A Website that Inspired ME to Cook.

In our house it's a well-known fact that Steve, my husband, does most (okay, okay ALL!) of the cooking. (Don't tell him, but I have a feeling that might all change.) I recently stumbled upon a website called Weelicious a great resource for parents like myself who want to introduce their little ones to healthy and delicious fresh foods.

So far this weekend I'm on a roll! I've made the Veg-Wee Burgers (which are perfect for freezing) Sweet Beet Cookies & Kale Chips -- and I've gotta tell you, my 14 month old wasn't the only one chowing down on them.

The way I see it, any website that can provide me with easy recipes like this AND inspire me to make them is something worth sharing. Thank you, Catherine McCord!

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.


-this version is credited to Mother Teresa

Tell the FDA you want stricter guidelines on antibiotics used in animal food production

I just sent in my comments to the FDA asking them put stricter guidelines on antibiotics used in animal food production. The overuse of antibiotics has caused virulent strains of bacteria that has put us all at risk. They need to know that we support common sense rules to protect human and environmental health.

Please join me at Food Democracy Now! -...it will only take a moment.

Thanks!

Take Me Out to the (Yankee) Ballgame

You can't call yourself a baseball fan if you don't know the lyrics to Take Me Out to the Ballgame!



Nelly Kelly loved baseball games,
Knew the players, knew all their names,
You could see her there ev'ry day,
Shout "Hurray" when they'd play.
Her boy friend by the name of Joe
Said, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,"
Then Nelly started to fret and pout,
And to him I heard her shout.

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,
She would root just like any man,
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along, good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Nelly Kelly knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the game sing this song.

"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."

The Daily Greenwich Article

The Daily Greenwich Article on the GreenwichMommy
Correction: Article should read former Massage Therapist :)

Ovarian Cancer; Do You Know the Symptoms?

On July 15, 2010 My Aunt Angela Excell passed after a very hard four and a half year battle with ovarian cancer. In her memory, I am begging every woman I know to make themselves familiar with the symptoms of this horrible disease.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

* A feeling of being bloated
* Vague abdominal and pelvic discomfort
* Gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, nausea,
indigestion, constipation, diarrhea.
* Back pain and fatigue
* Frequent or urgent urination
* Menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse

Often the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not taken seriously because they are so similar to other women bodily complaints. Because of this, over 70% of all women with ovarian cancer will not be diagnosed until the disease has spread beyond the ovary. You know your body best. If something doesn't feel right and continues for weeks, call your doctor. (A Pap smear is NOT a test for ovarian cancer, it detects cervical cancer.)

For more information go to the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry at www.OvarianCancer.com

Reduce...Reuse...Recycle

I just sold my 20 year old SubZero on Craigslist. The buyer got a great deal, I made a little extra cash and most importantly, we both kept the ol' fridge out a landfill!

Composting; If I can do it, YOU can do it

I put off composting for the longest time because I thought the process would be smelly and complicated and attract unwanted critters! Boy was I wrong. A few months back I purchased a cool-looking composter and started throwing in things like brown paper, cardboard, coffee grinds, corn husks, eggshells and other uncooked fruits and vegetables -- and viola! Now I have a wonderfully rich earthy-smelling compost that I can use in my organic herb garden!

If you're on the fence about composting I urge you to pull the trigger and start today. Let me know if you have questions about getting started.

A Moment of Silence for the Boss, George Steinbrenner

Thank you for making the Yankees what they are today George Steinbrenner...You will be missed.

Happy 1st Birthday to My Little Crab!

We had a small gathering of family and friends at our home today to celebrate Timothy's first birthday. I can't believe how fast this is all going by...Can I hit the pause button please?

2010 Fairfield County Farmers' Markets

2010 Fairfield County Farmers' Markets
(in alphabetical order)

Bethel Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9am-1pm
June 19 - October 30
Rt. 6, 67 Stony Hill Rd.,
across from Stony Hill Inn

Bridgeport Farmers' Market
Thursdays, 2-6pm
July 15 - October 28
United Congregational Church,
877 Park Ave.

Bridgeport - Court House
Farmers' Market
Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
July 6 - October 26
Baldwin Plaza, Corner of
Broad St. & Fairfield Ave.

Danbury Farmers' Market
Fridays, 11am-4pm
July 9 - October 29
Main St. at Kennedy Park

Darien Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 11am-6pm
May 12 - December
Mechanic St., behind Fire House

Fairfield - Brick Walk
Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9am-12pm
May 29 - October 30
1189 Post Rd. at Brick Walk,
behind Trek bike store

Fairfield - Greenfield Hills
Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 12:30-4pm
June 5 - October 30
Greenfield Hills,
1950 Bronson Rd.

Georgetown Farmers' Market
Sundays, 10am-2pm
May 23 - November 7
4 Old Mill Rd.

Greenwich Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9:30am-1pm
May 15 - November 20
Commuter Parking Lot,
Exit 3 off I-95,
Arch St. & Horseneck Ln.

Monroe Farmers' Market
Fridays, 3-6pm
June 25 - October
Monroe Town Green,
Fan Hill Rd. & Rte. 111

New Canaan Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 10am-2pm
May 15 - November 20
Old Center School Parking Lot, South Ave.
& Maple St.

Norwalk Farmers' Market
Fridays, 12-5pm
July - October
Flax Hill Rd, South Norwalk

Ridgefield Farmers' Market
Fridays, 2-6pm
June 11 - October
88-90 Danbury Rd.

Rowayton Farmers' Market
Fridays, 12-5pm
Pinkney Park,
177 Rowayton Ave.

Sandy Hook Organic
Farmers' Market
Tuesday, 2-6pm
June 22 - October 12
Newtown Middle School,
Queen St.

Shelton Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 3-6pm &
Saturdays, 9am-1pm
June 19 - November
Corner of Cornell St. &
Canal St.

Stamford High Ridge
Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, 10am-4pm
May 26 - November 24
High Ridge Shopping Center

Stratford Farmers' Market
Mondays, 2-6pm
June 28 - October 25
Deluca Field, Main St.

Trumbull Farmers' Market
Thursdays, 2-6pm
June 17 - October 28
Long Hill Green, Main St.

Westport Farmers' Market
Thursdays, 10am-2pm
May 30 - November 21
26 Imperial Ave.,
Municipal Parking Lot

Westport - Sunday
Farmers' Market
Sundays, 11:30am-2:30pm
May 30 - November 21
Saugatuck Congregational
Church, 245 Post Rd.

(Source for Farmers' Market list: Natural Awakenings Magazine - The Fairfield County Edition - )

The Munchkin's Eating/Sleeping Schedule at 11 Months

Several people have inquired recently about the Munchkin's feeding/sleeping schedule... so here it is!

5:30am - 7oz bottle

8am - BREAKFAST: Rolled Oats w/Blueberries and Lemon Yogurt. As finger food he gets dry "O" cereal, banana slices and pieces of hard cooked egg yolk. Sippy cup of water.

9:15am 7oz bottle

(9:30am - 10:30am NAP)

11:30-12n - LUNCH: Re-fried Beans w/ Greek style yogurt. Diced up avocado, cheese and black olives as finger food. Slice of 7 grain bread spread with lemon hummus. Sippy cup of water.

1:30pm - 7oz bottle

(2:00-3:00pm NAP)

3:30pm - DINNER: Vegetable Pasta Shells w/ Marinara sauce. Peas as finger food. Sippy cup of water.

5:30pm - SNACKING PLATE: dried cereal, lightly steamed fruits and veggies with yogurt and/or hummus for dipping. Sippy cup of water.

6:15pm - 7oz bottle

6:20pm - Down for the night!

Just when I thought I had all the baby gear I needed

Just bought the Maclaren Volo travel stroller and am totally loving everything about it! In addition to its great looks, it weighs in at under 9lbs and features a quick, one-handed fold down closure -- making it super convenient to fold and tuck in the trunk with a baby on your hip. Without a doubt, this one is going to live in the back of my car until the munchkin reaches the 55lb weight limit! $130 at Giggle on Greenwich Avenue. (They even assembled it for me!)

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium!

"Making the Yankee Cap more famous than Jay Z can!"

Wondering Where to Recycle That?

One of my favorite Tweeps on Twitter (PoshMama) provided me with this great recycling resource. Check it out to learn where you can recycle just about anything in your area! http://earth911.com

Flourless Chocolate Cake (You'll Never Guess the "Secret" Ingredient!

I recently discovered this surprisingly delicious flourless chocolate cake on the allrecipes.com site. It's the easiest cake I've ever made! In addition to being gluten-free it's also very high in protein due to the main ingredient; are you ready for it? Garbanzo beans! I know what you're thinking, sounds gross, right? I thought the same thing until I made it. It was so chocolaty and decadent it even fooled my chocoholic father-in-law! This little beauty makes for a dramatic dessert for company. Top it with some fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream and your guests will think you spent forever in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
2. Place the chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth. If you have a powerful microwave, reduce the power to 50 percent.
3. Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the sugar and the baking powder, and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the corners to make sure chocolate is completely mixed. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.
4. Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.

What's HOTTER Than a Greenwich Daddy Who Loves to Cook?

For me? Nothing! Since the early days of our courtship my husband has been creating delicious culinary masterpieces for my enjoyment. (Trust me, I know how lucky I am.) Back then our menu consisted of heavier dishes such as Cassoulet, Confit of Duck and the like, however today, we're focused on eating a cleaner diet of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and really good dark chocolate. (see cookie recipe in another post)

His passion for cooking has definitely rubbed off on me and is a very important part of our relationship. We both love talking about food and shopping for it together- and thankfully, my husband loves cooking and I love eating!

Recently, we started a new weekly routine of heading out to a local Farmer's Market in search of some fresh, local goodies to build our menu around for the upcoming week. The result from this week's find was this oh-so-satisfying Butternut Squash soup w/Kale and a side of artisanal bread. Absolute HEAVEN!

I'm Back (Bearing an Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe)

Let's just pretend that little lapse of time between now and my previous post didn't happen, ok?

Moving right along...I have something I'd like to share with you; a recipe for a no-flour, dairy-free, low sugar Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie. And the best part? All you need is six ingredients, two steps and twenty minutes to make them!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted organic almond butter
• 3/4 cup Sucanat
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 sea salt
• 3 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or greater) broken into small pieces

Instructions:
One: Preheat oven to 350* F
In a medium bowl, stir together first 5 ingredients until blended.
Stir in chocolate.

Two: Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly brown. Let cool on baking sheet s for 5 minutes.
Remove to a wire rack and let cool for 15 more minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrients per cookie:
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 8g Sat. fat: 1.5g, Carbs: 10g Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g Protein: 2g, Sodium: 55mg, Cholesterol: 10mg
Taken from Clean Eating Magazine

A Taste of the SAHM Life

It's 5:20 pm and it just dawned on me that I'm still in my robe and have yet to shower. (attractive thought, eh?) I'm not exactly sure how the day got away from me, I mean it's not like 5:00 am is a late start!

Here's the scoop; I work outside the home 4 days per week while my son, Timothy, attends daycare. On any given day we have a nice routine, one in which everyone showers, gets dressed and gets out of the house. However, for the past 4 days I've been home caring for him as he is suffering from an ear infection and RSV (a really bad cold) -- Not to mention he's cutting his third tooth! So, instead of going to work my days have looked something like this:

• 5:30am Fight to feed him his first bottle of expressed breast milk (his ears are killing him, this is not an easy task) Repeat every three hours.
  
• Pump every four hours
  
• Take his temperature at every diaper change (make sure he's wetting diaper every 4 hours)
• Administer Tylenol or Motrin if needed
• Administer disgusting artificially colored & flavored, clothes-staining antibiotics 2x per day
  
• Put him down for a nap (which is currently no more than 30-45 min) eat something, straighten the house, and try to do some office work and answer emails, texts and voicemails from concerned family members.
  
• Attempt to give him solid food such as mashed avocado, rice cereal or carrots 2-3x per day. (Only to wear half of it after he coughs and or sneezes it all over me.)
  
• Give him a sippy cup lesson
• Hug him, kiss him, love him (my favorite part of the day!!)
  
• Play and read to him and make sure he gets enough "tummy time"
• Suck the boogers out of his nose 1000X per day
  
• Sing non-stop for 20 minutes while I nebulize him 4x per day
  
• Clean him and his jumper-roo up after what seems to be a daily "explosion" (what is it with that thing and pooping?)
  
• Bathe him. Massage him. Put Aquaphor on every inch of him. Suck more boogers.
• Put him down for the night.
• Did I mention suck his boogers?
  
• Launder everything he's pooped and drooled on that day.
• Beat myself up because I'm still in my antibiotic-carrot-poop-breastmilk-stained robe!

This post may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm really not. I have enjoyed being home with Timothy every moment this week. But, my hat does go off to all of you stay at home moms. If you get a moment, let me know how you find time to shower!

Timothy Eats Solids for the First Time

Much to our families dismay, but per our pediatrician's recommendation, we waited six months before introducing solids to Timothy. However when the time finally came, my husband, the nutrition guru, decided our little guy's first food would be organic avocado thinned with a little breast milk--which by the way, he seemed to enjoy! Below is a video I took of the momentous occasion. Warning!: Unless you are one of Timothy's Grandparents you may find this clip to be beyond boring!

Timothy Eats Solids for the First Time New Year's Day 10'

Daycare...Greenwich Style

This past October I went back to work and Timothy began attending a dreaded daycare center posh little children's day school four days a week; it's a wonderful environment where he is exposed to countless germs unlimited learning opportunities. Between meals and naps his caregivers teachers stimulate him with daily walks, stories, song, tummy-time and cool finger painting activities. And just like a "real school," there are lots of little extras such as a photographer who comes in to take the parents money professional photos of the children. Oh and let's not forget the "class mother" who is thankfully not me responsible for remembering the teacher's birthdays and collecting money for their gifts.

Pertinacious? Perhaps.
But so what. Timothy's happy. I'm happy. And that's all that matters.

My Proudest Moment

Six months ago today I was enduring some 16+ hours of labor; after which I produced one perfectly handsome 9lb 15oz baby boy measuring 22.5" long.

Meet Timothy Stephen.

Vaginal delivery? Yup. Epidural? Absolutely!!

And for the record, I do consider birthing this butterball to be my biggest, most impressive (as in, "bragging-rights-for-life") accomplishment to date. I mean seriously, take a look at the size of that melon...Ouch!