Our 6 Favorite Vegetarian Pasta Recipes.

My husband and I like to think of ourselves as pretty clean eaters. We don't eat meat or much dairy (except cheese, god I love cheese) and only certain types of fish and seafood. You would think that this makes planning meals difficult, but really it's the opposite. When I go in for our weekly shop, I grab as many vegetables as I think I can fit in my fridge, a few pieces of fish, and a couple boxes of pasta, and some broth. Once I get home I throw the fish in the freezer, and hop on my computer or pull out my cookbooks and try (try being the operative word) to look at the week ahead and plan a menu.  In the Summer things are a little trickier, mostly because I don't really want to spend a second more inside the house than is necessary, but also there are the usual concerns about heating the house too much with the oven, and not wanting a big meal with it is 90 degrees out... but the Winter. Well, in the Winter all bets are off. 

During the months of October- April I work out a lot more (mainly because there is nothing else to do in the freezing cold, and my kids always love the children's room at our gym) and when it's cold outside, like everyone else, I crave comfort food. Soups, pastas, anything and everything that needs to be roasted for hours... you name it. Basically if it's warm and has carbs, I'm in. While I certainly aim to mix things up a bit, I start to notice around this time a year that I tend to recycle the same recipes over and over. Sometimes it's just because I'm feeling uninspired, but mostly it's because they are just that good. In most of these I try to shy away from the unhealthy elements but substituting olive oil for butter, and halving (or even quartering) the cheese, but considering the amount of vegetables in each, you really can't go wrong. 

For those of you out there looking for some great new recipes, here are my 6 go to vegetarian pasta dishes. Bon Appetit!

Simple Spaghetti with Kale, Lemon, and Garlic

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 Linguini with Pea Pesto*

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 Cavatappi with Browned Brussels Sprouts and Breadcrumbs

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 Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe**

(my favorite dish EVER)

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 Brown Butter Spaghetti with Kale and Roasted Butternut Squash 

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 Wild Mushroom Fettuccine 

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What are your favorite wintertime recipes? I'd love to work something new in to the rotation!

*I substitue bow tie pasta and my kids love it!

** Most unhealthy dish ever... I so do not care. 

This or That?

 The other day I was at my girlfriend's house when she showed me the most insane jacket that she had picked up on super sale at Intermix. After trying it on, I knew I had to scoop one up for myself! Although, it can't be seen here, the neck pulls up like a funnel, and it has the amazing gift of adding instant chic to any outfit. If you are in the market for a great moto jacket, look no further! When I got home, I realized that I had seen this same look before, and sure enough, I remembered having pinned (and pined for) a similar coat a few weeks back! 

I figured I'd mock up a similar look, in this week's This or That.

jacket/ shoes/ jeans/ weekender/ hat

Kindergarten Assimilation.

 Over the last few months, I've been bearing witness to the unavoidable phenomenon that is the assimilation of a Kindergartner. I'm not sure if it is as obvious on this blog as it is in real life, but my Little Man is most definitely one of those kids who beats to his own drum. From fashion, to skateboarding, to getting his nails done with Mom, he used to have a "this is me" kind of attitude. He would never think twice about rocking christmas colored nails in pre-school, or an arm full of bracelets, and for a time he would collect necklaces (think shark teeth, beads... etc) and rotate them daily depending on his mood. He entered his first day of Kindergarten this goofy free spirit, which is absolutely encouraged by his school, and now, just a few months later, he's most definitely shifted his interests to align more with his peers. 

I don't think he's feeling any pressure from his friends, (and believe me I've asked), I think this just may be something that kids do, to feel like they belong. I fully support any interest of his, but it is definitely strange when our kid who couldn't tell a football from a baseball, is now talking nonstop about Tom Brady, and the "big game" in a house where we couldn't find a sports channel, other than the Outside network, if our life depended on it. So far we've said nothing, invested in some traditional sporting equipment, and have basically followed his lead. I pretended not to notice when during the last sleepover we had, one of the boys asked about the polish on my LM's toes, and he replied "I'm not sure what that is, I think it's just marker," and haven't questioned his new obsessions that are so different from his old. I even didn't cry (in front of him) when during his last haircut he asked to have it "off his neck, like the boys in his class." This coming from a kid who was so attached to his longer hair, that he would wait until he couldn't see any more before I could drag him in for a trim.

The flip side is that he has also assimilated in the behavior department, which is always a welcome thing. No longer do I have to remind him to keep it together at school or parties, because he would "never do that in front of his friends." His words, not mine. Since he is the only example for the little one, this positive effect definitely trickles down, and if it means throwing a football after school for some stellar days, I am happy to oblige. I'm curious to see what will happen this Summer, when he is back on the beach and at the skatepark. I wonder if he will shift his likes based on a different pack, or if these changes are now just part of who he is. Inside he is such a confident little guy, that I'm not really worried, but I am curious to see what sticks for the long term. 

 I imagine that this is just part of growing up, and finding his own identity, and in the end all we can do is watch it happen. I love being able to seem him grow in to the man he is going to become, but not too fast. I'm not quite sure what I'd do if this goofy dude ever really went away. He is definitely one of a kind. 

I'd love to hear from those of you with older kids! Is this rare, or is it all just part of growing up? I'm pretty sure it's the latter, but it would be great to hear from you experts!

A Pop of Neon.

 Lately I've found myself unusually drawn to homes with a little unexpected pop of color, neon especially.  It is something so surprising when a serene or traditional space gets infused with something bright and modern.  I'm already plotting ways to incorporate a little more color in to my own space, and you can bet it is going to be in the neon family.  I just love the way that something so simple (like those baseboards) can add so much interest to a space! 

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What do you all think?  I feel like this is a trend we are all going to see a lot more of, which would make me very, very happy!

Weekend Links.

Happy Friday! For us this week just flew by, which is great considering how long the last few seemed. I can honestly say having the kids back in school is the single greatest thing that has happened to me this year. I know, we are only 10 days in, but I may have just peaked a little early. ;) We have a pretty low key weekend planned. Tomorrow, I'm taking the boys to the new Shake Shack in Harvard Square, and Sunday the Little Man and I have a skate date in New Hampshire, but other than that I anticipate quite a bit of lazying around, and lego playing. Now that the boys don't see each other as much, they are back to playing somewhat nicely. Miracles do happen! I hope whatever your plans are, that you have a great one! See you all next week! xx

Have you seen the new Zara Kids lookbook? It is pretty incredible! 

16 books to read before they hit theaters this year. I've only read two on this list... cut to me filling the Kindle stat. Luckily, it will probably be a least two years before I get the chance to see any of these, so I have some time!

For our anniversary, my husband proved he knows me best by writing me the most incredible letter I've ever read, and getting me this. Nailed it!

The most incredible skateboarder. You just have to see this!

Speaking of skateboarding, my Little Man has his first highlight reel. Check it out!!!

These shoes are adorable. Is Spring here yet?

No, okay fine. I'll settle for this look for the next 3 months. Please?

I would love to have matching mugs, but don't really want to shell out the dough to make it happen. Perhaps this easy DIY project is the way to go. 

There are no words for "The Apartment." Maybe one: Stunning. 

We've had this soup twice this week, once with shrimp added, and once with cod. I think it may be my new favorite recipe. 

Talk about a perfect Valentine's day outfit. 

I just picked this up for the gym. It's as comfortable as it is adorable. 

50 states of Lego. Pure genius. I've got to show this one to my kiddos!

Finally, let's talk Birkenstocks. I need a great sandal for our March trip to Costa, but I still can't get on board with the new/old trend. I just ordered these, with an open mind since I keep reading that they are very in Vogue. File this under undecided. 

Home Pinspiration and that Perfect Piece FOUND!

The upside of Pinterest is that you can garner so much incredible inspiration when it comes to your home or wardrobe. The downside is that it can sometimes be impossible to source that perfect piece that you come across, and more likely than not when you do finally track it down, it's usually a $$$$ budget buster. Not one to ever give up, I've tracked down a few of my home favorites, and their more reasonably priced counterparts. All of which can be found in a big box store. I plan on making this a regular feature on the blog, and I hope you enjoy it!

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Day Dates.

 

Do you all have a set "date night" with your significant other?  My husband and I used to be so good about it before Gray was born. Every Saturday night we would put the LM down, get dressed up, and then head out to a new restaurant that we had been dying to try.  Sometimes casual, sometimes a little more upscale, sometimes we would even go crazy and hit a movie after, but always on a Saturday. 

After about a year, our weekly dates fizzled out.  I'm sure it had something to do with the birth of Gray, although I vaguely remember it stopping sometime before then.  Honestly, I think we both just got lazy. I have to admit, the idea of putting both kids down now, and then showering, doing my hair, wearing heels (!!!) to go out into the cold dark night just sounds so unappealing.  So unappealing.  I'm pretty sure we would both sit there, thinking about how warm it would be under the blanket, and what show du jour we would rather be watching. Does this make us lame? Probably. Do we care? Not really. 

This is why I love the idea of a day date. It's something my girlfriend and her husband adopted when they moved to NYC, and once Spring rolls around, I plan on getting my husband signed up right away. Basically a day date is the same thing as a day night, except you do it in the afternoon, on a weekend. For me this simple idea was a lightbulb moment. We could spend the morning with the kids, and then at 3pm leave. No cooking dinner, no baths, no bed time routine, nada. Instead we could do all the things we are always taking about doing, going to a museum, going to yoga together, watching a movie, grabbing an early dinner, I'm sure I could even get him to look at some furniture ;). The best part is, the date would be over by eight, which means we still get to come home and kiss the kiddos, throw on some pajamas, plop down on the sofa, and DID I MENTION it would only be 8pm!!! 

I find this concept to be so genius, and yet I know very few people who do this? Am I just the last person on Earth to figure this out, or is it really just that awesome of an idea? 

Tomorrow marks the 10 year anniversary for my babe and I. It's a big one, so I think I might try to negotiate 52 day dates this year. Poor guy isn't going to know what hit him! 

Happy 10 years, my love!

(Photo via Love Actually)

Winter Blues... and Whites!

 Having lived in New England for over a decade, I should be used to Winter by now. Should be, being the operative words. The truth is, I am no more used to the freezing cold temps, than I was 11 years ago, and that just means I pretty much hate Boston for a solid 4 months a year. Such is the fate of a California transplant, I guess. Usually, I just accept the cold, bundle up, and complain to anyone who will listen (mostly my kids) but this year I've found that I've been trying to fight back a bit.

 This became pretty obvious, when last night after about 15 minutes of my husband saying "what is that smell?" I had to confess that I had a date with a bottle of self tanner before he came home. I know, it's January, and no, we aren't going on vacation anytime soon. This was just my futile attempt to try to fight back. I've noticed that I've also been gravitating towards lighter colors when I get dressed in the morning. Sure black on black, on black, is still my go to, but the colder it gets the more I've been busting out my white jeans. I feel a small victory when I rip my dozen layers off, and underneath I'm ready for Spring. I tell you, Winter whites just my be the key to beating my Winter blues this year. 

You guys know I can't do a style post without talking about hair... right? Not only have my clothes been getting lighter, but now my hair has joined in the fun. Right before the holidays, I decided to give platinum a go, and I have to say I'm loving it. Sadly, the cut did not go as planned, so I'm in ponytail rut right now, but I've learned the sure fire way to say "I'm ready for Summer!" is Winter white hair. 

What do you all do to beat the Summer blues? Last year I bought my husband a sun lamp for his birthday and he pretty much laughed me out of the house. I'm starting to think I should have kept it for myself!

Back Tomorrow! (for real)

These kids are giving me a run for my money this Winter Break. The Winter part seems the be the clincher, with snow, rain, and sub zero temps spoiling any chance of getting my two feral children's energy out. I would take them out in anything, but they seem to prefer saying "stop it" on repeat, and going from room to room, dumping out every possession we own. The fun part is when we all get to clean it up, battling all the way, and then we rinse and repeat. We've had some good moments, the best being when the LM and I went skiing yesterday (can you guess that he loved it?), and our first sleepover (equally awesome) but generally I'm counting the minutes until break is over, tomorrow. 

I really miss this virtual space, and as soon as I get 5 minutes of breathing room, I will be back. I never wanted to be one of those bloggers who disappears every day or two, and I know I have become that girl. Tomorrow starts a new chapter around here folks... stay tuned.