Life Letters (February): Cooking (Part One)

In January, I read Life Letters written by my friend Alyshia. I thought about the past, the present, and the future. I brainstormed about all of the things I love, have been meaning to try, and want to have as part of my life. I wrote 12 letters to myself. And on my birthday, February 18th, I opened the first letter while sipping my delicious gingerbread latte from Starbucks.

Cooking.

Yes that is right...art in the kitchen. Now I know how to cook. I actually enjoy cooking most of the time. I like trying new recipes. I love hosting dinner parties. But truth be told, I don't cook dinner often because with Ryan's job I never know when he is going to be home for dinner. When we were engaged, I would have dinner on the table and he would be stuck in a meeting only to make it home hours later. Home to a cold dinner, annoyed fiance, and just an all around unpleasant experience. So when we moved to New York, I ate most dinners by myself. I was pregnant with Adelaide and didn't need a huge dinner. Typically I am more of a breakfast and lunch girl anyway. And I don't like to eat late so I usually whip up something easy, eat while the kids wind down, and call it a day.

Well my cooking letter *hung by my cookbooks* inspired me to try new recipes that I had been afraid to dive into; to attend a cooking class as we have been talking about trying one for months now; host a recipe party with my girlfriends; cook dinner at least 4 nights per week for the month; make an ethnic dish; plan ahead and prepare 5 freezer meals; deliver a four-course meal for an in-home date night; and generally just push myself out of my comfort zone.

With no time to waste, Ryan & I attended a cooking class at Sur La Table on Sunday afternoon. The topic was deliciously healthy cooking. (I wanted to try something a little more *spicy* but with Ryan's travel schedule this month our options were limited). The basis was to expand our culinary repertoire with a menu full of seasonal flavors, low calories, and easy preparation. Probably one of the most practical ways to help me long term in the cooking department.

cooking mirror

12 of us were in the class together. An eclectic bunch and a fun one at that. Our chef, Krystyna Cibelli, was not only amazing but she was hilarious too. Very personable and made us be incredibly hands-on which was exciting. We made three entrees and one dessert. All equally delicious and less intimidating than I thought :)

Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash & Kale:

Wine Poached Salmon with Herbed Quinoa:

Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles in Red Curry-Coconut Sauce:

Citrus Yogurt Cake:

We had a wonderful afternoon date and highly recommend Sur La Table! We can't wait to try our new recipes at home and come back for another cooking class!

**If you are interested in these recipes, let me know and I can email them to you!

Aspen Michael: 9 Months

Dearest Aspen,

My oh my are you a big boy these days! You hold your own bottle and are an eating machine. Your newest favorite food is blueberries. You can't get enough of mixed veggies too! Such a healthy little eater!

Your two front teeth have popped through making your total teeth count up to six! Only your two bottom teeth show though which is beyond cute when you smile :)

You are crawling all over the place. And you are quick. If we leave our bedroom door open, you make a beeline for the stairs! You are pulling up on the first step in the family room so its only a matter of time until you climb the two stairs there.

You have out grown your little bath tub and are now in the big tub. You seem thrilled as can be about this change. More room to move and splash and play with toys.

Speaking of water, we are doing your first swim class together. While your poor teeth chatter the whole time, you love it. You splish and splash your arms all around trying to get to the little sea creatures. You also kick your legs as fast as you can making waves. Everyone thinks you are the cutest at class. 

We celebrated your first Valentine's Day with a mini photo shoot for you & Adelaide. You two were beyond adorable! Kissing each other and hugging. All smiles for the camera!

Daddy thinks you are starting to look like me! I overheard him telling you one night, "you look like your mommy!" I had a sweet smile on my face immediately. 

Keep being you my sweet angel!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

A Valentine's Photo Shoot With Two Little Cupids

I love February for so many reasons. One of them being its the month of love ;) And what better way to capture love than through pictures!

Last Sunday we did a mini Valentine's Day photo shoot with Basia from Per Se Photography. The kids had an absolute blast. Ryan & I loved seeing them be so sweet with one another. Sibling love is a beautiful thing!

Valentine's Fun

With two little love bugs, this Valentine's month has been double the fun! Cupid dropped off some festive goodies to kick off the month...

giving Beaumont his toys!

And I whipped up a pink & red breakfast on February 1st...

Adelaide made these adorable hearts with her classmates at Tot Time and they have been on display at school...

And here are the Valentine's we made for her class party...

and something sweet for her teachers!

Mimi & Papa sent sweet treats for Adelaide & Aspen...

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day all month long!