Sitting Around on a Saturday

We have had a quiet and relaxing Saturday. The hubs watched football, I made some Chex Mix and the little guy ... well... he entertained himself by taking laps around the kitchen island dragging his rocking chair. Totally normal, right?! He made 3 laps in all. Here are some pictures and a video.

He also has been talking a storm. Just jibber jabbering with an occasional Mama, Dada! He is officially 15 months today!!

Christmas PJs Are Out!

Who are we kidding... They've been out since the day after Halloween :) We can't wait to deck the halls!!

Boy In A Basket

Little man emptied all of the blocks out of this basket and climbed on in! He is so funny!! :)

Winter White Coat

I know you're not supposed to shop for yourself right before Christmas. But when i saw this coat online for half off so I thought I would just head to the store to try it on... see how it fits. I was thinking I would get the coat in hot pink, but when I saw the ivory, I knew it was a must-buy! Originally $70, old navy had a half off all outerwear special, making the coat $35. In NJ there is no sales tax on clothing, which only sweetens the deal. I HAD to buy it.

Naturally, I paired the coat with a leopard scarf, but I think it will also look nice with my light pink or teal pashmina. Take my word for it, it's even cuter in person! 

Caps in a Bag

I have been saving caps from apple juice bottles, milk jugs... anything that little man won't choke on.  I ran them through the dishwasher and threw them in a bag.  He likes to take carry around the bag, empty the contents and fill the bag back up.  It is simple entertainment and provides him something different then his usual toys!  

Action Photo!  Pulling the bag around the kitchen

NJ Police!

Gift from Gram Min & Gramp Kenny.  Yes, of course it lights up and plays multiple varieties of LOUD sirens.  Little man has figured out how to climb on/off and how to rock.  He loves it.  He also likes to push/drag it around the kitchen. Thanks guys! 

Easy Apple Crisp

This is a classic recipe for an easy apple (or peach, cherry, blackberry) crisp. My mom gave it to me when I first got married. It's a recipe that's hard to mess up and so delicious!! The hardest part is peeling the apples. I like to make it while dinner is cooking and then throw it in the oven once we're clearing the table.

4 c. Apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
2 T. Flour
3/4 c. Sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Mix above and put in casserole dish (8x8 or 2 qt size).

1 stick butter, melted
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Flour
3/4 c. Oats

Mix above and crumble/pour over apples.

Bake at 350 until top is nicely browned (approx 45 min but this can vary depending on size of pan used)

Tips/Tricks
- I used 4 apples (it doesn't have to be exactly 4 cups, just approx)
- I don't measure the cinnamon just sprinkle generously. Don't skimp on the cinn this is what makes it so good! But is okay to skimp (but not skip) on the sugar, especially if you like to keep the tartness of the apples.
- Be sure to wait for the crisp to really brown on top, not just a little but as done as you can without burning. This helps to be sure the inside is done. The longer you can cook it the more "set up" it will be.
- Instead of apples you can substitute peaches, blackberries-- fresh, frozen or canned. Can also use pie-filling. In my opinion, fresh cook up the best and keep your crisp from getting too gooey.
- Serve with ice cream for extra goodness!

And here are some pictures of little man eating pretzels in his rocking chair.  He likes to reach inside the bag and pull them out one by one.