This Weekend

Todd's parents were in town this weekend and we really lucked out on having beautiful weather. We made the most of the short time they were here and packed in lots of fun (and way too much food). Todd's parents are true foodies and we explore the city meal by meal when they visit.

While Todd's family spent the day with Crosbi on Friday, I enjoyed some much needed time to myself. I kicked off the day with an exciting trip to the dentist (major sarcasm), but I was thrilled to find out I was cavity free. I hadn't been for a visit since before I found out I was pregnant. Yikes. So when the dentist told me my teeth looked great, I almost got out of my seat to hug him. I spent the rest of my day shopping in downtown Franklin, followed by coffee with a good friend. I love being a mom, but it's so nice to have some time to myself to recharge.

For dinner we had reason to celebrate. Todd's mom is 5 years cancer free. Such a blessing and answer to prayer. We decided to try a new Nashville hot spot (literally) at Hattie B's Hot Chicken. Oh my word. So good. On Saturday we fit in a trip to the farmer's market, one of my very favorite spots, and finally tried Mas Tacos. We'll definitely be back. 

We spent dinner that evening around our table enjoying fresh seafood we purchased at the farmer's market and enjoyed a night at home before Todd's family left this morning. Thankful that we'll see everyone again in just a few short weeks. 

Until then, you will find me at the gym. After this weekend, I'm not sure any of my jeans fit. 

Happy weekend.

xoxo 

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Red Oak (formerly Red Lark)

Just a few miles from our home is the cutest little coffee shop which was once called the Red Lark, but we were informed as we walked in that it is now the Red Oak. Either way, its small town charm and iced chai lattes keep me coming back. 

Todd had never been, so this morning we decided to experience it as a family. That was after Crosbi slept until 9 (say whaaaaaat?!). We had reason to celebrate.

I ordered the breakfast quesadilla and iced chai of course. Todd and Crosbi both had the croissants - his with eggs and bacon, hers with peanut butter and bananas. We'll always jump at the chance to support our local businesses - especially when they're as cute as the Red Oak.

Coloring. Always coloring. 

Happy weekend!

xoxo

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So Long Winter

The first day of spring may be just shy of a month away, but we're already embracing the season in the Stepp house. I love fall and can confidently say it's my favorite season, but spring is a close runner up. I think I'm especially looking forward to it this year with a toddler in the house. She has a fierce love for the outdoors and I want to spend as much time as possible letting her run wild outside.

We're also referring to this year as the "Year of the Farmer's Market." We thought really hard about joining a CSA, but we're not quite ready for that kind of commitment. We want to do a test run this year by hitting our local farmer's markets as much as possible. This way we'll still be supporting our local farmers, but we can have a bit more control of what we purchase.

We kicked things off today with a visit to the Franklin Farmer's Market. It was still a little chilly outside, but we shopped long enough to grab some red new potatoes, rainbow carrots, and fresh tilapia from Gulf Pride Seafood - a team of guys who drive to the Gulf and bring back fresh seafood weekly.

Crosbi enjoyed every minute of it.

Have a lovely weekend!

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Food & Family

They say when it rains it pours, and that seems to always be the case, but I'm learning that this saying doesn't have to be negative. It has been pouring around here, but we've been soaking in the best kind of rain. Cool, refreshing rain that you want to dance in. Rain that brings life. Rain that you wouldn't mind staying around awhile.

Since July 26th we have had family in our home. First my family, then Todd's. Our days have been busy and full and with all the craziness, they flew by. When I woke to a quiet house this week, it felt strange. Crosbi spent most of the day looking around, expecting someone to pop out and play with her. She had no shortage of playmates these past couple of weeks!

Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures with my family. My dad is the proud owner of a new iPhone, so he and my Stepmom were the official photographers, but I got a few shots of our time together.

My parents came armed with new toys and books. Crosbi is definitely the center of attention these days.

It was great catching up with my sisters. We spent the evenings talking as we took long walks, burning enough calories to justify homemade cookie and ice cream sandwiches.

It's not a successful visit until we go to Mellow Mushroom. If my family is going to pick a must-visit restaurant, they picked a good one. Todd and I never turn down the House Special.

Shaye, my youngest sister had never had self-serve frozen yogurt (gasp!). I had to fix that immediately. Todd and I treated her to one of our favorites - Sweet Cece's.

Nine days later my parents returned home, just in time for Todd's family to arrive.

 

Stealing Papa's hat.

Crosbi showing Granny Sue (Crosbi's Great Grandmother) her toys.

Crosbi has developed a love for books. I can't think of anything that could make her Grandma more proud.

We are so spoiled when they visit. They love our daughter so well and it doesn't hurt that both grandmas are amazing cooks!

A little dish Todd's mom put together. Yum!

Life is slowly returning back to normal. We're enjoying a wonderful break in the heat, spending lots of time outside, and trying to rest before things get busy again later in the month. More on that soon!

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Pinterest: It's What's for Dinner Part II

Pinterest has become my official cookbook. So much so, that I had to reorganize all of my pins. I deleted several recipes that looked amazing, but I knew I would never make. I don't have time for 20-ingredient recipes and I don't think mini cheesecake pans fit into the budget, so I purged some pins and what is left are recipes that stand a good chance of being made. I even created new categories for entrees, sweets and drinks. Thanks to Pinterest I'm actually spending a bit more time in the kitchen. Not as much as I should - we still have our fair share of takeout, but it's progress!

Below is part two of the recipes I have tried recently. Part one can be found here.

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

I know I made these, but I can't really remember what we thought of them. Obviously they weren't memorable enough to deserve a repeat. I do know that I used beef instead of turkey since we have organic beef from Todd's family farm. I also remember that I liked them a bit more than Todd did. I'm thinking they could have used a little extra "something" to give them more flavor. I've got a new stuffed pepper recipe from Trader Joe's that I will be making soon. We'll see how they compare.

Crash Hot Potatoes

The Pioneer Woman does it again! These are a staple in our house. I bet I've made them nearly a dozen times. Now that I'm growing my own rosemary, they're even easier (and cheaper). I could eat these weekly if not more. Yum!

French Dip Crescents

Need an easy weeknight meal that doesn't require much thought? Here you go. Not the healthiest dinner in the world, but they're pretty tasty. As easy as they were, I think I prefer a classic french dip with "real" roast beef that has cooked for hours on crusty bread. It's unlikely I'll make these again.

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Who on Pinterest hasn't made these? Super easy, really tasty, great for freezing, the list goes on and on. A good friend brought these over right after we brought Crosbi home from the hospital and they were delicious. I later made them for my family when they visited. Great when cooking for a large crowd. These will be in our rotation for sure.

I've been doing quite a bit of "cooking" for my little girl too. Who would have thought making baby food could be fun? It's so much easier than I thought it would be and I love knowing exactly what Crosbi is eating. Plus she's experiencing so many new textures when I make her food rather than the soupy texture in jarred baby food. It's really funny to see where my strengths are being used these days. Months ago I was called on to write marketing plans for Christian artists. Now my resume includes whipping up pureed peas and green beans. Crazy.

I'll be back soon with Crosbi's six-month recap once I pull myself together and come to terms with the fact that my baby is more than half way to being a one year old. I've got to soak in each day with my baby while she's still a baby!

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