Birthday Mini Vacation.

Thank you all for your sweet wishes on my birthday! I still don't know how to feel about it, I guess this first year I'm going to feel like I'm still twenty-nine for a while, or a few more years ;)

We had planned this mini trip a few weeks before my birthday. I've always done something on this day whether it's a party, a dinner or drinks at a place and to be honest, with all of the everyday life craziness I needed something different. Plus turning thirty was a little depressing I'm not going to lie. Sometimes I feel like I should have accomplished all that I wanted to accomplish by now, travel more, have another kid, buy a car, etc. Oh well, this can happen in my thirties.

Anyway, Jack and I asked for Friday off and left that day early. The place we went to is up in the mountains in New Mexico and only a couple of hours away which is so perfect for a little getaway to a relaxing place.

We rented a cabin up high on a mountain where I have been going since I was little. The last time I was there was with my dad a couple of years ago and I knew it would bring back so many memories. I wanted to stay there anyway because they're in such a nice area with a gorgeous view. We got there and I knew that I would feel a little anxious just walking into the cabin but I felt good. Relaxed. Ready to be with my little family for the weekend without any interruptions. It's also isolated from the world, if you will, and I love that!

You get to the cabins through this castle front. I mean, how cool is that.



Once there, the view is just incredible. It relaxes you instantly.




If you follow me in Instagram, you saw that we popped open two beers almost as soon as we got there and cheered to my birthday, being there and the beautiful view we had.

We had absolutely not plans on doing anything when we got there and that is exactly what happened. Before coming up the mountain, we stopped at the store to pack up on food and snacks and of course beer!

We took naps, we played, we ate, we drank, slept some more and did it all over again for two days. We headed downtown for a little and grabbed some Starbucks, life saver!



The cabins also have an indoor pool which was so so cool, we got to take Elliot in and although the water was warm he was cold and didn't last very long but we enjoyed it so much!

It was a little windy but we didn't care! We went outside for a short walk. Just being surrounded by trees and no people, no problems, nothing, is the best thing in the world.

It was so weird, well not weird but awesome that this boy had so much fun, it's like he knew we were on vacation and he let loose. He was running around, yelling, laughing, playing on his own and it was the most amazing thing to see. He was so different and such a good boy. He didn't cry or complain the entire time! He did so good on the way there, while we were there and on the way back. Jack and I were in awe. 

We saw a herd of about ten deer and immediately ran to the balcony to see. I really wish you could have heard Elliot. The entire time he kept going "ooh ooh" in the cutest little voice.

We completely forgot to get me a little cake to celebrate my birthday but Jack put his shoes on and headed down the mountain to get me a couple of these little chocolate muffins on paper plates. Elliot totally wanted to take a bite.

This was the best way to spend my thirtieth birthday. We were so sad to go and promised to go back very soon. I loved every second I spent with my family and we had such a good time. Jack and I learned so much while we were there. He told me he wants more vacations like these because he truly enjoyed his time there with us and he says how we really need to enjoy life and stop worrying so much about everything. This did that to us. I completely agree with him. It was crazy, while we were there we didn't care so much about cleaning up, doing dishes, nothing. When we got home we unpacked and left the hamper full to the top with dirty clothes, did we care, nope. Jack even told me, don't worry about dinner this week, we will pick something up everyday. I was like, huh!? It's been a really nice break! This short trip definitely brought us closer together. We had not been on a trip as a family, and it's just such a different experience. Don't get me wrong, our Vegas days were so much fun but going on a trip with Elliot is so much fun too, a different kind of fun. 

I hope you all had the best weekend!! I know I did ;)

Taco Bowl Night.

Working all day and coming home to make dinner is not something I jump through hoops over excitement. I'm exhausted and still have a thousand other things to do. I know I've said before that I am always in search of easy, ingredient friendly, healthy meals for my family and something I can whip up in thirty to forty-five minutes. Eating out really isn't an option for us unless we have something we need to take care of that day and we pick something up on the way home.

Now I have to turn into Flash Woman since Elliot is walking and goes everywhere and gets into everything. Literally. Just the other day I went into my closet for a good second to grab a sweater and by the time I peeked my head out to check on him, he had his hands in the toilet bowl playing with the water (gross!) and was slowly lifting his hand up to his mouth to lick it, he does that when I give him a bath so I immediately saw that coming. I dropped whatever I had in my hand, ran like a madwoman, picked him up and washed his hands about a million times. Now we always keep the lid down or the bathroom door closed altogether. No access and peace of mind. Lesson learned.

This taco bowl recipe is the easiest in the world and I can get it done in about thirty minutes. That's about how long I can keep this boy entertained somehow by bribing him with fruit, crackers, a smoothie or cucumber, his new favorite. It takes him about 1.7 seconds to finish whatever I give to him so I have to resort to healthier alternatives although he does get the occasional banana or sweet potato cookie.

I also try to make meals that I know I can feed Elliot or make him a separate meal with almost the same ingredients. This is perfect because I cook the ground turkey and before seasoning it I separate a little batch and mix it with veggies for him. I cook the veggies while I'm cooking the meat that way it's all done and ready to go when they're both ready and I can easily, and quietly, finish dinner for Jack and I while Elliot eats his. I then give him some fruit for dessert while we eat dinner.

Here's how I prepare them.

I use:

Taco bowls - You can get these pretty much anywhere.
Ground turkey- One pack is enough for four since I prepare lunches for the next day.
Lettuce- Finely cut.
Black olives- Yum.
Shredded cheese- Any kind you like.
Beans- We switch this up, I usually cook my own beans in my pressure cooker but we sometimes buy black beans or mild chili beans.
Sour cream- We don't always use this as we try to keep it healthy but a dollop never hurt anyone :)
Salsa- I make my own if I have the time. I toast some jalapeños, a clove of garlic, a little bit of onion and a tomato on a pan with a little olive oil, once they're nicely toasted I throw them in the blender with a tiny bit of water and salt. You're done.
You can pretty much add any veggie you want, you can add avocado or if you make guacamole!



To season the ground turkey I use paprika, cayenne pepper, pepper, oregano and garlic powder very freely. No need for salt, the spices are enough. It seriously tastes better than the packs of seasoning. I promise.

I also heat up the tortilla bowls in the oven for a couple of minutes. They're so much better that way.

Once everything is done, arrange them in a little assembly line and go to town! They're so good. The bowls usually come in fours so we eat one and save one for lunch. Jack always helps me out and that reduces our cooking time as well, he either helps me cook or entertains Elliot.

This one below was made with black beans and yesterday we tried them with chili beans, they're both so good!



I hope you enjoy them! They are so easy and quick and delicious!

Catching Up.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm turning thirty this month or what, but it just seems like everything has been on fast forward I can barely catch up. From now on, I'm turning twenty-nine every year okay? Thanks.

For this birthday, I'm still not sure if I want to celebrate or go on a mini trip with Jack and Elliot. It will probably be the latter.

I am going to admit it, working full time and being a mom is the hardest shit ever. I have zero time for anything. I get home and as soon as my boots are off, I'm making dinner, loading the washer, making dinner for Elliot, cleaning up, preparing lunches for the next day, playing with Elliot, throwing the laundry in the dryer, giving Elliot a bath, putting him to sleep, iron a shirt for Jack if I haven't already, fold the laundry and finally get ready for bed. All in a couple of hours. I get home at five and I'm in bed by nine or nine-thirty. Pure craziness. I'm not saying my life is so hard but it's adjusting that has been so tough aside from the fact that not being at home with Elliot seems to be getting harder and harder for me instead of easier. And although I wouldn't change one bit of it, it has been kind of taking a toll on Jack and I. I have to say I'm pretty darn fortunate to have such a good hubby. He cleans, does laundry and helps me out as much as he can. I have no idea how I would do it without him. Kudos to all of you who do it on your own or with more than one kid!

We have both been getting sick often, something that has never ever happened before. We would get the usual cold that lasted for a few days and that was that. We were done for the season. Now it seems like something is wrong all the time! My head hurts, my stomach hurts, everything hurts! Has this happened to any of you? I know it's also probably because I haven't even lifted a finger to work out and I know I need to get my booty back in shape.

This is why the weekends are saviors!! We look forward to them since Sunday night and not because we don't like working but because we really appreciate that time we have with each other and Elliot. We try to do fun things and be out but we also like to have days where we get to be home and do nothing.

Anyway, these past couple of weekends have been just that with such busy weeks we have been having at work. I'm hoping to go back to my regular blogging pretty soon but I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still here! I have a few posts planned so stay tuned!

In the mean time, here's a little pick me up for the beginning of your week. Well, I should say my pick me up. All of you with kids have such beautiful babes and I can't say enough how happy I am to see you guys on my Instagram feed! (@shadiabrown). I also have some blog reading and catching up to do! Have a great week!

Spring Style Picks.

This boy of mine has been growing out of clothes like a little weed and Jack and I are always on the search for cute, durable and inexpensive clothes that will last him for a few months before we have to go up in size and buy new items, which mama doesn't mind at all. I have talked about how much I love Old Navy and Target because their clothes are so cute and very affordable. I love baby Gap but will only shop when there's a sale or if it's something I know will last and really love so I included a few of my faves on this  list. They have such cute stuff but it tends to be expensive and as fast as these babies grow, I just can't see myself spending so much on them when they will only wear them a few times. Who says you can't find clothes for less but still cool and cute?

With Spring making its way (not that it ever got that cold here) we can finally start thinking about putting up big and light jackets back in the closet until next year, well who knows with this crazy weather. I have been waiting to be able to put Elliot in shorts (and see his little legs) and short sleeve shirts and be able to go out and play. It gets really really hot over here so light clothing is preferable. I'm loving all the stuff that these stores have right now especially on sale!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Can you picture any boy in these clothes? So cute! I've said it before and I'll say again that stores are coming up with more and more fashionable and cute clothes for boys. Thank you for that! I can totally see Elliot in any of these outfits with those little hi-tops, wearing that hat and sporting those sunglasses, although he probably wouldn't leave them on for more than 2.5 seconds.

My sister gave him a plaid shirt similar to this one and I can't wait till he fits in it. So cute! He lives in those pants. I bought them in different colors and I can't wait to be able to roll them up! They're so comfy too and easy to pull down for diaper changes. And those color block shorts? Too cute. What are your favorites for this Spring?

I hope you all have the best weekend!!

Our Weekend.

What day is it? Just kidding! I'm tired of those commercials ha!

Monday morning my BF and I were talking and when she asked me how my weekend was I said it was long and great! She asked since when are weekends long (she's right) and I told her honestly this weekend just seemed that way and it felt so good. Jack and I did a lot and our time spent with Elliot is always amazing.

If you follow me on Instagram (@shadiabrown), I posted this picture of the painting supplies I got to do a painting for our living room. These colors are some of the ones we have on the furniture and although I do not want it to match exactly, I have some ideas on how to make it work. I cannot wait to work on this! My mom has two huge paintings that I did in college and although I feel tempted to ask her for them to put in our home she has them in her bedroom and living room so I will just settle for this smaller version.



Sadly, Elliot decided to go to bed a little later than his usual time and this mama was tired so Jack and I only got to work on another little project while having some beers, very much needed for both of us. When you drink a Stella, you need a Stella glass. Period. ;)



I printed a bunch of my Instagram pictures through Artifact Uprising for Elliot's first year party and I wanted to find a place for a few of my favorites. I bought a frame at Hobby Lobby with my 40% off coupon and got on it.

After a few beers the measuring and making sure the spacing is perfect isn't so good so I made sure I started drinking while working on this and not before. :) We used double sided tape on the pictures and it worked out great. Terrible picture but we love how it turned out! We hung it in our bedroom and eventually will go to Button's room.



The next day, Elliot and Jack read the newspaper while we all drank our smoothies. Jack is a huge fan of them and is always making them for us. They're so good. We throw kale and spinach in them and Elliot loves them too. He has been a little picky about his veggies lately and these smoothies have been a good way of incorporating lots of fruits and veggies in them without losing the taste.

Elliot is very intent on finding us some good sales at Lowe's.



This one was made with a little bit of coconut water, orange juice, peaches, strawberries, and a couple of blackberries. We make Elliot's with milk and usually add banana, peaches, strawberries, kale or spinach, blueberries and blackberries.



We spent the day doing yard work and hanging out. My new favorite hobby is yard work! It is so relaxing and as they days get nicer and nicer, the more time we spend outdoors the happier this girl is. It was a beautiful day and it lasted forever!

The loves of my life.

The next day we did our grocery shopping and even got to grill. We made steaks and veggies.



It wasn't a great day to do it but grilling is one of our favorites especially when it comes to veggies so Jack pretty much was the one hanging out outside by the grill. Elliot couldn't take daddy being outside and wanted to join him but it was cold and windy! Mother Nature, make up your mind please.

Finally we started preparing for the week ahead, making lunches, laundry, ironing, giving Elliot a bath are among our usuals for Sundays.

I love you all and I haven't forgotten about blogging, it has just been hectic! I hope you all had a great weekend!! I'll say it, happy hump day!

Life Lately.

So much has been going on lately that I haven't been able to post so I'll include all the latest happenings in this one.

The weather has been absolutely beautiful over here with the weather girl on the radio saying that we will be having "cooler" days from being in the high seventies to low seventies which I think is hilarious. She should say something like "less warm" but definitely not cooler. Ha. Regardless, it's been beautiful and perfect for spending time outdoors. I have gotten home the past few days and Elliot and Jack are waiting for me outside so we either take a short walk, or take Elliot's little bike outside for him to push, backwards. 



The right way sometimes too.

It all started Friday. I was sick so I spent my day at work feeling like shit until I finally called my boss to tell him I was going home. I got home, ate and slept like a queen. I felt guilty for not picking Elliot up from daycare but I needed this! It felt so good.



Jack and I had lunch at my mom's on Saturday and asked her to watch Elliot for a couple of hours so we could run home and plant some little bushes on the side of the house. It was such a beautiful day to do that and we needed to take advantage. I wasn't feeling great but this had to be done.

We also planted some herbs for cooking! Basil, cilantro and mint are some of our favorites.

This little one has been loving spending all this time outside.

 

If you follow me in Instagram (shadiabrown) you know that Elliot finally took his first steps! We were at my mom's and all of a sudden my mom called him and he took a couple of steps then she handed him to me and he took a couple more! It was so exciting and sweet! Since then, Jack and I have been practicing with him until he finally feels confident enough to let go of us. So bittersweet!

We also finally weaned him off the bottle. I honestly thought I was going to have a hard time but it wasn't bad at all! At night is when I thought we would struggle but after a few cries and a few nights, he finally gave up and started drinking his nightly bottle from his sippy. Then naturally I practically ran to Target to get him a couple more. I wasn't expecting to do this so soon and I had been half-assing the weaning part. Jack and I would give him the sippy, he would cry, we would give him the bottle. We are so weak! Soo first time parents ;) What finally gave us the push is the fact that the girl at daycare who takes care of him asked me if I was still giving him a bottle because they were having a hard time getting him to drink his milk from his sippy. I, very embarrassed, nodded my head and said I really needed to get on it this time for good. It worked! We are ready to pack all of his bottles to make room for a few more sippies. He's such a big boy!

We have been wanting to cook different meals since we get bored of the same stuff over and over and we decided to make these mini pizzas. They are so easy and quick and delicious. I used whole wheat pita bread, cut it in half (get the pocket pita), spread some pizza sauce and topped it with some of our favorite veggies.

There it is, a quick and short recap. Be ready for some healthy and delicious new recipes! Hope you're having a great middle-of-the-week day! I'll be back soon!

Minestrone Soup.

Jack and I have always sort of planned our meals for the week to know exactly what to buy at the grocery store. It's such a pain to go in and not know what you need and you end up getting stuff you don't use and spending double so a list helps a lot. Coming up with that list is what's so hard! So as we are having breakfast Sunday morning (our usual day to do the shopping) we jot down what it is that we will be having. It's hard because we don't know if we will be craving that particular meal but we try to come up with dishes that are simple and quick but still good and healthy.

Some meals are regulars in our menu but lately I feel like I have been making the same things over and over and it gets tiring and boring! In an effort to start with brand new recipes, I resorted to my handy app that I've been using since Jack and I got married. It's called Spark Recipes and it is awesome. You can find recipes by category, or you can search for one you want. It also gives you really easy directions and it even tells you how many calories each recipe is!

This past week we decided that our meals would be light, quick, healthy but still hearty so we decided on some good soups and salads. We both love minestrone soup but are aware of how much sodium the ones from the restaurants contain. I found one on this app and bought all the ingredients. The best part? You don't have to add any salt! All the flavor is in the herbs and spices. I made it last night and thought I'd share the recipe because it is so so good!

You'll need-
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks of celery, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 28 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, cut up with juice. (I actually got two of the 14 oz cans already cut with low sodium)
2 tbsp. parsley
1&1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 bay leaf
5 cups vegetable broth (again, low sodium)
1/4 cup of any whole wheat pasta you like, we used rotini which to be honest isn't the best but it was okay.
2 cans of beans (we used black beans & cannelini-low sodium)
2 cups desired veggies- we used zucchini & carrot

Cook onion, garlic & celery until tender. Add the tomatoes with juice and all herbs & pepper. Add broth. Let it simmer for a while then add the veggies, simmer for a while longer, add the pasta and beans then cook until pasta is ready. See how simple it is?



We paired it up with healthy grilled cheese sandwiches. We used whole wheat bread, American cheese and used a little bit of olive oil instead of butter.

Elliot loved it too! I actually dipped the bread in the soup before giving it to him so that he wouldn't choke on it. Tonight we are making taco salad bowls! I'll share that recipe too!