bouffe e bambini: September 2011

What I Wore, MUSTARD

Fall is in the air!!!!!!! I just love these little brown boots and mustard pea coat. I'll be wearing this little pea coat ALL FALL LONG!!!! Now your probably asking yourself, did she really wear that while taking care of a 2 year old an 8 month old? Nope!!!

But I thought it was a cute outfit to share:)

I am officially a size 8 now and 6 pounds from my original weight loss goal. I have a big post on that coming as soon I reach my goal!!! YAY!

Jacket, tank, and skirt: J CrewBoots: Anthroplogie circa 2006

Pin It

Peach Crumbles

I just wanted to thank everyone who left such increadibly sweet comments on my "Heavy Heart" post. It really, rally means the world ro me and I really NEEDED to hear all of it!

Honestly, it has been a hard time for me and I can not thank you enough for the thoughts and prayers.

SInce it's peach season I made these last week for a guest post for my friend Casey and I just thought I'd hsare them here on my ny blog this weekend in case any of you missed it. These honestly came out amazing!!!! They are super easy and you CANNOT go wrong!

Enjoy your weekend freinds!

(Will yield 6 small jars or one 9" pie)

For pie filling:

6 fresh peaches peeled and chopped

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 eggs beaten

Juice from 1 lemon

1/2 cup of flour

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

8 graham crackers crushed

3 tablespoons melted butter

1 table spoon sugar

For the Crumb Topping:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 sticks of butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350.

For The Filling combine everything in a bowl, mix well and let sit a few minuets while you prepare the crust and the topping.

For the crust simply put crushed grahams, sugar and butter in a small bowl and mix until sticky then press about 2-3 tablespoons into the bottom of each jar.

For the crumb topping mix all dry ingredients with a whisk, once combined, add the melted butter and stir. IT will make large wet lumps. This is perfect. You can now crumble the lumps up if you wish to get the desired size.

Now add your peach filling on top of your graham cracker crust being sure to leave a little room for the crumb topping. Now top with crumb topping, place the jars on a cookie sheet lines with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minuets on a low oven wrack or cover the crumb topping for about 15 minuets so it doesn't get too dark and crispy. Enjoy with ice cream!

Pin It

A Heavy Heart

I went back to work full time this week. I had already been working more than half time since Ginger was 3 months old but for some reason the extra hours just really put me over the edge.

I was always a very dedicated, strong worker before I had kids. I always had at least one job, sometimes two. Before we had kids it was always known that I would work full time after the kids were born. It was expected by me and my husband. I was fine with it. I liked working.

After the kids were born everything changed. Not only did I not want to go back to work but I felt like my heart was being ripped out of my chest having to leave them. I'm the kind of mom who never left little Milton for more than 2 hours until he was 14 months old and his sister was born. My natural instincts to protect and be with my children are strong and emotional for me. It's hard because I read or hear about all these moms who have the priviledge to stay home with their children and they are complaining about the most trivial things and it makes me angry because I would give anything to be in their shoes. I know it shouldn't but it does. The grass is always greener.

For some reason after the children were born I didn't care what I said before. I didn't care that I had always agreed to work full time because we needed it. I don't want to. I want to be with my children. I feel angry. I feel like it is my right as their mother to stay with them. I feel like I am doing something horribly wrong by leaving them. Thank God they are with my husband who is the best father I could ask for. Day care was out of the question for me.

But I want to be the mom who is there for every second, every milestone. I don't want to miss a thing. I want to know every single in and out of their routine. I want to have fresh baked goodies for them waiting after school. I want to wipe evry dirty face. Give every bath. single every song, read every book. I want to be an amazing mother. I know I still can be but it's not the same in my eyes.

But, there is no option. There is no choice. There is no cutting back on expenses. My husband and I have one car that we share and it's a very unreliable 95 Subaru. We don't have cable TV. We NEVER and I mean NEVER go out to eat. Our cell phones get shut off periodically because we can't pay the bill.

I HAVE TO DO IT! I have to work and I am just torn apart about it.

I'm sorry if this was an extremity negative post but this has been weighing VERY heavy on my heart for a long time now, Thank you dear readers for listening. I needed to get that out.

And I know this too shall pass.

Pin It

What I Wore EmersonMade

I have lost 54 pounds so far. Only 6 pounds till goal weight!!

I'm not sure if you are all aware but I am OBSESSED with EmersonMade. Seriously I have bought almost the entire wardrobe by now. I'm exaggerating but seriously I L*O*V*E them!!!! You need to check them out if you haven't already!!! So this is the little seer sucker blouse I got a couple months ago and love to death!!!!

Blouse: EmersonMadeJeans: Joe's JeansSandals: Cork EasePurse: Hype

Pin It

Seek First Rosette Necklace Giveaway (NOW CLOSED)

Hi friends. Today I've got an amazing little giveaway for you!!!! I just met miss Lauren and her beautiful handmade shop {SEEK FIRST}.I just love all the gorgeous rosette jewelry she's offering. And it's your lucky day twice. Number one she is giving away the gorgeous necklace pictured below and number two she's offering you all a great discount too, SImply enter the code "BAMBINI" to get 20% off your order.

If you would like to participate in the necklace giveaway please be a follower of my blog and :

Visit Lauren's {SHOP} and let me know your facorite item

For addition entries, you may:

Follow Lauren's adorable {BLOG}

Follow Lauren on {TWITTER}

Add Seek First to your {FAVORITES} on Etsy.

This giveaway will be open 2 weeks and close on Friday September 30th

Pin It

8 months

Pin It

Chocolate Souffle and Linky Party

Well I have been dying to make chocolate souffle for a long time now. It was actually pretty easy. I don't think they came out perfect but they tasted perfect so that's all that matters. I found the original recipe {HERE}

They were so light and delicate and just melted in your mouth! A must try!

Ingredients

7 ounces finely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus for preparing the molds
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
8 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Confectioners' sugar for garnish

Directions

Brush 6 (6-ounce) ramekins with soft butter, then coat with sugar. Put the prepared ramekins in the freezer. (This can be done a day ahead.)

Set an oven rack in lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Put the chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with an inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside.

Combine the egg yolks and warm water in the bowl of a standing mixer or large bowl and beat untilfrothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar, and continue beating until ribbons form, about 5 minutes. Very lightly fold the yolks into the chocolate mixture. (Rinse the bowl well, if using for beating the egg whites.)

Remove prepared ramekins from freezer. Put the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer, or large non-reactive bowl, add the lemon juice. Beat on medium until frothy; then gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and increase speed to high. Beat until the whites hold a stiff but not dry peak.

Working quickly, fold about a third of the egg whites into the chocolate to lighten; then fold in remaining whites until blended. Gently ladle or spoon the souffle mixture into the ramekins, and place on a baking sheet. (Level off the surface with a straight edge, scraping any excess mixture back into the bowl.)

Immediately bake until the souffle rises about 1 1/2 inches from the ramekins, and the tops are touched with brown, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

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!!!

<a href="http://www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0iddNFH3dQ/TOvTMNeXGGI/AAAAAAAADig/5Nth6ulYQSM/s1600/hog_button.png"/></a>

Pin It

What I Wore Gingham

I love. love. love gingham!!!!! It is one of my all time favorite prints so I was SO excited when I found this shirt for 40% off!!!! Plus is Papaya. What an awesome color!!!!

Shirt: J Crew

Jeans: James Jeans

Sandals: Bernardo

Pin It

Guest Posting Peach Crumble

Good Morning friends!!! Remember my wonderful friend Casey Wiegand from her lovely guest post the other day? Well, she was kind enough to have me over on her blog.
I shared an AMAZING recipe for individual peach crumbles with Graham cracker crust. Please come check me out and this wonderful recipe {HERE}

Pin It

Magic In The Middle Cookies

WARNING!!!! These cookies are amazing. I ate like 5 of them and totally ruined my diet AGAIN for the week! UGH!!!! But seriously they are amazing so make them!!!

Original recipe {HERE}

Chocolate Dough
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for dredging)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk

The Filling

1/8 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch Salt
3/4 cups heavy cream
3/4 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (1/2 cup)

The Dough:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.
To make the dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the sugars, butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and the egg, beating to combine, then stir in the dry ingredients, blending well.

The Filling:

Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Combine cream, milk, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup

Pour 1 cup cream mixture into sugar mixture, and whisk until cornstarch is dissolved. Add remaining cream mixture, and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, and cook until thick, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add chocolate. Whisk until chocolate melts, about 1 minute. Now let it cool. Then place it in the freezer until fairly cold and hard.

To Make the cookies take about 3 tablespoons of dough and place about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fudge in the middle and form the dises up around it. If you use too much fudge it will all leak out when you bake htem. Trust me I tried it both ways. Resist the erge to overfill. Once formed place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minuets. Dust with powdered sugar.

Pin It

Disaster Photo Shoot with my kids

A couple days ago I "tried" to have a little photo shoot with my kids and lets just say it did NOT go as planned as most things don't when you have a 22 month old and a 7 month old. I literally took 60 pictures and these were the best of them. Ginger was scowling in every single one and Milton wouldn't even sit down or hold still for one second plus his face is dirty and he wouldn't put his toys down either. UGH!

Milton's aunt Schanda made that adorable Jon Jon he is wearing and I really wanted to get some good photos of them so maybe I'll try again but I'm not too eager.

Pin It

Meet Laura's Rolling Pin and a FABULOUS Giveaway (NOW CLOSED)

Okay friends let me introduce you to Laura and her F*A*B*U*L*O*U*S {SHOP}. This is one of my favorite giveaways to date!!! Obviously I'm a foodie and not only do I love to cook but I love to enjoy other Cook's fabulous creations. Well, I am in love with Laura's shop!

And you will soon see why. Plus today she is giving away a $40 shop credit AND offing 25% off to my readers during the length of the giveaway using the code "25HANNA"

Here's a little more about Laura

"Making food for my family has always been what I love most. When I became a SAHM, I had the time to experiment and found a deep love for making pasta. I did it by hand for the longest time, spent hours upon hours just to make one meal- with my rolling pin! Until I received the best gift from my brother- my pasta machine! Now I have the time, and resources, to share what I love. Everything is made upon order and from only the freshest ingredients. I hope you'll find something here that you love."

So how about a little herb infused fettuccine?

Or maybe a jar of beautiful homemade jam including spiced papaya?

Chocolate crinkle cookie anyone?

Beautifully crafted homemade ziti?

If you would like to be entered to win this fabulous prize simply visit {Laura's Rolling Pin} and let me know what you'd get if you won.

For additional entrys

You may add Laura's Rolling Pin as a favorite on {ETSY}

You may like Laura's Rolling Pin page on {FACEBOOK}

Become a fan of mine on {FACEBOOK}

(This giveaway will be open to 2 weeks closing on Friday 9/30 at Midnight)

Don't forget 25% off using the code "25HANNA"

Pin It

What We Wore with no Makeup

I probably only wear makeup a couple times a month. When I go to work I wear a light powder and a little bronzer so I don't look dead but otherwise I go all natural all the time. I only wear makeup when I'm going "out" somewhere like a date, party or event. Ummmm which is pretty much never. My husband and I have been on one date since our children were born, so 2 years.

I am pleased to announce I lost another 2 pounds since my last post so I have lost 49 pounds and have only 11 to go and I am more motivated than ever!!! I have already started digging up all the before photos I can find so I can surprise you with the HUGE differnce. I have been technically counting since the birth of Ginger but if you count from the birth of MIlton it will be over 100 pounds that I will have lost so it will be pretty shocking to see. I'm excited!