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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Happy Cakes

December 14, 2012

Happy Cakes

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Some merry Christmas cakes to start the day! We didn’t have the best night’s sleep last night. I was up for the better part of the early morning and kept telling myself I could just sleep in if I needed to recover. But then it was morning and then I smelled the coffee and then I thought about pancakes and soon enough I was up cooking them!

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These were Kodiak cakes with 1/4 cup pumpkin stirred in topped with banana, granola, sunbutter and some Christmas sprinkles!

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Santa Claus is comin’ to town.

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Maze and Matt had some fun play time before work – they did not want to part!

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I worked on the computer during naptime today (cloth diaper post underway…) and also made my lunch an hour before I was ready for it. Gotta make hay while the sun shines!

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When it was time to eat, I had sweet potato slices baked and a salad assembled and just had to add the fun toppings!

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This was a pile of mixed greens, bell peppers, carrots from our garden and cucumber in a drizzle of oil and salt.

Next layer was goat cheese, a sliver of smoked salmon and almonds.

Baked sweet potatoes dotted the edges.

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This salad totally rocked! Sweet potatoes, goat cheese and salmon are 3 of my top 10 favorite foods (don’t ask for the others – I could never decide! Although Greek yogurt, oats and buttercream frosting would be on that list!)

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Later this afternoon I met some friends on the trail for a walk. Stroller power! We covered nearly 4 miles in 90 minutes and the babies loved every second.

Rosie

Is your mama a llama?!

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Post hike snack was chopped pear with granola and almond butter with chia seeds on top. One of my very favorite snacks!!

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This evening, Matt and I had the pleasure of attending the Junior League Holiday Party as a guest of my friend Sarah. It was fun to put on heels and a dress for the first time in a looooong while!

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Karen graciously watched Mazen while Matt and I went out together {thanks Karen!}.

We walked to the party – I wore boots and packed my heels on my back and swapped right when we arrived.

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The party was a blast – tons of amazing apps from Bang!

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Shrimp cocktail

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Breads with cheese + hummus

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Tomatoes with basil and mozzarella

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Mac and cheese, chickpea spring rolls, crab empanadas, chicken skewers, bacon-wrapped dates!!!

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And some amazing butternut squash soup

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For dessert there was a candy bar, and I loved the pretzel chocolate sticks and M&Ms! M&Ms are sooo Christmas to me – my grandmother Younger always had a bowl of them for munching at Christmastime!

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Unfortunately our evening was cut a little short when Mazen decided to refuse his bottle. We rushed home (thanks for the ride John!) to swoop in. He eventually calmed down and took it, but not without some serious soothing first. Poor little guy. He’s having story time with his dad now, and bedtime’s not far behind for us all.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Pancakes, Salads, Sweet Potato

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Comments

  1. Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:05 am

    What a fun foodie party! I’m glad you enjoyed the time you had there!

    Reply
  2. Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:18 am

    I’m glad you made kodiak cakes, it reminds me to put it on my list to pick some up!! Love Mazen’s little expressions, he’s such a doll

    Reply
  3. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:23 am

    What a fun night out, even if it ended on a quick note home. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:28 am

    I love the penguin PJs Maze is wearing in those photos! What a lovely day.

    Reply
  5. Hillary says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:32 am

    all of those appetizers sounds delicious… and what a pretty pearl necklace 🙂

    Reply
  6. Patty says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:34 am

    Looks like a fun party! Might want to double check that typo around the empanada line.
    Crab empanadas sound more delish! 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 9:54 am

      I did : )

      Reply
  7. Katy says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:34 am

    Sounds delightful, but do tell on the “crap empanadas” 🙂 Never had them!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 9:50 am

      Hahahha. Ooppps!

      Reply
      • Katy says

        December 14, 2012 at 9:54 am

        Typos are funny when they spell naughty words 🙂

        Reply
    • Marcia says

      December 14, 2012 at 11:56 pm

      Ha! For some reason I always mistype crab as crap. And I love crab!

      Reply
  8. coco says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:35 am

    I want your lunch salad, it looks scrumptious!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  9. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:37 am

    Looks like a fun party! YUM! I’m glad you chose the bare leg. 😉

    I need to remember to use sprinkles on breakfast, that’s a great way to start the day!

    Reply
  10. Vivi says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:38 am

    That party looks lovely! I don’t know how its possible, but Maze gets cuter by the post!

    Reply
  11. Ellen says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Fun!

    ps. crap empanadas?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 9:53 am

      Fixed it : )

      Reply
  12. Elise @ Expeditions of Elise says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Those pancakes look amazing, as does that salad! Smoked salmon is so amazing. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

    Reply
  13. Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:51 am

    What a fun evening!!

    Reply
  14. Sara @ fitcupcaker says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:03 am

    Aw poor baby needed his momma. All that food looked so good and reading all these Friday posts makes me want to make pancakes this weekend! I am excited!

    Reply
  15. Jen says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Aw, poor Karen. It’s so hard when a baby won’t eat. Have you guys considered going back to doing a bottle once a day?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 10:16 am

      Yeah, we might need to do one every few days to keep him used to it. I think he was just upset or really tired in combo because he took half of it fine from Matt once we calmed him with nursing. Or it could have just been something else that was wrong.

      Reply
      • Allison k says

        December 14, 2012 at 10:28 am

        Anderson did the same thing at that age for my mom. I went to a wedding and it took my mom 3 hours to get him to take the bottle. I felt terrible! Eventually he took it and went to sleep. He has subsequently taken bottles from various people with no problems..and he doesn’t get one regularly. I think the episode with my mom was just him being a baby/the tail of a wonder week.

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          December 14, 2012 at 10:31 am

          It must be so frustrating to be the grandmas in that situation! 3 hours of crying : (

          Reply
          • Claire says

            December 14, 2012 at 11:15 am

            We had HUGE issues with our DD refusing bottles around Mazen’s age (after initially being fine it), so I really recommend having Mazen take one every few days if possible – what I would recommend is having Karen try to give him a bottle when he’s happy and relaxed and not too hungry, so they can start to figure it out together in a non-stressful situation. It took 3 weeks of trial and error for my DD to take a bottle from my husband (and I had to go back to work only one week after she started taking the bottle – it was nerve-wracking!). We also had to switch to the bottles that work best with bottle-refusing babies – Playtex drop-ins with latex orthodontic nipples. If you do some research, most bottle-refusing babies do well with that combo.
            Good luck!

            Reply
            • KathEats says

              December 14, 2012 at 12:38 pm

              That’s definitely what we need to do re. Karen when he’s calm. I think he was upset first, refusing second

              Reply
          • Anna W. says

            December 14, 2012 at 12:10 pm

            you’re not alone….
            neither is karen.
            or mazen for that matter!
            hope things improve…

            Reply
          • Allison k says

            December 15, 2012 at 8:22 am

            I know! My mom told me she would have called me to come home earlier…. But she thought he was always on the verge of stopping…he would almost settle with the bottle and then start up again. Poor little man!

            Reply
  16. JenP says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:15 am

    The llama reminds me of some of my favorite books when my boys were younger – Llama Llama Mad at Mama, Llama Llama Red Pajama, etc. They are very cute! I’m loving all of your stories and pictures of Mazen. He’s adorable and makes me whistfully remember my boys’ baby years. Sigh. It goes so fast!

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:23 am

    Sounds like your party was a blast! My youngest daughter refused bottles until she was 3 months old. I started to panic when I was about to return to work because I do not have a job that would accommodate me leaving twice a day to feed her. We discovered that she would take a bottle only if it was warm. So, we bought a bottle warmer from target and it changed everything. Might be something to consider…. Your son is adorable!

    Reply
  18. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:34 am

    When I used to live downtown Chicago when I was young and going out, I would wear boots to parties and bring my heels with me – between the weather, walking, Windy City, snow, and drinks 🙂 not walking in heels in the winter was nice! ha!

    You look great all decked out in the dress and glad you had a fun time!

    Your sweet potatoes look glorious.

    Reply
  19. Liz @ Tip Top Shape says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Aaww, you looked so pretty for that event! Love that dress!!

    Reply
  20. Melissa says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:40 am

    As a fellow nursing mom I’m curious on if you pump when Mazen has a bottle or not? It’s my understanding that is what you should do to not screw up your supPly so I thought I would ask. Also when do yOu pumP to get the milk for the bottle you do give him? Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 11:14 am

      Yes I do, although in the early weeks I slept through one feeding (4 hours) and didn’t pump but never two. My supply seems fine with that. Now that he eats less frequently, I don’t think I could skip one

      Reply
  21. Anna says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:45 am

    my babies never took to the bottle — i met a lot of moms who had the same situation. i hated pumping – time consuming, painful, no real break from nursing, and pump clean up. i gave up trying the bottle when my 1st was 3 months and it was a relief (we tried so many types, using a doll, blanket, sometimes i would leave, making sure she was hungry, etc). we did solids around 5 1/2 months which gave me that small babysitting window. i think by 9 months she was only nursing before naps and bedtime. i gave up quickly with my newborn — now at 2 months old, i’ve found nursing is way less hassle than even trying bottles.

    every mom has do to what works for them but i wanted to let you know it’s not odd that your little guy hates bottles! i think i was traumatized by all of our attempts and thought something was wrong in a way since so many babies take bottles like it’s nothing. the baby period is over so quick i really wouldn’t stress.

    Reply
  22. Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:52 am

    Such a festive breakfast! I had trouble sleeping last night too…hopefully we both have better luck tonight!

    Reply
  23. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    December 14, 2012 at 10:54 am

    Mazen is so stinkin’ adorable! Sounds like you got some good adult time in before having to get back to the little man. I hope you have a great Friday Kath!

    Reply
  24. sarah venn says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:02 am

    So excited for the cloth diaper post!!!

    Reply
  25. Jackie says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:03 am

    I finally did it. I made spicy pecans. I kind of wish I didn’t..ok that’s a lie. I have made them twice. They’re so incredible 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  26. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:20 am

    Those pancakes looks INCREDIBLE!!! So thick and fluffy! Love the dress! Not a baby tummy insight, what’s your secret 🙂

    Reply
  27. Rachel says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:21 am

    It sounds kind of odd when you say “Mazen decided to refuse his bottle.” He’s a baby. He can’t decide anything. He refused the bottle because he’s not used to getting them! Maybe I’m just being pregnant and hormonal but a lot of the time, the way you write about your son makes it sound like he’s purposely interfering with your life. (Wanted to nurse so you had to eat a cold meal, he was fussy so you didn’t get enough sleep, etc.) These seem to me like things that are to be expected with a completely dependent baby, but you make them sound like purposeful inconveniences to your life. Just food (no pun intended!) for thought about the way you write about him and his needs.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Rachel, comments like these are why mom blogs are peppered with disclaimers. “John refused a bottle” is a VERY common phrase, and it isn’t implying by the speaker that they are blaming the baby for anything. I’m the one writing the blog, so if he was fussy and I had to eat cold food or I’m sleep deprived, that’s what happened. It’s part of the story of my meals and days. That doesn’t imply at ALL in the moment I didn’t drop everything without a thought to tend to his every need.

      Reply
      • Aimee says

        December 14, 2012 at 1:31 pm

        I believe Rachel’s point was that you use the word “decided”. Have to agree with her – I’ve picked up on that too. I don’t think anyone doubts that you tend to his every need, but the way it is written comes across the way Rachel described.

        Reply
        • Mom says

          December 14, 2012 at 1:51 pm

          I disagree about the “decided.” I believe we all make decisions, right from birth. Babies are smart!

          Reply
          • Maeve says

            December 14, 2012 at 3:14 pm

            I don’t know….I have a hard time believing that a 3 month old is making a conscious decision to refuse a bottle. If the little guy is upset, he is at that moment caught up in his emotions. I know that when I’m upset, I have no interest in eating — but it doesn’t feel like a conscious decision to not eat.

            Reply
            • Mom says

              December 14, 2012 at 7:35 pm

              Well maybe they don’t make decisions like we do, but I used to love watching my babies study their toys and then choose one. To me, that’s a decision. Maze, whom since I’m the grandma I get to say, seems very smart, might not have liked how the bottle was working and so he decided not to try anymore and just to cry. I adore babies and think they have senses and skills we don’t think they have!

              Reply
              • Lisa says

                December 15, 2012 at 6:11 am

                I don’t want to get in on the discussion about whether or not Kath correctly describes her interaction with Mazen (because, quite frankly, it is silly to demand that someone perfectly meet our reading needs) HOWEVER, I must chime in on this comment in the name of science. Babies do not have fully functioning cognitive abilities, meaning the parts of their brain that make “decisions” are not developed until the age of 2-3. So, no babies do not make decisions.

                Reply
                • KathEats says

                  December 15, 2012 at 7:31 am

                  Lisa I don’t think she is talking about cognitive decisions. We all know he’s too young for that. More instinctual or need-based decisions are still decisions.

                  Reply
                  • Kate says

                    December 15, 2012 at 10:14 am

                    I hate to beat a dead horse, but there is a clear difference between instinct and decision. Beings with cognitive abilities can choose to make a decision that takes their gut instinct into account. Or, they can ignore their instincts and make a decision based on other factors. Babies and animals, who do not have cognitive reasoning powers, act on instinct alone. They do not make decisions in the true sense of the word!

                    Reply
                    • Mom says

                      December 15, 2012 at 12:05 pm

                      Maze does! He told me so.

          • Annie says

            December 14, 2012 at 7:14 pm

            Curious as to what “decisions” a newborn/infant could possibly make. I know there are theories re: sleep training, schedules, etc., but most of those exclude newborns.

            Reply
        • Jen says

          December 14, 2012 at 1:53 pm

          I think you could also be more cognizant about talking about Karen. She is so sweet to babysit so often for you, and I am confidedent you don’t mean to do this, but it sometimes sounds like you blame her for Mazen not taking a bottle. It seemed like from her comment the other day, she feels like that, too (she explained why she wasn’t comfortable giving him a bottle.) Ultimately, it’s her choice to help out and babysit and I think you could write in a way that seemed more appreicative of that, and not that it’s Karen’s fault (or Maze’s) that you had to leave the party early.

          Reply
          • KathEats says

            December 14, 2012 at 1:59 pm

            We are very appreciative and I thanked her in the post (so I wouldn’t be accused of being ungrateful!) and several times in person. I also didn’t blame anyone for leaving the party…again, I’m just sharing what happened. The crying was upsetting to us all, but it’s not anyone’s fault.

            Reply
            • Patti says

              December 14, 2012 at 3:29 pm

              I’ve picked up on this as well… I don’t think you actually FEEL that way, kath, because you are probably a sweetie, but it’s more about how it SOUNDS to the reader. That’s what makes writing so hard–what we MEAN doesn’t always come through to the reader, especially if we don’t choose our words carefully. It’s our job as writers to make our tone and words mean the same thing rather than competing with each other, and that can be hard work. But if the reader doesn’t understand something or gets the wrong idea, 9 times out of 10 it’s the writer’s fault, not the reader’s. That’s what I tell my 6th graders, anyway!

              Reply
        • Rachel says

          December 14, 2012 at 3:18 pm

          Exactly. You didn’t say he refused it. You said he “decided” to refuse it, which gives the phrase a whole different tone. I was not criticizing your mothering skills or saying you didn’t care for his needs. I was simply trying to draw to your attention something that often occurs in your writing–you tend to make it sound like your son is doing normal baby things (crying, being hungry, being fussy) on purpose to disrupt your life. Since you make your living as a writer, I don’t feel my comment is out of line. It is just something to think about as you proofread your posts.

          Reply
          • Emily says

            December 14, 2012 at 3:54 pm

            There you all go again, nit picking apart this poor woman’s life. Why can’t you all just look for the best in people and not take things so damn literally. I get the sense that Kath writes this blog like she’s talking to a girlfriend not as a graduate thesis to be revised and critiqued by others.

            Reply
            • Darla says

              December 14, 2012 at 4:47 pm

              Kath, I completely understand that often moms talk about their children’s actions as if the moms know exactly what the child is thinking and therefore doing. I see this all the time on facebook picture comments: “Baby loves eating pureed food now” or “Baby didn’t want to take a bath,” etc. People seem to like to give their kids a more developed personality by imagining them making choices. I don’t think readers should identify a negative connotation as a result.
              ps. You look great in your dress, and I think Mazen’s penguin onesie is adorable!

              Reply
              • KathEats says

                December 14, 2012 at 5:20 pm

                EXACTLY! This.

                Reply
      • Kay Lynn says

        December 14, 2012 at 4:13 pm

        Don’t worry… I have a 4 month old and didn’t get that vibe at ALL! I would say something about my little girl, too….it’s just a lighthearted way to make the best of a tricky moment. Whatever. 🙂

        Reply
        • Jane says

          December 14, 2012 at 11:09 pm

          Wow I didn’t get that vibe reading this at all. In fact, I actually said out loud, “so Karen’s fear a few days ago of giving Mazen a bottle was well founded!” Give Kath a break! Ha doesn’t hurt that I say things like that about the dog (no kids yet) all the time “Wendy girl decided she didn’t like her bfast this am”. I think it’s fun!

          Reply
  28. Ray says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Have you considered trying a different make of bottle or a different nipple on the bottle? Some
    babies who refuse one model will readily take another.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      He’s been open to all of them thus far, so I don’t think that’s the problem

      Reply
      • Sars says

        December 14, 2012 at 4:18 pm

        Sorry, I am confused… He’s obviously been having a problem bottle feeding for a while, but now you say he has liked all of the bottles. This makes no sense! What is that you think IS the problem?

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          December 14, 2012 at 4:24 pm

          This was the second time (over a month apart) he refused a bottle from someone other than his dad (and I’m not blaming them!)

          Reply
          • susan says

            December 14, 2012 at 8:02 pm

            Whew. So glad you omitted the word ‘decided’ there … 😉

            Reply
  29. Melissa says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Can I ask what type of bottles you are using? My daughter would only take ONE – that was suggested to us and given to us by a friend’s sister who had nursed all 3 of her babies. My daughter LOVED the Breastflow bottles and would ONLY take those. At the time, they took them off the market to make them BPA free and we had ONE bottle that was used constantly throughout the day and it was only a 5oz bottle! LOL. Before that, she would literally not eat but MAYBE 2 oz. a day and then reverse cycle like CRAZY. (nurse more at night). Within those first 3-4 weeks when I was back at work, when I was at home, she was almost always nursing.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:37 pm

      We use both Dr. Browns and Breastflow and he seems to like both. Medela too. Did not like Avent

      Reply
    • Jackie@ MuscleUpMom says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      Might be worth giving Tommee Tippee a try, that was the one that garnered the highest reviews from breastfeeding moms as to how natural the nipple is, most likely to appeal to a baby who dislikes bottles, etc. Can’t hurt to give it a try. My guy takes it once in awhile although you can tell he’d rather nurse.

      Reply
    • Marcia says

      December 15, 2012 at 12:07 am

      Funny my kid hates breast flow. Total fail. We use Avent size two.

      Reply
  30. Katie @ SkinnyMinnieMoves says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:48 am

    Wow I love the look of that shrimp cocktail. So cool!

    Reply
  31. Rosie @ rosalicious says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:51 am

    Now I’m wondering if Linden will take a bottle from HER Grammy? Hmmm.

    You and Sarah looked hot! 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  32. Heidi says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Not sure if you give Mazen a pacifier, but we made sure that the bottle and shape of the pacifier were the same for both of our daughters. One is 5 now and breastfed from me and from a bottle for two years. The other is one month old and is doing great with breast, bottle, and pacifier.

    I know some women choose not to give pacifiers, and that is totally cool. Just my advice. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Claire says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    I didn’t even have to click that link and I know the book you’re talking about! It was my favorite to read with my mom when I was little. I can still recite most of it!

    Reply
  34. Kristen@Change of Pace says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    The pancakes look great! What a party. The food looks delicious!

    Reply
  35. Christine says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Mazen is so cute! I love the penguin shirt! Where is it from?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      Old Navy!

      Reply
  36. Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says

    December 14, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    You look stunning, Kath!!! I love your dress…so festive and elegant. 😀

    I also LOVE your down jacket!! Which brand is it, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve been looking for a warm down jacket to carry me through the New England winters. 😀

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      Thanks!

      It’s Land’s End and was $47 bucks on sale 2 years ago. I love it!

      Reply
  37. Nancy says

    December 14, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    I agree the Llama Llama series is one of the best! http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_3/180-9416638-3824119?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=llama+llama&sprefix=lla%2Cstripbooks%2C294
    So much fun!

    Reply
  38. Tiffany says

    December 14, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    I saw kodiak cakes at target the other day and I didn’t buy them! Now looking at your pictures…I totally wish i had especially because today is my birthday and birthdays should be celebrated with pancakes and sprinkles lol 🙂

    I will buy some next time I am there. They had two kinds honey oat and buttermilk…which do you think is tastier? Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 14, 2012 at 1:43 pm

      The buttermilk!

      Reply
  39. lindsay @ Fuel My Famil says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    i see kodiak cakes all over the blogworld, but never see the mix in the stores.
    I love your dress. As a mom it really is nice to wear heels and dress up sometimes!

    Reply
  40. Ingrid says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    Mazen is, seriously, one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. If I lived by you, I would offer to babysit him for free, he is so adorable!!!

    Reply
  41. Kavi says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    Kath, you look fabulous all dressed up! Glad you guys had a chance to go out to a fancy holiday event, at least for a little while 🙂

    Reply
  42. Annette @FitnessPerks says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    What a lovely evening–that was nice of Karen to watch him!

    Reply
  43. Elizabeth says

    December 14, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Your meals are always so beautiful! And your life looks so fun! Ha! Love it, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Patti says

      December 14, 2012 at 3:36 pm

      I agree Elizabeth! Looks like a lovely holiday party, and I remember how nice it was as a SAHM to get dressed up and go somewhere without the kids! Love the candy bar!

      Reply
  44. Lauren says

    December 14, 2012 at 3:31 pm

    I saw that salad posted on Instgram yesterday and was swooning over it all day. I couldn’t agree more, goat cheese, salmon and sweet potatoes are 3 of the very best foods, especially all together..

    Reply
  45. Jeanette says

    December 14, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Poor Karen and Mazen for a bad night!

    I think when a mom (her boobs, her choice) decides to exclusively breast feed she needs to remember that she is going to be physically tethered to her baby. And no matter what any baby book says, not one child will be on a true feeding schedule. Hey, Dominic is 8 and he’s not on a real feeding schedule! 🙂 Some days he’s hungrier than others and eats all day, sometimes you can’t get that kid to eat and he’s been like that since he was a baby. You may be able to feed Mazen before you go out only to have to turn on your heel and head back home to feed him, like last night. So always be prepared for that; take the car, turn on your phone, be prepared for a quick goodbye 🙂

    OR!!!!!

    Get him comfortable with a bottle! Coming from a mom that could only bottle feed her babe, I was always appreciative that my options were so open. As much as I love my son he’s got three great sets of grandparents that would practically kick us out for the evening or take him for the weekend. Or I could meet the girls or work on the weekend and I knew hubby would be able to handle it easily. It was lovely!

    Reply
  46. Diane says

    December 14, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Great to have an evening out on the town. Do you pump and dump when you go out drinking? If so for how long.

    Reply
  47. Erin says

    December 14, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    I think it’s quite obvious that Kath loves her little guy–and may I add that he is ADORABLE. He is so clearly happy and well cared for. I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of all the criticism Kath receives. It’s hard enough as it is to be a first time mom without it. Nevertheless I have to agree that there are a couple of things in her writing style that come across a little … off. That thing with the baby deciding this or that does read as slightly put out. Plus virtually every time there’s anything nice about Karen there’s a corresponding (unintentional?) comment that can be interpretted as critical. I know you don’t want to cave to haters, Kath, but I think sometimes there are valid criticisms which, if taken as such could really improve your writing.

    Reply
  48. Kath says

    December 14, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    First: you look fantastic 🙂
    Second: Your son is so cute. He is developing a happy personality—- you can tell by the pictures. How lucky is he to have you,both, for parents 🙂

    Reply
  49. Julia H. @ Live Young & Prosper says

    December 14, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    I just had pumpkin pancakes yesterday (and today, being that I had leftovers)! My friend had a box of Trader Joe’s pumpkin pancake mix she wanted to use up, so she brought it to my apartment and I whipped up a batch for us & some other friends. YUM. Yours still sound better, though 🙂

    Reply
  50. Jill says

    December 14, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    Yum. M&M’s are tasty. Looks like it was a fun party. Merry HOHO.

    Reply
  51. susan says

    December 14, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    You are a fabulous mom!! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Diana @ Eating Made Easy says

    December 14, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    Just added Kodiak Cake to the grocery list! Their products look delightful!!!

    Reply
  53. Catherine H. says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    Hi Kath — You should get better at recognizing a hater’s comment so that you can just be silent. They seem to be fairly skilled at getting your spun up, and you should not play into their hands. Clearly, people can disagree with things you say or write (I oftens do) and they can offer an opinion, but it seems pretty obvious when they’re just looking to push your buttons. And it is also obvious that they work in teams, and – in my view – end up resembling a clique of high school girls intent on putting people down. I am saddened that so many people would spend so much time being negative. The fact is, you have a high quality blog which is very nicely designed and to which you are extremely dedicated. You have an absolutely beautiful little boy and a wonderfully close relationship with all of your family members.

    The haters should spend more time paying attention to the important things going on in the world– the wars in Syria and Libya, our fiscal cliff, today’s horrible tragedy in Connecticut – rather than targeting someone who creates a lovely diversion to these realities.

    Hope you and Matt and Mazen have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      December 15, 2012 at 2:07 am

      You are so right. I’m probably being baited.

      Reply
    • Allison k says

      December 15, 2012 at 2:46 am

      Do you really think there are people out there who say to each other “hey…lets team up and pick on kath in her comments?”
      Man, if so people should get a life. I also think, since mothering is personal it’s almost impossible to NOT feel attacked when people tell you that you should do it differently.

      Reply
      • Ray says

        December 15, 2012 at 8:42 am

        Shaking my head… I really don’t think there is a shadowy clique of commenters thinking up new ways to bother Kath. I do agree that it must be incredibly difficult to accept even the smallest questioning or criticism when it comes to her child. This is why I would never ever “mommy blog.” With that being said Kath has one blog exclusively about motherhood and Mazen, and this blog appears to be moving in that direction with daily pictures and updates on Mazen. Therefore I would suggest, Kath, that you find a way to
        respond to not-as-positive comments in a friendly and neutral tone. You seem defensive
        in your responses which I believe escalates the tone of your commenters as they feel
        their opinion was not welcomed.

        For example, when I first read your post my reaction was “Now wasn’t that silly of
        M + K to walk to this event? They sure needed their car to make a quick getaway when Mazen needed them. Good thing someone gave them a ride.” But I didn’t comment because I
        anticipated a very defensive response from you, and then a bunch of people calling me a
        hater.

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          December 15, 2012 at 8:54 am

          Because by the time we could have walked to the parking garage, gotten out of the garage and driven home, we could have walked faster. Case in point: Matt walked and I got a ride and he beat me there! I only got a ride because we thought there was a chance it was faster. It wasn’t.

          I feel the need not to defend everything but to clarify all of these misconceptions and assumptions. I feel that people always assume the worst… Like you thinking it was irresponsible to walk to the event.

          Reply
        • KathEats says

          December 15, 2012 at 8:57 am

          Also based on all the comments I spam there is indeed a shadowy clique with nothing better to do but read blogs they supposedly hate.

          Reply
          • Nancy says

            December 15, 2012 at 10:56 am

            It’s called hate reading Kath. You’re such a train wreck that people can’t look away.

            I actually used to like your blog, back when it was relevant and before I noticed how horrible your writing is. Perhaps you should try listening to the constructive criticism you love to “spam” and become a better person.

            Reply
            • KathEats says

              December 15, 2012 at 11:08 am

              ^^^ See!!! They even have a name for their club’s mission!!!

              Nancy you should be so proud of yourself and the difference you make in the world. How ironic is your comment!

              Reply
            • Em says

              December 15, 2012 at 11:21 am

              Soooo ironic indeed! Get a life Nancy!

              Reply
            • Katelyn says

              December 15, 2012 at 1:24 pm

              PLEASE. Kath is quite the opposite of a train wreck. I’d like to see YOUR blog about your day to day life, since it must be so perfect compared to everyone else’s! Nancy, I don’t think that readers like you are contributing an ounce of “constructive criticism” to any blogs that you’re “hate reading.” Since when is calling someone a train wreck constructive? I, as well as hundreds of other readers I’m sure, certainly do not read blogs for that reason. Act like and adult and have enough respect to step away from the blog rather than trolling it for an opportunity to write something unkind and downright hateful.

              Reply
          • Sara B says

            December 15, 2012 at 11:13 am

            Hi Kath, First, I really enjoy your blog and you have an adorable little boy! There is in fact a group of immature mean girls (that likely were bullied or bullies in their younger years) who pick apart your blog on a daily basis. My guess is that some of the nasty judgemental posts you receive are their attempts to get more topics for their rantings. It might be best to stop giving them more content with your replies or just block their comments entirely. I’m sorry you have to face that kind of harrassment. After yesterday’s painful and hateful act, can’t people realize that we all need to treat each other with more compassion? Try not to take it all too personally and keep enjoying your little cutie…

            Reply
            • Sara B says

              December 15, 2012 at 11:17 am

              Nancy why are you so cruel? Get some help — you must have such a miserable life to spew so much hate. Seriously!

              Reply
            • KathEats says

              December 15, 2012 at 11:19 am

              I think I am going to filter more and respond less. You’re right.

              Reply
              • Tracy says

                December 15, 2012 at 2:14 pm

                Yes! It’s your blog, Kath! Keep up the great work, both in writing and mothering!!

                Reply
  54. Courtney says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:06 pm

    My 2 yr old never took a single bottle. He simply refused them all. At one point my ped suggested I offer him no food but from a bottle until he broke just because she and everyone else felt he really needed to be able to take one. We last about four of five hours before I caved. I couldn’t stand to see him hungry and more than the food he needed the comforting he was used to from nursing. Anyway, just sharing because we survived and all is well even though he never took a single bottle. We were/are super attached from the experience and I treasure that!

    Reply
  55. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    Those are some super festive looking cakes! Mazen looks adorable… and I have to say, is looking a lot like you these days! Have a great weekend Kath!

    Reply
  56. Anna says

    December 14, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    I don’t understand why being a blogger means you suddenly have to be perfect. You can’t please everyone or nuance every phrase to avoid criticism. People are viciously critical of bloggers as it is, but when you blog about your kid(s) that opens up a HUGE opportunity for them to attack you and judge every single thing you say or do regarding parenting.

    The point is, none of us REALLY know what kind of a mom you are. A previous commenter mentioned that Mazen is an adorable baby who always looks happy and well-cared for. That’s what I get from your blog too.

    But are you a perfect mom who is never selfish or frustrated? No, but neither are any of the rest of us. Do I agree with everything you write about your life as a mom? Nope, but I just calmly click over to another website and forget all about it. There are a lot bigger issues in the world to worry about than whether your description of your son’s bottle refusal was phrased delicately enough.

    And all the criticism frustrates me because it makes bloggers like you over-think what they write and posts begin to sound less natural and friendly… but I suppose that’s just what happens the more popular a blog is.

    Rant over…

    Reply
  57. Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says

    December 15, 2012 at 2:44 am

    How fun!! The soup looks delicious!

    Reply
  58. Katelyn says

    December 15, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    Love your blog, Kath! Don’t let the negative comments of some take away from the positive comments from the majority of your loyal audience! You look beautiful in that dress by the way! 🙂

    Reply
  59. Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says

    December 15, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Oh my gosh you must have LOVED playing dress-up for the night!!! The food looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  60. Melanie says

    December 15, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    My advice from a much older (not necessarily wiser) woman who has no children but enjoy’s your blog everyday. DON’T CHANGE A Thing….and ignore the negative comments. Life is too short to let anyone get under our skin without a valid reason. If they aren’t happy with your blog…let them find another one. There are many to choose from. So, keep doing what you’re doing!

    Reply
  61. Laura says

    December 15, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    ay yay yay.. i cannot believe the number of people that take the time out to comment on every little thing you do they don’t agree with. it’s absurd! i can’t imagine the types of comments you receive that don’t even make it onto the blog. if you use a yellow spoon, i’m sure you have 10 comments asking why you didn’t use a blue! sheesh, guys, let’s put it all in perspective. kath is a first time mother who obviously has admitted she isn’t doing everything 100% perfectly. are any mothers out there perfect? she’s doing the best she can, but she just tells everyone about it all. heaven help us if you shared every aspect of YOUR life…I’m sure you’d realize you’re not perfect either!

    Reply
  62. Wren says

    December 18, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    Hi again, Kath! I’m a newer follower to your blog, as I have said previously… Just wanted to say again that I enjoy your blog and you have given me some fun ideas to try out with me and my own newborn (so close in age to Maze)… Also, I appreciate your strength in just being yourself, putting it out there so that others may be inspired and learn and discuss… As many readers have already said, I wouldn’t want to do it myself! I also understand how reading some comments would upset you… yes, bloggers may expect both positive and negative feedback, but even the things we expect may still surprise us and make us feel emotional… and that is understandable. Some of the greatest experiences and most worthwhile experiences in life leave us feeling vulnerable, hurt, but make us better people. I do not expect you to be perfect, and I hope that I will continue to witness your journey through motherhood as you cope with things that many of us cope with, such as sleep deprivation, learning to navigate in your new role, how you process the many eyes upon you now from both your community and society at large, etc. I hope to continue to take from this blog the undercurrents of love, playfulness, and growth moreso than anything else. I don’t know if critique will ever stop, and not all of it is meant in a hateful manner. As moms — all of us moms — we probably should expect a fair amount of it in our lives. However, somehow we must navigate through this and maintain true to ourselves, choosing what we feel is best for our own unique children and families, always in love and always with patience because we won’t always know, or it might change, whatever! Well, what do I know. Just wanted to send a virtual hug your way and let you know I think you’re doing well doing your best. Maze is a little cutie-pie, and so are you and your husband!
    W.

    Reply
  63. Jennifer says

    December 18, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    I know I am a couple of days late but I am a long time reader but have never commented before but just wanted to say I love your blog.
    I never read anything into what you had written and I always read what you write as an account of what happened not as an assault on others.

    Reply

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    hi! Im Kath.

    I'm a Registered Dietitian, healthy eater, and mom of two from Charlottesville, Virginia. Here you’ll find a healthy mix of real-life meals made from whole ingredients balanced with the pleasures of life, including buttercream frosting and good wine. Plus a sprinkle of nutrition, home life, beauty, parenting, and travel.
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