The Daily Grind of a Work @ Home Mom...

So a tuna and a tartare walk into a bar... a recipe.

And they combined and got saucy and lived happily ever after.

Just kidding.  But I did make one of the finest tuna tartare's I've ever eaten this weekend, and I have to share this culinary experience with you.

First of all, as some of you know, I've often talked about how I missed my calling as a chef/caterer/food critic/whathaveyou... so I try to keep up with food blogs and learn new cooking techniques all the time.

Plus, I'm a bit tired of steaks on the BBQ.

So I jumped on fellow Montrealer (and my friend's sister-in-law) Danielle Garonce's blog, to see what's new.  As a caterer and all around foodie, her blog is always full of recipes, food ideas, and reviews of Montreal restaurants, many of which I so miss.  Her food always looks so beautiful and delicious, that I was looking forward to trying one of her (less intricate) recipes. 

Last week she posted this recipe for tuna tartare and I knew I had to take the challenge.  As is typical, I changed a few things, some due to laziness (I bought rice crackers instead of frying my own lotus root), some due to caloric intake (still working on reducing mine), but in general, I think I did pretty well.  Even my hard to please dinner mate went back for more. 

So here it is, made for two -

Ingredients:

• 3/4 of a pound of sashimi grade tuna or better
• 2 limes, zested
• little less than 1/2C of olive oil
• 1 tsp wasabi powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• drop of sesame oil
• 1tbsp Sriracha sauce (if you're like me and need to Google this, it's just hot chili sauce)
• salt & pepper
• 2 tbsp scallions, sliced thin
• 1 and a 1/2 ripe avocados
• package of rice crackers
• Optional: spicy mayo (from the sushi counter)

Dice the tuna into small cubes (or smaller, depending on your taste), and place in a small bowl.  In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, lime zest, wasabi, soy sauce, Sriracha, salt, and pepper. Pour over the tuna, add the scallions, and mix well.  You will not need all the marinade, so use your discretion.  Cut the avocados in half, remove the seed, and peel. Cut the avocados into 1/4-inch dice, add  lime juice and toss.  Using a mold (or in a pinch, cut out the bottom of one of your kid's plastic bowls, as I did), fill the bottom with avocado.  Layer the top with the tuna and carefully remove the mold.  Serve with simple rice crackers or go crazy and make Danielle's amazing looking lotus root chips.  Drizzle plate with the spicy mayo, and serve.  You will have two large dinner servings, and enough for 4 apps. 

Seriously delicious, and not hard on the eyes either:

Getting Touch'd

I've been Touch'd.  And it's every bit as good as it sounds.

I'm a bath person.  Always have been.  Before becoming a slave to little people, I was known to spend an hour a night, reading, relaxing, just chilling in a bath.  Then kids took over and my time is no longer my own.  So I had to find ways to enjoy a shower.  And recently, I discovered sugar scrubs.

This is for real - just as I bought my first sugar scrub, I signed up to help mompreneur, Rachel Ferrucci, spread the word about her new line of bath and beauty products, Touch'd.  I had no idea which product I would receive to review, but how happy was I to open that box and find SUGAR SCRUB!!  My new favorite thing!

So the official word about the Touch'd Sugar Scrub is:

'Sugar Scrubs exfoliate the top layer of unwanted dead skin cells and open pores, allowing skin to breathe. They stimulate your skin, improve circulation and add much-needed moisture and vitamins, leaving your skin feeling smooth and silky as if you just left the spa.'

Here's my official word: YUM.

 

First of all, this sugar scrub smells SO GOOD.  You open the jar and it's a mixture of beach and fruit and sexiness (well, they asked for honesty!).  The actual scent I tested is called Tropical Paradise but there are seven to choose from.  Then you scoop it out and it even feels decadent on your fingers.  Rub it into your legs or arms or wherever and you just feel like you're doing yourself a favor.  I actually feel as if I can skip moisturizing my legs (always looking for short-cuts) since it leaves behind a hint of moisture.

It's deliciousness in a jar.

So the only thing I don't love about my sugar scrub (which you know I'm now addicted to and will be buying) is that a) it's almost finished and b) it leaves my hands and between my toes greasy (so I re-wash).  Also, I recommend putting something on the shower floor before sugaring your feet so as to avoid major slippage in the tub.

Rachel invented the line when she couldn't find products to meet the needs of her family:

"One product specifically, the organic sugar scrub, was created when my daughter had eczema and the doctors were giving us medicated creams that seemed to be drying out her skin. I wanted to give my daughter relief without slopping medicated creams all over her delicate body. I researched and read every book on natural oils and how they can benefit our skin. I was successful in making a product that was 100% organic and alleviated her eczema."

I think that's an awesome story.

So if you're a woman who wants to try a very delicious and decadent skin care line (they also have Bath Butter, Moisture Myst, Tub Tea Bags, and Foaming salt Soak) that is gentle enough to share with your kids, try Touch'd. 

Until July 15th, save 25% off your order - just use promo code DailyGrind at checkout.  Let me know how you like it!!

All products reviewed were provided to me at no cost by Touch'd.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.

 

She Works Hard For The Money

This is a really big week in our house.  Mommy has returned to work.  Not that I haven't been working in the four years since I've become a mom.  I have.  But aside from blogger events and the occasional meeting, most of my work happens within the confines of my home office.  Sometimes with a small child on my lap.

Making me the quintessential work-at-home-mom.

And I've been restless for a long time.

Well, that all changed this week with my first day at work in an office outside my home.  Doing a job, getting paid  by someone else.  Talking with other physical human beings, attending meetings, eating lunch with no tiny voices making demands and no little bodies who won't sit still even after being warned one, two, three times that a time-out is imminent if they don't stay in their seats.

Here's the part where you're expecting me to admit how much I miss the tiny voices, the little bodies, the counting.  But the thing is, I don't.  Not yet at least.

I've put my experience in the blogosphere to good use (finally) and took a job working with a consulting firm that creates viral marketing campaigns for blue chip brands.  Cool, right?  Yeah, I think so too.  It's part-time, so I leave only after dropping my older daughter at school and am home by the time my younger daughter wakes up from her nap.  And it's just three days a week - so far.

Three times this week have I woken up, showered, put on makeup and grown-up clothes.  The heels have even made an appearance and I've shaved my legs like twice since Sunday.

Monumental stuff, I tell ya.

And I'm feeling great.

For a Personalized Gift, Check Out Butterscotch Blankees

Every baby that is born is special, but sometimes, when buying a gift for a new baby, you're looking 
for something that's extra-special.  I know I do, which is why I started Alex Casey Baby - so I could offer truly unique gift ideas for babies and kids.  So when selecting products for my store, I do so with an extremely sharp eye.  Recently, we added Butterscotch Blankees to our collection of blankets. 

Butterscotch Blankees is the brainchild of Jodie Roth, mom to two boys and blanket designer extraordinaire.  Just take a look at her creations and you'll see what I mean.  Even before adding the line to my site, Jodie sent our family a monogrammed throw blanket to test drive, she was that certain that seeing was believing.  And I was sold. 

Butterscotch Blankees are soft, durable, machine washable AND beautiful.  Combine all this with the fact that they're totally affordable and available in two sizes (throw and stroller) and you have a really wonderful gift.  They are made from 100% acrylic and are perfect for baby's first days and even a child's room.  Our family's throw is in the living room and adds a homey touch to the room.

These cozy blankees are available at Alex Casey Baby (save 10% off your order with promo code "loveit") and of course, at Butterscotch Blankees.  Win it!  One lucky reader will win their choice of personalized stroller blanket.  Simply visit Butterscotch Blankees and leave us a comment letting us know which blanket strikes you.  For an additional entry, subscribe to my blog.  A winner will be selected on Monday, April 19th at midnight. 

A sample personalized blanket was provided to me courtesy of Butterscotch Blankees.  All views and opinions reflected on this blog are my own and were in no way influenced by any outside party.

New Spring Products at Alex Casey Baby and 10% Off!

Personalized Blankets in both Stroller and Throw sizes . 

Save 10% on orders through April 25^th with promo code Spring10.

 

www.alexcaseybaby.com

 

 

MiaCarina is Tops for Girly-Girls.

Do you have a girly-girl?  If so, then check out MiaCarina, an adorable website featuring chic designs for tots.  But these arenot just your run-of-the-mill clothes, these clothes are hand-sewn to perfection, and as cute as can be.

We tested out a sweet little flowery halter set, and I have to say, the craftsmanship was incredible.  In my next life, I hope I can sew like this.  The cute factor was just as great as the quality, and my toddler enjoyed showing off her new outfit - headband 'n all! - for her whole family.  Really, too cute.

What first caught my eye at this boutique, was Desiree's (the wonderful owner), choice of designs.  What little girl doesn't look adorable in cherries?  And then I saw the zebra design and was sold.  I mean, really - how delicious is this:

 

But if you're living somewhere where summer is winding down, good chance you're already migrating to the fall/winter section of most stores.  Desiree has designed some outfits for cold weather too, just visit her site and see for yourself. 

MiaCarina is not cheap, but her outfits are meant for a special little girl, or a special occasion.  And the quality makes it worth every penny.  Also, they offer FREE shipping on orders over $100 and charge just $4.80 on orders under $100.  Pretty reasonable, I'd say.  

Happy shopping! 

Nomie Baby Keeps Car Seats Clean

Dear Readers,

I start out this week with a dare for you.  It's a simple one.  Go outside, and check out your child's car seat.  You heard me, go outside and take a look at the car seat.  Is it clean? Dirty?  Covered in bits of last week's crackers, maybe sticky from the juice box that overflowed the minute your little cutie got her hands on it?  If your kids are anything like mine, they loooove to snack in the car.  And those car seats pay the price. 

So how's this for an idea - shield your kid's car seat with a cover which is not just cute, but a lifesaver as well (for you, that is...)!  This is almost one of those "why didn't I think of that first?" ideas, but alas you did not so chances are you need one of these things. 

Invented by mom of three, Katie Danziger, nomie baby car seat covers are made with waterproof material and fit most standard infant seats and most convertible/toddler car seats such as Graco and Britax.  They are edged with elastic for easy on/off so you don't have any extra aggravation when those spills occur.  This would've come in handy for us the first weekend we had my daughter's toddler car seat.  No sooner did we have it installed and get her installed in it did she vominate (her word) all over it.  Yes, this is true.  Day 1, brand new car seat.  nomie baby, I would've bowed to you that day.  Imagine the enery I'd have saved for just $34.

So now we don't take chances.  When there's dirt, we simply remove the cover and wash it.  And you can too.  Win IT! One lucky reader will receive a nomie baby car seat cover of their choice.  Simply visit the nomie baby website and let us know which style and color appeals to you.  For a second entry, subscribe to this blog's feed or let us know that you already do.  For a third chance, tweet or blog this contest - leave a link!  Contest ends Wednesday, July 15th at midnight.  Only open to US residents.

 

Swaddle Me This, Swaddle Me That

Anyone who knows me IRL ("in real life") knows that if you ask me for my one best piece of parenting advice after having a baby, it's swaddle early and swaddle often. 

"But my baby hates it!" is a common complaint.

Your baby does not hate being swaddled, your baby hates being maneuvered into a straight-jacket-like position by you.  But once he's in it, he'll love it, and he'll sleep more soundly.  Promise.

"But my baby breaks free from it!" is another.

If your baby breaks out of your swaddle, you're simply not swaddling tight enough.  Suffice to say that my own mother used to worry that I was torturing my babies when I swaddled them, it was that tight.  Studies actually prove that swaddled babies sleep longer and are less likely to wake up spontaneously.  Additionally, swaddling may reduce the risk of SIDS.  What more does a new parent need to be convinced that swaddling is best?

Nothing.  All that's left is getting the proper swaddle blanket and this, my friends, is no easy task for a rookie swaddler.  But be assured, a proper swaddle blanket is not that tiny flannel blanket you got at the hospital.  Well, maybe it is for the first week of baby's life until baby starts growing fast and furiously.  A real swaddle blanket is a large piece of material that has a little bit of stretch to it, is durable and will not over-heat your baby. 

Look no further - the perfect swaddle blanket is like the muslin wraps fabricated by Australian moms, Eden & Anais.

Made from soft, breathable cotton muslin, Eden & Anais wraps are the just the right size,  just the right texture, and just the right cuteness to be considered the "perfect" swaddle.  They have single-layer styles, perfect for the warm nights of summer, as well as double-layer wraps for colder days.  And with more than 20 adorable designs to choose from, there's bound to be one to suit your baby's little personality.

SALE!  Eden & Anais is offering customers a chance to stock up on their delicious Winter Warmth Swaddles, normally $49.95, for just $29.95.  And their Dream Blankets are on sale for $39.95, down from $59.95.  To take advantage of this discount, simply visit www.edenandanais.com and enter promo code “wintersale” at checkout.

Win it!  A lucky reader will win one Winter Warmth wrap from Eden & Anais.  Just visit their site and let us know which is your favorite iem and design.  A winner will be chosen on Friday, April 24th.  Only one entry per person, open to US residents only.

 

Are You Afraid of Monsters?

If you are, you haven't seen the adorable stuffed do-it-yourself Monsters coming from CurlyQCuties!  I have to say, as a mom of two young girls and the owner of a children's store, I see a lot of "new" products hitting the stores but these Monsters take the cake! 

Kids can create their own monsters using the simple "Monster-maker" and a little imagination.  They choose their new friend's body shape, eye shape and color, mouth details, body color and more.  There are literally over 150 million possibilities!  And they are SO CUTE!  My daughter put an A on her monster's tummy (for Alex) and an adorable crooked smile.  It arrived just days later and "Monster" (we're lacking in originality around here!) quickly became her new favorite stuffie!  (and subsequentlyy, monsters are no longer feared in our house.)

Started as an Etsy store in 2008 by mom Stephanie Estrin, Monsters have quickly become popular among the sandbox crowd.  And the coolest part?  They are just $25!  The perfect birthday present amount!  And you can easily give a gift-certificate so that the recipient can create his/her own monster to their own specifications.  I assure you, this is the gift that will stand-out from the others.

Win it!  The clever folks over at CurlyQCuties are giving away a gift certificate for one monster including shipping to one lucky reader.  Just visit their website and create your very own Monster - you can even save it in case you win or want to buy it later.  Come back here and tell us what features your Monster has and you'll be entered.  For a second entry, subscribe to this blog's feed (or let us know that you do).  For a third, Tweet it!  A winner will be chosen on Friday, April 17th at midnight.  Open to US residents only.

What? You haven't Heard About Lollydoodle?

Then you don't know what you're missing. 

I'm always inspired by artists in the sense that they make me want to create (though art is just not my forte) so in lieu of my own art, I enjoy surrounding myself with other people's creations.  My kids rooms are no different - we have made their spaces their own by decorating them with personal, vibrant art that speaks to their personality.  But the perfect piece isn't always easy to find.

Nor is it always affordable.

Then I found Lollydoodle, a mom-owned company that offers "designer decor for your little one."  Ok, seriously, I. am. in. love.  The artist, Ellen Smiler, captures the essence of being a child so perfectly.  Using simple yet colorful designs, one of her adorable paintings would not only brighten up your child's space, but you can easily choose a design that would grow with them.  Not just baby designs (though those are delicious as well), Smiler recognizes that little girls have an affinity for purses pretty early on, and offers a fun creation in a purse theme.  She knows that it won't be long before your mini-man is vrooming around the firetrucks, so she offers you the chance to decorate his space in a fireman theme.  Animals, numbers, the alphabet and the four seasons are only some of the unique designs she offers, and all are vibrant and sure to please any child.

Best part?  Her prices are TOTALLY reasonable (from about $38) and no framing is necessary because they are made with a canvas that is stretched and mounted over a 7.5" deep frame, and the design continues over the sides.  

Through March, you can save 20% off your entire order, simply enter the coupon code STMLS1 at checkout.  Or, win it!  One lucky reader will win a $50 gift certificate to Lollydoodle.  Visit their site, and let us know your favorite design.  For an extra entry, subscribe to this blog's feed (already do?  Just let us know!).  For a third entry, give this giveaway a shout-out on your blog.  One entry per person, open to US residents only.  Contest winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, March 22nd at midnight.