27 February 2009

Photo Friday #8

PANAMA | TRAVELS WITH KID
Getting in a little hammock time ... with a spotter.



For other travel pics, check out my favourite family travel site Delicious Baby. Or go there to share your travel photos on Fridays too.

23 February 2009

"An Awesome Book"

This came in the mail today. And it makes me so happy. This book is where fun, whimsical writing and great illustrations come together. With an inspiring message and fantastical, detailed artwork, this book has already become a family favourite.

After the first read Spud yelled "read it again! read it again!" The page with the candy-o-matic 5000 alone is enough to keep his interest for 5 minutes as he traces the path of the candy canes in as many ways as he can imagine.



Check out very awesome world to flip through the book yourself page by page.

19 February 2009

Photo Friday #7

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA | TRAVELS WITH KID
Driving over the bridge of the Americas ... linking two continents.



For other travel pics, check out my favourite family travel site Delicious Baby. Or go there to share your travel photos on Fridays too.

17 February 2009

Sweet Little Cozy

Nana made this little blanket/play mat for Spud which came in the mail for Valentine's Day.



The darling little car buttons and hearts are such a sweet touch.



15 February 2009

Toad in the Hole

NOSTALGIA AT MEALTIME | YORSHIRE PUDDING + SAUSAGE
I modified this from Jamie Oliver's recipe, as tipped off to me by Julie on my Bird in the Nest post.



Yorkshire Pudding Batter
1 1/3 C. milk
1 C. Flour, all purpose
Salt
3 eggs

Mix the batter ingredients together and set aside.

Toad in the Hole
Sunflower oil
6 Quality sausages, large
6 Sprig sections of fresh rosemary

Put just under 1/2" of sunflower oil into each muffin tin cup and place on the middle shelf of the oven at its highest setting, 475°F. Place a large tray underneath to catch any oil splatter that happens during cooking. In order for this to work everything needs to be nice and hot so there will probably be some bubbling and spitting.

When the oil is very hot, add your sausages. Keep an eye on them allowing them to become just lightly golden. At this point pour batter over each sausage.





Throw a rosemary sprig section into each cup. Close the door and do not open again for at least 20 minutes, as rising Yorkshire puddings are temperamental wee things. Remove from the oven when golden and crisp.

Gravy
1 Red onion, peeled and sliced
2 Cloves of garlic, peeled and finely sliced
2 T. Butter
6 T. Balsamic vinegar
1 T. Vegetable stock powder

For the onion gravy, simply fry off your onions and garlic in the butter on a medium heat for about 5 minutes until sweet and translucent. Add thyme. Next, add balsamic vinegar and cook down to half. Add veggie stock powder with a little water. Bring to a simmer.

We served this with mashed cauliflower and a green salad.

13 February 2009

Banana Sprinkle Mini Pies

DO-IT-YOURSELF DESSERT


I found this adorable idea at A bit of this and a bit of that and we tried it tonight. It made a nice little intermission from our movie night.

We gave Spud:
Butter knife and cutting board
Banana, peeled
Nutella [warmed in the microwave for 20 seconds]
Sprinkles

He did the rest. Slice, dip, dip, slurp. And then he named them mini pies after declaring his perpetual love for them.

12 February 2009

Hearts

VALENTINE'S DAY



Simple little Valentines for Spud's day care mates. These little hearts are made with a little white paint and my index finger. An idea I got from Martha that suited me fine because I had all the ingredients at home.

Red construction paper
White paint
Ribbon
Circular die cut
Hole punch
Treats

They were supposed to be made with Spud's little fingers, but he fell asleep an hour early tonight. This evening's swimming lesson wiped him out, I guess. I hope he approves when he sees them tomorrow morning.

06 February 2009

Photo Friday #6: PEI

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA | TRAVELS WITH KID


On a warm and windy fall day, Grandpa takes Spud for a little walk on the red beaches of PEI.

You'll find other links to travel pics at my favourite family travel site Delicious Baby. Or go there to share your travel photos on Fridays too.

01 February 2009

Seattle: Half Day of Trundling Around

TRAVELS WITH KID

We found this hotel, Hotel Monaco on hotwire which is great for finding last minute hotel deals. We got the room for one night for $99, saving over $100.



Our adventure began with a map from the hotel. Where's the library?



It's kitty corner to our hotel! On 4th and Spring.


View Larger Map.

Killer architecture.



Fantastic kids section. We brought our laptops and squeezed in some quality adult time using their free wireless, while the little one played with the puzzles, toys and computer games.




After a 10 block-trundle, we browsed Pike Place Market.





Watched the famous fish tossing ...



Crossed the street to watch them make cheese and bought a small tub of squeeky cheese for the road trip home.



Watched them line up out the door for freshly baked piroshkies. We'll hit that place on our next visit here for sure.



Settled on brunch at Etta's in the next block.



The kid quesadilla wasn't very cheesy but the fries were great and the platter was smartly garnished with crisp apple wedges which were a hit with Spud.



Mmm. Chipotle hollandaise benny with spinach and crab.



And a fine huevos rancheros.