Five on Friday- What I'm Loving

Dell Harper decided to step in and provide the content for today's post, as I am rather groggy from Deeds' reaction to the loads of garlic-laden shrimp scampi I ate last night.

Dell Harper's Favorite Things (as told to Mama)

1.  Frozen
This is really the only thing I like all the time. I want to watch it every minute, but if our tv is broken (again, suspicious), I will settle for listening to the soundtrack on Mama's phone.  I make Mama read my Frozen book before every nap and bedtime.  It's super long and awesome.  I know when Mama skips any words because it's my favorite.  If we skip, we need to start all over to truly understand the narrative.

I love when Mama is trying to work on her computer, or looks super sleepy.  Then I throw a fit to watch "Fwozen Mooooo-veeee!!!!"" and normally the tv fixes itself really fast.



2.  Magic Bath Colors

These are magic. I play hard to get with taking my bath, but then I have to add as many of these magic bath color drops as I can grab.  I like to make my bath black with ALL the colors.  Mama talks some boring stuff about how they are expensive, and one at a time but whatever.  ALL THE COLORS!

3.  Fishies

I want to look at fishies and pet them.  I have to keep my hands to myself and not fall in water though. Me and Mama look at fishies in pond after Jazzercise, in our neighbor's pond on nature walks, and watched tadpoles in ponds at beach.  I asked the tadpoles to come to my house and play, but Mama said they have to stay in water.


4.  Big Pool

This is me eating fruit at the little pool.  I like to swim at the big pool, but Baby Deeds is salting my big pool game.  Luckily, Gigi came to the rescue and took me to big pool where I belong. I am a big girl. I went to swim lessons to prepare me for this opportunity. I'm really good and brave at jumping off the edge to Gigi's arms.  After Mama took Deeds home, Gigi even took my puddle jumper off so I could really jump. It my favorite.

5.  Frozen
Watch it AGAIN, MOMMY!!!!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day filled with Frozen and fishies!

Five on Friday- Beach Ready!

I should just title this post "A Bunch of Stuff I Have Bought Recently"

I'm heading down to the Beach Barn with my parents for a couple weeks and was in desperate need of some clothes that fit which don't consist of compression workout capris from Old Navy (I'm not throwing shade, beloved compression pants- you just aren't poolside attire).

1.  New Suit-

Check out my new "bandini"- I'll be wearing it with the halter strap for safety/slippage prevention.  The outer layer and print nicely camouflage my post-baby pooch, and the color is great!  Pleasantly surprised, as I have been dreading bathing suit time.

2.  White Jeans

I loved both pairs which I ordered form Loft last week- and since they were reasonably priced, then 50% off, I decided to keep both. I've gone wild, I tell ya.

First the Modern Straight Cuffed Jean-

These will be my more casual pair.  They fit a little looser, but have the perfect amount of stretch, aren't see-through, and are flattering.

Even more flattering are the Modern Boot Cut Jeans-

These are one of those items that you try on with a sigh of satisfaction- super flattering, the perfect length for flats for me (I'm almost 5' 4" and I ordered petite), and just darling all around.  Plus they were less than $30!

Note- if you want to order anything, I would wait a day or two when Loft inevitably runs a huge sale.

3.  Maxi Dress

I was a little late to the maxi dress party (my legs are generally my thinnest feature, so why hide that light under a bushel?).  I tried this one on while at Sears (it's Land's End), and ended getting it in a stripe and a paisley.  It's soft and comfy- perfect for children chasing while looking cute.  Machine washable, nursing friendly, and hits me at my most narrow point?  My needs are completely met!

Note- if you are tall, definitely order a tall.  I'm short and can wear this with flats without alterations.

4.  Cover Up

Like many of you, I was lusting after that adorable J. Crew cover up with the pom pom trim. but just couldn't justify spending cash on a cover up when I need actual clothes.  Picking up some flip flops at Old Navy, I happened upon this number-

It's even cuter in person, and at 30% off, it was less than $20!

5.  Bag (Big and Little)

Morgan started dying laughing when I opened this up.  He remarked that we could fit Buddy, Dell Harper and Deeds inside.  I primly replied that I have to haul a lot of shit now.  Oh, the days when a single thing of sunscreen and a trashy novel were all I needed.  This will do quite nicely.  Once again, Land's End, on sale.

I need to stop hauling around my ginourmous purse/diaper bag when I go out in the evening.  This clutch from Loft will be just the inducement to do so- isn't it fun?  It will really jazz up all my basic navy.

So my summer wardrobe is now complete.  Thank goodness for online shopping, free shipping and great sales!  My clothes may be a shadow of my formerly super stylish self, but I will look decently cute.  And I will be out of my yoga pants, so you know, baby steps.

I'm linking up with the Five on Friday ladies (and am looking forward to seeing Natasha down at the beach while sporting some of my new gear).

Stove Top Pasta and Cheese

Contrary to Dell Harper's reaction, this is a quick and tasty weeknight dinner option that comes together in a flash, and mainly uses ingredients that one has on hand.  It's from this month's Martha Stewart Living also.

Slightly modified from here-

Stove Top Pasta and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 slices rustic bread, such as ciabatta, trimmed of crusts and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 pound angel hair
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 ounce sharp cheddar, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Pulse bread in a food processor until coarsely ground (you should have 1 cup). Toast breadcrumbs in a large skillet over medium heat, tossing, until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 T butter, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
   
   
   Cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted water until al dente, according to package directions.
   
   Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, both cheeses, cream, and mustard in a bowl.
   
   Return pasta to pot and add egg mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring, until sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes. Add remaining butter and toss until melted.  Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with breadcrumbs.
   
   Comfort food at its finest!