A Month of Meals- May

I've been trying to plan our meals at least one week in advance since Morgan was born. That way I can go to the grocery store once a week (which is an event with a 4 month old) and get everything I need. I aim at making dinner 4 nights a week, with left overs on Thursday or Friday. I leave the weekends open because we never know what we are going to do and I can always whip something up (quesadillas anyone???). Anyways, I decided that for the month of May I was going to plan a month of meals, go shopping for all my pantry staples at the beginning of the month and shop once every week or so for my perishable items. It took a good solid 45 minutes to go through my recipes and find some good new one's online but I think it is going to be worth it. Not like you are that interested, but here's a sample of what's on the menu:

Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata- CookingLight

Lettuce Wraps- my version

Chicken and Black Bean enchiladas- Picky Palate

Green Chili Pork Tacos- Picky Palate

Chimichuri Chicken & Steak- Epicurious

Thai Chicken Saute- CookingLight

Pappardelle Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta- CookingLight

Flank Steak & Arugula Salad- my version

Greek Salad- mom's recipe

Easter Treats

I was in charge of dessert this Easter and was eager to bake with all of the Meyer lemons my mom had given me from her trees. Martha Stewart had some fabulous recipes that did not disappoint.

First up was Glazed Lemon Cookies

The recipe can be found here.

Next was Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake

The recipe can be found here.

I can't say I would change anything about the recipes. I do want to try a half sugar/half Splenda to see if I can cut down on the sugar. These would also be great in the summer, both had a light, refreshing taste.

Things I can't live without

Here are a few things that I currently can't live without:

Lafco Office candle. I don't have the time or money to go to a spa but this lets my home smell like one.

LeCruset dutch oven. I cook with this every night. It heats up fast, keeps things warm and cleans up easily. If I only had one pot it would be this one.

Restoration Hardware hotel sheet set. Over the past few months I have learned how precious sleep is and these sheets make the little sleep I get so much better.

Aiden and Anais blankets. They are the best and get softer every time I wash them.

My UppaBaby Vista stroller. Quite possibly the best gift I have ever been given.

My daily cup of coffee

My Medela Symphony breast pump. Maybe too much info, but pumping only pumping for 5 minutes is awesome.

Wubba Nub pacifiers. The best pacifier ever invented!

Top 5 OC Housewife Myths

Here are the top 5 OC Housewife myths (in no particular order). If you watch Bravo's OC Housewives you know exactly what I am talking about. If not, you may be mildly entertained.

1. We wear fake eyelashes to the gym- I'm lucky if I wear mascara before 2 o'clock in the afternoon let alone think of putting on fake eyelashes.

2. We go to the gym, everyday, for hours- My current gym is the living room and were lucky if that happens 3 days a week. I would really like to go to the gym again but I don't have a nanny (see myth #3) and don't want to put a 4 month old in day care. I'll live with my home work outs and walks for now.

3. We all have baby nurses, nannies and housekeepers- Let's see, who woke up in the middle of the night to feed the baby? ME Who takes care of the baby during the day? ME Who cleans the house? ME....and I really wouldn't have it any other way (well maybe except the cleaning).

4. We take limos to the airport- Nope, most of us drive ourselves and leave our car in uncovered long term parking that is miles from the airport just so we can save a buck.

5. We all have plastic surgery and/or get botox injections regularly- You do see a fair share of face lifts and silicon walking around but the majority of us have laugh lines and wrinkles. I like them and think it shows a little character.

There are a handful of people that do live the lifestyle portrayed on T.V. but I wouldn't trade my life for any one of theirs.

It's Been a Long Time.....

Well, I think it has been just about two years since my last post and boy has a lot changed around the Sanden household. We welcomed our first child, Morgan Grace on December 26, 2010. She has been such a wonderful addition to our family and brings us such joy. With the welcoming of our daughter, I no longer work for KPMG and have become a full time stay at home mom. I am loving every minute of it and am so lucky Drew has given me the opportunity to stay home. Hopefully I can blog more frequently to document our ever changing and always exciting life!