This Week at Domestic Ease

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Domestic Ease

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Today I'm over at Domestic Ease. As our internationally themed month at DE continues, I'm talking about all things Asian inspired, including this yummy kid-friendly sushi recipe by Weelicious. So hop on over there, and take a look.

Sweet Finds for Little Girls

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Creative Projects, Girl, Home Design, Nursery Decor

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Baby girl is due to be here in 4 weeks, but we're still frantically preparing for her arrival. Thank goodness she really just needs milk, a warm place to sleep and a dry diaper. Of course, I have it in my mind that she needs much, much more, which means I have sewing projects coming out my ears, and a cabinet maker will be invading our home on Saturday. But in the meantime, I wanted to share some finds I've discovered as we prepare for her.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

I may have blogged about this before, but I'm making her a bird mobile using this free pattern from Spool Sewing. All you seamstresses, check it out.

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CUSTOM THANK YOUS

These are custom Thank You cards I designed to send out following my recent shower. I designed these sweet cards via DownloadandPrint and printed them on cream card stock. DownloadandPrint has a host of free template designs that can used for a variety of events. Hop over there and get inspired.

RUG QUANDRY

I'm currently trying to decide on a rug for her room. The first one makes my heart go pitter patter, but I'm worried I'm bringing too much neutral khaki into her room. Rug 2 is the second runner up. The fabric for her bedding is this paired with pale pink. What do YOU think? Any preferences?

Rug 1, via Calypso.

Rug 2, via Layla Grace.

Sip & See

I don't know yet if I'll have a Sip & See, but if I do, I'd love to serve lemonade or some bubbling refreshment using these pretty labels.

Or perhaps these.

POSY PARASOL

I'm loving these sweet parasols, which would make a darling photo shoot prop for toddler girls. Parasol pattern and image via Martha Stewart.

PERFECTION

And speaking of photo shoots, I am head over heels with this simple image. So sweet!

Image by Jose Villa via Shelter.

SCHOOLED

Bloom has a great post detailing what your child(ren) should know before they get to kindergarten. It has me thinking about the best ways to educate little girl and her brother.

INSPIRED DESIGN

And in my never-ending search for nursery inspiration, I came across these two sweet rooms and wanted to share. If you're looking for more inspiring nurseries, check out Nursery Notations or the featured nurseries at KenziePoo.

Nursery by Theophile & Patachou, via Nest Egg.

Nursery via Shelter.

Meal-Planning Mondays

Posted by BJ and Shalene in Meal-Planning Monday, Recipes

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UPDATE TO MENUS: I was a bit disappointed with the Quinoa Falafels (Monday). They were crumbly, and the taste was so-so. If you still want to make falafels but would like another recipe, I'd recommend this one instead.

It's been way too long since I've posted a weekly meal plan. Between preparations for our little girl arriving in four weeks (fingers crossed she won't be too late), a variety of family members who have come to stay and some remodeling projects on the house, things have been a bit crazy around here! But delay no more ... it's time to share my weekly meal planning again. So without further ado, here's what's on our menu. I hope it will bring some inspiration to your meals as well.

MONDAY

Quinoa Falafels with Tahini Sauce

Pita Bread

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I just discovered The Sprouted Kitchen, and I'm loving it! It will surely become a go-to recipe destination for healthy meals. The photography is beautiful (taken by the adorable blogger's fiance), and the blogger herself looks like someone you'd want to instantly call a good friend. Her recipes look absolutely delightful as well. There are several I'd like to try. For now, I'm starting with these Quinoa Falafels. I'm serving them with pita bread for a heartier meal, and a side salad, if I feel like whipping one up!

TUESDAY

Hamburgers

Coleslaw

Organic grass-fed beef was on sale last week, so hamburgers are on the menu. I also received a head of green cabbage in my organic produce co-op, and coleslaw is a great way to use it. This coleslaw recipe is right on.

WEDNESDAY

Fish Tacos

Black Beans

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Yep, they're on the menu again, but these fish tacos are some of the best we've had! Our two-year-old even loves 'em. Serve with a side of black beans.

THURSDAY

Black Bean, Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas

Green Salad

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I still have spinach to use from the co-op, so it will be going into quesadillas. Top a tortilla with Monterrey Jack cheese, black beans, fresh spinach and some more cheese. Fold in half, then grill in a panini press or stovetop. Serve with a side of black beans.

FRIDAY

Pizza

Green Salad

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For a couple months, I couldn't stomach my homemade pizza. But I'm back to making it now, and I'm using only basil pesto as my sauce. It adds so much flavor! Use this recipe for basil pesto and homemade pizza dough. I also like to use half pine nuts, half walnuts.

SATURDAY

Corn and Summer Vegetable Sauté

Grilled Cheese

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With so much fresh corn in abundance right now, this recipe takes advantage of in-season veggies. Save some to top salad greens for lunch the next day. Serve with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

SUNDAY

Left-overs or dinner out. Enjoy the last few hours of your weekend!

It's a stroller. It's a bike. It's a Taga!

Posted by Mark and Kat in Body, Go Green, Health and Wellness, Shopping, Wellness

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With the birth of my first child, I did so much research to find a stroller that could grow with my family. Be it on a walk or jog, to and from the store, or being able to add another seat to the stroller so it could carry more than one child ... I had a list of requirements that needed to be met. Luckily, I was able to find what I was looking for at the time. I still do research from time-to-time just to see the improvements and new innovations that have hit the stroller industry. I thought I had seen it all, until I came across the Taga.

By their own definition, Taga combines the fun of a carrier bike with the functionality of a luxury stroller. This high-end innovation is pretty remarkable; built with pride and designed by an international team of world-class designers, engineers and manufacturers. Taga was created with the end-user in mind, and designed and constructed to make the urban lifestyle easy to maneuver for parents and fun for children.

[According to tagabikes.com]
Taga is a multifunctional vehicle designed for families on the go. It is a baby stroller and carrier bike all rolled into one—and a means of transportation unlike any other. In seconds, Taga goes from super fun, safe and maneuverable bicycle to designer stroller that easily navigates stores, boards trains and slides into elevators. The possibilities for adventure—and reasons to buy one—are endless.

Here's a quick-list of what makes Taga a great green vehicle to move your family around in:

1. It's pure quality time with your child
2. You can ride with confidence and control
3. It's the only bike that transforms into a stroller
4. No parent workout can compare
5. Taga grows with your family
6. Invest in a truly green vehicle

Take a look at this transport option for your family. I'm kind of in love! If I lived in a more urban neighborhood, this would be my vehicle of choice.