Category Archives: Kid Food

{new trader joe’s finds}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Kid Food, Products, Recipe, Trader Joes by

You could call me a “Trader Joe’s Junky!” Maybe a Target + J.Crew + Nordy’s junky too. Ha. Trader Joe’s shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. I guess I could refer to it as my hobby?

I’ve got a whole tab chuck full of Trader Joe’s blog post: xoxostacyb – Trader Joe’s

Taking long walks down each and every isle. Ahh, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Right when those automatic double doors open up, I beeline it for the floral section. I scope out the eucalyptus first. Always. Then walk about the the whole stem section once. Or twice to check out all the pretty blooms.

Next thing, I hit the coffee pot for a mini sample of coffee. I’m come back once or twice for a re-fill.

Every time I make a TJ’s run my DM’s fill up with questions on the New products. And what I got. So, I’m going to tell you ALL THE THINGS Trader Joe’s new arrivals. Everything I’ve picked up in 2019 that I loved. And a few that I legit hated too.

Things I’m Totally LOVING:

ABC Bars – 160 calories pocket sized delight. Soft chewy chocolaty dough with a creamy almond butter filling. They are gluten free + vegan! I’ve been really lazy with breakfast the last week. These have been my grab and go eat in the car on the way to work breakfast. They go incredibly well with coffee too.

Organic Buffalo Style Hummus – OMG!! So good! I dipped TJ’s plantain chips and fell in love with this hummus. I have buffalo chicken lettuce wraps on the menu. I’m planning to spread a layer of this hummus on the lettuce. Top with chicken. Sprinkle blue cheese. Doesn’t that sound so good? Stay tuned. I’ll tell you all about it.

Indian Fare Madras Lentils – I swore I didn’t love lentils for years. I was grabbing my mini coffee at TJ’s the other day and I wanted to droll of the Sample tray. It was this microwavable lentil packet with a piece of bread to dip. I rarely try the samples or buy them. There was NO way I could pass this one up. I haven’t made it at home yet, but plan to this weekend.

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{sheet pan meatloaf dinner}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Healthy, Kid Food, Recipe, Trader Joes by

Happy Hump Day Peeps! I was going to do a long ass blog post about Trader Joe’s. But then I scrolled through my phone and realized I never shared my sheet pan meatloaf dinner.

So, Trader Joe’s will have to wait. Maybe Friday?

I love a good sheet pan meal. Especially a healthy + easy weeknight dinner!

Some of my fave sheet pan meals to date….

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Bay Bakes, Coffee Table, Cooking, Cool spots, Decor, diy, fashion, Food, foodie, Holiday Whore, Holidays, home, Kid Food, kids, mom & me, ootd, Outfit Details, ShopStyle, Target by

WOW, Monday sure did come fast! Hope you had a great weekend! We had equal parts kick it + all over the damn place. Typical.

Intentions for the Week:

  • catch up on paperwork/entry forms/permission slips
  • national random acts of kindness day
  • set a pretty Valentine’s Day table
  • figure out my fitbit issues…the app is no longer working?
  • make returns
  • start 3-day cleanse {on wednesdays we wear pink}
  • find the perfect black pair of shoes
  • heart dessert
  • show you guys a really cool new photo editing app
  • target finds

This week on the blog: Valentine’s Day table with a cute napkin fold. Galentines idea. Strawberry Tart.

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{friday 5}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, friday, health, Healthy, Kid Food, kids, Kitchen, mom & me, Products, ShopStyle by

Leopard Flats (40% off): J.Crew Factory

FRIIIIDAAAYYYY! It’s here! We’re celebrating with a night IN. I’ve got a bottle of chard in the fridge waiting on my arrival. PJ’s are folded up on the foot of my bed…ha! Pizza and movies. We’re gonna have a lit night. Did I say that right? I’ve got 5 things on my mind today……..

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{chocolate mini layer cakes}

Posted in Bay Bakes, Food, foodie, Holiday Whore, Holidays, Kid Food, kids, mom & me, Recipe by

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Bay Bakes, again!  A few weeks back I shared Bailey’s beautiful Chocolate Mini Layer Cakes.  I was such a tease.  Ha!  I have planned to shared them the whole time.  Promise!  Just waiting till it got a little closer to Valentine’s Day.  As I think this would make the perfect festive treat.

Since it is the month of all things chocolate + flowers.

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Made from a simple sheet cake.  Boxed…that’s our jam.  Or homemade cake batter.  Whatever you prefer.  These mini cakes are crazy simple to put together.

The best part.

The Buttercream frosting recipe.  Be careful…..it’s dangerous.  And you will have leftovers.  Which can be refrigerated for up to a month in an airtight container.  If you can keep your hands out of it for 30 damn days!

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{happy halloween // spider cupcakes}

Posted in Bay Bakes, Crafting, diy, fall, Food, foodie, Halloween, Holiday Whore, Holidays, Kid Food, kid style, kids, Pumpkin by

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Happy Halloween!  It’s been a full month of all things orange + black + spooky!  We’ve baked.  We’ve decorated (twice).  Pumpkins are carved.  Pumpkin seeds roasted…(my mom’s best batch yet)  Bay DIY’d her costume.

The only thing left…Trick-Or-Treating!

Which is probably my least favorite part of the Holiday..lol!  The kids favorite, the adults…not so much.

 

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But, I realized today – this could possibly be that last time my girl dresses up for Halloween.  I was honestly unsure she was even going to be up for it this year.  I think the whole DIY costume really got her in the spirit.  Or the bribes?  HA!

Either way, we are going to Trick-Or-Treat our asses off tonight.  In the dark.  In the cold.  With strangers giving our kids candy.

I will have a wine in hand, though so I can’t complain too much.

Here’s to our kids ending up with shit-tons of Reese’s!  CHEERS!!!

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{monster tacos}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Halloween, Holiday Whore, Holidays, Kid Food, kids, Products, Recipe by

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Two things I really, really love.  Tacos + holiday themed food.  If you’ve been following for some time now, then you know I’ve got a thing for tacos.  If it’s Tuesday, I can almost guarantee we’re having tacos in some shape or form.  Homemade tacos.  Maria’s Taco Tuesday.  Taco salads.  Scroll down and bit and I linked up some of my favorite taco recipes from xoxostacyb.

Thing #2 you also know, I’m a complete sucker for Holiday themed dinners + treats.  My now 12-year-old has had her fill of spooky treats.  And I have to admit, I can’t get the reaction I used too…lol.  Maybe I need to have another kid?  Nahh!

Last year around this time I made {mini spider pizzas} and {monster treats}.  I LOVED seeing everyone recreating them for their kiddos at home.

 

This year, I wiped up Monster Tacos.  Just your average taco.  Any kind of meat will do.  Toppings, the more the merrier.

 

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Honestly, I’ve had to become the 30 minute meal mama the last couple of weeks.  We legit have maybe 30 minutes between Bay’s Volleyball games + Faith Formation class on Tuesdays.  So I’ll let you in on a little trick.  I went to the Nugget on my way home from the gym.  Bee lined it for the salad bar.  They have cooked chopped chicken for salad toppings.  I diced it up a little smaller.  Threw it in the skillet with some taco seasoning to warm it up.  Bam!  Done!  I used the leftover chicken over salads + quesadillas for lunches the next day.

 

In case you’re looking for some Taco Tuesday inspo, I got your back:

{halibut tacos + roast corn salad}

{baked chicken tacos}

{spinach pesto tacos}

{ranch chicken tacos}

{taco salad bowls}

{sheet pan shrimp fajitas}

{tomatillo salsa + crispy cheese taco shells}

{taco shells}

{taco tuesday….salad}

{slow cooker carnitas}

I even went as far as making a Taco Pizza once

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{friday 5}

Posted in Cooking, fashion, Food, foodie, friday, Kid Food, kids, ootd, Outfit Details, Products, Recipe, weekend by

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Hey, Hey, Hey…it’s Friday!  I hit the ground running ready to check everything off my to-do’s.  Because, guess what?  We have another kick back weekend.  You know, the weekends where they only things you have to do, you actually want to do?  Does that make sense?  I can get used to this!  What I’m looking forward to: dinner + probably a little too much wine with girlfriends tonight.  Hiking with my homegirl.  Making it to church #homework.  Picking up my parents Saturday evening.  That’s quite possibly the highlight!

Here’s a quick run-down of 5 things on my mind today……

Free People We The Free Molly Tee

ONE – Same, right? // Proof that everything I order does NOT work out…lol.  Lisa Allen fucking failed me on this one.  How does she have that perfect bunched up front tuck?  (Not to mention, she’s tiny and I could technically eat her as my afternoon snack!)  My top came really, really cropped.  Even Bay made the comment, “who’s that shirt for”  lol.  As much as I love this print, pretty sure I shouldn’t be rockin my 36 year old belly hanging out.  Return!!!  Or maybe exchange for this Daydream Textured Long Sleeve?

Totchos

  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

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TWO – Totchos // Totchos, like nachos.  But, with tater tots.  Piled high with all the toppings.  I’m not going to lie, these are straight up dangerous.  It’s impossible to not dig in once you pull them out of the oven.  I originally made these for Bay last Friday night, but couldn’t resist.  To die for!  And super easy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup olives, sliced
  • cilantro
  • hot sauce
  • sour cream

Here’s what you’ll do:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread tater tots on baking sheet at bake for 20-25 minutes.  Give them a good shake about 1/2 way though.

Sprinkle cooked tots with shredded cheese and stick under the broiler till cheese is melted and bubbly.  About 3 minutes.

Pile on the toppings.  I had some leftover turkey taco meat that I added.  And I also added sliced radishes on “my side” because Bay said eww.  Ha!

Set baking sheet on the table and dig in!

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{magnolia table lemon bars}

Posted in Bay Bakes, Cooking, family, Food, foodie, Kid Food, kids, Kitchen, mom & me, Recipe by

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Yesterday was just one of them days.  Instantly as I typed that first line, a song popped into my head.  You know, the Monica song from the 90’s?  “Don’t take it personal!”  Now do you remember?  In case you have no flippin clue what song I’m talking about: Monica – Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)

And now it’s going to be stuck in your head, like it is mine.

We had one of dem days (as Monica would say).  Sometimes I look at my calendar and thinks Dayuuuum Gina!  What exactly were you thinking Ha!

I went from work straight to a smog test.  The good ol Honda Pilote passed.  Flipped a bitch and almost ran into my homegirl, Andrea on West Street as I passed Bay’s school (on accident).  Grabbed her from volleyball practice early to make her 5:15 pm 12-year doc appointment.  Then to the 4-H officer meeting which is followed with a club meeting.  But she missed dinner, so I had to make a detour at good ol Taco Bell.  Then go back to the meeting…lol!  Too bad I don’t get paid by the mile.  We left the house at 7:20 am and got home around 8:15 pm.  These are the days of our lives…..

Since we’re on the subject, how about a Bay update?

At her doc appointment, we discovered she is currently…….

144 weeks old (sorry, I had too)

64 inches (5’4″)

92 lbs

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Bay grew 4 whole inches in 365 days.  What happened to my little girl?  She wears the same size shoe as I do.  And frequently tries to steal my shoes too.  Bay also rocked one of my plaid shirts to school.  Tried around her waist.  She looked so cute.  And so grown up.

Bay obviously still LOVES to bake.  She’s always up to try a new recipe or google ingredients we have on hand to create something for her sweet tooth.  Like these amazing lemon bars she scoped out in the Magnolia Table cookbook that lives on our coffee table.

Magnolia Table Cookbook

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Bay’s still riding horses once a week.  She’s competed in two English horse shows and loves every second of it.  So much, that she opted to spend her whole Saturday volunteering at this coming weekends show.

1st quarter report cards come out this week.  I never thought the sight of a 4.0 would stress me out.  Bay’s been kicking ass at school in all zero – 6th periods and has straight A’s.  She was sick one day last week and logged in and messaged all her teachers for the days assignments and completed them from her bed.  I’d like to say she’s just crazy excited for school.  Ha.  But, truth is, I made a promise that if she gets a 4.0 and maintains it – She get’s social media.  I know, I know.  I said I wouldn’t do it.  I’m crazy proud of her and this is the ONE and ONLY thing that she wants in exchange for acing the first quarter of middle school.  We shall see how this goes!

 

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{asian turkey + green beans}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Healthy, instagram, Kid Food, kids, Kitchen, mom & me, Random shit, Recipe by

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It’s Thursday peeps.  I stayed up till the butt-crack of dawn prepping + cleaning + packing.  We leave for Portland today!  Anyone else do that?  The night before a trip, stay up all night cleaning + organizing + cooking + decorating…..absolutely anything to avoid packing?  I get this crazy urge to make sure my house is clean AF.  Just in case a robber breaks in, my shit looks nice and tight?  Ha!  No, really – I get a huge since of ease knowing everything is tidy and right where it belongs.  And it’s gonna be just like that when I return.  And I despise packing.  #tiredaf

So, as I was editing photos I thought – let’s keep it really real today.  Remember when I posted {things I’m afraid to tell you} and I admitted that “I don’t really have marble counter tops”  I get DM’s ALL THE TIME about my fake marble counters and it makes me laugh out loud.  I think out of all the 11 things, this is the one you guys liked the most!

 

Here’s what I see…..

Half drank glass of red wine, which is never more than an arm’s length away while I’m cooking.

Random spices.

Cutting boards + knives.

Props and dishes.

Marble slab my homegirl Sarah P gave me.  Sometimes I use a roll of marble wrapping paper too.

And lo and behold…my beautiful tile counter tops.

Would you even follow me or make my recipe if I posted that?  Ha!

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