Happy Thanksgiving-eve everyone – ready to gobble ’til you wobble? I’ve got my LuLaRoe stretchy leggings on standby in anticipation of the delicious feast to come. Man, what I wouldn’t give for a pair with wee turkey legs on them. Or little slices of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, right? IGE design consultation services at your disposal, LLR! Just kidding, my collection would include, like, Snickers wrappers and bags of rice.
Anyway, since the holiday is just one day away at this point, and you’ve probably already finalized your menu (check out this, this, this, and this post in case you haven’t,) I thought we’d chat today versus toss another recipe your way. I love being a food blogger but even I’m at a point where I might chuck my phone out the window if I scroll past another Thanksgiving recipe on my Instagram feed!
That said, hi! How was your short week? We’re doing well over here. Cameron turned four weeks old last Thursday which is blowing my mind. As slowly as the last month of my pregnancy went, time is f-l-y-i-n-g by right now. Little man is already out of his newborn clothes and I’m slightly freaking out about how rapidly he’s growing. Like, we could, if we choose, start feeding him solids in three months. That’s NUTS! As cliche as it sounds, I’m relishing every newborn snuggle, as seen in the couch-nap sesh above. I adore this little squish!
At any rate, thank you for your patience as I continue to try and find my new rhythm here on IGE. It’s been tough finding big chunks of time to work, which is necessary when you’re trying to cook and photograph a recipe, and I haven’t quite figured it all out yet. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though. Cameron’s naps are already slightly predictable, and thank goodness he’s a better napper than Lincoln was. We’re getting 3 solid naps a day versus Lincoln’s 5 or 6 cat naps when he was Cameron’s age, which made me totally mental. Totally off track, but like I said, thanks. We’ll get there!
Well everyone, I want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy holiday weekend spent with the ones you love and cherish. I will catch you on the flip side, but first, here’s the latest version of Currently…!
Eating: Simple Mills Chocolate Chip Cookies. Legit embarrassed by how many of these cookies I ate AFTER the embarrassing amount of dough I ate before baking them. I am in LOVE!!!! They’re dense and chewy vs light and fluffy, which is definitely how I prefer my CCCs. Plus there’s only 7 ingredients in the mix. Like I said, love it!
Enjoying: sleeping on my stomach. I sort of forgot that sleeping on your stomach was an option because for the past 9 months it hasn’t been, but I accidentally rolled onto my stomach a few nights ago in between popping a pacifier into sweet Cameron’s mouth over and over for an hour and HOLY BUCKETS next level comfort. It’s the little things.
Watching: Trolls. Lincoln’s and my “thing” is going to movies together so a couple of weeks ago, while Ben was still home on paternity leave, I took him to see the Trolls movie and he was literally dancing in the aisles of the theater – the music was on point! The storyline reminded me of Angry Birds, so if your kids liked that movie they’d probably like Trolls. Super cute and now I’m even more obsessed with Anna Kendrick than I was before. #adorablehuman
Eyeing: Lindsay Letters Barware. These glasses are too fun. If our cupboards weren’t already overflowing with barware we never use (wedding registry fail,) I’d ask for an entire set for Christmas. Which would you pick? I’m also in love with this Farm to Table print, but don’t have anywhere to put it. ?
Shopping: Container Store. A Container Store just opened up in town and I need to know…do I need to go? Is it life changing? Any different than Target? Sell me on it (or not!)
Breakfasting: The Laughing Cow Snack Plate. I’ve been loving making myself breakfast plates that I can easily eat with one hand when I’m trying to tend to both boys in the am. I pair hard boiled eggs with fresh berries or fruit, and The Laughing Cow Creamy Asiago cheese wedges (my current favorite flavor!) Love this filling, snacky, fresh, and fun plate!
Dreaming: Emerald Lake. Someone take me here?
Drinking: Affogatos. I keep forgetting to tell you about the treat I started making myself 3-4 nights a week during my last month of pregnancy – affogatos! An affogato is ice cream drizzled with hot espresso and it is seriously one of the best ways to end the day. Scoop vanilla bean ice cream into a mug then top with hot espresso (I use decaf from my Nespresso,) or really strong coffee then dig in. The. Best. I can’t wait to try with caramel ice cream.
Reading: 22 Tweets That Really Capture the Essence of Married Life. Seriously one of the funniest things I have ever read. I can’t even pick a favorite because they’re all my favorite. “Load the dishwasher. Not like that.” ⬅️ Story of my life. ?
Adoring: Cat & Jack Sweatshirts. I found these adorable sweatshirts at Target last week while Lincoln was visiting with Spot the Target dog (wouldn’t be a trip without it…) They’re so cute on and best of all they’re only $5.50!! Five bucks, people! You can’t beat it! They’re really soft, too, and don’t seem to be of poor quality, plus there’s matching sweatpants. Lincoln is officially the coziest kid on the block.
Rediscovering: Baked Potatoes. Last weekend the boys and I went to Club Car (which is Celiac-friendly – woot!) for dinner and I randomly picked a baked potato as the side to my steak. It’d been decades since I last had one and man was it good! So good that Ben and I made them at home for dinner a couple nights later. Rub potatoes that have been pierced with a fork all over with canola oil and lots of salt then bake at 350 degrees for an hour or until a knife slides easily into the center. I topped mine with tons of butter, salt, and cheddar cheese and literally, unashamedly, licked my plate clean. Such an easy and inexpensive dinner or side dish option.
Devouring: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili. My sister-in-law brought the prepped ingredients for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili over after Cameron was born and we loved it so much that I took it to a friend in need a few days later. You throw every single ingredient into the crock pot then turn it on – couldn’t be easier. Note: I only had to cook this chili for 4 hours on low vs the 8 hours the recipe states.
Anticipating: Allied. Ben and I haven’t seen a movie together in the theaters in years (Finding Dory doesn’t count,) but I’m asking him to see Allied for a date night in the near future – hold me to this, ok!? I can’t remember the last time I felt compelled to see a new movie in the theaters, but can’t wait to see this one. I love reading historical fiction so maybe that’s why. Good story. The end.
Relishing: One-on-one time. Truthfully I celebrate when Cameron and Lincoln’s afternoon naps line up (Lincoln naps once at 2pm, and Cameron currently naps three times a day – morning, early afternoon, and late-afternoon,) because if they don’t then there’s no down time for me all day. That said, when they don’t line up, I’m trying to appreciate the one-on-one time. I’m finding that Lincoln and I are spending more quality time together when Cameron’s sleeping because we’re at the house vs the park or mall or wherever and are closely interacting doing crafts, playing with puzzles, kicking a ball around, etc. And when Cam’s up while Lincoln’s sleeping, it’s literally the only quiet time I have with him all day (poor second child!) I’m beginning to think – scratch that, accepting the fact that there’s no such thing as work/life/self balance, but all we can do is roll with it and enjoy!
Appreciating: freezer meals. I think I mentioned this a few times already but I’m SO glad I made a bunch of freezer meals before Cameron was born. They have been total lifesavers on days when I’m just too tired to think about what to cook for dinner. That said, if a friend or family member has a baby, think about taking them a freezer meal vs a fresh one. We’ve especially loved having taco meat, spaghetti/meat sauce, and this soup made with half ground turkey/half Italian sausage on hand, and they all thaw really quickly.
Welcoming: Family! Ben’s family is coming into town tonight and staying with us through Sunday, plus I’ve got a few friends traveling in, so the rest of the week is going to be very busy yet fun! That said, you might not hear from me until the middle of the week next week. In the meantime, have a wonderful and delicious holiday – I am so very thankful for YOU!!
Allison Frederick 11.30.2016
Just ordered one of those sweatshirts. I am glad I saw this today because they are 30% off with code COLD on target.com.
Leesa 11.29.2016
Baked potatoes are awesome. The best part is they make a great bowl for a one-dish meal! Shredded chicken + salsa + sauteed onions and peppers + cheese… chili + cheese… black beans + broccoli + salsa… good times. And you can eat the bowl too.
Tany 11.29.2016
Your family is beautiful! So happy for you and I loved this tip about the food for a friend who’s with a new born. I’m definitely keeping that in mind!
Maureen Gribble 11.28.2016
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving – we hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner party with family we wouldn’t see for Turkey Day and I made your green beans – but topped with fried shallots instead (had ingredients on hand). Oh my goodness – everyone went nuts over the blistered green beans – I had never thought to cook them like that but it will definitely be our new go-to! IGE strikes again! :) Thanks!
Kristin 11.29.2016
LOVE fried shallots!! Sounds so delicious, Maureen, thanks for letting me know!
Wendy 11.23.2016
Emerald Lake is truly beautiful! B.C. has absolutely stunning scenery, I have lived here for 37 years and the beauty in this province and country never fail to amaze me!
Alicia 11.23.2016
“If your wife says she’s home doing laundry, she’s lying. She’s at Target. They’re all at Target.” Haha. Those tweets are awesome!
Michelle 11.23.2016
Thinking of doing freezer meals for a mom friend who is having baby number 2. Thoughts on additional recipes?
Kristin 11.25.2016
You are too nice, Michelle! Here are all my favorite freezer-friendly recipes! iowagirleats.com/2016/09/23/50-freezer-friendly-recipes/
Terri A 11.23.2016
Container Store = everything you didn’t know you needed. Their Christmas wrapping, boxes and treat containers are the best!
Emily 11.23.2016
The Buffalo Chicken Chili looks fabulous! Did Lincoln try it or too spicy? It sounds like a lot of hot sauce so just wondering if it’s kid friendly?
Kristin 11.23.2016
He didn’t try it, but I used 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s brand,) vs the 1/2 cup the recipe called for and it wasn’t too spicy at all. 1/4 should be fine for kids!
Michelle parker 11.23.2016
Just bought two cat and jack sweatshirts for my Ben ? I’m always all ears for cute, inexpensive little boy clothing. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours.
Kristin 11.23.2016
YAY! They really are so adorable – kind of wish they made them in women’s sizes. ;)
Eve 11.23.2016
I have been obsessed with anything Buffalo Chicken since I was pregnant with my oldest son, who will be 11 in January. That chili sounds FABULOUS. Enjoy your family and friend time this week.
Kristin 11.23.2016
HAHA – I feel the same way about Snickers. Started about 6 months ago and has not lessened a bit…!
Rochelle 11.23.2016
I just popped by the site after being away for some time and saw you welcomed a new little one! Congratulations to your family and happy holidays.
Kristin 11.23.2016
Thank you so much, Rochelle – happy holidays to you too!
Jen 11.23.2016
The Container Store is my crack house, I could seriously spend HOURS in there! You will ❤️ it!!
Sara 11.23.2016
My daughter totally has LLR pumpkin pie w/ whipped cream leggings! Then I had to get a shirt that says “I’m only here for the pie” Can’t wait for her to wear it tomorrow!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kristin 11.23.2016
Ahhh she’ll be so adorable! Love it!
Amy 11.23.2016
Love, love, love your blog so I’ll take whatever morsals of blogging land on your page while your babies are young! Congratulations on your newest addition……
Kristin 11.23.2016
Thank you so much, Amy, you are too kind! :)
amy brich 11.23.2016
Probably too late to find them now but LLR does make pumpkin pie leggings. You can google the image. They also had some with some turkeys but those have been really hard to find.
Kristin 11.23.2016
Darn!! I’ll have to keep a look out for them next year!
Meredith 11.23.2016
The Container Store is AMAZING. It will solve problems you didn’t know you had.
Amanda 11.23.2016
The Container Store is only like Target in that you’ll spend more money there than you mean to do every visit. The gift wrap and packaging they sell this time of year is gorgeous and great quality. And I second the comment re stocking stuffers–helpful for adult stockings especially.
Julie 11.23.2016
I’m so glad the Container Store closest to me is a pain in the butt to get to otherwise I might move in there. This is one of my favorite finds: http://www.containerstore.com/s/travel/auto-travel/chrome-car-hooks/12d?productId=10030474
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family!
Celia at Chicago Jogger 11.23.2016
Ooh, get yourself to Container Store ASAP! I’m a sucker for anything related to organization and they gave cool “stocking stuffer” style items too.