Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

6 Simple DInners

I have another round up of yummy meals for you today! 

These were all favorites last month.  I cook dinner at least 5 nights a week.  So just know that I made plenty of so so meals, frozen pizza and we ate leftovers.  If I made a dinner that wasn't a bit hit, then I won't share it with you.  These are my recipe highlights from last month.  They were all quick to prepare, colorful and yummy.

Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Lo Mein

This is the meal that I'm most excited to share with you this month!  I found this new chicken at Sams and I'm obsessed.  It's such good chicken!  The quality is amazing, the flavor is mild and perfect for combining with any sauce or seasoning and it's kid AND adult approved.  We all loved it.  It's $9.96 for size good sized chicken breasts.  I realize that's not cheap, but they're fully cooked and ready to eat.  It's much cheaper than going out to eat and is the perfect easy protein to add to your meals.  I'll definitely be stocking up on this chicken.

I cooked our favorite Veggie Chow Mein noodles from Sams, sauteed some additional veggies, chicken, teriyaki and soy sauce and fruit.  We all loved this meal.



Grilled Ham & Pineapple

I've been leaning towards a combination of convenience foods + homemade foods to make our dinners lately.  I make homemade bread every Monday.  This meal included my sour dough bread, premade mashed potatoes, grilled pineapple and grilled ham slices.  I love to buy the $10 sections of precooked/presliced ham at the store.  It's so good!  And it's plenty for at least 2 meals for us.  I put the ham on my grill pan with a little brown sugar and pineapple juice.  It's so good.


Taco Naan Pizzas

I love these mini naan flatbreads from Aldi.  They're very cheap (and you can often find them for $1 or $2 off).  They freeze really well and they make the perfect pizza crust.

I added all our favorite taco toppings (meat, cheese, sauteed onions and peppers) and then everyone enjoyed their own combo of sour cream, salsa and lettuce.  The kids just like meat and cheese and the adults like all the toppings.


Rotisserie Chicken & Roasted Veggies

We are on a major roasted veggie kick!  I just love that I can chop up any veggies, roast them at 400 for 20-30 minutes and they come out perfect every time.  We love to do this with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, onions and peppers.

I served rotisserie chicken, loads of roasted veggies and fruit.  Everyone dipped in their favorite sauces and enjoyed the meal.


Pulled Pork, Roasted Veggies & Mac & Cheese

I purchased the Sams brand pulled pork, roasted veggies, made boxed mac and cheese, fruit and those premade Sister Schubert rolls.  My homemade portion of this meal were the pickled onions.  I just sliced red onions really thin, added apple cider vinegar, salt and sugar.  I keep them in a jar in the fridge and they're delicious on burgers, tacos, pulled pork and chicken.


Roast, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and cornbread casserole.

I made cornbread casserole, roasted broccoli and green beans, served the premade mashed potatoes (Bob Evans original are my favorite), served Hormel Roast Au Jus on top and added some fruit.  It was a delicious meal!


What are you cooking for dinner this week?  We're doing more pulled pork, pasta, chicken and roasted veggies for sure.


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Oh Olive Moments + Birthday Wish List

Four year old birthday wish list

Four year old birthday wish list by polkadottyplace featuring square throw pillows

Olive would be thrilled to get any of these things for her birthday!

She loves most toys and obviously has a strong preference towards purple and pink things.

Her current favorites:
Paw Patrol
mermaids
horses
My Little Ponies
outside toys
trucks
books
balls
accessories

She's wearing size 5T and isn't sure she's ready to turn four :)



Here are some funny #oholive moments
from the past few months:

We put Olive to bed and she comes out begging for a "Mitnight" snack.  It's usually Cheerios.  "I really need a mitnight snack of cheerios because my belly is so hungry."

She's been introducing her bunny as "Lil' Bun Bun" which makes me think her bunny might be a rapper in her spare time.

She was telling me all about weddings and getting married.  "When you get married you get a crown and become a queen." :)

I'm a little embarrassed to tell this next story, but it's made me laugh for weeks so I'll document it.  She was rubbing my back with a little back rubber avoiding going to bed as usual.  She was talking up a storm telling me stories and then she said, "Okay, now roll over so I can rub your nipples."  Dead serious and then I died laughing.  She didn't understand why it was funny and I'm wondering how often she says nipples.

Fletcher and Olive always take baths together.  They love to play in the water.  Fletcher is getting a little too brave with his climbing skills and slipped in the tub.  I grabbed him just in time to save his head from going under.  Olive said, "Whoa those were some pretty good gymnastics moves, Fletch!"  We both laughed at that one.

We have a new babysitter that the kids love.  Neither of them fuss or cry when we leave so it makes leaving for a bit super easy.  When I came home the other day Olive turned to the babysitter and said, "You can leave now."

Kevin wrapped himself up in a blanket on the floor and said, "I'm a mummy!"  Olive thought it was funny, did the same thing to herself and then said, "Look, I'm a daddy!"  bahahahaha

Olive will ask permission to do things or come up with grand plans for the day.  Then she'll say, "Dust (just) let me know."  I really want to go to the li-berry, the muzim and Jimmy Johns.  Dust let me know."

Fletcher's reflux is a million times better than it was, but he still spits up occasionally.  He got a little choked and spit up goldfish everywhere.  Olive said, "Disgusting, mom!  We should change his name to Barfy Boy."

Does that make sense, mom?  is what she says to me when she asks for something.  "I want lots of raspberries for lunch - does that make sense, mom?"  "I hate wearing pants.  Does that make sense, mom?"

It was getting stormy one afternoon.  Olive looked out the window and said, "Those clouds are growling.  First they growl and then it rains."

She says me instead of I.  Me wants to go to the park.  Me doesn't like grapes.

Our neighbor came over to play in the backyard with Olive.  They were swinging and Olive was watching all the big girl things she could do.  After she left, Olive said, "Mom, that girl is amazing at that swinging stuff.  Me is not amazing."  I tried to remind her that she'd learn how to do it all someday soon.


dream = drain (Please dream the bath tub.)
fraquilas = (Mr. Tequilas is her favorite mexican place in FL so she often asks for fraquilas)
about = without (Don't leave about me!)
back and thorth = back and forth (I'm going to ride my scooter back and thorth)
lie-berry = library
mue-zim = museum
solitary = solitaire (Can I play solitary on your phone?)


Three year olds are hilarious.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

First Birthday Wish List



First Birthday Wish List

First Birthday Wish List by polkadottyplace featuring orange home decor

Fletcher's 1st Birthday 
is NEXT WEEK!!

Not sure how we are already at the one year mark, but I guess time flies when you're busy with a new baby.  Add in a new house, a move and life with two kids will do that to you :)

I thought it would be fun to see what a 1 year old boy would put on a birthday wish list.

PRACTICAL:
Clothes // Shoes // Socks // Sippy Cups
Fletcher is wearing 24mos/2T for Spring & Summer.  

He'd love some cute, preppy outfits, warm weather pjs or things like socks for toddlers.  He also loves drinking out of sippy cups with flexible spouts.  And we will be outdoors a lot so some baby sunglasses would be nice.  I'd love for him to get some baby boy Salt Water Sandals, too.


WATER TOYS:
Bath // Pool
Fletcher loves bath time and playing in the pool so any water toys would be a hit.


FUN:
Animals // Cars // Balls // Board Books
Fletcher loves all things boy!  He'd be thrilled with cars, trucks, push cars, animals, board books and baskets to put them in.  We're a huge fan of wooden toys so anything wooden or Melissa and Doug would get played with a ton.  One of his favorite things is having his own basket of toys to dump and refill.  He'd also love any outdoor toys or anything he could play with in the backyard. 


I think Fletcher will be thrilled with anything that comes his way on his birthday!  I'm sure his big sister will be more than excited to help him rip open his gifts.  We are celebrating with just our little family on his actual birthday and then both sides of our extended family the weekend after his birthday.  Should be a blast!! 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Tuesday Talk: 5 Famous Dinner Guests

If I could have dinner with 5 famous people,
these are the ladies I'd pick.

Taylor Swift
Kate Spade
Laura Bush
Ellen Degeneres
Martha Stewart
*alternate invite* Kate Middleton

via instyle
And here's my reasoning...

// Taylor Swift //
She is on top of her game right now.  Her music is amazing and I've been a fan of hers since the beginning.  I love her style, her love for cats and her random acts of kindness.  I hear she puts on a killer concert, although I've never been to one.  I think she'd be a really fun dinner guest and I'd love to hear some funny real life stories from her.  She's always smiling and I'd love to talk relationships with her.

// Kate Spade //
I adore nearly everything Kate Spade makes.  I love their accessories, their home lines and their clothing.  I wish I could have it all.  I'd invite Kate Spade to my house and then ask her to kindly be in charge of bringing some of her gold polka-dotted china for everyone to use.  Maybe she'd even bring 5 purses for us to pick as party favors.  I'd love to know more about her brand, her style inspiration and what family dinners are like with David Spade.  I just recently learned that she is married to David Spade's brother.

// Laura Bush //
She's classy, well spoken and always looks great.  I love her love for teaching, teachers and literacy.  She's a wonderful mom and wife and I'd really like to hear about her life as The First Lady.  I love all things presidential so I'm hoping she'd have some fun white house tales to share with the group.  I'm also curious what she thinks of life as a grandma and what her tips for being a great mom would be.

// Ellen Degeneres //
I find Ellen to be hilarious.  She cracks me up and I love her desire to showcase positive people on her show.  I don't catch her show as often as I used to, but I always watch it with a smile.  I think she'd be quite entertaining doing some dancing and making us all laugh.  I love her giveaways, her pranks and how she thinks little kids are hilarious.  I think I'd really enjoy hearing about good things she does behind the scenes and then ask her if I could have tickets to her show.

// Martha Stewart //
She's so darn crafty and good at everything she does.  She's got product lines at all the major stores and I'll put her in charge of a fun DIY project for the group.  Maybe she'd also bring one of her pretty cake plates for each guest??  I love her home line and always enjoy her magazine.  I never watch her show anymore, but I will always remember the show where she had each audience member bring their cat to sit on their laps for the show.  It was hilarious to see an audience full of people AND cats.  Some were so good, some were wild and others were hiding under their chairs.  I also appreciate that Martha owned up to her mistakes and served time.  I read somewhere that she was really inspiring to the ladies she served time with and taught them all kinds of crafting skills.  I'd love to hear about her life and then ask her about her skin routine.  That lady has some great skin!!

// Kate Middleton //
If one of the above RSVPs no to my dinner, I'd extend an invitation to Princess Kate.  I love her and am so curious about life as a royal.  I'd love to hear about her kids and what they're up to.  Then I'd ask her to give me a sneak peek of her Fall/Winter fashion selections for herself and her kids.  I'd ask her to bring some vintage royal jewels for us all to try on and ask her about the highs and lows of living such a public life.


If I had to pick five famous guys,
they would be Peyton Manning, Jimmy Fallon, Nicholas Sparks,
George W. Bush and Regis Philbin.


Who would YOU invite to dinner?!?!?


I'm linking up with Momfessionals today
and excited to see who everyone else would love to have dinner with!

TODAY is the last day to enter our Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway!
Click on this post and find some new instagram friends to enter to win.

Time to link up with my favorite ladies for the week.
Join us with your best post 
(Starting from the upper left:)
Beth - Our Pretty Little Girls ~ Michelle - Grammie Time
Keri - Living In This Season  ~ Christina - Waltzing In Beauty
Tara - Mrs. Coach Sims ~ Lauren - Simply Free
Jess and Katie - Sweet Little Ones ~ Whitney - Polka Dotty Place
Becky - BYBMG ~ Elizabeth - All Kinds Of Things
Emily - Morning Motivated Mom 
Polka-Dotty Place

Thursday, April 23, 2015

2nd Birthday Wish List

2nd Birthday Wish List

2nd Birthday Wish List by polkadottyplace on Polyvore

Olive's 2nd birthday is about a month away 
so I wanted to put together a little wish list of ideas for her.  

She LOVES playing OUTSIDE
so much of what I suggested is made for the outdoors. 

Bubble Blowing Machine
Water toys
Toy Lawn Mower
Toy Golf Clubs
 Balls
Gardening Tools for kids
Blocks, cars & trucks
Microphone toy
Little Purse with pretend make up 
Anything Daniel Tiger
Art supplies - she loves to color, paint, use stickers, stamp and draw.  I'd love for them to be washable since she tends to have trouble containing her art to a piece of paper.
Books - any interactive books

We got her this water table so I know she'd love any water toys to go with it.  We are also going to be getting a pool for her so any pool toys would be great, too. 

It's going to be so much FUN celebrating her birthday :) 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide for Ladies

Holiday Gift Guide for Ladies 2014

Holiday Gift Guide for Ladies 2014 by polkadottyplace featuring a square throw pillow

Have you started shopping for the ladies in your life??
Friends
co-workers

neighbors
teachers 
sisters
aunts
cousins

I thought it would be fun to put together a little gift guide to inspire your shopping purchases as the holidays are quickly approaching.  Let me break down my suggestions.

1. scarves & jewelry - try to pick out something nice that you'd love to get for a gift.  Pick things that are on trend, would be a fun statement piece and/or match your friend's personal style.  Stud earrings are always a fun option, anything gold would be nice right now and statement necklaces are still all the rage.

2. Pajamas & slippers - pick out a nice pair of pjs, a robe or slippers because people don't usually like to buy these items for themselves.  If you are worried about sizes, include the gift receipt.

3. Clutches or travel bags - everyone enjoys getting a new bag so scope out great clutches, small handbags or travel make up pouches.  TJ Maxx & Marshalls always have great options in this department.

4. Gift cards to their favorite places - pay attention to where they like to eat or where they stop in for coffee and buy them a gift card.  Things tend to taste better and feel more like a treat when they are FREE :)  Other gift card options: nail salons, massages, hair salons and you can never go wrong with Target (unless there isn't a Target in your area).

5. Give them a special treat - favorite bottle of wine, delicious chocolates or baked goods.  Be sure that you are a good baker if you are going to be giving out holiday treats.  There's nothing worse than getting a plate full of gross cookies.  I'd suggest making something you are really good at - chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc so that you know your friend will love your edible gift.  My mom will bake things for people and try to use their favorite ingredients.  For example, if they love peanut butter, bake them something with PB in it.  Simple.

6. Send them flowers to say thank you or make them feel special.

7. Holiday decorations - if you are giving the gift in advance, this is a fun option.  It is not so fun to receive a Halloween decoration on Halloween.  This option requires preplanning or your part so that you give the gift in advance allowing your friend time to enjoy the decoration.  I love collecting holiday decorations from friends so think ahead to make this one happen.

8. Something for their house - a plant, a mirror, a pretty vase, frames, a throw pillow or a pretty pitcher.  Try to stick with things that fit well with their style and look like they'd go well with their current decor.

Happy shopping for your favorite ladies!!

Do you have any other gift ideas to share??
I'm excited to start my shopping and would love to hear your suggestions. 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

My Fall 2014 Fashion Inspiration

Fall 2014 Inspiration


Fall 2014 Inspiration by polkadottyplace featuring strappy booties

I thought I'd share with you my Fall Fashion Inspiration Board!!
I'm loving plaids, textures, layers, maroons, booties and gold this season.  I plan on trying to pick up a fun vest, plaid shirt, a comfy blazer and some boyfriend jeans.  I will be sure to let you know if I find any great deals.  I have a gift card and a great GAP coupon so I'm definitely going to start my search at their outlet store.

Did I forget anything that you're loving this season??

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Hospital Bag Must Haves

I'm just now getting around to sharing my hospital bag must haves with you... a YEAR after my baby was born is better late than never - right??  I read so many lists before packing my hospital bags and think I've come up with the perfect list.  I'm an over packer and love knowing that I'm over prepared so my list reflects that.  Typically you'll stay 2-3 nights for a textbook delivery, but we all know that you can easily end up staying longer for a variety of reasons.  I stayed 4 nights because my baby was having issues maintaining her blood sugar so here are my must haves: 
Hospital Bag Must Haves

The hospital will provide you with mesh underware, pads, robes, blankets, pillows, meds, food and very basic toiletries.  That's technically everything you'll NEED, but I knew that I would be most comfortable with my favorite things.  I packed everything I would normally use in my daily routine.

FOR MOM:
1. comfy pjs, light robe, socks, yoga pants, sports and nursing bras, flip flops and slippers.
2. make-up, face wash, moisturizer, brush, flat iron and hair ties all organized in pouches to keep everything in your small room tidy.
3. cell phone, charger, extension cord (because the outlets are in odd locations)
4. fully charged camera, video camera, wallet & pen for paperwork
5. Bring your own pillow - a friend gave me this advice and it was a game changer!!  You'll be sitting a lot and the hospital pillows are pretty hard.  I know that I slept better and was more comfortable because I had my own pillow.
6. Snacks - you'll be starving after delivery and the hospital food won't quite cut it - granola bars, trail mix, mints, gum and candy.
7. Extra bags to carry home things the hospital gives you


FOR DAD:
*We lived close enough to the hospital that my husband went home to shower & check on the cats so he didn't pack much to bring to the hospital.
1. pajamas
2. his own pillow
3. phone, charger, tablet
4. change of clothes
5. snacks - trail mix, chex mix, chips, beef jerky and granola bars


FOR BABY:
*My hospital does a professional newborn photo shoot in your room if you are interested so I was thankful to have a pink swaddle blanket and headbands to choose from.
1. Going home outfit - not a dress because it'll be too hard to put them in their carseat
2. Headbands and hats
3. soft swaddle blankets
4. pacifier 
5. a few things to decorate the baby's bassinet - I had a bunting with Olive's name on it and the nurses all complimented her personalized bed.
6. car seat safely installed in your car - my hospital had us carry in her seat and then check to make sure she was buckled in correctly before discharging us.

I packed and DID NOT USE the following items: 
1. my boppy - hospital pillows worked just fine
2. over sized underwear - I just wore the hospital ones
3. video camera - I used my phone instead
4. magazines/reading material - I had no interest in light reading
5. outfits for the baby - my hospital wanted the baby to wear their clothes and use their blankets for easy access to her so I didn't get to dress her until we were about ready to go home.  I'd only bring a going home outfit with a few head accessories.
6. Journal / my planner
7. Lots of lotions for me and for the baby - the hospital will give you anything the baby needs and any creams you might need for breast feeding.  I just used hand lotion and was fine.
8. Only bring 2-3 pairs of pjs/comfy outfits and don't worry about bringing real clothes.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Registering for your FIRST baby

You are having a baby and now it's time to create a registry!!

I remember going to Babies R Us to start our baby registry and feeling completely overwhelmed.  There are SO many baby products out there and everything is advertised as MUST HAVES.  Baby items add up quickly so it's important to focus on the necessities and not register for the whole store.  

My husband and I created our registry when I was about 7 months pregnant.  I had it done well in advance of my showers so that my guests could shop from them.  I started them in the store with my husband and then I fine tuned them on-line from home.  I'd suggest only registering at 1-2 places because it gets confusing if you do more.

Here are my MUST HAVE items for your first baby:
Registering for your first baby
Nursery:
crib
crib bedding
crib mattress
crib sheets
changing pad and cover dresser-
We used the closet in the nursery for family storage and put all of her clothes in her dresser.
glider or small rocking recliner
monitor -
our nursery was very close to our master bedroom so we just got a sound monitor to save a little money.  We were really happy with it.
pack n play for travel
rock-n-play sleeper-
my baby slept in our bedroom for the first few months and she loved this contraption!!  It held her nicely, I could lean over and rock her in it to lull her to sleep and she enjoyed sitting in it when she was awake while I got ready.  We also took this with us when we traveled instead of the pack n play when she was really little.
rug
storage containers to match your decor


Necessities:
bath essentials -
I love the smell of Johnsons but it was too harsh for my baby.  We switched all of her lotions and body wash to Aveeno and have been really happy. 
bibs - absorbent and soft
bottles -
Dr. Brown's were our favorite.  They worked great for us when I was pumping and when we switched over to formula.  We bought six 8 oz bottles and that seemed to be the perfect number for one whole day.  I'd clean them every night so they were ready for the next day.
bottle brushes & dishwasher container for bottle parts
Boppy Pillow -
I used this when breast feeding early on but we got much more use out of it as a support pillow for our baby before she was mobile.  We'd put a blanket on the floor and prop her up on this.  She'd nap on it, too!!
Bumbo seat with tray-
We used this all the time for the first 6 months or so before she was ready for her high chair.
car seat w/ car base
2nd car seat base-
If your baby will be riding in different vehicles, it's easiest to have a base for each car instead of constantly switching the base from car to car. 
diaper bag - my tips for choosing the perfect diaper bag 
diapers  
**ERGObaby carrier -
This is the 2nd carrier that I've owned and should have invested in it sooner.  My baby loves to be carried in it and it's a must have item when you need your hands free but your baby still wants to be close to you We've hiked, shopped, fixed dinner, gone for walks around the neighborhood and visited parks in ours.  I'm excited to keep using it as my baby grows because it is so nice!!  Here's the version I own - Ergobaby Carrier
Exersaucer / Jumperoo toy
Happiest Baby on the Block book
high chair -
This could wait until later on since the baby won't be using it for a while but you will get a discount coupon to buy any remaining items on your registry before the baby arrives.
hygiene care kit
pacis - 
several varieties of pacis because you won't know in advance which one your baby prefers
rug for nursery
spoons/snack storage containers
stroller that car seat fits into
swaddle blankets
**SWING!!! -
The rock n play sleeper will work for the first little bit but it is ESSENTIAL that you have a swing.  There are so many varieties so just find one you love.  I had to have one that was compact, plugged into the wall so you didn't have to deal with batteries and had options for speed/music/vibration.  My baby took MANY naps in her swing and it was so nice to have a spot for her that she loved to hang out.  
The Graco Glider was a lifesaver that we couldn't have lived without!!
The Wonder Weeks book
umbrella stroller
 ** not pictured in collage but VERY VERY important**


Toys:
Your baby will be interested in and playing with toys much sooner than you might think.  Register for toys, taggy toys, play mats, soft toys, rattles and teethers so that you'll be set when your baby starts showing an interest.


I would NOT register for:
books, clothes, accessories, several big furniture items, lots of decorations/nursery decor or items for the baby to use after the 1st year because people tend not to buy those things off registries and would rather just pick something out on their own.  I wouldn't spend a lot of time selecting blankets, wash cloths and bibs because people will likely just pick out something to surprise you with.
 
We purchased a bottle warmer and sterilizer and barely used either one.  We did buy a bottle drying rack but found it too bulky and quit using it after a few months.  We started out with a Chicco baby carrier because it was more affordable than the Ergo.  Big mistake!!  It worked well for the first month or so when my baby was tiny but it hurt my back too much to carrier her in it once she started growing.  I've heard mixed reviews on wipe warmers and diaper genies so do your research to see what would best meet your needs.   

Did I forget anything that you loved??

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

First Birthday Gift Wish List

I've had a few requests for birthday gift ideas for Olive's 1st birthday so I put together a little baby wish list.  Her birthday is just a few weeks away and so I wanted to share some options of things I think she'd love.
First Birthday Gift Wish List
any toys to help her with learning to walk
wooden toys - puzzles, blocks
Melissa & Doug toys
stacking toys
small riding toys
bath toys
little backpack
toddler size headbands
musical toys
baby pool toys
baby raft for the pool
interactive toys
indoor or outdoor toys
sturdy books

She's wearing 18 month clothes for now and 24 months for fall.