bouffe e bambini: June 2011

Crib Creations GIVEAWA*Y #2 NOW CLOSED

The second giveaway I am offering today is from Crib Creations

Shop owner Melanie has kindly offered to giveaway a matching Mini security blanket, bib, and burn cloth set.

Here is an example but when you go visit her shop you will see there is many to choose from for both girls and boys.

So adorable. I have a set for Ginger and I must say they have held up VERY well with many washes.

I am also so pleased to announce that Melanie is offering you a discount of 10% off your purchase today using the code "BAMBINI10" at checkout!!!

If you would like to participate in the giveaway please visit Crib Creations and tell me what your favorite item in the shop is.

for addition entries:

*make Crib Creations a favorite on Etsy

*purchase something from Crib Creations and comment back here afterwards.

*follow Bouffe e Bambini

*Lastly grab my giveaway button and help me promote this giveaway event by posting this on your blog or post the image with my blog's address on your facebook page. Thanks!

The giveaway will close July 25 th @ midnight. Open to USA and Canada

Hanna

Sugarcube Press GIVEAWA*Y #1 NOW CLOSED

The first giveaway to kick off the entire week long Bouffe e Bambini giveaway event is the amazing shop Sugarcube Press

Owned and Operated out of Oji California by these two lovelies Kelsie and Elizabeth and a pair of 100 year old letter presses.

Every card is hand pressed one at a time!!!

I absolutely love their gorgeous letterpress and have purchased quiet a few of their cards in the past. Here are my two favorites. Aren't they darling?

The lovelies over at Sugarcube Press have offered to give T*H*R*E*E lucky winners a surprise pack of 6 randomly chosen letterpress cards. Each one is hand pressed.

If you would like to be entered in this giveaway please:

visit Sugarcube Press and let me know what your favorite card is.

for extra entries:

*Become a fan of Sugarcube Press on {FACEBOOK}

*Visit the Sugarcube {BLOG}

*Purchase something from Sugarcube Press

*Follow bouffe e bambini

*Lastly grab my giveaway button and help me promote this giveaway event by posting this on your blog or post the image with my blog's address on your facebook page. Thanks!

giveaway ends July 25th @ midnight. Open to USA and Canada

Bouffe e Bambini Turns ONE, LETS PARTY!!!

The great news is that my little blog is turning one next week. Starting this blog was one of the best things I ever did for myself. I love it to pieces. I have met so many wonderful people and enjoyed exploring so many beautiful blogs. For me this blog has brought a big batch of inspiration. It inspires me everyday to be a better person, mother, wife, cook. In a world where unfortunately I have to work to make ends meet and often don't get one one tiny second to myself each day, this blog gives me my own little corner of the world that is all mine.
So to celebrate I have arranged a big giveaway bash for you!!!! You will have a total of 16 giveaways coming at you from Monday to Sunday of this coming week. At least 2 will post a day!!! The prizes are A*M*A*Z*I*N*G . You will have the chance to win some gorgeous knits, beautiful letter press, adorable baby accessories, gorgeous jewelry, and much, much more!!! I hope you are excited!

Tomorrow the fun will begin and go all week. All giveaways will be open to USA and Canada and will each be open to enter for one week. I hope you have fun win some amazing stuff.

Chocolate Pudding Cups

I came across {THIS}amazingly adorable idea on Bakerella and had to try is ASAP!!!

Little Milton and I had so much fun dipping balloons in chocolate. I love this idea. I think it's genius and you could use these pudding cups for a million different things like ice cream or cake.

Look how cute these came out!!!

Fun. fun. fun! I hope you try this at home with your little cuties!

What I Wore

The over sized men's shirt is one of my favorite go to looks. So easy. So cute!

So I have hit a MAJOR weight loss plateau and I am sooo bummed about it. I have lost 33 pounds so far and have 27 to go. On the bright side I have also been taking my measurements to help motivate me as well. I have lost 8 inches off my hips. WOW! and 4 off my waist. But I will tell you patience is NOT my strong suit and I like to see those numbers on the scale go down.

I am eager to up the weight loss but I can't cut too many calories because I am still breast feeding little Ginger. I know it will come off in time but sheesh I wish it would hurry up already

Men's Shirt: Brooks Brother's

Leggings: Forever 21

Shoes: Payless

Watch: Toy Watch

Gold Knot Bracelet: Gift from my Grandmother

Earrings: Boutique in Brooklyn (Can't remember the name)

Please link up something you wore this week. Would love to see!!!

Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp

I L*O*V*E seafood in the summertime!! And I happen to love coconut shrimp! I was so pleased when I came across this recipe because I knew we would love it!

They turned out amazing!

Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp and a Sweet Chili Citrus Sauce

serves 4, about 5 shrimp each

20 jumbo shrimp or prawns, about 1 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined with the tails left on1 1/3 cup flour1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder1 cup beer, I used Sam Adams Summer Ale, Eric's favorite2 cups shredded coconut, I used sweetened1/4 cup coconut milk2 tablespoons sugar1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon each, salt and pepper3-4 cups vegetable oil

Sweet Chili Citrus Sauce1/.3 cup sweet red chili sauce, found near the thai food1 cup pineapple preserves, orange would work good too1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

For the Shrimp.

Pour oil in a medium sized saucepan and heat on med hi until it reached 360 degrees. An oil thermometer works wonderfully here! Mix together chili sauce and preserves and microwave for 30 seconds. Add the cilantro, mix and set aside.

Mix together flower, baking powder, beer, coconut milk, sugar, and spices. pour your coconut in a separate shallow bowl.

Once oil reached temperature, dredge 1 shrimp into the batter, and then into the shredded coconut, pressing the coconut into the batter.

Carefully, drop into the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes. With a metal slotted spoon, carefully remove the shrimp and place them on a plate, lined with a paper towel. I did 3 shrimps at a time to no over crowd the pan and they all came out perfect.

Serve with Sweet Chili and Citrus Sauce

Original recipe found {HERE}

4 years ago today

Today is My husband and I's wedding anniversary.

We have been in each other's lives for a very long time. The photo below was taken 16 years ago if you can believe that!!! I was just 17 at the time. We were good friends for about 7 years before we started dating.

We've been together 9 years and married for 4 years.

I feel so, so, so lucky to have found my life partner so early on. I have several girlfriends who have not been so lucky.

Milton is an amazing husband and father. I am so blessed!

This is a locket he gave to me long before we were even engaged. I cherish it! (my nickname is Gnocchi by the way)

So here's to us and to a lifetime of happiness!!

And the beautiful little family we made!!!

I always get really sentimental when I look at our wedding photos. If you would like to share our wedding day too you can click below on our online wedding album.

I wish I could go back in time and relive that day over and over again!!!

{My Wedding Album}

Bacon, Spinach, and Mushroom Macaroni and Cheese plus a LINKY PARTY

Please join me and link up ANYTHING handmade or homemade. I would love to see recipes, DIY projects, party planning, and craft projects of all kinds!!!

And if you didn't make anything this week, no worries, link up an old favorite!!!

There are no rules! Feel free to grab the Handmade Hog button and place it in your post or on your sidebar but it is absolutely NOT required!! EVERYONE is welcome to participate!!! This is just supposed to be a fun way to share your ideas and pick up some new ones !!

So, please join me! LINK UP!!! I can't wait to see what you have in store!!!

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For bread crumbs:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs

For Macaroni:
1 package of bacon (cooked and chopped)
1 pound of spinach
1 package of mushrooms sliced (preferably baby bellas or shitake)
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 pound macaroni
2 pounds extra-sharp Cheddar (preferably white), grated

Make bread crumbs:
Heat butter and oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook garlic and bread crumbs, stirring, until crumbs are golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt.

Make macaroni:
Preheat oven to 350°F.

In the same skillet you cooked the bacon in sautee the mushrooms for about 10 minuets, then add spinach and toss until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Melt butter in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan over moderate heat, then add flour and cook, whisking, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and mustard and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 minutes.

Cook macaroni in a 6- to 7-quart pot of boiling salted water until just tender. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in white sauce, cheese, spinach, mushroom, bacon and salt to taste. Transfer to a large casserole dish for baking. Top with bread crumbs.

Bake casserole in middle of oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

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Getting to Know Me

What to get to know me a little better? OKAY!

My Normal Attire

Sadly It's not what I normally post here on the blog. Usually I can be fond in one of 3 outfits

#1. Pajamas......I am a pajama FREAK. I have been know to go out to the grocery and restaurants in my PJ's.......SOmehow I just don't care. Whatever's Comfy, right?

#2 Scrubs.........My work clothes as a Nurse which might as well be PJ's

#3 Running clothes!!! At least these are a mixture of PJ's and cute.

Foods I can't life without:

Dannon lite and fit........I eat 4 or 5 of them A DAY! SERIOUSLY! I know it's kinda ridiculous but hey, they're only 80 calories and taste like dessert!

Organic Romaine lettuce........I prefer toppings like carrots, avocado and red onion but if there isn't any, I just eat it plain with dressing of course.

Saltine Crackers and white Tillimook cheese.........Yes I am obsessed with cheese and crackers

Cliff Bars.............I only eat these pre or post workout but that's ALL I will eat.

Fruit: Any kind, all kinds...........I L*O*V*E fruit!!!!

Seafood.................I guess I don't get it that often but would eat it twice a day is I could. love it!

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches. 150 calories and taste AMAZING!!!

Currently Obsessing over:

All things running.........GEAR........Shoes........workout attire..............races..............you name it....I WANT IT!!!!!

Designer Jeans: ummmm when am I not obsessing over designer jeans? NEVER....I always want more

A Minivan......I know really glamorous right? Well, glamorous has completely gone out ht window since having 2 kids in 2 years. I don't care. I want PRACTICAL!!!

My Kids.................Yup, I was born to be a mama.......L*O*V*E them with everything I got and would do anything for them!

Dream Job:

Traveling all over the country running marathons:) seriously

I think I might get my personal trainer certificate in my spare time....hey why not? It could open a lot of doors and maybe I could go down to part time as a nurse.

YAY........let ME look into it this weekend!

Future Goals:

To qualify for the Boston Marathon. This means I Have to be able to run 26.2 mile at 8.30 min/mile pace the entire way. Give me a year and I got this!!!

Get faster...........Dreaded speed work is on the horizon as soon as I finish this marathon. 800 speed intervals and hill repeats . YUCKO

Be the best mother and wife I can be