happy easter - what?

Now I'd expect one to forgive me if this were baby #3 or #4.... but on baby #1???!!! Come on. Let's back up.

As those who've been reading AlanandSteph know, we were in San Antonio for Easter weekend. So needless to say, we didn't get Nora all dressed up for Easter (frankly - I didn't event think about it). Rather than going to church we were enjoying our small 1'x1' spaces on Southwest. But what kind of mom doesn't take Easter photos (even if a couple days late) of her first born in an Easter dress? THIS mom I guess.

So I finally got her dressed up earlier this week (thanks Gma and Gpa T for the cute dress) and took some photos. I figure in 5 years when I'm looking through her baby book I won't even remember that the pictures were taken a month later :) Yes - you read that right. I'm totally planning on putting these pictures under the Easter portion.

Here's to good intentions and pretty dresses...

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Steph's Pick - Resource Updates: Beaba Babycook & SkipHop's Studio Diaper Tote

Thanks Kristi (check our her blog - she's a hilarious writer!) for asking me to write an update on some of the items I posted about earlier but at that time had yet to use.

{Product 1 - Diaper Bag}

Remember this post? For those who need a refresher, back in February 2009 I was so excited about our pregnancy with Nora that I immediately started looking for the perfect diaper bag. You know - the kind of diaper bag that's cute yet functional. (alright - maybe more cute than functional) After much research I settled on Skip Hop's Studio Diaper Tote in Champagne and couldn't wait to tell all our AlanandSteph readers about it. But at the time I was months away from using it.

Update.

After 10 months of use this bag has lived up to my expectations. It's still cute (yipee!) and carries a TON of stuff. There are so many pockets for everything every momma needs to carry around. I know of at least 5 friends who have the same bag and who also love it! So all in all - 5 stars! *****

{Product 2 - Beaba Babycook}

Right at the beginning of starting to make Nora's baby food I was just too excited not to post about my new-found kitchen gadget. In November I posted here about the Beaba Babycook. As ya'll probably know by now - I'm a wanna-be foodie, which is probably why this was such a fun gift for me to receive (thanks again Tom & Jane). Now 5 months into making baby food I feel like I can finally give it a decent review.

Update.

The Beaba Babycook is a little glimpse into all of the great things God has in store for us in heaven (yes - I'm hoping that I will still cook in heaven :)). Seriously. I have loved every part of this little gadget. Between being a working mom, doing cloth diapers and doing everything else I do - My little Beaba has been a life-saver. Now do I think it's totally necessary - no. I have plenty of friends who make their own baby food using a simple blender or Magic Bullet. But for me it has been awesome. It's so simple. You steam and puree in the same container. My only "beef" - the pricetag. Although I can't complain - it was a gift!!!

I wish I had pictures of the whole process... sorry. This is what Nora's food (blueberries and mangoes) look like after steaming, pureeing and freezing them and before heating them up and feeding them to Nora-bora.

Here's the after picture....

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nora's 1st swing

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that we're just getting around to taking Nora to the park and putting her in a swing. I've had all winter to do this as the weather here has been GORGEOUS but somehow time just slipped away from us. Oh well, that's life...

She seems to like it :)

On an unrelated note, Nora's learning to give kisses. The only problem is she likes to give open mouth kisses....watch out boys!

Happy Wednesday!!

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Nora Recommends - Boon's Bottle Drying Rack

Ok - I'll admit it. I've been eyeing this drying rack for a couple months now. I know ... if I'd known 5 years ago that I'd have my eyes out for a contemporary bottle drying rack I probably would have had a good laugh. But that's what motherhood does to you.

Boon’s Grass Countertop Drying Rack is a minimal, modern way to dry your bottles, cups, spoons and baby plates. Water drains from the utensils into the tray so the products can air dry. Sleek, stylish and functional, the Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack is a fabulous addition to a modern kitchen.

So needless to say, last week I took my 20% BBB coupon to Buy, Buy Baby and bought it! Yipee!! I also decided it was time to do away with the formula cans and got a different container for it. Doesn't it look nice? For those who know me well - you can attest to the fact that I'm all about making sure our home doesn't look like Nora's stuff blew up all over it :)

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Steph's Pick - Trudeau Pot Clip

You know you spend a lot of time in the kitchen when your hubby presents you with one of these for Christmas and you're just as happy as if he would have gotten you jewelry. ***Big Cheesy Grin***

This may sound silly but oftentimes when cooking I would become agitated by the mess that placing the spoon in the average spoon rest would leave. Not only do I have to clean the spoon and the spoon rest but oftentimes I'd drip all over the place just getting the spoon into it's resting position - ugh!

The Trudeau Pot Clip Spoon Rest comes in and saves the day! Fashioned from silicone and metal, this clip is heat-resistant (up to 600 degrees F) - and clamps very securely to most pans. Little silicone bumpers guard against scratches and it's dishwasher safe.

I love what an Amazon reviewer, Emily B, said of this gadget...
" The Trudeau's pot clip is one of those kitchen gadgets that looks like an extra and turns out to be indispensable."

I couldn't have said it better. And at under $10/each they make a great gift for Mother's Day :)

Get yours today. Both Amazon and Sur La Table sell them.

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9 months & a trip to Yogurtology

Nora celebrated her nine month "birthday" last week. We still can't believe how quickly she's growing up. Here are a quick list of her "likes" and "dislikes"

Nora likes...

people (no stranger-danger for her), dogs, silly songs, crawling, walks, our TV Stand, watermelon, bows, being VERY active, colorful and loud toys (ughhh...), her little blankey, skype, grass, swimming, teething biscuits, Mrs. Cherrick and Reagan and finally Elmo. Yes - Elmo. Must be the bright red and high voice :)

Nora's dislikes...

having her nose wiped, sitting still, airplanes (too restrictive), her carseat (for the same reason), when dad gets a haircut (scary) and finally being so far away from her cousins :(

Without further ado....here are her stats...

9 months.

20 lbs. 11 oz. (75%)

30 inches (97%)

Here are a few pics from our trip to Yogurtology with the Cherrick ladies...

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Scottsdale Moms Blog - Rejoicing in your Spirited Child

In today's Flies Blend post over at Scottsdale Moms Blog, read three tips in Rejoicing in my your Spirited Child. One of which is learning to become a spirited mom :)

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Steph's Pick - Cupcake Vineyards Wine

I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for a brand of wine that is yummy tasting and under $10/bottle (oh - and the label being cute would be a bonus too!)

So you can imagine my excitement when a friend (hey Laura!) told me that she really likes the Cupcake Vineyards brand wines. She had me at cupcake.

Seriously. CUPCAKE Vineyards? What could be better? And cuter?

If I wouldn't have been home alone with a sleeping baby I would have dashed to the nearest liquor store. I was that excited. Really.

So my next trip to grocery store I scoured the wine aisles for this wine and was thoroughly excited when I found a bottle of Cupcake Vineyards Merlot. And look at what they write on the back of their Merlot --"Decadent layers of rich black cherry, supple mocha and wonderfully sweet oak mingles into a plush, full finish. In other words: Sinful." The label goes on to recommend serving with molten lava cake drizzled with dark chocolate and finishes with, "Cupcake: Permission to enjoy dessert first." Well, who can argue with that? And for you white wine drinkers I've heard the Chardonnay is the best.

Check it out today. I'm willing to bet a glass of the Merlot with this would be heavenly.

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The Flies Blend on Bambina Babe

In last week's Flies Blend post at Bambina Babe, check out my contribution to Nealy's 10 Ways to Beautify Your Blog series where I outline How to Make a Picture Collage.

Thanks to Nealy for inviting me to guest post :)

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picnic with the girls

I love this time of year in AZ. The evenings are still cool(er) and the days perfect for picnics and swimming. Which is exactly what we did this past Friday. Nora and I met up with Joy and Reagan to enjoy the park nearby and breathe in some fresh air as we all know our cooler days are numbered (booo....)

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Steph's Pick - DIY BabyLegs

Remember this post? Well Nora (and mom) still can't get enough of BabyLegs. However, their not so easy on the budget. At about $12/each these are some expensive leg warmers :)

Fear not, I have some VERY crafty and gifted friends who have come to the rescue (phew...) Allie managed to post a DIY tutorial of how to make your own babylegs out of women's knee high socks - so fun, huh???!!!

What's even better is that Target came to the rescue (again) and has a large selection of $2 women's knee highs (see top pic). So a couple weeks ago I picked up 4 pairs and headed to my friend, Sara's place to make Nora four new pairs of BabyLegs. Thanks to some help from Sara and her good ole Singer Sewing machine we completed these during Nora's nap. Yipee...

Check out Allie's Tutorial (and be sure to take a look at some pics of her sweet little Reese)

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Nora meets Pava

Sorry about having to crank your neck to watch this videa :)

Nora just LOVES dogs. Its so funny. I think if we had a dog she wouldn't be sad ever... seriously. Too bad we live in a second floor condo... not exactly the ideal dog friendly home.

Maybe sometime Nora....you'll have to ask your dad though...be sure to use your sad face...that should work ;)

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Easter and an Anniversary celebration in San Antonio

we spent the past weekend in San Antonio

with family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of my Gpa and Gma T (look at how cute they are!)

At Christmas my grandparents were given a gift of a trip to San Antonio. Unknowingly to them we would all be joining them to help them celebrate :) Here's our group at their 60th anniversary dinner...

we spent the weekend resting poolside, sharing great family memories, laughing together, eating yummy food (always my favorite when traveling!)...

watching the Final Four (go DUKE!)...

and watching the little munchkin do a little of this (see video in previous post)...

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..watch out world...

...here comes Nora...

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Steph's Pick - DIY Baby Tee's

What is it about cute fabric that makes me smile??? :)
Here's a VERY simple DIY that I did for Nora just last week.


What you need....
- small pieces of fabric
- animal image (mine is a bird) to trace
- sewing machine
- button(s) for eye(s)

Here's what you do....
- print out animal image to serve as a stencil and cut it out
- trace stencil on fabric and cut fabric (I used 2 pieces of fabric for this birdie, 1 for the body and 1 for the wing)
- with zigzag stitch slowly sew animal to tshirt
- attach button(s)
- tada!!!! you've got yourself your very own DIY Baby Tee


Soooooo cute! See previous post for pics of Nora Baby modeling the finished product.

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♥ my new cousin

yipee!!! I have a new cousin today - Ella Jane!!!

Sending our love to Kyle, Sara and Ella today!!!

xoxoxo

ps: mommy said she'll post a tutorial later of how to make my cute shirt :)

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Steph's Pick - Panini Recipes

Remember this post? Probably not.... that was back in May of 2008. I can't imagine that anyone was reading our blog at that time :)

Since receiving our panini grill (which happens to be on sale!) as a gift, we've used it countless times. It's been an awesome appliance to have around the kitchen. And for those of you questioning this statement - we have a very small kitchen and don't have a ton of storage space, but I'd gladly make space for our panini grill. It makes for very easy lunches, dinners, desserts and we've even used it for "Make your own Panini Parties" (so fun btw!!!).

The following Panini recipes came from my friend, Michelle, who has yet to enter the blogging community so I've taken it upon myself to post all of her delicious treats on our blog :)

Ham and Cheese Panini (serves 4)

ingredients.

8 slices prosciutto ham

brie cheese

1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced

1/4 cup thinly diced scallions

4 tbsp. butter

8 slices sourdough bread

directions.

1. melt butter and stir in chopped scallions. spread onto bread

2. layer prosciutto, brie slices and apple slices onto bread

3. grill in a panini grill or saute in a pan for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Slider Panini (serves 2)

ingredients.

4-6 slices good grade roast beef deli meat

2 portobello mushroom caps- sliced

3 cloves garlic - minced

1 sweet onion - sliced

1/3 cup blue cheese

4 slices sourdough bread

1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp olive oil

directions.

1. saute the onions with 1 tbsp olive oil on low-med heat for 15-20 minutes, until oinions are caramel color

2. saute the mushrooms with garlic and 1 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes

3. spread butter on outside of bread, top with roast beef, mushroom mixture, onions and blue cheese. grill in panini press or in a saute pan for 4-5 minutes.

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i♥hats

thanks laura and phil... you're the best!!!

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Steph's Pick - Amy Butler Fabric

Now, I'll admit, I'm a little biased towards pretty things. I think most of us would admit that we are, right? So when I was first introduced to textile design guru, Amy Butler's fabric a couple months back, I couldn't help but be pleasantly surprised. Fabric that actually looks like it was designed in the 21st century, what???!!! Although I have yet to purchase any of her lovely textiles, I'll admit, I've been drooling over so many of her lines and dreaming of my first fabric store outing ever since :)

Some of my favorite lines are featured below.

And if I am completely honest I'd have to say that one of the other things I love about Amy is that she's spent the last 20+ years in the Midwest (Kansas and Ohio). I love me some Midwest ladies.

I've got a Favorites Folder full of DIY ideas begging to be completed with Amy Butler fabric. Now I just need to convince a friend with a sewing machine to let Nora and me come over.

I can't wait...

Click Here to find a store that carries Amy's fabrics near you!

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Scottsdale Moms Blog - Skype

In today's Flies Blend post over at Scottsdale Moms Blog, check out one of my favorite mom-techy resources, Skype. A must have for all parents out there. (Added bonus: It's FREE!)

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mr. sun

oh mister sun, sun,
mister golden sun,
please shine down on me!

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Steph's Pick - Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken

Interested in an easy-peasy recipe??? And by easy I mean E-A-S-Y!!! Isn't every cook looking for the occassional recipe that takes no time and tastes super yummy?

My sister-in-law, Sara (due any day with baby r), gave me this recipe and since sending it to me I've probably made it half a dozen times. Gotta love my sister-in-laws!!!

cream cheese salsa chicken

ingredients.

3-4 Frozen Chicken Breasts

1 can black beans (rinsed)

1 can whole kernel corn

1 jar salsa

8 oz cream cheese

directions.

Simply throw everything (minus the cream cheese) in a crockpot and cook on high for 5 hours. Add the cream cheese to melt over everything the last 30 minutes. Shred chicken and serve over rice or in tortilla's.

(And for those of you wondering about the frozen chicken breasts - yes - that's the best part of this recipe. Throw it in and don't even think about dethawing them.)

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SpaFinder.com Deal Days

Spa Deals - yes please!!! Count me in! All across the nation spas are offering select treatments for only $50.

Although I have yet to actually participate in this event, I just got off the phone with the Hotel Valley Ho booking my treatment - The Best Fifty (25 min Facial and 25 min Massage) - yipee!!

Go here to enter your email and zip code to find participating spas in your area. There are all kinds of treatments like massages, pedicures, body wraps, facials and more.

Everyone could use a little pampering, right? Book your appointment before Sunday.

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Nora Recommends - Personalized Inchbug Labels

I'm not ashamed to admit that I LOVE our church nursery!!! What an incredible blessing that other people are willing to watch our little cutie-patutie while we go to church. After retrieving Nora from the nursery a couple of times we would always find all of our valuables (the 3 B's - Baby, Bottle and Bag) labeled with Nora's name written on masking tape. You know me - that just wasn't going to do.

Introducing InchBug Labels for Bottles and Sippy Cups. Perfect! We were lucky enough to receive an order of these for Nora from some dear friends and they have been so fun. As you can see from the picture above, they are perfect for our bottles and will work just as well with her sippy cups in the future.

On another note - it's cold (brrrrrr...) and rainy here in AZ today. Although it isn't preferrable weather it was a great reason to bust out one of Nora's cute hats. Yipee.... love me some TwoSeasideBabes hats!!!

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Steph's Pick - ScottsdaleMomsBlog.com

As most of you know, I became a mom to our daughter, Nora, in July. Mommy-hood has been such a great adventure!

In my short stint as a mommy, I quickly noticed that there were not many resources online for Scottsdale Moms. So, my friend Joy and I decided something must be done. So we have started a blog highlighting great things to do in Scottsdale, local businesses, mommy resources and soon Scottsdale Moms Spotlights (highlighting mommies right here in Scottsdale who have extraordinary skills and wisdom to share.)

To launch our site, we want to give YOU a present! We have a $25 GIFT CARD to the dawwling little baby store Moonbeams. (I did say we are about supporting those small business owners around these parts.)

Just go to www.scottsdalemomsblog.com and read the short, super simple instructions. Then, pass it onto your friends.

(oh - and look for us on Facebook too!)

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Florida Keys

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a 5-day family vacation in the Florida Keys with Mom and Dad Triggs, Mom Flies and Nick, Abby and Adelyn. How fun is that!!!???Seriously.

We spent our days playing with babies, watching a little Olympics (Go USA!!!), chatting with the ladies, getting some sun, taste-testing Key Lime Pie, cookin' yummy food and lovin on our family. It was such a blessing to have some serious R&R with both of our families.
I thought in order to give you all an idea of how our trip went I'd give you a short list of the Do's and Don't's in traveling with a 7 month old :)

DO be sure to pack enough diapers in your diaper bag for the flight (wish I would have taken this advice - yes - we did spend 30+ min frantically looking for a couple more diapers in MIA)

DON'T bring a stroller that won't fit through security. It only adds more time onto your already lengthy security check.

DO bring a portable DVD player for easy access entertainment on the plane and in the car

DON'T plan on reading on the plane. I used to love this aspect of traveling.

DO vacation with your family. It was a blast!

And finally DON'T try the Rum Runner (the Key Lime Pina Colada was much better - hehe)

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