Hi, I'm Rachel.

A few years ago I could barely boil water.

True story.

Determined to be a kick ass wife, I developed a love for football and learned to cook in my tiny Jersey City kitchen. I spend my days working in Manhattan, my nights and weekends chasing after a rambunctious toddler, and the hours in between cooking with my husband and feeding my TV habit...oh, and I blog about it all! 

Welcome to my world!

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Entries from November 1, 2012 - November 30, 2012

Tuesday
Nov272012

Winter Boots

Supposedly we are getting some snow today.

 

I don't know about that.

I woke up to dry ground, followed by a rainy commute. I bundled up this morning like it's nobody's business, crossing the line between marshmallow puff and Michelin man.

Last year, I received these awesome winter boots for Christmas and never got an opportunity to wear them since the winter was so mild. But this year, since I'm already a bit unsteady on my feet coupled with my extreme fear of falling on slippery surfaces, I'm busting them out at the first opportunity.

I love how in-the-season they feel...like all I need is a giant mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream and a day full of holiday movies.

So bring it on, snow! I'm ready for you!

Monday
Nov262012

A Whirlwind Thanksgiving Weekend

So has anyone else been bitten by the Cyber Monday bug?

I have less than zero interest in Black Friday, but somehow the nagging emails for 30% off my favorite everything has gotten into my head. And let's face it...if it's 30% off of my favorite anything, I'm buying it for myself, thus negating any good Christmas gift shopping to be had. Am I right?

Sigh.

Anyhow.

Today is Monday. I've been off from work for the last number of days and yet I'm still not ready to face the full week ahead. The weekend flew by so quickly and so I'm going to give you a quick recap of how it all went down!

On Thursday, I woke up early to finish my Thanksgiving baking and to catch a little bit of the Macy's parade!

 

I know it's so corporate and a little cheesy, but I still love every moment of it. I then finished off my cheesecake creation that I was incredibly proud of...

Until that evening when I went to cut into it, only to find that the whole center wasn't cooked through. Giant baking #FAIL! I was so bummed because it had the makings of true holiday deliciousness. I topped the cheesecake with carmelized apples, caramel sauce and sea salt. I will need to redeem my skills for Christmas Eve...Cheesecake, I will triumph over you!

After lots and lots of eating for the day, we headed home and slept like it was my job. Friday was a big day! My parents came over with a sweet baby gift...a brand new, shiny white dresser for her nursery!

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous?

It's so pretty and pristine...perfect for storing all of Baby H's little goodies, like the most adorable clothing, hats and booties ever...and practical stuff like diapers and Desitin too. I keep walking in there just to gaze at it. The top will double as a changing table, I just need to actually get the changing pad and secure it to the dresser! My mom also awesomely stayed to help me go through all of the goodies that we received at last week's surprise baby shower. So many amazing little outfits, blankets, accessories and gear to get through. We began organizing some things into those sweet little lavender fabric bins (from Pottery Barn Kids, in case you are interested), separated by bibs & burp cloths, towels & washcloths, and swaddle blankets.

 

On Saturday, the entire family headed out to Penn State for the last home football game of the season. My youngest sister Christine is a senior this year (how? why? when did this happen?!) and so we all finally got out there for a big tailgate and celebration. Here's a throwback from her freshman year:

And the whole fam (all 7 1/2 of us!), tailgating in the snow 4 years later at this year's game!

It was mighty, mighty cold out there this weekend! In fact, it snowed for a lot of the day and wind chills made it a bit frigid. Luckily, my NorthFace still zips over my giant tummy and we bundled up long enough to make it to halftime of the game following a 4 hour tailgate.

Though obviously there was no alcohol to keep me warm, Shaun picked up a giant travel mug of hot cocoa for me to sip on throughout the game. Hot cocoa never gets old :)

We finally made our way home to the couch yesterday afternoon, where we snacked on leftover white pizza dip and a little cheeseboard while watching random football games all day long.

 

All in all, a wonderful weekend! I didn't do a usual Thanksgiving thankfulness post this year...but in a nutshell, I'm so thankful for all of the wonderful things in my life...my husband, family, our health, happiness and especially for our blessed little bundle who will be joining us in 2 short months. Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! Hope it was a great one!

 

How did you spend Thanksgiving weekend?

Do you get down with Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales? any tips for me?

 

Wednesday
Nov212012

Thanksgiving Cooking & Baking

I always love the week of Thanksgiving. Streets are bustling, yet commuters are winding down. Everyone is getting ready for cooking, baking and basking in time with family and friends. I always use this time to do a viewing of You've Got Mail, admitedly one of my favorite movies of all time. 

And somehow, I always sign up to make way more than I can handle. But that most likely does not come as a surprise. Tomorrow, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving twice. In the earlier part of the day, we'll be eating and watching football at Shaun's parents house. In the late afternoon/evening, we'll be doing about the same at my aunt's house. I never mind eating two Thanksgiving dinners, and I think this year, Baby H will also agree with me on that one!

Here's what I've got on tap for cooking and baking for tomorrow:

For my in-laws:

My grandmother's cranberry mold

Maple cornbread

Pecan pie

Pumpkin pie

For my aunt's:

Maple cornbread

Pumpkin pie

Salted caramel apple cheesecake

 

Whew!

Slightly ambitious, no? We'll see how my legs and back hold up for all of this.

I'm also breaking the cardinal rule of baking and trying some new recipes for the holiday, but I'm excited to change it up a bit and am hopeful that they will turn out well!

What are you making for Thanksgiving?

What are you most looking forward to eating? I love ALL Thanksgiving food, but I especially can't wait for my mother-in-law's sweet potatoes and my aunt's stuffing with Mom's gravy on top. Eeee!

 

And in case you are on the hunt for some last minute Thanksgiving recipes, here are some of my personal favorites!

Rustic cheeseboard. Couldn't be easier and comes together in about 5 minutes.

Cranberry-topped Brie. One of my favorite dishes ever...use some canned whole cranberries for the topping!

Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip. Always a crowd pleaser and looks so pretty!

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes. I'm obsessed. Gooey, sticky and delicious. Oh and super duper easy to boot.

Caramel Apple Cider Shakes. Super easy and very sweet. Just the way I like it.

Gingersnap Crusted Pumpkin Pie. I always MUST have pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving! It is one of my favorite dishes of all time EVER.

Apple Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting. Another classic and I'm pretty sure I've gotten more compliements on these than any other dessert I've ever made!

For even more recipes of the autumnal variety, check out our Recipe page!