Food | Smitten Kitchen Dijon Braised Brussels Sprouts

Two years ago I tried to make brussels sprouts, and it was highly unsuccessful. Cody said they tasted like dirt, and I reluctantly had to agree. So while we were in Seattle, I took advantage of having my vegan brother-in-law and his, also vegan, girlfriend by my side, and picked their brains in regards to a few food items. They insisted that brussels sprouts should not taste like dirt, and that I should try buying them fresh. I had been wanting to try this recipe for a couple months now because I was going through a weird mustard-craving stage, so I decided I would go on the hunt for fresh brussels sprouts and make it happen.

In conclusion, brussels sprouts are amazing (if you like cabbage), don't, in fact, taste like dirt, and are really easy to prepare. For this recipe, I used milk instead of cream (I wouldn't suggest that), and kept the sauce separate because Cody doesn't like mustard. I'm glad I did that, because it actually tasted better without the mustard. I also used onions instead of shallots. I hope you'll try it! Oh and the leftovers are still good, but you loose the the subtle crunch when they are stored and reheated, so I would recommend making what you can eat for that meal.

Here's to brussels sprouts!

Inpsiration | One Sheepish Girl

Came upon this girl's blog and fell in love. I know you will, too. And how adorable is her shop?

P.S. In the same vein, this Crochet Tumblr is lovely.

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Seb | Christmas Toys in Action, Part I

Vintage Fisher Price is where it's at, friends.

Food | Peanut butter face & and other foods for this picky toddler

Cody told me a couple weeks ago that, "Seb gets his finicky eating habits from one of his parents, and it's not you." Fortunately, he is expanding his horizons beyond bananas and oatmeal, and I've made a list of the few things that Sebastian will eat without fail (usually). He now has two dependable sources of protein, people! Oh and this week I could hardly keep him away from the yogurt. I know he needs the calcium because he refuses to drink milk, but three bowls a day, Seb? We've also recently run into a new challenge. He thinks he's entitled to a look-over of the contents of the fridge before eating anything... (yah). This is particularly difficult because I think he is certain there is some magical, tasty food that we're not telling him about, but are hiding in the fridge, like...

"Come on mom, there has to be better food than this!" 

"Well kid, maybe there is, but I'm not going to risk your developing childhood diabetes. More grapes?"

The "Buy it or My Child will Starve" List:

Peanut Butter

Eggs

Yogurt

Grapes

Bananas

Oatmeal

Sweet Potatoes

Pretzels

Applesauce

Pasta

What does your toddler eat?

Food | My first taste of Matcha green tea

I ordered a bit of Vitalife's Matcha green tea a few days back and got it in the mail yesterday. I tried it with hot water yesterday, and this morning I drank it mixed in hot milk, which was incredible. A great way to get some dairy and an energy boost in one delicious drink. The biggest problem I'm finding is how to get it mixed completely. Unmixed green tea powder chunks are less than pleasant, so I need to figure out how to better whisk it. Do you drink Matcha? I'd love to know how you prepare it!

By far, the best thing about Matcha is that within 15 minutes of drinking it, I feel so much more awake, energized, and revived. Who doesn't want that in the morning?!

Is there anything that you eat or drink regularly that helps you feel fueled for the day, or gives you a boost midday?

P.S. Here is the article that convinced me I had to get some. It also didn't hurt that this lady drinks it daily.

Cloth | Fancy (wool) pants for a 19 month old

Somebody likes showing off his underwears!

Our new Underwoolies came in the mail over Christmas break, so I finally got them washed and lanolized and ready to wear. The colors are deep sea and gold, and though Seb is about 26 lbs., I purchased size 3 (for 30+ lbs.). You have to account for the bulk of diapers, not just the weight of your baby. Here's to hoping these last until potty training!

P.S. Would you all be interested in hearing more about wool covers and how I care for them? I'm no expert, but I'm very aware of how little help is on the internet, and how confusing it can be. And while I'm asking, are there any other things that I've mentioned that you would like me to share more about?

Japanese Felt Book

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These projects are from a Japanese craft book that looks incredible. Boy would I love to make these projects! Speaking of felt, one of my dear friends surprised me with this book just before Christmas. I am dying to try some of the projects!

P.S. The ISBN for this book is 978-4-569-69995-0