Tales of Me and the Husband

Corn Chowder or the greatest soup of all time.

Corn chowder is something like a sweet manna from heaven after a long, blustery fall day.  It’s soooooo damn good.  Especially if that recipe calls for a generous splash of cream at the end of it and especially if it suggests you reserve some of that bacon fat for the soup.

“Well okay!  But only because you insisted!”

I didn’t grow up eating a lot of corn chowder so I can’t tell you for sure how this stacks up next to your mother or grandmothers variety.  I have had it at a few restaurants in my adult life, however, and can honestly say this one is gooooood.  Six o’s.  I could’ve done many, many more.

Once again, it’s my friend Ryan’s recipe and at this point I should just bring him on as a food contributor because I’ve shared his recipes for sweet potato burritos and tortilla soup and that’s only what’s coming to mind right now.

He makes really, really good food.

Let’s get right to it.

Corn Chowder
from The Victory Garden Cookbook

serves about 4 (I always double)

4 ounces bacon (recipe calls for salt pork, but I’ve never used it; feel free, however!)
1 medium onion
2 cups potato chunks (I use Yukon Gold)
2 cups combination chicken broth and water (I use more chicken broth than water)
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups scraped corn
1 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)

Cook bacon till crispy.  I reserve virtually all of the fat here but you can get rid of some if you’re looking for fewer calories.  Remove bacon.  Chop onion and cook in bacon fat until softened and golden.  Add potatoes, broth and water, one teaspoon salt, and scraped corn.  (For scraped corn, it suggests that you run a knife down the kernels on an actual ear of corn over and over to achieve the scraped/pulpy corn.  No.  I have never used anything but the organic frozen bags of corn from Trader Joes for this recipe.  So, what I do for the “scraped corn” is put a bunch of it (frozen) into the Cuisinart and chop it up a bit.  Gives the broth some thickness.  I’m sure my friend Ryan is shaking his head right now.)  Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cook, partially covered until potatoes are tender.  Stir in whole corn kernels and cook five minutes longer.  Add heavy cream (since I always have half and half, I end up using that more often).  Cook until heated through.  Season with salt, pepper, and the crumbled bacon you cooked in the beginning!  Do not forget that!

Enjoy.  There really isn’t another choice.

lately.

Parker and I (along with our friends Lux and Rachael) went to Sportello in the city to meet Barbara Lynch and attend a toddler cooking class a few weeks ago!  We made chicken meatballs from scratch, and ate bowls of hot soup.  (Or, at least, some of us ate our soup while others of us played with it a bit.)  It was a promo event for a Ben’s Rice contest you can check out here.  Parker’s pretty obsessed with the apron he got to bring home.
After all the suggestions over here, I ran to the library to grab this one.  They actually had it in stock–I think the only one–when I called.  I was thrilled.  This weather is making me crave a good book (I am not a good “sit down and turn on the TV and browse till you find something” person.).  So at nights, unless Parenthood or Nashville is on, boooooredom.
Low-key decorating this year.  Mini pumpkins in orange and white scattered about my house, a few mums on the front steps, and a pumpkin candle that makes the house smell very cozy.
An early Saturday morning cross country meet to watch big brother William.  This meet was at a beautiful spot, high on a hill where you could see gorgeous farm land all around.  Only one of the many reasons why cross country rules.  William did so well this meet too.  
I’ve passed this island on the lake so many times but never taken a picture.  Now I can look at it and loathe the lucky folk who live there any time I want so taking a picture was a really wise idea.
The green cruiser lives on!
This toddler snack was a huge hit.  Actually, calling it a toddler snack is short-selling it.  William and Lindsey’s eyes grew when I put it in front of Parker, so we made more and basically all made a meal of it.  It’s apple slices cored, peanut butter, and granola.  And in the time it took me to write this caption, Parker came over and is now hanging on my shoulder saying, “Me want to eat that now.  Can we do that Mom??”  I’m avoiding eye contact.  
Target dressing room.  Is there a more instagrammed thing than this?  Maybe lattes and the ‘ol feet and fall leaves thing (mmm… guilty… just yesterday).  Anyhow, I was there for some maternity clothes.  Came away with a few tops, no bottoms.  And Parker came away with those paint dabbers which he loves so far.  (And the whole kiosk with the Kid Made Modern stuff at Target???  I want to bring it all home.  For myself.)  Also, his hair is getting messy-teenager-long.  I need to give it a trim.
That’s the happenings here lately.  You were dying to know.

open for questions :: comments now closed!

it feels like the internet’s been really quiet lately.  or is that just me?  are we all beginning our winter hibernation already?  i sure hope not.  it’s only october 1st!  get out there people!
it’s october 1st!  i said that twice.  i’m sort of in my own head this morning, blame it on the rain.  not that it requires blame.  sometimes being in one’s own head can really be a good thing.  what am i thinking about?  success, time management, having another baby, friendship, blogging, travel, fall food.  all over the board, it seems.
i always appreciate when bloggers, new or old, open themselves up for questions.  it seems we used to do this more often than we do now.  admittedly, my blog roll has significantly decreased in the last two years or so, but i can’t remember the last time i saw a post like it.  is anyone still doing it?  (last time i did was 2011!)  i think a lot of blogging has changed, in fact.  has instagram taken its place?  comments have gone down (for me the reason is this: commenting on phones is stupid.  though, i’m sure the reason goes deeper.).  so has advertising.  “sponsor posts” have taken their place.  are people still starting blogs from scratch?  is it too late?  
all that to say, my point today is that new readers come along who, most likely, don’t dive into every bit of the archives so here i am, a stranger to them.  hello friends, new and old!  not only that, but there are long standing readers who only know what i put out there.  while yes, i do blog what i’m comfortable blogging, i know there’s a million things i’m still comfortable blogging but just don’t.
so, let’s chat?  is this a good idea?  i’m staying optimistic.
comment moderation is on, so that nothing will appear in the comment thread.  just in my email box.  then, i’ll address the comments (you know, as long as they’re kosher) in another post.  sound good?
and while we’re asking questions, can i ask you some?
// why do you read blogs?  
// how did you hear about this one?
// what are your favorite posts?  
// what’s your favorite blog and why?
have at it.  and thanks, as always, for reading.  

a fall fair.

steve’s not ready, parker’s blocking his face to show you his wristband.  
there’s really only so much you can do from behind the camera.

he’s into showing the camera things these days.

taco truck tacos!  yessssssah.

messy but delicious.  he ate around all sides of his taco which, as you know, is not the way to do it.
in the middle of some snarky remark, probably.  the hunts were not bringing their a-game to the camera.  and hurrah for a no waistband dress and weather warm enough to wear it this weekend.
this weekend was 80 degrees–both days, my friends!  that’s like a little gift straight from the heavens for us massachusetts’ folk who will be inundated with the cold soon enough.  (and then come my winter posts where i hem and haw about the weather… again.)
we went to a fall festival where we ate tacos, drank san pellegrinos (blood orange for the win), listened to music, and went on a tractor ride.  it was a fun way to spend the evening.
an aside: i love my new lily jade bag.  it fits everything (and more), looks good, and the straps go a million different ways (i love that feature).  i change it up routinely–from backpack to across the chest to shoulder straps.  versatile!  and it doesn’t scream “i’m a diaper bag!” which is the best part.  thank you lily jade!!  (i also met the lily jade owners at the hundred event and they are theeeeee nicest people, for real.)
hope your weekends were swell, my friends.

Have a good weekend!

Some notes to carry us into the weekend together, shall we?
// I shared this article on my Facebook page, but it’s worth sharing here too.  So interesting.  Since sharing it, and summarizing it for Steve, I’ve been trying to utilize the tips in it and telling Parker, “Wow, you worked really hard at that!”  Then Steve swoops in, not half a second later, “Parker, you have a natural proclivity for this, don’t you!?”  He’s a brat, doing untold damage, one comment at a time.
// Nothing fits anymore.  Nothing.  Waistbands are too tight (those damn waistbands) and shirts ride up.  Kids on the playground are running from the scary lady who’s belly is showing.  I really should’ve gone up a size in my H&M maternity jeans.  I was bemoaning that this morning as I was dressing and Steve, again with the really helpful comments, suggested I wear his shirts and pajama pants for the rest of the pregnancy.  What I really want to clothe myself in is everything Ingrid and Isabel.  Have you ever worn their stuff?  It’s like butter.  What are your favorite (inexpensive) maternity clothes?  I think I got away with more non-maternity last time because it was summer–dresses and stretchy skirts sufficed.  Now, it’s cold.  And I’m still pregnant.  (Isn’t this dress adorable though?  Can I get away with wearing it every day?)
// Elizabeth is back to blogging (sort of — I don’t want to make empty promises on her behalf but I think she’s back?  Are you Elizabeth?) and I enjoyed this read since we’re straddling the no-nap-sometimes-nap world as we speak.  Fear not, parents!  Quiet time can take the place of nap time. Or so we hope.
// Your comments were hugely helpful yesterday.  Whether they were actual hands-on advice or an “I’m right there with you!” I appreciated them more than you know.  So thank you very, very much.  I think Parker read the post because the last three days he’s been totally easy-going.  I’ll take it.
// Last two nights!  Nashville and Parenthood.  SPOILER ALERT: Of course, I’m disappointed in Rayna’s decision but, as a Twitter friend pointed out, the tension would be gone from the show if she’d have chosen Deacon.  Of course.  And this being the final Parenthood season?  That’s crap.  Especially because the reason is financial and not ratings.  I suggested on Facebook that we begin a fundraiser to keep it alive.  I suspect we won’t raise enough money, though.
// I asked for book recommendations and, as always, you guys came through.  I think this book will be my next read.  I’m a bit of a sucker for books that I know will be made into movies.  Doesn’t hurt that Reese Witherspoon will be the star either!  Oh, and every book on parenting that you suggested yesterday too.  I’ve got my work cut out for me.

Have a good weekend, everyone!  It’s gonna be in the 80s here.  What?!

(that dreamy pin–originally here!)

parenting a toddler.

Starting with a throwback picture of easier times seemed fitting as we’re heading into less easier, much murkier times as of late.  Heading into?  Nay.  We’ve headed there, we’re in them, and we are three feet deep.  Hold onto your hats, people.  
You see, the first huge chunk of Parker’s life was easy as pie.  This kid was so easy-going, we brought him everywhere, and he never cried.  Of course, I’m remembering this a little too fondly perhaps, but I definitely recall exclaiming to Steve on many, many occasions when he’d return home from work, “He didn’t cry all day!  He’s so easy going!”  Cause he was.  And he is.  But alas, I daresay that the “honeymoon” phase is over.  Hey, it lasted nearly a full three years so I guess I should count my lucky stars for that.  And also curse myself for, merely three months ago, telling Steve, “Terrible twos?!  Hardly!”  I may have chortled too.  Don’t chortle.  It’s asking for a curse on your head.
All the experts, moms, sisters, playground-goers, dental hygienists, grocery-store-check-out-people will tell you, “It’s the threes, actually.”  But I chose not to believe them, and to proclaim a victory over the twos.  Not so fast.
We’ve had some tantrums, some hitting, some crazy behavior that, quite honestly, has surprised me.  (Not my child!  Yes.  My child.)  And while it’s all in the realm of normal, it just caught me so off guard and happened so quickly.  It felt a little bit, to this self-proclaimed emotional mom, like a betrayal.  Like the end of the sweetest, most innocent relationship.  I’ve cried a few times.
Additionally, I’ve found that I lack confidence when it comes to parenting a toddler (and, in a lot of ways, a teen–another tricky parenting phase).  Years zero through three I felt like I knew what I was doing and I didn’t bristle at other parents’ approach, though they be different than mine.  I was so sure that what we were doing was working for us, felt so confident in my decisions.  It’s not that I regret anything, it’s just that the situation has changed so we need new rules.  I’m not sure what those rules should be.  Do timeouts work?  How about bribes?  How much do I let him put his own shoes on and how much do I take the lead because time is of the essence and we have to get out the door?  Is it good to let them know they’ve hurt your feelings or is that considered manipulative?  Are you creating a spoiled child if you let them pick a matchbox car when you’re at the grocery store?  Are rewards and punishments good or should praise be enough?  How do you handle a tantrum in public? What’s right?  How much are my parenting techniques screwing my child up forever and ever?

As you can see, my  mind is reeling with questions.  This is only a small percentage of them.  Do you too feel like you’re out in the wild, Bear Grylls’ style, with absolutely nothing in your bag of tricks to help you through?

Let’s talk.

No seriously, let’s talk.

winter survival guide.

is it time for one of these yet???  i hear enterovirus is going around.  do they try to freak us out with the names they come up with (remember NOROVIRUS) or is it just coincidence?  i think the former… i’m gonna call the next one teddy bear virus no matter what name they coin.  i’ve already been asked if i wanted the flu shot at an ob appt. and i’ve already had one wicked cold… i blame william, who came home with it practically the third day of school.  
all that to say yes i do think it is time for one of these, but if you think it too early, at the very least, you can start stocking your cupboards now so you’re ready when the germs strike.  there is nothing worse (okay, very few things worse) than scrambling for supplies once you or the kids are already sick.  i cannot stand that and, as someone who’s a bit of a self-professed germaphobe, i have learned that it makes me feel much more sane and in control when i know these things are already at my disposal.  
disclaimer: i’m not a doctor.  do your own research and determine if these things are right for you and your family!
elderberry syrup.
so, this is a no brainer.  it’s easy and so, so, so much cheaper to make your own than to buy it at the store.  i made that batch on the left last week and it’ll last a good month or more.  that amount at a store would cost me at least $50.  i literally have everyone line up–from steve right on down the line–and give them all a spoonful of it every day.  it keeps the immune system working better and, when actually sick, decreases the severity and length of illness.  i use these elderberries and this recipe and it’s made me quite a few batches the size you see in the picture (and i’m still on my first bag).
congaplex.
if you’ve been reading long enough, you’re probably rolling your eyes right now because i have mentioned congaplex so many times.  it’s just that good.  i’m nervous if i have a cold and my stock is low or depleted.  have congaplex all the time and take it often (when sick).  all the research i’ve done has shown it’s pregnancy safe, and is a whole food supplement thus difficult to overdose on.  i’ve taken upwards of nine a day.  i buy them at a naturopath nearby but have gotten them here before too.  more information here at their site (i’ve heard the best things about the company as a whole.).
nature’s plus animal parade.
this is the latest multivitamin i’ve gotten for parker.  i can’t quite figure out what is the best multivitamin for young children at the right price point.  so far, i’m happy with this one (and he loves it too).  every day he exclaims “viamin!” and if he has a shirt or pants with pockets, he likes to carry the vitamin around for a little while before he eats it.  it gives him a sense of control, i think.  ha.  i’d love to hear what vitamin you’ve heard about or have experience with that’s good.
onguard oil blend.
this is my second winter really utilizing essential oils and i gotta say, i’m sort of into it.  this is just one of the many i frequently use, but probably my favorite one through the germy months if i had to choose.  (oregano oil, breathe blend, and lavender are also high on the list.)  on guard goes into the diffuser and on soles of feet when sick.  it also smells awesome (think cloves, cinnamon, orange.  very christmas-like.).  we have this diffuser and i’ve been really happy with it.  i also love the minimal look of it.  i know you can buy directly through the doterra website, but i think their shipping per bottle is for the birds, so i typically buy on amazon (even though i actually have a membership).  i think one bottle per winter is sufficient (and maybe more than you need depending on your family size).
bach’s rescue remedy.
this is just a homeopathic stress reliever and i really like it.  i’ve had it for over a year but have more recently really relied on it when i’m getting anxious or stressed out.  call it placebo affect, call it legit, i think it works.  i’ve given it to the kids when i can tell they’re anxious about things, and i’ve used it myself many times.  i notice a direct correlation between me getting really stressed or anxious and then getting run down and sick within days.  that takes a toll on your immune system!  this helps. 
other things we do: 
tons of fruit.  tons of chili and soup (best with homemade stock!  i most often use a chicken carcass these days and do it in a crockpot so there’s no need to hover over it.).  less carbs.  more vegetables and good fats from butter and meat, etc.  parker and i have started making homemade popsicles about once a week that feel like dessert but really are pretty healthy (i do put a big scoop of vanilla yogurt in them, but that’s all the artificial sweetener that goes into them.).  i also include a huge handful of spinach when we make those, and he gets the biggest kick out of dumping bags of frozen fruit into the blender, being the official button-pusher and official popsicle-stick-placer.  i also make my own antibacterial spray (i also buy it from the store–both work) but it’s so easy and cheap to make with tea tree oil (a cheap oil as far as oils go!), water, and these amber bottles.  we also take probiotics, daily.  as well as cod liver oil.  getting everyone on board with this isn’t always easy and there are many days i forget my supplements too, don’t get me wrong.  i’m not rigorous (i wish i were more rigorous!) and i still crave sweets (especially when i’m pregnant).  chips, crackers and cheese, nachos, ice cream, chocolate, caramel, etc.  i wish i didn’t crave it as much as i do, but it’s just not the case.  so, don’t beat yourself up if you feel like this is impossible.  i figure these things just give me a little more wiggle room for the ben and jerry’s vanilla heath bar ice cream that i keep sneaking spoonfuls of.  you with me?

here’s a list that includes a few of the same and a few different things.  once there, you can scroll down for some more crunchy stuff.  anything i’m missing?  what do you do?

sunflower field sunset.

“i am soooo not amused by being strapped in this thing.”


the other night i was scrambling around like a madwoman after dinner to get us all on our bikes and on the road by 6:30.  you see, a few days earlier, i had dropped william at a football game and happened down this farm road (lies.  i was looking for these sunflowers that i heard existed.).  really, i was just in search of said sunflowers, but what made the whole thing that much more spectacular was the sunset.  i don’t know if i’ve been deprived of sunsets my whole life, or haven’t paid enough attention to them, or haven’t been in the right place to see them, but they are nothing short of amazing to me.  miraculous even.  maybe they’re just that way for everyone, a life full of sunsets or not.  i better stop cause i’m starting to sound cliche.
so there i was, driving and trying my best to keep my eyes on the road because the sunset was incredible.  the whole thing was incredible.  i knew i had to bring the family back, and by bike if we could manage it.  we did.  there we were, riding to this farm while the sun was going down (i underestimated how long three miles both ways would feel when you’re out of shape and pregnant and your bike has no gears but the rest of the family’s bikes do have gears but that’s beside the point).  the sunset just kept changing and becoming more colorful and more unreal as we rode.  you could take your eyes off it for a moment, look back, and it’d be altogether different.  and all of this over an enormous field of sunflowers.
doesn’t get much better than that.
and just like that, it was gone.

travel series no. 3: sarah’s guide to martha’s vineyard!

Good morning!  Today we have Sarah to tell us a little bit about her home… Martha’s Vineyard!  Thanks so much Sarah!
I’m Sarah – a hungry mom of two young boys (Dylan, 3 and Gray, 8 months), home cook, and recipe developer. I live with my family on Martha’s Vineyard which has its pluses (there is no Target) and minuses (there is no Target!). After being a summer kid for 30 years my husband and I took the plunge and moved here full time two years ago. The island’s community, natural beauty, and charm is contagious. My blog, Two Blue Lemons, documents the meals from our kitchen and general Martha’s Vineyard adventures. I am the co-author of Little Bites: 100 Healthy, Kid-Friendly Snacks being published by Roost Books in July 2015.

And now, some of Sarah’s favorite things about living in Martha’s Vineyard.



1. Cinema Circus 
I love the handcrafted costumes, local food offerings, and creative circus put on by Ringmaster, Rory the Lion, Ellie the Elephant and the entire crew of Cinema Circus.  These amazing afternoons are made up of filmmaking, film watching, circus shows, face painting and more.  It is a child’s dream and a parent’s (because it’s free!). 

 2. Long Point Wildlife Refuge 
The Vineyard has a strict town beach sticker policy during the high season which can be frustrating but Long Point doesn’t require a sticker, which I love.  You have the best of both worlds at Long Point – miles of ocean beach, perfect for body surfing and boogie boarding, as well as fresh water ponds for easy swimming and kid friendly fun.  When you visit, make sure to go early as the parking lot fills up fast but if you’re willing to walk down the beach you’ll always have plenty of space. 
Click to read more!!

3. Gay Head Cliffs 
I may be biased as we were married at the Gay Head Lighthouse but the clay cliffs, lighthouse, and beach are some of the most spectacular sights on the island.  The cliffs are layers of bright red, brown, and orange clay.  It’s worth taking a ride up-island to check it all out. There are charming shops and food stands for your mid-day snack.  Oh and be wary of wandering far down the beach with your grandmother as it is still an active nude beach! 

4. West Tisbury Farmers Market 
I love kicking off Saturday morning at the farmer’s market then enjoying all of “downtown” West Tisbury has to offer. Some of my favorite treats at the market are fresh squeezed lemonade, popovers from The Kitchen Porch, fresh mango lassi from Mermaid Farm, cold brew iced coffee from Chilmark Coffee, and everything from The Egg Roll Lady.  Don’t completely spoil your appetite at the market because you have to walk across the road to 7a Foods for a killer sandwich made with creative local ingredients.  Eat it on the porch at Alley’s General Store and then go inside to shop for toys and trinkets. 

5. Menemsha 
I love bring visitors for an evening picnic at Menemsha beach because is a unique spot that still feels like old New England.  Menemsha is a small fishing village with a mix of large commercial fishing boats, small charters, delicious local fish markets, and a few take out seafood and ice cream spots.  The biggest attraction is the fact that Menemsha is one of the special spots on the east coast where you can sit and watch the sunset.  Crowds flock to the beach and eat fried clams, lobsters, fresh clams, and oysters.  My advice is to go early and pack some food (cheese, bread, olives) and a nice bottle of wine.  If you want to brave the takeout lines the seafood is delicious.  Bring a blanket and take it all in! 

6. Flying Horses Carousel 
I love the Flying Horses Carousel because I can still recall the thrill of riding it as a little girl.  It is the nation’s oldest platform carousel and has been designated as a national landmark.  Originally operated as a Coney Island, NY amusement, it was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884, where it has lived in its red barn, delighting generations of Island residents and visitors ever since.  With each rotation around the carousel kids grab a ring from the ring iron – if you catch the brass ring you win a free ride!


Rapid Fire Questions:
// How long have you lived on MV?
2 years year round and 30 summers
// It’s Saturday morning and you’re starving.  Where do you go?
Fish cakes and eggs at the Art Cliff Diner.
// It’s Saturday night and you’re bored.  Where do you go?
People watching and drink sipping outside on the Oak Bluffs harbor.
// Finally, it’s Sunday and you need to work off yesterday’s food.  Where do you go?
Hiking to the beach at Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary.

Check out Sarah’s blog.  There’s some amazing food over there.  Like this cake for example!  And this broccoli pesto has me really intrigued.

Thank you Sarah!!

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