New Music Wednesday???

It just doesn't have the same ring as New Music Monday does it? I would have posted this Monday, but I didn't get time to finish it. I just don't seem to be having an abundance of down time lately!! So this week it's New Music Wednesday.

'Phoenix' has been around awhile, but I've just recently gotten into them. Blame it on a commercial for a Cadillac playing their new hit '1901.' Honestly, did you know there's a whole website devoted to music heard on commercials?? So Phoenix. They're french, but we won't hold that against them will we. ;) They are an electro-indie pop band.... which quite simply means lots of synth and great dance beats. We're starting with their latest release 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.' Nothing big headed about that album title right??? But it's actually been called their best album (and they have four in total) so I guess they're allowed to be big headed. I am addicted!!! It's very easy to listen to and booty-shakingly fun as someone else put it. AND and and it's also only $7.99 at amazon right now!!! Let's listen...

'Lisztomania'


'1901' heard this one on Q101 the other day!! It's also in a Caddy commercial.


'Lasso'


'Girlfriend'


'Fences' hello, disco-rock!!!!


I haven't purchased their previous three albums, but once I wear this one out I will definately be doing so!!!! Happy Wednesday to all. The weekend is just around the corner!!!

Fall Along the Fox

It's been feeling like fall (more like winter at times) temperature wise for awhile now, but we haven't had much of a chance to enjoy it yet. We're so lucky to live along such a beautiful river with so many fun things to do. It was a little chilly, but we thought it would be a good day to go to the Fabyan Forest Preserve for a picnic and some fun.

What a cool place!! There's tons of bike trails, a japanese garden and even an old windmill you can tour. Here are a few pictures of our day.

New Music Monday 10/5/2009

This week I'm going a bit indie with a great band called Sea Wolf. They're an amazing group based out of LA. Their album 'Leaves In the River' has been one of my tops for quite awhile now. I thought it would be a good time to put it out here on the blog because it has a very fallish, folk sound to it. It's perfect for curling up on the couch with a cup of coffee and your blanket!!!

Band leader Alex Church was originally part of the late 90s group called 'Irving' but the songs he wrote for them didn't really fit their style. So off he went!! He started performing locally as Sea Wolf with a few other musicians and eventually hooked up with the producer of the groups Band of Horses, The Shins (HELLO!!! Luv them!) and Fleet Foxes. Major greatness!!! Disclaimer: this album will grow on you and the more you listen to it the more in love with Sea Wolf you will become. You will not be able to stop listening to it. They are that brilliant! Oh and errrr, ya..... they're gonna be on the 'New Moon' soundtrack with a song called 'The Violet Hour' :) So excited!!! Here are some great songs from the 'Leaves In the River' album. Seriously. Buy it.

'You're A Wolf' - best song on the album for me


'Middle Distance Runner'


'Leaves In The River'


'Winter Windows'


'The Cold the Dark and the Silence'


'Black Dirt' the guys who made this vid did a great job! It's friggin sweet!


Sea Wolf also came out with a new album called 'White Water White Bloom' on the 22nd of September, so I don't even own it yet! But based on the reviews I've read I will most definately be purchasing it soon. This is 'Wicked Blood.'

'Wicked Blood'


Hope you likey! See you next Monday!!!

The Flu Shot - Are You Getting One?

I'm not going to lie, this new H1N1 flu virus scares me. Hell, the regular flu virus scares me. But I'm trying to decide what scares me more - the flu itself or the vaccine given to prevent it. Let me be clear before I go any further here that I am NOT anti-vaccine. But I'm not pro-vaccine either. With my first two kids, I went to the health department on time and got their shots without asking any questions. Why would I question vaccinations? It was just what you did. I had no reason to wonder why I was doing what I was doing - that was until my third baby was born.

As a mother, Olivia has made me question EVERYTHING I have ever done or will do from now on. From nursing to solid foods to sleeping to you guessed it, vaccinations. She made me wonder and worry about things I never had to before. I don't neccessarily think that's a bad thing. It all started the week after I had her. She was having a hard time nursing and I didn't know what to do. She seemed uncomfortable and would just scream and we didn't know why. She started getting this awful rash all over her which was very different from the normal baby pimples that happen to some newborns. I did some research and wondered if she was having issues with something I was eating. After many tears and lots of attempts, I completely gave up breastfeeding and switched her to Nutramigen hypoallergenic formula. It was awful stuff, but it worked for her. We were able to lay her flat without fear of a reflux episode and she slept over over an hour for the first time in her two months of life. She was content. I cried tears of joy. Do you have any idea how much crying you do when you're a mom?? Anyways, the rash even started to go away and she was this happy little baby I didn't know existed.

At her two month check up, I politely declined her vaccinations. Despite pressure from our doctor, something told me it was the right thing to do. I was concerned at how sensitive she must be due to the reactions she'd had with her diet so far. Thank God I didn't do it. At age four months, after giving Olivia a bottle and laying her down to bed she had her very first seizure. I cannot put into words what an absolutely terrifying thing it was to witness. After vomiting what seemed to be her entire feeding, Olivia's eyes rolled back into her little bald head and she paled to a color that I have never seen a living human being turn. She was limp and unresponsive and so cold. We didn't know what was happening. By the time we got to the ER, she seemed much better. They checked her vitals and sent us home, thinking it was some sort of stomach virus not knowing it was actually a seizure. I slept next to her crib (sleep isn't the word I would use) that night. Little did I know, the horror we'd just witnessed would surface again.

Olivia has had five seizures in her three years of life, the most recent one being last December. I pray every single day that it was the last one she'll ever have. It's not something I will ever get used to seeing or forget or get over and the image of it will haunt me probably forever. (I try not to live in fear, but I wouldn't be honest if I told you I didn't worry like a crazy person every time she got sick!) Olivia underwent lots of testing to determine the cause of her seizures and we never found one. The term mitochondrial disorder (google that if you're curious as it would take me quite a long time to explain) was thrown out there by her peds neurologist and we did some testing that was in conclusive as far as that went. So we still don't know and maybe we never will. And we still haven't given her one vaccination. Does that bother me? Yes. But right now I still feel the risks far outweigh the benefits for her. That doesn't mean I don't worry about my decision and it doesn't mean I won't ever vaccinate her for anything.

That being said, I still have to think really hard about this upcoming flu season. I can't figure it out. Either we're all screwed or the media/government has done a great job of trying to scare us all to death. I haven't decided which one it is yet. For most people, the decision to get a flu shot is black and white. You either get them every year because you think they work or you take your chances not getting the shot. I guess everyone is taking their chances if you think about it - either by getting the flu shot and hoping it doesn't have any awful side effects or not getting the flu shot and hoping you don't get sick. I guess it wouldn't bother me so much if people knew for sure if the shot actually worked. I am curious how many people who have never gotten the flu shot before are getting it this year. Will you get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available? What chance are you taking this season???

Comfort Food Makes a Comeback

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: I love fall!!! Don't get me wrong, I am sad to see summer and the warm weather go. But there's something about cute sweaters, football and comfort food that makes me so happy. Food in general makes me happy. I love to eat probably more than anyone should. I look forward to my meals. As soon as I'm done eating one meal, I am already thinking about what to have for the next one!!! I am not ashamed to say it. I love food.

Comfort food is high on the list, although it's not something we have as often as I would like for obvious reasons. It tastes good, but it's not always good for you! My family's all time favorite meal is a simple one of creamed chicken served over biscuits. It is the definition of comfort food - warm and filling, inexpensive and uncomplicated, and easy to prepare. My mom used to make it for us when we were little and it never disappointed. It was one of the first things I made for Kevin when we were first married! I happened upon a cute little blog called The Big Red Kitchen one day and was so happy to find a good recipe for the beloved creamed chicken. It is probably the best blog about food EVER. She takes the most beautiful pictures of the food!!! Of course you can't just look at the pictures. You have to make the food. And eat it!!!


What did I tell you about the pictures??? Thanks to 'Big Red Kitchen' blog for allowing me to use your delicious photo!!!!

Anyways, here is her amazing recipe for Creamed Chicken which my family and I enjoy on a very regular basis during cold months. Hopefully it will make its way to your table for you and yours to enjoy!!!

Creamed Chicken

1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups milk
4 cups cooked, shredded chicken- about 3-4 chicken breast halves
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot over medium high heat, melt butter. To melted butter, whisk in flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk. Turn heat down to medium and cook until thickened. Add chicken then salt and pepper to taste. Serve over hot buttermilk biscuits with steamed peas and enjoy!!

Little Mermaid

We had a fun family birthday party yesterday for Olivia. My parents, grandparents, brother, Kevin's mom, his brother & twins were all on hand to help us celebrate. Olivia decided on a mermaid theme since she loves them right now. I was able to find this adorable costume on ebay used for a really great price!!


Doctor Lulu in the house.... she loves her new doctor kit!

Olivia was so excited for her party!!! Here are a few pictures!!!


Happy Birthday to you, Lulu!


She loved it!


Blue frosting = blue tongue!


Yummy!!!!

I really took the whole mermaid/under the sea theme and ran with it, which was super fun. We had fish tacos, lime cilantro shrimp skewers, chips & salsa, shell pasta salad, pineapple dessert salad and "seaweed" spinach with tropical fruit salad. The kids had "sushi" (I took white bread without the crust and spread cream cheese on it with celery and lunch meat and rolled it up like sushi!), goldfish crackers and blue fish jello jigglers. It was an amazing spread!!! I was also really brave and made the cupcakes from scratch this time!! We had coconut cupcakes with buttercream frosting and key lime cupcakes.


Blue frosted coconut cupcake and key lime cupcake

Here are the recipes in case you'd like to try them!!!

Key Lime Cupcakes with Lime Frosting

MAKES 12


Recipe by Buttersweet Bakery

September 2008
Ingredients
CUPCAKES
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
1/4 teaspoon neon-green food coloring
3/4 cup buttermilk
FROSTING
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
CUPCAKES
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line standard muffin pan with 12 paper liners. Whisk both flours in medium bowl. Beat butter in large bowl until smooth. Add sugar; beat to blend. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, then next 3 ingredients (batter may look curdled). Beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions. Spoon scant 1/3 cup batter into each liner.
Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool.

FROSTING
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 tsp Lime zest
1 tsp vanilla ext
1/8 tsp salt
16 oz powdered sugar
3 Tbsp lime juice
1 to 2 Tbsp milk

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, lime juice and milk, beating at low speed until blended and smooth.

Coconut Cupcakes

Ingredients

3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup buttermilk
14 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut

For the frosting:

1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 1/2 pounds confectioners' sugar, sifted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In 3 parts, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in 7 ounces of coconut.

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. Fill each liner to the top with batter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove to a baking rack and cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on low speed, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and almond extracts. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lulu!!!

Wow! I am in utter shock that my youngest baby will be turning three this coming Monday. It seems to hard to believe! My pregnancy with Olivia was far from normal. Well, far from normal for anyone else but pretty typical for me I guess. Lots of worry from the beginning with bleeding and placenta previa. I gained a ton of weight too. Everywhere. Oh well.

I was scheduled for an induction early the morning of the 27th and it couldn't come soon enough for me! But of course that wouldn't be the way it went and we ended up waiting around all day to get a room so they could start the induction. By the time the hospital called me to come in around 7 pm that evening, I would have given birth in a broom closet if they'd have let me. They started the liquid evil (otherwise known as pitocin) around 9 pm. The contractions weren't super awful, but I wasn't trying to be a hero so I told them to bring me the good stuff aka epidural. And in walks the hottest doctor I've ever seen. Seriously, he put McDreamy to shame. I felt so bad for this poor guy for having to look at my huge ass while he gave me the epidural!

With that taken care of, I thought we were all good. Not so much. Control freak + panic disorder doesn't mesh well with epidurals. The minute I couldn't feel my legs I started to freak out. I made Kevin go get Dr. McDreamy so I could tell him I was going to die. He tried not to laugh when I told him I couldn't feel my face and proceeded to pinch my own neck to the point of drawing blood. Then in true Molly fashion, my heart rate skyrocketed. People started looking worried and I swore I could see Jesus. It was bad stuff. Finally, I started to feel a little better and it was time to push.

In walks my doctor wearing a hazmat suit??? Seriously, she had on hip waders and what looked like a welding mask. Was she planning on welding something??? Whatver, she could have been Krusty the effing clown for all I cared, I just wanted this baby OUT! After a few good pushes Olivia Margaret came into the world quite beautifully. She was gorgeous and instantly won the hearts of everyone in our family and still has them!! Olivia is by far the most fiesty of my three kids, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She had a rough start in life with some underlying health issues, but she has overcome every one of them. She is my fighter and we feel so blessed and lucky she's turning three. She loves wearing dresses, dancing and anything girly. Her hair gets more curly every day. She is Lulu and we love her!!!

The song playing is by KT Tunstall and I used to sing it to her when she was tiny, if you can picture that. She used to like my singing, but now she says, "mommy, don't sing." :) Happy 3rd Birthday, Lulu!!! We love you!