#LoveBlog: Quality {Lunch} Time

People always tell you that once you have a baby you need to get ready for your marriage to change. While you and your husband may have been able to spend all your free time together, or at least as much as you wanted, when it was just the two of you, when there's a tiny human involved your time just isn't used the same way.

Lunch at SmashBurgerObviously when the baby is awake there isn't a lot of time for conversation. Sure we can hit the highlights, but when there's a crazy baby demanding your attention there's only so much you can talk about. Especially when there's screaming involved and you can barely hear each other.

Lunch at Newk'sOf course, there's time once the baby is asleep. But almost 14 months into this baby thing, I'm only now starting to feel like I'm caught up on sleep. There have been far too many nights where I've passed out on the couch as soon as I've put her to bed. And those nights where I manage to stay awake? Well, after I've spent all day with my co-workers, all afternoon with my daughter, those last few hours before bed are some of the only moments I can have to myself to unwind.

Lunch at PaneraConsidering the title of this post is quality time, when then do the boy and I manage to get any in? Well, as you may have guessed from all the pictures, it's at lunch. We're lucky enough that we work down the road from each other, and manage to fit in a lunch together about once a week or so.

Lunch at Quodoba
While the point of this post may have been lunch with just the two of us, I couldn't resist sharing this video, still taken on a lunch date.I realize this arrangement may not be possible for all, but for us it works perfect. It gives us a chance to connect, de-stress, and have adult conversations together. It's always been something lo-key, but also with a big payoff.

Today I'm co-hosting Belle Brita's LoveBlog, a daily link-up for the month of February. See below for more info on the link-up and to meet the other hosts.

Meet Brita Long: Christian feminist blissfully married to Dan Fleck for almost two years. Lover of Paris, pink sparkles, sensible shoes, manicures, and books. Fueled by hot tea and mimosas.
Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Tumblr // Google+ // Bloglovin

Meet Shoshanah: California girl who moved to Louisiana and fell in love (with her husband and the state!). Loves to read, especially historical fiction and YA. Obsessed with gingerbread lattes and creme brulee.
Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Mailbox Monday (127)

For the first time in well... forever, I'm actually managing to get my Mailbox Monday post up on time!
Borrowed From a Friend
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
I've yet to actually read the first of these books, but now once I do I'm ready to complete the trilogy.

Purchased
The Isle by Jordana Frankel
I'm so excited for this one! It's the sequel to The Ward, but more importantly, at least in my opinion, is that it was written by one of my good friends. Jordana and I met when we were roommates freshmen year of college. She was even one of my bridesmaids. Obviously I have a biased opinion here, but I really did LOVE her first book and I can't wait to see where this one goes, especially knowing how the last book ending on a cliffhanger.

Spot Goes to The Park by Eric Hill
Since Elley seems to love Where's Spot so much I went out and bought her another book from the series. It even has a blue hippo in it which is perfect for her since she's obsessed with her blue stuffed hippo. Of course Elley loves this book so much she's already ripped off one of the flaps.... sigh... but at least it lasted a few days, right???

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

My Life Behind the Burner in New York, Hanoi, Tel Aviv, and Paris

Four Kitchens by Lauren Shockey
Published: July 27, 2011 by Grand Central Publishing
When I first saw this book I remember being intrigued by seeing Tel Aviv in the title. In general, I'm a fan of cooking memoirs, but that was what won me over. (Also there was the tiny detail that I found it at a Borders closing sale so it was crazy discounted.)

After culinary school Shockey decides to stage, or what you could call a restaurant intern, at four restaurants across the world. In her memoir so goes into what it's like working in a fancy kitchen, the differences in them depending on where they're located, and of course all the delicious food she discovers.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that while in New York she worked at wd-50 for Wylie Dufresne. Surprisingly, those chapters were some of my favorites. I was intrigued by her time in Vietnam, but never really felt transported there. The parts in Israel that I was so excited for, seemed to go by way to quick and didn't seem to have much substance. The last section in Paris was again interesting, but I never really got a feel for the city.

I loved the idea of this book, but overall it fell a little flat for me. Shockey had a great adventure, but never I seemed to understand why she wrote a book. She didn't necessarily seem excited about the adventures she went through and by the end she was kind of over cooking, so I never really got why she wanted to relive those experiences.

Despite this, I loved the look into a restaurant kitchen, especially one as famous as wd-50. There were some delicious sounding recipes as well, especially one in the Tel Aviv section for halvah ice cream, that I can't wait to make.

3.5/5

#LoveBlog: Valentine's Day Traditions

I remember the first Valentine's Day I celebrated with the boy. I asked him what plans he made and when he told me, "nothing," I assumed that meant I was in for a great surprise. He must had made reservations at some new restaurant. Or had something crazy and exciting for us to do.

The Boy's Present to Me Our First Valentine's Day, 2007The day finally arrived, and the boy had planned... nothing. He was telling the truth the whole time! I was a little disappointed at first, and a little in disbelief, but despite that we still wound up having a great time.

Valentine's Day 2008We exchanged presents in my apartment. I can't remember what I bought the boy, but he bought me a coffee cup (that I still use today!) and chocolate covered cherries.

A Valentine's Day Wedding, 2009We went to dinner. (I'm not completely sure where, but maybe Macaroni Grill?) We stopped at the bookstore, before going to the movies to see Music & Lyrics with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. (A movie I still love and have all the songs memorized.)

Valentine's Day 2010Since then, that's pretty much been our Valentine's Day standard. A dinner and a movie, and if we're lucky we'll make it to the bookstore. It's low key, and it's perfect for us.

Valentine's Day 2011As for our plans this year? Surprise, surprise... we don't have any! But we'll likely let Elley spend the day with her grandparents and make our way out for dinner and a movie.

Valentine's Day Sushi, 2013Today I'm co-hosting Belle Brita's LoveBlog, a daily link-up for the month of February. See below for more info on the link-up and to meet the other hosts.

Meet Brita Long: Christian feminist blissfully married to Dan Fleck for almost two years. Lover of Paris, pink sparkles, sensible shoes, manicures, and books. Fueled by hot tea and mimosas.
Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Tumblr // Google+ // Bloglovin

Meet Tayler Morrell: Mormon stay at home mom married to her best friend, Justin, for 3.5 years. Mother to 19 month old Rhys. "Retired" history and English teacher, runner, lover of video games, fantasy, books, and cooking. Consumer of Italian food, chocolate, steak, and strawberries.
Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin

Meet Shoshanah: California girl who moved to Louisiana and fell in love (with her husband and the state!). Loves to read, especially historical fiction and YA. Obsessed with gingerbread lattes and creme brulee.
Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Bloglovin

An InLinkz Link-up

Last Christmas

Let's take a trip back in time and so I can finally share photos from our Christmas celebration! The boy and I had initially talked about going to see the bonfires on Christmas Eve. But there was talk of rain, and both the boy and Elley were getting over colds so we opted for a lazy night at home.

Since I never shared any of our decorations this year, these are our stockings. Also you can just barely see that I traded out some of our pictures for last year's holiday photos.We don't normally exchange any presents on Christmas Eve, but this year it was pretty much a necessity. Our standard tradition is to watch Love Actually on Christmas Eve, but after 10 years of use my dvd wasn't in the best condition and skipped the whole time we watched it the year prior. Which is why it was such a perfect idea by the boy gifting me a copy of Love Actually on blu-ray.
While we watched the movie, I wrapped the last of Elley's presents so everything was ready for her the following morning.
By the time Christmas m orning arrived, both with Hanukkah and her birthday, Elley was a gift opening pro. Although with so many presents and the giant bag of blocks she definitely got a little distracted and went from present to present at first.
Eventually though she made it through, although there wasn't a ton of time to hang with all her new toys since we were headed over to Elley's grandparents' house for, wait for it... even more presents.
She was a little less sure about the present opening this time though. I think the number of people and the crazy amount of presents overwhelmed her a bit, but she still had a great time.
Of course this post wouldn't be complete without a family photo, so here are me and Elley in front of the Christmas tree.
For a crazy fun comparison, here we are just one year prior.
She looks a little different then, right?

Oh What Fun

It's always so exciting receiving a new VoxBox in the mail! Size-wise this was actually the smallest box I received, but I think the things inside were some of my favorites.
Starting in the back, there's a case of Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. I already use Cetaphil every night to wash my face. I do always intend to put on moisturizer afterwards, and well... rarely remember. Which is awful, especially with such dry skin in the winter. I love that this is the perfect travel size and think this may be coming along on my next vacation.

These packs of Biscoff cookies were so delicious! I think I ate both packs within 24 hours of receiving my box. I had meant to take a photo of the cookies themselves, but I couldn't help myself.

I used to always use Sephora brand eyeliner but they recently changed their formula and I'm not a fan. I've actually been looking for a new everyday eyeliner and this NYC City Proof 24 Hour Waterproof Eyeliner has been amazing. I've used it practically everyday since it's arrived and haven't had a complaint yet.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I painted my nails. I'm not actually sure I own any nail polish. Till this box arrived that is! I'm now the owner of Pure Ice Nail Polish in Shore Bet. I guess this means I can end my drought of polish-less nails?

While I have worn nail polish before I've never actually worn fake eyelashes. This kit of Kiss True Volume Lashes and Kiss Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe does look a little intimidating, but maybe I'll brave them the next time I need to get dressed up.

For more food, there's a coupon for Ore-Ida Tater Tots because honestly who doesn't love tots? I don't believe Elley has had her first tot yet, but I'm pretty sure she'd love them.

Speaking of Elley the last item in the box was specifically for her. It's a Rapunzel from Hallmark itty bittys. She actually already had a Wonder Woman so it looks like the two of them can keep each other company.

Disclosure: I was provided these items through Influenster. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once Upon a Time

We're taking a trip back through time so I can finally share with you all Elley's first birthday. I'm sure you won't be that surprised but I decided to go with a children's book theme. I actually spent way too long on Etsy looking for the perfect customized invitation, but instead wound up finding one on tinyprints that I think was a great preview of things to come
I tried to keep decorations low key and went with a pink and gold theme. I hung up with monthly photos on the wall framed by pink and gold scrapbook paper.
We had pink tableclothes, pink and gold steamers, and I even hung up a gold happy birthday sign. Not that this is the best photo of me or the banner, which has its th upside down, but it is the only photo I have of it.
We had bowls of various type of goldfish out representing One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
Also as appetizers we had The Hungry Caterpillar's cheese and sausage.
I also made Stregna Nona's pasta salad and Deviled green eggs using this recipe from Katie Lee for avocado deviled eggs.
The boy contributed a gumbo as the main course. We also had a hot chocolate bar, although with the temperature being around 80 it wasn't really used. There was still dessert though and I used Blueberries for Sal to inspire the cakes.
I used a Martha Stewart recipe for the actual cake and this awesome recipe for whipped buttercream frosting.
As for the birthday girl, she seemed to have a blast. After everyone ate their lunch we opened presents. Although Elley's wasn't all too happy with the fact she couldn't take each present out as she opened them.
There were a ton of presents, and she got a little distracted by the end, especially with all the people around.
But eventually we made it through, and it was time for cake. I'm not sure I've ever seen a baby eat a smash cake like Elley since instead of eating fistfuls of cake she literally picked the entire thing up in both hands!
She had a blast with that cake though!
She actually managed to get through a good portion of it, of course turning herself blue in the process.
Overall I thought it wound up being a really fun day. Although it's crazy to think my baby is a year old! I'm not quite sure how I let that happen. I'll do my best to make sure her second birthday doesn't get here as quick!