Friday was absolutely crazy. And not because I have a new baby! But because I had to PACK for a wedding weekend with [and for] a new baby plus fit in a handful of other things I had been meaning to do.
Good thing I had POUNDS of pumpkin to fuel me along : ) Matt is brewing a pumpkin beer and used 4lbs and gave me the rest!
We made rice cooker oats today since we both knew we’d be busy. I made them plain as plain can be – just Coach’s Oats and water. This morning, I mixed everything together for flavor – 1/2 cup pumpkin, pinch salt, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, chia seeds, mashed banana. Here’s the before shot! [Pumpkin on the bottom]
And here’s the after! Topped with granola and Barney Butter. Fuel for a busy day!
In addition to packing, I wrote a BERF post I’ve been meaning to write and did a video post (about the packing) for Real Health! I also had numerous work-related items come into my inbox, so in between feedings and during naps I was kept on my toes.
While packing, Maze and I did a dress rehearsal for the wedding! Uptown Boys makes the CUTEST snap-on bowties for babies, and I’m giving some away on BERF next week. They sent us one to wear at the wedding this weekend! The ties just snap onto a custom American Apparel onesie.
Ride ‘em cowboy!
Oh, and I almost forgot that mid-morning Maze and I went for a long walk with our friends Kate + baby Sally! Maze and Sally were due 1 day apart, but they ended up being 2 weeks apart at birth. Their first date : ) We walked for an hour, enough to get super sweaty and wish I hadn’t taken my shower already!
Lunch came in the early afternoon – I didn’t have much time to make lunch today, and wanted to save our leftover salads for dinner, so I made a whole meal in a bowl.
This smoothie was packed with nutrition and energy – there was enough spinach for a whole salad in there!
- 3 loose cups baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 small super ripe banana
Whirled in the vitamix (I had a hard time with so much frozen fruit so I had to add the extra milk!)
Granola on top
The mail came along with a package with this stunning quilt that Matt’s cousin Elizabeth made!!! I am in love with the colors and patterns – on both sides!! Maze can’t wait to crawl all over it.
She also made an assortment of burp cloths. I know it’s for burping, but I just love having pretty ones : ) Thanks so much Elizabeth!!
Matt and I wrapped up our days and then feasted on big salads of leftovers – strategically planned to be low maintenance.
In this big bowl was:
- Leftover salad + extra greens
- Leftover chicken marsala
- Half a small sweet potato
- Avocado
- Bleu cheese
- Homemade croutons
- Olive oil
- Salt
I drank an Izze with dinner. I am SO TIRED of water! I drink it all day long and still feel thirsty.
After dinner playtime!
And for sweet dreams, Matt and I shared this slice of Chocolate Pecan Pie that he is testing for the bakery. We’re doing them throughout fall and into the holidays and even selling them by the slice this year! If you like pecan pie and you like chocolate, you would LOVE this!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Oh my, chocolate pecan pie!?! That looks amazing! And the quilt is absolutely gorgeous. Elizabeth did a great job. Those little bow ties = cutest thing ever. Maze is going to look very handsome this weekend!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
That blanket is BEAUTIFUL! The patterns are so fun! …….Seriously, nothing better than homemade blankets that were sewn with love!
I feel like I go like a tornado when my little one falls asleep- it’s go time! 🙂
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
What a beautiful quilt! I hope you guys have a great weekend and fun at the wedding!
Allie@LiveLaughEat says
I know where to go if we ever run out of pumpkin here! PEKAN PIE!! Still laughing about Karen’s email about Pekanz bahaha
Tami@nutmegnotebook says
There is nothing better than those hand crafted gifts.wow a 5 lb can of pumpkin! Chocolate pecan pie-I’m all over that!
Kayla says
i love that black spoon that you ate your smoothie with! its adorable!
Jess says
Me too, feeling very covetous of your little spoon (instead of, for once, your healthy and inspiring meals).
the 3volution of j3nn says
Very, very, cute bow ties! He’s such a little doll. Hope he doesn’t take too many eyes off the bride! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
You could fit the baby in the can of pumpkin! LOL!
The pie looks amazing. have you ever heard of Kentucky derby Pie? I posted a link to mine version Friday, but it’s basically a pecan pie with chocolate… and whiskey. 😉
Cait says
That pie looks INCREDIBLE!
cathy@1970kikiproject says
That is a GORGEOUS quilt!!
And I am always glad when you include a pic of maze’s booties and/or the blanket that karen crocheted!
Heidi says
I get a Pecan pie from the Great Harvest in our neighborhood every Thanksgiving, and it is always amazing!!
That blanket is gorgeous.
Life's a Bowl says
Those bowties are adorable! My momma used to dress my brother in clip-on bowties and zip-up ties when he was younger!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
the little bowties are soooo cute! I love guys who wear bowties, and Maze is getting a head start on the trend!
Lindsay says
Can’t wait to search your blog for pumpkin recipes;) We cracked our first one open today (and they are a hot commodity here in Korea) to make some scrumptious pancakes! It is finally fall on this side of the world, and I would adore snuggling into that beautiful quilt! Cheers to you and have a wonderful day!
Emily @LivingLongfellow says
i just saw you live in Korea and had to check out your blog. We lived there for a few years and miss it A LOT. Johnny was also my stylist. Even back in the states I miss him!
Lindsay says
That is amazing Emily! What a small world! We have loved every minute of our journey in Korea, I will be very sad to leave. But for now I am going to keep enjoying every moment of it, and check out your blog!
Lisa says
Have a great weekend! I love those knitted cowboy boots. How adorable!
Hilary (Four Little Forks) says
That quilt is to die for!!
That’s a whole lot of canned pumpkin to use up, but if anyone can do it, it’s you Kath! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
The quilt is gorgeous! I had a friend make one for my son…I had a Noah’s Ark theme for his bedroom so she found some beautiful Noah’s Ark material, all blue and yellow for his quilt. It came in so handy! Enjoy your wedding weekend!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
Chocolate pecan pie is my favourite pie of all time! That one looks incredible! Love the quilt and wouldn’t mind a spoonful or ten or your yummy smoothie! Hope you have a good time at the wedding, can’t wait to see the pics (good choice on the dickie bow!)
Mary Catherine says
That’s the biggest can of pumpkin I’ve ever seen! Yum 🙂
Kath ~ my grandmother, aunts, mom and I are headed to Ashville for the day and I’m wondering if you can recommend a fun local lunch spot? Or must sees while we’re there. We’re from Austin and love eclectic!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
aaaah – the best pie i’ve ever eaten was a chocolate pecan pie 2 Thanksgivings ago. i even serenaded it:
http://theactorsdiet.com/2010/11/27/eternal-flame/
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
I think you need to talk to the Great Harvest owners in Lehi, Utah and convince them to sell that chocolate pecan pie. 😉 Looks delicious!!
Heidi says
I’m a Utah reader too, but in Ogden!! We have four GH’s up here, I will look into it and see if they have any and let you know. 🙂
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
You can have a giveaway for that giant can of pumpkin purée and I promise I will not be upset 😛
Cher @ Weddicted says
How nice of Matt’s cousin! I love the burp cloths! Who cares if they are just for baby spit up 😉
Have fun at the wedding!
Lauren says
Pecan pie is one of my favourites! Hoping it’ll be an option for Thanksgiving dinner this weekend!
On a totally separate note, I have to admit my first reaction to your statement about the water was “funny, I never get tired of having easy access to clean water..”. I know what you meant but it came across a little strange to me upon first read. Just my thoughts!
Tracy says
Matt’s cousin is very talented!! I love the patterns on the quilt. And I’m with you on the pretty burp cloths. It just makes me happy when everyday items are pretty to look at!
Nicole says
I noticed you use chia seeds a lot. Do you soak them before putting them on your oatmeal? Just curious, because I can’t tell by the photos. Thanks & have fun at the wedding.
Pam K. says
What a pretty quilt! I enjoy seeing Mazen included on the main entries about food since food and family go hand in hand. He is darling. I have been reading your blog for 3 years and enjoy your entries particularly the ones that include smoked salmon. That is a personal favorite of mine and I have been enjoying your recipes. Have you tried smoked salmon with eggs at all? Perhaps when you are feeling rested and adventurous…try it and blog it. I’m always trying to expand my cooking skills and try new things.
Grace @ Grace Dishes says
The bowties are the cutest things ever! I LOVE IT! Those burp towels and blankets are gorgeous and look so chic and baby-friendly.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Those burp cloths alone are gorgeous…and then the quilt. No words! That’s artwork! It’s stunning! What a cherished gift that will be!
And those bowties…so cute!
And that pumpkin…yes, you’re well stocked! love it!
Kelsey says
Those quilts are absolutely beautiful! She’s very talented. Have fun at the wedding!
Nicole says
OMG that quilt!!! I sure hope she makes those professionally and sells them…that’s some major talent!
Kori says
That blanket is beautiful, and I love the bow ties and his whole outfit! He’ll be the best dressed guy at the wedding. 😉 As always your food looks divine. Hope you all are enjoying your Saturday!
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy says
Those quilts and burp cloths Matt’s cousin made are BEAUTIFUL! She should sell them online!
Aja says
Smoothies in a bowl are just delicious. I love the quilt, it’s so cute!
Lindsey @ Goldilocks and the 3 Bodies says
I use almost the same oatmeal recipe, but have never tried pumpkin flavor (I know, am I the only one??). Yours looks yummy!
The bowties are SO cute
Jennifer says
Mazen is adorable! I love those last few pictures of him with Matt. The bowties are amazingly cute, too. I bet he’ll be the hit of the wedding. 🙂
Miss Polkadot says
Oh my, how sweet of Matt’s cousin to give you these pretty quilts. Homemade gifts are always the best ones.
The tabletcloth in the photos looks great, too. Where did you find it?
Mo says
Chocolate Pecan pie?!?! Droooool!!! Make will look so handsome with his collection of bow ties!
Michele Sparrow says
I consider myself busy but sometimes when I read your posts, I wonder what in the world I have been doing with my time! You do a lot and seem to handle it all with such organization and grace.
And I LOVE the way that pie looks!
amber says
Can Matt share his pumpkin beer recipe?? I know that my husband would be interested! Thanks.
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Busy, Busy, Busy!!
Angie says
Kath- Huge huge belated congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! I’ve been away from the blogworld for awhile, but I’m catching up and I’m so so happy for you.
I have a 5 month old and am EBF so I totally get what you’re saying about water. I love water, but I feel like I’m drinking water non-stop! I don’t do artificial sweeteners, so its nice to have a little flavor every once in a while!
Again – congratulations…enjoy each moment.
Cait says
what a tasty-looking slice of pie!! I totally want to take a stop at your bakery before the holidays!
Aimee says
My mind was on pumpkin this AM…what a lovely surprise when I visited KERF. Fall is here 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
That bow tie?!? OMG!! Cuteness overload 😀
Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut says
I know what I’m going to do with my frozen berries and ripe banana tomorrow morning, YUM! Although, is it a bit soup-y when you eat it like that?