Food for your Itty Bitty: Pasta Salad & Stewed Zucchini

One of my favorite things is BBQ chicken. And my husband made BBQ chicken list night! It was even more exciting due to the fact that on this day, Delilah had BBQ chicken for the first time! She loved it!

He uses a number of different spices and smokes it pretty much all day. I would't even know where to begin on how he does it, maybe he will post a recipe one day! I could, however, make the side dishes. On the menu tonight: BBQ chicken, stewed zucchini, and pasta salad.

We will start with the pasta salad. I have made the same pasta salad for years, only I usually use spaghetti, but this time around I used the spirals to make it baby friendly :)

Boil the water and add 1/2 of the box of pasta. Cook for about 12 minutes, once again, we are making it baby friendly. Drain and put in bowl.

While the pasta is cooking, cut up 1/2 can of black olives into little bite sized pieces. Adding roasted red peppers at this point is delicious as well :)

Add the olives, mayonnaise, your favorite italian dressing, and seasonings to the bowl. I have always used a Mediterranean spice blend, but use what you like :)  Mix it up.

Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours and serve. 

Now for the stewed zucchini! This method you can use with green beans and okra and anything else for that matter! I usually add some onions, but I was out and going to the grocery store was not going to happen! Put a little oil, or ghee ;), into the pan and place over med high heat. Slice up your zucchini in 1/2 inch rounds and drop into the pan.

Add salt and pepper and onion powder. Lower the heat and add in your tomatoes. You can use stewed, diced, whatever you have on hand.

Add a little water to thin things out a little bit. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the zucchini is soft.

This meal was a hit with Delilah. It has been a ton of fun watching her try all of these new flavors, I love it!

Hers:

Pasta Salad

*Serves 2 adults and 1 baby

1/2 pound pasta (I use the Barilla Veggie Spirals)

1/2 can olive, chopped

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1/2 tablespoon italian dressing (we use Ken's, love it!)

1 teaspoon Mediterranean seasoning (any spice blend you like will do)

salt and pepper

Boil water and add pasta. Cook for 12-15 minutes. Make sure pasta is really done and day for baby to chew. Chop olives into bite sized pieces. Once pasta is cooked, drain and add to bowl along with olives, mayonnaise, italian dressing, and seasonings. Stir. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Eat!

Stewed Zucchini

2 zucchini

1 can tomatoes (diced, stewed)

1/2 onion (optional)

salt and pepper

Put 1 tablespoon in skillet and place over med high heat. Slice zucchini into 1/2 rounds. Dice onions if using. Throw veggies into skillet and brown for 5 minutes. Add can of tomatoes and a little water, 1/2 cup, to thin out. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until soft. Add you salt and pepper and enjoy!

*You can also use this method with okra and green beans!

"Knock Around"

My husband and I have a term in our house we use for comfortable clothing that stays in our house. This item can be shorts, pants, a shirt, a dress, however it is not for public. Honestly, it is pretty much another term for pajamas. My mom has used this term for years and it has caught on over at our house.

Byron was going through some of his clothing, making a throw away pile, a keep pile, and a donation pile. He ran across this super soft, worn AC DC shirt. I decided I would take it in as my new "knock around" shirt. I just had to make a few minor adjustments :) And in the process, came across a new accessory for the babe!

Basically, lay the shirt out on a table, grab scissors and cut along the lines of the sleeve cuff and collar. There is no measuring, and if one side is a little uneven, it's alright!

That's it!

I just randomly decided to tie the 2 shirt cuff together and wouldn't you know, a headband happened! (I will give credit to Byron, who noticed the headband in the first place.)

There it is, two for the price of one!

Sh*t Happened - A post about Poop and Diaper Rash

We have been lucky enough to not have a tough time with diaper rash. Delilah has had a little redness but nothing to bad. I am not sure why it has gone this well, but I am not going tempt it. Lately, she has been a little more irritated, I am thinking the new food she is eating? Not sure. 

In case you are wondering, I have tried a ton of different diaper rash creams. The expensive ones, the popular ones, the you can use this anywhere ones. And I have to say, Aveeno, is by far my favorite.  I put it on her little bum a couple of times a day, but really slather it at night, since she will be in her diaper for a long time. I like the consistency and the fact that it is fragrance free. I wish the tube was a little softer, it makes getting the last of the cream out a little difficult, but that is our go to.

If I notice any change of color on her rear, I will immediately put breastmilk on her too. I think that has really helped.

Lately, I have been putting Vaseline on top of the Aveeno on top of the breastmilk. It might be overkill, but I really don't want her to get a diaper rash.

On to the story. She was looking a little red after a weekend of traveling, and in order to prevent a diaper rash, I will let her go around naked for a while. My husband has always flipped when he sees her like this, he still thinks her poo and pee like an adult's. Maybe I am just immune to that stuff now that I am a mom? Regardless, he has always said, "She's gonna poop one of these days and I'm not cleaning it up." Nah.

Well, yah. I was doing something in her room, and I heard, "Ooop, yeah, yep, Sarah, she's pooping. Sarah no, I need your help. No, I am serious. Yep. She pooped." I walk in there and he is holding her under her arms, pushed way out, and she just had this cute, innocent, lovable smile. One of my favorite things about being a mom, are moments like these, where I get to see my husband in these ridiculous situations with our baby. It makes me smile for days!

I look at the mess, and gratefully she pooped on the hardwood floor. However, our rug was not so lucky, she peed there. And yep, "Sarah! Why is is wet right here. Like, wet. Awwww." He also stepped in her pee. Ha. I cleaned it up, laughed, and cleaned, and laughed some more. I have heard of some pretty epic shit stories, maybe this is the first of many? In any case, it was pretty hilarious.

I will continue to let Delilah run around naked if that means she doesn't get a diaper rash, maybe we should get some of those little puppy mats.

Love these two!

Food for your Itty Bitty: Mexican Pot Roast

I have been racking my brain on what to cook for Delilah. She is eating so well and I want to keep introducing her to foods and flavors. I have decided to not really modify what I cook, cook how I usually do. But when it is time to eat, adapt her plate in order for it to be edible for her. This roast I made is the perfect example of that. I used Mexican flavors and the only thing that I really changed, was using refried black beans instead of whole. And I took out the cayenne pepper that I would have usually used as well! But she loved it! Beef and all :)

I love cooking roasts. They are super easy and are done when I am good and ready! I usually give about 3 hours of cooking time, ours are no more than 2 pounds, and I literally throw it in there mid afternoon and pull it out right before we eat.

Start by preheating your oven to 350.

Season meat with whichever taco seasoning you like. I use cumin, chili powder, onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper.

I like using the same pan I brown in to cook in the oven, so I am using my trusty cast iron skillet for this. While you are seasoning the meat, turn burner on high and let the pan hear up. Once it is hot, put in your meat and start browning it up.

I guess it would help to put in oil ;)

Brown both sides and then add a can of salsa or in this instance, a can of Rotel, and add a little water until it goes up halfway. You do not want to have your steak swimming in liquid, that would be bad. 

Cover up with aluminum foil, or a lid if you have one, and stick it in the oven to cook for a few hours. I am not to technical on my time, so I usually leave it in there a few hours, or until we are ready to eat. The longer it cooks the more tender it gets, so no worries!

Pull the roast out and the way I test for doneness, is get a fork and pick a spot, twirl the fork around, and if meat easily twirls with the fork, it's done!

I served the roast with tortillas, refried black beans, and rice. A little habanero salsa and sour cream and you are good!

For Delilah, I combined the rice and beans into little balls so it was easier for her to pick up. I tore up tortilla into tiny pieces, and cut the roast into even tinier pieces! It was a hit!

Mexican Pot Roast

1-2 lb roast of your choice

Mexican seasonings (Cumin, Chili Powder, Onion powder, Garlic powder)

1 tablespoon oil

Jar of Salsa/ Can of Rotel

Water

Preheat oven to 350

Season roast with seasonings, don't be shy!

Put cast iron, or oven safe pan, over high heat and brown the roast on both sides.

Put the salsa or Rotel in the pan with enough water to come up the middle of the roast. Cover and bake in oven for 3 hours or so.

Can of Refried Black Beans

Heat before serving

Refrigerated Tortillas

Brown up before serving (These are the only tortillas I buy now, they are so good!)

Rice

1 cup rice

2 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon tomato bullion 

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon butter

Melt butter and brown rice slightly for 5 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to low, simmer for 20 minutes. Once water is evaporated, turn off heat and let sit until ready to serve.

Shred up roast and place in tortillas and make a yummy taco! Use whatever fixins you love!

***We had leftover with the roast the next night. I reheated the meat in a little chicken broth. Made some mashed potatoes, and broccoli and cheese. It was yummy twice!

Worst. Cold. Ever.

This week I think I have literally had the worst cold of my life. I could really use a new head at this point. My ears, throat, nose, hair, everything hurts and is clogged up. 

I was using Baby Aquaphor because the tissue I was using was tearing up my nose. I decided to give Delilah's Boogie Wipes a whirl to see if they really do help.

What a difference! I am now a Boogie Wipe believer! I have been using the Boogie Mist as well and it is really working numbers too. 

Fingers crossed that Delilah doesn't get the cold, I am pretty sure though she is the one that gave it to me. She is finally clear of her ear infection, yay!

Fingers, toes, and arms crossed that my husband doesn't get it.

Food for your Itty Bitty: Chicken Fried Steak

I wanted to try out the ghee recipe that turned out so well, on some chicken fried steak. I will not be frying chicken, due to the fact that it would cost about a million dollars. Im kidding, but it would cost a lot! I used about a quarter cup or so, until the bottom of the pan had a layer of liquid. It turned out really good, especially paired with some skillet potatoes and gravy!

There she is! It required a little elbow grease (pun intended) to get out of the jar once it's been refrigerated. I was going to work out my arms anyways today.

I mentioned before that my life usually runs in 15 minute increments, if it can't be done in 15 minutes, it's not happening. So, I was able to cut up the round steak into pieces and put them in an egg wash. They then went into the fridge to hang out while I chased Delilah out of the pantry and take the unknown object out of her mouth.

 I usually season my flour with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Today's batch was special because my husband brought home some of this crazy stuff, so I decided to give it a whirl.

The things my husband brings home.

Dredge your steak into the flour while your oil is heating over med high heat. To test if it's ready, pinch some of the flour in the grease, if it bubbles, it's ready!

Let the steak fry up for about 5 minutes or so, when it looks golden, flip it! If your wondering why my round steak looks funny, it is because we are lucky enough to get out beef from my husband's mom's farm. Not sure why I didn't say mother-in-law, moving along. We cut it up ourselves, so I am able to choose how big or small the pieces are. 

Spice Jar

Once the steaks are browned on both sides, takes about 10 minutes, take them out and salt those puppies up. I have mine on a cooling rack today because I made this while Delilah was napping and these will find themselves in the oven to be reheated.

Now, for the gravy!

Milk Glass

Use the flour from earlier and some milk. You will also need a little water too. 

I had to empty out some oil, you want about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Put burner to low and sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir around and cook for about 3 minutes.

 Slowly add the milk and stir really well. You, at this point could use a whisk, I prefer a wooden spatula, the way my momma does it. Don't worry if it is a little lumpy, do the best you can and remember there are delicious crispy bits from the steak!

Add all of your milk and start adding water until you reach your desired consistency. I have found out people get very serious about their gravy, I like mine a little runny and my husband likes his super thick. A family divided!

Ours:

I made a quick pea salad and skillet potatoes, yum!

(For the salad you literally throw peas, sweet pickle relish, cheese, purple onion, and mayo together.)

I know what you are thinking, chicken fried steak for the itty bitty? Nope! Not yet! But I couldn't let her sit and watch us eat, so we improvised ;)

Hers:

Cannelloni Beans with Gravy! 

She got some peas and potatoes as well.

Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

Round Steak

1 egg

1/2 cup Milk

1 cup Flour

1 teaspoon Garlic powder

1 teaspoon Onion powder

Any crazy seasoning your special person decided to bring home

salt and pepper

Oil for frying

Coat the round steak in egg and milk mixture. 

Place in flour and coat the steak, shake of extra flour.

Heat oil in frying pan on med high heat, there should be enough to coat the bottom. Place the steaks in the oil and fry for about 5 minutes per side. Until they are golden and cooked through.

2 tablespoons Oil

2 tablespoons reserved flour

1/2 cup Milk

1/2 cup water

Heat oil on low heat and stir in flour. Cook for about 5 minutes, until flour starts bubbling. Slowly add in milk and stir. Start adding water until desired consistency is met. Add a little at a time to avoid super runny gravy. Taste for seasoning.

Nursery Tour

In the beginning I had Delilah's nursery picture perfect. Everything had a place and nothing was touched. Now, it is a different story. I have moved just about everything around in her room in order to keep certain objects out of her sticky little hands.

This nursery was something I put a lot of thought into, yet it was the least stressful part of getting ready for baby. I remember sitting in the rocker a week before my induction crying as I was looking around the room. Tears of joy, excitement, fear, and accomplishment. And also a little pain, due to the fact that my ankles resembled those of an elephant.

I made quite a bit of the decorations, I could not find myself spending $90 on the crib skirt that I fell in love with, so I made her's for $10.

Jenny Lind crib

Curtains - World Market

Sheepskin rug - Antique dealer (Ikea sells similar)

Bird Mobile - homemade

Light Pendent - Ikea

Shelves and Changing table - Ikea

Growth Chart book - similar here

Wire Basket - Crate & Barrel
Changing Pad Cover - aden + anais
(this one is the permanent cover, however it was in the wash when I took the photos ;) )

Letter "D" - homemade

"You are such a Peach" and "Olive Juice" - homemade

Baby Bottle - vintage

Ladder - Ikea and homemade

Shelves - Ikea

Floor Puff - homemade

Sheep - Restoration Hardware Baby

 

Dresser - hand me down refurbished

Side table - Ikea

Mirrors - Target

Knobs - World Market

If I missed anything and you would like to know where something came from, please let me know and ask! 

Have a good day!