· Catcher and the Rye
· A Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing
· Atonement

Any favorites of yours I don't have listed? It's always nice to share favorites others have yet to discover.

1, 2, 3 Magic!

No pulling a bunny out of a hat or making a quarter come out of your ear, we are talking mommy magic. We have hit the terrible twos with Jacob and we were in need of some magic. My sweet hubs gets credit for this one. He is the one that stumbled upon 1, 2, 3 Magic (a discipline program), bought the kindle version and checked out the dvds at our local library.

The magic comes into play when your kids magically stop that obnoxious behavior. Chucking trains, crumbling to the ground, slapping you, lovingly driving toy cars on their sister's head. Yes, we are taking bout my child. Well, every kid has their poison (bad behavior of choice). This doesn't mean they're bad kids, or more importantly, we are bad parents. It's just that they are fairly new to this great, big world and they are still learning to navigate it, explore, learn new things, and express their emotions. Sometimes they don't have the best skills in place to do this without a melt down. But, then again, sometimes neither do I :/

1, 2, 3 Magic teaches you to use counting and consequences to discipline without wasting your time arguing, yelling or being physical. The hard part is sticking to the rules. Count firmly, be silent in between, be consistent in what you consider count worthy and most importantly, be CALM!!! I love how the author, Dr. Phelan, describes it. You are NOT raising mini adults, you are raising wild animals. The sooner we accept that, the more realistic our expectations.

Well, I jumped right in and let me tell you, it works. Now, your child isn't going to all of a sudden stop bad behavior on the first count. But, they do make progress very quickly. I started on a Tuesday and that same day he already understood what the counting meant. It has been about three weeks and he often stops a behavior by the second count and even puts himself on timeout when he knows something was 3 count worthy. Wow! The thing that I like about the program the most is what it has taught me. It has helped me stay calm and really pay attention to why Jacob is misbehaving. It has helped me to be a more in control and intentional parent.

The little things

I can't believe fall is just around the corner. It has me thinking how fast the kids are growing. Jacob just turned two and Ellie already more than halfway to one. I have been making an effort to soak up the little things that make being a mom so wonderful. It can be hard to do when your day is filled, filled, filled and things always need to be done. Feed the kids, wash the dishes, grocery store, laundry, dinner, naps, blah, blah, blah. I'm getting tired just thinking about it. In between those crazy tasks I am getting on the floor to play with Jacob or holding Ellie close to snuggle. These are the moments I will never get back, that I will miss one day. Special moments that we have had lately: Jacob kissing my "co co" (ouchie), Ellie saying "mama", Jacob singing some of the words to Amazing Grace as I rock him, Ellie lighting up and laughing anytime her brother gets near her, getting a call from Mario to say "How are you beautiful?" This is the stuff that makes life so great. That I thank God for. I hope that you take a moment to soak up the little special moments that make your life so great!

Tasty Trials: 3 ingredient Nutella cookies

Let me start off by noting-> #pinterestfail #notsotastytrial. I was craving something sweet tonight so I looked to pinterest for some quick inspiration. 3 ingredient Nutella cookies. This must be too easy to be good. Yep, I was right. They were dry and kinda bland. :( Bummer. Wouldn't it be nice to know before you go ahead and waste your time and calories? Well, there you go. Don't pin that one. And here's a sad picture to prove it :/

#mommyproblems #thestuffmomnevertoldyou

Lets talk about it. The stuff no one every told you about having a baby. We all read the books, downloaded the apps and went to the classes. What to expect while pregnant, how to care for baby, baby makes three, breastfeeding 101, etc. But, what about all the other stuff? That my friend, I learned on my own. You can expect all or some of the following (not in any particular order): 1) You may develop stretch marks on your "ars" that resemble tiger stripes 2) You will never again be able to sneeze or cough without peeing just a tad 3) Your hair will fall out in chunks around 4-8 months after baby is born 4) Niplash (as I have seen it called) the baby will try to take your nipple and jerk it's head to observe anything and everything 5) The sound of a baby crying (not even your baby) can make you leak like Niagra Falls 6) You still crave all those chocolate shakes and French fries when your no longer pregnant 7) Your boobs are sad and saggy 8) Your skin is super dry (the kid sucks the moisture out of you) 9) Your diet will either consist of bread crust, crackers and coffee or drive through 10) HOT flashes can strike at any moment (even if it's December and you have the air blasting) 11) You're lucky if you get a shower before 4 pm 12) Going to get gas and Walmart by yourself!!! is a treat! I know, your reading this thinking....why did I sign up for this? Well, because...they're totally worth it!

Our Neck of the Woods

Potty training, separation anxiety, oh my! But, mommy still needs to take a shower, eat lunch and drink a jug of coffee ( preferably, not in that order). I would most definitely prefer coffee, then food, then shower. Like my kids really care if I stink. On to our main topics. The potty training tales began almost a month ago. I decided to go with the cold turkey, barracade yourself in the house approach. Yay, it worked! A few things that I recommend: be prepared for them to have TONS of accidents the first day (maybe two). It helped to fill a diaper caddy/basket with vinegar water bottle, flushable wipes, extra undies, rags, and treats. We went straight from diapers to undies and the first two days he was learning what it felt like to not go in a diaper. Timer every 20/30 mins, treat and sticker and a big hurrah. By the third day he knew what it felt like, but still couldn't quite hold it long enough to always make it in time. By the fourth day he was telling me and making it. He did start out very excited and quickly got tired of having to leave his toys behind to sit on the jon. Yes, I'm guilty of letting him watch the Planes trailer a million times to lure him

to sit. But, mostly it just took some distraction and extra hugs. I am happy to say we made it. He is doing fantastic. Some funny things I never thought I'd hear in my house. "momma, count it, one two, three poo poos!" Oh the joys!