Crockpot Tortellini Soup

March 4, 2014

Ingredients:
1 bag of frozen tortellini (10-12 oz)
1 small bag of fresh spinach
2 cans of Italian style diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 box or 4 cups or chicken broth
1 block of cream cheese (8 oz), cut into cubes
1 lb. of roll(ground) sausage (I used hot)
Directions:  Brown the sausage and put all ingredients(except spinach, if you want it to stay green) in crock pot. Cook on low for 3-4 hrs.  If you don’t add the spinach at the beginning, add it ~1 hour before serving.  If the ‘sauce’ is too thin, leave the lid off during the last 1/2 hour of cooking and it will thicken slightly.

My REAL Postpartum body

January 16, 2014

Its that time that I begin to focus on getting back into shape. I was in no rush to jump right into dieting and exercise following Orla’s birth. Here I am a few days shy of 9 weeks postpartum and i’m feeling really good, both physically and mentally. Currently I weigh 129 pounds. I have no shame in the number I weigh, as I care more about inches and how I feel/look in my clothes. I will be 29 years old in April, I have no interest in being the 106 pounds and size 25 that I was at 24 years old. It just goes to show that as you get older and have kids your body changes, AND I MEAN CHANGES!!!!! When I post photos on Instagram you wouldn’t know I’m 5 foot 2 inches tall, and weigh 129 pounds. You wouldn’t know I have stretch marks all over my body, or that I have a baby pouch, and a face full of freckles! I’m posting this blog so people know I have flaws I’m not ashamed of, social media makes it hard sometimes even for me to feel good about our bodies. I find myself becoming the most insecure of my body after browsing through my social media outlets. Its inevitable I feel like for us women to at times obsess on our bodies and strive for some sort of “perfection”   I know having gained 50lbs when I was pregnant with Pella, it takes discipline, dedication, motivation, and hard work to get back into shape, but its DOABLE!  I gained 32lbs with Orla, and for not working out “yet” or making any changes to my diet, I am about 9 pounds shy of my pre-pregnancy weight. 9 lbs seems like a piece of cake, right? Like I said before its not the # in pounds, its the actual shape of size of my body that is going to be the challenge. My goal is to be pack in my size 26 jeans, NO muffin top by my 29th birthday!

So here I go, starting my 29th birthday body challenge. Weighing in at 129 pounds, wearing a size Medium, and size 28 jeans. I will try and update my blog with what I’m eating, cooking, and doing along the lines of this challenge im giving myself.

I’d love to hear from other women who are dedicating 2014 to getting in shape! Lets do this!!!

Black Friday GIFT GUIDE!

November 26, 2013

1. Faas designs – gorgeous innovative leather, felt, and unique fabric moccs. 
Sale is live on website now!, selected styles are marked down.
Hurry they are selling out QUICK! Shop here
2. Sophie & Lili– Cute lil dollies and accessories 
20% off all Hand Knit dolls now-  ends 11/27/13
code: KNIT20    Shop here!
3. HELLO Apparel – Make a statement with HELLO Merch adult, kids and baby apparel
Sale info will be updated WEDNESDAY!
But Im told its their BIGGEST SALE of the year with exclusive Black Friday items, and new Stocking Stuffers. 
Shop here! 

4. Petunia Pickle Bottom–  Gorgeous and Fashion forward diaper bags, & accessories. 
 Receive A Limited Edition Holiday Shopper Tote with your purchase. & Free Shipping on purchases over $75
-While supplies last-
(Friday 11/29/13 ONLY)    shop here!
5. Yarn Bombed Antlers– the one and ONLY custom Yarn Bombed Antlers!
 20% off entire Etsy shop!
code: blackfriday   Shop here!  (Friday 11/29-Mon 12/2)
6. Goods by Grinn – Whimsy and Sweet Home decor
 Mint Heart Pillows for only $18, 9 available!1.
-while supplies last-
shop here!
1. Mini and Maximus– the COOLEST kids clothing line.
40% off Store wide
code: MERCI  Shop here!
2. Passive Juice Motel– Hip and Urban baby and kids clothing brand
 30% off entire online store (Fri 11/29- Dec 12/1)
code: BLACKFRIDAY2013   Shop here!
3. Raine + Monet – Stylish Kids clothing brand
$2 Domestic Shipping on ANY SIZE order!
shop here! 
4. Kung Foo Kids– Handmade Pillows, Stockings, Woodland Plushies, and Crayon aprons
30% off entire Etsy shop, a portion of Fridays profit will be donated to the Oregon Autism Society. (Friday 11/29/13 midnight-midnight)
code: BLACKFRIDAY  shop here! 
5. Sons of Trade – Mens Lifestyle brand of Bags, Apparel, & Tech accessories  
20% off Entire Website & FREE shipping on orders $75+
(Friday only 11/29/13) Shop here! 
6. Sickfeet Art -Beautiful original artwork & hand screened apparel  
50% off ENTIRE Etsy shop!
(Friday only 11/29/13) 
code: sickfeetdeal50   Shop here!
1. River & Bridge – Gorgeous paper and cards! 
$5 off any $20 order- code: SMALLBIZ5 
 $15 off any $50 order –code: SMALLBIZ15
(Saturday 11/30/13 only)   shop here! 
2. Kash & Olie – Hand knit here in California! 
Free Shipping on all orders 
(Friday 11/29/13 only)   Shop here!
3. The Citrus Branch– Handmade Hair accessories, and newborn photography
Buy 2 get 1 free, & Free shipping on orders over $15.
(Wednesday 11/27/13- Monday 12/2/13)   Shop here! 
4. Tiny Whales- Rad Boys apparel and beanies!
35%-20% select items marked down & Free Shipping on US orders over $50
(Now- Sat 11/30) 
Code: FREESHIPPINBABY   Shop here! 
5. Rich Hippies – Earthy Kids apparel
20% off store wide 
(Friday only midnight-midnight 11/29)
code: BlackFridayFriends   Shop here!
6. Petunia– Bohemian inspired, top quality handbags
20% off Store wide & Free Shipping on orders over $75
(Friday only 11/29)
Shop here! 

Campwolf – AMAZING rugged Pendleton inspired kids clothing and accessories!
20% off Store wide.
(Friday only 11/29)
code: HOLIDAY  Shop here!

Nena & Co. – Gorgeous one of a kind hang bags! (Ive been swooning over these bags for a LONG time)
25 % off Store wide (take 15% off NOW code: PREGAME)
25% off starts Nov 29th- Dec 3rd.
Shop here! 

Welcome to the world Orla Grace.

November 21, 2013

Orla Grace Miserendino 
-born-
Tuesday November 12th 2013, at 2:24pm
Weighing 8lbs 7oz
Measuring 20.5in 
My birth story isn’t spectacular for me at least, but it was more spectacular having been able to see my husbands worries and anxiety he had my entire pregnancy disappear the moment he was able to watch Orla be born, cry, open her eyes, stretch and know we had a healthy, happy baby girl! 
I went into the hospital Monday night to be induced with cervidil, I was given the option to be induced one week shy of my due date 1. because I was measuring bigger and 2. by choice.
Now, you’re welcome to have your opinions on induction, but for me it was a personal choice, and a choice I am happy with having done, no matter how you choose to birth your baby there are always risks involved. 
At around 11pm they started my cervidil I was 50% effaced and 3.5cm , I went the entire night with consistent contractions, but nothing that intensified with time passing, I was able to sleep here and there when I would catch a break from contracting. I was checked a couple times, NO progress, Cervix still 50% effaced, still 3.5 centimeters dilated. Morning came, around 10am they took out my cervidil and planned to start me on Pitocin around 11am. At that time opted to get my epidural. Around noon my water broke, I was 4cm, my contractions intensified, and my I was actually feeling them back to back. I called my nurse to have my epidural turned up a notch, she came in gave it a boost, but still even after about an hour I felt no pain management, my legs weren’t numb, they just felt hot… Lucky for me by 1:30ish I was checked and was 7.5cm, things were moving super quick. Dr. came in took a look said she was about a 0 station, and pushing could take longer then I was hoping for. I wasn’t okay with that at all in my mind, I pushed for 2.5 hours with Pella, it was awful! I called the nurse within a few minutes of my Dr. leaving telling her I felt AWFUL pressure, I had to push! She checked me, I was fully dilated and thinned out, she had me push a little bit to see if I was able to move her down, and DOWN she came! She ran out into the hall to have the Dr come back and deliver this baby! 2:24pm Orla Grace was born, with a a cord around her neck, she was still pink as could be, and bolted out that cry every mother anticipates to hear when your baby comes out! I couldn’t believe I pushed out an 8 pounder in 30 minutes! 
I would best describe her birth as  intense and quick! I was in so much pain the hour before she was born, and just to push felt so good! The minute she was out of there I felt instant relief! No more pressure, no more contractions, no more HUGE belly! A bit bittersweet as I was totally DONE being pregnant, I knew it was going to be my last time being pregnant.  I will also say the second time around has been a much easier healing process! Its amazing what our bodies can do. 
Im happy its over. I’m thankful to have 2 beautiful healthy, happy girls in my life. I am happy to be able to have had my best friend and husband right by side.
This pregnancy for me was a major 180 from when I was pregnant with Pella, having Nick be there for me and with me, supporting me, helping me when he could and encouraging me was something I wasn’t used too, or expected. I am so lucky to have him in my life, and our daughters lives. For me just being able to give him “life”,his daughter, is a moment I will cherish forever. 

Special Thanks to 
for documenting Orla’s birth. 

Hospital Bag prep!

November 5, 2013

I found myself back in Labor and Delivery yesterday after having had dropped Pella off at school I stopped by the grocery store to stock up on groceries.  As I was shopping I was startled by 2 small gushes of fluid one following another! I remember when my water broke with Pella I was laying down in the hospital bed and felt an internal “POP” followed by slow continuous gushes of fluid. I called my Dr he told me to go straight to L&D. I was totally bummed! First off I didn’t want to have to go sit in a hospital bed again wasting the nurses time and not have my baby! Although I knew the importance of having it checked out. Secondly, I was completely unprepared if it was actually my membranes that ruptured I had NO bag packed, NO car seat installed, and NO plan lined up for both my birth and for Pella.  Obviously it wasn’t my membranes that had ruptured, otherwise this post would be my birth post! LOL. I was sent home yesterday afternoon being told I am 2cm dilated and about 50% effaced,  I am happy with that! I know things can change at any given time at this point so first thing I did when I got home was started prepping for the ACTUAL arrival of our daughter! EEP! so here’s whats in my hospital bag!

  • Pendleton Weekend Tote bag (Substituting for my Petunia Pickle Bottom Wistful Weekender I am hoping for as an anniversary gift from the Husband! 
  • Petunia Pickle Bottom Faraway Foldout tote, perfect to have in case you need a second bag, I found myself coming home with so much more random stuff I came with… (Gonna be stashing all those frozen ice pack pads, and mesh chonies! lol) also Nice to have to put all the paper work in too! 
  • Petunia Pickle Bottom Powder room case for all my toiletries!
  • Petunia Pickle Bottom Swaddling Blanket if you don’t own any these blankets for your new baby, I highly recommend these, they are so soft and and stretchy! 
  • 2 Outfits for baby, 1st. a preemie size (in case shes actually small!) outfit by Stem from Nordys. 2nd outfit is a 7-10lbs newborn banner flag outfit by Kickee Pants, ridiculously  cute  and soft. 
  • Baby necessities, gumdrop newborn pacifier, tiny little newbie socks, burp cloth, and tiny little bow headband also packed a couple white gerber oneies with long sleeves that sleeves fold over.
  • Babies ‘Hands and Feet’ page from her baby book by Edna Mae
  • Poloroid Mini Camera and My Canon G12 camera, and phone charger!
  • Earth Mama Angel baby nipple cream (favorite nipple cream)  and Postpartum Freshin’ Up spray  (nice to spritz before you know guests are coming to visit in case you didnt get time to shower)
  • Cozy comfy clothes, which includes some disposable Granny Hanes panties, cozy socks, a sleep maternity bra and nursing bra one of my favorites by Elle MacPherson, and of some PJ pants and shirts.

I also recommend packing a pair of flip flops for the shower, slippers, your birth plan, a folder to keep all paper work in, and of course some supplies, and change of clothes for the baby daddy IF he intends on staying with you.

Pella and Baby M’s new whimsy bedroom & playroom!

October 27, 2013

We recently wrapped up final details and construction with our master bedroom/bathroom project, next came the girls room, and playroom transition!
With help from my in-laws we were able to KNOCK OUT both rooms.
I’m feeling extremely uncomfortable, not sleeping well, and just over being pregnant, but the feeling of knowing everything is done before this baby coming into the world was a major stress thats off my chest now! Everything looks beautiful! I still have some adjustments for the playroom as far as storage goes! But heres the finished product. enjoy.

Bedroom Details:
Paint: Dunn Edwards “COOL DECEMBER”
Bed frame: Jenny Lind @ Land of Nod
Changing table/ bookcase & Crib: Jenny Lind by Delta @ Target (online)
Rosette area rug: Land of Nod
Pella’s Bedding: Blush Duvet Cover, Gray Quilt, and Gray Accent Pillows: Land Of Nod
Woodland Flannel Sheets: Pottery Barn Kids
Dream Catchers: Maven Mercantile (Etsy: MavenMercantile)
Baby ‘M”s Crib Bedding: Custom bedding by Ivie Baby (Etsy: Ivie Baby )
Custom Daddy Nick doll by DUKE & JUNE (Etsy: Duke&June)
Knitted Stripe Quilt: Land Of Nod
“Hush Little Baby” crib sheet by Ivie Baby (link above)
Custom Antler Mobile, made by me, antlers yarn bombed by (Etsy: Yarn Bombed Antlers)



PLAY ROOM! 


I can COOK. Slow cooked Apple Bacon Pork Chops

October 22, 2013

Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Apple Pork Chops

I surfed the internet for a good slow cooker pork chop, but I’m old fashioned and I like my porck chops with apple sauce, or apples, so I kinda made up my own recipe for Apple Pork Chops.
Here are the basics:
And here’s the recipe with details:
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops (Adapted from here)
  • 3 boneless pork chops
  • Bacon – 2 slices per chop
  • 2 Gala apples
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cinnamon 
1. Preheat the broiler. Wrap each pork chop in 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if you have them (I didn’t). Place the wrapped chops onto a broiler pan and broil 5 min per side. Sprinkle each side with brown sugar, I put the brown sugar on the chop then put bacon over. 
2. While chops are broiling, slice up 2 apples of your choice. After broil, place chops in the crock pot, top with the apple slices and season the apples with some the cinnamon 
3. Cook on low 6 hours or until desired tenderness (I cooked mine all day. They stayed together nicely but were fork tender. Perfect!)

Imagining myself NOT pregnant, swooning over…..

I love Fall simply for the clothes, and colors!
This fall Im kinda crazy over plaid!
If I could just get this baby out and the weather cool down, I would be a happy lady!
From left to right /top to bottom
1. Gray Flannel Dress / ASOS
2. Multi color maternity plaid dress / ASOS Maternity
3. Lace Romper / Free People
4. Boots / Free People
5. Tote bag / Nena & Co.
6. Plaid Blouse / Free People

GMO’s in infant formula, choosing the “right formula”

October 16, 2013

Although to some this may be controversial, I’m going to post about it anyways. 

As EVERYONE knows human milk is the best milk  and is ‘force fed’ to BREAST FEED, BREAST FEED, BREAST FEED, for some of us its an unfortunate thing that we CANT breast feed our babies.
For whatever it is that a women chooses to or can not successfully breast feed, comes the “which formula should I feed my baby.” I did little research back when I had to accept the fact I would be feeding Pella Formula, I was starving her with my lack of milk expression (mind you it wasn’t my production that there was a lack there of, it was getting it out) I had a breast augmentation when I was 18 and it was a procedure that was done through the nipple, causing some of my ducts to be severed. It is a risk you take when getting a boob job through your nipples. So fast forward here I have an infant that is starving, but yet me not really “knowing” this because I would see milk around her mouth, and I would get let downs… but it just wasn’t enough. Pella had a HORRID latch problem, my nipples looked like hamburger after about 2 weeks of diligently trying to get her to latch. Come to find out her tongue was tied. Then we had another set back about about 3-4 weeks old, she developed acid reflux. Lets just say the whole breast feeding thing was kicking my ass and my kids ass. I stuck with it as long as I could, using a shield and pumping but I threw in the towel at 8 weeks, having to have supplement my baby with formula, she had no interest in my breast milk. When I looked into formula, I obviously was shopping for a brand and kind that was geared toward Acid Reflux. I first tried, Nestle’s Good Start Gentle Ease, that didn’t help, then I tried Targets Brand of Similac’s A/R (acid reflux) formula, that didn’t help, then tried going to the “Organic route” I opted to try Natures One “Baby’s Only Soy” formula.
That was the worst reaction yet! Having gone back and forth between all these formulas and to her dr. it boiled down to Enfami’s Nutramigen formula. That seemed to work just fine and dandy, regardless that it was EXPENSIVE formula, I started to see a happy baby! We stuck with Nutramigen.

So here  I am on the verge of having baby #2 hoping and praying that she’s nothing like Pella was as an infant, Tongue tied, colic, acid reflux, and constipated!!!! I’ve been able to research into Formula a little better. As long as I am not “limited too” a certain formula like I was with Pella, it is important to me to be giving this an “organic” option, and not just any organic option but a formula that is also free of GMO’s.  Having used Nature One’s ‘organic’ formula, as seeing it sold in both Wholefoods and our other local health food store, I figured I’d start there. I had a hunch it was going to be one of safer choices, and from what I’ve been reading it is. 

Ill share with you the formulas currently sold on the market that contain GMO’s which are for the following:

1. Similac

2. Enfamil known formulas to contain GMO’s 

  • Enfamil with Iron
  • Enfamil with low Iron
  • Enfamil Lacto Free
  • Enfamil 22
  • Enfamil Next Step (both soy and milk varieties)
  • Enfamil Nutramigen
  • Enfamil Pro-Soybee


    • 3. Gerber Good Start

    To learn more about GMO’S in Formula this is a good article
    And heres a little factual information in regards to “Organic Formulas.

    This is a GREAT SITE that better explains what Organic Formula contains what. 


    Having read all these different sites and knowing Pella had all these issues that I feel like could have been avoided had I really educated myself on Formulas, she may have been a happier baby! I’ve boiled down my choice to start off with a European Formula made by HOLLE baby foods.
    They’ve been in the baby food business for 75 years !

    • Highest European Organic standards (99% organic – small local farms production)
    • Unmatched quality of ingredients compared to other leading brands
    • Free from : added sugar – color – gluten – wheat – preservatives
    • Contains NO: Brown rice syrup / DHA – ARA / harmful GMO or Fluoride!
    • Imported from Europe – Oldest organic baby formula company
    I’d Love to hear your opinions or choices as far as formula goes! 🙂

    Baby “M”‘s Baby Shower

    October 7, 2013

    Yesterday was baby Miserendino’s baby shower! 

    When I walked into the club house where the party was being held I was totally speechless! It was GORGEOUS, every detail was executed to perfection! You always wonder if and when a group of friends/family have the same visions as you and or the same taste as you, and yesterday I can honestly say if I could have imagined the perfect baby shower in my head, it was just that. I know a lot of hard work, and effort went into yesterday and I am beyond grateful and thankful to have people who love and care about our little family so much. Yesterday wasn’t just about me and the baby, it was about our growing family as a whole. Pella was showered with love, attention, and little gifts so she didn’t feel left out, and even Nick was showered with a few daddy goodies. I dont even want to think about the time spent on the set up of everything, but I cant stop thinking about how beautiful and fun it was. Yesterday was a great day I’ll cherish forever.

    Baby Nick!
    Baby Me.

    November, January and February babies! 

    Heres my Apple and Pumpkin pies me, my sister and mom slaved away on from 11:30am to 11:30pm.. All homemade from scratch. I was trying to think of something clever and “Fall’ish” to make for my shower guests as a favor, and when I think of Fall I think of Pies, so we made 30 mini 5in. pies.