Friday favorites

Christmas pajamas

I had to get cute pjs for Denson for the holidays and did a little research online. Carters has some precious Thanksgiving and Christmas pajamas on sale for $9.99. This is my favorite and can't wait for Denson to wear them in a couple of months. They arrived yesterday, woo hoo! 

Faux Fur throw

I've been eyeing fur throws for a while to add texture and comfort to our living room but couldn't bring myself to spend $50 plus on one (ie restoration hardware). Last weekend we made a little trip to the nearest TJ Maxx and I found exactly what I've been looking for. And guess how much it was?? $19.99 people! It is the softest blanket ever and I look forward to cuddling on the couch with Jonathan, a cup of coffee and watching our shows.

(Not a great picture but you get the idea)

Breaking Bad

Jonathan and I watch most shows together and after hearing a lot of discussion about Breaking Bad, I decided I wanted to check it out for myself. Well I was hooked so here we are recording every season and episode as they play the marathon...hopefully we will be able to watch the finale next week.

The Chew 

This is one of my favorite shows to catch during the day, usually while Denson is napping. Yesterday, Michael Symon put together a quick, easy and nutritious breakfast that I made for us this morning before we head out of town (War Eagle!!). I happened to have all the ingredients so I whipped it up in about ten minutes. It's Eggs in Avocado with Tomato and Basil..it was yummy! Enjoy and have a great weekend! 

Michael Symon's Eggs in Avocado with Tomato and Basil

Contributed by : Michael Symon

Ingredients

2 Avocados

Kosher Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper

4 tablespoons Olive Oil

4 large Eggs

1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

1/2 cup fresh Basil leaves (torn)

1 Lime (grated zest and juice)

  step by step

• step 1
  instructionsPut a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• step 2
  ingredients2 Avocados
  Kosher Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
  instructionsHalve each avocado lengthwise. Peel and pit the halves. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the avocado where the pits were to form a donut hole that goes clear through each half. Lay the avocados out on a cutting board, top with plastic wrap, and gently press down to slightly flatten the pieces. The idea is to make thick but flat slices, each with a hole in the center. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• step 3
  ingredients4 tablespoons Olive Oil
  4 large Eggs
  instructionsTo the preheated pan, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the avocado slices cut-sides down and cook until they begin to brown, about 1 minute. Flip the avocados and carefully crack 1 egg into each hole. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the egg whites have set up but the yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes.
• step 4
  ingredients1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  1/2 cup fresh Basil leaves (torn)
  1 Lime (grated zest and juice)
  instructionsMeanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the tomatoes, basil, lime zest and juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 
• step 5
  instructionsTop each avocado and egg with some tomato salad and serve. 
  
  Helpful Tip:
  1. Cooking an avocado that’s slightly under-ripe makes it more flavorful.

Foodie

One of the many things I miss about Birmingham is the food scene. With only a dozen restaurants to choose from here in our little community, ten of those would be fast food joints. I am grateful for the chick-fil-a that was recently opened but six out of seven nights I'm cooking a homemade meal. This has become a hobby rather than a chore and a little "alone" time while Jonathan has his evening routine with Denson. I continue to work on shedding baby weight and regain strength and Jonathan has been coping with his narcolepsy by trying to "fix it with food" as they say on The Chew. So we have been cooking gluten-free meals as a first attempt to feel better and for Jonathan to feel more energy throughout the day. We are not strict so some snacks and breakfasts items contain gluten but so far, we both feel better as well as enjoy the variety of fresh food at dinner. After months of taking a medicine for narcolepsy, Jonathan noticed strong side effects and decided to stop taking it to see how he felt. I immediately noticed a difference and realized how much the meds effected him. Having a baby obviously rocked our lives in multiple ways so I think the side effects were masked by change in sleep habits, schedules and of course moving inbetween. Now he has decided to be med free, and we are seeing if foods will help combat his sleepiness. All of these factors led me to signing up for e-meals. 

This blurb is not endorsed or advertised by e-meals; these are my own opinions. E-meals has made cooking dinner and grocery shopping exciting and adventuresome...and so very s i m p l e. Trying to meal plan while making sure to use every last ounce of ingredients is a full time job. Also, I am not a fan of most leftovers and instead of eating the same meal for three days, e-meals plans for however many members are in your family so the portions are exact. I think that's my favorite benefit. The last BIG benefit is you save money. E-meals works with most major grocery stores and plans meals based on their current sales so you can save $$$. I live in a tiny community so they aren't partnered with my grocery but because they use all ingredients, i'm still saving. Anyway, you simply sign up, select your meal plan, and pay either $7, $6 or $5 per month depending on how many months you choose. You will then receive your nifty email with your entire grocery list for the week (organized by produce, canned foods, frozen foods and meats) as well as your cooking instructions for each meal.  

I have an extremely impressed husband who has loved every single dinner I've prepared! 

www.emeals.com 

Happy cooking!