Insta-matic January

Here are some of my favorite instagram pictures from January.
As always, obsessed with my little lady.

Walking in the snow.

Catching snowflakes on our tongues.

Warming up after time in the snow.

Get.in.my.belly.

Showing some interest in the potty.

Taking pictures.

She has such joy.

Rare afternoon snuggles.

Watching the snow.

Loving her giant box.

Family dinner at Tom & Chee.

Family dinner at Chuy's.

Showing Big Bear how to make valentines.

Taking over face-washing duties.

Super Sophia takes on IKEA.

I gave Sophia three bows to choose from, she chose all three.

Five on Friday

I am linking up with April and the Ladies for another Five on Friday.
Cheers to the weekend!

One

I am looking forward to the Superbowl on Sunday - not so much for the game itself, but for family time, commercials, and of course, food. We are having chili, sausage balls, buffalo chicken layer dip, some fun dips, cookies, and brownies. It will be just us and hopefully our neighbors since we are still working on making friends in Cincinnati.

If you need some last minute decorations I found these on Pinterest.

Two

I love IKEA. We made a spur of the moment trip this week and I found so many good bargains. They are in the process of changing out all of the display rooms in the showroom and the "As-is" section was full of great deals. There was a coffee table that I wanted, but since it was assembled there was no way it was fitting in my car. I did scoop up several picture frames, knobs, a lantern, and a cabinet door for a diy project.

I couldn't find the regular carts and between all of her running spurts Sophia wanted to sit on the cart. I borrowed a cushion for a chair so Sophia could sit occasionally.

Three

I read this article that really resonated with me. After reading about the teachers who slept overnight with their students thanks to winter weather, this was just another reminder of how awesome some teachers are. I am certain this woman made a difference in the lives of her students.

My favorite part in reference to teachers:

"TEACH ON, WARRIORS. You are the first responders, the front line, the disconnection detectives, and the best and ONLY hope we've got for a better world. What you do in those classrooms when no one is watching - it's our best hope."

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Four

We are back on our smoothie kick. Smoothies are more of a summer treat to me, but Sophia is not great about eating her veggies so I have to find a way to sneak them in. We've been enjoying them for dessert. I don't have a set recipe, but our current favorite involves a banana, pineapple, frozen berries, spinach, almond milk, and a little honey.

I don't recommend these berries for smoothies...way too seedy!

Five

I opened an email account for my little bean. I started this blog as a way to keep our family involved in my pregnancy long-distance and continued it so that Sophia can look back at it one day. I like the idea of sending a daily email or picture that is just for her. I already send my family a daily picture (most days) so I think I will just be adding her onto that.

Wordless Wednesday: Bathtime

Chipotle Black Bean Quinoa Stew // Crockpot Style

I'm trying to branch out from the trusty old crock pot and do more cooking on the stove top, but you really can't beat the convenience of a good slow cooker (especially when you have a very helpful toddler). This stew is hearty and perfect for the cold weather.

Chipotle Black Bean Quinoa Stew
adapted from Tasty Yummies

Ingredients

1-2 dried chipotle peppers

1 pound of dried black beans

1 cup rinsed quinoa, uncooked

1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounce)

1 diced red onion

3 minced garlic cloves

1 chopped green pepper

1 chopped red pepper

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

7 cups liquid (I used 4 cups unsalted chicken stock and 3 cups water)

salt and pepper to taste

topping options: sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, avocado

Add all of the ingredients (with the exception of salt) into your slow-cooker and stir to combine.

Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the black beans are tender.

Before serving remove the chipotles. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with your choice of toppings.

4/52

"A portrait of my little lady, once a week, every week, in 2014"

We were inside most of this week thanks to bitter cold temperatures outside. This picture of Sophia with her messy hair and full mouth sums up our week pretty well.

Five on Friday

I'm linking up with April and the Ladies again for another Five on Friday.
Cheers to the weekend!

One

If you haven't watched Selfie yet, do it! Eight minutes well spent. My favorite quote: "I think beauty is being strong and being brave and being happy with yourself. And I think that's really beautiful."

Two

We tried out Tom + Chee for dinner this week. It is a grilled cheese and tomato soup restaurant. I heard about them on Shark Tank and was intrigued when I heard they are local to the Cincinnati area. We enjoyed our meal, but the highlight for Dave and Sophia was dessert - a s'mores grilled cheese donut. Unfortunately for me, there was not a gluten free dessert option :(

Three

A gigantic box was delivered to our house this week and it has been Sophia's little play cave. The bitter cold temperatures have kept us indoors this week and she has spent much of her time playing in the box. When she starts to lose interest I am going to attempt to turn it into a bus!

Four

I have never done a bracket for March Madness, but I am this year...did you hear that Warren Buffet and Quicken Loans are giving away ONE BILLION dollars if you have a perfect bracket? The chances of winning are ridiculously slim (one in 4,294,967,296), but hey, one can dream, right? 

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Five

I totally want this print!

Wordless Wednesday: Breakfast