Friday, January 31, 2014

Impromptu Gourmet BBQ ... Guest Post by Cady from Boughtin Baby & Bride

Saturday night, my plans were foiled. Matt had invited some of our close friends over for dinner, and I had this gourmet, healthy meal all planned out and ready to go and then I heard those dreaded words: "The fights are on tonight." Needless to say, my dinner plans had gone awry and it was on to Plan B. Now, in my house, I don't like to do anything half-effort, so throwing some premade patties on the grill wasn't happening. I gave him a grocery list and sent him on his merry way and got to brainstorming how I could turn this into an awesome "gourmet" BBQ for nine.



The Burgers:
I made half with turkey and half with beef. I threw each in a huge bowl with feta, chopped mushrooms and diced onions, and rolled each patty about 1-1/2 inches thick. The guys grilled them and the looked (and smelled) awesome.



The Buns:
I had him pick up whole wheat buns (for health, obviously) and, because I didn't exactly have the time to make brioche buns from scratch, I mixed whole milk in a bowl with an egg, whipped them together and dipped each bun in the mix. The guys tossed them on the grill and voila! An impromptu "brioche" bun.


The Beans:
Baked beans can never just be from the can. If you don't have time to make them from scratch, there's always things you can add to spice them up - literally. I opened two large cans into a pot and warmed them. I threw in chopped-up bacon, some BBQ sauce, a bit of ketchup, Louisiana hot sauce, cracked pepper, cayenne and red chili flakes. It really brought out a great, original flavor!


The Potato Salad:
My sister, whom I have never seen cook before, made the most amazing warm potato salad...almost like a mashed potato salad I guess? She took new potatoes (aka red potatoes) and boiled them until soft, then drained and mashed them with a ton of green onions, sour cream, some margarin and cracked pepper. I have a basil plant growing rampant, so I chopped some up and threw it in - perfection!


The "Onion Rings":
My spiral slicer is my best friend. I ran two white onions through it, and in a separate bowl, I mixed together milk, two eggs, chili pepper, cracked pepper and paprika. I dredge the onions in the mixture, then tossed them in a bowl of panko bread crumbs. Baked at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes, and I ended up with a casserole type of dish to be scooped onto the burgers.


The In-n-Out Secret Sauce:
I wanted to come up with something else to set these burgers apart (as if the onions and feta burgers and "brioche" buns wouldn't do that), so I made my own version of the In-n-Out's secret sauce, which is also very similar to the sauce at Gott's Roadside. It's just mayo (I buy mayo made with olive oil), ketchup, white vinegar, relish and pepper!

My sister and I, very proud of ourselves!

The Finished Product:
Bomb*

*Yes, I am still doing paper plates, plastic cups and utensils. I refuse to have to wash more dishes unnecessarily yet. I can wait until my kitchen is fully outfitted before I get to know that dishwasher any better. ;)

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Thanks, Cady, for a delish post! Seriously, a BBQ never looked so fancy & good.

You can stay connected with Cady through the links below.



Don't forget to enter the Boughtin Baby & Bride giveaway happening this week!


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Need stripey straws or colorful spoons for your next BBQ? Check out Pick Your Plum for the best deals on cute supplies!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Link'n Blogs #10

Welcome to Link'n Blogs {#10} !
A place to link up your projects and make new friends. We are all about visiting links and following new bloggers here at Link'n Blogs. Remember to leave comments and PIN PIN PIN!
Cause sharing is caring.

**Your links will show up on ALL blogs hosting the link party!**

Interested in guest hosting Link'n Blogs?!
I've created a spreadsheet where you can sign up to host a link party! It's a great way to get to know other bloggers, share a recent post with other party goers and pick the features. Sign up using the link below!

Grab my party button! 
 





I am sharing my list of Top 10 Hospital Bag Must Haves. I recommend PINNING for later!


Top 10 Hospital Bag Must Haves


HOST:
Katelyn from Learning, Creating, Living 




Katelyn is sharing her DIY Heart Sweater. So perfect for Valentine's Day {and super easy}!



Our guest host this week is Bette from Somerset Lane. 



Bette is sharing her Miracle Tea for that pesky cold that never seems to go away. I love hot water with honey & lemon, but Bette adds one more ingredient I never thought to use. Check it out to see what she adds!




Here are this week's features:

My Pick{s}

I couldn't decide between these two, so I picked two links to feature! Yep, I can do that, cause it's my party. ;)

Katelyn's Pick

Fan Favorites





I know the bloggers featured would love if you would visit their posts and say hello!

Follow my blog! If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link.
Link to your blog post -- not just your blog.
Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you.
If you enjoy a link, you can LIKE it {new feature!}
Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog. 
Grab my party button! - See more at: http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-christmas-scriptures-advent.html#sthash.mPINNYsH.dpuf

Ok, here are the guidelines for the link party:  

Follow your HOSTS and GUEST HOSTS
If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link
Link to your blog post -- not just your blog.
Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you
Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog
Share this link party on social media to help Link'n Blogs grow!

*Don't be a LINK & RUN partier. Visit a couple links before you and a couple after!*


Happy Linking!

*Feel free to post my party button on your blog and say you linked up here!*

All links will be pinned to my Link'n Blogs board. Follow it here! Follow Daniela Walsh {Put A Bird On It}'s board Link'n Blogs {link party faves} on Pinterest.


xo

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Interested in guest hosting Link'n Blogs?!
I've created a spreadsheet where you can sign up to host a link party! It's a great way to get to know other bloggers, share a recent post with other party goers and pick the features. Sign up using the link below!

I WANT TO GUEST HOST A LINK PARTY!
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Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!

Boughtin Baby & Bride Giveaway
Win a Custom Adorable Baby Onesie!



Top 10 Hospital Bag Must Haves

Hi everyone! I had the pleasure of guest posting at MaMade Diaries, where I shared this list of my Top 10 Hospital Bag Must Haves. I now get to share this post with my amazing readers! I hope you enjoy my list. Leave me a comment and let me know what went {or is going in} YOUR hospital bag! xo


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I had my first baby one year ago. I was very nervous for my delivery day! I had no idea what to expect -- despite reading over and over What to Expect When You're Expecting. I still felt kind of helpless going into the "unknown" of delivery day. My only way to feel like I had any control over that day was to MAKE LISTS. I am a total LIST girl. Having a list of what I needed to pack for the hospital helped me feel prepared for the big day. And I use the word 'needed' very loosely. I may have gone a little overboard on packing for the hospital. I probably looked like I should be going on vacation for a week instead of going to deliver a baby; but, hey, it was my first time, and I wanted to be ready! With the next baby, I definitely will know what items are my MUST HAVES for the hospital bag. I have made a LIST (of course!) of my Top 10 hospital bag must haves to share with you! I hope this helps you soon-to-be-mommas feel ready for the best day of your life.




1. Newborn Outfit
No need to get baby all dolled up at the hospital, but you will want an outfit to bring baby home in. My baby mainly wore a cut off onesie in the hospital (to protect the umbilical cord); but, for the car ride home, you will need an outfit with legs! Otherwise, baby can't be strapped into the car seat. I recommend one with a zipper instead of buttons -- much more convenient!

2. Comfy PJ's
I stopped at Target and picked up a couple cute and comfy pajama sets for myself, and I'm SO very glad I did! Right after delivering baby, of course you are just wearing your hospital gown; but, after a day in the gown, I was ready to put on something a little more normal. Buy a big size, because you won't be anywhere NEAR your "normal" size immediately (unless you are super super super super super lucky, but sorry you probably won't!). I also had a button up top set, which was nice for nursing. I wore these to go home in, too, and didn't even look at a pair of jeans for probably a month!

3. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Kind of self explanatory. I wouldn't want to subject my cute little newborn to morning breath! :)

4. Movie
This one is completely subjective to the type of delivery you are having. I was induced and had an epidural, so there was a period of waiting. My husband and I both fell asleep watching Dark Knight (although we only made it about 30 minutes in before baby was ready to come!). Check with your hospital/birthing center to see if there is a DVD player in your room. After an hour and a half of pitocin-induced contractions (pre-epidural!), I was super happy to have something to get my mind off everything.

5. Slipper Socks
I'm a sucker for a cute pair of socks, so these were a must have for me. I didn't do much walking around at the hospital, but just to get up to change the baby or go to the bathroom and I was grateful to have these no-slip socks to walk around in. Throw them in the wash when you get home and they are good as new!

6. Baby Blanket
The hospital will have blankets for you to swaddle your baby in, but I brought one anyway. The hospital ones are kind of small, and I wanted something special for my baby. Plus, I delivered in the winter (in Utah!), so I needed a warm blanket for the car ride home. The adorable one pictured is from Wren and Rumor -- I love their stylish baby blankets!

7. Nursing Tank
I totally preferred nursing tanks over a nursing bra. It was just way easier to wear a tank as a shirt under my pj's or robe, rather than worry about a bra! Personal preference here, but I know lots of women that agree. Target has cute ones for less than $20!

8. Hair Ties
Whether your hair is short or long, you will definitely not want it in your face during labor! I recommend hair ties, bobby pins and headbands. I didn't shower while at the hospital, so by day 2, I needed something to tie my hair up with. But who is to say you can't look fashionable while pushing out that baby? I love these "Ampersand collection" hair ties from Mane Message. There are so many adorable choices on that site!

9. Speakers
My husband and I are total music lovers. We create playlists for everything! Dating...honeymoon...trips...cleaning on Saturdays...there is always music playing. Naturally, we had a Baby Birth Day playlist ready for the big day. We brought a portable iHome with us, and I will always bring one for future babies! One of my favorite memories in the hospital is of us in our room, holding our sweet new one, listening to Norah Jones. It created the perfect atmosphere for lovin' on our little one.

10. Lip Balm
This little baby was a total lifesaver while I was in the hospital. It is a small thing, but chapped lips are NO fun for anyone -- especially after giving birth. If you are nursing, it is easy to get dehydrated, so it's important to drink lots of water, which I tried to do, but my lips got chapped more easily. I loved this C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve from Bath & Body Works.


Honorable Mentions
I polled my momma friends on Facebook and here are some of their "real mom" hospital bag must haves!

"Toothbrush and toothpaste." - Tracy
"Baby nail clippers because hospitals won't give you any. Slippers, music, pictures of family if you know they aren't there but you want them to be. iPad or laptop." - Chrissy
"Slippers and sweats," - Dresden
"Comfy pajama bottoms! Every baby I had my mom always made sure to buy me lots of pajama bottoms and sounds crazy but after everything your nether regions go through you really do need them," - Santanna
"iPad to play pandora, my pillow, stadium blanket and mixed nuts." - Kim
"Hair ties, hair spray and headbands." - Brandy
"A really comfortable pair of yoga pants, lanolin, comfy socks, hairbands, and a nightgown that is awesome for nursing and cute too." - Nikki

I hope you found some help for preparing your hospital bag! You will never forget that special day. It is such an important day for you and your baby, so don't feel bad pampering yourself and being prepared -- even if you are over prepared like I was. 

xo

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Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway!





Monday, January 27, 2014

My Love Monday ... Our Weekend with Boughtin Baby & Bride

You guys! I have been SO EXCITED about today's My Love Monday feature. It is all about Boughtin Baby & Bride! I found Cady Boughtin's adorable shop on Etsy and fell in love with her baby onesies. Her designs are unique and CLEVER as heck. The one that really solidified my love for this shop? This little number:



I mean, come on, a Mean Girls reference on a onesie? Brilliant + Adorable. I was so excited when Cady wanted me to do a feature post on her shop. I just had to share her stuff with all of you! 




Cady sent me three darling onesies that have become staples in Ava's wardrobe. Ava wore all three this weekend, and I wanted to show them to you in real life settings. I could have done a cute photo shoot in a studio with props and balloons and all that jazz, but I wanted you to see how these onesies can be worn in real life, in real time, on real babies, in every day settings. Not that photo shoots aren't sweet and fantastic because they are...but I figure that's what the company's website is for...to show you their designs professionally photographed in studio, and it's MY job to show you their products and how you can use them in your every day life. Does that make sense? Ha ha, hopefully. And hopefully you enjoy this type of lifestyle photography and product display, because it is ME and my style. I love "real" lifestyle blogs...that show life just happening in real time. Ok ... enough with the chatting ... and on to the CUTENESS!


Our Weekend
*with Boughtin Baby & Bride*


statement necklace onesie || five guys restaurant || ava's first movie









"my auntie shoots people" onesie || grandma's house || with Aunt Sandra the photographer









"magnifique" bird onesie || grandma's house || with momma




Cady wanted to make a custom onesie for Ava, and I left the creative work to her! She brilliantly came up with a way for us to literally PUT A BIRD on Ava. :) I love these onesies, because they all play into our life in perfect ways. That's one thing I love about Boughtin Baby & Bride...there are so many designs to choose from, you can pick onesies that are perfect for your personal taste. And Cady makes 100% custom onesies, too, so you can modify any onesie to your style OR design your own for her to make a one-of-a-kind onesie for your baby. I love following Cady on Instagram and seeing all the awesome custom onesies she makes for people. She just posted clever camping onesies she made for a camping themed baby shower. They are too cute for words. Check it out here!

AND -- Cady is giving away a custom onesie to one of my readers! She is a doll to do this, and I can't wait to see what you pick for your baby to wear. Show your personality through your baby!

Just enter using Rafflecopter below. Giveaway ends February 2 at midnight. All entries will be verified.

As if Cady isn't enough of a sweetheart, she is also offering my readers 25% off with promo code BIRD. This is an amazing deal! You can find lots of adorable onesies at Cady's new site Enjoy Essential. Contact Cady for custom orders. Now all that's left for you to do is pick out your fabulous design.




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I hope you all have a fantastic Monday. Conrad and I are officially on STAYCATION today through Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep. That needed a gajillion exclamation points, because we don't take vacations often. Conrad works very hard and is really busy during the week, so having 3 days OFF is like CHRISTMAS to me! We are going to Park City to do some snowboarding, relaxing at the hotel and of course a visit to World Market! This is all dependent on if Conrad will let me outside longer than 10 minutes in the cold...because I'm still recovering from PNEUMONIA. Kind of a bummer during staycation, but I refuse to let not feeling 100% ruin these 3 days! Choose Happy!

I may be a little MIA over the next few days, until we get back. I guess we'll see how I feel and how much down time I actually have in the hotel, ha ha. Have a great week and DO SOMETHING FUN even if you aren't on vacation. It only takes 3 minutes dancing with baby in the kitchen to your favorite song...singing in the car to the radio...taking a #selfie and posting for the world to see...or doing a Top Knot and trying that RED lipstick...to make your day a little better and remember to be grateful for THE NOW. There is no time like the present.

xo

Don't miss out anything from Put A Bird On It! Scroll the left side of my blog for all the ways you can stay connected with me. I recommend following through GFC and getting updates sent to your Inbox! xo

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