Weekend Links & a few Easter photos from last year

Easter last year! Henry was just about 5 months old. 

Happy almost-Easter! Before things get insanely busy tomorrow, I thought I would pop in and share some links and photos from last year. Enjoy, and I'll be back with a weekend update and an Easter post, too! Have a great Sunday.

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If you click one link on this list, make it this one: 30 Practical Tips About the Horrors of Raising a Baby. Too, too funny.

Homemade Goldfish crackers for little ones!

And speaking of kiddos, here's a list of 75 ways to entertain your toddler.

This notebook makes ME happy.

Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo. Skinny and Alfredo never seem to be one in the same, but this looks amazing! Thank you to Jen for introducing me to this blog, which is quickly becoming a new favorite.

What Should I Read Next?

This Quinoa Sushi looks amazing. What a great idea.

Check out two of my lovely sponsors' Etsy shops- Acanthus Apparel and Meadow Creek.

The 20 best apps for kids! Awesome.

I've always loved the idea of a Sip and See.

I read posts like this one and I get so, so excited for the day H. can communicate even more.

I love when Emily blogs. And speaking of friends blogging, Jess is back at it. Yay!

6 Powerful Questions That Will Change Your Life Forever. Quite the claim...but worth a read!

I loved reading Diana's "Currently" post. And Katie's, too! ...and Rochelle's. I could go on! ;)

Baked Lime Pudding Cake. OH MY!

A little Instagram cheat sheet. Pretty awesome tips for anyone who is new to the app.

Isn't this monogram necklace neat?

Rebecca's blog is just gorgeous- I'm loving all of her photos!

This is a super interesting read about highly paid nannies in NYC- The Best Nanny Money Can Buy.

Rachel posted about the coolest iPhone case I've ever seen: Instagram + case in one!

Love this bang-braid how-to on Emily's blog. 

And finally, pop by one of my favorite sites and say hello!

Kiddo/Adult Meal Idea: Broccoli & Cheese Quiche!

I get a lot of requests on Instagram to share some of the food I give to Henry, so I thought it would be fun to post recipes of all of my favorite kiddo/adult friendly fare. Henry is luckily a great eater and will try most anything, although he does LOVE to utilize a strong "no" even for his most favorite foods if the mood strikes. However the recipes I'll be sharing have been pretty successful in our house, with either Henry and me, or with the whole family! Hank is vegetarian and doesn't eat eggs (so no quiche for him), but the recipe I'm sharing next week is veg-friendly.

I love, love, love quiche and one of the best parts about it is that the ingredients are totally up for interpretation. Most veggies work wonderfully- imagine doing a Gouda and asparagus version? Yum. You can also add in meat - sliced ham, turkey, sausage- or even vegetarian meat like Boca crumbles or sausage. And for your picky eating kiddos, quiches are PERFECT for hiding all those "gross" veggies they might otherwise refuse, and also using up any and all extra produce in the fridge!

I previously posted this recipe, but my method has changed a bit so I thought I would update it, and share it with newer readers too. Enjoy!



Here's what you'll need:

1 pie crust- I prefer spelt!
8 egg whites + 2-3 yolks
raw broccoli
shredded cheese



When I make pie I typically make my own crust, but for this one I got the frozen version from our local health food store's freezer section. I think the nutty taste of the spelt is such a delicious combination with the cheesy egg flavor. The cost was about $5 for two crusts, but you can always go the less-expensive route and make your own, or buy a simple, generic crust.

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 and set out one frozen pie crust.

2) In a large mixing bowl, mix the white of 8 eggs with 2-3 yolks depending on your preference. I used to leave the yolks totally out, but I've come to learn that there are so many great benefits from them in moderation that now I almost always keep some in when cooking.




3) Add in your broccoli. I use raw broccoli and just break off the tops from the tough bottom ends, leaving me with smaller pieces.

4) Add about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese and lightly mix together all ingredients.



5) Pour the mixture into the pie crust. You may have to gently mix it a couple times with a spoon once its in the crust, as the broccoli and cheese may pool on one side.



6) Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes. Depending on your oven you may have to go a bit longer. You'll be able to tell once the top and crust get a bit golden brown and a fork, when inserted into the middle, comes out clean.

7) Enjoy! Henry and mama approved! ;)



I'll be back next week with a vegetarian friendly, super healthy meal idea the whole family can enjoy. Bon appétit!

Currently.

yesterday - sunshine and not a cloud in the sky!

Obsessing over: Titanic in 3D...and the fact that I am going to see it tomorrow night. Adie and I have been freaking out ever since we saw the commercial and we've been waiting for this week for a long time. I first saw Titanic when I was a sophomore in high school and absolutely fell in love. Cheesy as it may be, it's absolutely one of my all-time favorite movies. I cry every time I watch it and there's just something about it that really, really gets to me. It's such a beautiful film, and I can't wait to relive it all over again in 3D this time. Re-reading this paragraph I sound so ridiculous but I can't even help it. I am SO excited.

Working on: getting organized and refreshed for spring. I love the idea of spring cleaning- Hank and I are already super neat freaks but as crazy (and slightly annoying) as it sounds, I actually enjoy going through things, simplifying, and organizing. Last night I also came across this article- Spring Cleaning from the Inside Out- and it really resonated with me. It includes questions to ask yourself when going through things, and I found the entire article to be inspiring and very helpful. It has you ask yourself things while going through items like, "when I see it, does it lift my spirits?" "Does it have a practical use, today?" and "am I keeping it for me, or out of a sense of duty to someone else? Is it a burden?" There was some of it that wasn't 100% me (I will be the first to admit I like my "things"), but the overall message was great. Give it a read if you're interested.

Thinking about: how happy I am with a change I recently made. I decided to stop writing for Hello Giggles regularly for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest was that I felt I was giving away some of my most favorite pieces to an outside source. And for what? This is where I write and share, and I didn't like that some of my most loved pieces of writing weren't even here. I also didn't enjoy writing to a deadline- it took the fun out of it for me. I did gain a lot of perspective from my time there, and I loved being a part of it from the beginning...but it is no longer for me. I do though, look forward to sharing more of the writing here that I typically reserved for them (like my Father & Son post last week), and I will also be republishing some of my favorite HG writing over the next few months on Sometimes Sweet, just so I have them here to look back on. I wanted to thank you all so much for supporting me while I wrote there- the comments, tweets and emails about the pieces I shared meant the world to me. I may still contribute from time to time, but last week I informed them that I will no longer be an every week or every other week writer for them.  And I'm so, so happy to focus all of my energy here.

Anticipating: this weekend! On Friday we have a ton of family coming into town and we will be heading to Sedona to spend the day exploring and showing my Uncle and cousin some of Northern Arizona's most beautiful spots. They're from New York, so I know that the gorgeous red rocks will take their breath away. My Mom, sister, Grandma, and Aunt will also be joining us so it's going to be pretty amazing. Then on Saturday Hank and I have an afternoon date to (finally) see the Hunger Games, and on Sunday we will be attending my in-laws big Easter brunch. Is it bad I'm already looking forward to the crepes? Yum.

Listening to: Gossip Girl. Well, watching too of course, but I'm addicted. I only have time to watch an episode a night (sometimes only half an episode), so I've been slowly making my way through it...but I love it. I wonder how I never saw it before! Thanks to being sick, followed by my wisdom teeth extraction I've made it all the way to Season 4 and I'm on the first episode. My favorite characters by far are Chuck, Blair and Rufus!

Eating: quiche. I have one in the oven right now. I've already shared the recipe but I think I'll post an updated one tomorrow with better photos. Paired with fresh fruit it's the perfect kiddo (and adult) breakfast or lunch. Henry really loves it and it's super easy to make.

Wishing: that I had all the time in the world to actually try out all of the amazing things I pin! I think I need to make a goal for myself to cook or bake one recipe per week because my "To Cook and Bake" board is filling up at an exponential rate without me actually trying out anything. And isn't that the point of Pinterest? To actually DO rather than just pin? Do any of you have this issue? haha. Perhaps I'll actually make this sweet treat in the next week, it just looks too good not to!

How about you? What are you up to today? Feel free to do your own "currently" post on your blog and link back in the comments! And thanks again to my dear friend Megan for providing the original inspiration for these posts.

Favorite Things: Instagram Fun (psst...it's on Android now too!)

By noon today everyone I knew in the entire world had signed up for Instagram. Well, not everyone. But A LOT of friends and family. Lucky for them the wonderful, fantastic photo app Instagram made its way to Android users.  I've talked a lot about IG here, but I thought I would share a quick list of some of my favorite, extra things to do with the app.  I'm so excited to be able to connect with so many more people, so if you're on Instagram, come say hi- my user name is danihampton!

Here's my list of favorite IG add-ons:

1. Stickygram

This is probably my most favorite thing you can do with your Instagram photos...put them on magnets! Stickygrams are great quality and make wonderful gifts for friends and family. I've sent sets of Henry to my parents, and thought it would be such a cute idea after a big event too. And right now Stickygram is having a buy one, get one half off sale with code: EASTEREMAIL. Good until the 9th.





2. Blurb books

Blurb makes printing your IG photos into a book so, so easy. You simply log into Instagram via their website and choose which photos, layout, and words you'd like to include. This is a great option for a baby book or just a fun photo album. Blurb books are absolutely beautiful too.

3. Canvas Pop

This site prints your IG photos right onto a square-sized canvas that actually look great! We have a few in our home and I highly recommend them for a fun little pop of fun.



4. Postal Pix

This service allows you to print your Instagram pics right from your phone. I love that you can choose the size, especially since Instagram pics are square and be tricky to order at places like Costco. I just ordered a ton to make a fun collage in Henry's room and I'm hoping to get some more and make little albums of fun events I've documented via IG.

5. Postagram

I LOVE this app. It's simple and quick, and in a minute's time you can send a postcard to anyone, anywhere for just .99 cents! It does all the hard work for you...all you do is choose a photo and write a message. So neat.




Happy Instagramming!

Clean Like a Mother

Do you remember this photo from my method trip to San Francisco? See that guy with the guitar? Well that's Noah, and he's official spokesinger for method. Annnnd, he's pretty much awesome. We actually got a surprise concert from him and it was a ton of fun. You can't help but smile when he gets going with his singing, rhyming self, and from the videos we were able to preview, you won't be able to stop from giggling either.

method will be debuting a new video each month to celebrate their "method of the month," so you'll get to see Noah in all of his glory on the regular. This month, Noah is singing about method's All-purpose cleaner...which I love. We use this cleaner everywhere and I promise you, it's that good. You may even want to sing about it...





And even better? This month under the "Perks" tab on method's Facebook page is a $1 off coupon for all method products, ready for redemption at all major US retailers. We buy our method at Target, but there are a ton of places you can find it.

And for all my Canadian readers, instead of printing the physical coupon, you will be able to get $1 off any method products available by clicking here and using the discount code "CLEANME." Something for everyone!

Happy method of the month day, everyone! Let me know what you decide to use your coupon on. I think I am going to stock up on some more of that Lime + Sea Salt handsoap...mmm...

*this is a post sponsored by method but all opinions expressed are my own. I still haven't met a method product I haven't loved! 

Tattoo Tuesday V.116

Name: Alison Ziebell
Age: 24
Occupation: Whole Body Assistant Team Leader at Whole Foods Market San Francisco
Age of first tattoo: 20
Favorite tattoo: Owl on my inner arm
Artist/ Shop/ Location: Jim Quinn II/Istari Studios. Tucson Arizona

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning?

When coming up with an idea for my very first tattoo I immediately knew I wanted to get something for my grandma. She is such an inspiration and a positive influence in my life I wanted to remind myself of that every day. She loves owl collectibles and it seems like every square inch of her home has one in it, so I knew that's what I had to get! I started collecting vintage owl necklaces in hope of finding some inspiration for my tattoo. One year for my birthday I received an awesome owl necklace, nothing too fancy, but I knew this was the one! At the time I worked at Jim's shop as a shop girl, and being the only non tattooed person in the place, he jumped at the idea of giving me my first tattoo.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

I do! All of my tattoos were done by the wonderful Jim Quinn II at Istari Studios. I have an old rotary phone down my arm with the receiver on the four arm and the base on the upper arm. I have 7 vintage buttons representing my family members, two of my close friends, and for the last button I let Jim tattoo his own which he so thoughtfully put our initials on. I also have a vintage pocket watch with a Z on the top for the my last name. I chose 3 of my favorite flowers: a magnolia on my shoulder,an orchid on the back of my four arm, and a gardenia for some of the major pieces on my arm. The gardenia I got for one of my favorite female jazz singers, Billie Holiday. I have a black bird on my shoulder blade and an unknown crazy bird from a vintage Lincoln car ad on my upper thigh.


 


3) Do you plan on getting more?

I have definitely thought about getting more and I have a few things in mind, but nothing is in the works just yet.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

My family was a little shocked when I came home with my first tattoo and I just remember my mom saying, "Now don't you go and get a full sleeve! This is the last one..." I feel like we had this conversation over and over again until eventually it happened, a full SLEEVE! After a while things calmed down and now there's talk of my mom getting a little work done herself. Its very rare for me to feel nervous to show my tattoos, but when meeting my boyfriend Josh's family I got that very uncomfortable feeling. They were never supportive of him getting tattoos and on our recent trip to Hawaii his parents saw his tattoos for the first time after 6 years of wearing long sleeve shirts. Josh has two full sleeves and a bird above his knee and he always talks about getting more.



5) What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos?

The only weird experiences I've had with my tattoos is when working in retail. I've noticed that some people are so fascinated with tattoos that they forget the boundaries of stranger interactions. I remember a couple times working and someone would come up and start talking to me about my tattoos and move my sleeve up or move my shirt to see the bird on my back. They don't seem to realize that us tattooed gals don't like to be touched all the time, we are still human. I also got into it with a lady at a restaurant that was so fascinated with my arm she grabbed it to take a closer look while i was trying to eating my lunch.

6) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Like everyone says, wait until you really know what you want and always shop around for the perfect artist that fits your personal style. I was so fortunate to find an artist that became one of my close friends, and that I can always go to and know I will get exactly what I want.

What a weekend!

This weekend was one of the best I've had in a long time. I think the extra-greatness came from a combination of finally starting to feel better, warm, warm weather down in Phoenix, and being able to spend two whole days with my family, both immediate and extended. My Uncle Brian and cousin Daron Grace flew in from New York and we spent the weekend eating way too much, looking at so many old, amazing photos, and catching up. My sister and I also decided we were feeling brave and took Daron shopping for some clothes. Keep in mind that she is 12-years old- that should help you make sense of the "brave" part. I had no idea it was so difficult to find modest length shorts for a little girl!

Saturday was also my sweet mama's birthday, and she turned 58! My Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob came up, and we all celebrated together with a big meal and a delicious ice cream cake. Afterward Henry had a bit of an early Easter and made out like a bandit, thanks to my parents. He's super into Elmo right now and my sister and Abe got him the cutest little singing Elmo doll too. He's a lucky boy.

Some of my most favorite parts- the long walk my Mom, Hank, Henry and I took Sunday morning, the Greek yogurt onion dip my Mom made, watching Henry get so excited over his new treasures, dinner at Nando's Friday night (I could live on guacamole), and seeing how happy my Mom was to be surrounded by almost all of her family. It was such a good weekend. 

We have a busy, busy week ahead and I can't say enough how excited I am to be (almost) back to normal. If you remember I had that crazy food poisoning in San Francisco, followed by that weird prolonged sickness, and then this whole wisdom teeth thing. I'm never, ever sick, so it's been a very weird past couple of months...and to to say I have a new appreciation of feeling healthy and happy is an understatement.

Here are some Instagram photos from the past couple of days. Enjoy!


my still swollen face on Day 9, Mexican food with the whole family, smoothies and shorts- it almost felt like summer! shopping with Laur and Daron, Lauren's "I'm done" smile, the guys and the dogs heading to the park to throw around the football.


the birthday girl, Carvel ice cream cake- so good! Uncle Brian and Daron, our 2nd frozen yogurt trip of the day, our big family Sunday dinner, and Henry zoning out while watching basketball in his new chair from Grandma and Grandpa.