Jessica Merchant's Blog, page 342
January 4, 2018
A Day in the Life – January 2018.
[This is one random day in the life where we spent the ENTIRE day at home (hello stir crazy!) and I’m so glad I wrote out notes about the day as we went… because what was a very normal, real life, boring day ended up being super exciting at the end, and if I had sat down to write it all at once, I think the tone would be completely different! This is 100% real life, unedited, horrible quality pics straight from my phone!]
6:30am: I really wanted to get up super early and work out before Eddie left for work. I told him the night before that I was going to! This way, if the kids woke up, I wouldn’t be interrupted. Welp, I didn’t. Emilia was up from 3 to 4 and then I was wide awake for another 30 minutes (and going through my damn phone! THE WORST.) and while I should have probably just got out of bed then to do it, I fell back asleep.
I woke up to feed Emilia again at 630 and decided I had to work out then or it wouldn’t happen – definitely wouldn’t happen. I grabbed Emilia and put her in the pod so I could see her while I worked out. She just slept on and off!
7am: I did a quick workout of 20 minutes on the elliptical and some lunges, squats and steps up and probably won’t be able to walk tomorrow. (ETA: I’m hurting)
The MOMENT (seriously the moment!) I finished, Max woke up. We made him some breakfast (peanut butter toast with bananas that he essentially makes himself because HE CAN DO IT! omg toddler life is hard.) and while he ate, I stretched a bit and played with Emilia on her play mat. I have a babysitter (she is so much more than that!) that comes for Max on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (this is how I was able to write, recipe test and photograph my book with a 1-2 year old!) and she is coming today. She is my LIFESAVER! And I adore her. So does Max.
8am: Once Alex gets here, I make some coffee and do about 45 minutes of morning computer work – the things that I HATE to do, you know? What’s this called – eating the frog or something? I get the worst out of the way quickly so I don’t have to do it at night. Respond to urgent emails, etc. All that jazz. This has to be 45 minutes of straight work and I can’t get sucked into the internet vortex. I also make a quick breakfast (2 eggs, toast) and at this point, Max is getting dressed and they are going downstairs to play for a few hours.
8:45am: I take Emilia upstairs with me and get a quick shower, then actually GET READY. This is one of my 2018 resolutions – getting ready early on in the day, shower + a little makeup – it just makes me feel better and more productive. Emilia hangs out in the Bjorn bouncer while I do this.
9:30am: At this point, she is ready to eat again so I feed her, play for bit, then get working for the day!
This is a much later start than I prefer, but since I worked out late (yay for doing it!) and still have an unpredictable schedule with Emilia (yay for still getting used to that!), I’m trying to not focus on it and get done what I can. I start three different recipes to test. I have to use the time wisely when Alex is here and prioritize ruthlessly. Right now it’s simple since Emilia still sleeps so much, but in a few weeks this schedule will change big time! This is my first week back in the kitchen for work purposes and I’m super BLAH about it. Hahahaha. I obviously adore my job but like, why can’t I just be independently wealthy?
My computer is open on the counter so during this time I also respond to any emails or do things that… need done!
Max comes upstairs for some yogurt and asks to hold Emilia and my heart melts into a huge puddle. OMG.
Emilia is back to snoozeland.
11:30am: I’ve been moving along and photographing some recipes but now I have take a break for a work call. Also time to feed Emilia again!
12ishpm: I eat the overnight oats for lunch that I forgot I had prepared for breakfast! #mombrain
I completely forget to take any pictures of anything because I forget that I’m writing this day in the life post.
I also made smoothies for Max and Alex (a version of the one that’s on the blog today!) and I drink a bunch of the leftovers too.
2pm: Take a quick break to film an Instagram story for Sweet Peas Meals, our meal planning program! We had a new year’s promotion with thousands of new members signing up and I’m doing a quick smoothie pack prep. In turn this gave me a few smoothie packs for the rest of the week! Yessssss.
2:30pm: Emilia break! All babies do is eat eat eat.
3pm: This is Max snuggle time! We always snuggle around 3pm when Alex leaves since we’ve spent some hours apart. I love it! If Emilia isn’t sleeping, she gets in on the snuggless too. P.S. the kitchen looks like a bomb went off at this point but I’m not worrying about it because in 20 years I won’t care about that and will miss snuggling my kids.
3:30pm Literally microwaved sharp cheddar in half of a tortilla and ate it because, starving mom status.
From now until about 8ish, I don’t want to be on my computer doing any work! I want to soak up the time with these babies because it’s going by so fast and I’m having a heart attack over just how fast. I’d rather be up half the night doing work so I can spend the daytime with them.
Around 4ishpm is when I really start to crash and feel the effects of little sleep! Kombucha to the rescue. This is always my afternoon treat.
Max makes us a very large (and eclectic) family room floor picnic and we play with this for about an hour. It’s so fun.
5pm: I clean up the kitchen and start dinner! I’m making what Eddie calls my cop out meal because it’s SO easy. Just balsamic roasted vegetables, smoked turkey sausage and brown rice. It’s the only kind of sausage I actually like. I’ve tried to photograph this recipe three times over the last few years and it looks like GARBAGE in a blog post. I might make it one more time next week, do the photos and post it because it’s so easy, simple and fairly good for you too.
See? Not very 2018 food blog worthy. Whomp whomp.
5:45pm: While dinner is roasting in the oven, I feed Emilia and then we give her a bath! Max LOVES to help with this. He gets out the soap, brings in her tub, grabs towels and washcloths. He asks if we can give her a bath multiple times per day! All he does is stand on a chair, talk to us both and pumps soap onto the washcloth. I have loved these moments over the last eight weeks.
6:15pm: Emilia is snuggled up and Max is eating dinner at the kitchen counter (the turkey sausage and leftover mac and cheese, of course), so I try to do a 20 minute clean up of the tornado around our house. I see a ton of packages outside of our front door and have no clue what they are because I didn’t order a thing. Not even from amazon. I swear!
6:30pm: While opening the packages, I open one that had been delivered earlier in the day and am in complete shock. IT IS MY BOOK!! Holy crap. Was not expecting it at all, was totally surprised and equally just as thrilled. I spent the next 30 minutes freaking out and being an emotional basketcase. This made my entire day!
7:15pm: Eddie gets home, we eat dinner and freak over the book a little bit.
7:30pm: I run upstairs and get a few things ready for the night (humidifiers, swaddles, PJs, water bottles, etc), wash my face and do my nighttime skincare routine.
8pm: Eddie puts Max to bed and I feed Emilia.
8:20pm: I have tons of work to do tonight!
I work on a bunch of book promotional things. Can’t even BELIEVE that the book will be out soon! Last year at this time I was photographing 200+ recipes like a freaking lunatic. It feels like yesterday and a million years ago all at the same time. I do a ton of other work like prepping my blog post for tomorrow, editing the photos from earlier, writing recipes, preparing this day in the life post, responding to comments, emails and anything else that is on my list.
I obviously have on the TV while I’m doing these things but nothing good is on at the moment!
10:30pm: I feed Emilia again and hope she will sleep until about 4 or 5am. That has been her routine recently! It’s amazing.
10:45pm: I work a bit more and then also loosely schedule our day for tomorrow, because I have a meeting and Emilia has her 2 month checkup and before, during and after will be one giant whirlwind. I also realize that I didn’t do the Headspace meditation that I started last week (another one of my goals) and am super bummed that I forgot.
12:30am: Finally make it up to bed, where I inevitably look at my phone for 15 minutes (the worst habit, but it’s my alarm and Emilia tracker so it’s going nowhere) before falling asleep, only to be woken up with a jolt as the phone falls onto my face. GOODNIGHT!
The post A Day in the Life – January 2018. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
Layered Immunity Boosting Smoothie.
This is the smoothie that is saaaaving us right now!
Oh Mylanta. This immunity boosting smoothie is what we are living on at the moment. And guess what? THERE IS NO BANANA! That’s right. All of you banana haters, rejoice! This is a banana-free smoothie.
HELLO and welcome to 2018 where here on the internet we tell you how to make a super high maintenance smoothie that takes a full 20 minutes. Apologies. But it’s so pretty?
What I love about these is that it’s basically three smoothies in one! I mean, it’s definitely three smoothies in one. You can make them separately or you can layer them if you want to feel fancy.
I want to feel fancy. Always.
While I live in leggings, FYI.
The year that I had Max, I got sick shortly after and would make a killer clementine smoothie that was so packed with vitamin C, it kicked the sickness’ butt. That, combined with an apple cider vinegar shot (which I’ve probably been doing for ten years now?!) got rid of it quickly.
So! I took a version of that orange smoothie. The bright and citrusy orange layer is filled with…
…lots of citrus! Navel oranges here, but clementines, cara caras or blood oranges work too!
Some coconut meat chunks, freshly squeezed OJ, orange zest, milk and bee pollen (if you’re into it) round out this bright blend.
I haven’t been using bee pollen in my own smoothies since I was pregnant (though I did have a few smoothie bowls from a local place that I know sprinkles a bit on top) but it’s an ingredient I really love to use when I’m not pregnant/nursing so I wanted to include it here. I buy mine locally, which is the best thing to do!
The shocking pink layer is filled with frozen pink dragonfruit (pitaya!), tart sweet cherries, frozen raspberries, coconut water (sooo hydrating) and chia seeds. It’s so stunning that I love drinking it. Hot pink for the win.
And the greeeeen layer is filled spinach, more coconut chunks, milk, oats, almond butter and hemp hearts! DELICIOUS. The coconut chunks are from Trader Joe’s and the best thing ever. They are in the freezer section and work wonders to replace banana. Go get ’em!
Things that aren’t included here that you can obviously add: collagen peptides and protein powders and what not. I knew Max was going to drink some of this as I was prepping it, so I left those things out. I like to add collagen to my coffee though. I’m still pretty much over protein powders and have been since 2008. Over.it.
Now of course! You can just blend these all together and make one large smoothie. You can make three separate smoothies! I mean, I don’t live on another planet and assume that before you wake up and go to work, you’re going to make three separate layers of smoothie, pour them in a pretty glass and sit down to enjoy it before walking out the door.
A perfect world, right?
This is more like a fun brunch smoothie. Something fun for your kids! Something bright and delicious for you to make on a morning where 17 things have already gone wrong and you kind of need it to feel special and you want to turn that day around without eating chocolate chip pancakes. You know.
Sounds about right.
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Layered Immunity Boosting Smoothie
Yield: makes about 4 (8-ounce) servings
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
pitaya layer
1 (3.5 ounce) frozen pitaya pack
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
orange layer
2 navel oranges
1 cup frozen coconut meat
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup almond, coconut or cow’s milk (your milk of choice!)
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon bee pollen (optional! do you research on this before trying. we love it.)
green layer
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen coconut meat
1 cup almond, coconut or cow’s milk (your milk of choice!
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons almond butter
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
Directions:
Blend the ingredients together separetely for each layer and pour into glasses. You can obviously blend everything together too, or make a single layer as one smoothie!
Just a note: be sure to research or ask your doctor about using bee pollen before consuming it!
All images and text ©How Sweet Eats.
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I appreciate you so much!
This makes me want a smoothie every day!
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January 3, 2018
Thai Chicken Zoodle Soup.
Resolution of the week: eat more color.
And we’re starting here with this chicken zoodle soup.
We’ve had LOTS of beige foods over the last two weeks. Beige, brown, white and… cookies. Those were the food groups. It was glorious. It was gluttonous!
Even though we eat pretty balanced dinners throughout the week and Max eats a healthier diet than I ever expected, one of my goals for 2018 is to make sure our dinners are SUPER colorful. I’m not so much doing it for me (though I get to reap the benefits too!) as I am for Max and eventually Emilia. I want them to be used to eating colorful produce at meals. Every meal, when possible.
As he grows up, I want him to wonder where the green food is and where the salad is at dinner or where the vegetable is on the side. Is this possible? I’m sure hoping so.
Soup still isn’t his thing – at least not an overly brothy soup. If it’s like a heartier chili or chicken and dumplings, he is all over that. But brothy soups aren’t something he has experienced a ton of.
I think it’s warm liquids in general, because I tried to get him to drink hot chocolate when we went ice skating a few weeks ago and he took one sip and looked at me like he might die. It wasn’t even HOT, you know? How can I get this kid to love warm chocolate and melty marshmallows?
Starting with chicken zoodle soup is probably not the answer, but I’m going to try.
So!
We absolutely love these thai curry shrimp noodle bowls and I’ve wanted to make something similar with chicken for ages. And how fun is a zoodle soup?
To be honest, I could care less about zucchini as any sort of side dish. Unless it’s breaded and served with lots of parmesan and marinara. Otherwise, I’m just like… meh.
But zoodles I’m into. Basically I am a child and the spirals are fun to eat. My mindset is probably right on par with Max’s, right?
In this recipe, I don’t cook the zoodles because once they are added to the hot soup, they cook a bit on their own. I also like the crunch and don’t want them to overcook, so into the hot broth they go!
Also. This is one of those recipes that I like to have in my arsenal for leftover nights. And what I mean by that is that I will use leftover shredded chicken. Whether it’s leftover from another recipe or if I just buy a rotisserie chicken, I rarely cook the chicken alone for this recipe. If you want to do that, I suggest quickly broiling or even boiling two chicken breasts and then shredding them! Boom. Done.
Other add-ins are also perfect, such as shrimp or even pulled pork (we have a ton leftover from New Year’s Day!) or just leaving it as a veggie heavy soup. Cue the shocked face.
Makes you feel sooooo good in this new year. Before sneaking one more cookie. Just one more.
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Thai Chicken Zoodle Soup
Yield: serves 2 to 4
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 sweet onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced into rounds
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons red curry paste
1/3 cup sugar snap peas
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 (14-ounce) can full-fat or light coconut milk (your preference!)
1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
1 (or even 2!) zucchini squash, spiralized (more or less depending on how many you want!)
3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
2 green onions, sliced
lime wedges or halves for spritzing
Directions:
Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the coconut oil. Stir in the onions, garlic, peppers, carrots and ginger with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables have slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom.
Stir in the chicken stock, coconut milks, snap peas and chicken. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Taste and season additionally if needed.
Toss in the zoodles from one or two zucchini squash – however many you would like! Serve immediately with some green onions and cilantro on top.
All images and text ©How Sweet Eats.
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I appreciate you so much!
P.S. you can always add bread. Dip it! Sourdough is my drug of choice.
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January 2, 2018
Tuesday Things.
1. Who else was completely, weirdly satisfied that the start of a new year happened on a Monday?!
2. Definitely need a very (extra) large superfood salad.
3. I probably haven’t been this sad about the holidays being over since I was in middle school. Pretty sure it’s a combo of being sick and missing the most fun days with our families but also because Max is at an age where it’s just.so.fun.
4. Do you ever batch prep your smoothies for a few days? I really want to do this but also can’t stand the smoothie separation after one sits in the fridge. I need tips.
5. On New Year’s Eve we played Heads Up for HOURS and oh my gosh, it was so fun! I basically want to make Eddie play it with just me every single night when he gets home.
6. Eddie is still binging on The Punisher, I watched a bunch of Fuller House (cringe city, but I can’t stop) and other than that, there’s been no TV! But I’m going to start rewatching The Affair and Billions in preparation for the new seasons.
7. Last year I ended up reading a ton of books in the first half of the year but fell off the wagon after summer when I got super busy. So I’m setting a 50 book goal for this year! I like to read about a book a week (or more, because I can’t stop reading at night if I’m into something) but this seems a bit more realistic.
8. This is the best list I’ve found on being your most productive self in 2018.
9. Winter citrus season is the best season. Until the next season. You know?
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January 1, 2018
18 Weeks of Healthier Meal Ideas! 126 of my Favorite Weeknight Meals.
Happy 2018! How did we get here?!
This is one of my most favorite posts to share every year. Each year it’s similar but I add in/swap at least 40 to 50 of lightened meals that I really loved over the previous year and then remove the ones I wasn’t as drawn to making. I reference this post approximately ten million times over the the course of the year, especially when I’m really struggling for dinner ideas!
I’ve mentioned often that in our perfect weeks, planning and shopping for three full meals works best for us. This way, we don’t get sick of our “plan,” we always end up with leftovers (but not too many leftovers), it allows for a night or two of eating out on the fly, whether it’s both of us or one of us for work, and usually will allow one night of breakfast for dinner, which we adore.
This year, perhaps my biggest goal is to make sure our meals are super balanced, always including a vegetable, consistent and most of all, PLANNED! Our meal planning service, Sweet Peas Meals, helps me with this a ton, but I have to be better this year now that Max is completely aware of what is going on all day, everyday. I want him to remember us eating balanced, delicious meals together at the table as a family.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite meals below, along with your meal planning tips and how you plan your weeks! xo
2. smoky gruyere butternut squash soup with chickpeas
3. 30 minute portobello fried brown rice
5. honey chipotle chicken bowls
6. 30 minute shallot, spinach and goat cheese pasta
3. sesame crusted shrimp with mango quinoa
4. baked falafel with spicy feta dip
5. lightened up beef enchiladas
6. zoodles with cherry tomato sauce
7. slow roasted sweet potatoes with spicy garlic chickpeas
1. garlic brown sugar flank steak with chimichurri
2. 30 minute thai chili salmon skewers
3. goat cheese whole roasted chicken
4. bang bang shrimp with napa cabbage slaw
5. 30 minute buffalo chicken soup
6. roasted red pepper quinoa burgers
7. potato wedges with squash and lentils
1. salmon with thai curry peanut sauce
2. rosemary chicken, bacon and avocado salad
4. BBQ shrimp and lime avocado toast
5. late summer corn tortilla soup
6. burrata pesto whole wheat pasta
7. kale caesar salad on parmesan pizza crust
2. spinach red pepper bacon wrapped eggs
3. crockpot mini turkey meatballs
5. crispy shrimp mango spring rolls
6. 20 minute turkey taco nachos
3. oven crisped cheddar chicken fingers
4. minestrone pot pie with whole wheat biscuits
5. 30 minute greek chicken lettuce wraps
6. broiled fontina toasts with poached eggs
1. toasted sesame quinoa with chicken
2. spicy parmesan shrimp skillet
5. marinated flank steak with caprese salsa
6. pineapple cashew fried rice
7. asian turkey burgers with spicy lime mayo
1. mushroom melts with mustard aioli
2. winter citrus butter salmon
3. slow cooker buffalo chicken chili
7. pulled pork tacos with chili slaw
1. smoky white bean chicken chili
2. chili garlic beef stir fry with coconut rice
3. crunchy chicken spring rolls with blood orange sauce
4. cashew chicken chopped salad
6. shrimp burgers with chipotle cream
7. stuffed peppers with tomato basil cream sauce
2. chicken avocado salad with peanut dressing
3. gruyere, fig jam and arugula breakfast sandwiches
4. grain bowls with maple chipotle sweet potatoes
5. brussels sprouts tacos with caramelized shallot salsa
6. chipotle lime chicken skewers with avocado ranch
7. butternut squash skillet lasagna
1. open face steak sandwich with avocado horseradish
2. 30 minute asian chicken soup
4. chipotle lime whole roast chicken
5. pan crisp salmon with light dijon cream
6. whole what roasted red pepper pizza
1. marinated chickpea panzanella
2. thai coconut curry shrimp noodle bowls
3. grilled chicken artichoke skewers
4. farfalle with marinated feta and arugula
5. chipotle kale and mushroom tacos
6. pulled chicken guacamole sliders
7. zoodles with chicken feta meatballs
1. smoky sweet potato + black bean tacos
3. toasted sesame ginger salmon
4. sweet potato cream pasta with crispy kale
5. salmon citrus avocado salad
6. braised short rib beef stew
1. butternut squash enchiladas
3. roasted chipotle chicken taco stacks
4. crab cake sliders with pineapple kiwi salsa
7. thai curry pomegranate chicken
1. 20 minute cajun salmon with salted lime butter
3. spicy lime chicken enchiladas
4. butternut squash lettuce wraps
7. black bean stuffed sweet potatoes with arugula + poached eggs
1. roasted jalapeño cheddar turkey burgers
6. skillet chicken with peppers + peanuts
7. caramelized peach caprese salad
1. honey mustard chicken chopped salad
2. BBQ salmon crispy chickpea salad
4. pizza supreme on cauliflower crust
5. white bean + chicken enchilada stuffed peppers
6. balsamic brussels sprouts grilled cheese
7. crockpot smoky brisket tacos
1. brussels sprouts breakfast hash
2. green goddess salmon sliders
4. roasted corn caesar salads with yogurt dressing
5. buffalo style quinoa sliders
6. simple summer chickpea salad
The post 18 Weeks of Healthier Meal Ideas! 126 of my Favorite Weeknight Meals. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
December 31, 2017
December Favorites: Lifestyle.
All the things I’ve been loving in these holiday weeks! xo
Vineyard Vines Jolly Plaid Cape. This is my favorite thing of all of December! I saw this before Christmas but it was ridiculously priced. The day after Christmas it was already marked down and with other sales and exchanges, I got it for under $100. It is SO thick, warm, amazing quality and just gorgeous for the holiday season! I’ve lived in it all week. It’s one of those pieces that I feel like I’ll have forever.
Sequin Palette Mini Skirt. So in the most depressing new ever, this was my Christmas Eve outfit and since I got sick, I didn’t get to wear it. But! I’ve had this skirt since early November and am OBSESSED. It is extremely fragile and not the best choice to wear with kids but for a special occasion or whatnot, it’s amazing.
Trader Joe’s Goat Cheese Medallions. These are a new-to-me product and I can’t get enough. I love these for a snack with the pita crackers from Trader Joe’s. I just wish they didn’t have so many peppercorns! Not a fan of those.
Nest Birchwood Pine Candle. This is something I’ve talked into the ground, but I love burning this through January because it smells like winter. It’s my favorite candle for the cold months. If you know of a local boutique that sells Nest, they probably will have this on sale now!
The Nourished Planner. Last year I first told you all about this planner and how wonderful it is. It’s a project done by my friend Heidi (who is also wonderful!) and spot on. I’m still deciding how I will be planning this year, but I’ve been mapping everything out in my 2018 version of this and will definitely be using it in some capacity!
Sorel Boots. Last year after Christmas I bought these boots on sale but maybe only wore them once or twice. Well! I have been LIVING in them this year. I love that they give me height but there is so much tread on the bottom that I won’t fall. They are also really comfortable! I’ve worn them all day long to shop. I don’t think they are the cutest things ever, but for icky slush and snow weather, they are great.
Felt Letter Board. I bought one of these on Cyber Monday sale and got my sister-in-law one for Christmas. I know it’s super trendy, but I love it! It’s so fun and Max really loves it too. This one appears to be sold out now but there are a ton here.
Target Backless Loafer Mules. I know. I’m a broken record. But I’ve lived in these nonstop. NONSTOP. They are practically destroyed by now and I definitely got a ton of use out of them. Really wish I could have got my hands on the blush ones for early spring!
Teavana White Chocolate Peppermint Tea. I discovered this tea last year and if you remember, I really loathe tea. It tastes like dirty water. But this! It’s delicious and wonderful and warming and perfect. I bought more this year and just love it so much. It can almost take the place of a dessert for me which is unheard of.
DKNY V Neck Sleep Shirt. I got my first one of these when Max was born and bought another with Emilia. These are SO silky soft, stretchy and incredible. Earlier this year I talked about GAP body and while I still really love that (and their material!), the v-neck here is perfect for nursing. I actually prefer this over something with buttons because the buttons can be uncomfortable when sleeping. And I never sleep in anything long-sleeved. I’d die.
Leslie Odom Jr Simply Christmas. It’s a little late to be mentioning this now, but this album was on repeat all month. Put it on your list for next year! So, so, so good. I even scoured the ends of the earth (barnes and noble, FTW) to find the actual CD to give to my mom.
[none of this is sponsored, just like to talk about things that I discover and love over the month. i purchased everything myself unless it was a gift from a family member or friend. tell me your faves! there may be a few affiliate links above. xoxoxo.]
The post December Favorites: Lifestyle. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
December 30, 2017
2017.
Later 2017! You were…
1. refreshing
2. a blessing
3. delicious
4. adorable
5. brunchtastic
6. relaxing
7. unreal
8. colorful
9. sweet
10. exciting
11. tart
12. an experience
13. a new beginning
14. unforgettable
15. bright
16. beautiful
17. full of tacos
18. busy!
19. my favorite
20. an adventure
21. fun
22. stacked
23. the funniest
24. insane
25. extra sparkly
Thank you so much for sharing this space with me in 2017. YOU are what makes this one of the best parts of my life. I have so many fun things coming up in 2018 – and would love to hear from you below if there is anything you’d just love to see. Happy New Year! xoxo
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December 29, 2017
Crispy Carnitas Guacamole.
OH yes I just did it. I put pulled pork in your guacamole!
Or ON your guacamole. Let’s be real. Who does this?
ME. I’m doing it now.
I always love to share some sort of pork-based recipe this week between Christmas and New Year’s for those of you that eat it over the holiday for good luck. We’ve talked about enchiladas, grilled cheese, slow cooker sweet and spicy pork and pulled pork tostadas. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
We’ve never put pork IN the guac.
Why not?! I mean, I load tons of guacamole on top of my carnitas tacos all the time, so it was only natural.
Plus, we all know how I feel about majorly trashed up guacamole. Spoiler alert: I adore it. It’s a thing. My thing!
Here’s one of the reasons I am loving: major texture and crunch before it even hits the chip.
So much flavor. A ridiculous amount that I can’t even explain it.
It’s still quite festive too!
It’s also accidentally low carb, right? So I mean, this could totally be your new year’s resolution.
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Crispy Carnitas Guacamole
Ingredients:
1 cup pulled pork
4 ripe avocados
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese, plus extra for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons diced sweet onion
1 lime, juiced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced, for topping if desired
Directions:
You can easily make the pork ahead of time or use leftover pulled pork, which is what I’d suggest for this recipe! Before serving the pork, I like to crisp it up in the oven. To do this, I spread the shredded pork in a large baking dish. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 20- 30 minutes, tossing the pork with a fork every 10 minutes. You don’t HAVE to do this step, but it really makes it taste more like authentic carnitas.
Place the avocados, the cheese, cilantro, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper to a bowl and mash it! Mash and stir until everything is combined. Make it as smooth or as chunky as you’d like! Taste and season with additional salt, pepper or lime juice if needed. Top with the pork, a sprinkle of extra cheese and cilantro and a few sliced peppers!
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Finally? Pairs perfectly with margaritas.
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December 28, 2017
December Favorites: Beauty.
Here we are! The end of 2017. Craaaazzzzy.
I have lots of likes (and dislikes?!) to tell you about this month. I’m still riding some of the new makeup high from the VIB sale!
SO. I also tried a few Glossier products this month after getting them on Black Friday sale and honestly? Was TOTALLY underwhelmed. Like so underwhelmed. I absolutely hated the boy brow. Everyone has told me to try it since it’s similar to Benefit’s Gimme Brow (which is currently recalled? And I’m freaking out about it!) and to me, it’s no where near as good! The brush is bigger (so I have less control), the brown shade isn’t dark enough (but the black was too dark) and the formula didn’t cover my brows evenly or anything like Gimme Brown does. Really bummed.
I also bought the haloscope? And hated it. First, there is like no highlight at all, no sheen. Not even a super natural sheen. The formula also never dried down so it was sticky on my face the entire time and would rub off. Horrible!
A product I do like but don’t think is groundbreaking or anything is the Balm dot com in birthday cake. I’m just keeping it in my kitchen for constant use!
There’s only one product I really LOVED and it’s listed below.
So let’s do it!
RMS Magic Luminizer. Holy freaking heck. This might be my favorite highlighter or 2017 and um, HOW many did I talk about? Tons. I bought the 3-pack of this at Nordstrom and this shade is by far my favorite. It’s so natural and gorgeous and goes on smoothly. It’s cream-based which I love. Absolutely my favorite product in this whole bunch! This is exactly what I was hoping the Glossier haloscope would be.
Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak. Words can’t even express how much I missed baths when pregnant in 2017. And it’s funny, because I actually have hated baths my entire adult life until about a year after I had Max. I know that I could technically take a lukewarm bath while pregnant (even though my doctor still said, eh, I’d just avoid it), but I do exactly what you’re not supposed to do and basically burn my skin off in a bath. (I know, you really don’t want to hear me complain about dry skin now…). So getting a lukewarm bath while pregnant doesn’t even sound appealing. Anyway! I’ve made it back to bathland and am obsessed with the coconut milk bath soak. It’s just so, so comforting an relaxing. And doesn’t require cleaning the entire tub like it does when you use a neon bath bomb. Also, can someone tell me the appeal of bath bombs? I really don’t get it.
Natasha Denona Lila Palette. A VIB sale purchase, I started using this full force at the end of November and allll the way through December. It is STUNNING. Again, these shadows are just so buttery and smooth! I can even make some of these colors work for everyday life. But I do love doing a bolder eye with this. Eeeep!
Origins Ginger Souffle Cream. I bought this as a nostalgic pre-birth treat. I had this cream when Max was born and wanted it to use again after Emilia was born. The scent is wonderful but it’s also so creamy and soft and thick. I’ve almost used the entire thing as it’s mainly the only body cream I’ve been using since she was born.
Glossier Cloud Paint. Now this!! This I am in love with. I’ve talked about my love for cream or gel blush for years. I’m obsessed with the shade Puff. It’s super natural and I think it’s the perfect pink for winter. I love the tube and delivery system and it blends great. And a little goes a long way, however it seems I’m already halfway through the tube!
OUAI Hair Oil. Apparently I’m refusing to admit that my hair has just… CHANGED since having kids. Ugh. It’s becoming thicker (which is good I guess? but it was thick already!) but also drier and frizzy. Really frizzy. I can’t believe how much I have to maintain and control the frizz, especially at the ends of my hair. Still absolutely loving this oil (I’m on my second bottle) and I’ll use it on wet and dry hair. It also smells incredible.
Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit. OMG!! All the exclamation points. This has been a favorite for YEARS (you’ve probably seen me mention it) but was limited edition. Imagine my utter shock when I randomly came across it shopping online at Nordstrom (it was like in the sidebar recommendations or something?) – I immediately bought it and had Eddie give it to me for Christmas. I’m so glad I did because the next morning when I looked to tell you guys about it on insta stories, it was sold out. I know it’s annoying to include here since it’s sold out there (it is here though!), but if you can ever find it or if it comes back, it’s to die for!
And that’s that! Would love to hear what you’ve been loving this month, what you got for Christmas and what you’re looking forward to in Spring makeup!
The post December Favorites: Beauty. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.
The Perfect Cocktails and Snacks for New Year’s Eve!
I have always loved New Year’s Eve… as long as I’m staying at HOME! I have no desire to go out on that night and love staying home whether it’s with family, friends or both – and lots and lots of snacks.
This year, we are obviously going to be hanging at home and with the Christmas sickness in this house, I cannot wait to make ALL THE PARTY FOOD for Sunday night!
Let’s start with cocktails. OF COURSE! I was toying with doing away with my Thursday cocktail posts come 2018 (just to save time), but they are honestly some of my favorite to make, style and shoot. Plus, being pregnant almost ALL of 2017 meant I missed out on all the summer cocktail options. So thirsty Thursday shall stay.
Here are some of my favorites for New Year’s Eve… or New Year’s Day.
These lemon raspberry sorbet prosecco floats are so fun and totally customizable with your favorite flavors!
If you’re still somewhat celebrating Christmas (we are!), this pear sangria is insanely festive, seasonal and delish.
Blackberry champagne punch! Because champagne.
And omg, rosé champagne mojitos (with champagne syrup!), because champagne again. Okay I’m done saying champagne.
And since it’s a suuuuper late night? Three ingredient espresso martinis. To keep you going!
Now for snacks? Here are just five of my favorites that I would tell you to make. They can be scaled down to serve two or four or double to serve a bunch of pals!
A huuuuuge cheeseboard, OF COURSE! This will always be my #1 idea to tell you to make for a party/gathering, because it’s so versatile and can hold whatever the heck you would want. Doooo it. Even a tiny one! My grandmother always would have a small one out and my mom always does too!
This Greek marinated flank steak platter is always a gigantic hit. So much flavor. Just add bread!
The best ever butternut squash goat cheese dip. It is insane.
One more time for the pomegranate jeweled cheeseball this season! It’s always one of my favorites and I hate to see it go after the holidays.
And fiiiinally, this classic oldie but goodie (and horrifying old post on the blog) spinach artichoke dip with bacon. Always good. Always.
So now! Tell me what fun thing you are doing on New Year’s Eve! Traditions? Bed before midnight? Going out like a cool kid? And what are you making?
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