The Game & Shoe Exchange

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Diablo III, Hot Pink, Magenta, Nine West, Nine West Gwendle Patent Pump

Yes, you’ve come to the right blog.  And no, I am not a closet gamer.  I have not developed a penchant for hot pockets and the only buttons I like to push are my dad’s.  The reason I know that Diablo III launched two weeks ago or what HuskyStarcraft videos are is because I am a gamer’s wife.  And during certain times of the year, a [insert new game here]‘s widow: a small window of time where Hubby disappears into his man cave only to resurface for sustenance and the occasional kiss from me.

Don’t interpret this as complaining.  In fact, I love that he has an activity that I have no interest in.  I think it is healthy for couples to have diverse hobbies. However, since Hubby directly benefits from my interests in cooking, wine, and travel, I thought it was only fair for me to benefit from his gaming addiction.

So, at the Hubby & Wife Summit of 2012, we have agreed upon the exchange of a pair of shoes for every new game purchased.  Am I a genius or what?

Nine West Gwendle Patent Pump in Magenta

Originally, I wanted red heels.  And I probably would have waited until I found a pair – but since the last time I went shopping was for oversized sweatpants for our hospital stay, I was in desperate need of retail therapy.  So, hot pink it is!  And, keeping within theme, I have named them Lucinda.

Rare item found in Whimsyland equipped with +250 hotness.

 

Whole Wheat Bread – Trial 2

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Whole Wheat Bread

It was a rainy day when I realized we were out of bread.  In my mind making a few loaves seemed easier than running to the store for one item.  Still on my quest for a good whole wheat recipe and the fact that I happened to have buttermilk in the fridge, I decided on the Whole Wheat Bread recipe from my Williams – Sonoma Baking Book.*

I’ve made bread plenty of times.  While I seem to be able to make  french baguettes, loaves of country white, and twisted challahs, whole wheat has been my biggest challenge.  I’m not sure if it was me or the recipe, but this wasn’t the wheaty-sweet goodness I was hoping for.

The bread had a great soft and spongy texture, but the taste was reminiscent of a sourdough with the essence of a bitter beer.  I’m not sure if it was the use of buttermilk or the whopping 1 1/2 Tablespoons of yeast (To me that seemed like a lot of yeast!), but the only way to get past the tang was smothered with butter and honey. After a few slices I was bored with its possibilities and texted Hubby to swing by the store on the way home from work

So, the search continues.

Do you have any good whole wheat bread recipe suggestions?

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* I didn’t bother printing up the recipe since I don’t think it is worth it.  If you want it, let me know.  Also, I might add, the other recipes from this cookbook are really great so far.

Postpartum Recovery Wardrobe

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Aloe Socks, Burts Bees, Dolman T-shirts, Earth Therapeutics, Goody Spin Pins, John Master's Organics Sea Mist Spray, Lucy Activewear, Mamma Bee Foot Creme, Messy Bun, OPI Bubble Bath, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Postpartum wardrobe, Victorias Secret

As I awaited the arrival of Little Man (LM), a lot of things were going through my mind. There were your standard worries about labor and delivery, hoping we’d both be healthy, and the terrifying realization that I was going to be a parent! On the lesser side of the spectrum were smaller worries such as: Pacifier or no pacifier? Bassinet or crib?  And the one that constantly had me preoccupied was: What am I going to wear during postpartum recovery?

Now before you laugh at what may seem a silly worry, allow me to explain myself.  One of my greatest pet peeves is seeing women at the grocery store or post office in pajama bottoms, ratty t-shirts, and disheveled hair.  I want to march up to them and say “You own 12 cats, don’t you?”  Okay, what I really want to ask is “When did you give up on yourself?” And when I see a woman in such a state with a child, my eyes begin to twitch.  As a woman, I pride myself in looking beautiful, confident, and strong. Nothing about pjs and messy hair conveys this message.  Moreover, as a mother, it is my responsibility to teach my children self-respect… and a sense of good style.

What made me nervous about becoming a mother – other than being responsible for a human being for the rest of my life! – is that classic “She used to be so gorgeous, until she had kids” epidemic that seems to have swept our country.  I figured it all started with postpartum – while you are feeling your worst!  I knew that just the physical recovery alone demanded comfy clothes.  Not to mention the sleep deprivation and constantly being covered in all manners of bodily fluids. Babies are cute, but they are also incredibly disgusting at times.  So, if I was going to dress like a bum until I could fit back into my skinny jeans, I might as well try to mix comfort and cuteness the best I could.

I also truly believe in that phrase: Dress as the person you want to be.  On days where every part of my body ached (I swear, at times even my ear lobes hurt!), I only had an hour of sleep, and the last thing I ate was half a banana three hours ago, a little mascara and a cute colored top went a long way in being the ego-boost I needed.

Victoria’s Secret Off-The-Shoulder Tunic Fleece in Eggplant; Lucy Everyday Pants; Converse Chuck Taylors in Black; Bebe Black Fedora; Cubic Zirconia Studs; Merona Multi-Colored Scarf; Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag

I hate sweatpants. Hate them.  One of the exceptions are my lucy Everyday pants, which are sleek and give an almost-tailored pants look.  So for all those follow up doctor appointments that brought me out of the house and into the public eye, these were my go-to comfy pants.  Paired with an oversized sweater and Chucks, I felt comfortable but still put together.  Add a scarf, fedora, and simple accessories, and people almost can’t tell that you are running on four hours of sleep from over the past three days.

Victoria’s Secret Oversized Dolman Tee in White; Lucy Tank Top in Grey; Champion Capri-Style Sweatpants in Blue; Pearl Studs; Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Foot & Leg Creme; Burt’s Bees Nourishing Lotion; Earth Therapeutics Aloe Infused Socks

I wanted to look visitor-ready even when I was at home.  You’ll notice I have a lot of items from Victoria’s Secret.  I figured, if I was going to dress like a bum, it might as well be a sexy bum, right? I particularly love their Dolman-style tops*, which are great for layering and adding a little forgiveness to a recovering postpartum body.  Also, as time for myself ceased to exist, I took advantage of the little luxuries, such as these Aloe-Infused socks (which I LOVE!) and Burt’s Bees lotions.  Pedicure on the go!

Victoria’s Secret Yoga Bralette in Turquoise; Victoria’s Secret Sheer Burnout Henley in Black; Victoria’s Secret Vintage-Wash Boyfriend Wide Leg Sweatpants in Charcoal; OPI Nail Polish in Bubble Bath; Aden + Anais Swaddling Blankets; small bracelets

When putting together my recovery wardrobe, I also wanted to make sure it could easily transition from running around the house to comfy cat naps when LM was sleeping. For hating sweatpants, I love these super soft fleece sweats from Victoria’s Secret.  If you are nursing, nursing tops are great but yoga tops are another great alternative. Another great nursing item is a simple bracelet for keeping track of sides – which can be tricky to remember at 3 AM.  Just move the bracelet from hand to hand.  I also highly suggest a few swaddling blankets from Aden + Anais that are not only great for the baby and can double as a quick cover-up.

Keeping my hands well manicured is always a top priority and the ultimate accessory to any look.  Lately I’ve been opting for no polish or clear, since upkeep can be a challenge.  If I really need some color, I go with a light option, like Bubble Bath from OPI.  It goes with everything and preliminary chipping is barely noticeable.  And keeping a good read nearby is good for when baby is soundly sleeping on my chest. I can get a page or two in before I doze off, too.

Headbands; Spin Pins by Goody; hairbands; John Master’s Organics Sea Mist Spray; & a candid of me with my “messy bun.” (I practice what I preach!)

Figuring out what to do with my crazy hair wasn’t too hard – the messy bun is my best friend!  And these Spin Pins by Goody are great for anyone with long hair.  Throw on a cute headband for a little chicness and I’m good to go. (If you have short hair, headbands are also a great hair accessory when you simply have no time to style.)  If I need a little more volume or texture, I use a little Sea Mist Spray by John Master’s Organics before pinning it up. Plus, it smells amazing!

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* The win with purchasing these Dolman-style tops is that they can be re-introduced into a standard wardrobe as great swimsuit cover ups for the summer. A great one time purchase!

Bibliophilia: The Jungle Effect by Dr. Daphne Miller

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Dr. Daphne Miller, The Jungle Effect

Title: The Jungle Effect: Healthiest Diets from Around the World – Why They Work and How to Make Them Work for You

Author: Dr. Daphne Miller

Published: First Harper, 2009

I’m not a fan of diet books. I’m not a fan of diets.  As you well know, I’m a die-hard disciple of the Mireille Guiliano method.  I read a review for The Jungle Effect and immediately my interest was piqued.  (I cannot recall which magazine, but I really want to say Elle.)  This book combines all the things I love: culture, anthropology, food, travel, and nutritional insight.  Most “diet books” are boring, pompous, and completely impractical for the every day person.  Therefore, I wouldn’t classify this as a diet book, but something in its own class – a little anthropology meets a little nutritional information.

Miller’s premise is the research of cold spots for illness and disease.  While there are hot spots where certain illness such as heart disease or diabetes are off the charts, there are also cold spots.  Parts of the world where certain diseases do not or barely exist.  Curious as to whether diet plays a part in these cold zones, Miller packed her bags and began in-depth field research, observing, eating, and gathering recipes from native residents in these cold spots.

In the first half of the book, Miller begins the book with a thorough and well-explained theory of her research.  She does a great job explaining her  work without making the reader feel stupid (another thing I hate about diet books).  She balances scientific facts, medical research, along with the nutritional and psychological impacts of food on the human body and society.  The second half was my favorite.  I love traveling – and eating!  Joining Miller for her adventures and research in Mexico, Greece, Iceland, West Africa, and Japan made these “diets” tangible.  These are real things, real people eat, every day.  Not some plate of chia seeds and protein shakes that require half of your income.  The third, and last part, gives recipes from different places.  I have yet to try them, but am looking forward to doing so.  And from looking over the recipes, they don’t look extremely hard, but definitely will bring in some new techniques and food combinations to my kitchen.

The best part of the whole book, and if you only have time to flip through one section before purchasing, is the “Forging For Indigenous Foods In A Modern World.”  Miller, via her own personal shopping experiences, shows you how to find healthy options in a world where grocery stores mostly filled with pre-packaged, frozen, instant-add-water-and-go items.  It can be a challenge, especially where prices are concerned.  I’ve been learning the fine art of healthy shopping – going to one store for some items, Whole Foods for meats, and then factoring in farmer’s market trips.  Reading her experience was not only encouraging but also provided some insightful tips.

So, all in all. Buy this book.  It is great. And even if you aren’t looking for a nutritional make over, the cultural and anthropological aspects are a great read.

For more, check out Dr. Daphne Miller’s website.

Our Little Man

 

Yes, the stork has finally arrived!!  Hubby and I are quite taken with our Little Man.  Who knew such instantaneous love existed?

 

{So, posts may come to a slight halt.  I’m hoping not for too long though, because I get my best ideas at 2 AM; and let me say, I’ve been up at 2 AM consistently for the past few weeks…along with 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, and 12 PM, and 2 PM, and….}