who ARE these people?

Whoever has leftover champagne, CLEARLY did not invite me to their party.
Pul-leease. But, makes me WANT to have some left over. :)

http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/champagne-vinegar

Yay local Moms!

 I want to be friends with these gals:

http://maddysorganicmeals.com/story.htm
http://www.gagagourmet.com/html/herald_101106.php

What's a baby to do? And a mommy?

I am simply amazed at what women accomplish. I struggle to get healthy meals on the table, have a clean house, a happy child and husband, and to also do things for me, whether it's work or play. How do you all DO it?!

I'm going to be asking you to share info with me in the next several months, and I need to start with a focus, so it's going to be on food. (since I'm not an accomplished housekeeper-yet) But feel free to share any housekeeping secrets you've come up with-I NEED THEM.

PLEASE share your slow cooker recipes and any tips! I've been a little disappointed with a couple of the chicken recipes I've tried, as it came out a little dry. But I did really like the Beef Barley Soup I made last week. (and busted out the breadmaker for some breadsticks)
I'll post the recipe this week-it makes 3 batches that you can throw in the freezer, and then slow cook from frozen.

I did some searches for menu planning software and templates, and it all seems to be for personal chefs. (I'm not ruling it out!) I did find a cleaning chart by Real Simple, and have TRIED to designate certain things to certain days. (like "sheets day" and "mopping floor day". "Laundry day" still eludes me) Any other products, books, tools you've created for yourself?

I just got back from the library, as I got sidetracked from the mealplanning project when I started solids with Will, and started focusing on nutrition and transitioning from milk, to babyfood, to tablefood, to family meals. Let me know what assistance your pediatrician offered or offers, because I found a big gaping hole there.

Note: I've really enjoyed the book "Cooking for baby", if you are looking for a babyfood book to start with!

Finance AND food AND Fashion?! My brain might explode.

Have you seen these KOKO lunch bags?! I think I might have discovered food, fashion, and finance nirvana. Now, if I just get it in a floral print, with a grosgrain ribbon tie, I can die happy. Save money by making your lunch, be cute at the same time rather than nerdy :), AND pack a lunch you are really excited about, including dessert, and you might just make some new friends. You also might be able to splurge on whatever awaits us in the September issue of Vogue. I can't wait to pick it up!

Shortcuts at the seafood counter?

A trip to Dominick's is always a treat for me, both emotionally and literally. :) First, I went to the seafood counter to check out the shrimp. I used to buy it frozen, raw, and cleaned and for whatever reason, no one is selling it that way any more. I cleaned 2 pounds of shrimp this spring, and I have to say, I didn't love it. SO, I checked out the counter, where they had deveined raw shrimp. Eureka! While the guy was packing it up, I noticed that they will marinate or dry rub any meat for you for free. This is REALLY my point! They have scampi, garden seasoning, lemon thyme, etc. So do it, and let me know what you think.

Update to "Corn you dig it?"

You don't even have to shuck those things! You can stick corn DIRECTLY into the microwave and cook for 1.5 minutes per ear. Shuck and eat! (Probably need to let it cool for a bit.)