The Big Pink Pig

A cooking, baking, sewing, and creating blog about life with my little pink piggies.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!


Happy Holidays People!! Above is a picture of my girls in their Christmas dresses. For more pics of the babies check out my mom's blog, Nonni's Munckins @ blogspot.

My appreciation of yoga pants has grown deeper during the past month. As the amount of cookies and cupcakes in my house has increased, my yoga pants has gotten a lot of wear; with their dark color and stretchiness, it's really all I need..hehe. Anyways, in addition to my love for comfy pants, I also love these yummy little jewels that are great for parties or playdate. You'll wow your friends with your "gourmet goodies" but they are very easy to make!

Banana Spice Cupcakes and Maple Buttercream Frosting

1 box of Spice Cake Mix
2 bananas mashed
2 1/2 sticks of real butter
2 cups of of maple syrup (the darker the better grade, but Mrs. Butterworth's will do if that is what you got!)
6 egg yolks


1. Prepare cake mix as the box instructs, however sub half the oil for the banana mash (you'll still get that moist flavor).

2. After your cupcakes have baked (about 20 minutes) let them cool on a rack, and start the homemade frosting!!

3. Separate 6 egg yolks and beat with mixer on high for 4 minutes until fluffy.

4. Heat maple syrup in microwave for 2 minutes and then add to eggs. Continue to beat on high for another 2 minutes.

5. Finally cut the butter into small cubes (it is easier to beat that way) and beat on high until pretty and fluffy! Wa-la! Tasty Treats!

6. Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on your mini-cakes!


Enjoy the New Year!!!


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Pigs like PB&C!








Today we made cookies....peanut Butter and Chocolate cookies to be exact! I think that it is truly hard to bake with peanut butter and NOT include chocolate. Anyways, here is the recipe, but I'll tell ya the process was better than the cookies! Haha!


1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup PB
a 20 second long squeeze of honey
1 egg
about a 1/4 cup of brown sugar
1/2 bag of chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Bake at 375 for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned.





Getting her licks in...shh don't tell daddy...


Hey Momma, am I gonna get any of that action??

While we wait for the cookies to bake, a quick tutu change so that I can......



torture the little sister....oh poor Caroline!
Anyways, the cookies were yummy!















Monday, November 8, 2010

Mama Pig is Saving Money!

I know that it has been a very long time since my last post but what better way to welcome myself back then with money---lots of it! For all you mamas in the DC metro area-you should run, not walk, to Harris Teeter today because tomorrow their sale ends.

I have some friends from my MOPS group that swear by Harris Teeter because they accept all competitor's coupons and occasionally will double coupons. I coupled those two perks, along with their weekly specials to get two weeks of groceries---yes two weeks-- for $103!! That includes two packs of diapers, two huge bags of frozen chicken breasts, organic baby food, oodles of dried fruit and pasta and much, much more!! Here are some of my best deals. I will also include where I got the coupon and remember they double the coupons until tomorrow so some items end up being FREE!!!

Item Reg Price Sale Coupon Final
Huggies Size 4 Little Movers 10.99 8.99 2.00x2 4.99
Pampers Size 4 Extra Dry 10.99 8.99 1.00 x2 6.99
Barilla Pasta 1.50 Buy 2 get 3 1.00 2.00
Craisins 3.25 Buy 2 get 3 0.50 x2 5.25
Yo Baby Yogurt 2.99 0.50 x2 1.99
Organic Homestyle Beech Nut 0.99 10/6$ 6.00
Gain Dishwashing Liquid 1.29 0.99 0.50x2 FREE
Fresh Blackberries 3.99 Buy 1 Get 1 3.99
Frozen Chicken Breast 2.5lb bag 9.99 Buy 1 Get 1 9.99
Raw 51/60 Shrimp 17.98 $10 off 7.98
Peet's French Roast Coffee 9.99/lb 1.50 x2 6.99


These are just some of the deals. Most of my coupons came from the bottom of the junk draw so they are for Safeway and Giant but I also found some at these wonderful places online:

www.momslikeme.com
www.coupons.com
www.shopathome.com
www.couponmom.com
Budget Mom

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Hush Little Baby....

Ever since these darned teeth have been coming in, Caroline has been having the worst time with naps and going down by herself. I have tried to Ferberize her but all that does is make Mommy a ball of stress! I have tried Barton Schmitt's method, by comforting her constantly and giving her a soft toy. Neither method worked for poor Caroline. She just loves her cuddles (hehe and secretly so do I...are you starting to see the problem?). So anyways, I moved the glider into her room yesterday afternoon and I made her a mixed CD of lullabies and I am pleased to say that they have worked! Well at least for now (they change so much!)

Laura enjoyed the Rockabye Baby series and I thought that they were pretty cute too. It is a collection of modern or popular songs put to the harpsichord. They are really cute but are mostly harder rock artists. I looked on iTunes for an alternative and I found The Lullabye Ensemble. They are sooo cute! They have a variety of genres. My personal favorite is "Baby Goes New Wave." It is all 80's songs and they even include Journey, Dexy's Midnight Runners, and The Buggles. Check it out! I also found it on Rhapsody so you can sample the songs.

Monday, October 4, 2010

What to do on a rainy day....


Build fort!

Laura even made Mommy a treat! What a good hostess! Caroline enjoyed tea while we played in the fort!


Friday, October 1, 2010

OMG! Project Runway Upset!!!

Ok so I promise that this will not be a total rant and/or retelling of last night's episode, but after watching , I am shocked and stunned! Where do I begin???

First, Chris I love. I know that Rachel Roy is an acclaimed designer and I know that Michael and his ladies are also established in the industry, but come on, Chris has good clean designs and whether his off the shoulder design wasn't "easy" enough for Heidi and Rachel, well I don't know but I loved it.

Gretchen- I love your styling. Really love it, but come on, it exists in every Anthro/Urban catalog. Someone is not humble and someone needs to brings herself back down to plant Earth. You are not the most talented designer to grace PR's runway (that would be the most fierce and major Christian Soriano...ahh a Maryland boy at heart).

April- you are growing on me-though after Peach left, you changed your stripes and are now BFF with Gretchen...shady shady (BTW, never liked Peach's designs but LOVED you Peachy!)

Michael is a lucky little bugger, but I like how he plays the game. I think one of the best quotes from the season comes when you are in the top with Gretchen and you praise her by saying how honored you are to be in the safe crowd with her and THEN in your confessional you say that you were lying through your teeth. hahaha oh you ARE a tricky one Michael!!!

Andy- You must have said a prayer to St. Anthony because you were lost and boy did he find you!! You got spared! And truth be told I can't really talk about you because......(this leads me to my next point.)

Valerie!!! Oh my dear Val! I have appreciated your designs from the beginning, even when evil Ivy was in your ear, you took the high road and designed for women who want to look sexy. Oh Val you will be missed and I really think that you should've stayed and Andy should've said good bye.

Mondo- I was truly moved by your courage and honesty. Your design was literal enough to illustrate your deep secret yet you never used the secret to propel your status in the competition. Although, I would never step out to say the Safeway on Willard Way in one of your creations, I respect the heart that it took to create it!

Finally............my real love (sorry Laura, Caroline, and Pete but this guy had me at Hello),

Tim- You were flawless. Your stylish suit was only outshined by your class and wit and dedication to your pupils. You have an open invitation to Sunday dinner-on that you can rely.

Before I leave, I must comment on one thing. Although my admiration for Tim will only be matched by possibly my closest family members, Austin in zebra sheets with his American Girl doll was probably the cutest thing I have seen since I saw Laura feed Caroline for the first time (ok that was two weeks ago, but still it was funny/adorable/terrifying at the same time).

Ciao Fashionistas!




Thursday, September 30, 2010

Sorry to have been away!




Sorry to have been away for so long. I promise to add entries more regularly. In the past week we have ventured (slowly) into the world of potty training and although we are not there yet- I had NO idea what hard work this was going to be! Sigh..........oh well, while we wait for the potty training thing to click, we cook! Today we are cooking "Easy Peasy" spaghetti sauce. I came up with this recipe when I wanted to get rid of produce that I was scared would go bad over the weekend (on weekends I take dinners easy).

You'll need:

3 tomatoes
Some fresh bail (about a half a handful of leaves, washed)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup of frozen peas (one of the only veggies Laura likes, so naturally they get added to EVERYTHING)
Whole Wheat Pasta
Two cloves of garlic minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning

1. Heat a large skillet with the oil, medium heat. Once the oil is hot add the garlic.
2. Wash and dice the tomatoes and add them to the skillet.
3. Heat a large pot of water and cook the pasta once it boils.
4. Once the tomatoes are nice and soft, add the seasoning.
5. Next add the peas and basil.
6. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the peas are a nice bright green.
7. Once the pasta has cooked, drain and add the sauce!

Sure to please your little ones because of its simplicity. My husband LOVES this sauce when I add ground pork. The pork's saltiness brings out the acidity in the tomatoes. It is very fresh tasting! Plus you know exactly all of the ingredients and you are leaving out all of those preservatives! (Someone once told me that if "it" can live on a shelf for years, it can live on your hips for years. Haha Kinda interesting.....)



Thursday, September 23, 2010

Bored? Why not go shopping?



I discovered that Laura and Caroline have some inner super model in them! I made Laura try on some jeans at The Gap and she was hooked! She posed and danced and even her little sister got in on the action!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Marvelous Monday Finds on Etsy!

I keep fantasizing about fall and all the new clothes I want! Too bad, that is all it will have to be...fantasies. Ahh....marvelous finds on Etsy!




Now for the more affordable stuff :)







Enjoy! Let me know if you find other good stuff!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Fall has fallen upon us!

A quick post to motivate you to get up and enjoy this beautiful weather! Yesterday the girls and I took a stroll around Daddy's office in DuPont Circle. Laura met a dog named Ziggy and Caroline was memorized by the sights and sounds of downtown.
Laura was ready to dive into the fountain! Oh blue eyes!! :)

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Sew Along: Finale!

Ok so now we are to the yoke! Only a few more steps!!

Flip the front of the yoke upside down so that the right sides of the fabric are facing together and sew to the front of the tunic. Repeat the processwith the back of the yoke.

Flip the tunic inside out and sew the tops of the yokes together to create a sleeveless tunic.


With the tunic still inside out, add the sleeves by lining up top of the arch with the shoulder seams. Pin and sew the arch of the sleeve around the armhole. Finally sew the seam underneath the sleeve to create the "tube" that makes up the sleeve.



Laura models the one shoulder look-she is so avant-garde!


The last step is to hem the edges of the sleeves and bottom of the tunic for a polished look. I also added bias tape made from leftover scraps of fabric to the collar.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Sew Along: Part 2



Gosh, sorry I haven't posted in a few days. So here is my progress thus far. I am almost done and have learned a lot while completing this tunic, like attaching sleeves and how to not screw up a pocket haha. Enjoy!

The first step in the section of the sew along is cutting the fabric. I used paper pattern pieces to trace and cut my fabric, but from now on I am using muslin. It is wayyyy easier to move the fabric around if needed.

After cutting the pieces out, I gathered the pocket by setting my machine to the longest stitch with the least amount of tension and then I just pulled the strings together. I also sewed some extra material to the top for a polished look.

Then I zig-zagged the remaining pieces so that the fray would be minimized.

After that, I attached the pocket to the front of the tunic. I did this on an angle for a little different look hehe.



Next, I sewed the front and back together (wrong sides facing out). It was starting to look like an actual top!

My final step in this part of the sew along is creating the gathering for the top of tunic. I used the same technique as the pocket.


I had to stop there because my tiny tailors were begging to go on a puppy hunt. :) We take walks in our neighborhood quite often and we ALWAYS find the same dogs. I think that Laura was hoping that there would be new discoveries on this walk. :) See you back tomorrow!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

It's a Sew-Along!

I am completing this sew along right along with you! This pattern comes from a Japanese dress book for little girls. It is the most adorable little tunic that I figured Laura could wear with leggings or tights. I've included a picture below and the ISBN number is 9784529047005, otherwise I would include the title- one problem I don't speak Japanese. The author is Yuuki Katagai.

Today I am just cutting the pattern pieces, boy did that take awhile. I've tried to include pictures of the dimensions so you can sew along with me without using the book. Like I said before, the book is written in Japanese so we are basically in the same boat-unless you know Japanese, then maybe you can help me out! :)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

We Made It Wednesday: Little Girl's Hair Bows




Today we made hair bows to adorn our hair These little numbers are sooooo easy to whip up and you can make them very cheaply as gifts or last minutes "must have" accessories. Hehe!

Materials:
ribbon (I like grosgrain the best.)
Quick Grip Glue or Hot Glue Gun (Quick Grip is less messy, but use what you have.)
Snap hair clip
button
needle and thread

1. Wrap the ribbon around the clip and glue down.
2. Cut 4 strips of 7 inch ribbon. I used two types of ribbon on my pink bow and it worked just fine. You can be as fancy or as simple as you want!

3. Lay them printed side down in a star pattern as shown below. Take your needle and thread and insert the needle through the middle of the star so that every piece of ribbon has been pierced by the needle.
.

4. Next, join the ends of the ribbon to the middle one by one and sew them down to the center of the star.
.

5. Attach a button and glue down to snap clip. :) There you have it! It takes only a few minutes to make a customized hair bow for your little one!


Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Go Hokies!









Mommy and Daddy took a night off from being, well Mommy and Daddy. :) Since my husband and I went to a small school for undergrad, we have adopted Virginia Tech as our college football team. The Hokies opened their season at nearby FedEx Field so we spent Labor Day with the orange and maroon! We laughed, we cried, and in the end it was upset city to Boise State, but we still had fun!












Friday, September 3, 2010

Get Ready to Purge!




With the fall closing in on us I thought that it was time for me to purge myself (and my poor family) of "stuff" that we don't use anymore. I went to work in our room collecting clothes that I have had since college. I came across several of my husband's polos that he had purchased at Britches. Yes, I said Britches!! Didn't they go out of business back in the '90's??


The embarrassment didn't end there. I found a down coat from high school, 3 copies of "I Love You As Much", 2 copies of "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" and several pairs of flip flops with tags still intact. Geez- perhaps I should do more purging and rid myself of clothing and accessories that have been in my closet or dresser for more than 3 months! Hopefully my mess will inspire others (and myself to keep it up!). Happy Labor Day weekend!!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Today we play!








Today we hosted a small playdate with my sister-in-law and a good family friend. The kids had fun playing with playdoh, toy food, and painting their masterpieces! Next time we meet, we may even venture into water table play! :)

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Fabric Yo Yo Wreath




I love Mary Engelbreit and this cute wreath reminds me of her designs and illustrations. It is SUPER easy to make and it adds a nice homemade touch to your front door or wall. (This idea is adapted from one found on Poppytalk.)


Materials:


Two different Colors of Yarn

Foam Wreath Form

Fabric Scraps


Needle and Thread


Buttons (optional)


Super Glue



Step 1: Take the foam wreath form and wrap the yarn around it in any design that you would like. I alternated colors but you could use the same color or intertwine the colors together it is up to you.



Step 2: Make the yo-yos! Use different sizes of circles to make your yo-yos. I used coffee cups, canister tops, and bowls as my stencils.





Step 3: Cut the fabric and make a small fold at the top of the fabric. Pull your needle through the fabric and make loose stitches all around your circle. Pull the thread so that the fabric looks like a little purse and then secure by sewing the middle of the yo-yo to the back.


























Step 4: Add small yo-yos to large ones for a flower look or just go with single yo-yos. You can add buttons or other notions if you would like.














Step 5: Use super adhesive glue to secure your yo-yos and display! :)



If you decide to make one, send me a picture and I will post it!






Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Etsy Back to School Finds

Now does there really have to be a reason to sit here with my laptop and search Etsy all night? Really, no there doesn't have to be, but while the TV is on "Wipe Out" I will be on Etsy! Here are some cute finds for kids and moms from Etsy-call them "Back to School Finds" or just call them pretty little things-it's up to you! :)

Toddler Newsboy Knitted Hat
ADORABLE Owl Pillow
Pretty Little Acorn Necklace
Owl Book Bag
Reusable Snack Bag
Cute Vintage Flashcards
Unique Fabric Flower Wreath
Aluminum Canisters (these beauties remind me of my grandmother's kitchen)
Sweet Crayon Roll For Your Little Artists
Baby Boy Knitted Cap
Happy Little Elephant Lunch Bag

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday Munchies: Warm Southwest Steak Salad


Laura is a great eater. She'll eat anything, however getting her to sit down for more than 3 minutes to eat whatever it is that I made her is the challenge. Tonight she sat down to eat and (almost) finished it all before she got up! My inspiration for the meal was a great salad place down the street from my husband's office called Chopp't. They always have cool combinations with lots of fresh veggies. Try the recipe out and hopefully you'll like it too! Now I came up with the proportions on the fly so alter them to your own taste.


1/2 Packet of Southwest Taco Seasoning

5 oz of Bison/Buffalo Steak cut into strips (You can use any meat, but bison is incredibly lean and low in fat and calories.)

1/4 cup Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese

1 red pepper cut into strips

1 ear of corn

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

cooking spray (you can use olive oil, but by using the spray you save calories and fat)

90 second microwaveable whole grain rice

1/2 of a lime

ground pepper

2 cloves of garlic chopped

1 bag of baby spinach

1/2 a bunch of cilantro


1. Put the steak and taco seasoning in a Ziplock bag or Gladware and mix it up, then add it to a pan sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat (Bison cooks very fast so keep you eye on it.)

2. Light the grill and while you are waiting for the grill to heat up, spray your corn with cooking spray and sprinkle it with the chili powder and salt. When grill is ready add the corn.

3. Remove the steak once it is fully cooked and put it onto a plate topped with paper towels to remove some of the grease.

4. In the same pan, saute peppers and garlic together.

5. Check on the corn and remove it from the grill when all sides are grilled.

6. In your serving bowl, add spinach, cilantro, and cheese.

7. Heat up your rice in the microwave. While it cooks throw the steak into the pepper pan to heat up a bit.

8. Take the corn off the cob and add it to the salad, along with the steak, peppers, and finally rice.

9. Toss and squeeze 1/2 a lime over the top. Add a dash of salt.


It sounds really labor intensive but I did it with my 6 month old in the high chair and my 2 year old watching Kailan, so you CAN do it! :) Try it out and let me know how you like it! Remember it is relatively healthy due to the veggies and low fat steak and cooking oils, plus you get the whole grain rice in there.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

The New Face of Lady Gaga


I know that this posting has nothing to do with cute little babies, shopping, sewing, cooking, or crafting but it IS about creating! My little brother is part of a band that performs each summer at local coffee houses. They are just three guys with two guitars and some BIG personalities! :) Check out their cover of Lady Gaga's "Pokerface." Enjoy!




Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday Sales!

A new school year is upon us which means……tons of sales! Although my little ones are not joining any academic ranks this year, I always enjoy a good sale. Here is a list of some good ones, both online and in your stores. I’ve also added some websites that send out weekly sales. I love these sites because they are GREAT for baby gifts and unique little novelty tees and shoes-plus if you get them through the site they are offered at a fraction of the price.
Gap: 30% Give and Get for Charity Sale
The Mini Social: All sorts of weekly deals from Crocs to Little Giraffe Blankies
Trumpet Socks: Gift Set $10 off! From $25 to $15
Boys’ Converse Chuck Taylors: $11.90!
Crocs: Adorable Mary Jane Crocs $9.99
Tulle Plie Skirt: Who doesn’t love a tutu?
Little Man Polo: Sooo cute and soo cheap!! $2.99
Ralph Lauren Baby Boy Polo: $9.99 down from $25
Stylish Kids: I just discovered this site. It’s cool because it acts as a search engine to locate sales for specific brands.
There are some to get you started. I will post some more super sales as I find them. Happy Friday!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Mamma's making baby food!



Mondays mean laundry, ironing, and making baby food! Caroline's favorite is applesauce so I thought that I would treat the little one and make a couple extra jars today. She loves her apples! (**Disclaimer: Before you try this recipe for your little one, please be sure that your pediatrician has given you the OK to start with solids. I do not claim to be a doctor so it's always good to check.)



Ingredients:


2 Large Braeburn Apples ( you can use Golden Delicious apples instead and omit the sugar)



1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar



dash of cinnamon



Oatmeal or Rice Cereal (optional)


Step 1: Boil a pot of water. While water is boiling, wash and peel apples. Core and Cut apples into small chunks like so....















Step 2: Cook the apples in the water for about 10 minutes or until the chunks are tender.





Step 3: Drain apples and let dry for about 5 minutes (this helps some of the added water is seep out of the apples which can cause runny sauce).




Step 4: Add apple chunks, sugar, and dash of cinnamon to a food processor. I use my magic bullet because it is SUPER easy to clean afterwards.














Step 5: Blend for about 1 minute (depending on the strength of your processor) or until it is the consistency of your liking. I make mine a little thin because Caroline is just starting solids.





Step 6: Label jars or gladware with the date so that you know how long to keep it in your fridge.














Step 7: Let cool and serve! I like to add oatmeal baby cereal to her food for added texture and iron. The best part is that if I add extra oatmeal Laura likes it too and she gets the added iron!