heart, courage & brain

love.

2012-02-14T06:59:00.000-05:00

hope your valentine's day has as much love as ours.

my assistant.

2012-02-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

forgot to share this pic in the last post.
baby boy eating a mummum
while i cook.
& yes his 12mos pjs are getting a little tight.
stop growing santino.

what's cooking.

2012-02-11T16:24:00.000-05:00

heart shaped banana bread.
cooked a lot quicker than loaf style.

but delish & no cutting for individual portions.

i don't think i've made a pioneer woman meal that j didn't approve of.

she cooks just like he likes:

butter, heavy cream, red meat.. etc.

this was no exception.

she made it on her show today
corn & cheese chowder.
with onion & bell peppers.
i ran out for the minimal ingredients it requires.

j helped shred the cheese
some things he's just better at..
like cooking in general.

we've been eating a lot of red peppers lately.
they have enough vitamin c for one day.
& we can't get enough vitamin c in this house.

the finished product.
full PW recipe HERE!

hello february.

2012-02-06T19:26:00.000-05:00

it hit 65 degress in margate, nj
on febraruy 1.
so we hit the beach after work & school.

and now we're preparing for valentine's day:

NINEmonths.

2012-01-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

give you a little freedom.
you take a mile.

you love your voice.
especially when you yell..
you belly laugh is contagious.

you think minion is so entertaining.
he thinks you're scary.
mastiff tee from here!

three months
& you'll be one.

happy 9months santino!

a family stew

2012-01-29T17:23:00.000-05:00

last weekend the butternut squash was such a hit for santino.
but j&i found ourselves sneaking pieces all week.

when i saw this stew recipe i knew i had to try it.
we all ate it for dinner tonight.
santino barely let a crumb hit the ground.

j would have liked some meat,
but it's good to have a veggie only meal every now & then.

i bought all the ingredients at a produce market
the only subs i made was chicken broth (couldn't find veggie)
& green lentils instead of red (couldn't find red either).
i didn't use the specific spice used in the recipe
just cumin, cayenne, basil, parsley, garlic powder.

the pre picture:
butternut squash
chickpeas
carrots
jalapeno
onion
lentils
tomatos
broth
spices

& the final product:

recipe from HERE!

in season.

2012-01-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

love this,
had to share.

eat healthy
& keep prices reasonable!

maybe i'll give brussels sprouts a try this weekend.
maybe :)

from: this lunch rox

ventnor nj.

2012-01-24T20:25:00.000-05:00

i wrote this entire post last night.
and then it disappeared.

so yesterday,
santino & i were driving home from work/daycare.
i work in atlantic city.
he schools in margate.
in between is ventnor.

i've kind of fallen in love with ventnor.
it's a city/beachtown.
the perfect mix.
very diverse..
old school..
yet some modern flare.

a great fog settled over the beach
& i pulled down a random street.
& we hung out in someone's drive way
next to the beach.

butternut squash

2012-01-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

halved.
seeded.
roasted for 55 minutes
at 400 degrees.

diced
& served.

way more meat than i expected.
he'll be eating this all week.

but he's messy
& happy.

hair fascinators

2012-01-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

my newest creation.
floral hair fascinators.
i used THIS tutorial
with a little help from these videos.

still playing around
trying to make them look professional!

random.

2012-01-21T09:02:00.000-05:00

i've begun to realize one of the reasons
i don't post more often is that:
a. i don't have time (that's a lie.)
b. i have so much i want to post about i get overwhelmed.

i do have the time.
i have the time to finish the entire
hunger game series.
i have the time to make floral hair fascinators
(my new project).
i have time to watch tmz.
don't you wish you had a machine that you could just think it..
and it blogs itself.

anyway here's what's on my mind.

1. it's saturday & it snowed.
what a waste of a snow day.

2. we're in the process of putting our house on the market.
hurray! (that's a lie.. i'm not excited.. i'm dreading the cleaning,
the walk throughs of potential buyers.. the fact that i think our house is unsellable..)

3. i'm really out of shape.
even though i'm at my goal weight..
i literally look like a fool at TRAIN.
nobody makes me feel like a fool..
but i know.
you'd think i'd be stronger from lifting a 20+lb baby..
but no.

4. i was happy to find out that the 4 kettle ball is not pounds
but kilograms.
i did look like a fool when i said 'i can't even lift 4lbs'
& everyone laughed.

5. i think i should just carry a picture around of me 40lbs heavier.
than everyone will stop hasseling me with the 'why do you need to work out'
umm hello people EVERYONE needs to work out &&& EAT HEALTHY.

6. i haven't bought a new pair of jeans in two years,
(besides maternity) i'm convinced my jeans are out of style.
but they make my butt look good.. so whatev.

7. i'm sure black leggings are out of style.
but that doesn't stop me from wearing them everyday.

8. my glasses are 2+years old..
& they're hillary duff brand from walmart.
TRUE STORY.
i need some new ones..

9. mom, sister in law & i are going to see sylvia browne in a week.
we've decided if she doesn't come talk to us she's a fraud..
because we've got some serious history with ghosts.

10. my etsy store clearance is almost over.
i'm hesitant to restock until i move..
which could be over a year away.. or never.
i'll keep you updated.
like you actually care.

cheers to the weekend.

a photo update.

2012-01-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

i forgot what 5day work weeks are like.
but happy to:

finish catching fire.
hit TRAIN for 3days this week.
enjoy a bottle of wine with the mejor.
decorate for valentine's day.
make some big moves..

have i told you how amazing this month number eight has been.
santino is generally a happy/easy baby.
but this month he has just been hysterical.

i love dropoff/pickup at daycare..
his excitement in seeing his little playmates
& the stories they have at the end of the day.

how he just plays in his play area forever.
and climbs all over us..
&squeals with delight.

there's even been a few 'maaas'.

here's to a relaxing/exciting/enjoyable weekend.

fitness.

2012-01-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

happily i've pretty much mastered diet happiness.
i know what i can eat
& what i need to stay away from.

however, my body still sags & bulges in all the wrong places.
i've been wanting to up the fintess game for months
& finally gave into kate's recruiting.

today was my first day at TRAIN
& i'll be paying for it tomorrow.

i'm scheduled to go back tuesday.
after i came home,
i wasn't that sore yet..

so i took the bambino for a quick mile walk.
nothing like fresh air = happy baby.

hoping the fitness gene hits him too.

beautiful day & cranberry cake.

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

i'm typing softly,
it's 6pm
& santino's already in bed.

his eyes were closing as he was eating dinner.
and quickly fell asleep.

i'm thinking he'll be up in about an hour,
but hoping he sleeps longer.

this is all my fault.
it hit 65degrees in south jersey today.

i skipped the afternoon nap,
for a walk
& a trip the park..
in his new truck.

the park is just across the street
& usually deserted.
but oh no..

someone left their dog behind.
call the SPCA.
but it was a perfect day for an impromptu photoshoot.
these days happen a lot lately..
not complaining!

oh blue eyes,
please stay.
how you melt my heart.

i spent most of my time at the park
pulling pine needles out of his mouth.

prior to the park
we stocked up at the local market.

i wanted to bake with cranberries for christmas,
but couldn't find fresh cranberries.

alas they were at the market today!
here's to trying something new (hello, resolution!)

i looove simple cakes.
they're my new obsession.

just butter & sugar.
i'm also getting use to baking with eggwhites
& whisking feverently.

recipe here!

snowday.. kind of.

2012-01-06T07:40:00.001-05:00

so is it just me..
or is everyone in a negative post holiday mood?

as i browsed my facebook wall,
i was completely brought down by everyone's status updates.

complaining about the weather,
other people,
or life in general.

yesterday we saw our first accumulating snow of the year.
okay so it was a dusting,
but you would have thought it was a blizzard.

so how do we get out of this slump?

think positive,
plan
& set small goals.

this weekend i want to head to cawman's
& update my display.

i'm also dying to get back to the gym.
either go back to my company gym,
or try out a friend's new personal training location.
not trying to lose weight,
but just tone up
& feel the endorphins!

my schedule makes gym time next to impossible,
so i'm also looking for some new at home workouts.
any good dvd recomendations?
i love tracy anderson's method..

stand tall.

2012-01-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

just as i was so ready to get back into a normal routine.
no holidays,
no shopping,
no craziness.
pink eye.

i have no clue how/why/where..
it just appeared on tuesday morning.

so santino's been home with me,
if i didn't want to claw my eyes out..
this would be pretty much perfect.

home with my little boy all day,
happy & relaxed when j gets home..

it's so hard to enjoy my nights after working all day.
stress, needing to get ready for the next day..
dinner/bath/bedtime routine..

such mixed emotions about being a working mom.
so i'm just enjoying these sick days home.

we're just conquering crawling
& now he's pulling up..
something new everyday..

more snacking.

2012-01-04T07:38:00.001-05:00

santino's lunch today.
leftover bite size pork loin
& shredded broccoli rabe (just a little bit to taste)
bite size avocado
pastini
& squished blueberries.

this just a glimpse of what's keeping
him happy at 8 months.

he makes a mess,
and i sit close by to make sure he's okay.
it takes a lot longer than giving him the jars..
but each meal he gets a little more in his belly..
and not on the floor for minion to munch.

doing something new: winter classic

2012-01-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

winter classic
flyers vs ranger
january 2, 2012

what a great day.
cold, but beautiful.

citizen's bank park.
home of the phils.
became a hockey rink!

great date time with j.
and then halfway through the game..
it began to snow.

if only the flyers could have won :(
back to reality tomorrow.

2012-01-02T20:25:00.000-05:00

had to share.
helps you eat healthy
& keeps the cost down
by buying what's in season.

from this lunch rox

ventnor nj.

2012-01-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

in my mind i keep dreaming about beach weather.
about an 80 degree afternoon.

grabbing santino from daycare in margate,
and driving literally one minute away to walk on the beach.

driving home tonight i was loving the thick fog.
i decided.. why wait?

it was so windy.
i didn't think i was going to get a smile.

we hung out in someone's random beach front driveway.
and i just know,
he's going to be a beach boy.

happy january, from the beach!

bitesizelove.

2012-01-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

a few days ago i talked about finger foods.
this was last night's dinner for santino.

diced steamed carrots
diced avocado
& pastini

i probably cut it smaller than necessary,
but i'm crazy.

he's still having trouble picking up the food
& getting it to his mouth,
but everyday it's a little better!

resolve.

2012-01-01T15:27:00.000-05:00

happy new years day.
i woke up at midnight to the sound of a shotgun.
typical southjerseypiney behavior.

i'm making the usual resolutions.
eat healthier
get in better shape.
get out of debt.
but in reality a few years ago,
they stopped being resolutions -
and turned into a lifestyle.
and that makes me happy.

this year..
i want to
learn something new (brain)
do something new (courage)
share something i love.(heart)
accomplish one each week
& share on the blog.

tomorrow i'm heading to the winter classic.
a professional hockey game outdoors?
that is doing something new!
there was some big drama when we found out
8 month old santino needs his own ticket.
luckily his grandmom c is hanging with him
& j&i get to have a date cheering for the flyers.

santino & i had an impromptu photo shoot
today in the front yard.
not sure what the neighbors think.
ohwell.
i'm hoping to blog at least a picture each day.
i usually post to facebook & twitter daily,
but need to get it up here so it's a little more permanent!

8months is a fabulous time.

ps i'm still clearancing out the shop
want to start the new year fresh.
SHOP HERE

mr independent!

2011-12-31T12:55:00.000-05:00

how quickly my happy baby
is becoming a serious little boy.

everyday we get new surprises.
christmas day brought clapping.

a week earlier he started crawling
now containing him is becoming a challenge.

i love that he can play on his own
& now he loves to feed himself.

if you're my friend on facebook
you know i was looking for new finger food ideas.

trying to avoid the usual processed garbage.
i saw a recipe for banana pancakes using pancake mix.

i didn't have any mix on hand so i substituted
with his favorite cereal.

sliced bananas,
coated in a thin layer of cereal.

sprayed a thin layer of olive oil pam in a small pan.
cooked the banana slices for a few minutes on each side.

i broke them into halves
& quarters for santino
because i'm the crazy overprotective mom..
but he loved them!

i even tried a few
& they reminded me of fried bananas.

support.

2011-12-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

christmas came & went in the usual blur.
yesterday was the best day of my holiday weekend.
nowhere i had to be,
nothing needed to be accomplished.

i'm so ready for the new year.
i love a fresh start.

i have so many goals this year.
i really need to organize them
& set up a plan of how to accomplish.

i plan on letting go a lot more.
finding happiness within myself..

i spend so much of my time at work
& at home talking about family.

it can be really overwhelming.
sometimes i feel so hypocritical talking about
other people's familes..
when i still have my own issues.

that's life i guess.
i wish i could do half the things i tell others to do.

write it down.
say it outloud.
be honest.
be prepared to be hurt.

instead i walk away.
i shut down.
i avoid.
i protect.

the only good thing about work,
is that it has help me to realize..
we all have some of these family issues.

taking care.

2011-12-18T21:45:00.001-05:00

i go through an absolutely
ridiculous routine after santino's bathtime:
aveeno baby for his legs,
they tend to get extra dry.
aquaphor baby for his face,
it's extra sensitive.
butt paste for down below.
then johnsons baby lotion,
for wherever i missed.

early mornings for myself..
i'm lucky if i get lotion on 25% of my body..
and it consists of whatever was on sale.

the thought of..
when do we stop caring about ourselves?
came across my mind as i browsed baby food ingredient lists.
i've stuck to only organic so far..
i was totally boycotting gerber until i was in DE
& couldn't find earth's best.

for me?
i stick to organic milk,
but beyond that..
give me what's on sale & in season.

seriously, i spend hours each week..
picking out the best of everything for santino.
and he deserves it..
but i can't help but think..
why don't i care this much about myself.

the truth is convenience.
and funding.

but maybe if we all spent a little extra time,
picking out the best for ourselves..
we would all be a little better off.

here's to cutting out the excess
& focusing on the wholesome this new year.

keeping in the game.

2011-12-12T15:02:00.000-05:00

the diary of a working mom.
it amazes me that i can't find time for blogging.
then again..
the game is busy.

today is a sick day in the carotenuto house.
santino picked up the daycare cold/ear infection.
we've kept him home all weekend,
and today..

since i've been back to work,
i think there's rarely been a pay period when i didn't use personal time.
luckily my job allows for an abundance of pto.

the next four weeks will now be four day work weeks,
which are so much more tolerable than five..
even though it really doesn't seem like that big of a difference.

i still bounce back&forth between
loving working
& wanting to spend more time home.

recently i hit below my pre-baby weight.
i credit bfing (though we recently made the switch to fomula.. long story // another day).
but also the working mom schedule..
up around 5:30am..
sit back down at 8:00pm when baby goes to bed.

one of my new years resolutions is to be more grateful.
some days feel like groundhog days..
same routine.. just another day.
and i find myself just making the movements.
i forget how lucky i am.

most weekends i just want to relax.
try and get a crawling backwards baby,
to crawl forward!

the holidays are upon us.
helen's hassack has been busy..
lots of vintage love & gifts left.
i did 99% of my shopping online.

i haven't even baked a cookie lately,
though i did make this yummy pioneer woman stew.

sometimes i'm more likely to use tumblr.
so check that out for vintage love!

hoping for happy holidays this year..
that's all i want for christmas.

cawman's antique mall

2011-11-20T17:47:00.000-05:00

two weeks ago we moved to a corner spot at cawman's.
yesterday santino & i visited to add new items.

my mom did a great job decorating & arranging.
our spot from the front:

the butterscotch china closet
with my jewelry & hat display:

the large green hutch
with an ample supply of christmas dishes,
perfect for entertaining:

primitive & vintage christmas tree:

wall display
wine bottle lights make the perfect holiday gift!
currently on sale for $15 (down from usual $20)
free gift bag!:

be sure to like cawman's on facebook for photos from the rest of the mall
& updates about store hours!

bethany beach favorites

2011-11-17T19:50:00.000-05:00

and we're off.

2011-11-07T07:57:00.000-05:00

the first carotenuto family vacation.
bethany beach.
visiting my grandparents.
celebrating a wedding.
family reunion.
early thanksgiving.
and hopefully a lot of relaxation in between.
although santino is not one for relaxing.

i tend to post more vintage posts on my tumblr.
so check that out if you're bored.
the shop will be closed until november 15.
however, our new spot at cawmans is set up.
go visit!

happy halloween.

2011-10-31T21:01:00.000-04:00

baked apples for baby.

2011-10-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

my martha stewart apple corer.
i knew it would come in handy one day.

bake in 2-3inches of water
@ 400 degrees
for 40 minutes.

peel
& place in food processor.
mix with fresh water
until desired consistency.
*this helps with babies getting use to chunkier food :)

it's a little chunkier than he is use to,
but he's adjusting! :)

silly mom.

2011-10-21T07:14:00.000-04:00

one day i know i'll embarass him.
he won't want me to kiss&hug him in front of his friends.
he'll ask me not to wear my silly hats outside of the house.
but today is not that day.
today he's just happy to be with me.
boy do i love six months :)
hat coming soon to helen's hassack
& necklace already available!

twenty four weeks.

2011-10-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

perfect weather.
fresh air.
a happy boy.

control your own destiny - mental health day.

2011-10-10T20:19:00.000-04:00

gold chain & tassel pendant @ helen's hassack

an update.

2011-10-10T20:01:00.000-04:00

an overdue update.

i have the best intentions to write in santino's baby book.
intentions.
i have great intentions to conquer the world.
blogging is so much easier.
but i haven't even really blogged lately.

santino will be 24weeks in three days.
six months.

sitting up
& playing independently.
he's a few weeks away from crawling.
a tooth will be popping through any day now.
he's taken down all the earth's best level one foods.
size three diapers.
nine months clothes.
constant drool.

he's still waking up every 3-4 hours at night.
he's not on any type of sleep schedule.
but it works for us.
i'd rather him not be on a schedule
& be happy,
than be on a schedule
& be miserable.

yesterday was my grandmother's 83rd birthday celebration.
first we traveled up to TCNJ
& watched cousin shannon's seagull field hockey team kick butt!
then traveled to my aunt's for pizza, crab soup & cake.

my grandmother's birthday wish at 83?
to meet danny briere.
but after she gets a haircut..

the fall is birthday season.
all of my nephews & niece..
mother in law..
cousins..
etc.

& it's football season.
thank god for the hokies.
since philly has let me down all over the place.

let's go flyers?

work is busy,
but i'm enjoying it.
as much as i hate being away from santino
i come home just wanting to soak in every minute of him.
& i still feel like i get so much time with him.

today is mental health day.
what did you do to make your mind happy today?
i ate lunch outside
& enjoyed the last of the beautiful weather!

everyone is the age of their heart <3

vintage gold love.

2011-10-08T12:44:00.000-04:00

these yellow floral studs are the perfect everyday earring.
i will be sad to see them sell.

this gold jingle necklace dresses up a white tee.
and is a great vintage piece.

backing off the ledge.

2011-09-26T20:02:00.000-04:00

saturday morning i found myself standing on the ledge.
it had been a rough bfing week.

santino was sick on monday
& barely nursed.

then i forgot my pump on wednesday
& went an entire day engorged.

i had to break into my golden frozen supply.

santino weighed in at 16lbs 9oz
on monday..
more then double his birth weight
& he's almost sitting.

so we began solids after he was sick.
& added oatmeal cereal
which he thoroughly enjoys over rice cereal.

but to get back to the ledge.
i'm having difficulty keeping up with
the amount of milk he needs while i'm at work.
and i was considering supplementing
with one bottle of formula a day.

but i stood there in front of the formula.
i didn't even know what to look for.
what i could possibly need.
ready to jump off the ledge.

but instead i found myself pumping between every feeding.
trying to up my production.
eating tons of fresh veggies.
& today..
there's four fresh bottles in the fridge
waiting for daycare tomorrow.

i'm not jumping off the ledge today.
& not saying that i'm totally against starting formula..

but i'm so thankful for all the supportive
people in my life..
who've kept me off the ledge for the past 21weeks.

vintagelove.

2011-09-21T19:13:00.000-04:00

dressing up a plain off-white shirt:
brown & gold necklace
gold avon floral clip earrings

pearl stud clip earrings
ring no longer for sale (holding it for a friend!)
but a similar one here...

&& September 22, 2011 Deal of the Day - $4.00

poison ring!

a day out - atlantic city

2011-09-11T09:53:00.000-04:00

we were on our way to the zoo.
but decided to head into the city instead.

lunch, shopping & dinner.

santino is becoming a true foodie.
scales (formely flying cloud) at gardners basin - atlantic city, nj
we split the filet sliders.. nomnom.
& sam's octoberfest! (love this time of year for this reason alone!)

an outdoors santino = happiest baby.

beautiful day & beautiful view of golden nugget (formely trump marina),
harrahs & the ac coast guard station!

after shopping at the outlets.
we had dinner at the tun tavern.
better beer than food,
but good prices
& we were able to watch college fb!

my FIRST giveaway.

2011-09-07T20:22:00.000-04:00

so when we prepared for hurricane irene,
we stocked up on all necessary items.

as a new mom coffee is at the top of that list.
j tried to do something super special

he bought me dunkin' donuts coffee.
however, this is WHOLE bean.

and we don't have a grinder.
it's the thought that counts j i promise.

SOO you can benefit!
i'm giving away this package of WHOLE BEAN DD coffee.

comeon you know this is better than crack!

how to enter:
1. LIKE US on Facebook - Helen's Hassack
2. Follow me on twitter - hollycarotenuto
3. already do BOTH of those things - RT my tweet about this post or share my shop on facebook.

leave me a comment telling me which you did.
you can comment telling me you already like the shop / already follow me on twitter.
so at most you can get FOUR entries (1. like me 2. follow me 3. RT me 4. share me)

& literally there's about four people who read my blog
five counting my mom who just started reading my blog ( hey ma )
and my mom doesn't drink coffee so no competition there.

you have until FRIDAY 9/9/11 at midnight EST.
winner will be announced SATURDAY 9/10
HURRAY!

santino & babar

2011-08-30T20:46:00.000-04:00

"Now everyone is asleep.
Babar and Celeste will soon go to bed too.
They are gradually calming down
after all these exciting evnets.
'Truly it is not easy
to bring up a family,'
sighs Babar.
'But how nice the babies are!
I wouldn't know how to get along
without them any more.'"
- Jean De Brunhoff - Babar and His Children

would you believe me..
if i told you this is the first time i've read a babar book?

how perfect is this quote?
four of the past five days
i've been home with santino.

i had forgotten so quickly,
how the days fly by with him.

today he survived two needles
& an oral vaccine.
at home the floor was the only place that didn't hurt his little legs.
& he listened so intently while i read him this story.

we love elephants in this house.
bring babar to your house too!

where am i?

2011-08-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

twilight zone?

we survived the earthquake.
began discussing disaster plans for our family.
it's still weird that we are a family.
lovve.

then, irene.
& we needed to activate disaster plan.
thankfully, no mandatory evacuations for us!

we camped out in the living room.
j, me, mini & santino.
i got about an hour of sleep.

during a week of an earthquake & a hurricane..
santino had a growth spurt.
back to eating every two hours.. wowza.

we survived the hurricane.
the tornado warnings all night were insane.

somehow i became a mom
& forgot how to nap.
all three boys were passed out twice today
& i'm up..
unable to sleep.

it's not even 8pm
& the bed is calling my name.

but i really want to read this & this.
back to work tomorrow,
(as long as work survived the hurricane!).
off tuesday,
daycare is closed & sonny has shots
(gaggg)

i'll try to get some good post-hurricane pics tomorrow in atlantic city.
today i'm exhausted.
& if this post makes no sense..
i just survived an earthquake & a hurricane..
give me a break :)

working momma update.

2011-08-24T20:11:00.000-04:00

well
1. we survived our first earthquake.
2. i think more than anything we were excited to spend an extra hour together yesterday.
3. being a working momma is hard. real hard.
4. saturday we spent ALL day together & it was amazing.
5. at 16weeks (17 tomorrow..wahh) he's so fun, laughing & rolling & trying so hard to sit up!

but really..
i wanted to update you all on being a working & nursing momma.

maybe a little inspiration for anyone who has decided
to be a working & nursing momma.

almost four weeks back
& we're still going strong.
hurrah!
pumping every three - five hours at work,
depending on my schedule.
usually two times a day.
sometimes need to pump a little at home to make sure there is enough for the next day.

trying to not use my frozen supply.
i started pumping & storing when the baby was three weeks.
& it definitely helps when i just don't pump enough at work.

usually during pumping i distract myself with my google reader.
did i mention washing bottles sucks?
but baby is still growing
& thriving.

soo,
long story short,
you can do it too!

celebrate sunday.

2011-08-14T13:21:00.000-04:00

vintage beads @ helen's hassack
only a few hours left to use coupon code: BIRTHDAY26
26% OFF all items until 5PM EST Sunday 8/14

two . six

2011-08-13T10:21:00.000-04:00

two years ago
i started this blog.

to increase love, strength & knowledge.
everyday it's a battle.
but i love being able to get my thoughts down
& share them with
the three people who read :)

last year i set goals to accomplish by 30.
a big one has been complete..
a baby.
i didn't accomplish two things:
taking a class for fun & volunteering.
this year.. NO EXCUSES.

& to increase my knowledge..
finally complete my application for my counselor's license.

this year it's been TEN years since i turned 16.
so i decided to write a letter to my 16 year old self.
i was an awkward 16.
i'm so happy to be 10 years past that.

so DEAR SELF @ 16,

i could tell what you should / should not do

but the truth is
everything that will happen
may not be pretty
it won't be easy
but it will lead you to this wonderful place.

one thing,
16 is the last year you will spend
in that little farm house where you
were raised.
& 10years later disaster will strike.
look around,
take in those memories of that home.

here is some good news:

those girls that keep talking..
let them.
their talking gets them no where.
your confidence gets you everywhere.

those boys that keep breaking,
you will break away from.

you'll find your self esteem eventually,
when you stop looking for it from others,
and find it in yourself.
its 10 years later:

you have a house,
it's not like your barbie dream house,
but theres a roof over your head
& a garden outside.
and it's filled with love.

you have a husband,
a real one.
it's not prince william,
but your husband does call you his kate middleton,
and that makes you happy.

there's a baby in your arms.
a little boy just like you always wanted.
who coos and smiles on comand.

the best part.
you have so much love.
and your happy.
real happiness..
it does exist.

happy sweet 16 self.
10 years later,
life is really sweet.

PS - blog readers & friends & family:
i'm celebrating my birthday at Helen's Hassack with a SALE
26% OFF all items
use coupon code: BIRTHDAY26

smore day 2011

2011-08-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

first gather your supplies.

microwave,
smush
& enjoy.

is there anything more simple
& perfect
than a smore?

now that i'm back at work,
we are celebrating.
yesterday was smore day.
nomnom.

today my co-workers surprised me with a cake,
for my birthday.
26!
(intwodays)

but this saturday i'll be celebrating for real..
at this festival!

for me.

2011-08-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

begin with that most terrifying of all things,
a clean slate.
then look, every day,
at your choices that you are making
& when you ask yourself,
why you are making them,
find this answer:
For Me. For Me.
- Anna Quindlen
Author & Journalist

found this quote in a woman's day magazine.
(that my boss swears he didn't order)
i posted it in my office.
teenagers are notorious for making decisions,
based on what others may think of that decision.

& let's be honest..
as adults we often do the same thing.
what will they think if i..

giving yourself a clean slate
(tabula rasa)
is so refreshing.
count to ten..
take a deep breath
& think about what you want.

so next time you make a choice.
remember..
For Me.

happysunday.

2011-08-07T18:45:00.000-04:00

~~survived~~ thrived during my first week back at work.
making big plans.
enjoying saturday&sunday family time.
getting on a schedule.
doing/loving/hoping.
staying happy.

happy sunday.

bracelet @ helen's hassack.

working momma.

2011-08-01T20:32:00.000-04:00

6am
my alarm rings.
start coffee
shower
drink first cup of coffee
hair
make-up
eat a muffin
double check bag for grandmoms
pack full bottles
double check bags for work
iron clothes
pour second cup of coffee
let minion out
7am
wake up baby
nurse change diaper
drink second cup
cuddle
730am
grandmom arrives
pack car
lots of kisses.
8am
arrive at work
1030am
pump
230pm
pump
4pm
leave work
430pm
home to baby & j.
get thrown up on
nurse
vacuum
change diaper
wash bottles
wash pump
play with baby
7pm
nurse
change diaper (twice..)
cuddle
re pack bags
830pm
relax on the couch with baby & j.
bed for all by 10pm

tomorrow..
our first try at daycare.

packing at night
makes mornings easier.
working with pro-bfing people
makes life a lot easier!

jersey girls!

2011-07-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

last night i headed up to the B&N in deptford, nj.
to meet a fellow jersey girl.
i met two friends at 4pm,
we were given wristbands
& went to grab some sushi.

we came back to B&N at 6
& waited about 1.5hours.
& then she showed up
(only 30minutes late!)

teresa - JEW-DI-CHE
earlier in the day i tweeted her,
that i was excited to meet her
& bringing baby santino.
she tweeted back.
we had a discussion in line wondering if it was really her tweeting.
when i got to the table
& a friend yelled 'santino wants to marry audriana'
teresa said 'is this the one that tweeted me'
YEAP!
it was her!
she was soo gracious.
told me i looked great..
(she gets major props for this haha).

santino couldn't handle the excitement.
can't wait to try out some recipes.
they actually look delish!
thanks teresa!

birthday & blueberries.

2011-07-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

last night i started practicing my song to the boy.
'happy three months to you
happy three months to you
happy three months dear santino
happy three months to you'

i don't really want to talk about three months.
obviously,
where did the time go?
we're about to through a biiiigg change.
mommas going to work,
and baby will be with gmom & daycare.

pretty soon you'll be sitting up.
then crawling.
& ohh noo..
walking.
only 9months until you're one.
i love when you catch yourself in the mirror.
& that look comes across your face..
like: 'man that is a good looking baby'.
you love your play mat.
you finally don't hate belly time.
you're napping
(almost on a schedule).
you sleep at night.
then we find you in your crib in the AM..
smiling.
you are such a morning person..
just like dadda.
you love our walks.
& lady ga ga.
we think you are on the edge of glory.
you still just have peach fuzz.
you're eyes are still the brightest blue.
we can hear you kicking in the crib from our bedroom.
maybe you'll be a soccer star.
yesterday you started squealing&giggling.
i can't wait for your future.
but today..
we just love you at threeeeee monnnthhss! :)

just in case you couldn't see this amazing shirt.
thanks aunt sue woz!

excitement!

we will be chasing you sooo soon!

oh & the cake.

YUMMM!
so simple.
i had all the ingredients on hand,
except fresh eggs,
blueberries,
& lemon!

find this yuuummyy recipe HERE!!

how my garden grows.

2011-07-19T18:40:00.000-04:00

my zucchini vs one from the grocery store.
i love my garden,
especially now when everything is ripening.
my tomatoes will be ready any day now.
& i will be handing out tomatoes like candy,
because i grew way too many this year.
& all the early summer rain made my plants HUGE.

i always hear people say,
i could never grow anything.
(i'm talking about you madeleine)

two recomendations for starting a garden:
1. basil - a perennial that grows like a weed!
2. zucchini - takes little watering & care to flourish.

my green peppers are not looking too hot (again) this year.
last year i grew jalapenos with no problem.
but green/red bell peppers never get big.
any hints?

i made a "healthy" zucchini bread last night
(healthier than my old favorite)
it doesn't have the amazing taste of my old favorite,
but it was still really good!

our weekend.

2011-07-17T18:20:00.000-04:00

our weekend started on friday.
santino's first beach day!

we created a new play area.
not to keep baby in,
but to keep his big brother minion out!

dinner out at our favorite restaurant.
this was the only sad face of the night!

cannolis from little italy..
at the church festival!

we went to redstone for my cousin's going away party,
but today tried it for sunday brunch..
umm SUCCESS.

santino's first trip to anthro.
trying to cheer myself up about going back to work..
by picking out cute back to work outfits!

j wanted a new pair of maui jims
(he's an addict)
but i said okay...

because they fit me too!
<3 love the weekends.
my life is a vacation :)

photoshoot.

2011-07-14T20:35:00.000-04:00

taking a good picture of sonny takes patience.
i have no skill.
so we try
& try again.
today baby boy is 11weeks.
we spent the morn running errands.
& i was a mess this afternoon.
i wrote a whole post on being the anti-positive.
and deleted it.
because in truth..
i'm blessed.

i went & got my hair did.
& i feel 100x better.

at 11weeks.
i bought him a bumbo seat.
he's not quite ready,
but almost!
we have a beach tent.
(now if i could just bring myself to be in a bathing suit at the beach..)
he's bored easily.
he's quickly becoming a 'hip baby'
(stuck on mommas hip as i run around the house doing things).
he's a speed nurser.
easily over fed..
& then it's back up again.
(when people say you can over-nurse.. they're lying).
but on to the out takes..
i hope these cheer you up:

earring sale!

2011-07-13T11:34:00.000-04:00

*only earrings!!
if ordering other items,
do not use coupon!
if ordering earrings
&other items do not use coupon,
i will refund 25% off earrings through paypal!
check out all EARRINGS HERE!

santino anthony's baptism

2011-07-12T20:48:00.000-04:00

the first of many announcements on our chalkboard door!

my mom brought santino a beautiful cake from crust n krumbs bakery in vineland, nj

james & i were both raised catholics & plan to raise santino the same way.
we are members of st. mary of mt. carmel parish.
head to hammonton this week to enjoy the festival!

santino's god parents, j's brother & sister-in-law!

so many friends & family came to our home on sunday afternoon.
we seriously need to finish our addition,
our house is too small for these gatherings!

i only have off 2.5more weeks until i return to work full-time.
plans?
at least one beach day.
get back on a healthy eating schedule.
(all this junk food post baptism party needs to go!)
back to work clothes shopping.
spend as much time outside
(difficult in this 90+ weather!)
finish the four books currently in my posesssion
(and blog reviews!)
bake zucchini bread
(healthy style - with zucchini from my garden!)
clean & organize my house.
give the babe as many hugs and kisses as physically possible!
try and pump/freeze/store at least 40oz.
anything else i should get done with santino in the next 2.5weeks?

imback.

2011-07-07T17:33:00.000-04:00

well almost two months later,
i'm back.

i loved tumblr,
it just didn't love me.

i kind of missed my blogspot layout.
& my journey to heart/courage/brain.

today i visited my favorite grocery store / deli:
bagliani's market - hammonton, nj

picked up balsamic vinegar
& some of their amazing fresh mozzarella.

this will go along with the steaks i also purchased.
& maybe some zucchini.

only the basil is from this year's garden..
we've gotten a ton of rain.
& my tomato plants are literally falling over from size.
please pass along your fav tomato recipes.

tumblr.

2011-05-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

i've made the switch: http://hollycarotenuto.tumblr.com/

for now..
i might not be cool enough to handle tumblr.
but i figured i give it a try.
catch me there..

maternity love.

2011-05-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

i definitely want to give some shout outs to items
that have helped me survive the past week & a half.

first i want to give a HUGE shout out
to tanks that helped me survive 9months of pregnancy.

i started wearing these gap support camis about 8 weeks in.
& i'm still wearing them.
tanks with built in bras are great for nursing pads.

i bought a black & a tan tank.
& literally wore them each 2x a week.
don't judge.
they hold in your curves.
hold up your large maternity pants.
keep you belly band in place.
etc
etc.

definitely a must have.
i will buy 4 more for the next pregnancy.
(which would be in 3 months if my mom had her way).

sleepless nights.

2011-05-09T14:04:00.000-04:00

our first rough night.
mother's day eve,
sonny went on strike.
first it was gas.
totally my fault.
dad was in town.
he bought bagliani's cheese.
dairy = no bueno for breast milk.

sonny cried & cried.
i cried & i cried.

after the gas passed,
all mother's day he refused my left breast.
the lactacian consultant was unavailable.
a doctor called me back from the answering service.
his advice was to pump the left
& feed on the right.
& keep trying.

i did this for all feedings yesterday.
i googled other ways to deal.
one suggestion was see a chiro..
& have them hold the baby upside down by the ankles.
what?

i did a lot of mommy & sonny time between feedings.
we took a nap on the couch together
& relaxed.
finally at 10pm on mother's day he fed on the left.
best mother's day gift ever!

so thankful for so many supportive people around.
my mom has done everything around our house the past week.
& my dad was in town this weekend to meet sonny.
when i felt like giving up yesterday
& switching to fomula
my parents kept me motivated.
& of course j..
who keeps his sense of humor,
while i'm losing my mind.
that's love.

santino's nursery elephant print from Trendy Pea's on Etsy

part4 - hospital stay

2011-05-07T12:28:00.000-04:00

THE BRITISH ARE COMING.
due to babies early morning arrival (1:06am)
i ended up being at the hospital for THREE LONG DAYS.
i hate hospitals.
hate visiting people in hospitals.
will do anything to not even go to the doctor.

early on santino's birth day my mom & j's mom were first to arrive.
my mom brought a british flag.
i guess i should first explain that i originally planned on marrying prince william.
at 15 i visited england,
& even stalked out eton (prince will's school).

obviously i met j.
who is actually more like prince harry.
both are the younger brothers..
both have a little bit of a bad rep?

but a big joke in my family is my love of prince will.
& my mom was obsessed with princess di..
so i really should blame her.

i had a sleepover with my bff & mom to watch princess di's funeral.
kind of depressing?

so back to the british flag.
j's mom thought it'd be funny to hang it on my suite door.

so for three days everyone thought i was a brit.
when my family came to visit they didn't even have to ask my room number.
just look for the flag.

she also brought the 'queen' crown.
that i wore for our first family photo.

j came to the hospital early the day after santino's birth.
& he slept through the royal wedding.
after we toasted to our babe with our new champagne glasses.
courtesy of my british loving aunt
(who has lived in england two separate times).

being in the hospital sucked.
frequent interruptions by nurser/doctors/techs drove me crazy.
but celebrating the royal wedding
& the birth of your babe was fab.

one week!

2011-05-05T16:26:00.000-04:00

don't worry i'm not a horrible mother.
i picked him two seconds after taking a quick shot.
but he's just so cute when he cries.
he looks just like his daddy.

today he's one week old.
& he met one set of great-grand parents from delaware.
what a lucky kid..
five great-grand parents!

he was born on helen & sonny's
55th wedding anniversary.
how perfect is that?

tomorrow he meets his grandpop from florida!

he's sleeping at three hour intervals at night.
which makes mommy very happy!

everyone keeps bringing us sweets.
but mommy keeps losing weight.
breast feeding = best diet ever!

however next thursday i'm starting the dukan diet.
anyone doing this?
any tips?!

trying to make an outdoors kid.
his bassinet plays ocean sounds
& it puts him right to sleep.
today he was fussy so i bundled him up
& walked up
& down the driveway.
calmed instantly!

part3 - boobs.

2011-05-04T12:17:00.000-04:00

after santino joined our world he was taken away.
this is exactly what i did not want to happen.
however his respiration rate was high
& he needed to be evaluated.

it took close to three hours for me to see him.
the nurse brought him
& asked if wanted help with breast feeding.

i did not take any classes,
& only read briefly on the subject.
i figured if it works it works..
if not, no big deal.

luckily santino was a natural.
he immediately latched.

we've had some difficulty.
my nipples are sore
& blistered.
he doesn't always latch correctly.

however, his first doctors appointment sold me.
they raved about his weight & poop.

knowing that this is the best thing for my baby
makes all the difference
& puts all the pain in perspective.

i have no advice on breast feeding.
i just think it's natural.
it's meant to happen.
no over thinking it.

we've even stopped using the boppy for feedings.
we do best skin to skin.
his little belly resting between my chest.
& if i lean back it helps with the pain.
the landolin lotion is my bff.

i'm a leaky mess.
but i wouldn't want it any other way.

part2 - and there goes your birthing plan.

2011-05-03T09:00:00.003-04:00

i didn't have a birthing plan.

i knew that it would most likely change during labor anyway.
however i did make statements like:

i really don't want an epidural.
i'm going to try and do this as naturally as possible.
there is no way i'm letting them do an episiotomy.
i'm not letting them take the baby away from me after delivery.

well this is me eating all my words.
i've already talked about the contractions.
on the drive i decided..
i needed an epidural.
in the triage room i really started to lose it.
they told me they only needed to draw some blood
& run an IV.
then i'd have my epidural.
we left the triage room.
i lost my dinner on the way to the labor room.
j quipped 'you just made it smell like a deli in there'
great thanks.

they kept telling me to breathe during the contractions.
like that was going to help.

after the longest hour
& half the doctor came with the epidural.
i was so nervous about the needle to the spine.
it was nothing the had IV hurt more.

within a few seconds i was back to me.
i immediately apologized to everyone in the room..
i'm really not the rude/horrible person i was during the contractions.

as soon as the epidural was in place
my doc came to examine me
without even discussing it he broke my water.
'she's 9'
NINE CENTIMETERS.

well that explains the contractions.
an hour and a half .. 5 cm..
no pain meds.
let me just pat myself on the back now.

with an hour i was pushing.
seriously the best part of the birth.
remember the epidural?

our nurse was amazing.
j was so calm
& supportive.

it was going great.
until sonny decided to shake things up.

his heart was dropping.
we were too far along for a cesearian.

the doctor mentioned the vacuum
& i panicked.
but we continued pushing.

baby came quickly.
a few long pushes.
and then a cry.

there was an episiotomy.
but i felt nothing until he started the stitches.
even then it was just pulling
& i'm healing well.
& nothing compares to the healthy baby boy..
who made his appearance at 1:06am.

part1 - contractions.

2011-05-02T21:00:00.001-04:00

i'll probably rewrite these posts six thousand times.
i feel like delivering your baby is so private & intimate.
yet it was such an amazing experience i want to share a little.

after two dry runs to the hospital
we set an inducement date for 4/29/11.
which tickled my fancy since i've been a royalist my whole life.
(this will be important when i discuss our hospital stay)

i told j we were NOT going back to the hospital.
for any reason.
unless my water broke..
or i was in so much pain i couldn't walk.

well my water never broke.
my contractions came
& immediately i knew they were different.
at first they were spaced 5 minutes apart
& i ate dinner,
painted my nails
& tried to shower.

after the shower they really intensified.
i was literally crawling around our house.
remember how i said i would go back to the hospital..
when i couldn't walk.
so we packed up & headed out.

how do i describe contractions?
your worst menstural cramps..
x10?
i get cramps from hell.
my contractions were hell.
that was just my experience.
& i'm not apologizing when i say..
damn that $%&*&$ hurt.

an accident on the way to the hospital sent us on a detour.
i was near tears when we checked in.
'i think i'm going to pop'
-my exact words to the triage nurse.

& i was.
4cm!

adorable VT loopy blanket from Ga Ga Galore - thank you Erica!

oh, the past week.

2011-05-02T17:25:00.001-04:00

i'm not sure how many posts this will take.
maybe just one.
maybe just one word would suffice.
love.

currently santino is hanging next to me on his boppy lounger.
his olive skin & dark hair still shock me.
not at all what i expected my baby to look like.
yet i feel like i've known him forever.

he'll be FIVE days old at 1:06am tomorrow.
he's gained 11oz since we left the hospital.
along with our family & friends we've been feeding him..
a non stop diet of love.

as my energy returns i plan on giving you some details.
i'll spare you too much.
but forgive me if i brag.
i've got a son.
& he's pretty cool.

amazing mohawk hat from Cherished Times Boutique on etsy!

dry run.

2011-04-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

i've tried to keep my posts balanced and not all pregnancy related,
but i'm one day away from my due date
& yesterday was kind of crazy so sorry.
if you hate pregnancy talk hit that x in the top right corner now.
thanks.

so yesterday i had my 39 week exam.
thought this was totally going to be routine.
i knew i was doomed as i sat in the waiting room for an hour.
watching some other woman's 11 month old crawl on the dirty carpet.
i was being a judgmental brat
& i apologize now.

i met with a new apn.
there are almost 10 docs/apns in my office
& i'm really not picky so i see whoevers available.

she performed the internal exam.
it hurt like hell.
& she told me i was not dilated.
but 'let me see if i can get in there'
wait what?

next she used the baby heart monitor thing.
baby's heart rate was irregular.
'how have his fetal movements been?'
'good, all the time'
'10 a day, 4 an hour?'
waiit.. i'm supposed to be counting.
i swear this is the first time any of my docs mentioned actual counting.
i mean every couple of hours i usually lay on my side or sit or drink water to get him to move.
but counting...
nope.
worst mom ever
& this baby isn't even here yet.
oops.

so she leaves
& tells me to get dressed.

comes back 5 minutes later..
'they're waiting for you at the hospital'
if you know me in real life you know i totally went into panic.

called the hubs who may or may not have panicked worse.
& he was two hours away.. crap.
luckily MIL & mom were both less than hour away and met me at the hospital.
at the hospital i thought this is it.
they placed me on fetal monitors.
the tech asked if my belly was getting hard.
sort of?
i was having contractions 4-5minutes apart.
suddenly i had back contractions.
baby wasn't moving much
& his heart rate stayed low.
my heart rate was low.
TROUBLE.

then i had an ultrasound.
they said pretty much...
nothing during the entire ultrasound.
(mind you at this point i'm still by myself at the hospital)
finally ultrasound was over..
'he looks to be about 8lbs 11oz'
i didn't say what i was thinking..
you're shitting me.

at this point MIL showed up followed quickly by my mom.
(mom had stopped at my house to pick up my bags
& let minion out incase this turned out to be the big one)
mom brought her camera of course.

back on fetal monitors with his two gmoms in the room..
baby livened up.
i swear he is just like his father.
loves commotion.

after 20 more minutes on the monitor
& talking with the on call doc about my ultrasound..
they decided to let me go.

contractions continued for most of the day,
but if i walked around they lessened..
prelabor.

as we walked out of the hospital we saw j's truck driving up.
he was so ready to have the baby.
best scene ever is watching your husband rush to meet your baby.

well another day.
and no baby.
one day until due date.
back to the doctors on tuesday unless something happens sooner.

& don't worry i'm counting baby movements now.

pineapple & cranberry upside dreaminess.

2011-04-19T17:00:00.001-04:00

recipe adapted from 1939 Modern Hostess Cook Book

the recipe called for canned pineapple & fresh cranberries.
i used a fresh pineapple & dried cranberries.
there's no specific pan size mentioned & i used a large springform pan.

1. melt 1/4 cup butter & mix in 2/3 cup brown sugar until smooth.
2. spray/butter pan. lay pineapple slices & cranberries on bottom of pan.
3. pour butter & brown sugar mix on top of pineapple & cranberries.

4. mix 1&1/2 cup cake flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4tsp salt, 3/4tsp cinnamon
5. cream 1/3 cup butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar
6. beat in two eggs to butter/sugar mixture
7. alternate adding dry mixture and 1/2 cup milk to butter/sugar/egg mix until smooth

8. pour cake batter over pineapple/cranberry/brownsugar in pan
9. place cranberries around rim of cake & splatter some on bottom if you're down like me.

10. bake at 350degrees for about 30 minutes

& enjooyyy.

pineapple love.

2011-04-19T13:24:00.000-04:00

a few weeks ago my husband surprised me with this beauty.
a pampered chef pineapple slicer.

this has become my new bff.
we can eat a whole pineapple with no problem.

today i decided to bake with this pineapple.
i used this 1939 Modern Hostess Cook Book
$3.50 + shipping at Helen's Hassack
stay tuned to see the recipe & results!

fly guys.

2011-04-14T06:55:00.000-04:00

james & i don't hide our love of philly sports.
the truth is the flyers were my original team.
in 5th grade when everyone was rocking starter jackets..
mine was a flyers pull over.
super cool.

today the flyers kick off their play off run.
earlier this year j & i went to a live game.
boxing on ice..
amazing.

even though we no longer have my boy eric lindros.
now we have the great coach laviolette.
say that name out loud.
it just makes you sound sophisticated.
lav-e-oh-let.

i guess i've always had a thing for bright orange :)

maternity leave, loss & other random thoughts.

2011-04-12T14:15:00.001-04:00

day two of maternity leave.
i was bored by 3pm on day one.
but i know it's for the best.
as much as i love my job..
it can really take a mental toll.

today j brought home 150 year old nails.
he knows how to make his lady happy.

i feel that baby is comfortable.
and i could go another two weeks before delivery.
& reach my due date or later.

mom & i are headed to an auction on saturday.
it's been awhile
& i'm so excited to get some new-old stuff.

this past weekend a childhood friend passed away.
my brother & i grew up on a street where everyone else was related.
they always treated us like family.
my brother stayed there
& when his house burnt down on chrismas eve
the neighborhood rallied around him.
especially the person who passed away.

it mad me think a lot about how my brother & i were raised for some reason.
we were always taught to be friends with everyone.
& we always have been.
we both still talk to friends from elementary school.
our parents never allowed us to discriminate.
how do you teach friendliness?
one study i read in grad school talked about having an open house.
inviting people of all races & creeds to your home teaches your child to be open.
any other ideas?

asparagus season.

2011-04-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

asparagus was $2.99 a bunch at the grocery store.

& it's perfect

& thin

& yummy.

perfect for this pioneer woman recipe.

meatless monday perfection!

the zucchini was super small.

made me yearn for my summer zucchini.

37weeks & 2days.

2011-04-04T19:08:00.000-04:00

today the weather hit (almost) 80 degrees.
i broke out the dress my sister in law gave me when i first announced my pregnancy.
this dress may be worn every other day between now and delivery.
just warning you.
liz lange for target.
& ohsocomfy!

i also wore my favorite flat sandals.
which were my favorite..
until i couldn't feel my feet anymore.
one more week of work.
no face pictures?
yeah..
didn't rock any make up to work today.

only four more days of work until maternity leave.
i thought i would work until delivery.
to save money.
then i became an emotional mess.
'one born every minute' is now banned in our home.
i can't watch it and stay sane.
so hopefully i'll have a few weeks off before baby's arrival to relax.
bahah.
sorry, i don't really know what relaxation is.
but mom promises at least one casino trip while we wait for baby.

the nursery.

2011-04-03T14:05:00.000-04:00

our nursery is finally (almost) complete
i have two more pictures to frame.
but for now if baby comes,
his room is ready. :)

our theme was color.
bright color.
first we like turtles.
then i found elephants.
& i love it all.
our ikea crib.
&babies r us bedding.

ikea dresser.
my mom made the letters out of scrapbook paper & michael's letters.
we used a jc penny's curtain as our closet door.

j & my brother decided to paint the inside of the closet orange.
it became one of my favorite parts of the room.
& i loved getting to use all the baskets give as gifts.
don't you love those stripe boxes?
my aunt wrapped my gifts in those boxes from christmas tree shop.

i was back & forth on gliders/rockers.
my aunt offered us her rocker.
my mom found perfect fabric to match baby's room,
she re-upholstered the chair cushions
& i can't wait to spend many nights right here with my boy.

of course sonny's phillies hat is ready for him.

Ga Ga Galore

2011-04-02T12:15:00.000-04:00

very excited to support Erica's business

Ga Ga Galore

Erica & I met as young college students working retail.
seven years later?
she's the mom of THREE adorable little boys.
works all day
& runs her own craft business.

she'll be using the banner for a craft show later this month.
become a fan on facebook
& check out her site for great baby items!
some items @ ga ga galore:

oatmeal, pecan & chocolate chip cookies

2011-03-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

my office is still celebrating
& friday was pecan day.

i'm in love with drop cookies.
& these are a new favorite.

recipe from joy the baker.

these cookies are easy,
super soft
& the perfect mix of salty/sweet.

dreaming big.

2011-03-25T18:24:00.000-04:00

i'm not one to sit idle.
it actually drives me crazy.

i know that when the baby arrives
my life will change dramatically.

but i know i need to keep busy.
i've been trying my hand at crafting.

my fun paper banners have been selling well
at the store.

so i decided to try them at my etsy store.
hope you enjoy.
& keep dreaming :)

bumps for the bump.

2011-03-22T18:47:00.000-04:00

i must do well.
i should have known,
this pregnancy was too fun,
too easy.
i was the perfect pregnant girl.
& it's still good.
but i've realized i need to slow down.
i don't have to do everything.
my mom came to the rescue this weekend.
she scrubbed my kitchen floor
& took me for a milkshake..
things only a mom will do.

you must treat me well.
i get it.
everyone has their own life.
i need to let go unfair expectations of others.
that they will drop everything to help me.
you get what you give.
and i haven't been giving a lot lately.
it's been all about me..
i need to treat others better.

the world must be easy.
i don't want it to be easy.
i know motherhood will be hard.
ya'll can stop telling me just how bad it will be.
i can't wait.
the 2am feedings..
the dirty diapers..
the crying..
bring it on.

i have a feeling baby will be here soon.
watch out world.

pie day.

2011-03-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

after this post on madeleine's blog
my office decided we would celebrate as much as possible in march.

today is pie day.
i still have not officially made a pie.

for pie day i made this tart.
which was sooo easy.
i used 2kiwi
half a container of strawberries
half a pint of blueberries
& half a pint of rasberries

& it's a rectangle.
so hopefully i get points for trying.

goal for this summer: MAKE A PIE.
a real one.
hopefully a blueberry with hammonton blues?!

pineapple fun.

2011-03-13T20:01:00.000-04:00

i could give you my play by play of this recipe,
but the pioneer woman does such a better job.

i will tell you that these were amazing.
i skipped my dinner tonight
& ate these leftovers.
also i only used half a pineapple
& half a jalapeno pepper.

j loved them too.
ate a second helping,
which is unusual for him.

a nice easy saturday night dinner.
we had a rough weekend.
up at 6:30am both days due to a new roof being put on our house.
next weekend they start new siding.
hopefully everything is done in 6 weeks..

you know before theres a baby in the house.
(hopefully no sooner ;) )

summer staples

2011-03-10T20:42:00.000-05:00

is summer here yet?
i know it's not even spring.
but a girl can dream right?
stock up now!

a home canning guide
great vintage book
with knowledge perfect for today's world
save money & eat healthy!
BOOKSALE coupon still works - 40% off all books!
$3.50+shipping

simple fun long sea shell necklace.
26inch multi size & shape shells.
great over top of a plain t-shirt or tank this summer.
can't you picture it with your favorite sandals?
$7.00+shipping

beautiful neon screw back earrings.

bright teals & greens.

liven up any summer outfit.

$6.50+shipping

looking for a unique gift- check my SALE section - always updated & changing

surprise.

2011-03-08T20:08:00.000-05:00

this past weekend i was blessed with not one but TWO showers.
one i knew about in advance
& the second was a great surprise.

my mom's cake from crust n krumbs bakery in vineland, nj
absolutely delish!

my good friend michelle coordinate the surprise
& a ton of the details like these popcorn favors.
from our favorite shore treat johnson's caramel popcorn

my mom handmade a baby quilt
& these amazing letters for the nursery!

we are so blessed
& this little boy is so very lucky.

ode to the old ball & chain.

2011-03-02T20:04:00.000-05:00

Silver Chain Metal Drop Clip Earrings - $6.50 + shipping

Pearl & Silver Round Bead Drop Earrings - $6.50 + shipping

Black & Gold Ball & Chain Clip Earrings - $6.75 + shipping

be happy, it's that easy.

2011-03-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

my board is becoming famous.
everyone wants to know what my newest inspiration is each week.

the ironic part of this quote..
today my boss explained that abe lincoln was probably clinically depressed.

but i find so much truth in the words.
i'm a big believer in positive thinking.
all that tony robbins stuff.

keep your head up.
think positive.
ignore the negative.
declutter your life.
& enjoy.

(personal opinion as always..
not professional. thanks)

crib love.

2011-02-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

or as my cousin said:
'your crib has a crib?'

i spent my sunday scrubbing the hard wood.
j & my brother put together the crib & dresser.

i'm in love.
blue walls.
orange closet.
green crib.

the colors of love.

what's in a name.

2011-02-24T20:04:00.000-05:00

we're naming our child after a character from a movie.
& this movie series has been playing the past two nights.
& we're addicted.
we can't wait for our santino.
the boy we'll call sonny.
this is as close as we can get.
a movie.

we're not really naming our baby after a movie character.
he'll be sonny after my grandfather.
the 82 year old man who still calls me doll baby.
who will tell you exactly what he's thinking.
who slipped me $20 each time i saw him while in college.
when i had a migrane while sleeping over his house as a kid..
he stayed up with me,
held my hair back while i got sick.
& told me he use to get migranes but he out grew them and i would too.
& i did.

he also sat with me while i cried when my parents were divorcing.
his parents had divorced too.
he told me it would be okay eventually
& it was.

he told me how he fought with his sister
& missed her wedding.
but they ended up being close again
& my brother
& i would be okay.
& we are.

santino will not be sonny officially.
we're saving that for cousin k or a..
whoever has a baby boy first.

but unofficially our boy will be sonny.
& he'll have big shoes to fill.

dinner for under $12

2011-02-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

i'm thrilled each month when i receive my everyday food.
yesterday i ran out for the ingredients in this meal,
if you already have olive oil, salt & pepper..
this should cost you less than $12.
& we had a ton of leftovers.

shells, cauliflower, chickpeas & ricotta

1. roast at 450degrees a head of cauliflower cut into florets with a 19oz can of cento chickpeas (rinsed/drained) with olive oil and salt & pepper for 25 minutes
2. roast two cups of 1inch cubes of crusty bread for 10minutes
3. cook a box of whole grain barilla shells
4. mix cooked shells, cauliflower mix & 3tablespoons fresh chopped parsley & 2tablespoons olive oil
5. top with 1/2cup ricotta & toasted bread cubes

yummy, healthy & vegetarian!

i recommend cento chickpeas (they're the best!) & barilla's whole grain pasta (least whole grain tasting)

my journey.

2011-02-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

it took a lot of vocalization from my friends to get me to post a baby bump picture.
it has taken 31weeks for me to appreciate my journey.

i spent so long comparing myself to others,
& wondering what was normal.

before i realized this is normal for me.

the beginning was tough.
i gained weight quickly.
i was sick every morning.
i thought this is it...
one and done.

then a miracle happened around 17-18weeks.
i felt like me.
i went back to the gym.
got back on my normal diet.
started feeling in control.

it didn't help that i started a new job,
& a week later there were two pink lines.

thank god this job has been amazing.
supportive bosses & co-workers are underrated.
& it has been the best distraction.

now i feel in the zone.
between my day-job & helen's hassack,
i'm always on the move.
sometimes i'm going for hours
& then i feel that kick..
and suddenly remember i'm pregnant.

it's important,
do not get me wrong.
i cannot wait to be a mom.

& i haven't been this happy..
not just happy,
but honestly content,
ever.
but i'm also me..
& i don't plan on losing that anytime soon.

*please ignore the mess of our guest room
which is now also our home office in order to make room for baby.

that's smooth.

2011-02-18T14:48:00.001-05:00

in an effort to increase my vitamin intake
& curve my sweet tooth
i decided to try smoothies.

this one was a hit from
everyday food magazine

j didn't even know there was spinach in the smoothie.

peach, berry & spinach smoothie
1 cup frozen peaches
1/2 cup frozen blackberries
1 cup spinach (i used bagged baby spinach)
1 & 1/2 cup white grape juice
(if you use fresh fruit add 1/2 cup ice)

blend thoroughly and enjoy!

makes two servings of:
200% of your daily vitamin C
160 calories
0 fat
2g protein
41g carbs
4g fiber

BOOKSALE

2011-02-18T07:40:00.000-05:00

head to Helen's Hassack
click on the Books section
browse & enjoy.

select your favorites.
enter the coupon code:
BOOKSALE
& receive 40% off all books from the shop!

many different topics for your interest:
hostess
entertaining
baking
canning
historical
knitting

please convo or e-mail { hollylynn.carotenuto@gmail.com } with questions!

two chefs one kitchen

2011-02-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

most people don't know i scored big when i married j.
before he joined the family construction business..
he studied at the art institute of philadelphia for culinary arts.

not only is he amazingly handsome..
he can cook!

however it sometimes leads to issues when i try and make a meal.
i'm a follow the recipe perfectly kind of girl.
he's a go with it kind of guy.

tonight we compromised,
i picked the recipe,
purchased the ingredients..
and he cooked adding a little j flavor.

and it was a SUCCESS!
a nice light meal,
with great taste!

check out the recipe here.
i agree with all of this bloggers suggestions
& will be adding pineapple next time!

more clearance.

2011-02-15T18:08:00.000-05:00

i added a new item to clearance.
expires FEBRUARY 17 !!!
light brown fur headband with birdcage veil attached - purchase NOW here

more hats & love available at Helen's Hassack

the finished product.

2011-02-15T17:58:00.000-05:00

sunday was family dinner at my moms.
it's really nice to have everyone together.
i hope we always can do this.

i brought dessert.
my first from scratch cake.
i followed this recipe from annie's eats.
5sticks of butter & love.

the results:

icing.. fudge heaven.
a thick heavy icing that formed well on the heart shaped cake.
definitely would use this icing again!

cake.. wedding cake.
that was the typical description.
not a light fluffy cake,
but a heavy cake that tastes like a typical wedding cake.

definitely a nice start to my cake making days :)

clearance!

2011-02-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

only available online until FEBRUARY 17 !!
black hat
&
brown hat.
get them before they hit the store.
:)
& check out all of the other SALE items at Helen's Hassack

the love of baking.

2011-02-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

tonight we will actually taste test the cake.
but the journey was amazing.

it felt great to challenge myself with something new.
this is the first time i've baked a complete cake from scratch.
the first time i melted chocolate on the stove (seriously..)

a few hours alone in the kitchen
with my new favorite show (american pickers) on in the background
= the perfect saturday.

from scratch.

2011-02-12T08:39:00.000-05:00

i had never heard of softasilk
before this advertisement with an angel food cake recipe.

today i'm baking my first cake from scratch.
& the recipe calls for cake flour.

usually i skip over any recipe with cake flour.
i've never bought it before yesterday.
mom told me she usually uses all purpose flour instead.

any thoughts?
which is better, is it necessary?

something red - jennifer gilmore - book review

2011-02-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

something red

jennifer gilmore

i'm a big fan of the historical fiction.
a fake story with some real history.

a fulfilling novel about real issues.
family issues.
family secrets.

a little mystery.
mixed with family drama.

told from each family member's view.
keeps you analyzing and not judging.

good for:
those who love a little family discord.
anyone with an interest in american communism in the 60s & 70s.
if you have a russian background.
those who like a little mix of history & drama.
overall rating:
3 out of 5 holly leaves?

now reading:
the girl who kicked the hornet's nest
can - not - wait - for - the -movies.
love this series!

persistence

2011-02-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

i've come to realize i'm not the happiest pregnant girl.
as i get larger
my fuse gets shorter.
i give myself daily reminders to be happy.

being happy isn't easy.
we have to be cognizant.
to be loveable we have to be persistent.

our feelings don't just happen.
they come from our interpretations.

interpret your world different.
think about what made you happy today.
and tell someone.

pretty valentine's earrings here.

where is spring?

2011-02-04T20:54:00.000-05:00

i have never been this antsy for spring.

i love snow.

snow days.

hot chocolate

& hot chili.

this year is different.

we get our new bundle in april.

& the spring brings baseball..

PHILS.

mom & i already have our sleepover planned..

for the wedding of the decade.

i can-not-wait to see her dress & head piece!

but also..

what are you excited for this spring?

anyone planning an alice in wonderland tea party?

you'll need hats!

we've got hats ! !

Helen's Hasssack Hats

my favorite dinner.

2011-02-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

i've been hitting the gym hard the past few days.
after a long weekend with family -
i came home with some good advice from my aunts.

the best came from aunt j..
her best birth
(out of three - all without meds!)
was the one where she was most fit!

when j gets dinner for himself before i'm home i make my favorite

the holly special.

cook 1 cup (uncooked) whole wheat pasta.
steam broccoli florets & baby carrots.
heat one can of hunt's diced tomatoes with basil & olive oil.
(i also threw in some left over chicken from last night's dinner).
mix altogether & cover with parmesean cheese!

now i get to splurge on dessert. yum!