…umm… Brittany? It’s Thursday. Nice try.
I know it is, but tomorrow I’m going to be finishing some stuff on the big project, taking care of an expired tag ticket I got over Christmas (oh you thought I had my life together?), taking Koda to the vet and other stuff that I know you guys balance everyday, but it’s all piled up on me and I just need a day to hit it hard.
Over explanatory? Yes, I thought so. Let’s just get going…
The Nest. Our house is incredibly (incredibly) inefficient with heating and cooling, so we finally bit the bullet and bought the Nest, a programmable thermostat that tracks your habits and runs things as efficiently as possible. Not the best explanation, but we have high hopes that it will help lower our monthly bills (it already has me turning the temp a few degrees lower at night so I can see that little leaf emblem telling me I’m saving the world energy) … and you can control it from your phone so that’s pretty cool.
Baby-led Weaning and Munchkin Meals. Man, I’ve been overpromising on this for so long, but next week I am talking about Kaitlyn’s journey of baby-led weaning (for realz this time), including meals ideas that have been big hits (and what hasn’t) and maybe even a recipe. For those that want to join in, the Munchkin Meals Link Up will be on Thursday of next week so please post about what your child is loving (or not), a great recipe or meal ideas for kiddos and join in!
Plum Organics Teething Biscuits. To piggyback off of the above, these teething biscuits have been a staple in my purse lately. They are wonderful to have on hand, despite being a little messy, to pull out when I need to distract Kaitlyn (they’ll keep her happily occupied for 10 minutes or so). Her perpetually sore gums love them when I don’t have a cold raw carrot on hand. The only problem is that big sis loves them too so we go through them pretty quickly.
Mint Indian Cuisine. Last night I took the easy way out and picked up Indian food after play group. If you live within a 60 mile radius of Mooresville NC, I highly recommend you try Mint. It’s the best we’ve found and it never disappoints. However, David and I are rather dull. I always get the chana masala and he always gets lamb vindaloo. Any suggestions on new dishes to try?
Amazon Prime Pantry. Ok, I’ve only used this once, but I think it’s a pretty cool concept. Since we don’t have a Costco nearby, I liked buying some household staples and having them delivered to the door for a flat $5.99 delivery fee for up to a 45 lb box (meaning I could totally load up on my favorite flour and other heavy items without paying more in shipping).
And why yes, I do love Annie’s snacks, but the ridiculous quantity was because I was giving them to H’s school. I’m not that nutty, I promise.
Koda’s loyalty. Some (most) days it drives me bonkers when she follows me around and shakes her ears (sounds like a helicopter) just as Kaitlyn is drifting off to sleep. However, I’ll admit I love that whenever I nurse Kaitlyn, she always tags along and lays near us. She is protective over her pack and that just makes me love her.
Beach dreaming. We didn’t even just get the big blizzard or anything close to it, but I’m still dreaming about warmer weather and a possible beach getaway with our family of four for the first time. I’d like to keep it close to keep it a short drive for the girls’ sake so I’m thinking Myrtle Beach? This place looks amazing! Is it summer yet?
Ok… and can I share one thing I’m not loving?
This post-baby fringe! These tiny little hairs growing back in make me look like I have horns. Not cool, hormones, not cool.
What is your favorite Indian dish?
Are you hoping to get to the beach this summer?
Where is your favorite getaway?
John J. says
Definitely beach! Ponte Vedra and Costa Rica in March, Edisto (with y’all) in May.
Brittany Dixon says
Y’all have become quite the travelers! Fun times ahead 🙂
Lindsey @ Simply Lindsey says
My favorite Indian dish is butter chicken! So good!!
We are hoping to go to the beach at some point this summer. I grew up in Virginia Beach, so for me it’s not summer until you’ve gone to the beach. 🙂
Katie says
You might hate me, but mexico is my fav! My parents have a time share and I went for the first time in second grade, it was a great way for this small town minnesota girl to get some culture and some sun in the winter of 2nd grade. (we’ve gone back since, but I do think its a great trip for young kids).
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, if Mexico was drivable, I’d be all over it 😉 Haha, sounds amazing!!
Brynn says
The Nest sounds awesome, I am definitely looking into one! We always go to the beach in the summer since I grew up on one and my parents still live in the same house. It is so nice to have a place to go home to and also vacation, all in one! I cannot wait to take my little one for the first time.
Helen says
We are spending a week in Costa Rica right now with our 3-year old and 10-month old and it is perfect! The weather is perfect, the beaches are gorgeous, and there is plenty to do for big and little kids.
Brittany Dixon says
What?! That’s incredible. Can I just close my eyes really tightly and mentally swap places with you… just for an hour?! Enjoy that sunshine!!! 🙂
Jess Mathias says
I just have to comment with the Indian cuisine question 🙂 Sooooo many good dishes!! Paneer is great in general, Tikka Masala, any Chicken or Lamb Curry (more sauce for dipping bread), Biryani is great as well (no sauce with it but it’s amazing, usually pretty spicy), VIndaloo (spicy). All great dishes. I prefer Paratha bread and Joe prefers Naan. Hope this helps! Also – Trader Joe’s has a pretty good frozen Indian section that Joe really likes and he says is great. I mean if he likes it, it’s got to be good – he does know his Indian food. Might be a good way to try out some new dishes. The frozen samosas are good as well!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Jess!! You are making me want to dial Mint up for dinner again tonight… seriously tempted. I also off to google Paratha bread… haven’t heard of that! YUM!
Katie says
If you go to Myrtle Beach go to the Pirate Show. I think H will love it!
Brittany Dixon says
I will look it up- thanks!!
Jessica says
Haha, I have the horns too. 😛 They make my hair look messy no matter what I do.
Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert says
I definitely need The Nest! I can only wish! And I’ll be at the beach in two weeks – can’t wait!!
alex says
Okay, so it is not just me that gets those horns! Mine are AWFUL and they came out of nowhere!! I got so fed up I almost cut them, lol…oh sheesh
Brittany Dixon says
Haha don’t cut them!!! Though I can see how you’d be tempted. They’re so annoying!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
We got some similar programmable thermostats about 6 months ago, and I have yet to sync them with our iPhones. No, I do not have my stuff together either.
Hormones does some strange stuff to the hair post-pregnancy!
I am ready to get down to Destin, FL! We love visiting my parents, sister and grandmother there when the weather gets a little warmer.
Brittany Dixon says
Love Destin! David’s parents live there, though they’ll be moving to SC soon. Destin has the prettiest beaches- have fun!!
Lauren Brennan says
I hear ya on the post-baby fringe! I suddenly have side burns. Yuck!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, motherhood really knows how to make a woman feel sexy… sideburns, spit up and yoga pants baby 😉
Jessica @Myhealthypassion.com says
I am embarrassed to say that I have never gone to an Indian restaurant…and I bet I would LOVE it, I am obsessed with most ethnic food!!!! I could use a getaway too!!! 🙂
Brittany Greer says
Haha! Oh my gosh, I know exactly what you mean about the dog shaking her ears and sounding like a helicopter. One of my very many ridiculous names for our dog is, “Mrs. Ticka-Ticka” because she shakes her head/ears so much and that’s the way I describe the sound – “ticka ticka” haha. But I think a helicopter description makes more sense! 🙂 It drives me CRAZY when she does it in the middle of the night, so I can imagine how frustrating it would be trying to get/keep a baby asleep.
Monica says
Our weimaraner’s ears sound like a helicopter too. We affectionately call him the Boosacopter (his name is Balou – Boo for short.) He’s always got to be on top of me though, he was always right up in my lap when I was nursing my son. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, weims and and vizlas sure are ‘loving’ breeds aren’t they? Cute little snugglers. I’m impressed you can nurse with him in your lap though! Impressive 😉
Monica says
He never really gave me much choice! Poor guy was afraid he was being replaced. It was either nurse with his head in my lap or lock him out of the room (which would have broken my heart). So, I made do. 🙂
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
Hilton Head is always my favorite beach getaway! I could spend months there every summer. I love the bike trails and the clear water 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh yes, I love HHI!!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I want a Nest! I’ve heard great things!
Erica Sparkenbaugh says
I checked out the Mint Menu and they have all my recommendations! If you like channa masala, you should try Dal Makhani. It’s lentils and kidney beans in a creamy, tomato based sauce. So lucious. My other favorite indian meal is BAIGAN BHARTHA but essential it’s eggplant slow cooked in yummy creamy sauce. For someething that’s less saucy I like Aloo Gobi Masala – potatoes and cauliflower! YUM. Now I want Indian food!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh thank you!! I am writing all these down. Dal Makhani sounds amazing, though I fear I will not be able to pronounce it haha. I will definitely be trying these- thanks!
Kay says
I’m Indian and you’re not trying the best dishes ahhhh
Brittany Dixon says
Well shoot then, tell me what to try!
Kay says
Only part of my comment posted earlier. I had a whole list if dishes lol. Here they are again:
Chicken tikka masala, Dal makhani (sometimes called kaali dal too), paneer makhani, malai kofta, palak paneer, lamb Briyani, parathas and garlic naans yummy!!!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, I was like, don’t leave me hanging!! 😉 I’m writing these all down- thank you!
Christina says
definitely going to be picking up some of those teething wafers!!! i had no idea those existed and we are in the thick of teething right now. 🙁
LMN says
With lots of love–Myrtle Beach…? Just stay on the resort property. It gets a little crazy and can be super Wings (the store) oriented. HHI is much more calm and nice 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I honestly don’t know much about it except it’s a short drive and that North Myrtle is the way to go! I do love HHI though. So beautiful! just a little further from us.
Ann says
The Halo dog does that too, flipping her ear flaps! Sometimes she does it while I’m grooming her and she hits me in the face, affectionately of course 🙂
Maria says
I got my brother a Nest for Christmas and it’s such a cool little product! We want to buy a house just so we can play with one (and for other reasons, too – ha!).
I’m obviously a huge fan of the Outer Banks and jealous that you all live so close! There are some gorgeous houses to rent in the southern beaches and there’s no commercialism, which is what I love the most. The restaurants are fantastic too. We go every year, but are skipping this year to go to Europe and Iceland (!).
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my gosh I want to go to the outer banks SO badly, but 7 hours is a bit long in the car for the fam at this point I think. Where is Europe are you going? And Iceland?! Amazing.
Maria says
Eep! I guess I need to study the map a bit closer – I didn’t realize it was a 7 hour car ride! Someday!!
We are going to The Netherlands and probably into Germany too. It’ll be my first trip across the pond and I’m so excited!
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
Connecting our thermostat to our iPhone has been a godsend! I can’t imagine getting out of bed to change the temperature now.
C.
Lauren @ Oh Hey I Like That! says
My boyfriend has been talking about us starting up with Amazon Pantry! I’m glad to see that you like it!
Elizabeth says
where do you get those biscuits?
Ugh I also have that post baby hair. It seems to come right around month 7-9 post baby. Horns
Brittany Dixon says
I found then at Target I think? That or the baby section in my local grocery!
Katie says
Mmmm….I love Indian food! Channa masala is also one of my favorites but recently I have discovered Malai Kofta- they are veggie balls in a coconut-based sauce (with rice!) and are super good. The coconut sauce makes it rich so I always have enough for 2 or 3 meals. For Indian, I always go veggie…perhaps b/c the naan and rice fill me up so much that I could never fit in meat too…. 😉
Sarah S says
Your post on BLW will come at a perfect time! We are really just starting to get into it with Tilly (6 months on Saturday!). I also now want to plan a beach vacation, even though my post baby body is no where near being bikini ready!
Heathers Looking Glass says
that thermostat looks AWESOME! I love technology
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Vishnu loves the Nest! We don’t have it in our current place, but I’m 110% sure we will have it installed in the first home we buy. I must admit, it is pretty cool!
Also, the next time you’re at an Indian restaurant, try a dish called Paneer Makhani. I could honestly swim in it!
Jen@jpabstfitness says
Yay for munchkin meals! Emma is becoming quite the good eater, but I’m always looking for more meal ideas for her.
We are thinking of heading to Myrtle Beach this summer as well, my kids have never seen the beach and that needs to be changed ASAP.
Have a great weekend 🙂
Shannon says
Ahhh! The FRINGE!! Seriously, on the list of “things no one tells you about having a baby” why isn’t this #1!!!! So annoying. Also – Plum teething biscuits are the best!! We love them around here for my 11 month old. Highly recommend 🙂
rama says
I would go anything indian, and Trader’s Joe has a variety of them. SInce I am a vegetarian, i can’t say much about the non-veg, but they too are are the best if they are Indian. And sweets, oh, my god you have any number of sweets to die for. I wouldn’t go for these Nans and parathas often if they are made in refined flour, but if they are made in whole wheat flour , then yes.
I feel no other country has so many varieties of food from so many regions as India, and I am a proud Indian